asMODus Minikin 3S Starter Kit Reviewed

The asMODus Minikin 3S Kit

Oh what a difference a day makes. Just hours after writing about my time with the interesting but iffy asMODus Ohmsmium 24, the company sent us another mod kit to review – the asMODus Minikin 3S. And it immediately washed away any lingering bad tastes from the last go-round.

Yes, we just finished a “best of” mod roundup. But we’re already planning for the end of the year roundup, and I’m pretty confident that this fantastic kit is going to make the cut.

First, the Specs, then the adoration.

The Official Description of the Minikin 3S

The asMODus Minikin 3S Starter Kit is an innovative and visually inspiring vaping system, integrating an advanced security and safety feature, a visually striking chassis design, and is paired with the spectacular asMODus Viento Sub-Ohm Tank. Formed from durable zinc-alloy, the chassis of the asMODus Minikin 3S is durable and can withstand light to moderate falls and drop. Featuring a mix of smooth and embossed finishes, the Minikin 3S creates a luxurious look and feel to the device with the usage of textures and plated gold-colored accents.

Initial Impressions and Aesthetics

At this point in box mod evolution, there’s only so much change we can expect. But I have to give credit to asMODus for making the most with a limited palette. The curvy and oblong Minikin 3S is covered in the company’s famous velvety rubber exterior, with a nice touch of carbon accent, just for good measure.

Impressions … (Cont)

In addition, the vertically oriented touchscreen display is fairly old news for asMODus fans, but it’s still a nifty, unique way to interface with the mod, which adding just enough visual flash to offset the understated exterior. My black on black test model needed a “little something” and this was precisely the answer we needed. Maybe the touchscreen is a little limited for a mod this size, but it’s definitely following its own path, which we commend.

More important than the looks is how the Minikin 3S feels. Well, worry no more – the mod sits perfectly in the palm, has a natural firing position, even with a front-facing button in place. Plus, there’s a slight curve to the grip area that seemed designed for my hand – obviously it wasn’t, but there aren’t many mods in my collection that just feel “right” from the first moment of testing. This is one of them. I won’t draw this out, just know that the Minikin 3S is extremely comfortable and ergonomic.

Finally, even though the screen is fairly well-known at this point, this is the first time I’ve enjoyed an accelerometer-activated color change feature. At first, I thought the Minikin 3S screen was changing hues based on battery level, or other similar reason. Instead, it was changing because of my hand motions. Hardly an essential feature, but a nice attention to detail from a company known for those very things.

Standout Features of the MiniKin 3S

At Spinfuel VAPE, we preach safety every chance we get. So we were thrilled to see that the Minikin 3S continues the company’s tradition of asking users to confirm they’re using married 18650 cells every time they install a fresh pair. A simple tap of the narrow touchscreen makes this warning go away, but at the very least, AsMODus is requiring users to think before firing, and that’s something we’ll always commend.

Here’s a list of the “basic” safety features:

• Reverse Polarity Protection
• Short-Circuit Protection
• Low-Voltage Protection
• High-Resistance Protection
• Low-Resistance Protection
• ESD Protection
• Over-Charge Protection
• Over Heat Protection
• Over Time Protection
• Haptic Feedback Response and Warnings

Theft Proof – Fingerprint Protected System

That’s just the beginning. What’s nicer is how the Minikin 3S features an integrated fingerprint sensor within the indented firing button, allowing for quick and easy access into the settings, allowing the vape to be used at the touch of a finger. The fingerprint sensor also prevents unwanted hands from accessing the device, staving off curious children (or thieving jackasses at the bar).

(If you don’t like the fingerprint idea, a 6-digit code can also be used for protection.)

The Viento Sub-Ohm Tank

But perhaps nicest of all is the included asMODus Viento sub-ohm tank – a burly, unique-looking tank that performs well enough using the included coils, and just as well with SMOK Baby Beast coils (admit it, you have a few lying around). Both of the included MESH, 0.15-ohm heads did an above-average job delivering flavor, longevity and vapor production – up to two weeks with moderate use!

Like we mentioned in our review of the asMODus Amighty, the included coil heads weren’t quite as good as SMOK’s venerable stalwarts, but while they last, they provide better-than-average flavor and warm, thick vapor. But, for versatility alone, I have to give a few extra hat tips to the Viento, which gives a rock-solid experience at mid-range wattages.

Vaping the asMODus Minikin 3S

Because of comfort and top-quality components, it’s not really surprising that the Minikin 3S is a truly enjoyable, reliable experience. Like most vapers, I stay in power mode for 99% of my vaping time, but the deep temperature control suite is accurate and easily adjusted using the onboard controls. Maybe it’s not a DNA device in terms of precision… but after all these years, we wonder if it’s really all that important.

Regardless of which mode you’re in, once you have things set, the Minikin 3S is a top-tier performer. Using the proprietary GX-200-UTC chipset, the Minikin 3S can reach 200 watts in power mode, and up to 572 degrees F in temp control mode. There is also TFR and TCR settings available, and all worked as intended.

Lustro-Like?

I have to say, the experience was (unsurprisingly) very similar to the asMODus Lustro, but this updated chipset seemed to deliver more-immediate ramping, more-accurate TC adjustment, and more powerful draws, all the way to its 200-watt limit. I didn’t experience any pulsing or stuttering, even at max output, nor did I get any of those random misfires that can occur when batteries slip or lose connection.

Wireless Charging, Yes… But not Qi Wireless

It also warrants mention that the Minikin 3S features wireless charging capabilities, as well as USB charging. Of course, you should always charge cells externally when possible, there’s never a reason for you to go without power.

However, in a rare black mark against the Minikin 3S, using a standard wireless charging pad isn’t an option – the charging base (sold separately) is proprietary, so stick with an external charger or USB, if needed. (Ed Note* as a big wireless fan, I would definitely use the charger.)

Solid, Well-Built

As I mentioned above, the Minikin 3S just feels (and performs) like a truly solid, well-built device. Combined with the sheer comfort and accessibility of the fire key, touchscreen and menu system, and there really isn’t much to criticize here.

Pros:

– Gorgeous, comfortable exterior

– High-performing chipset

– Outstanding safety features

Cons:

– Touchscreen is a little narrow for full touch functionality

– Limited color options

– Proprietary wireless charger isn’t included. (Nor should it be proprietary.)

A Word or Two About The AsMODus Charging Pad

asMODus‘ Minikin 3 vape mod and Minikin 3S kit are some of the first full sized box mods to feature wireless charging. This cool accessory is priced right, just $14.95, and is a peek of things to come in 2020. First, remember that this charging pad is NOT a Qi charger, so it can be used only with the Minikin 3S.

Details, Details….

Constructed of durable yet lightweight polymer and powered via a Micro USB cable, the asMODus Minikin 3 Wireless Charging Base sports a charging speed of 2A, making for an incredibly fast charging time perfect for convenient topping off of 18650 Li-ion cells.

While the Minikin 3 and 3S both sport integrated balance charging, making use of this accessory safe, we still recommend that a dedicated intelligent charger as the main method you use to charge 18650 Li-ion cells, especially if their voltage is below 3.7V, as they will always remain a safer and more reliable avenue for charging lithium batteries.

asMODus Minikin 3S Wireless Charging Base Features

• Durable polymer construction
• Powered via a Micro USB cable
• 2A charging speed
• Gold plated contacts
• Compatible with the asMODus Minikin 3 and Minikin 3S

Charging Pad Includes

• 1x asMODus Minikin 3S Wireless Charging Base
• 1x Micro USB cable
• 1x User manual

Spinfuel VAPE Recommendation and Score

What can we say? Even though the asMODus Minikin 3S kit is basically a “greatest hits” collection of the company’s best features from the last few years, it all comes together to form an ideal vape kit. The mod is extremely comfortable and user-friendly, the safety features are welcome and well-implemented, and the tank is solid and versatile.

Maybe they borrowed these ideas (or maybe not), but the end result is just that good. Thanks for ending my week stronger than it started, asMODus.