Table of Contents
Last Updated on November 3, 2020 by Team Spinfuel
Anyone who reads Spinfuel VAPE reviews knows that we can be a little cynical before trying new devices. [And the Pacific Ocean is “a little damp’ – ED.] So, when the single-battery Aspire DECO kit arrived, we expected to be underwhelmed by a single-cell mod and yet another “all-new” tank setup.
Well, once again, a side dish of crow is on the menu in Spinfuel’s lunch room, because despite a few missteps, the DECO kit ultimately won us over with its strong performance and build quality. Let’s check it out, starting with the specs.
The Official Description
The Aspire DECO 100W Starter Kit, featuring a single battery configuration, 1-100W output range, and is paired with the Aspire ODAN EVO Tank. Constructed from durable zinc-alloy, the Aspire DECO is powered by a single high amp battery, utilizing a 21700 or 18650 battery with the included adapter. Depending on the 21700 or 18650 battery selected, the DECO can fire at 100W or 80W, respectively.
Offering comprehensive firing modes, the DECO can output in a variable wattage or voltage mode, as well as, access a bypass mode to simulate the output of mechanical mods without any of the dangers. Paired with the Aspire ODAN Evo Tank, the DECO can call upon a 0.3ohm or 0.18ohm mesh coil to produce exquisite flavored vapor.
Aspire DECO 100W Starter Kit Features:
- Dimensions – 92mm by 40mm by 28.8mm
- Single High-Amp 21700 Battery – Not Included
- Optional 18650 Battery Usage – Adapter Included
- Wattage Output Range – 21700: 1-100W
- Wattage Output Range – 18650: 1-80W
- Voltage Output Range: 0.5-8.4V
- Resistance Range: 0.1-3.5ohms
- VW Mode
- VV Mode
- Bypass Mode
- CPS Mode – C1, C2, C3
- Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
- Intuitive Firing Button
- 87″ OLED Display Screen
- Two Adjustment Buttons
- 10S Vaping Overtime Protection
- Open Circuit Protection
- Short Circuit Protection
- Low Resistance Protection
- Low Voltage Protection
- Overcharge Protection
- Overheat Protection
- Battery Reversal Protection
- Type-C USB Port
- 810 Low Profile Drip Tip
- Available in Iron Grey, Navy, Pearl, and Black
Aspire ODAN EVO Sub-Ohm Tank Features:
- 26mm Diameter
- 5mL Refillable Tank Capacity
- Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
- Superior 304 Stainless Steel Construction
- Top Fill System – Quarter Turn
- Aspire ODAN Coil Series
- 3ohm Mesh Coils
- 18ohm Mesh Coils
- Press-Fit Coil Installation
- Dual Slotted Bottom Airflow Control Ring
- Threaded 510 Connection
- Available in Stainless Steel
Includes:
- DECO Mod
- 18650 Adapter
- ODAN EVO Tank
- 0.3ohm ODAN Mesh Coil
- 0.18ohm ODAN Mesh Coil
- Replacement Glass
- Type-C Cable
- User Manual
- Set of O-Rings
Aesthetics of the Aspire DECO 100
Typically, single-battery vape mods either look like small boxes or miniaturized pen vapes, rarely taking on a unique design style truly their own. While the DECO doesn’t exactly revolutionize the aesthetic, it’s wide enough to appease box mod fans while remaining slender enough to fit comfortably in a pocket or purse.
That said, you’ll definitely know it’s in your pocket, because Aspire gave the DECO pristine build quality. It’s built to survive, with a dense, durable zinc alloy chassis that feels like it could survive a 10-story fall. Add a 21700 battery and a tank and you have a weighty mod you’ll never forget you’re carrying.
Beyond the heft, Aspire appropriately gave the DECO a nice sense of style. The tapered, angular jut out hosts the display and control buttons, while the knurled metal grip is reassuring and comfortable to hold, even for extended periods.
USB-C!
The controls are a little cramped, especially with a USB-C cable attached to the charge port, but it never becomes unusable. The display, as expected on a narrow screen, is a little antiquated, but there’s a “less is more” vibe on the DECO and it works.
Monochrome OLED
I’ll admit that the monochrome OLED screen looked a lot better on my pearl/black test model than it might on other colorways. Maybe my tastes are changing… or maybe I just really like how this kit resembles a Star Wars stormtrooper.
One highlight is the rotating bottom battery cap, which makes installing 21700 cells (18650s with included adapter) an absolute breeze. Not only is the hinged cap stiff and secure, but it stays put, even when dropped. Aspire has always done the little things to improve their products, and this is another feather in their cap.
On the flip side, the battery chamber is unusually narrow, and I had some trouble installing and removing 21700 cells that I had rewrapped. Be sure to check your own batteries before cramming them into the chamber — it might be difficult getting them out when the time comes to swap.
Also, the tapered 510 base can only accommodate up to 26mm tanks before overhang occurs. I anticipate most DECO users won’t want larger tanks on this compact rig, but all the same it’s worth mentioning to those who like to swap tanks regularly.
Vaping the Aspire DECO Mod Kit
I wish the included ODAN sub-ohm tank warranted its own section to shine light on its standout flavor and vapor quality, but overall, the ODAN was just “okay,” with mid-range performance and coil longevity.
The kit comes with two mesh ODAN coils (0.3 and 0.18 ohms) that are virtually indistinguishable from one another, except for durability. While the flavor and vapor production were consistent in both, the 0.3-ohm head lasted just three days of regular use before performance waned. The 0.18-ohm head is still kicking strong more than a week later.
Perhaps this was just a production mishap, but I’d like to believe we’ve reached a point in vaping technology where duds aren’t still a persistent problem. Either way, this was disappointing.
Also, the tank comes with a widebore drip tip, but one with a snug opening, making for odd draws. While my mouth was primed for a large hit of vapor, the narrow channel produced less vapor than predicted. It took a while to get used to, and eventually I just swapped it for something more comfortable.
Looking past those missteps, the DECO vaped beautifully, using a wide range of tanks and rebuildable atomizers. Interestingly, the mod handles standard wattage vaping, alongside variable voltage and preset CPS modes, but there’s no temperature control to be had. Nor is there any explanation in the documentation of what CPS actually IS. This was a little odd, even if it won’t affect most users in the slightest.
Ramp time was quick and responsive, and the onboard menu system was linear and easy to operate, even with one hand. Hardly a revolutionary setup, but predictable and reliable, which is precisely what the DECO’s target market is looking for.
Battery Life A+
Battery life was strong. For once, we saw a noticeable improvement when using larger 21700 cells, rather than 18650s. Not only does this give users 100 watts of output (as compared to 80 with 18650 cells) but also improves draw power and ramp time. I enjoyed more than five hours of heavy use on a single 21700 before having to recharge — a big number for a single-cell vape mod.
I found it strange that 20700 cells aren’t supported. I realize there’s little demand for this battery format these days, but it seems odd that the DECO didn’t even recognize mine during testing. [NOTE: We checked this within a proper testing environment. Never insert batteries that aren’t explicitly listed as compatible in a device’s documentation.]
Pros:
- Amazing build quality
- Extremely comfortable to use
- Strong 21700 performance
Cons:
- Included ODAN tank is average, at best
- Narrow battery chamber (and no 20700 support)
- Antiquated display might turn off some users
A Most Respectable Score
Vape reviews spend a lot of time in the weeds, dissecting things very few users actually care about. So, let’s look past all the minutiae and remember one key factor: enjoyment. The Aspire DECO is flat out fun to vape, offering users a durable, powerful, compact vape experience that does a lot of things right within a small form factor.
