Aspire Nautilus 2S MTL and DTL Tank Review

Just last week I waxed nostalgic about my first Kanger Subtank. Now I’m getting teary-eyed thinking about the tank that preceded it – the venerable, unbeatable Aspire Nautilus. Though it was largely an MTL atomizer, those coils and subsequent flavor output remain among the best I’ve ever used. Which is why I was so excited to hop in my cloudy DeLorean and revisit my vaping youth with the all-new Aspire Nautilus 2S tank.

Let me tell you — I’m so glad I did. Because the 2S is a TRUE evolution of a proven formula. And it uses the same coils. That’s right, those dusty BVC heads you forgot about years ago? All compatible. But we’ll get to that in a bit – let’s check out the official (but abbreviated) Vapor Authority description and specs for the Nautilus 2S.

Constructed of superior stainless steel throughout its entire body, the Aspire Nautilus 2S Tank features incredible durability using only the finest quality materials. It stands 52mm in height while offering a 25mm diameter that results in more space to take advantage of in the tank. Due to the added space, the Nautilus 2S Tank boasts a 2.6ML e-liquid capacity and a 2ML e-liquid with its TPD version. There are two types of drip tips that come included with the Nautilus 2S Tank; one that is longer, constructed of stainless steel and ideal for mouth-to-lung draws, while the other is a stubby drip tip, frosted, has a wide bore, and ideal for direct-lung draws. Both drip tips provide an extraordinary experience where airflow is perfected.

Where the performance originates is from the use of the Nautilus 2S Coils, which are the latest BVC (Bottom Vertical Coil) coils, which are interchangeable with all Nautilus series coils. The Aspire Nautilus 2S Tank comes included with two coil options, a pre-installed 0.4-ohm BVC coil with a supported wattage range of 23-28W and a 1.8-ohm BVC coil with a supported wattage range of 9-13W.

Yeah, there’s a lot to discuss. But first, check the specs to see the full story:

I could write a flowery sentence (and probably will later) but for now, let’s just cut to the chase – the Nautilus 2S is effing gorgeous. Using a pristine, seamless finish and laser-precise machining, the 2S will stand out in your collection by not looking like anything else there. From the smooth, bell-like curves to the unique Pyrex window design, there’s nothing else like it. The revamped Protank from a few years ago came close but Aspire nailed the look and feel here.

What’s nicer is that the sliding top-fill is locked in place with a simple turn of the cap. This way nothing comes loose in a pocket, and your internal “vacuum” stays true. I had absolutely ZERO leaking issues with the Nautilus 2S during testing, and I expect it to stay that way.

My only personal gripe? I’ve never liked metal mouthpieces, like the included MTL tip. It’s a preference thing, but I’ve found that flavor gets a little metallic and less-pronounced with this one installed. The squattier mouthpiece is made of a Delrin-type material, and works great for both MTL and DL use.

Standout Features

What’s interesting is that this Nautilus – long championed as a go-to MTL tank – is inviting direct lung vapers to the party, with a second, squattier mouthpiece for deeper draws and cloudier pursuits. While it’s never going to replace my smog-chuckers, the 2S does a really good job catering to multiple styles of vaping, using the same liquids. With the airflow wide open, I was able to generate a sizable cloud at low wattage.

To be fair, the flavor might not be as good as when it’s in MTL mode, but if I had to head out for a night with one tank, this is a strong choice for all-around enjoyment.

But the real winner here? The unbelievably wonderful BVC coils, now on their seventh or eighth year of existence (if not longer) and still showing how good design trumps anything in vaping. These coils have outlasted THOUSANDS of pretender devices, MTL or sub-ohm alike. They last long, can handle a ton of different types of liquid, and almost never come with duds in the box.

There are two included here – a standard 1.8-ohm MTL head, as well as a looser 0.4-ohm coil that exceeds expectations, even from this jaded reviewer. The flavor is strong, and the coil life is exceptional, even under heavy use.

Vaping the Aspire Nautilus 2S Tank

Classic without feeling old. Versatile without losing the plot. The 2S absolutely floored me, even after the nostalgia subsided and modern needs took center stage. This is a truly modern experience that MTL vapers should flock to.

In MTL mode (where I spent most of my testing time) the 2S proved to be a low-wattage warrior, giving me hours upon hours of no-frills flavor, surprisingly thick vapor production, and effortless refilling and coil replacement – not that anyone needs to do it that often.

As a direct lung tank, the Nautilus is still a flavor machine. Perhaps not as concentrated or nuanced, but make no mistake, this is a capable sub-ohm device when used with the right juices and wattages. I never needed to tinker much, and the timeless BVC coils were more than up to the task. I wasn’t filling rooms with vapor clouds… but in 2019, is that even still a thing?

Bottom line? No matter how you choose to use the Nautilus 2S, it’s ready to perform. Even though you’ll be refilling the 2.6mL tank a lot in sub-ohm situations, there’s simply no criticisms to be had here.

Pros

– Still using those amazing BVC coils

– Still producing unparalleled flavor for a prebuilt coil device

– Thing looks fantastic on any mod

Cons

– Slightly small capacity

– Metal drip-tip slightly affects flavor

– Um… it’s not solar powered? There’s seriously no real cons here…

Spinfuel VAPE Recommendation and Score

I don’t hand out A+ scores very often, but the Nautilus 2S earns every ounce of it. Not only is the tank a strong performer for all types of vapers, but it’s also representative of the quality BEHIND the product. For years, I’ve struggled watching new products and proprietary parts come and go, effectively ripping off vapers who want to find “one thing” and stick with it.

Aspire has never given up on its long-time fans, and has rewarded them with a system that works, while still evolving the experience. My hat is tipped for a true customer-first approach. And then tipped again for one of the best mass-market, multipurpose tanks I’ve ever used.