Table of Contents
Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by Team Spinfuel
For most of the advanced vaping world, THIS is the list that’s in demand, the BEST Starter Kits!. These are the kits that turned beginners into advanced vapers. These are the products that put them in control of their experiences, rather than trusting a small piece of plastic to make that determination for them. This is the level of device that stopped reminding them of cigarettes and introduced them to much better experiences.
These are the reason WE still do this. And though we reviewed a metric ton of quality advanced vape mods this year, the list below represents the absolute best 2019 had to offer. No list is ever unanimous, but we’re pretty sure this will be the calmest comments section in years.
Without further ado…
SMOK MAG P3 Kit
It wouldn’t be a “best of” list if SMOK didn’t make SOME kind of appearance. Though the venerable vape company was a little more focused on pod mods this year, they didn’t leave us behind. Hence, the MAG P3.
Like we said, there’s something decidedly cool about a 2019 vape mod that isn’t designed solely for stealth and convenience. Maybe this has been the year of the pod mod — and SMOK has definitely dipped into those waters — but we kinda love that the monstrous dimensions of the MAG P3 raise a proverbial middle finger to the disposable vape craze.
And no one can deny how popular the SMOK MAG series has been among high-wattage vapers; so we’re still excited to check out the semi-massive and powerful 230W SMOK MAG P3 kit. In addition, to be fair, SMOK has played down some of the pistol grip design elements of the original. Paired with the equally monstrous TFV16 right in the box, and you have a formidable combination for the ages.
This isn’t a kit for dainty hands or stealth vapers. But if you’re looking for pure power with a nice selection of bells and whistles, the MAG P3 might just be what you’re looking for.
SMOK MAG P3 230W TC Box Mod Features:
- Dimensions: 91.6mm by 72.3mm by 36mm
- Weight: 251.5g
- Smart IQ-S Chipset
- Dual High-Amp 18650 Battery – Not Included
- Wattage Output Range: 1-230W
- Output Voltage Range: 0.5-8.2V
- Min Atomizer Resistance: 0.05ohm
- Temperature Range: 200-600F
- Supports Ni200 Nickel, Titanium, and Stainless Steel Heating Elements
- 001s Firing Speed
- Precision Memory Modes
- 9″” HD Touch Screen – Ultra-Responsive
- Input Keyboard – Password Protection Option
- IP67 Waterproof & Dustproof Design
- Oversized Firing Switch – Trigger-Like Design
- Bottom-Loaded Hinged Battery Door
- Balance Charging
- Intelligent Atomizer Recognition
- Battery Series Connection
- Short Circuit Protection
- Over-Heat Protection
- Over Discharge Protection
- 12 Seconds Cut-Off
- MicroUSB Port – 1.8A Charging Current
- 510 Connection
SMOK TFV16 Mesh Sub-Ohm Tank Features:
- 28mm Diameter
- 32mm At Widest Point
- 9mL Bulb Glass Capacity
- Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
- Superior Stainless Steel Construction
- Rotating Top Fill System – Child-Safe Locking Mechanism
- High-Temperature Resistant – Explosion Proof
- SMOK TFV16 Coil Series
- 17ohm TFV16 Single Mesh Coil
- 12ohm TFV16 Dual Mesh Coil
- Threaded Base Connection
- Improved Airflow Chamber
- Dual Slotted Bottom Airflow Control Ring – 14mm by 2.6mm
- Gold-Plated 510 Connection
SMOK MAG P3 Starter Kit Includes:
- 1 SMOK MAG P3 Device
- 1 TFV16 Sub-Ohm Tank
- 1 0.17ohm TFV16 Single Mesh Coil
- 1 0.12ohm TFV16 Dual Mesh Coil
- 1 Bulb Glass Protective Silicone Sleeve
GeekVape Aegis Legend Kit
We were conflicted on this one, since the Aegis Legend Limited Edition is the same Aegis Legend we all learned to love last year, albeit with some nicer design choices on the leather, and a slightly more “velvety” feel to the rubber exterior.
But once again, we were reminded of just how fantastic it feels in the hand. Whether you hold your mod in a left or right hand, trigger or thumb grip, GeekVape thought of just about everything. In other words, I’ve never felt more “at home” with a higher-end vape mod than I did with the Legend, after such a short duration.
One of the coolest features about the Aegis Legend Special Edition is its IP67 water-resistant, dustproof exterior,aiming itself at the “rough and tumble” crowd. Oh, the Aegis Legend exudes plenty of class alongside its durability and brawn. Especially with the leather grip installed. But this is most definitely designed to be used and possibly abused.
To me, the package was made perfect by the inclusion of one of our favorite TANKS of 2019, the Zeus Sub-Ohm Tank. The plug-and-play heads sit in the Zeus tank securely, never once leaking or offering any odd misfires during my testing. Maybe the heads weren’t the best on longevity, but we’ll be damned if we didn’t love the performance while it lasted.
Geek Vape Aegis Legend 200W TC Vape Mod Features:
- Dimensions: 90.5mm by 58.5mm by 30.6mm
- Dual High-Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
- Wattage Output Range: 5-200W
- Temperature Control Range: 200-600F
- Minimum Atomizer Resistance: 0.05ohm
- Support Nickel, Titanium, and Stainless Steel Heating Elements
- Temperature Coefficient of Resistance Adjustments (TCR)
- VPC Mode – Power Curve Adjustments
- BYPASS Mode
- Intuitive 0.91″ OLED Full-Color Display
- Durable Zinc & Aluminum Zinc Alloy Construction
- LSR Silicone Mold
- Stainless Steel Powder Metallurgy
- Premium Leather Grip Section
- Incredible Shockproof System
- IP67 Water Resistance and Dustproof System
- Rocker-Style Firing Button
- Bottom-Loaded Hinged Battery Cap
- Spring-Loaded Gold-Plated 510 Connection
- Available in Silver, Black & Orange, Snakeskin, Camo, Stealth Black, Red, Blue, Azure, Rainbow, Green
Geek Vape Zeus Sub-Ohm Tank Features:
- 26mm Diameter
- 5mL Juice Capacity
- 5mL Replacement Glass Capacity
- Silica Glass Reinforcement
- 304 Stainless Steel Tank Construction
- Child Safe Locking Drip Tip
- Threaded Top Fill System – Dual Fill Ports
- Top to Bottom Airflow Control System
- Geek Vape ZEUS MeshZ Replacement Coil Series
- 4ohm Mesh Z1 Coil – rated 60-70W
- 2ohm Mesh Z2 Coil – rated 70-80W
- Plug ‘n’ Play Coil Installation
- Threaded Bottom Coil Base Section
- 810 Drip Tip
- Threaded 510 Connection
- Available in Blue, Black, Gold, Gunmetal, SS, Red & Black, and Rainbow
Geek Vape Aegis Legend 200W TC Vape Mod Kit Contents:
- 1 Aegis Legend Box Mod
- 1 ZEUS Sub-Ohm Tank
- 1 0.4ohm Mesh Z1 Coil
- 1 0.2ohm Mesh Z2 Coil
- 1 Spare Glass Tube
- 1 MicroUSB Cable
- 1 Instructional Manual
Vaporesso GEN 220W Mod Kit
If you’re an avid Spinfuel VAPE reader, you know A+ scores are rarer than chaps-wearing unicorns singing show tunes. [ED – You need to sleep more, man…] So, when one comes along — especially when it’s a combined kit — that A+ has to mean something. Man ALIVE was it earned with the Vaporesso GEN kit.
Hyperbole abounded in our initial review of the GEN, but to be honest, we really don’t care. The 220-watt GEN is simple, powerful, distinctive, and features some of the finest performance we’ve seen all year. It’s a device that seems like an evolution of the box mod concept. And it seems like a device that people of all types can use without fear of ridicule or judgment. Sure, we like colors and design, but the GEN’s understated, classy approach is exactly what vaping needs in 2019.
Oh, the tank! Apparently, giving the SKRR-S some extra real estate pays huge dividends in performance. Because, while we liked the Mini version, it had some issues with leaking and the top cap. Here, all debts have been paid and all problems rectified – the SKRR-S is a fantastic sub-ohm tank with a range of great coils to choose from along the way. Whether you like the proven performance of those nubby little GT heads, or prefer a modern mesh alternative, this is what versatility looks like in 2019.
The Vaporesso GEN kit is a huge statement by the stalwart company, and a testament to mods that favor function over flash. This simply gorgeous, top-tier kit needs to sit at the top of your list on your next shopping trip.
Vaporesso GEN 220W TC Box Mod Features:
- AXON Chipset
- Dimensions – 146mm by 54mm by 30mm
- Dual High-Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
- Wattage Output Range: 5-220W
- Resistance Range: 0.03-5.0ohms
- Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
- Soft Touch Rubberized Coating
- Power Mode
- Pulse Mode
- Intuitive Firing Button
- OLED Display Screen
- Two Adjustment Buttons
- Short Circuit Protection
- Burn Protection
- No Load Protection
- Overtime Protection
- Low Resistance Protection
- Low Power Protection
- Overcharge Protection
- ESD Circuit Protection
- Pass Through Protection
- MicroUSB Port
Vaporesso SKRR-S 26mm Sub-Ohm Tank:
- 26mm Diameter
- 30mm Diameter At Widest Point
- 8mL Max Juice Capacity
- Superior Stainless Steel Construction
- Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
- Quadflow QF Air Distribution System
- Vaporesso QF Coil System – Flax & Cotton Wicks
- 18ohm QF Meshed – Rated for 55-85W
- 18ohm QF Strip – Rated for 60-90W
- Vaporesso GT Coil Compatible
- Quad Trapezoid-Shaped Airflow Control
- 810 Delrin Widebore Drip Tip
- 510 Connection
Vaporesso GEN 220W TC Starter Kit Includes:
- 1 Vaporesso GEN 220W TC Box Mod
- 1 Vaporesso SKRR-S 26mm Sub-Ohm Tank
- 1 0.2ohm QF Meshed Coil
- 1 0.15ohm QF Strip Coil
- 1 5mL Replacement Glass
- 2 O-Ring
- 1 MicroUSB Cable
asMODus Minikin 3S Kit
In the realm of vape mods, it’s getting awfully difficult to find something “unique.” But asMODus did just that with the Minikin 3S kit. It’s not too large, too oddball or too ANYTHING, really. But the addition of a few curves here, a few cutouts there and some smart design choices makes the Minikin 3S a standout this year.
I prefer understated devices, but even though my black-on-black test model needed a “little something” more, I grew to love the understated exterior. 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. 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.
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. 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!
As we wrote in the initial review, 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.
asMODus Minikin 3S Mod Specs:
- GX-200-UTC Chipset
- Dual High-Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
- Wattage Output Range – VW or Curve Mode: 5-200W
- Wattage Output Range – TC Mode: 5-120W
- Resistance Range: 0.1-3.0ohm
- Temperature Control Range: 100°-300°C / 212°-572°F
- VW Mode
- TC Mode
- Curve Mode
- Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
- Ni200, Titanium, and Stainless-Steel Construction
- Recessed Intuitive Firing Button – Fingerprint Sensor
- HD Color Touchscreen – 6 Color Theme
- Integrated Accelerometer – Shake for Colored Theme Change
- Upgradable Firmware Support
- 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
- Wireless Charging Compatible with Proprietary Base
- Type-C USB Port
- Spring-Loaded 510 Connection
- Available in Black, Red, White-Red, Green, Blue, Silver
asMODus Viento Sub-Ohm Tank Features:
- 9mm Diameter
- 5mL Juice Capacity
- Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
- Removable Protective Ring
- Superior Stainless-Steel Construction
- Triple Slotted Bottom Airflow Control Ring
- 15ohm Mesh Coil
- Compatible with SMOK Baby Beast Coil Heads
- Sliding Hinged Top Fill Mechanism
- 810 Widebore Snakeskin Delrin Drip Tip
- 510 Connection
- Available in Gunmetal Chrome, or Black/Black
asMODus Minikin 3S Starter Kit Contents:
- 1 Minikin 3S Box Mod
- 1 Viento Sub-Ohm Tank
- 2 0.15Ω Mesh coil
- 1 Replacement Glass
- 1 Spare Parts Bag
- 1 USB Type-C Cable
- 1 Warning Card
Innokin MVP5 AJAX 120W Kit
If you grabbed me a year ago (or even during our mid-year roundup of mod kits) I would have NEVER believed that an integrated, boxy mod kit from a company known for mouth-to-lung devices would sit atop my best-of-list for 2019. But here it is — my pick for best device of the year — the Innokin MVP5 kit.
At first glance, I didn’t know what to expect. We have been inundated with Innokin mods lately, with mixed results. But I couldn’t be happier with the MVP5 — a boxy, throwback, 5,500mAh integrated cell mod that defies all modern conventions to lead the pack.
The MVP5 just drips with old-school design aesthetics. Though there’s some nice textures in the zinc-alloy chassis, by and large, this is a simple, no-nonsense BOX mod. Sure, there’s a fantastic, full-color OLED display on the side to break up the “antiquated” feel, but there’s really nothing here that we didn’t see years ago, on much less-advanced devices.
But, just as we said a few months’ back, the standout feature on the MVP5 is the unequivocally awesome performance of the integrated 5,500mAh battery, which outlasted my BEST 18650 cells under chain vaping conditions, and came damn close to dethroning my best 21700s.
Yes, this is a LOT of hyperbole, but we can’t help but tip our caps. This internal cell puts competitors to shame, giving me nearly a full day of heavy vaping before I had to plug in.
Is the MVP5 perfect? No. There’s a strange, outdoorsy marketing schtick Innokin slapped onto the MVP5 — a built-in, 6-mode flashlight, altimeter, barometer, compass and temperature detection, to name a few — which are fine and all, but really just detract from the sheer vaping performance under the hood.
Perhaps the Vaporesso GEN is the better overall mod kit, but I haven’t been this floored by a vape mod’s longevity and performance in years. And I’m confident you will be too.
Innokin MVP5 120W Box Mod Features:
- Dimensions – 141mm by 53mm by 27mm
- Integrated 5500mAh Rechargeable Battery
- Max Wattage Output: 120W
- 3 Power Levels – Normal, Soft, Boost
- 4 Memory Slot Curve
- TC Mode
- TCR Mode
- Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
- Intuitive Firing Button
- Triple Adjustment Buttons
- OLED Display Screen
- Compass
- Temperature Measure
- Altimeter – Altitude Measure
- Barometer – Atmospheric Pressure Measure
- Flashlight – 6 Operating Profiles
- MicroUSB Type-C Cable
- 510 Connection
- Available in Olive Green, Gold, Gunmetal, Black, White
Innokin AJAX Sub-Ohm Tank Features:
- Swivel Top Refill System
- Bubble Glass Capacity
- Ajax and PLEX3D Matrix Coils
- Dual Slotted Bottom Airflow Control Ring
- Threaded 510 Connection
- 810 Widebore Resin Drip Tip
- Available in Black or Silver
Innokin MVP5 120W Starter Kit Includes:
- 1 Innokin MVP 5 Box Mod
- 1 Innokin AJAX Sub-Ohm Tank
- 1 MicroUSB Cable
- 1 User Manual
