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We usually wait until the end of the first quarter before we start to isolate and/or collect the best, most recent vape gear for our Best Gear list. We know that Vapers might be looking for the best “new” setup they can find as soon as New Years passes. Lucky for us, a lot of gear continues to be released. (at least until sometime in February anyway)
I think we began to isolate the new, better than basic starter kits for vaping for the first Best Gear list sometime in March of each year. Beginning after the electronic cigarette manufacturers all come back from their month-long February holiday, the manufacturers ship out a lot of gear they were working on prior to the holiday.
Well, it IS a new decade, so perhaps we should use some “new methods” for our Best Gear lists? There has been some very good vape gear coming out in the last few weeks, so why wait till March when Vapers are always looking for a better vape experience?
The last quarter of 2019 saw the release of some excellent new vape gear that just didn’t make it to us before the cutoff date. As long as Spinfuel VAPE is publishing we will not, can not, write a review about a piece of gear without having used it. So if some mod or tank didn’t make it to us by our cutoff date, they couldn’t be considered for any 2019 list. But 2020? Why not?
What Might Have Been
Although we might someday be forced back to small vape pens or pod mods with very limited flavors and nicotine strengths, something I’m very interested in now and the future is the Alto Vapes units
Before we get to the special list of special starter kits that squeaked out under the wire, let’s take a moment of silence to recognize that while a total vape ban might have made it impossible to choose any vape gear. ……………. (silence)…….. Okay, enough.
Traits We May See More of This Year
It’s interesting that the Spinfuel VAPE crew, as well as the majority of the public that went out vape shopping after New Years, chose a more powerful type of box mod, or starter kit then they did a year ago. While Open Pod Systems may stay around once the new laws kick in, it seems the same top manufacturers are all leaning into the “mid-wattage box mods” (or even higher-wattage pod mods), that deliver the best flavor and vapor. Performance that wasn’t even possible a few years back is now more important than brand.
In any case…
…so here we are, entering the third week of January with a lot more hope for the #VapeFam then we had a few short months ago. President Trump figured out a compromise that removes flavors from cartridges, but allows flavored e-liquid to prosper; for use in tanks and even some higher wattage open pod mods. The War isn’t over, but it hasn’t been won yet either.
Let’s celebrate this latest #Win with a fresh list of terrific Starter Kits!
SMOK G-PRIV 3 230W STARTER KIT
w/TFV16 LITE Sub-Ohm
Ready for a new decade? This solid offering from SMOK is the G-Priv 3 230W Starter Kit. And it is one of the most versatile vaping system from SMOK in a very long time.
The new SMOK G-Priv 3 Starter Kit uses a good set of hi-amp 18650 batteries for a quick-hitting of its 230W max power, faster than ever before. The Tank, the TFV16 LITE can take advantage of various coils made by SMOK, each one constructed for different vaping styles and/or preferences. The official name; the SMOK TFV16 Lite Sub-Ohm Tank was built for cloud-kicking “competition” levels of both Flavor and Clouds. As the reviewer, I did not expect to see such performance from a sub-ohm with the words “LITE” in the name, but this incredible tank is definitely going to be in heavy rotation of my vape time.
Construction
This gorgeous and well-constructed body is made from a durable zinc-alloy. The chassis of the SMOK G-Priv 3 features a magnetic body panel, (hiding the pair of high-amp 18650 batteries) . In addition, the G-Priv 3 box mod is equipped with the IQ-G Chipset, an intelligent board that allows for ultra-fast firing, clocking in at 0.001s to deliver strong, thick, flavorful clouds of vapor in no time.
Stats for the G-PRIV 3
IQ-G Chipset – 32-bit Processor
Dimensions – 85mm by 54mm by 28mm
Dual High-Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
Wattage Output Range – VW Mode: 1-230W
Wattage Output Range – TC Mode: 10-230W
Voltage Output Range – TC Mode: 0.5-8.2V
Resistance Range – VW Mode: 0.1-2.5ohms
Resistance Range – TC Mode: 0.05-2.0ohms
Temperature Range: 200°-600°F / 100°-315°C
VW Mode
4 Power Levels – Soft, Norm, Hard, Max
TC Mode
My Mode – 4 Memory Mode
Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
Side Firing Bar
Secondary Key – Lock/Unlock Functionality
Touchscreen Operation
2.4″ Touch Screen Display
Password Protection
Intelligent Atomizer Recognition
Puff Monitoring System
10 Seconds Cut-Off
Short Circuit Protection
Over-Heating Protection
Low-Battery Warning
USB Type-C Port
Available in Black, Prism Gold, Purple Red, Prism Chrome
New Sub-Ohm Tank – SMOK TFV16 LITE
The SMOK TFV16 Lite Sub-Ohm Tank is, first and foremost, a cloud-kicking competition tank. But that certainly not all. No matter what style of vaping you prefer, the TFV16 LITE can handle it with the right choice in Coil.
The SMOK TFV16 Lite Tank can utilize a several coils from the SMOK TFV16 Coil Series to create awesome clouds with the simple press of a button. Above the firing bar resides a single secondary button, used to lock and unlock the box mod, preventing adolescent or underage usage (Seriously? I have to add that? -ed) -. Equipped with a swivel top refill system, the TFV16 Lite can hold up to 5mL of your favorite e-liquid with, and can accommodate refills by pressing a single locking button to open the single-fill port refill system. The TFV16 LITE just might be the best SMOK Tank yet.
SMOK G-Priv 3 230W Box Mod Features:
IQ-G Chipset – 32-bit Processor
Dimensions – 85mm by 54mm by 28mm
Dual High-Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
Wattage Output Range – VW Mode: 1-230W
Wattage Output Range – TC Mode: 10-230W
Voltage Output Range – TC Mode: 0.5-8.2V
Resistance Range – VW Mode: 0.1-2.5ohms
Resistance Range – TC Mode: 0.05-2.0ohms
Conclusion
There has been several major changes to the G-PRIV over the years. But, no matter the change you and all the rest of the vape community could tell it was a SMOK G-PRIV every time. This time out, in 2020, the G-PRIV 3 is just as recognizable, but honestly, it’s also the one with the most elegant looks, and exquisite design elements. And the overall touch and feel is original to the G-PRIV line.
This new G-PRIV 3 doesn’t feel, or vape, like the old workhorses. There is a new level of performance mixed with the exact amount of elegance. That is the new G-PRIV, and it is going to be very hard to build a G-PRIV 4, mark my words.
An A+ Mod and Sub-Ohm Tank.
GEEK VAPE AEGIS X 200W STARTER KIT
with the ZEUS Sub-Ohm
The Geek Vape Aegis X 200W Starter Kit is a powerful vaping mod. There is two starter kit versions available. One comes with the Cerberus sub-ohm tank and the other comes with the ZEUS sub-ohm tank. We’ve reviewed both tanks before, but time and again, more of us chose the ZEUS sub-ohm over the Cerberus.
About the Geek Vape Aegis X Mod
Large Color Display of the Aegis X
That screen — oh, that gorgeous, but impenetrable screen — is both a blessing and a hindrance. It all depends on which hand you use to vape. In my left hand, the Aegis X settles into a nice trigger grip, exposing the screen for the world to see. However, in the right hand, using a thumb firing grip is just too cumbersome with the button layout, forcing users to place the screen smack-dab in their palm, making it next to useless.
Set it and Forget it Mod
Grip aside, the Aegis X fires quickly and accurately, in both power and temp control modes. Plus, for a mod in this category, there’s a surprising amount of ease and precision within temp control that belies the kit’s relatively modest price point. You’re not getting YiHi levels of customization here, but you don’t really need it. The Aegis X is more of a “set it and forget it” kind of mod — something most vapers will appreciate.
Geek Vape Super Mesh Coils
Geek Vape ZEUS Coils
The Geek Vape Aegis X Kit
- AS 2.0 Chipset
- Dimensions – 90mm by 56.1mm by 31.3mm
- Dual High Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
- Wattage Output Range: 5-200W
- Resistance Range: 0.05-3.0ohms
- Temperature Range: 200°-600°F / 100°-415°C
- IP67 Rating – Water/Shock/Dust Proofing
- Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
- Optional Protective Tank Sleeve
- 2.4″” OLED Display Screen
- Bottom Hinged Battery Door
- Battery Protections
- Low/High Resistance
- Over Heating Protection
- Short-Circuit Protection
- Reverse Polarity Protection
- Over Charge Protection
- Over Discharge Protection
- MicroUSB Port
- Threaded 510 Connection
- Available in Green, Gold, Orange, Rainbow, Silver, Gunmetal, Red, Black
Geek Vape Aegis X ZEUS Edition Includes:
- Aegis X Mod
- Geek Vape ZEUS Sub-Ohm Tank
- 0.4ohm Z1 Mesh Coil
- 0.2ohm Z2 Mesh Coil
- Spare Glass Tube
- Coil Tool
- MicroUSB Cable
- Promotion Card & Warranty Card
- User Manual
Innokin MVP5 AJAX 120W Starter Kit
INNOKIN MVP5 AJAX 120W STARTER KIT
Last but certainly not least, is the Innokin MVP5 AJAX 120W Starter Kit. An incredible vaping box mod kit, featuring a large integrated 5500mAh rechargeable battery. A survival suite. Equipped with the Innokin AJAX Sub-Ohm Tank.
The MVP5 Box Mod doubles as a Power Bank. Offering 5200mAh of rechargeable battery capacity. Makes this vaping system last a long time in between recharges. In addition; the MVP5 power bank provides useful survival suite. Making available a barometer, flashlight, altimeter, compass, and thermometer to help when the going gets tough.
SURVIVAL FEATURES
In case of emergencies, the Innokin MVP5 is equipped survival features you don’t expect, but surely appreciate them if and when you need one. Furthermore, the AJAX Sub-Ohm Tank that is paired with the MVP5 works wonderfully, utilizing the smart wattage identification. Matching the wattage output to the installed coil within the AJAX Sub-Ohm Tank in no time at all.
Innokin MVP5 120W Box Mod Features:
- Dimensions – 141mm by 53mm by 27mm
- Integrated 5200mAh 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:
- 24mm Diameter
- 5mL Bubble Glass Capacity
- 2mL Standard Glass Capacity
- Quartz Glass Reinforcement
- 304 Superior Stainless Steel Tank Construction
- Swivel Top Refill System
- Innokin AJAX Coil Series
- 0.16ohm PLEX3D Matrix Coils – rated for 50-80W
- 0.35ohm PLEX3D Coils – rated for 30-55W
- Plug ‘n’ Play Coil Installation
- Dual Slotted Bottom Airflow Control Ring
- Threaded 510 Connection
- 510 Widebore Resin Drip Tip
- Available in Black or Silver
