Last Updated on April 16, 2024 by Team Spinfuel

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!

Best Vape Starter Kits For 2020 (Box-Mod Kits Edition)

SMOK G-PRIV 3 230W STARTER KIT

w/TFV16 LITE Sub-Ohm

SMOK G-Priv Best Vape Starter Kit for 2020Ready 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

SMOK TFV16 LITE Sub-Ohm - Best Vape Kits for 2020The  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

geek vape aegis x 200w starter kit with oled screenThe 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

VAPORESSO SWAG 2 80W

Starter Kit

The Vaporesso SWAG II 2 80W Starter Kit is the latest heir to the SWAG Line. There is a upgraded AXON Chipset, an improved outer chassis coating, and the SWAG 2  is now paired with the new NRG PE Sub-Ohm Tank. But after using it for an hour, the SWAG 2 becomes the go-to for more than half it’s owners. It is a joy (meaning=FUN) to vape it because, while it may be small in stature, it can output BIG flavor and clouds of vapor.

Construction:

Formed from zinc-alloy, the Vaporesso Swag 2 chassis is coated in a rubberized finish, eliminating fingerprints and scratches more readily while granting an improved protected design. This grippy coating lends a higher degree of ergonomic feel to the box mod, reducing the possibilities of drops and falls.

AXON Chipset

In addition, the AXON Chipset at the helm works in conjunction with the single high amp 18650 battery to deliver up to 80W of output. Equipped with a PULSE Mode, the SWAG 2 Kit is capable of delivering a stronger output during inhalation. Paired with the Vaporesso NRG PE Tank, the SWAG II Starter Kit can utilize coils from the Vaporesso GT Coil Series, offering a myriad of options to be used to vaporize the contents of the 3.5mL refillable juice capacity.

Top-Fill System

Featuring a threaded top fill system, the NRG PE Tank is also equipped with a dual slotted bottom airflow control ring to use with the included 0.15ohm GT4 Meshed Coil, creating large clouds of satisfying vapor while the 0.5ohm GT CCELL Coil unravels complex flavors of higher nicotine eJuice.

Vaporesso SWAG II 2 80W Starter Kit Features:

  • AXON Chipset
  • Dimensions – 125mm by 50mm by 25mm
  • Single High Amp 18650 Battery – Not Included
  • Wattage Output Range: 5-80W
  • Resistance Range: 0.03-5.0ohm
  • PULSE Mode
  • Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
  • Rubberized Coating
  • Intuitive Firing Button
  • Two Adjustment Buttons
  • 0.91″” OLED Display Screen
  • Threaded 510 Connection
  • MicroUSB Port
  • Available in Silver, Black, Blue, and Red

Vaporesso NRG PE Sub-Ohm Tank Features:

  • 25mm Diameter
  • 3.5mL Juice Capacity
  • Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
  • Threaded Top Fill System
  • Vaporesso GT Coil Series
  • 0.15ohm GT4 Meshed Coil – rated for 50-75W
  • 0.5ohm GT CCELL Coil – rated for 25-35W
  • Threaded Coil Installation
  • Dual Slotted Bottom Airflow Control Ring
  • 810 Delrin Drip Tip
  • Threaded 510 Connection
  • Available in Silver, Blue, Black, and Red

Starter Kit Includes:

  • 1 SWAG II Box Mod
  • 1 NRG PE Tank
  • 1 GT4 Meshed Coil
  • 1 GT CCELL Coil
  • 4 O-Rings
  • 1 USB Cable
  • 1 User Manual
  • 1 Warranty Card

VOOPOO DRAG 2 177W & UFORCE T2

Starter Kit

VooPoo Drag 2 Starter Kit

The VOOPOO DRAG 2 177W & UFORCE T2 Starter Kit is one of the nicest models of the Drag Mod, and a perfect Mod and Sub-Ohm tank for VooPoo to introduce in 2020. (it came out in late 2019, but it certainly deserves 2020 recognition) However, while the Platinum version of the Drag 2 came out after the model that we chose, we think the newer exterior body loses some of its workhorse attitude.

The VooPoo Drag 2 incorporate the highly intelligent GENE FIT Chip offering multiple power output modes along with an updated chassis. The mesh-coil UFORCE T2 Sub-Ohm Tank makes a perfect match to the Mod.

The DRAG 2 177W Box Mod is built with a modernized update to the original, implementing rounded edges for a better handling, along with more resin dyed color options for a visually stunning, and comforting display! The GENE.FIT Chip is dynamic and efficient with battery power, with the addition of multiple output power adjustments such as Flavor Set, Cloud Set, and Battery Set.

The UFORCE T2 Tank features 5mL maximum eJuice reservoir, a smooth sliding top-fill design, triple-slotted airflow control, and the ability to take advantage of the mesh-capable UFORCE OCC Coil System.

Like we said above, the VOOPOO DRAG 2 PLATINUM KIT uses a non-fading and scratch-resistant platinum shell. It’s very smooth, glossy, and provides high-quality craftsmanship.. It’s just loses a little character to the Drag 2.  The PLATINUM Edition is available at the same price point, but we recommend the model that will provide a better grip, with deeper color saturation, and tougher exterior.

VOOPOO UFORCE Replacement Coils
VOOPOO DRAG 2 Box Mod (Mod Only)

VOOPOO DRAG V2 177W TC Box Mod Features:

  • Dimensions – 88.3mm by 51mm by 26.5mm
  • Dual High-Amp 18650 Battery – Not Included
  • Highly Advanced GENE FIT Chip
  • Wattage Output Range: 5-177W
  • Voltage Output Range: 0-7.5V
  • Resistance Range – Power Mode: 0.05-3.0ohms
  • Resistance Range – TC Mode: 0.05-1.0ohms
  • Temperature Range: 200°-600°F/100°-315°C
  • Supports Ni200, Titanium, Stainless Steel Compatibility
  • TCR Adjustments Mode
  • Battery Set
  • Flavor Set
  • Cloud Set
  • Superior Zinc Alloy Chassis Construction
  • Visually Striking Resin Inlay Design
  • Intuitive OLED Screen
  • Large Firing Button
  • Mode-Setting Button
  • Two Adjustment Buttons
  • Magnetized Battery Door Cover
  • Output Over-Current Protection
  • Overcharge Protection
  • Over Discharge Protection
  • Short-Circuit Protection
  • Over Temperature Protection
  • Brand Reverse Protection
  • Switch Timeout Protection – 10 Seconds
  • MicroUSB Port
  • 510 Connection
  • Available in Island, Flame, Aurora, Scarlet, Fire Cloud, Puzzle, Dawn, Ink

VOOPOO UFORCE T2 Sub-Ohm Tank Features:

  • 25mm Tank Diamenter
  • 28mm At Widest Point
  • 3.5mL Standard Juice Capacity
  • 8mL Maximum Juice Capacity
  • Superior 304 Stainless Steel Construction
  • Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
  • Quick Vent Channel Design – Rapid Heat Discharge
  • Short Chimney – Flavor-Focused
  • UFORCE OCC Coil Technology
  • 0.4ohm U2 Dual Coil – rated for 40-80W
  • 0.2ohm N3 Triple Mesh Coil – rated for 65-100W
  • Convenient Sliding Top-Fill Method
  • Precision Triple Auxiliary Bottom Airflow Control
  • 14mm Resin Widebore Drip Tip – Vibrant Colorways
  • 24K Gold-Plated 510 Connection

Starter Kit Includes:

  • 1 DRAG 2 177W Mod
  • 1 UFORCE T2 Sub-Ohm Tank
  • 1 0.4ohm U2 Dual Coil
  • 1 0.2ohm N3 Triple Mesh Coil
  • 1 Spare Glass Tube (3.5mL)
  • 1 MicroUSB Cable
  • 1 Spare Parts Bag
  • 1 Instructional Manual
  • 1 Warranty Card

Innokin MVP5 AJAX 120W Starter Kit

ALL COLORS - INNOKIN MVP5 AJAX 120W START

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

DOVPO Topside LITE Squonk Starter Kit

The new DOVPO Topside LITE Squonk Starter Kit, is one of the most popular Squonk vaping systems. With a single high-amp 21700 or 20700 battery bay, an extensive temperature control suite, and features of an ultra-lightweight chassis design with included squonking section, this is the Squonker people have been talking about.

Construction

Made from durable zinc-alloy, the DOVPO Topside Lite Squonk Kit can utilize the silicone squonk bottle to deliver fresh e-liquid to the bottom-fed passthrough 510 connection at the top. Featuring a lightened chassis, the Dovpo TOPSIDE LITE can change out the rear section for a nonsquonking edition, allowing the Topside LITE to convert to a different box mod.

Within the Dovpo TOPSIDE Lite, a proprietary chipset unlocks the comprehensive temperature control suite, implementing compatibility with nickel, titanium, and stainless steel wires. Furthermore, paired with the Dovpo Variant 24mm RDA, the Topside LITE can utilize the silicone squeeze bottle to deliver deliciously fresh eJuice at a moment’s notice

 

The Best Bits of the Dovpo TOPSIDE Lite

Collaboration with The Vapor Chronicles – TVCreation
Dimensions – 97.5mm by 58mm by 28.2mm
Single High Amp 21700 or 20700 Battery – Not Included
Wattage Output Range: 5-90W
Voltage Output Range: 1.0-8.5V
Resistance Range: 0.08-3.5ohm
Temperature Range: 100°-315°C / 200°-600°F
Power Mode
Bypass Mode
TC Mode
TCR Mode