Desire X-Mini and Bulldog Kit Review

Earlier this year, we reviewed the “large and in charge” Desire X-MOD, which was a dual-18650 device that had more real estate than it probably needed. Now we’re taking a look at its “little” sibling, the X-Mini, which is smaller by comparison, but still a sizable single-21700 device. It’s also arguably the better of the two offerings.

On paper, the X-Mini ticks all the right boxes, with a maximum wattage of 108W and complete temperature control suite, easily accessed with the simple, but straightforward OLED display. In addition, the device is interchangeable with smaller sized cells with the included sleeve. The kit also comes with the Desire Bulldog Tank, offering a stock 3mL juice capacity, sliding top refill system, and a dual slotted adjustable bottom airflow system.

Upfront, everything looks good – here are the rest of the specs.

I don’t read too many vape reviews prior to analyzing a device, but sometimes, a good quote grabs you. I saw a Reddit post that described the X-Mini as a “bone-shaped dog biscuit” and couldn’t stop laughing – mostly because it’s true.

Don’t get me wrong, the X-Mini’s narrower form factor is definitely more subtle than its bigger sibling, but the dog bone comparison is warranted. The “X” aesthetic is still there, but there’s something altogether more balanced and user-friendly about the size and shape here. The tapered sides and smooth edges mean the X-Mini feels good in the hands, and even though the look is odd, the device is still comfortable, even during longer sessions.

The OLED display is clear and bright, even in daylight. And even though the standard, three-click menu format is used here, it does its job and doesn’t create any further distraction on a mod that clearly doesn’t need it.

Also, like the X-MOD, the X-Mini is beautifully finished, with pristine paint work that’s also pretty durable (if my random drops and dings were indicative of the quality).

Interestingly, despite its larger-than-average size, the X-Mini doesn’t work too well with atomizers larger than 26mm. They technically work fine, but the mod tends to become top-heavy, while the parts that hang over are noticeable, which might bother some.

Any complaints? Well, on my test model, the magnetic battery door was really difficult to get off once in place, but even more difficult to get there in the first place. I’m not sure if mine had a manufacturing defect, or if it happened during shipping, but the magnets never seemed to line up correctly.

I was pretty keen on the X-MOD’s Meshdog companion tank, and am equally impressed by the X-Mini’s Bulldog. It’s a standard sub-ohm tank, with more than a few similarities to the Meshdog, save for a much-nicer fill port, which slides easily, but also has a firm “grip” that’s reassuring in the pocket.

In terms of flavor and vapor performance, the included mesh and Kanthal coils are top-flight, though I wasn’t able to detect much difference between them, despite the different materials and wattage ranges listed on the box. I was also concerned by the erratic resistance readings from both coils, each of which jumped roughly .05 ohms in either direction. Not a huge problem, but for safety purposes, it needs to be called out.

Another slight nitpick was the smaller-than-usual fill port, which caused more spillage than I’m used to with modern top-fill tanks. Once I got the angle right, it wasn’t a concern. But it’s something to keep in mind if you have wider-tipped bottles.

Still, despite the finicky connections and filling concerns, the Bulldog delivers great flavor and vapor production, which is what’s most important at the end of the day.

Using the Desire X-Mini Mod Kit

It doesn’t look very standard, but the Desire X-Mini operates like a wealth of other vape mods out there. In addition to the never-say-die click-based controls, the options suite contains just about everything you’ve come to expect on a device today. You can choose from wattage, NI, TI, SS and TCR modes, so any type of vaper will be accommodated. There’s also PMG mode, which is an onboard wattage curve setting that effectively serves as a preheat mode. I didn’t find much use for it, since the standard wattage setting was more than adequate at ramping up.

In TC modes, I didn’t face any concerns with resistance jumpiness, misfires or any of the usual temp control nonsense, and worked well, overall. And, as I’ve written countless times before, as steady as TC modes are with the X-Mini, TCR mode is the only true way to ensure your specific coils are locked in and dialed to their exact needs.

Another noteworthy item is the battery life, which is fantastic when using a high-amp 21700 cell. Like, nearly all-day fantastic. Of course, that’s with moderate use, but I’ve rarely seen such performance out of a single-cell device, 21700 or otherwise. The X-Mini is also compatible with 20700 and 18650 cells, but neither offers the same bulletproof performance as its intended cell type.

My only concern with the X-Mini’s usability is the angled fire key. It was fine on the wider and broader X-MOD, but the taller, more slender design of the X-Mini makes the angled fire button more of an awkward reach – one that affected my overall enjoyment more than expected. It’s just one guy’s opinion, and I’m sure others will feel differently. But because the over-the-top design is such a hallmark of this series of devices, I feel like the fire key’s placement wasn’t designed for user-friendliness, just aesthetics.

Spinfuel VAPE Recommendation and Score

Despite working well and standing out as unique, I’m torn on the X-Mini. On one hand, I enjoyed using it more than the larger, more unwieldy X-MOD. Even with the awkward fire key angle, the X-Mini is more ergonomic and comfortable over longer periods. Plus, the performance is accurate, powerful and reliable, with excellent battery life and a rock-solid companion tank in the box. Because of that, the score of “B” is well-earned.

On the other hand, I feel like this entire series was designed to stand out on shelves, and not by performance or features. Sure, the X-Mini really looks unique, but the features and operations are by the book, almost to the point of redundancy. And once the cool factor wears off, what you’re left with is a standard-issue box mod that doesn’t do much else to distinguish itself from the pack.