Hugo Vapor Asura GT228 Review: One of the most-common pieces of feedback we get is “Why does it take so long for you to review products?” The answer is because it takes more than a few days to make a real-world judgment about an item. And a great example of this is the Hugo Vapor Asura GT228 squonk box mod.

You see, up until a week ago, the Asura was getting a great review. (And it’s still getting a good one, for those who like spoilers.) But then a few key things went wrong – things that could very easily sway a person’s buying decision. Let’s see if you agree.

Opening up the unassuming packaging revealed a VERY “assuming” device. Though the box indicated a sleek black/grey test model, reality provided me a bright yellow mod instead. And not only was it yellow, but it was large. Similar to the classic Reuleaux mods, the Asura employs a hexagonal shape, but is still a dual-18650 device. The remaining percentage of the mod’s girth is used on the Asura’s key selling point – the detachable squonk attachment.

With one click, the mod turns from a slender dual-18650 mod into a broad but versatile squonker, complete with a proprietary, angular squonk bottle, and smooth pump action with any type of grip.

The entire setup reminds me of Wismec’s Reuleaux 2/3, which had a similar 2-in-1 format, albeit for  extra battery power, not entirely different operations.

The bottle itself is a little stiff for my liking, but I imagine heavy squonkers will appreciate a little extra strength and “feel” to prevent over-squeezing. Though, that’s a little difficult to do anyway, considering the narrow cutout on the rear of the panel makes it tough to squeeze it too deeply.

Overall, though, the Asura is about as well-made and designed as a mod this size could be. The machining is top-notch throughout, the mechanical portions of the attachment lock together nicely, and the 510 connection is bulletproof. I’ve only vape one other Hugo Vapor mod in my reviewing career, but the Asura is a shining testament to quality manufacturing.

If I had any complaints they would center on the engraved logo on the right side of the mod, which come across a little cheesy and unnecessary. On a subtle mod, they’d be okay, I guess. But on a bright yellow device, they really stood out in all the wrong ways. I know what mod I bought – no need for the extra advertising, guys.

The biggest highlight of the Asura is how effortlessly it switches between standard vape mod and capable squonk mod with minimal effort. I have to admit I was worried about the mod being a “jack of all trades, master of none” but was pleasantly surprised about how seamless the entire process was. Two clicks, and the magnetized attachment was in place, with the squonk pin locked and delivering smooth, even pumps to the coil.

With all this functionality, one would forgive Hugo Vapor for limiting the Asura to wattage-only vaping. However, the mod is outfitted with the GT228 chipset, which gives it a full temperature control suite, 228 watts of output, ability to function as low as 0.06-ohm coils, efficient battery performance, and more. Even better, all of the above function WELL, with none of the erratic readings or occasional misfires that typically plague mods that try to do “too much.”

I kind of wish the display was a little more advanced and current than what the Asura offered – it’s been years since the SMOK Alien debuted, can we give this layout a rest? But as dated as it might look, the display is accurate, responsive and allows the user to easily navigate the linear menu trees.

Considering how loud and obtuse the Asura already looks, maybe the subdued screen was a conscious decision. But I would have appreciated something a little more 2019 than this digital clock appearance.

Okay, I know I led off the piece with a mention of two key setbacks, then dropped the subject. But there’s a reason – my test results may not be indicative of what buyers might experience. I suppose you can say that about any test, but my Asura seemed like it imploded all at once, which was definitely not representative of the rest of my time with the device.

For 99% of my testing, the Asura provided smooth ramping power up to around 200 watts. Above that, things got a littleerratic, but not frustratingly so. Like most dual-18650 devices, anything above 200 is a reach, so I wasn’t surprised or annoyed. Below 200 was smooth as silk and as consistent as gravity, so the Asura gets a pass.

I also enjoyed the steady squonk action, using a good array of my BF-RDAs. The bottle was a little stiff, and the opening a little small, but I quickly adapted and was soon volleying huge plumes of flavorful vapor into the stratosphere. There weren’t any weird “gaps” in performance, nor did I experience any random leaks or floods.

At least until the day I started writing this breakdown. Then things suddenly went south… fast. Without even touching the device overnight, I woke up to find the Asura leaking a ridiculous amount of e-liquid onto my nightstand. Somehow, the thick-walled squonk bottle had developed a tear after just a few weeks’ use, and only three refills.

Since the Asura bottle is a proprietary design, I wasn’t able to swap in a replacement, effectively ending my time with the squonk functionality on the mod. But, it seems the universe wanted to seal that plan a little further, because while removing the back attachment to clean the device, the magnet suddenly detached itself from its compartment permanently.

Though a little super glue got it back in place, it never quite held the same way, rendering the back piece null and void.

Sure, the Asura is still a capable dual-18650 mod on its own, but this mod is sold on its versatility. And without the squonk ability, I’m not sure it’s worth your time

Despite all this, I genuinely enjoyed vaping the Asura when it worked. Because when it worked, it worked very well. I loved how effortlessly I could switch between functionalities, and how problem-free the entire experience was.

But again, this is why we take our time during tests. Because if it happened to me, it could very easily happen to someone who spent their own dollars on a device that promises the world, only to pull out the rug out of nowhere.

The Asura is durable, well-made and versatile. And because of this, I’m hoping my struggles were a fluke, and not indicative of the mod’s long-term potential. Which is why my score stands, even with these occurrences. At any price, a multi-function vape mod makes a lot of sense. At this price, it’s an even more attractive option. Fingers are crossed that I caught a bum unit, and that Hugo Vapor’s promises are as solid as the Asura itself.

Score: B