iJoy Diamond Mini – Experience Vaping Bliss of this Spectacular Kit of 2018

iJoy Diamond Mini 225W TC Starter Kit is the smaller form factor of the visually-striking Diamond PD270, utilizing a dual 18650 battery-powered chassis and the pairing of the Diamond Sub-Ohm Tank.

When I hear that a vape mod we reviewed a short while back has been downsized my first thought is that this new “mini” or “baby” version is crippled with an internal battery. While others may disagree, it is my contention that internal batteries are always a negative feature of any downsized mod. When I learned I would be reviewing the new iJoy Diamond Mini I certainly expected to see it plagued with an internal battery.

To my surprise, and delight, not only is the iJoy Diamond Mini a Dual-18650 225W vape mod, it’s actually a better mod than it larger sibling. (in my experience anyway). I’ll explain why I believe it to be a better mod in the “personal observations” section below.

The worst thing I can say about the Diamond Mini is a problem many mods seem to have these days; a slightly loose battery cover. Like the original iJoy Diamond the back of the mod is the magnetized battery cover. A strong magnet to be sure, but with both the Nitecore 3100mAh 18650 cells and a pair of Sony cells, there was a slight but constant side to side jiggle while holding the mod in my hands. It’s not bad enough to be a deal-killer, but it is unfortunate for iJoy and the potential buyers of the Diamond Mini.

Other than the above strike, there is more than enough ‘good stuff’ to make the iJoy Diamond Mini a desirable mod and starter kit. (always get the starter kit).

The iJoy Diamond Mini 225W TC Starter Kit maintains the striking good looks of the Diamond PD270, only in a smaller package (see review). Instead of the Dual-20700 cells, the Diamond Mini returns us to the dual 18650 model, which I welcomed with open arms. I am still not sold on the benefits of these larger 2X700 cells, other than being able to yield a bit more power, as we’ve seen in the magnificent Lost Vape Mirage, (see review) a single 21700 DNA75C chipset mod that pushes out to 100W. That 100 watts would not be possible with a single 18650 cell. But battery life is, well, negligibly better than the 18650. Anyway…

There is definitely the same friendly ergonomic design vibe of the original Diamond PD270. It’s my opinion that the design of the box is better simply because it fits better in the hand.

The completely opaque front side of the mod features an easy to navigate OLED display. (honestly, the display is a little dim to my liking, and as far as I can tell, there is no option to make it brighter). A simple 3-clicks to the fire button (on the side of the mod) brings up the navigation and using the plus/minus adjustment buttons moves the user to the various modes offered by the Diamond Mini; Power (wattage mode), TC (temperature control), and TCR mode.

The Diamond Mini adjustment buttons are set below the display, and in the middle of the buttons is the USB port, capable of both charging the cells and updating the firmware, should that ever come up. On the bottom of the mod are ample vents, keeping the internals cool. The supplied USB cable fits securely and completely (which is kind of a big deal with a lot of box mods), and the spring loaded 510 connector allows the Diamond Sub-ohm to fit nearly flush and certainly secure.

With a maximum output of 225W and all-inclusive temperature control mode, the user’s options for tanks and Rebuildables is just about limitless. The iJoy Diamond Mini can handle ultra-low resistances down to an unbelievable 0.06-ohm, meaning there isn’t a coil build you can’t vape with when sitting atop this mod.

iJoy has paired the Diamond Mini with the excellent high-performance Diamond 25mm Sub-Ohm Tank. The Diamond Sub-Ohm has a thick, durable top-cap fill system that does take a few minutes to get used to. On the top cap there is an arrow indicator that seems to point to a slide-back top cap, but that’s not the case. The top cap comes off completely with a twist, revealing two fill slots that easily handles a glass dropper. Atop the top cap sits a resin 810 drip tip with two O-rings for a tight and secure fit.

It’s worth mentioning that the Diamond Sub-Ohm uses a dual airflow slot system on the bottom of the tank that lets in a huge amount of air into and up through the coils. Wide open the draw is easy, creating excellent plumes of vapor. Closing off the airflow some provides not only a tighter draw, but a more intense (and warmer) flavor. My personal setting is half-closed for a somewhat tight draw and maximum flavor.

The Diamond Tank uses the iJoy DM Coil System and the Starter Kit includes the 0.18-ohm DM-Mesh Coil, rated for a modest 40W-90W range, and an extra coil with a 0.15-ohm resistance, the DM-DM Coil, also rated for 40W-90W. This sub-ohm is also compatible with iJoy’s Captain X3 Coils just in case you want to use the Diamond Mini above 90W. Both Coils are Kanthal, which continues to drive home the point that temperature control is dead, though should the user decide to vape with a rebuildable or any sub-ohm with nickel or stainless-steel coils, the Diamond Mini can accommodate.

Despite the “mini” in the name of this Starter Kit, the Diamond Sub-Ohm has a juice capacity of 5.5mL using the bulb-glass, and 4ml using the extra, straight glass tube. I can’t see why anyone would want to use a straight glass tube when given the opportunity to hold another 1.5mL with the bulb glass tube, so it bewilders me that so many (including SMOK’s Prince tank), offer this straight glass tube as the “extra” tube. Why not put an extra bulb-glass tube inside the box?

iJoy Diamond Sub-Ohm Tank Features:

• Diameter: 25mm
• Capacity: 5.5 ml
• Colored bubble tank
• 4.0ml tank optional

DM-MESH Mesh coil with uniform heating characteristics, wick by 70%Flax fiber+30%wood pulp

DM-DM diamond-like coil with uniform heating characteristics, wick by Organic Fiber Cotton

The Mesh coil has a porous and dense area that increases the contact area between the heating wire and the pure organic cotton.  The coil heats faster and ‘burn’ is more uniform, providing a high-performance vape experience.

I’m including a photo of the DM series coil just to show how well made and well thought out these coils are. I can’t commit to saying the coil life is exceptional, not yet, though I’ve put more than 15 tanks worth of juice through this coil with no signs of losing flavor or vapor. (now watch, the minute Dave hits “publish” my coil will crap out)

The Diamond Sub-Ohm Package Includes:

1 * DIAMOND SUBOHM TANK
1 * DM-Mesh Coil 0.15ohm (40-90W Pre-installed)
1 * DM-DM Coil 0.15ohm (40-90W)
1 * Replacement Glass
1 * Tool pack
1 * Warranty Card

iJoy Diamond Replacement Coils at Element Vape.

From the moment I placed a pair of Nitecore cells into the Diamond Mini I’ve been using it nearly non-stop. I can’t say that about the original, large Diamond PD270. For my needs, and as per my tastes, the size of the Diamond Mini is exactly what I want, the weight adds a sense of value (if that makes sense) and along with the Diamond Sub-Ohm with the Mesh coil, my favorite e-liquid has tasted sensational.

I’m not a temperature control guy, but since this review would not be complete without at least vaping for a bit in TC mode, I asked Tom to put together a 0.15-ohm Fancier RTA using stainless-steel heating wire. A high-quality SS wire can offer flavor production close to that of Kanthal, I found that using the TC mode in a basic setting provided a good vape. Is it an option for a whole lot of vapers? Probably not. There are hundreds of box mods on the market that make a better pairing for rebuildables.

Considering that the iJoy Diamond Mini Starter Kit is less than $55 at Element Vape, I can’t see a reason for purchasing just the Diamond Mini mod (in fact, Element Vape doesn’t stock just the mod itself…yet).

Except for the unfortunate situation with the battery cover, this is one well-made box mod and sub-ohm tank. It is not the lightest dual-18650 mod on the planet, but that heft feels good in the hand. It is definitely one of the better mod kits on the market, and when considering the price tag, it’s hard not to want one.

iJoy continues to impress us here at Spinfuel VAPE. Yes, iJoy has had some misses here and there, but for the most part, several of us have become big fans of their mods and tanks.

If you’ve purchased the original iJoy Diamond Kit and you’re happy with it, there is no real reason to pick the Diamond Mini. But, if you haven’t invested in a bunch of 2X700 cells and still prefer the 18650 cell, this Kit provides an excellent value. Given the fact that iJoy could have easily released this kit with the Diamond Mini tank (maximum capacity of 4mL), instead of the full-size Diamond tank, the value is even better. Therefore, I recommend the Diamond Mini Starter Kit wholeheartedly.

Score: A