No nonsense. No ridiculous features. No stratospheric wattage capabilities. Just straight-ahead, power-focused performance – THAT is the essence of the all-new iJoy Shogun UNIV box mod. Powered by a brand-new chipset, the dual-18650 Shogun is looking to strike a balance between classic mod design and modern amenities, in a resin-covered package that aims for comfort and usability, not new, unproven features.

And you know what? The plan worked out really, really well for iJoy. From battery efficiency, to ramp time, to ease of use, the Shogun is a winner. Let’s take a quick look at what the mod offers.

The Shogun is a sleek, curvy but still angular box mod that reaches back a few years, to when higher-powered box mods started becoming more unique. With a centered 510 connection, standard (but well-made) three-button design, 0.96-inch monochrome OLED display and removable side panel/battery slot, you’d be forgiven for thinking this came out in 2015. Considering the last iJoy product we reviewed was the iJoy Avenger Baby way back in early October of last year, this is an excellent reentry into the high-wattage vape mod marketplace.

But then, once you see the slick, smooth resin on both sides of the Shogun and feel it in your hands, you’ll probably forget about what’s old, and focus on what’s good.

Right from the outset, it’s clear that iJoy wanted the Shogun to be like its namesake – commanding, but with a quiet authority. And in that sense, it delivered. While it’s certainly an attractive vape mod, there are no distractions or silly additions to get in the way of a pure vape experience. The fire key and companion buttons are firm and responsive, and never once misfired during my testing.

My only slight knock against the Shogun on first impression? The decided lack of venting holes, which is limited to a handful at the bottom of the mod. I think, even with a relatively conservative 180-watt max output, that this amount of power should have more airflow to go with it.

Quality and Design Aesthetics

Though we’ve mostly covered this in the section above, I need to acknowledge again just how well-machined the Shogun’s zinc alloy/resin chassis really is. When I first held the mod, I thought the device’s edges would begin to dig into my palm, but it never happened. Instead, it was more like my palm adapted to holding the box, and before long, it was as comfortable as any in my collection.

I should also mention the display, which is basic by today’s gaudy standards, but makes good use of the available real estate to deliver information at a glance, while staying out of the way.

It’s a standard-looking box design, to be sure. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is an old-school device – the Shogun is definitely light years ahead of where we were in the early days of higher-wattage vaping.

Standout Features

Even though you might be intrigued by features like “PMODE” and “Pod Mode” don’t be fooled – they’re just pre-set heating and voltage options that are fine, but not worth the extra branding. Instead, the Shogun’s standout feature is the UNIV chipset, which uses the streamlined idea to become one of the quickest, most responsive box mods on the market.

We’ve spent a lot of digital ink praising fast ramp times, but iJoy might have sealed the victory with this board. The Shogun goes from 0 to bliss in record time (with even more intense draws with the preheat cranked). Not many mods offer such immediate satisfaction with such short draws, and the Shogun should be on the shortlist of anyone seeking no-nonsense power.

Using the iJoy SHOGUN UNIV 180W TC Box Mod

Though 180 seems like an arbitrary number, don’t be fooled – the Shogun is beyond powerful, getting to 180 watts with barely a drop of sweat. I put the mod through a wide range of atomizers, power ranges, etc., and it just kept performing without complaint.

While I wish iJoy had included a third “action” button to eliminate the long press/short press mechanics, even newcomers will find their way through the linear menu trees in no time. And once I locked in my settings – ranging from basic preheat adjustments to precise temperature control and TCR  levels – the Shogun simply did what it was told.

I should mention that the butter-smooth resin and alloy exterior stayed completely cool, even when pushing the Shogun to its upper limits. There might not be enough venting for my liking, but it seems like the device dissipates heat with the best of them, since it was never uncomfortable to hold during testing.

Pros:

• Pristine design and machining
• Extremely responsive and fast-ramping
• Simple, but beautiful design
• Durable, comfortable construction
• Outstanding battery life and usability with UNIV chipset

Cons:

• More venting would be nice
• The resin side panels aren’t swappable/replaceable

The Spinfuel VAPE Verdict

Unless you haven’t been paying attention, the iJoy Shogun UNIV 180W mod is a no-brainer purchase. It’s subtle, but beautiful. Powerful but well-restrained. Fast, but always under user control. It’s a throwback design with forward-thinking sensibilities. It’s a fantastic purchase for anyone seeking their next go-to device.