Oh, it was sooooooo close. Lost Vape was poised for an “undefeated” 2020, with an array of pod mods and high-end kits to die for. But sadly, there was a slight misstep as we approach another flip of the calendar.

The all-new Lost Vape Back to Basics (BTB) 100-watt starter kit isn’t a bad setup. In fact, it’s pretty good. But after a year that saw the company deliver nothing but stellar products, this one confused us a bit.

Let’s dive in, starting with the specs.

The Official Word

Discover the Lost Vape BTB 100W Starter Kit, featuring a 5-100W range, single high-amp 18650 battery, and extensive temperature control suite. Constructed from durable zinc-alloy, the BTB Kit offers a wide 5-100W range, powered by a single high amp 18650 battery. Standing for “Back To Basics”, the BTB Kit is a throwback to what a vape system should be, incorporating useful design mechanics and ideal features and themes packed into a starter kit.

Within the chassis is a proprietary chipset, delivering an extensive temperature control suite that includes nickel, titanium, and stainless steel wire compatibility. Paired with the Lost Vape VBC Sub-Ohm Tank, a refillable tank capacity, adjustable MTL & DTL airflow control, and can utilize the ULTRA Boost Coil Series to create delicious flavored vapor. – Element Vape

LOST VAPE Back-to-Basics 100W STARTER KIT

Lost Vape BACK-TO-BASICS 100W Starter Kit Features:

  • Single High-Amp 18650 Battery – Not Included
  • Wattage Output Range: 5-100W
  • Voltage Output Range:
  • VW Mode
  • VV Mode
  • TC Mode
  • Nickel, Titanium, Stainless Steel Wire Compatibility
  • Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
  • Intuitive Firing Button
  • OLED Display Screen
  • Two Adjustments Buttons
  • Magnetized Battery Door
  • Threaded 510 Connection
  • Type-C USB Port

Lost Vape Ultra Boost X Sub-Ohm Tank Features:

  • 24mm Diameter
  • 4mL Bubble Tank Capacity
  • Optional 2mL Replacement Tank Capacity
  • Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
  • Superior 304 Stainless Steel Tank Construction
  • Sliding Top Fill System – Single Fill Port
  • Lost Vape ULTRA Boost Coil Series
  • 3ohm Ultra Boost M3 Coil – rated for 30-40W
  • 0ohm Ultra Boost MTL Coil – rated for 8-15W
  • Threaded 510 Connection
  • 510 Drip Tip
  • Available in Black, Gunmetal, Stainless Steel, Matte Black, Green, Red, Blue

Includes:

  •  Lost Vape BTB Mod
  •  Lost Vape Ultra Boost X Tank
  •  Replacement Glass
  •  510 Delrin Drip Tip
  •  O-Rings Set
Black - LOST VAPE BTB 100W STARTER KIT

Aesthetics of the Lost Vape BACK-TO-BASICS

Package - LOST VAPE Back-To-Basics 100W STARTER KITAt first glance, the BTB kit looks like a typical Lost Vape offering, with pristine packaging, documentation and build quality. The designs and patterns offered fall right in line with most Lost Vape products, and the mod itself is suitably weighty and durable.

So, what’s the problem? There isn’t one, per se. But, for the first time in ages, this just doesn’t feel as classy and high-end as most other Lost Vape mods. Maybe it’s the low-key display, or just the old-school, single-18650 setup, but I feel like I used this mod years ago (and wasn’t all that thrilled with it then, either).

Looking past my opinions, the tactile feel of the fire and control keys was a little “off” on my test model. Almost as if the control panel was slightly recessed from the narrow frame. It responded fine, and functioned throughout our testing, but it lacked a lot of the immediacy we’ve come to expect from modern vape devices.

Visually, the BTB kit is perfectly attractive, if you’re seeking slender and compact. But those used to Lost Vape’s usual commanding presence might want to look elsewhere.

Vaping the Lost Vape Back-To-Basics BTB Kit

Stripe - LOST VAPE Back-To-Basics 100W STARTER KITLet’s start this section with a refrain I’m getting a little tired of repeating — the included companion tank is underwhelming.

Here’s another one — if you get the Lost Vape BTB kit, use the Boost X tank and enjoy it. But its performance hardly justifies a separate purchase, mostly because the tank is a little confused by what it wants to be. Neither snug enough for true mouth-to-lung use or open enough for cloudy, sub-ohm pursuits, the Boost is a tank without an audience.

I found the best results when using the 0.3-ohm coil around 40 watts, but even then, the vapor was thin and wispy, while flavor alternated between rich and insignificant. Very erratic, and confusing, to boot. The 1.0-ohm MTL head? Well, let’s just be diplomatic and say that there are better options out there.

More…

The rest of the experience is fairly status quo — fill, attach, vape, repeat. Maybe we’ve been spoiled with so many high-end DNA devices from the company, but there’s just something vanilla and forgettable about the experience. The menus, control scheme and overall feel is antiquated, with little of the precision we’ve come to expect from the company.

Perhaps most disappointing is the battery life. As expected, a single-18650 setup isn’t going to provide many hours of use. But I expected more than 2-3 hours, to be honest. The battery drain was precipitous, even at moderate (~40W) wattages.

Pros:

  • Slender, compact frame
  • Easy to use and navigate
  • Versatile platform for new vapers

Cons:

  • Poor companion tank
  • Boring, antiquated design
  • Horrendous battery life

Bottom Line of the Back-To-Basics

Look, the Lost Vape BTB kit isn’t a bad rig. And I know some former smokers and new vapers who might benefit from a low-key, versatile setup. But by Lost Vape’s typically impeccable standards, this package has to be considered a slight letdown.

With better battery life and a more-effective tank, we might have felt differently about the BTB, especially considering how much we love Lost Vape products. But we have to be honest here, when they said “back to basics” this isn’t what we meant.

Score: C+