Every vaper has a “sacred” mod in their collection – one they just won’t ever let go, even if better things come along. For me, it’s my beloved Lost Vape Paranormal, which was a stunningly designed mod, hindered by the antiquated DNA 166 setup. Well, my day just got brighter, because the all-new Lost Vape Paranormal DNA250C has arrived, and it’s firmly squared in the modern day.

Like its big brother, the Paranormal DNA250C isn’t perfect. But it’s light years ahead of where it was a year ago, with modern functionality alongside the same laser-precise customization and control DNA fans have come to expect. The end result is a stunning vape mod that most vapers would love to have in their collections.

On first glance, the Paranormal hasn’t changed at all, aside from the updated screen and three-button control scheme. The rest of the device is right in line with its predecessor, which is a good thing since the original combination of brushed silver alloy, replaceable inserts and carbon fiber accents was a winning formula from the outset.

Though the red and black carbon on my test model might not seem like everyone’s cup of tea, I assure you the Paranormal DNA 250C is still very much a high-end mod, and isn’t adding “flash” where it isn’t needed. Plus, with the myriad customization options, like those wood-grain inserts, you’ll be able to make your Paranormal match your personal aesthetic.

One minor concern was with the 510 plate, which is identical to the original, right down to the same lack of airflow channels. You might remember that I struggled with exceedingly warm atomizers when using the Paranormal DNA166, and the same happened here. Though I don’t vape at those levels, higher-wattage users need to keep this in mind – especially with a higher max wattage.

The rest of the Paranormal DNA250C feels and looks fantastic. Though I missed the cushioned leather section from the previous model, the carbon section is smooth and sits nicely in the palm, while the moderate height and width feels comfortable in either a thumb or trigger-style firing grip.

The control scheme follows suit. Though we’re no stranger to the DNA250C format, the buttons are firm and clicky, while the updated screen was sharp and legible. Not to be redundant, but this update will help bring a LOT of new users into the world of DNA-level advanced vaping.

Unfortunately, one thing hasn’t changed with the new Paranormal – but we’ll discuss that in the next section.

I almost feel like I’m repeating myself from last year’s review of the Paranormal DNA166, because the same mushy, flush fire button returns, and leads to the same occasionally weak responsiveness as its predecessor. While the three-button control setup is nice and springy, the fire button pales in comparison, and leads to less-confident firing overall.

Once I got over the quirks, the Paranormal DNA250C operated as expected. That is, to say, outstanding. Though the mod is “only” capable of 200-watt output, the Paranormal actually runs the DNA250 chipset, down-throttled to maximize power efficiency. Yet, at the same time, Think Vape was able to use the new Evolv DNA250C in the Finder 250 and by adding a 3rd power cell, throttle UP the 250C to 300W. Another reason Lost Vape might have been better off going back to the Triade Chassis one more time.

The Paranormal is naturally Escribe-capable, so creating precise temperature control entries and custom curve parameters was a breeze. The software isn’t perfect but it’s improving, with a higher level of polish and user-friendly hand-holding than before. Still, there’s nothing else like it in the vaping industry, so scour the web and you’ll find countless videos and tutorials to guide you along.

But, you may not need to use it, since – as the chipset is known for – the Paranormal mod is fully functional from the on-device controls, with complete access to wattage, temperature, preheat, screen settings and the eight pre-set slots. Escribe may be more precise, but there’s nothing a vaper can’t accomplish from the board itself.

The gorgeous TFT, full-color display, which offers a much higher level of accessibility to otherwise difficult DNA operations, is the highlight of the Paranormal DNA 250C. Though it’s only around 1-inch in diameter, the DNA 250C screen makes perfect use of the available real estate, with visibility into all pertinent information, and clear operations and adjustments for nearly every element of your vape.

With the new display comes the updated DNA control scheme, which now includes a third operation button for enter/action inputs. The addition of this button allows users to easily and clearly select and modify items on the device, rather than enduring a dense series of button presses and holds to achieve the same results.

Despite those preference gripes, the Lost Vape Paranormal DNA250C is one of the best-performing vape mods in my growing collection – and one I’ll likely turn to more often than not. And with easier, less-frustrating controls in place, it won’t take a Master’s degree to craft my ideal vape settings.

One welcome return is the unbelievably smooth performance and vape quality offered up by the Paranormal. Not one hiccup occurred when vaping, outside of the occasional misfire from the mushy fire button. Internally, the Paranormal is nearly flawless.

In wattage mode, things were predictably smooth. With a more-capable chip down-throttled to reasonable levels, there were no stutters or misfires, even when cranking the Paranormal to its maximum output. I tried a number of sub-ohm and MTL tanks, and the Paranormal worked with each as if they were native to the device.

Plus, the Paranormal seemed to be living up to its claims of 97% power efficiency, leading to tremendous battery life, even with consistent vaping at high wattages. I saw nearly seven hours of steady mid-wattage vaping on two cells before seeing a low-battery warning.

I decided to run the Paranormal DNA250C through the same test builds as the original model last year, starting with a titanium temperature control build on the Advken Manta RTA, I effortlessly adjusted the Paranormal to the proper setting and enjoyed a flawless vape. The same occurred for my SS316 test coils in the same tank.

Nickel coils – which were a little jumpy on the DNA 166 model – were equally high-performing. They still required a little tweaking via TCR using the onboard system, but at no point did I feel the NEED to use Escribe, even though more discerning vapers will likely do just that.

Bottom Line

I am thrilled to have the Lost Vape Paranormal DNA 250C in my collection. Not only does the updated user interface and display make DNA precision accessible to more vapers, but the Paranormal puts this power and efficiency in a damn attractive, high-performing package that would likely be a standout part of anyone’s collection. I had to knock it a few ticks for the lame fire key, but make no mistake, the Paranormal DNA 250C is a fantastic vape mod, and well worth the price.

Score: A-

The Lost Vape Paranormal DNA250C Mod is available now at Element Vape