Lost Vape SKAR DNA75 TC Box Mod Review

Lost Vape SKAR DNA 75

When charging a premium over $100, I expect that delicate mix of beautiful and stylish but also performance driven. Lost Vape is definitely the brand that has a dedicated spot in my collection because of the craftsmanship, materials used and overall fit and finish of each and every product they release. Just holding a Lost Vape device makes everything else seem mediocre and not up to par. I’ve been abusing my Triade, Therion and Halcyon Squonk Mod the last couple months and they can handle every ounce thrown its way; they still look the way they did when brand new. But Lost Vape was lacking one particular setup that appealed to the lower wattage vapers while maintaining the superior build quality and reliability to go along with it; the Lost Vape SKAR DNA75 Box Mod was born. CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE

The Lost Vape SKAR is the company’s most compact device in their line up to date. Visually the SKAR is a mix between futuristic and modern with clean sharp lines and premium materials, all in a compact, single cell chassis with Evolv DNA75 power running through its veins. I’m glad Lost Vape didn’t just create a redesigned Therion with one battery. The way the SKAR looks feels and performs is something we all search for from a high end device. The SKAR just bleeds craftsmanship and finesse. The footprint is rather large for a single battery device and the 193g (243g with an 18650 and 280g with 26650) it weighs without batteries  definitely has a bulky feel to it. But the SKAR is built to accommodate a 30mm Atomizer with no overhang! And the 510 threading is buttery smooth with a Nickel-plated Brass 510 pin to ensure a strong and stable connection. All the tanks I attached sat flush on the elegant 510 connection plate.

Packaging has always been an area that Lost Vape excelled at and the SKAR’s presentation is no different. After twisting the top off the cylindrical dense cardboard tube, the Lost Vape SKAR is sitting upright with a glowing aura around it (well in my eyes there was). The two-tone Zinc Alloy frame has a durable, strong and extremely corrosion resistant surface that should last many years of rigorous use. The low cost of the raw form of Zinc Alloy is probably why Lost Vape went with it rather than Aluminum seen on some of their other devices. But nonetheless, the SKAR is a luxurious mod that tips the scale in visual appeal over the Therion, in my opinion.

The Lost Vape SKAR DNA75 I received was the grey version which has a dark grey faceplate and battery door with black filling in the rest of the shell. It’s also available in Silver, which has a polished, very shiny finish with accents of black as well. It is also available in all-black.  After choosing a color, you can pick from either a wood or carbon fiber inlay. Lost Vape states in the manual these panels are interchangeable with leather and abalone becoming an option (hopefully in the near future). I didn’t try and disassemble or remove the panels during my time with the SKAR. Mine has the wood panels, one on each side, which is stunningly elegant and really adds to the character and high quality feel of the mod. When vaping it, I find myself looking and admiring it like it’s a beautiful woman.

The Lost Vape SKAR DNA75 is powered by a single high-amp 26650 or 18650 battery (not included) by removing the battery door held on by a magnet on top and clips in to the bottom. A clip-in sleeve adapter snaps into place and after installing your 18650 battery you close the hinge. It’s a much better design than a simple sleeve that surrounds the battery like I’ve seen on many other two battery configuration devices. The clip-in adapter does prevent any battery rattle and holds everything firmly in place. I’m not sure if it’ll hold the test of time since it’s made of plastic but we’ll find out sooner or later. The battery indicators are located inside the device and on the clip when installed but are hard to see with the black on black coloration. Unfortunately, there is no battery venting anywhere on the device but it never got excessively warm.

I use a MNKE IMR-26650 Orange battery with most of my single 26650 devices. Because some 26650 batteries are taller than others, like my MNKE, installing the battery puts a lot of pressure on the bottom plate. After a couple days I noticed the bottom was bulging out a bit on the battery side. Others have said the screw will actually pop out of the bottom and strip the threads. The screws are really small so I believe that is possible but luckily I didn’t have that happen. Your battery should slide into place easily without having to put too much pressure on the contacts. If you feel like any extra pressure is needed to install your battery, you’ll probably end up with the bottom plate issue. I’ve seen on other reviews that IJOY and the Green Efest 26650 batteries fit the best. So far, Julia and Tom, also owners of the SKAR, have used 18650 batteries with excellent results. CLICK FOR LARGER IMAGE

Lost Vape and Evolv have had many endeavors together so the SKAR is running the Evolv DNA75 chipset which we already know is an awesome board. Turn up the wattage to 75W with a 6V maximum voltage output for your mid-power Sub-Ohm Tanks. Of course you get the accurate Temperature Control that supports all the common TC wires. The preprogrammed settings (Kanthal, Nickel 200 & No Preheat, SS304, SS316, SS316L, SS430 and Titanium) are there right out of the box so no need to plug into Escribe to get you started. Having the Escribe software is always an excellent customization tool with custom screens, TCR settings and much more. The micro USB port supports 1A charging and has pass-through so you can vape while you wait. Also through Escribe you can upgrade the firmware quickly and easily.

Note: If you’ve owned a DNA200 device (and installed the Escribe software) but not a DNA75, you will need to download another version of Escribe through Evolv to get it up and running properly.

Lost Vape SKAR Weak Battery Issue

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The ‘Weak Battery’ error code has plagued many DNA75 devices and has been widely recognized as one of the issues with the chipset. The Hotcig DNA75 (check out our review here) gives me the Weak Battery warning at around 50% discharge. With the Lost Vape SKAR, I was able to drain my Orange MNKE 26650 all the way down to 3.4V and never received an error! The battery bar started blinking and was still firing at limited wattage. I’m really glad this issue was resolved since it sucked seeing those battery errors constantly.

The 0.91inch OLED screen with the big bright DNA text that will light up a room is always great to see. I sometimes grab a DNA device when all the lights are out in my room and use it as a flash light. The rectangle 12.8mm x 6.7mm fire button is definitely larger than previous Lost Vape mods and fires extraordinarily smooth. It’s backlit with a multicolor LED (purple and blue neon) when pressed and is programmable through Escribe. The 6mm round regulatory buttons are also oversized and share that same smooth engagement. A couple reviewers said that a silicone skin was included in the box but mine didn’t have one. All in all, the SKAR radiates quality and everything from no button rattle, the perfect fire button location and overall comfort when vaping is outstanding; I expected nothing less from Lost Vape.

Lost Vape SKAR DNA75 – Bottom Line

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While my experience grows as does my vape collection, 75W just isn’t enough to give me a satisfied vape. With these obnoxiously powerful tanks and 25mm becoming the new 22, the amount of wattage needed is surpassing well into the triple digits. Lost Vape did release a DNA133 Therion ($129.95 at Element Vape) for a limited run with rumors of a DNA167 replacement (dual battery max output of the new DNA250 chip) so I’m getting anxious to see if that’s true. But the battery bulging issue is really the only thing holding the SKAR back from a higher grade.

Final Grade – B+

“With the FDA Deeming Regulations hanging over our heads, this is a prime example of what innovation and design the vaping industry is capable of. The price of $109.95 at Element Vape is steep but the quality and superior fit and finish makes lightening your wallet that much more worth it; very well done Lost Vape and keep ‘em coming!”

Side Note: Element Vape has the entire lineup of Lost Vape products at a very competitive price point. Definitely go check them out if you’re interested in any of Lost Vapes masterpieces!

Team Spinfuel

Lost Vape SKAR DNA75 TC Box Mod Features:

• Single 26650 High-Amp Battery Compatible
• Optional 18650 High-Amp Battery w/ Sleeve Adapter
• Wattage Output Range: 1-75W
• Voltage Output Range: 0.6-6V
• Min Kanthal Resistance: 0.25ohm
• Min Temperature Resistance: 0.15ohm
• Temperature Range: 200-600F
• Supports Ni200 Nickel, Titanium, and Stainless Steel
• Intuitive OLED Display
• Die Cast Zinc Alloy Chassis Construction
• Stunning Wood or Carbon Fiber Panels
• Three-Button Operation
• Patented Evolv DNA75 Chipset
• Upgradeable Escribe Software
• 85% Output Efficiency
• Cell-by-Cell Monitoring
• Cell Balancer
• Atomizer Protection
• Low Resistance Protection
• Short Circuit Protection
• Overheat Protection
• Low Voltage Step Down Protection
• MicroUSB Port – Firmware Upgrades
• Stainless Steel 510 Thread Point
• Spring-Loaded 510 Connection