LUX 200 Vape Mod Starter Kit by CoilART – Review

The CoilART LUX 200 Starter Kit

Resin (and resin-like) mods barely had a chance to be “out of fashion” before making a comeback. At least that’s what I was thinking this month when no fewer than three new resin-like high-wattage mods made their way to my desk. I just wish this one – the CoilART LUX 200 — was going to stay here. But there’s just too many things that went wrong for me to recommend it.

(Why “resin-like?” Because it’s not clear if the high-polish glass exterior is actually covering resin, or just a reasonable, glossy facsimile, but it’s close enough that I’ll lump them together.)

On paper, the CoilART LUX 200W TC Starter Kit should be an exemplary vape system, combining functional features with beautiful aesthetic design elements – and make no mistake, the LUX 200 is a looker, as far as resin boxes go. Plus, the zinc alloy chassis is extremely durable, and the side panels are replaceable, for those who like to mix things up.

More attractive to me, at least from the outset, was the proprietary EAGLE chipset, which claimed to be a high-efficiency board, capable of top-tier performance at lower wattages. While it never reached those lofty heights, I’m happy to see that improved battery and power performance at lower outputs is a new “thing” for vaping.

Honestly, my first impression was “ouch.” Like so many of these resin retro box mods, more attention was given to the looks than the ergonomics. And unfortunately, that affected my enjoyment of the LUX 200. While the device might look like the quintessential vape mod, the LUX 200 has sharp, angular edges that dig into the palm no matter which way you hold it. Like the omnipresent Voopoo Drag series (and UNlike the awesome iJOY Shogun) the box is simply too sharp to be held comfortably for any period of time.

Worse, while the LUX 200 isn’t “large” by any means, its broad dimension means the mod isn’t ideal for pockets, either. Again, this recent throwback box mod resurgence has its ups and downs, and the form factor, while beautiful, isn’t ideal for many vapers.

Quality and Design Aesthetics

I suppose we’ve already covered it to an extent, but the LUX 200 is a prime example of fashion over function. We can’t (and won’t) deny that CoilART made a vape device worth showing off – the machining and materials are nothing short of stellar, with a high-end feel that (somewhat) belies the matching price tag. All parts fit together like a glove, and there aren’t any signs that this thing was rushed to production.

That is, except for the three-button control scheme, which feels a little too plasticky and cheap for an otherwise pristine device. While the buttons were perfectly responsive, there was a slight “mushiness” to each press that didn’t instill a lot of confidence for long-term durability.

The LUX 200 display is standard-issue stuff for a mod like this. The recent “retro revival” has seen monochrome OLED screen return in a big way. On its own, the LUX screen is fine, cramming a lot of information into a small space. I feel like something a little more streamlined and classy would better fit the LUX 200 design aesthetic, but as it is, the screen is nothing offensive, and nothing extraordinary… let’s move on.

Standout Features of the LUX 200 Kit

I loved the included LUX sub-ohm tank for precisely one day. Then I liked it for three more. Then I wanted to launch it from a cannon into enemy airspace.

When you first see the bubble-glassed LUX tank, you’ll be excited. Even with a 24mm base diameter, the bubble section creatively stows 8.5mL of juice away. And the coils are pretty frugal, so a full tank could theoretically last a while, depending on how heavily you vape.

Now, coming from a company named CoilART, I fully expected amazing flavor and vapor production. And for one day that’s exactly what happened. Using the preinstalled M1 coil, I had deep, nuanced flavor was matched with thick, luscious clouds, and a ton of satisfaction. By day two, the flavor started to mute a bit. By day four, I felt like I was vaping band-aids with wispy, non-existent clouds coming along for the ride.

What about the high-wattage M4 quad coil in the box? This coil also screamed out of the gates with even deeper flavor, but now this level of performance only lasted half a day at most. And using the coil anywhere NEAR the recommended 100-120 watts was an exercise in breathing fire.

Long story short? CoilART is a great company that really missed the mark with the included coils. I don’t think the tank is the problem, but these Kanthal missteps didn’t do anything to make me want to buy replacements.

Using the CoilART LUX 200

The EAGLE chipset is perfectly adequate. But, is “adequate” enough to get you reaching for your wallet? Probably not. On paper, there’s nothing particularly standout here, other than some purported battery efficiency boosts.

There’s just “something” missing from the overall performance. Maybe it’s the uncomfortable hand feel, or the decidedly antiquated menu system, but on the LUX 200 there’s a real disconnect from visuals and real-world performance. I loved the IDEA of taking the mod out on the town, to show off its stunning, glass coated exterior. But I hated the idea of using it for the entire night, which meant it usually stayed home when choosing devices.

Performance-wise, the LUX 200 does its job well. It hits a legitimate 200 watts, with surprisingly lengthy battery life (as promised). And it does so smoothly, without any hiccups, in either wattage or in the extensive temperature control suite, save for a few resistance locking issues that might be my fault, versus a problem with the device.

Pros

– Gorgeous, conversation-worthy looks

– Strong battery performance

– Responsive controls

Cons

– Price vs. value

– Ridiculous sharp edges

– Awful coil system

Spinfuel VAPE Recommendation

As much as I enjoy owning the LUX 200, I simply cannot recommend buying it, especially at this price. It’s gorgeous, but uncomfortable… powerful, but underwhelming. And the coils are just atrocious. There are many new devices in this category that offer a lot more, at a much lower cost. Caveat emptor.