Next Mind CT1 Pod System Review

Next Mind CT1 Pod System – After hearing the other day from more than one high-volume vendor that the pod system market has eclipse the traditional box mod and sub-ohm tank market, I became somewhat saddened by the prospect. No more WISMEC Reuleaux’s? No more Mesh Coil Sub-Ohms? Could this really happen? (Nah… *ed)

We’ve reached a point in the pod mod life cycle where companies are producing “flagship” pod devices – a pretty far cry from the simple, throwaway products they started as just a few short years ago. But that said, the Next Mind CT1 is about as close to a “next gen” pod system as we’ve seen so far. (At least until we get around to the Lost Vape Orion Q, but that’s another topic for another review…)

Built more like a traditional vape device, the CT1 features a separate coil installation process, and an innovative pod connection design type. The pod utilizes a coil that can be installed while still filled with liquid, since coil installs onto the battery rather than the pod itself.

Also, the CT1 features a self cleaning mode that can clean the atomizer of juice – something that intrigues us, even if we don’t quite “get” how it works. Moreover, the CT1 features a ultra-secure twist-off pod connection system that allows for easy removal of the pod but maintains a safe and strong connection in case of falls or drops, preventing the potential loss of liquid. (It’s also a decent safety measure to protect children, but they never mentioned that on the box…)

I have to say, the CT1 definitely has a more-unique appearance than most pod mods, which usually fall into the “long and narrow” or “roundish disc” categories. Instead of following the pack, the CT1 is shorter and squattier, with a nicely tapered, ridged frame that seems altogether more durable than most pod mod devices.

In a nice touch, the CT1 is able to be activated by draw OR by firing the hexagonal button in the middle of the device. Both methods worked well, but all these years of firing my mods made draw-activation seem a little counter-intuitive. But either way, you’re covered here.

The tapered mouthpiece section is similar to those seen on musical instruments, and feels just as comfortable, even after considerable use. Some people may prefer wider draws and more airflow, but for the purposes of the CT1 the mouthpiece lent itself to smooth MTL draws all day long.

I also like how simple the design aesthetic is, with virtually no adornments to get in the way. My black test model was extremely subtle and discreet, save for a well-placed logo treatment. Those who want to vape without drawing attention will certainly like the reserved look and feel of the CT1.

Standout Features of the CT1

From the moment you see how the coil is installed on the CT1, you’ll see that this is no ordinary pod mod. While the pod tank is still in place, this hybrid design allows for effortless refilling and coil swapping without the risk of wasting liquid.

Internally, the mouthpiece has a smooth, gradually narrowing chimney section that helps concentrate flavors as they approach your mouth on the inhale.

The “self-cleaning” feature sounds like a bunch of marketing nonsense. And that’s because it largely is. According to the manual, by removing the pod and pressing the fire button eight times, you’ll achieve a clean, juice-free tank, ready for whatever flavor you want next.

It works, of course. But that’s not “self-cleaning” – it’s called “dry-burning” and vapers have been doing it to coils since Boge was the industry gold standard. Maybe ceramic coils respond better to this process, because I did manage to eliminate flavors by doing this. But over time, I also started getting muted draws from it, as well. Nice try, Next Mind, but this isn’t exactly newsworthy.

But perhaps the most-impressive feature of the CT1 is the coils themselves. Resembling those classic Kanger ProTank heads from ages ago, these tiny, ceramic heads are both a throwback to simpler times, and a huge step forward for pod mod vapes. The included 1.0- and 1.2-ohm heads perform very similarly, but both offered weeksof use and refilling before tapping out – find me ANY pod mod that can claim those same numbers and I’ll buy you a steak dinner.

[ED: No, he won’t.]

Using the Next Mind CT1

More importantly, the flavor coming from both of these heads was massive – and not just when compared to other pod devices. The CT1 produces some of the thickest, richest, most-flavorful vapor we’ve seen from a device like this – even more impressive when you consider the CT1 maxes at 17 watts of output.

In terms of user-friendliness, the CT1 is about as easy as things get. Either press a button or take a deep draw to “prime” the mod, and you’re vaping away in no time. The mod is surprisingly responsive for an entry-level device, offering pretty instantaneous vapor production.

Most notably, the battery life on the CT1 is outstanding. On a single charge, the CT1’s comparatively large 650mAh cell got me through a 16-hour workday before starting to lose a little “oomph.” It’s extremely impressive, especially given the diminutive size of the device.

Pros

– Terrific flavor and vapor production

– Outstanding battery life

– User-friendly refilling

Cons

– Do separate coils defeat the purpose of pod mods?

– A little pricey for this category

– Self-cleaning feature is marketing speak and nothing more

Spinfuel VAPE Recommendation and Score

We’re definitely reaching the second wave of pod mod innovation. And if devices like the Next Mind CT1 signal a shift toward better performance, consider me a fan. While it’s debatable if the CT1 is even still a pod mod because of its coil setup, the flavor, vapor and convenient performance more than make its case. Highly recommended for pod vapers and anyone who wants a solid backup for the road.