Last Updated on March 13, 2020 by Team Spinfuel

The Orcas Vape MX CUBE Pod Mod Kit – Once again, we have a multipurpose, sub-ohm-focused pod mod on our desks for review. So, instead of giving you another essay about our confusion regarding these kits, let’s just get right to it. If you’re seeking a mid-wattage, 18650-powered AIO/pod device that isn’t really a pod mod, read on.

“ELEMENT

This hybrid vape mod packs a decent amount of punch and advanced capability for a pod device, so let’s give it a fair shake, starting with the specs and official pitch line.

The “Official” Word

orcas vape mx cube pod mod kit front and tilted viewTry out the Orcas Vape MX CUBE Pod Mod Kit, featuring a refillable 4.5mL pod, 5-80W wattage output range, and can call upon a 0.3ohm and 0.8ohm Mesh Coil to deliver tasty clouds.

          Construction

Constructed from durable yet lightweight aluminium alloy, the chassis of the MX Cube Pod Mod Kit can withstand light falls and drops with ease. In addition, at the front is a legible color display screen, relaying critical vape data back to the user.

          80W Maximum Output

In addition, the Orcas Vape MX CUBE can achieve a wattage output range of 5-80W, utilizing the single 18650 battery (not included) that installed behind the bottom threaded battery cap. Furthermore, the Orcas MX Cube Pod System maintains the traditional intuitive button layout and a slew of safeties and protections, making this an ideal vape for beginners or advanced users.

Orcas Vape MX CUBE Pod Mod Kit Features:

  • Manufactured by Advken Technology Co. Ltd.
  • Dimensions – 113.2mm by 31mm by 27.6mm
  • Single High-Amp 18650 Battery – Not Included
  • Wattage Output Range: 5-80W
  • Voltage Output Range: 1.0-8.0V
  • Resistance Range: 0.1-3.0ohm
  • Aluminium Alloy Chassis Construction
  • Intuitive Firing Button
  • Two Adjustment Buttons
  • Color LED Display Screen – 6 Colored Themes
  • Threaded Bottom Battery Cap
  • Ventilated Bottom
  • Magnetic Pod Connection
  • 5mL Refillable Pod
  • Ergonomic Mouthpiece – Silicone Dust Cover
  • Side Fill System – Silicone Stoppered
  • Orcas MX Coil Series
  • 3ohm Mesh Coil – best for 30W
  • 8ohm Mesh Coil – best for 20W
  • Threaded Coil Installation
  • Coil Based Bottom Airflow Control Ring
  • Overload Protection
  • Short-Circuit Protection
  • Overcharge Protection
  • Over Temperature Protection
  • Overtime Protection
  • Low Voltage Protection
  • Type-C MicroUSB Port
  • Available in Rebel Red, Slate Grey, Obsidian Black, Jade Green, Teal Blue

Orcas Vape MX CUBE Kit Includes:

  •  Orcas MX Cube
  •  MX Cube Cartridge
  •  0.3ohm Mesh Coil
  •  0.8ohm Mesh Coil
  •  Type C Charging Cable
  •  Instruction Booklet

Extras

MX CUBE Replacement Pods
Orcas Vape MX Cube Replacement Coils

Aesthetics of the Orcas Vape MX CUBE

Orcas keeps calling the MX CUBE a pod Mod, and I guess they’re entitled to do so, since the format is technically centered on a refillable pod tank section. However, with 80 watts of power, coil auto-adjustment, capability for higher-viscosity e-liquid, (The Plume Room 50/50 Blends or even 70/30 blends)  and 18650 battery versatility, there’s a lot more going on under the hood.

“ADVERTISEMENT”

(But hey, it’s still a pod-like tank, so the advertising is still accurate…)

Pod Tank

Pod - Orcas Vape MX CUBE Pod Mod Kit Like almost all devices in this category, the rectangular MX CUBE has a visible pod tank section, surrounded by attractive aluminum alloy, adopting the usual balance of class and forward-thinking design. It’s not compact, by any means, but it’s not going to stick out of your pocket or be at risk of snapping, either.

 

I did enjoy the 4.5mL acrylic tank, which was durable and capacious with enough transparency to accurately detect liquid levels. It’s nothing we haven’t seen before, but the magnetic pod connection was strong, and the tank/coil combo was particularly frugal with juice consumption.

Full-Color Display

Another highlight was the fantastic, full-color display, which rivaled much more-advanced devices in terms of quality and clarity. Everything I needed to know was right there, with simple adjustments using the two-button control scheme.

Display - Orcas Vape MX CUBE Pod Mod Kit For once, we didn’t worry about the MX CUBE’s heft and substance, and it performed admirably in another one of our now-famous “accidental but totally planned drop tests.” In other words, we’re clumsy and the MX CUBE just brushed off the impact like a mild case of fleas. Heck, even the 18650 cell stayed put, when other devices would have launched it across the room.

Vaping the Orcas MX CUBE X

Let’s lead off this section with our obligatory complaint — the slender mouthpiece. We have dedicated a lot of digital ink to the problems we have with this format, but never has it been more evident than on the MX CUBE, which is — for all intents and purposes — a mid-range sub-ohm device.

Instead of getting warm mouthfuls of tasty vapor, the slender opening created near-hot vapor — loaded with concentrated flavor, but often uncomfortable due to the intensity. If there was even a modicum of MTL use to be had with the MX CUBE, we’d be okay with the format. But even the 0.8-ohm mesh coil (rated for ~20 watts) is hardly an MTL head, with a loose, barely restrictive draw.

Performance

flat - Orcas Vape MX CUBE Pod Mod Kit By contrast, the 0.3-ohm mesh head doesn’t feel nearly as breezy and “sub-ohm” as you’d think. In fact, despite having half an ohm between them, the two included coils are shockingly similar. Keep this in mind if you’re expecting something more differentiated.

The good news about this is that both coils are also pretty damn good. While we’ve experienced some better ones over these last few months, it’s clear that manufacturers have really nailed the right balance of flavor, e-liquid consumption and overall longevity. Both heads gave me 10-14 days of strong performance before tapping out, and I’m perfectly okay with those numbers.

Battery Life

orcas vape mx cube pod mod kit coil front viewThe MX CUBE’s battery life isn’t stellar, given the single-18650 format. But when compared to similar advanced pod devices, it holds its own. We wouldn’t recommend heading out for dinner without a spare battery. But if you’re in an office, the onboard charging works quickly and effectively, getting the MX CUBE from zero to hero in under an hour.

Orcas Vape Pros:

  • Extremely flavorful draws
  • Great build quality and display
  • Above-average coil longevity

Orcas Vape Cons:

  • Average battery life
  • Slender mouthpiece gets too hot
  • No real MTL use to be had

Bottom Lining the Orcas Vape MX CUBE

package -Orcas Vape MX CUBE Pod Mod Kit We’ve reviewed a lot of these lately, and I feel like the Orcas MX CUBE X is one of the better renditions of the advanced, higher-wattage pod mod concept. The flavor is delightfully strong, the coils are durable and the mod feels “complete,” unlike so many other pod devices.

Maybe the MX CUBE could use a better mouthpiece for sub-ohming, and the battery life could be a little stronger, but overall, fans of the format will find a lot to like here.

 

Score: B+