REV-TECH PHANTOM 220W TC STARTER KIT REVIEW

Vroom, vroom! With apologies to Mazda, which made that tagline popular 20 or so years ago, the REV-Tech Phantom 220W mod kit made me say those words several times over. Because, while the company’s previous automotive-inspired mod kits were solid, the Phantom is a top-notch successor, and the best implementation of this design scheme yet.

Like all multi-featured vape mods, there are a few minor quirks along for the ride. But if the Phantom kit was an actual vehicle, it would be a high-performance model, with all the amenities thrown in from the dealer, including a fantastic sub-ohm tank to complete the package.

Visually, the Phantom doesn’t stray too far from the REV-Tech aesthetic. Meaning, its look and feel is inspired by high-speed automotive, with the requisite curves also serving to make the Phantom comfortable to hold and operate. Though it’s a touch smaller than the GTS, and more traditionally designed than the Nitro, the Phantom looks like a natural successor to the family throne.

This, of course, includes the massive 2.8-inch LCD display, which handles all the usual dashboard trappings, along with all the information a vaper needs to stay on top of their experience. The display isn’t the most high-tech variety out there, but it’s bright, clear, engaging and well-done. If SMOK’s display design team ever connected with REV-Tech, there could be something REALLY special there, but we’ll save the speculation for another article.

That said, there is up to 10 different screen display options, so there’s bound to be something to suit any vaper’s tastes and preferences. I found the stock display to be the best in terms of clarity and layout, but there’s bound to be plenty of opinions here, so just use what feels best.

What’s also interesting about the Phantom is the all-new Optimax chipset, along with 32MB of onboard memory. While that doesn’t seem like much in a world that has 1TB smartphones, the 32MB is more than enough space to help users easily save preferences and settings, so there’s no worry of having to recalibrate the device every time you upgrade firmware.

The Optimax chipset seemed to be a pretty nice advancement. REV-Tech’s previous mods were just “okay” on ramp time and battery life, but the Phantom is a potent, efficient beast, with near-instant ramp up, smooth power output, and more. Plus, big kudos to REV-Tech for including a locking tool in the firmware, to prevent underage vaping and potential accidents. It’s little things like this that make a big impression on skeptical reviewers like me.

Overall, the Phantom is a comfortable mod to hold. I’ve read some reviewers complain about weight, but I found the metallic heft reassuring. It’s certainly not the most pocket-friendly mod around, but considering the technology and power under the hood, I’m okay with that.

My only minor gripe is the leather-like material on the back of the Phantom. At first, it seems supple enough, but as it warms up it became tackier than expected, leading to a slightly awkward feel. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but I was hoping for something to grip on with my palm, not pry off of it.

Yes, I meant that sentence. Every word of it.

At 5mL capacity, the Drift II is a little smaller than most of today’s leading atomizers, but I found the coils to be frugal enough on e-liquid consumption that I never felt like I was filling more than vaping. And the 24.5mm diameter means the Drift II will look at home on a wide range of devices. Ironically, the Phantom dwarfed its companion tank a little – not obnoxiously so, but there are definitely some smaller mods that will look more balanced with the Drift II than its own kit-mate.

The real stars of the show are the included mesh coils, which provide some of the best flavor I’ve ever enjoyed in a prebuilt tank system. I know we’re not prone to hyperbole here, but I would put the REV M-series coils up against any of the industry leaders today. Maybe they don’t last as long as some, but I’d much rather have 5-7 days with these heads than 10 days with something less flavorful.

Plus, in a nice touch, the Drift II tank is able to use a wide range of other coil types in the REV series, meaning there’s plenty of cross-compatibility and value to be had here. Full disclosure: REV-Tech sent me a variety of REV-R and REV-S series coils to use, too – and if there’s a noticeable change in performance with these heads, I’ll update this review to explain.

But yeah, clouds, flavor, airflow and a complete lack of leaks or drips? Sign us up – the Drift II is worth seeking out, with or without the Phantom Kit.

Speed and power are the benchmarks for any performance vehicle, and the REV-Tech Phantom definitely holds a pole position in these departments. Because in terms of smooth, fast-ramping power, there aren’t many mods in this category and price range that can compete. I know we’ve said this about a ton of other mods this past year, but it seems like the industry has made some significant advancements for chipset tech.

Looking past these awesome first impressions, I’m happy to report that the Phantom is a true 220-watt mod, with effortless performance all the way to its maximum output. The only time I noticed any stuttering was when I was pushing the device on batteries that needed a good charge. A fresh set rectified that in no time flat.

I tested a wide range of atomizers, all of which worked well and were read properly by the Optimax chipset. And yes, that includes all of the onboard temperature control presets, TCR values and the rest. My coil resistances stayed steady, and never gave me any jumpiness while vaping.

But the Phantom kit thrives on pure power and potent ramp-up time – two qualities that make the Phantom, and the included REV-M replacement coils absolutely sing every time you fire.

After having some positive but reserved feelings about the REV-Tech GTS and Nitro mods, I was floored by how great the Phantom setup turned out to be. It might be a little larger than some of its competitors, and the racing/car-inspired design isn’t for everyone, I kept looking for reasons not to like this kit, and I came up empty every time.  Buy with confidence – REV-Tech isn’t playing around, and the industry should take notice.