Table of Contents
- 0.1
- 0.2 Here’s the official word and specs to get us started.
- 0.3 Construction
- 0.4 Smart Chipset
- 0.5 Vaporesso Sub-Ohm
- 0.6 Vaporesso SWAG II 2 80W Starter Kit Features:
- 0.7 Vaporesso NRG PE Sub-Ohm Tank Features:
- 0.8 Vaporesso Swag 2 Kit Includes:
- 1 Aesthetics and Operations
- 2 The NRG PE Tank
- 3 Vaping the Vaporesso SWAG II Kit
- 4 Bottom Line
- 5 Score: B-
More than 3 years after first trying the series (October 2017), here comes the Vaporesso SWAG 2 II kit, now in stock under the Brands/Vaporesso category at Element Vape. The original SWAG is still available, so while we might have had some very real issues with it, clearly it is still selling more than enough to keep it alive. How many vape products can lay claim to that?
The first thing to consider, for me anyway, is “have the years been kind to the series?” Well, it seems like Vaporesso stayed the course with the SWAG II. Maybe a little TOO close in some areas.
Here’s the official word and specs to get us started.
Discover the Vaporesso SWAG II 2 80W Starter Kit, the latest heir to the SWAG lineage, upgrading to the new AXON Chipset, an improved outer chassis coating, and is paired with the new NRG PE Sub-Ohm Tank.
Construction
Formed from zinc-alloy, the Vaporesso SWAG II 2 chassis is coated in a rubberized finish, eliminating fingerprints and scratches more readily while granting an improved protected design. This grippy coating lends a higher degree of ergonomic feel to the box mod, reducing the possibilities of drops and falls.
Four years ago the first iteration of the SWAG was deemed attractive, especially its orange/stainless model, but in 2020 the SWAG 2 brings an attractiveness, yet sophisticated look. Particularly the red and black or blue and black models.
Smart Chipset
In addition, the AXON Chipset at the helm works in conjunction with the single high amp 18650 battery to deliver up to 80W of output. Equipped with a PULSE Mode, the SWAG II 2 Kit is capable of delivering a stronger output during inhalation.
Vaporesso Sub-Ohm
Paired with the Vaporesso NRG PE Tank, the SWAG II Starter Kit can utilize coils from the Vaporesso GT Coil Series, offering a myriad of options to be used to vaporize the contents of the 3.5mL refillable juice capacity.
Featuring a threaded top fill system, the NRG PE Tank is also equipped with a dual slotted bottom airflow control ring to use with the included 0.15ohm GT4 Meshed Coil, creating large clouds of satisfying vapor while the 0.5ohm GT CCELL Coil unravels complex flavors of higher nicotine e-juice.
Vaporesso SWAG II 2 80W Starter Kit Features:
- AXON Chipset
- Dimensions – 125mm by 50mm by 25mm
- Single High Amp 18650 Battery – Not Included
- Wattage Output Range: 5-80W
- Resistance Range: 0.03-5.0ohm
- PULSE Mode
- Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
- Rubberized Coating
- Intuitive Firing Button
- Two Adjustment Buttons
- 91″” OLED Display Screen
- Threaded 510 Connection
- MicroUSB Port
- Available in Silver, Black, Blue, and Red
Vaporesso NRG PE Sub-Ohm Tank Features:
- 25mm Diameter
- 5mL Juice Capacity
- Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
- Threaded Top Fill System
- Vaporesso GT Coil Series
- 15ohm GT4 Meshed Coil – rated for 50-75W
- 5ohm GT CCELL Coil – rated for 25-35W
- Threaded Coil Installation
- Dual Slotted Bottom Airflow Control Ring
- 810 Delrin Drip Tip
- Threaded 510 Connection
- Available in Silver, Blue, Black, and Red
Vaporesso Swag 2 Kit Includes:
- SWAG II Box Mod
- NRG PE Tank
- GT4 Meshed Coil
- GT CCELL Coil
- 4 O-Rings
- USB Cable
- User Manual
- Warranty Card
Aesthetics and Operations
I have an issue with these compact, top-loading, single-battery devices, because of how the cap is positioned so close to the tank. Basically, anything wider than the included 25mm tank is going to have trouble making it onto the mod. Given the overall height and stealthy design of the SWAG II, it’s unlikely most of its target audience is champing at the bit to put 30mm tanks on here, anyway. But nonetheless, the limitation might be annoying to some.
Like the original, the SWAG II is a stealthy vape mod, so it wasn’t surprising the control scheme was suitably understated. The clicky, aluminum buttons work well, and respond with minimal pressure, but are adequately firm, keeping pocket adjustments to a minimum.
The tiny-but-bright OLED screen is nice and features the requisite amount of information. But it begs the question: With so many innovations being made to modern vape device displays, why are so many companies still resorting to the same look and feel?
To be fair, there is a dedicated action/menu button on the SWAG II, but it doesn’t seem to be well-implemented, almost as if it was not considered when the menu system was designed. Like it was with the original SWAG, I found the entire menu system to be overly convoluted.
The NRG PE Tank
The NRG PE is a scaled version of previous editions, right down to the slide and fill top cap, alongside smoothly machined bottom airflow control. On a construction or production level, the NRG PE is a perfectly adequate design, which looks good on most mods, especially the SWAG 2, or from many in my collection.
However, much like its big brothers, I found the included coils to be woefully subpar. Both the pre-installed GT4 Mesh, and the companion ceramic CCell failed to impress me with either flavor or vapor production, and their longevity was questionable at best.
Though each worked as expected for a few days, they only were enjoyable at the top ends of their listed wattage ranges, lessening their life spans from sheer power. After less than a week of infrequent use, both coils diminished rapidly.
Much as it was with the original NRG atomizers, enjoy the tank as part of this kit, but don’t bother buying it separately. There are far better options in this price range and category.
Vaporesso Swag 2 Coils
The Vaporesso GT Replacement Coils presents a dynamic coil option for the NRG Sub-Ohm Tank and the Cascade Tank series, deploying traditional cotton and signature cCelll Ceramic with its innovative structure. The flagship coil head is the 0.15ohm GT 8 Core, with a quad-cylinder structure and wattage range of 50 to 110W. Comes in a pack of three (3).
Compatibility:
The NRG Tank (compatible with all of the Revenger Kit series, SWAG Kit, and Switcher Kit)
Cascade Tank (requires adapter)
A Cascade Baby Tank (Includes the Polar 220W Kit and Armour Pro Kit)
The Cascade Mini Tank
Cascade One / One Plus Kit
Vaporesso NRG GT Replacement Coils Features:
- GT Cores Structure
- 0.5ohm GT cCell Core – rated for 15-40W
- 0.3ohm GT cCell2 Core – rated for 35-40W
- 0.4ohm GT 2 Core – rated for 40-80W
- 0.15ohm GT 4 Core – rated for 30-70W
- 0.2ohm GT 6 Core – rated for 40-130W
- 0.15ohm GT 8 Core – rated for 50-110W
- 0.18ohm GT Mesh Core – rated for 50-90W
- Comes in a pack of three (3).
Vaping the Vaporesso SWAG II Kit
Sadly, the afore-mentioned menu problems are not the only carryover from the original device. Like clockwork, I had eerily familiar misfiring problems when the SWAG II was fired after being tilted. When held vertically, this never once happened, nor did it occur when firing THEN tilting the device. But there still appears to be a minor glitch or disconnect when engaging the fire key when the SWAG II is tilted to the side.
Once dialed in, the SWAG II produced a solid flow of predictable power, except of course for the afore-mentioned lapses when tilting. I don’t know what continues to cause this, but it led to more than a few rounds of swearing.
When the Vaporesso SWAG II behaved itself, it was a solid little vape device. The listed 80 watts was achievable on a solitary 18650 – and for a decent amount of time. I enjoyed nearly five hours of moderate vaping at 80 watts using the SWAG II with a variety of tanks and drippers, while also playing with the menus extensively, tweaking and adjusting for optimal balance between flavor and vapor.
These misfires are a shame, because when the SWAG II was firing, it produced steady flavor and vapor, for decent periods of time. In temp control, I enjoyed equally flavorful draws, and a smooth, reliable experience all around.
Pros:
- Compact, durable hand-feel
- Improved machining and build quality
- Strong performance when firing correctly
Cons:
- Weird misfire problems remain from the original version
- Middling companion tank
- A little too similar to the original
Bottom Line
The Vaporesso SWAG II made for a frustrating review. When it worked, it provided a comfortable, stylish, high performing vape, handled in a mature, understated chassis. When it didn’t, it was just a little too similar to the problems I faced with the original edition.
Still, if you can look past the somewhat disappointing tank, the firing problems, and the convoluted menu system, the SWAG II offers a potent, portable, powerful experience that might appeal to more stealth-focused vapers. Give one a try and see if your results are different.
