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Very few high-quality mods reference pricing on their packaging, but I have to tip my cap to Think Vape, which acknowledged it right on the box through the tagline, “Presenting you with class and affordability.”
And to this point, Think Vape is spot on – the Exus Ark is indeed one of the most striking, attractive mods in my collection, with bold curves that make a statement without sacrificing ergonomics. Add to the mix a chipset that closely mimics a DNA experience, and you’ve got a recipe for success, even in a crowded marketplace.
Let’s see how the Exus Ark stacks up…
Initial impressions of the Think Vape Exus Ark Mod
As you probably realized, we love the way the Exus Ark looks and feels. Our black/carbon test model was sharp, and the leather and simulated wood grain options are equally classy and attractive. It’s an altogether more “mature” device that forgoes LED light shows and gaudy screen displays in favor of a distinct, higher-end aesthetic. In short, it looks amazing.
Taking it out of the simple, straightforward packaging, the Exus Ark is reassuringly weighty in the hand. Though it’s not quite as bomb-proof as some mods we’ve tested, it feels durable, and more than capable of withstanding daily use and abuse.
More importantly, it feels comfortable. Though the sharp looking metal frame and angled fire button seem awkward at first, the Exus Ark is well-machined, and very sensibly laid out. The fire button, in particular, was a pleasant surprise, as its flush button felt fantastic, whether using a thumb or trigger grip. Very rarely do mods seem thoughtfully designed – the Exus Ark is the exception.
One small note about my black on black carbon test model, if Think Vape had employed more contrast – perhaps black carbon on silver – this would have been as striking as the available leather and woodgrain designs. This isn’t to say my test model was unattractive, but I think the smooth curves get a little muted with a monochrome color palate.
Another item worth mentioning is the 0.91-inch OLED display, which is so close to a DNA experience that Think Vape might have to pay royalties. Mimicry aside, the screen is bright, easily legible, and viewable in any light – it’s a simple, proven layout that serves up all the information any vaper will need.
Using the Think Vape Exus Ark Mod
Simplicity is the name of the game when it comes to operating the Exus Ark. This isn’t a device for tinkerers, custom curve junkies, and those who require excessive options. Instead, this is a mature-looking machine for vapers who simply want to vape without fuss.
That’s not to say there aren’t ample features in the ST 200 chipset. Full wattage and TC suites, true 200-watt capability, and a wide range of protection measures are all built in. However, those looking for more expansive additions, such as bypass mode, and customized heating curves, will likely find the Exus Ark a little pedestrian.
On a more physical level, the Exus Ark’s ergonomics make operation a breeze. The up/down control buttons are made from the same zinc alloy as the primary frame, and are firm and clicky. The large round fire button is similarly solid, with no rattle to speak of.
The bottom-positioned USB port functions as both a charge and upgrade connection, though I found the zinc alloy frame heated up a little too much for my liking when plugged in. That said, the 2-amp charging WAS speedy, making it a nice fallback option, if not a regular solution.
At the time of publishing, there were no firmware upgrades available for download, nor did I feel the Exus Ark really needed one, as there weren’t any noticeable bugs or deficiencies in the stock firmware. If a future upgrade significantly affects performance down the line, we’ll be sure to update this review accordingly.
Menu operation is about as minimalist as you can find on a mod in this category. Three successive fire button presses bring you to a straightforward menu tree that allows you to select mode or TCR settings.
There are also stealth mode and battery saver functionalities here, for those interested. All in all, vape veterans will have no trouble assimilating to this DNA-lite experience, and newcomers will find navigation to be direct and easy to use.
Vaping the Think Vape Exus Ark Mod
Throughout this review, I’ve used terms like “simple” and “minimalist” to describe the overall design of the Exus Ark. However, we can’t use these terms to describe the device’s power. The Exus Ark reaches a legitimate 200 watts without flinching, and also has a top temperature maximum of 662-degrees Fahrenheit (though the packaging claims “just” 600 degrees).
Unlike most mods I review, I decided to first test the temperature control suite, since – quite honestly – it isn’t given much attention in the instruction manual. Using a Ni200 dual coil setup, I found the Exus Ark to be quite capable of offering a straightforward TC vape that heated up well, and maintained consistent flavor and vapor throughout. My “go-to” titanium setup offered similar results, with slightly warmer vapor and better flavor than the Ni200.
If anything, vaping in TC felt a TOUCH conservative and underpowered, but this isn’t necessarily a complaint. I always prefer to err on the side of caution when using temp control, and the Exus Ark seems to have been designed to give TC newcomers a little wiggle room when dabbling.
In power/wattage mode, the Exus Ark hit its stride. Using a coil that read RIGHT at the device’s lower limit of 0.1 ohm, I stepped up power from 90 watts all the way to the max of 200, without ever once getting a burnt hit. Sure, I wouldn’t chain vape at that altitude, but the short, quick draws I took were rich and flavorful, without any instance of scorching.
Lowered to more reasonable wattages, the Exus Ark proved itself to be a powerful, precise vape machine, that is both pocket-friendly and substantial. I used a wide range of prebuilt and rebuildable tanks and RDAs, and all performed well, with accurate ohm readings, smooth, pulse-free draws, and a refreshing simplicity of operation.
Battery life on the Exus Ark was above-average. While I wasn’t getting record-setting durations, a pair of fresh 18650s regularly gave me 6-7 hours of steady, 80-watt vaping, never once throwing a random error or misfire.
Wrapping up… and the Score
Amid the recent flood of feature-rich, performance-needy devices, seeing a beautiful, distinct, high-performing device cross my desk was a breath of fresh air.
Technical users who want unlimited control over power curves and custom settings will likely want to steer clear of this mod. But anyone who wants a high-performance mod that doesn’t require a master’s degree or a home equity loan should run, not walk, to the nearest shop carrying the Think Vape Exus Ark.
Score: A
Exus Ark Specs and Package Contents
Think Vape Exus Ark 200W mod features:
- Variable wattage: 5W – 200W
- Temperature Control: 100C – 300C / 212F – 662F
- Resistance range: 0.1 ohm – 3.0 ohm
- Output voltage: 0.1V – 7.5V
- Zinc alloy construction with leather or carbon fiber
- Supports Ni, Ti and SS wires
- 0.91 inch OLED display
- Ergonomic (angled) oversized fire button
- Numerous built-in safety protections
- Sliding magnetic battery door
- Spring-loaded 510 connection
- Powered by dual 18650 batteries (sold separately)
Think Vape Exus Ark 200W mod contents:
- 1x Exus Ark mod
- 1x USB cable
- 1x User manual
- 1x Warranty card