Table of Contents
Introduction to the Think Vape Finder DNA250C
We’ve been waiting a long time for DNA chipsets to match the convenience and power output offered by so many other vape mods on the market, while still maintaining Evolv’s industry-leading precision and accuracy.
Well, our time has come, in the form of the Think Vape Finder DNA250C.
Don’t be fooled by the “250” in the chipset name. Hitting an incredible 300 watts, with a purported 98% power efficiency rating, on just three 18650 cells, the Finder DNA250C makes a formidable first impression with its specs. But it also looks the part, with bold, brash design and a monstrous feel in the hand.
The entire device is excessively tall – roughly 90mm without an atomizer, to be exact. But it’s solid throughout, with solid zinc alloy construction wherever metal is needed. The large, hexagon-shaped fire key, and well-place up/down buttons do what they need to without rattling and feel completely responsive no matter how you hold the mod.
Of course, there’s only so much manufacturers can do with a triple-battery format. The space requirement dictates the shape of the mod, and – save for a giant cube – there isn’t much else that can be done to make this type of device powerful and comfortable. For what it is, it’s built and designed well.
This is a high-end device and Think Vape designed it with that in mind. The grip on my test model was striking, without being overbearing. And the heavily grooved, chiseled 510 plate jumps off the top of the mod, with an almost mechanical, automotive vibe.
One nice change from the original Finder DNA 250C is the wider spacing on the top design, which was an absolute nightmare to clean, especially with leaky tanks. Now tissues and cotton swabs have enough room to keep things tidy and dry.
I’m also happy to report the battery doors are 100% compatible with the original Think Vape Finder DNA250, so those with wide collections can safely attach them to this color update
This Finder DNA 250C’s top plate is raised, but is wide enough to accommodate most atomizers, with only the 30mm tanks presenting any overhang. And trust me, the overhang is so minimal, it’s likely you won’t even tell when looking at it. On the flip side, given the massive girth of this mod, smaller (<22mm) atomizers will look ridiculous by comparison.
Operation and Highlights of the DNA 250C
The gorgeous TFT, full-color display, which offers a much higher level of accessibility to otherwise difficult DNA operations, is the highlight of the Finder DNA 250C. Though it’s only around 1-inch in diameter, the DNA 250C screen makes perfect use of the available real estate, with visibility into all pertinent information, and clear operations and adjustments for nearly every element of your vape. Is it “effortless?” No – this system is still deep and complicated. But compared to the unrelenting finger gymnastics of a traditional DNA mod, this is downright artwork.
Is the display as impressive as some other offerings out there? Well, no. But to get the trademark DNA precision, in a setup that can be understood by everyday people? Well, that’s worth mentioning all on its own.
With the new display comes the updated DNA control scheme, which now includes a third operation button for enter/action inputs. The addition of this button allows users to easily and clearly select and modify items on the device, rather than enduring a dense series of button presses and holds to achieve the same results.
On a tactile level, the Finder 250C is easy to operate with one hand once the menu system is learned. Within minutes, I was moving from wattage to temp control and back, largely with one hand, and no missteps along the way. I won’t go as far as to call the device “ergonomic.” But, other than the sheer heft and size, no problems or discomfort were using the Finder 250C mod, even after extended periods of time.
Also improved is the DNA 250C protection suite, which helps ensure eager new vapers don’t over-do it with the mod’s abilities. The suite includes: Cell-by-Cell Monitoring, Cell Balancer, Atomizer Protection, Low Resistance Protection, Short Circuit Protection, Overheat Protection and even Low Voltage Step Down Protection.
While DNA mods remain often impenetrable, highly advanced vaping devices, it’s nice to see Evolv has lowered the barrier to entry for newcomers who want to venture into this level of vape technology.
Think Vape Finder DNA250c Specs:
- Triple High-Amp 18650 Battery Platform – Not Included
- Patented Evolv DNA250 Color Chipset
- Wattage Output Range: 1-300W
- Temperature Range: 200-600F
- Min Kanthal Resistance: 0.1ohm
- Min Temperature Resistance: 0.08ohm
- Preheat Functionality
- Intuitive 0.96″ TFT Full-Color Display
- Highly Responsive Three Button Adjustment
- Reverse Protection System
- Upgradeable Escribe Software
- 98% Output Efficiency
- Cell-by-Cell Monitoring
- Cell Balancer
- Atomizer Protection
- Low Resistance Protection
- Short Circuit Protection
- Overheat Protection
- Low Voltage Step Down Protection
- Onboard Reverse Polarity Protection
- Micro-USB Port – 2A Balance Charging Capability
- Stainless Steel 510 Thread Point
- Spring-Loaded Nickel-Plated Brass 510 Connection
Think Vape Finder DNA250c Contents:
- 1 Finder DNA250C Box Mod
- 1 MicroUSB Cable
- Instructional Manual
Personal Observations
I am going to write this section as a vaper, not a vape reviewer. Because somany DNA device reviews get so lost in the minutiae and technical specs, they forget to answer the questions vapers want to know most:
- Does it vape well?
- Is it comfortable to use?
- Is it worth the money?
So, let’s approach this from a different angle. First off, yes – the Think Vape Finder DNA 250C vapes EXTREMELY well. In fact, as an overall experience, I think this might be the best implementation of a DNA chipset to date, trumping even the gorgeous Lost Vape Paranormal DNA 250C (review coming soon). Though it’s not the most beautiful or comfortable mod around, the streamlined design, simpler operations and sheer power just flat out work.
In wattage mode, the Finder DNA250C is as smooth as 1976 Billy Dee Williams. Effortless ramping, true 300-watt capability, and stutter-free vaping at high wattages make the Finder a winner. Plus, even above 200 watts, the mod doesn’t swallow battery life, thanks to the vaunted efficiency performance of DNA chips.
Of course, to buy a DNA device for wattage alone almost seems silly. I may not be a temperature control vaper, but to not customize temperature curves and take advantage of Escribe adjustments defeats the purpose of this platform. If you’re a DNA mod enthusiast, you’re probably well-versed in the chipset’s companion Escribe software, which works just as well with the Finder 250C, as any other DNA device.
There are also considerable adjustments you can make, right on the device. These curves might not be as pinpoint accurate as the ones made through the PC software. But all in all, having this functionality onscreen is more than enough for most vapers… even the ones who claim to sense the difference between 1.2 and 1.3 millisecond ramping.
On a baser level, the Think Vape Finder DNA 250C is a blast to vape. I used a wide range of atomizers for testing, and experienced no compatibility problems, save for one older RTA that has this problem with several other devices. The hardware is top-tier. The firmware is impressive and accessible. And the vape quality is truly outstanding.
Though I’m not sure ANY mod needs 300-watt capability, if you’re planning on flying that high, there aren’t many mods that can do it better than the Finder. But no matter where you vape on the power spectrum, this mod never feels under- or overpowered – instead, it’s just right, no matter how you want to adjust your preferences.
Out of all the positives, the ONLY complaint I have about the Think Vape Finder DNA 250C is one I may not ever need to worry about – venting. I’m a stickler for safety on ANY vape device but take special exception to high-wattage devices like this not having ample venting. It might BE there, but I’m not seeing any special vent holes near the battery door and would have readily traded some of the design elements in favor of airflow.
Bottom Lining the Think Vape Finder DNA250c
Writing an “every person’s” DNA mod review is tough because the chipset’s myriad customizations and adjustments can scare off curious newcomers. So, to those who aren’t looking for this level of customization, but still want an ultra-reliable vape mod – buy the Think Vape Finder DNA 250C with confidence. No matter what you’re currently vaping, chances are this will become the best mod in your collection.
If you ARE seeking ridiculous levels of customization and control, you can also buy with confidence, since the DNA 250C chipset is the pinnacle of Evolv’s vision, brought to life by a highly impressive package from Think Vape.