Vaporesso GEN TC 220W Fantastic Starter Kit – Review

Intro and Specs for the Vaporesso GEN kit

Maybe summer isn’t even over, but if I had to do another “year-end” list of the best vape mods of 2019, I’m pretty sure we’d have a unanimous winner. And maybe it’s appropriate that the kids just went back to school, because Vaporesso just dropped a whole load of knowledge on vapers around the world. The lesson is clear – the Vaporesso GEN is how to make a modern vaping device.

A+ Vape Kit

Yeah, this is an A+ review. Yeah, I’m going to use a lot of descriptive, hyperbolic language. And yeah, I’m probably going to sound like a fan boy. But I simply don’t care. The 220-watt GEN is simple, powerful, and features some of the finest performance we’ve seen all year.

Let’s dive in…

Official Propaganda

The GEN kit is a high-powered vaping system equipped with a comprehensive temperature control suite, embedded with the new AXON Chipset and is paired with the flawless Vaporesso SKRR-S Sub-Ohm Tank to create a cloud-chucking vaping monster that will satisfy any level of vaper.

Zinc Alloy

Within the zinc alloy chassis is a AXON Chipset that results in a broad range of applicable resistances for the GEN Starter Kit and allows the GEN to access other modes like Pulse Mode. This innovative Pulse Mode fires every 0.2,s to maintain the temperature control settings previously input, creating a delicate controlled vaping experience. 

In addition, the AXON Chipset releases the full potential of the GEN Starter Kit, unlocking the comprehensive temperature control suite to adjust the temperature of the hit to maintain a smooth and enjoyable vape that can be further adjusted to find the absolute perfect vape.

QF and GT Coils

Furthermore, the Vaporesso GEN 220W TC Box Mod is paired with the Vaporesso SKRR-S Sub-Ohm Tank, a versatile tank holding up to 8mL of today’s most popular eJuice, utilizing coils from either the Vaporesso QF Coil Series or the Vaporesso GT Coil Series within the SKRR-S  Sub-Ohm Tank to create luscious clouds of dense flavor.

Initial Impressions and Aesthetics

I’ve been highly critical of some recent mods for being a little too “antiquated.” But the Vaporesso GEN is a shining example of how to take an unadorned exterior, add the right amount of class and distinction, and turn simplicity into maturity.

My black-on-black test model had pristine machining, with a slender alloy frame (don’t worry, it still handles 26mm atomizers) and FANTASTIC textured rubber side panels that just feel amazing in the palm. There’s enough depth to the tight patterned texture to wick away palm moisture, but without any jarring cuts or angles to limit comfort. Plus, the convex shape sits nicely in the palm, and allows for comfortable firing in any grip.

Fire Key

The gold/bronze fire key, tiny logo plate and 510 connection are the only visual contrasts on the surface of the GEN, but again, they’re done in a classy way. If there was going to be a vape mod designed for the “executive” community, this would be a strong candidate to lead the way. What’s more important is that the fire key and three operation buttons (that’s right, kids – an “action” button is front and center!) all work with rapid precision and no misfires.

Because the design is meant to be understated, the monochrome OLED display makes sense. It’s not as smooth and appealing as others we’ve seen, but given the overall aesthetic, I can let it pass here. If there is a GEN 2 (and there really should be) my only request would be to have a vertically oriented screen/display that features slightly more polish to the numbers and lettering.

Honesty Above All

Also, since I’m required to be absolutely honest and open no matter how much I love this device, the magnetized rear battery door could be a little stronger… and the strap used to remove the dual 18650 batteries could be a little shorter. I was constantly struggling to keep it in place.

So, for those keeping score, the biggest visual knock on the Vaporesso GEN’s looks is the length of the battery retrieval strap.

Pretty impressive, no?

Vaporesso SKRR-S Tank

Interestingly, Vaporesso paired the GEN with the full-sized SKRR-S sub-ohm tank – a larger version of the recently reviewed SKRR-S Mini. However, what’s even more interesting is that the larger capacity (8mL vs. the Mini’s 3.5mL) version uses the same exact coils. AND, it maintains the same cross-compatibility as all the others, right back to the venerable GT coils (yes, the ones from years ago).

SKRR-S

Apparently, giving the SKRR-S some extra real estate pays huge dividends in performance. We LIKED the Mini version, but had some issues with leaking and the top cap. Here, all debts have been paid and all problems rectified – the SKRR-S is a fantastic sub-ohm tank with a range of great coils to choose from along the way. Whether you like the proven performance of those nubby little GT heads, or prefer a modern mesh alternative, this is what versatility looks like in 2019.

Of course, all this performance comes at a price – juice consumption. Even with 8.5mL of capacity (5mL if you use the included straight glass section) the high-flow, high-thirst coils makes juice consumption a concern. Not as bad as some others we’ve tried lately, but have some e-liquid on you at all times when vaping the SKRR-S.

QF Strip

Of the two included coils, the QF mesh head provided the higher flavor clarity than the QF Strip, but both are quite good and will keep you satisfied for a lot longer than you’d expect given the massive, room-filling cloud production.

More importantly, all of this flavor and vapor comes with zero leaking and a much-improved screw-off cap. While I always prefer a flip-top fill system for convenience, this is a small price to pay for top-tier performance.

Vaping the Vaporesso GEN Kit

For years, Vaporesso devices centered on the OMNI chipset. And, depending on the mod in question, it either performed beautifully or horrendously. Well, the company decided to make a move with the GEN, and we couldn’t be happier. Because the AXON chipset appears to be a thing of beauty.

Linear Menu

While the linear menu system and simple display might not show off the full capability of this new board, there’s one HUGE piece of evidence that it’s a hot commodity – the absolute best battery life of any mod we’ve reviewed in 2019. And to be honest, it probably dates back way further… I just can’t remember the last time we got this much high-wattage vape time from a pair of 18650 cells.

Vaping the included 0.18-ohm Meshed Coil at a solid 75 watts, I vaped the GEN for nearly a full calendar day. Not a workday. Not through happy hour. A full day, from morning coffee to late night snack, before it finally started wavering. And to prove it wasn’t a fluke, I swapped tanks, raised the power output, and pretty much did it again the next day.

Performance Plus!

Bold claims, to be sure. But the GEN kept delivering. And it also made me wonder just how much battery life we’re wasting on hi-res screens, touch inputs and gaudy light shows. Plus, it performed just as efficiently in wattage as it did in Pulse (temp control) and power-sipping Eco modes. I got the best vape performance using straight power, but know that you’ll enjoy the same level of battery life in any of the available settings.

Speaking of power, the GEN is pretty good at ramping up. It might not be as lightning quick as other mods built around this feature, but the GEN more than holds it own at delivering instant bursts of warm vapor.

Fast Charging?

My only complaint about functionality comes from the onboard “fast charging” feature, which does what it says, but with more heat output than I’m comfortable with. It’s there if you need it, but we always recommend using external chargers whenever possible.

Pros:

– Gorgeous, distinctive appearance

– Unbelievable battery life

– Fantastic, ergonomic feel

Cons:

– Onboard charging gets a little hot

– Display could be a LITTLE more advanced

– Ummmm… the long battery strap?

Spinfuel VAPE Recommendation and Score

Truthfully, we don’t hand out many A+ scores here, but when we do, we mean it. Despite a tiny handful of hair-splitting complaints, there’s no doubt the GEN (and the AXON chipset) is a huge statement by Vaporesso, and a testament to mods that favor function over flash. This simply gorgeous, top-tier kit needs to sit at the top of your list on your next shopping trip.