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Everything old is new again. Especially in vaping, when it’s not uncommon to see “updated” versions of mod kits appear just months after an initial release. But I didn’t expect to see a new version of the Vaporesso Luxe hit the market, since the awesome Vaporesso GEN seemed to become their flagship a year ago.
Well, we’re glad they did. While the Luxe II doesn’t reinvent the brand’s look and feel, the changes UNDER the hood and on top of the mod more than justify another purchase. Let’s see why, starting with the details.
The Vaporesso LUXE II 2 220W Starter Kit, featuring a dual 18650 battery layout, various operating modes, and comes with the Vaporesso NRG-S Tank. Outfitted with the AXON Chipset, the LUXE II 2 Starter Kit, is capable of reaching 220W, powered by the dual 18650 batteries.
Featuring various firing modes, the LUXE II is great for both beginner and advanced vapers, offering a Variable Wattage Mode, Pulse Mode, and Smart TC Mode to accommodate both types of users.
In addition, the Vaporesso LUXE II 2 Starter Kit comes paired with the Vaporesso NRG-S Tank, an innovative sub-ohm tank that utilizes the Vaporesso GT Mesh Coils to produce outstanding and unrivaled flavor.
Vaporesso LUXE II 2 220W Box Mod Features:
- AXON Chipset
- Dimensions – 89.9mm by 47.8mm by 29.5mm
- Dual High-Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
- Wattage Output Range: 5-220W
- Resistance Range: 0.03-5.0ohm
- Pulse Mode
- Power ECO Mode
- Smart TC Mode
- DIY Mode
- Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
- Intuitive Firing Button
- 0″ TFT Color Display
- Two Adjustment Buttons
- Tactile Vibrational Feedback
- Overtime Protection
- Overheat Protection
- Short-Circuit Protection
- USB Input Protection
- No Load Protection
- Low Battery Protection
- Low Resistance Protection
- Threaded 510 Connection
- Available in Iceberg, Gorilla, Black, Lava, Bronze Coral, Bronze Stripe
Vaporesso NRG-S Sub-Ohm Tank Features:
- 30mm Diameter – Widest Point
- 8mL Tank Capacity
- Optional 2mL Tank Capacity
- Sliding Top Fill System
- Vaporesso GT Mesh Coil Series
- 18ohm GT Mesh Coil – rated for 50-85W
- 15ohm GT4 Mesh Coil – rated for 50-75W
- Threaded Coil Installation
- Threaded 510 Connection
- Available in Lime Green, Midnight Blue, Cherry Pink, Rose Gold, Matte Grey
Vaporesso LUXE II Starter Kit Includes:
- LUXE II 2 Mod
- NRG-S Tank
- 0.18ohm GT Meshed Coil
- 0.15ohm GT4 Meshed Coil
- Replacement Glass
- 4 O-Rings
Aesthetics Vaporesso Luxe II Mod Kit
Other than the panel designs and the color options, not a thing has changed since the original Vaporesso Luxe hit the streets in 2018. But, for those new to the series, the Luxe II continues the sharp, almost “executive-like” aesthetic, which couples smooth, curved edges and recessed buttons with bold panel designs and a tactile feedback touchscreen display.
You know what? Vaporesso really didn’t have to change anything. Even with some crowded competition, the Luxe II is still a stunner. Not only is the machining and build quality top-notch, but the responsive touchscreen is suitably high-tech, without becoming cumbersome. It’s just a pleasure to set up and use, through and through.
I should mention that Vaporesso leaned toward the playful side of things when choosing the new colorways and panel designs. While most are still “executive-worthy” there are brighter colors, bolder contrasts, and one gorilla design that I’m thrilled I didn’t get for a review model.
In short, most vapers will find something to like, design-wise, but those who already own a Luxe are going to want to read on before making a purchasing decision.
The Vaporesso NRG-S Tank
Even the included NRG-S tank is a throwback, resembling a hybrid design from several other Vaporesso offerings. The original Luxe came with the SKRR tank and coil series, which enjoyed a short, but successful run as a flagship for the company. But they did something even smarter for this edition.
Very quietly, Vaporesso has provided its fans tremendous value by maintaining the outstanding NRG coil series. Not only have these coils continued to appear in kits year over year, but they’ve also been upgraded to include mesh coils and other modern features, without losing compatibility with older tanks.
This commitment to brand loyalty and value is rare in the vaping industry, and it should be commended. It’s far too easy for companies to introduce “proprietary” coil systems as a cash grab, but hats off to Vaporesso for sticking to its high-performing series for the better part of six years. Impressive, to say the least.
The tank itself looks like the SKRR, with an 8mL capacity bubble glass (and a straight glass option in the box) and very little adornment to speak of. The NRG brand has always been understated, and even in a bronze color, this tank prefers to stand out through performance, not flair and hype.
There isn’t much to say about the NRG’s GT coils, since we’ve been reviewing them since Vaporesso released the Revenger. Just know that they’re small in stature, yet tremendous in flavor, vapor production and longevity. If that doesn’t compel you to buy, you’re reading the wrong site.
Vaping the Vaporesso Luxe II Kit
As we mentioned, the changes to the Luxe II exist under the hood, starting with the AXON chipset, which also appears in the awesome Vaporesso GEN mod, and replaces the aging OMNI board. To the untrained, this means nothing, since the original Luxe was a strong performer.
But to those who follow these things, the AXON brings faster ramping, more responsive firing, and unbeatable battery efficiency to the table, turning the Luxe into a mod that’s as pretty on the inside as it is to the eyeballs.
The touch-enabled display is a bit more responsive, and less prone to pocket mishaps than its predecessor. Whether that’s related to the chipset or the firmware remains to be seen, but I noticed an improvement right out of the gate.
The same can be said for the firing speed. While the original Luxe was no slouch in this department, the Luxe II offers near-immediate firing, and a more-accurate cutoff time for longer draws. Again, minor improvements, but noticeable ones for fans of the series.
Battery life is where this update shines brightest. Whereas the original Luxe offered fair-to-good cell efficiency, the Luxe II blows it out of the water, giving me nearly seven hours of steady use before I had to swap. This included countless menu navigations, mode adjustments, and more. There was rarely a time when I WASN’T playing with the menu trees, and the device just laughed it off and kept on firing.
Plus, the proven, venerable NRG-GT coils delivered their trademark flavor and vapor just as efficiently. Maybe it’s because the 8mL tank offered plenty of capacity, but I was also reminded of how frugal these heads are, even with heavy use.
All in all, just a completely enjoyable vape experience that further cements Vaporesso as a pillar in the industry.
Pros:
- Gorgeous new colors and designs
- AXON chipset massively improves performance
- A welcome return for the NRG coil series
Cons:
- Maybe not different ENOUGH for some buyers
- The touchscreen might alienate some others.
- That gorilla needs to go away. Now.
Bottom Line
Most vape product “updates” are unnecessary, and feel like cheap cash grabs. This isn’t one of them. The Vaporesso Luxe II may look similar, but this isn’t the same mod you used a few years back. With these performance upgrades and improved battery efficiency, Vaporesso made a genuine “2.0” version that addresses every minor flaw from the original.
No, it’s not for everyone, even with a wider range of designs. But if you want a true, all-encompassing vape mod setup, your shortlist should definitely include the Luxe II kit.
