The old “Transformers” cartoon had a memorable tagline: “Robots in disguise.” Since the Vaporesso Switcher 220W Mod Kit began its life as the “Transformer,” I felt it only right to let you know, the Switcher is very much a “Revenger (mod kit review here) in disguise.”

But does that make the Vaporesso Switcher a bad Mod? Not at all! In fact, it might be the best thing the company has done since the original Tarot (review here) set the pace for the company’s Mod designs. It’s not without flaws, but the Vaporesso Switcher 220W Mod Kit is a winner, and worth your consideration the next time you hit up a shop, or venture over to Vapor Authority.

The big selling point for the Vaporesso Switcher is the replaceable slide-on sleeves that change the color of your device. Our silver and black test Model didn’t come with an extra set, but promo photos indicate a wide range of colors and contrasts, to suit most Modern vapers.

Our test edition was attractive, in a mechanical, futuristic sort of way. This symmetric, sizeable Box is definitely on the larger end of the spectrum, and has a fair amount of heft, even without the dual-18650 batteries installed.

Visually, there’s a lot going on with the Switcher. The textured side panels (part of the replaceable sleeves) have an extraterrestrial feel, but also provide a nice, subtle grip when operating the Mod. The front panel is particularly busy, with a 1-inch display, three-button control scheme, USB charge and upgrade port, and an oversized, hexagonal fire key. Yet, within the design aesthetic, it never becomes too overbearing.

The Switcher’s rear panel continues the alien-like, circuit design, alongside several large cutouts that seem to be for visuals only, since I couldn’t find any noticeable venting throughout the Switcher’s framework.

Finally, Vaporesso has always had strong 510 connections, but the center-mounted one on the Switcher might be the most bullet-proof one to date. No matter how I tried, it is rock-solid, and a highlight of the Mod. Plus, it’s ample size accomModated all but a few of my atomizers in style, with only the 30mm tanks showing any overhang.

Let’s lead off with the physical operations. Because of its size, and jutting, angular frame, the Vaporesso Switcher might not be comfortable in every hand. But most adult users should be able to do so without much trouble. However, I can foresee one concern with the design – the front facing fire key.

Don’t get me wrong, the stainless fire button is clicky, large and responsive. But Vaporesso decided to place it dead center, on the widest part of the Switcher’s frame. Though similar Mods in this category usually use side-mounted fire keys or bars, this design choice made for the occasional awkward grip and misfire.

That said, the rest of the Switcher feels good in the hands. The futuristic cutouts and gaps help add a sense of grip, and even allow for a little airflow between the device and the palm, so things don’t get too sweaty or slippery.

The front-mounted control buttons are also responsive, and have a good texture and flow to ensure accurate inputs on every press. The center-mounted “action” button is particularly nice, with a gently knurled finish that feels great to press.

On the inside, the proven and powerful OMNI 2.6 chipset shines as always. Not only does the board offer 220-watt power on two 18650 batteries, but also a full temp control suite, TCR settings, bypass Mode, custom heating curves, protection measures and more.

Thanks to the three-button control scheme, accessing and navigating the simplified menu system is a breeze. All customization and adjustment options are clearly laid out in horizontal “trees,” with little confusion to be had about proper button presses or the ever-present “where do I go next?” It’s all very straightforward and user-friendly, even for newcomers.

(Plus, in a nice change of pace, the included Switcher instructions were both detailed and well-translated. It made things a lot easier when first firing up the Mod.)

One minor letdown was the supposedly brighter and more vibrant display, which actually wasn’t. Not that it was bad by any means, but a monochrome OLED display is hardly worth getting excited about in 2018, and there’s nothing exciting here, either. That said, it works well and does what it should.

Let me lead off by saying we don’t need to go deep into the included NRG tank and GT coils. We’ve reviewed and discussed them countless times on these pages, and per usual, they are solid, flavorful performers.

If anything, I actually felt a little disappointed that a flagship device like the Switcher wasn’t packaged with a flagship tank like the new Cascade. For a commanding Mod like this, the NRG seemed both small and underwhelming by comparison. I wouldn’t be surprised to see Vaporesso come up with a new Switcher Kit soon, if not sooner.

Putting the Switcher into action was an instantly familiar experience. The most recent Revenger Mods were outstanding performers, and the similar chipsets mean users will enjoy the same snappy, fast-ramping performance, and the same battery efficiency, to boot.

In wattage Mode, the Switcher effortlessly gets to its 220-watt max in fast order, and stays cool to the touch when doing so. Of course, battery life dwindles at these levels, but the regular vaper who occasionally wants to soar higher can feel comfortable bringing the Switcher out on a day trip.

Lowering the wattage to more reasonable levels changed the battery life for the better, and I enjoyed nearly six hours of Moderate vaping on one charge. Those aren’t world-beating numbers, but they’re more than adequate for most.

Plus, the 2-amp balanced onboard charging not only works quickly, but keeps each cell level during charging, to eliminate spikes or unbalances.

In temperature control, the OMNI 2.6 board shines, and all coil types were instantly recognized, and easily adjusted to meet my particular needs. Of my three test coils, only titanium seemed to offer any hiccups when setting my resistance, but it was quickly rectified by locking that down.

But there were no ramping issues or imbalanced heating to be found. By now, companies have gotten temp control down to a (literal) science, and Vaporesso has rarely, if ever, disappointed in this department.

Vaporesso Switcher 220W Features:

• 5 to 220W Output
  • OMNI Board 2.6
    • Simple Operation
      • Graphical Virtual Keys
      • “Unlock” Button
      • Puff Number Statistics
      • High Power Protection Function
  • 0.05 to 5.0 ohm Atomizer Resistance Range
  • 0 to 8.5V Voltage Range
  • Smart VW
    • Automatically Recommend Ideal Output
    • Can Easily Adjust
  • Customized Curve of Wattage (CCW)
    • Customize Wattage Output By Second Increments
    • Customize Ramp Up by 0.5 Second Increments
  • Bypass Mode
  • Firmware Upgradeable
• Temperature Control Suite
  • Ni200 Nickel Support
  • Titanium Support
  • SS316 Support
  • Customized Curve of Temperature (CCT)
    • Customize Temperature Output Over Time
  • TCR Mode
  • 200 to 600 Degrees Fahrenheit
  • Atomizer Lock
• Hinge-and-Lock Battery Bay Access
  • Dual 18650 Battery Powered (sold separately)
• Sleek and Beautiful Chassis Design
  • Futuristic Styling
• Four Button Control Face
  • Enlarged Firing Button
• 0.96 Inch OLED Display
  • Temperature Mode and Output
  • Output Power
  • Atomizer Resistance
  • Individual Battery Life Indicator
    • Remaining Charging Time (RCT)
  • Puff Counter
  • Real Time Clock (RTC) Setting
  • Screen Blends in to Panel
  • 16 Tier Brightness Adjustments
• 2.5A Quick Charge System
  • Remaining Charging Time
  • Equalizing Charge System
  • USB Input Protection
• Micro USB Charging Port
• Zinc and Aluminum Alloy Chassis
• Revolutionary Case Replaceable Design
  • Additional Cases Sold Separately
  • Note: Battery Door Must Be Open All The Way To Change Chassis Case
• Spring Loaded Gold Plated 510 Connection
• Low Voltage/Current/Output Short Circuit/Load/Low Resistance/Overheating/Anti Loaded/Timeout Protection

Vaporesso Switcher 220W Dimensions:

• 53mm by 89mm by 31mm

Vaporesso NRG Sub-Ohm Tank Features:

• 26.5mm Diameter
• Slide To Fill Top Fill Design
  • Large Fill Port
  • 5ml Maximum Capacity
• GT Coil Family
  • GT 4
    • 0.15 ohm
    • Dual Vertical Coil
    • 30 to 70W
    • 45 to 65W Recommended Range
  • GT 8
    • 0.15 ohm
    • Quadruple Vertical Coil
    • 50 to 110W
    • 60 to 80W Recommended Range
  • Organic Cotton
• Dual Adjustable Bottom Airflow
  • 13mm by 2.5mm Each Airslot
  • Fully Closeable
• Heating Insulation Layer
• 510 Drip Tip Adapter

Vaporesso Switcher 220W Includes:

• One Vaporesso Switcher 220W TC Box Mod
• One Vaporesso NRG Sub-Ohm Tank
• One 0.15 ohm GT 4 Coil
• One 0.15 ohm GT 8 Coil
• Spare Glass and O-Rings
• Micro USB Charging Cable
• User Manual