Voopoo X-217 the Best Vape Mod of 2019?

Here we are, only halfway through 2019, but I’m ready to call it – the Voopoo X-217 is the best vape mod of the year. Bold statement? Sure. Likely to change by year’s end? Not likely at all. Not only is this dual 21700/20700/18650 device an absolute beast of a mod, but it’s also the best use of the larger batteries we’ve seen so far.

I don’t know if it’s the updated GENE chip powering things under the hood, or just a better overall design, but this thing arrived on our desks a few weeks’ back, and none of us can put them down. Well, that’s not entirely true, one of our staffers has an issue with its front panel fire button, but the rest of us have nothing to say except good things. No single vape box is perfect however, so keep that in mind as you read further.

Here’s the official line on the Voopoo X-217, courtesy of Element Vape:

The VOOPOO X217 217W TC Box Mod is a collaborative effort with Woody Vapes to create a superlative vape devices, integrating the fast-firing GENE.FAN Chip with dynamic power output modes all within a visually stunning design with LED Light-Up features. Fundamentally grounded with attention-to-details, the VOOPOO x Woody Vape X217 implements high-quality chassis construction with carbon fiber inlays and a large 1.3″ TFT HD Screen for the ultimate user experience.

When I first learned a dual 21700-capable mod was coming, I cleared room on my desk for another oversized device. Instead, I got a tall, but relatively slender and pocket-friendly mod – hardly a groundbreaking design, but perfect for what this mod really is. Instead of resorting to over-the-top graphics, colors and strange visual quirks, Voopoo kept it simple and designed a mod that is as classy as it is powerful, though better looking than the WISMEC Reuleaux RX2

From the bombproof 510 connection, to the well-done carbon fiber decals, all the way to a phenomenal 1.3-inch TFT display, there’s nothing on the X-217 that doesn’t exude professionalism and maturity. Coming from a company known for elaborate resin panels and even sliding, fidget toy-like battery doors, the X-217 is pleasingly “grown up.”

Though I did use the word “slender” make no mistake, the X-217 is a touch larger than your standard dual-18650 mods. But the smooth curves and ergonomic layout make it seem much smaller than it actually is. Even with a 30+mm atomizer connected to the top (because the X-217 can handle up to 32mm tanks without a drop of overhang).

The X-217’s front-facing fire key is color matched to a slim back plate, but otherwise, the X-217 is awash in highly polished metal and subtle carbon accents. All the buttons – including the rocker-style up/down adjustment keys – are wonderfully firm and clicky, with zero lack of responsiveness, even under heavy use.

And again, the display might be the best one we’ve seen in a long while. There’s nothing “standout” about it, except for how clean and legible everything is within the screen size. There are some interesting wallpapers included, though none of them are particularly suited for reading a vape device. Let’s hope Voopoo adds some via firmware updates, or by letting users upload their own images to better personalize their experiences.

I should also mention there IS an LED light show option, which is enabled by default. Anyone who knows my reviews realizes I shut it off right away. But it’s there if you want to draw a little more attention to yourself.

Standout Features of the Voopoo X-217

I’ll keep this short and sweet – there is no mod available with better battery performance than the Voopoo X-217. I’ve heard tales of true “all day” power coming from users across the world, but we’ve never seen a mod make better use of the larger battery formats than this. I installed two fresh 21700 cells into the bottom hinged battery door at 9am, and didn’t remove them to swap in fresh cells until 9pm. And that was under heavy use/testing conditions.

It got to a point where I was worried that the onscreen battery meter was faulty. But I was thankfully wrong, and quickly learned to enjoy smooth ramping power than never wavers, even when pushing things to the upper echelons of the X-217’s capabilities.

Even better, when the cells started to fade a bit, the X-217 still kicked out full power until it’s last puff. This has been a pattern that has repeated since first opening the box two weeks ago. Under normal use, I’ve enjoyed once-daily battery swaps. Every. Damn. Day.

(There are included adapters for 18650 cell use, but honestly, that’s for emergency purposes only. If you have 20700 or 21700 cells, dust them off and put them to work – this is what we’ve been waiting for.)

Vaping the Voopoo X-217 Mod

The only black mark I experienced with the X-217 was the menu system, which was a little less intuitive than we’ve all come to expect. The GENE.FAN chipset is relatively new to me, but the usual linear, “three click” system isn’t in play here. I HIGHLY suggest referring to the manual, or going to YouTube before getting frustrated – it’s not difficult once you get the flow, but it’s not a beginner-friendly system, either.

Other than that, the Voopoo X-217 is an exercise in pure satisfaction from the moment you hit the fire key. The ramping is flawless. The temp control is laser-precise, with custom curve adjustments. The wattage is smooth and accurate. And all (I repeat, ALL) of my tanks and RDAs worked without an ounce of trouble. Low-wattage, max-wattage, it doesn’t matter – the X-217 is about as close to a “jack of all trade” mod as there is on the market.

For the record, I put the X-217 to use as a low-wattage, mouth-to-lung machine and saw two and a half days of performance before having to swap cells. If you’re not a cloud chucker but hate unreliable battery life, you should strongly consider grabbing one. Your trusty old Kayfun RTA might look a little small atop the mod, but you’ll probably never worry about carrying spare batteries again.

Pros:

– Gorgeous, ergonomic design

– UNREAL battery life

– Flawless power and TC performance

Cons:

– Menus are a little difficult to understand at first

– Still a larger mod than some would prefer

– [SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK BECAUSE THE X-217 IS AWESOME]

Spinfuel VAPE Recommendation and Score

I’ve spent the last two weeks trying (and struggling) to find flaws in the Voopoo X-217 mod. But let’s be real – if my biggest complaint is that the menus aren’t “beginner-friendly” then you have a pretty good idea of where this review is going to land. I’ve tested dozens of mods since the calendar flipped to 2019, and none of have blown me out of the water more than this one.

In our eyes, the Voopoo X-217 is as big a game-changer as the SMOK Alien was when it launched, and is probably (read: definitely) the finest new product of the year. This is a near-flawless vape mod that belongs in your collection … period.