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Am I in the right mind to even review this new Wirice Launcher? Maybe the deluge of COVID news has addled my brain, but I can’t recall the last time we reviewed a standalone sub-ohm vape tank on this site. We’ve seen plenty of companion tanks included in kits.
We’ve seen iterative updates on existing models. But to see new brands launch never-before-seen products? Well, it’s rare.
Enter the Wirice Launcher sub-ohm tank, a new entry from a brand we’ve never reviewed before (though it seems to be an offshoot of Hellvape).
A quick look at their site shows that the Launcher is the only currently available product in their lineup, but it seems like more is on the way.
Let’s hope it’s true, because while the Launcher isn’t quite where it needs to be,.
Wirice’s commitment to innovation and trying new things is evident, and we encourage that in an industry that currently needs a little kick in that direction.
The Wirice Launcher Sub-Ohm Tank, featuring a slide-in mesh installation, 5mL capacity, and spring loaded juice blocks to facilitate coil changes.
Equipped with a threaded top fill system, the Launcher Sub-Ohm Tank reveals two fill ports underneath the knurled threaded fill system.
Removing the central drip tip allows for coil changes, releasing the installed coil from its spring-loaded enclosure, while engaging juice channel blocks to prevent leaking e-liquid while changing the coil.
Utilizing mesh coils, the Launcher Sub-Ohm Tank creates delicious clouds of vapor, funneling airflow from the dual slotted control system below.
Wirice Launcher Sub-Ohm Tank Features:
- 25mm Diameter
- 5mL Glass Tank Capacity
- 4mL Optional Glass Capacity
- Pyrex Reinforcement
- Superior 304 Stainless Steel Tank Construction
- Threaded Top Fill System
- Wirice Launcher W8 Mesh Coil Series
- 15ohm W801 Mesh Coil – rated for 50-70W
- 21ohm W802 Mesh Coil – rated for 40-60W
- Slide-In-Loading Coil Installation
- Spring-Loaded E-Juice Port Blocking
- Dual Slotted Bottom Airflow Control Ring
- Threaded 510 Connection
- Available in Matte Black, Rainbow, Gunmetal, SS, Purple, Blue, Gold
Wirice Launcher Sub-Ohm Tank Includes:
- Launcher Tank
- 0.15ohm W801 Mesh Coil
- 0.21ohm W802 Mesh Coil
- Accessories Bag
- Bubble Glass Tube
- User Manual
Aesthetics of the Wirice Launcher Sub-Ohm Tank
Wirice may be a new name, but their designers clearly have a long and thorough understanding of creating vape tanks, because the Launcher is about as solid and well-built as we’ve seen.
Beginning with the actual construction, the Launcher’s stainless steel frame feels a lot heavier than its 25mm diameter and compact design would indicate.
And the knurled top cap/fill port cover only enhances this effect. Even my metallic purple test model looked burly and tough — not easy to do with that particular color option.
The Pyrex reinforced glass section is another highlight, adding to this sense of durability and longevity. While I would have liked an expanded bubble glass section to reduce the number of times I refilled, the overall look and feel is excellent.
Also good was the adjustable juice flow that became available with a coil inserted. It’s been a while since we’ve discussed these types of features, but this is a nifty highlight that unfortunately leads to a few negatives.
To Begin…
To start, the top-loading coil system is strange. Not only is it difficult to disassemble, but the integrated mouthpiece/center tube arrangement often had trouble seating properly, leading to several odd draws.
The same can be said for the separate fill port cover, which also suffers from crunchy, uneven threading that makes filling a hassle.
While I realize the coil setup necessitates a different design, the overall thinking behind this design is questionable. Based on our experience, the two-piece center tube was extremely difficult to remove, and cleaning possible leaks would require a complete disassembly.
It’s a unique, but ultimately cumbersome design that gets in the way of the enjoyment.
Vaping the Wirice Launcher
The Launcher comes with two narrow coils — the 0.15-ohm W801 and 0.21-ohm W802. All in all, they’re pretty good, with strong mid-wattage vapor production and rich, nuanced flavor.
As we say too often around here, there isn’t much difference between the two heads, other than longevity, with the lower-resistance W801 giving us a few extra days of performance before tapping out.
Neither head was a marathon runner, but they both offered flavorful short-term performance that indicates better things could be coming down the pike for the company.
Once I figured out the oddball coil replacement setup and learned to master the rough threading, the Launcher offered a warm, flavor-heavy vape, even when using thicker e-liquids.
While the flavor wasn’t as intricate as some coils we’ve used, these slender heads surprised me with their ability to deliver subtle notes better than many bigger-named brands.
And, as a bonus, both of the included coils are extremely frugal on juice consumption, allowing me to get through most of an evening out without having to refill.
Pro and Cons
Overall, the vape quality was strong, but unspectacular. And though we enjoyed the Launcher when using it with a full tank of e-liquid, it wasn’t nearly as fun when having to refill or change coils.
Pros:
- Bomb-proof build quality
- Compact design looks great on smaller mods
- Strong short-term coil performance
Cons:
- Complicated, awkward interior design
- Coils don’t last particularly long
- Poor machining on cap threads
Bottom Line
We often complain about the lack of innovation in the vape industry, so it feels weird to penalize a newcomer for offering some.
But, despite their best intentions, this top-loading coil system doesn’t add enough to the experience to justify the annoyances and difficulties of the mechanics. It’s not impossible by any means, but it just doesn’t seem necessary when measured against the vape quality.
That said, we’re rooting for Wirice. Because it’s clear there’s talent and innovation to be had at the company. Maybe the Launcher isn’t the pinnacle of these ideas, but we’re willing to bet that the next round of products could bring something awesome to the marketplace.
Score: C+
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