WISMEC Limited Edition

Reuleaux DNA250 Box Mod Review

When I learned about the now available WISMEC Reuleaux DNA250 it bought me back to our review of the first WISMEC Reuleaux with the Evolv DNA200 chipset I’m reminded that is been quite a long time (in the vapeverse anyway) since WISMEC put a DNA chip in a Reuleaux.

Our review of the Reuleaux DNA200 is dated October 27^th, 2015, about a year and a half ago, yet it’s still worth a read to learn about the history of this now-famous box mod, as well as the evolution of the Evolv DNA chip. Although there has been several Reuleaux models, it was the DNA200 that started it all. Soon after, WISMEC released a much less expensive Reuleaux with its own RX200 TC chipset, called the Reuleaux RX200, for a quarter of the price of the DNA version.

Ever since Evolv begin shipping the DNA250 chipset to manufacturers we’ve seen more than a couple of dozen mods, from various brands, shipping with that DNA250 board. Most recently reviewed, the HCigar VT250, the Lost Vape Triade DNA250, and the Vaporshark DNA250. Coming next week is the HCigar VT250S. So, it really a surprise that WISMEC would follow suit with its own DNA250 box mod? Yes, and no. I’ll go deeper into this shortly.

The new, limited edition Reuleaux DNA250 is available at Element Vape for $159.95. As a collector’s piece, it’s worth the price. In fact, considering the bronze-color finish of the chassis, that extra $20 above the price of most other DNA250 box mods at Element Vape, it’s a good value for non-collectors as well.

About the WISMEC Reuleaux DNA250

Going back to the beginning, the WISMEC Reuleaux DNA200 was the first to use a triple 18650 configuration to power a DNA200 board. Evolv designed the DNA200 to run off LiPo packs, not 18650 batteries. With the introduction of the DNA250, Evolv not only boosted the wattage by 50W, it designed the board to work efficiently (97%!) with 18650 cells.

WISMEC had to do some tweaking in the first Reuleaux to manage the power with 18650’s, but once other companies began powering the DNA200 with 18650’s Evolv stepped up to make it an either-or situation for the next board.

The similar aesthetics of a typical Reuleaux box mod, that polygon-angular frame and elegant accenting makes this new model instantly recognizable as a Reuleaux mod. The beautiful bronze finish of the body only adds to the uniqueness that makes a Reuleaux one of the most distinguished box mods on the market. Although that polygon-angular frame is seen on other triple cell mods, they are never mistaken as a Reuleaux. Without a doubt, the Reuleaux is WISMEC’s flagship box mod.

Like other DNA167/200/250 boards, the Reuleaux DNA250 features the now-classic three button control face featuring a Fire button at the upper front side of the mod, and the two, horizontal adjustment buttons below the OLED display. That oversized OLED display (0.91”) is sold as a part of the Evolv DNA250, and like the others, its position is fixed between the buttons.

Series: The Reuleaux DNA 250 is powered by three 18650 batteries run in series rather than parallel, and sit under the magnetized battery access door that makes up the back of the mod.

Featured in the Reuleaux DNA250 is a Reverse Polarity System, and a much-improved battery compartment. One of the initial issues with the first WISMEC Reuleaux was the tricky issue with getting the three 18650 cells properly affixed in the battery compartment. That issue was fixed quickly, and hammered out by the time the RX200 was released, but with the Reuleaux DNA250, placing the three 18650’s goes smoothly every time.

The battery ribbon is still a part of the three-cell configuration, making it easier to remove the cells for recharging, but it is somewhat shorter than in my original Reuleaux DNA200. I’m partial to the longer ribbon, but it’s no big deal.

As with other WISMEC box mods, the Reuleaux DNA250 features stainless steel 510 threads and spring-loaded connector PIN that improves the operation of the device and makes a solid connection with every sub-ohm I’ve used on it during the review period, and beyond.

Evolv Escribe Software

The WISMEC Reuleaux DNA250 features the same, incredible, 97% output efficiency rating of other DNA250 mods. The remarkable range from 1 to 250 watts is here as well, and a full temperature control system for wide range of heating elements, Ni200, Ti, SS, SS316L, etc., and of course, all controlled with the Evolv Escribe software.

The Escribe software, for PC’s only, provides customizable and upgradeable capabilities. Designed to be used for multiple DNA devices, the user can set optimal vape settings for any number of situations, tanks, and atomizers using various coil wires.

Evolv DNA250

 From Evolvapor – “The DNA 250 is a power regulated digital switch-mode DC-DC converter for personal vaporizers. It features Evolv’s patented Wattage Control, Temperature Protection, Preheat, Digital User Controls, OLED Screen, Onboard Buttons and Synchronous Rectification for maximum battery life and minimal heat generation. The DNA 250 runs from a 2 or 3 cell lithium polymer battery, and features cell-by-cell battery monitoring and integrated balance charger. The USB port and Evolv’s EScribe software can be used to customize or monitor the user experience. It is the most advanced personal vaporizer controller ever made. The DNA 250 is vaping down to a science.”

Basic Operation of the DNA 250 Board

These basic instructions below are the same across every Evolv DNA250 board. You might want to bookmark this page for future reference, or copy the paragraphs below and keep them handy.

The #1 Rule in Operating the EVOLV DNA Menu System

Before you can change anything with a DNA250 box mod you must press the Fire Button 5 times quickly to lock it. Once locked, there are certain button presses that will get you to where you want to go.

Lock Mode: Click Fire Button 5x within 2 seconds. Locks / Unlocks all buttons.

Atomizer Lock: Hold + and – button for 2 seconds to Lock / Unlock wattage adjustment. When using the temperature sensing feature, this button combination locks the atomizer resistance.

Stealth Mode: Disable the screen by holding Fire and – button while in Lock Mode.

Left / Right Mode: Change screen orientation by holding Fire and + button while in Lock Mode.

Maximum Temperature: In Lock Mode, hold + and – for 2 seconds to adjust max temperature. Press Fire button to save and exit menu.

Return to Power (Wattage) Mode – In Temperature Mod take the temperature up to the maximum settings, 600-degrees, and click upward one more time. This extra click with take the user out of TC mode and into Power mode.

Using the Escribe software you can do a whole lot more customizing for each vape profile you want to set up, including a custom logo.

Limited Edition Reuleaux DNA250 in Classic Bronze

In all ways, other than the chassis (body) the new WISMEC Reuleaux DNA250 is like any other 18650-equipped DNA250 box mod. A decision to take the plunge and purchase a DNA250 box mod comes down to one thing; Aesthetics.

If you’re considering a DNA250 that is powered by LiPo, please don’t. With today’s ultra-low resistance coils and high wattage demands, you will sideline your LiPo box mod in a matter of a couple of hours. The ability to swap out 3x 18650 cells speaks for itself.

Reuleaux DNA250 Aesthetics

This new WISMEC Reuleaux DNA250 that is a memorable Reuleaux for the aesthetics alone. That it is also Limited-Edition model, with an exquisite, bronze-finish chassis and beautiful engravings on every side of the mod, makes it even more memorable.

Considerations

However, when spending $159.95 on a DNA box mod, any potential buyer will probably look at other DNA250 mods for comparison. That being the case, below are some things to keep in mind before pressing the Buy Now button for any DNA250 box mod.

• The closest competition to the Reuleaux DNA250 is the Lost Vape Triade DNA250. The ‘guts’ of both mods are the same. While I prefer the basic Triade over the basic Reuleaux, size is comparable, price is comparable (the limited edition Reuleaux is $20 more at EV), and quality is comparable. It is a question of aesthetics, and which model or brand you prefer.

• There are many other DNA250-equipped box mods on the market, and the body designs are the main factors when choosing which one to buy. All but one, the Lavabox, is worth considering. I wouldn’t choose a Lavabox until they rid themselves of the LiPo packs, or until LiPo packs last much longer than they do now, or swapping out a LiPo pack becomes as easy as swapping out 3x 18650 cells.

• Temperature Control – My opinion, one that is shared by others I’ve spoken to, is that Temperature Control is a dying technology. Most, including myself, believe TC is too complicated, takes too much work, and ultimately defeats its own purpose when used improperly.

TC is supposed to extend the life of the battery charge, use less eliquid, and prevent dry hits and scorched coils. These claims, after 2 years of using TC mods off and on, make little difference in the real world. However, despite everything, vape juice tastes better when vaped with Kanthal wire with organic cotton, or Kanthal wire embedded in ceramic. Stainless Steel is getting better, especially SS316L, but Kanthal still wins.

TC and the DNA

Temperature Control is not the only reason to consider a DNA box mod. If that were the case I wouldn’t own a single DNA box mod. The truth is, the Evolv DNA board and its detachable display (DNA250 or DNA167) is a damn good board. Even without TC capabilities, the Evolv DNA board is built extremely well, lasts a very long time, and the 97% power efficiency with 18650 cells beats anything else.

Simply put, vaping in Power mode with a DNA board provides accurate wattage output, a sharp, informative display, and many years of usage. That’s enough for me to have several DNA mods in my mod collection.

The Bottom Line

If you own any mod powered by the Evolv DNA250 then you already know everything you need to know about the internal electronics in this Reuleaux, and how to use it. The decision lies in whether you want to purchase it as new mod for your collection. That is your decision, all I can say is that holding it, and using it is a splendid experience.

If you’re considering the Reuleaux DNA250 as your first DNA box mod, you’ll get a lot of value for it, and a lot of excellent vaping.

My “opinion” about the full-size 3-cell Reuleaux box mods is that it is a very well-made box mod, probably the best WISMEC makes. I prefer the display in the WISMEC Predator 228, but when you buy a DNA 250 box mod you will always get the Evolv 0.91” OLED display, and objectively speaking, it is an excellent display in its own right.

As a collector’s piece, it’s a beautiful slice of modern box mod technology. As a DNA250 box mod it can stand toe to toe for any of the others. I feel good about making the purchase despite all the other DNA and non-DNA mods in my current collection, that says something about its general appeal to Vapers that love his or her vape gear.

In the end, I have no qualms about give the WISMEC Reuleaux DNA250 a final grade of:

A+

“Gorgeously crafted, the latest Evolv DNA board, the Reuleaux DNA250 is not to be trifled with. This is a damn fine box mod for experienced Vapers.”

Tom McBride