Products used in this review:
- Vaporesso Luxe Q2 Pod Kit
- 10ml Vampire Vape Caramel Crunch E-liquid
- 10ml Riot Squad Mango Vanilla Ice Cream E-liquid
About the brand
Vaporesso is a vape brand that seems to have been around forever. It's easy to see why: they were established way back in 2014 by parent company, Smoore.
New and innovative ways of designing products has always been their ethos, and so has filling the needs of all vapers. From humble pod kits to more advanced dual battery box Mods, Vaporesso has always had its fingers on the beating pulse of the vaping scene.
When we talk about Vaporesso, we're talking about manufacturing on a truly global scale, and thanks to the experience gained from Smoore, they can consider themselves among the best in product build, design and performance.
They employ over 10,000 staff members across 10 sprawling factories that continually push out 2 million batteries, 20 million atomisers, and a staggering 100 million coils annually!
Of course, safety is paramount, and Vaporesso have a control system in place to help them pass ISO9001 certification.
With the advent of their C-cell ceramic coil tech capable of enhancing the vaping experience by a further 10%, Vaporesso are well on the way to achieving the ultimate goal - to be the world's leading atomisation tech platform.
History Of the Vaporesso Luxe
Where to start!
There are now countless versions of the Vaporesso Luxe on the market. Initially, these were designed for the new or casual vaper, featuring sealed pods utilising Vaporesso's patented SSS (Seal, Saturate and Store) technology. Through this, e-liquid leakage became a thing of the past for the brand.
Designed for ease of use, the earlier product versions often featured limited functionality where auto inhale prevailed, and battery status and power output were restricted to a single pulsing LED.
Pod compatibility has always been a strong selling point in the Luxe range, magnified with devices like the Luxe XR MAX pod kit. These newer pod kits were capable of a direct lung vaping experience thanks in no small part to higher wattage output and the creation of the GTX replaceable mesh coil platform.
So, not only was the more involved vaping enthusiast now catered to, but flax cotton and non-woven fabric ensured an even brighter, cleaner, and prolonged taste experience.
Indeed, the Vaporesso Luxe range of pod kits has undergone quite a transformation over the last few years. And just as promised, they are now tailor-made to the requirements of all vapers.
Vaporesso LUXE Q2 Pod Kit
The Luxe Q2 is the natural successor to the popular LUXE Q pod kit, released a few years back. In terms of size, not much has changed - the dimensions are similar, but it's the appearance of the Q2 that makes its addition to the range so appealing.
We're now treated to a snazzy leather look integrated into both front and rear, with 5 colours to choose from. I received the Grey Version, but look out for Orange, Green, Blue and Black too.
The front is distinguishable by an additional alloy panel, with a three-colour LED battery and vape indicator running vertically through the leather.
Alloy trims line both sides of the device, and an adjustable airflow slider is incorporated on the left. Together with its appearance, this is another area where the LUXE has now moved on from its older sibling.
Whereas the LUXE Q pod kit was entirely designed for MTL vapers, the Q2 includes a 0.6ohm sealed mesh pod. With the extra power through the coil comes the ability to adjust airflow for a restrictive direct lung vape. As a seasoned vaper, this suits me just fine!
Of course, it's only natural to assume that backward compatibility is assured, and the good news is that it is. You can use all the side and top filling pods of the original, safe in the knowledge that SSS technology is safeguarding your device against any leaking issues.
The USB port has been placed on the bottom of the device, and with fast 2 amp charging, expect a depleted 1000mah integrated battery to be up and running after a maximum of 30 minutes.
Some of you may be familiar with the Vaporesso AXON chip and will be pleased to know it returns as the beating heart of the device. With the COREX heating system adopted by the mesh coils, expect increased flavour satisfaction for a more extended period compared to similar pod kits.
When it comes to the packaging, it's the trademark stark green and black brand colours we're familiar with. I'm particularly impressed here, though, as they've omitted the usual plastic tray formula in favour of card throughout.
To capitalise on space restrictions, the device is housed in a cut-out on the left, while all other components are hidden under a cardboard door on the right. Vaporesso have even included a tab for ease of access to these goodies.
Inside the packaging, we get:
- LUXE Q2 device/battery
- LUXE Q 0.6ohm mesh pod (2ml - pre-installed)
- LUXE Q 1.0ohm mesh pod (2ml inside box)
- Type C USB charging cable
- User manual
- Pod compatibility card
Testing the Vaporesso LUXE Q2 Pod Kit
Look and Feel
Build quality is impressive, and at 61g, weighs a touch or two more than a standard disposable vape. This means it's comfortable in a shirt or trouser pocket, and the portability factor is up there with any throwaway competition.
The size means it's also easy to conceal within the hand - useful for a cheeky stealth vape (or four).
The leather effect does make a difference, providing additional grip, so it's about more than just the aesthetics, although there's definitely a mature charm to the overall appearance.
Pods
2ml capacity pods are included (3ml for those outside TPD regions), which use magnets to connect to the battery section. They snap reassuringly into place, and in doing so, the LED indicator on the front springs to life. Green indicates healthy battery life, blue indicates mid-strength, and red indicates the device is close to needing a recharge.
Refilling
It couldn't be easier to fill these pods. Remove the pod from the battery section, snap the mouthpiece off to expose the Orange fill port and gently insert a bottle nozzle into the fill chamber. Top-filling pod systems are always the easiest and most convenient way to fill on the fly.
Vapour Test
So what about that all-important flavour and vapour production?
Well... Nothing could prepare me for the flavour and vapour experience from the 0.6ohm mesh pod (pre-installed). The sensitivity of auto draw was on point, responding to the weakest, most timid of inhales. One would expect this to impact flavour, but on the contrary, it was extremely strong and tasty.
For the test, I used a 20mg salt nicotine e-liquid with a 50VG/50PG ratio and ensured the airflow slider was set wide open. This certainly facilitated a restrictive direct lung vape - the kind I know and love the most!
The cooling effect included in the ingredients was magnified but never to the extent of becoming intrusive or annoying. It actually enhanced the overall vaping experience.
An increased airflow will always improve vapour production, and the Vaporesso LUXE Q2 performs quite well with the 0.6ohm mesh pod. Having said that, don't expect the kind of volume from a pod kit rated to 80W, for example. It's good, but on a level that marginally improves on the vapour production of a disposable vape.
It was a slightly different story when it came to the 1.0ohm MTL mesh pod. There wasn't much of a difference between the two, with the airflow set wide open. It's still possible to achieve a restrictive direct-to-lung vape, albeit with a reduction in power output - something to be expected from this pod - but when the slider is adjusted, the differences between the two pods become more apparent.
You can expect a much smoother MTL inhale, and the airflow restriction is exactly the same as that of a traditional cigarette, meaning the newer vaper will feel very much at home with the overall vaping experience.
The taste was extremely clean and accurate to the flavour descriptions of the e-liquids. Let's put it this way. The Mango was very fruity even though toned down by a healthy dollop of Vanilla Ice Cream, and the cooling agent was finely balanced. A quality flavour experience all around and throughout the exhale.
With the Luxe 2, you're going to get the same volume of vapour that you'd expect from a disposable vape, which means stealth vaping is a cert from the 1.0ohm pod.
Battery Life and Recharging
On average, the device lasted around 20 hours. Vaporesso states 48 hours use from a single charge, so based on my own daily use, this isn't too far off the mark. I tested on multiple occasions across both pods, and it worked out around the same each time.
There is the inevitable drop in power output, but you'll be hard-pressed to notice any difference in flavour or vapour production. The device responded extremely well throughout all stages of discharge.
It took 25 minutes to recharge from empty. During this time, it was still possible to vape - although that's not necessarily something I'd recommend doing.
One thing I did notice was how the charge indicator omitted the mid-stage blue LED, passing directly from a pulsing red to solid green and remaining lit until unplugged from the charger. I was left wondering if the device had indeed charged to its maximum capacity. However, I like how the LED pulses while inhaling, and it remains lit long enough to notice the battery status post-vape.
Safety
Did I run into any safety issues? No. I can't say I did. Although the LUXE Q2 incorporates all the usual safety features including short circuit, low voltage, over discharge and over vaping time, I didn't encounter any problems with it.
Knowing the battery ceases to function under any potential issues is good. Whenever this occurs, you're alerted by the LED blinking either three or five times, depending on the fault.
The fact this never happened during testing means the Luxe Q2 is a highly reliable and extremely dependable device to work with.
Who is the Vaporesso LUXE Q2 suited to?
Suggesting brand-new vapers or someone used to disposable vapes would be easy. The LUXE Q2 is, after all, a simple vaping product to get used to.
However, these folks won't be used to refilling a pod, despite Vaporesso making it easy. There's also a need to match e-liquid ratios to the device, so research will be needed to discover which ones work best.
For this reason, I recommend the device to those with prior experience with vape pens or basic tank devices and those who know the difference between e-liquid thicknesses and nicotine strengths.
As a point of reference, I recommend 50VG/50PG E-liquid ratios for the 1.0ohm pod using 10mg or 20mg salt nicotine. For the 0.6ohm pod, you're likely to get away with 70VG/30PG and freebase nicotine strength if that's your bag. Of course, thinner e-liquids will also work fine.
So ideally, the LUXE Q2 is suited to someone already used to pod kits. Those looking for a pocket-friendly, easy-to-use alternative. The casual pod user, if you like. It's a great device to take out and about without fear of the battery running out too quickly or needing to top the pod up every five minutes or so.
There are many reasons to recommend the Vaporesso LUXE Q2 pod kit, including its portability, ease of use, and filling. Flavour quality is superb and consistent throughout use, and vapour production is non-obtrusive to those in the immediate vicinity.
The adjustable airflow slider works ok with the 0.6ohm pod but comes into its own when dialling in an MTL vape with the included 1.0ohm alternative.
And when you think it only takes 30 minutes to recharge a spent battery coupled with the hours of vaping you get after that? I'd say it's up there with the best basic pod kits currently on the market.
When all's said and done, the Vaporesso AXON chip steals the vape show. It works tirelessly throughout use to ensure a consistent power output at all times. Expect quality flavour and vapour production for hours on end.
Did I mention the pods don't leak, either?
..Well there. I just did!
Pros
- Great flavour from both mesh pods
- Decent, consistent vapour production
- No leaking under extensive testing
- Super easy to fill on the go
- Ergonomic and pocket-friendly
- Fast charging and excellent battery life
- AXON chip works tirelessly to deliver a superb vaping experience at all times
- Reliable auto draw
- Simplistic and mature design
- Comfortable mouthpiece
Cons
- Adjustable airflow is not as versatile as it could be
- Bottom-mounted USB charging port - horizontal charging only
- LED indicators are not great in direct sunlight
- Need to remove pod to check E-liquid levels
- Recharging LED only registers two colours and remains lit post-charge
0 comments