The Smoant Charon Baby is a simple, breath-activated pod mod (just like the UWELL Caliburn). It has a large battery, solid design, and picks up where the Smoant Pasito left off. But is it any good? 

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Smoant Charon Baby Verdict – 72%

Smoant Charon Baby Pros:

• Simple to use
• Top-notch build quality and designs
• Great flavor
• Virtually leakproof with fresh coils
• Coils have improved

Smoant Charon Baby Cons:

• It’s exactly the Battlestar Baby
• Small juice capacity
• Spit back and leaking can become a problem as coils degrade

Full Smoant Charon Baby Review

After the success of the Pasito, Smoant appears to have fallen into the Wismec trap by focussing on gimmicks instead of usability. Gimmicks don’t bring much to the market and in order for them to work, they rely solely on the brand name; much like BMW, if you will.

The Battlestar Baby was a decent POD system for its simplicity, it was nice seeing a no-frills device in the age of AIOs and I enjoyed it for what it was. Now though, hardly 3 months later, they’ve launched the Charon Baby and it’s exactly the same device. Exactly.

Again, there’s no power switch, no adjustable wattage, no fire button, and the airflow is set to whatever Smoant decided was good. Why Smoant, why would you rehash a product that’s barely had time to grow chin hair?

Design

Where the Charon Baby does differ from the Battlestar Baby is in the design and I must say, I do prefer the Charons’ looks. Almost pebble-like and a tiny bit larger than the Battle, the Charons’ chassis is rounded at every surface. A zinc alloy frame wraps around squishy resin look panels, it certainly is a looker.

If you have sweaty hands though, note that the material on the sides may be a little annoying. They sort squeak when moist. The Charon is every bit as basic as the Battlestar Baby; an electroplated chassis, thankfully no longer reminiscent of the Voopoo Drag Nano Graphic side panels (only 3 colors this time), a singular led showing battery level and a USB C charging at the bottom of the device. As on the Battlestar, there’s no switches, latches or any attachments.

Smoant has included ultra-cool lanyard charging cable again, however, I believe that’s just leftover from the previous production line.

Coils, Pods, and Performance

The Charon Baby makes use of the same press-fit coils as the Battlestar baby. The coils still provide excellent flavor, with added sweet notes, however, it seems the 1.2ohm coil now lasts considerably longer than the previous ones I tested.

The 0.6ohm coil had nearly the same lifespan as the previous batch. While flavor remains excellent on these coils, they start leaking loads when starting to tap out. At the end of the 1.2, it was leaking nearly 1ml if left unattended, a clear sign it’s time to replace.

The pod is also identical to that of the Battlestar Baby and is contained within the chassis. Power output also remains the same-0.6ohm will output 15w of power while the 1.2ohm will only output 10w.

Battery

The same 750mAh internal battery finds its way into the Charon Baby that charges fully in 45-60 minutes. The LED will flash red at 5-30% charge, blue at 30-60%, white at 60-95% and stay solid white at 100% charge.

For some reason though, it drains considerably faster than the Battlestar and I was only able to get a day off a full charge, strange. Perhaps I received a dud unit or perhaps Smoant is using an inferior battery, who knows? Spoiler: It’s the latter.

Specs:

• Weight: 87g
• Battery Capacity: 750mAh
• Power output: 10/15w
• Charging: 5V/0.8A
• Charging Port: Type-C
• Size: 73mmx45mmx15mm
• Pod Capacity 2.0ml

Smoant Charon Baby Review Conclusion

I’m not sure how to rate this device. On its own, it’s a stellar, simple to use, no fuss pod system, even if the battery performs a little worse. It provides excellent flavor and is completely dumb proof. It looks gorgeous and feels like it can take a beating.

Put it next to the Battlestar Baby though and things get a little hazy. I’d also just rather use my UWELL Caliburn too. Or, the Battlestar Baby.

I honestly don’t see the point of the Charon other than “just because”. Sure, it performs extremely well, which may just be down to an improved coil, but the Charon Baby feels like a cash grab.

For that reason, I can’t really recommend this device. In this day and age, there is absolutely no excuse for this kind of greediness. Production costs and time could have been used for the Pasito Revision 2, but it’s clear the consumer was not key here. Shame on you Smoant.

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What we have here is something extremely special. It may look like just another RTA, but everything about this – yet to be released – tank is something that the market has been after for a very long time. Meet the Geekvape Zeus X Mesh RTA, a thing of beauty.

Disclaimer: the sample sent to us is a pre-production prototype. The final product may differ.

Geekvape Zeus X Mesh RTA Verdict – 91%

Geekvape Zeus X Mesh RTA Pros:

• Top airflow reduces leakage to a non-factor
• Build quality, for a Chinese product, is phenomenal
• Geekvape have somehow gotten rid of wicking issues other mesh RTAs experience
• Typical fantastic mesh flavor
• The Mesh deck is interchangeable with the regular Zeus X deck and may be available separately. Read that again

Geekvape Cons:

• Uses more cotton than a plantation can provide in an hour
• Airflow is noisy

Full Geekvape Zeus X Mesh RTA Review

Geekvape makes some great products, just look at the Aegis Legend, Boost, and the AEGIS X mod. Sure, they’ve had some stinkers, but the majority of their products have been well thought out built solid.

The Zeus X RTA is a great example of this; a top airflow dual coil RTA that just works. It was easy to build on, never leaked and offered a satisfying vape no matter how badly you built on it.

Instead of rehashing the same thing over and over (hey Vandy Vape) GV has focused on reinventing the Zeus X to fill a gaping hole in the market.

Design

The Zeus X Mesh RTA looks identical to the OG Zeus X, it’s only when you unscrew the top to reveal the deck that you realize the Zeus Mesh is a completely different tank.

There’s a good reason for this too: the Zeus X and Zeus X Mesh are completely interchangeable. Steam Crave has recently done something similar by introducing a mesh deck to their Aroramizer series, but I believe the Zeus X series is the first fully interchangeable parts RTA with both mesh and coil capabilities.

“What about the Kylin M, or the Profile Unity?” I hear you ask. Well, no, while both these tanks are quite decent, they are indeed different from the Zeus Mesh; let’s not forget how difficult the Unity is to wick properly.

The Zeus Mesh differentiates itself by offering top airflow to virtually eliminate leaking leading to a lighter wick and in turn minimizing dry hits.

It’s such a simple concept, but it works so damn well. Less cotton, better wicking, juices mesh…mindblown.

The build deck is nothing special and can easily be confused for a Unity deck. Two vertical clamps, positive and negative straddle a ceramic spring-loaded block with two large wicking ports on either side. Air travels down the 2 airflow slots between the 2 chimney sections, across the mesh strip and back up the inner chimney. The inner chimney is completely loose and may take some wiggling to fit correctly.

Looks-wise, the Zeus X series is great looking. Chunky, sharp and one of the few tanks (excluding the Advken Manta) that looks good with bubble glass.

I’m not a massive fan of the low profile 810 drip tips though but can appreciate how they add to the overall look of the RTA. The drip tip can be swapped out for something more to your liking as the included ones are non-proprietary.

Performance

It’s a good idea and it’s innovative, but does it work? It still needs literal crap-ton of cotton to fit underneath the mesh as with the Kylin M and Profile Unity but changing over to top airflow allows you to wick slightly lighter to avoid dry hits.

Those that know the Profile Unity well know that there are only 2 methods that allow it to wick properly without leaking. The most common method is known as the damm method and requires 3, yes 3 strips of cotton stacked in a triangular shape, cut to a specific angle and prayers to your preferred deity to wick good, not leak and produce flavor.

When it works, it works well, but it’s…just…so…much…effort. The Kylin M is somewhat more forgiving with wicking, but leaking is still an issue. Geekvape compromises a little flavor by going top airflow, but the benefits of this design outweigh the slight knock.

It can’t always be good news though and the same airflow I praised above is the target of my biggest criticism. The airflow is noisy, just as it was on the original Zeus X. Wide open, it’s turbulent, closed down it whistles, anything smaller and it becomes too restrictive for me.

Other than that, the Zeus X Mesh provides a dense, flavor-rich vapor that has that typical “wet“ quality you would expect from a mesh. A solid performer all in

Specs:

• 25mm
• 4.5ml juice capacity
• Modular build deck
• 810 and 510 drip tip compatible
• Top Airflow
• Charging Port: Micro USB

Geekvape Zeus X Mesh RTA Conclusion

I sound like a shill, but I am seriously impressed by Geekvape’s latest device. I’ve wanted a proper mesh RTA since the Vandy Vape Mesh 24.

While the VV Mesh was also top airflow, the mesh was fairly new back in 2017 and the execution was just so-so. Forward 2 and a bit years and Geekvape have perfected the mesh tank in my opinion.

They need to fix the noisy airflow, but all said and done, the Zeus mesh is the most significant tank of 2020 so far. It’s easy to build on, produces dense, rich vapor and looks great on just about any device.

If you’re in the market for a mesh tank, this is your boy.

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In our Vaporesso Degree review, we test the device out to find out if it can beat the current market-leader, Lost Vape’s Orion…

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The Lost Vape Orion series is undoubtedly the AIO system to beat, the benchmark for all to reach. Many manufacturers have tried to replicate its success but have fallen wayward. You see, to produce a quality product, you need a quality team, not something you immediately associate with mass production manufacturers in China.

There are, however, a few that have gotten close and now, Vaporesso is now trying its hand at it with their latest AIO system, the Vaporesso Degree

Vaporesso Degree Verdict – 62%

Best Price Today? $47.99

Vaporesso Degree Pros:

• Fantastic integration of Press-to-Fill port
• It’s a hefty little thing
• Flavour is spot on
• Design touches are great
• Great battery life
• Airflow adjustment well thought out

Vaporesso Degree Cons:

• Machining and materials in some areas a bit questionable
• Build quality is inconsistent
• Micro USB, why are we still doing this Vaporesso?

Vaporesso Degree Review

The AIO fad is getting boring, there’s nothing left to do in the market space. We’ve got DNA AIOs, we’ve got Yihi AIOs, 80w, 20w, rebuildables, autosquonks, you name it.

Before we move on though, manufacturers will try milk a little out of this segment and what will set the devices apart is how well it compares to the benchmark, the Orion. Vaporesso has given it a fair shot and succeeded somewhat.

The Vaporesso Degree is a stab at the top AIO spot, coming in at a fraction of the cost, but not quite at the level of the LV. It has a few things going for it, but it’s just not there yet.

Packaging

A typical Vaporesso styled slide-out box houses the Degree with 1 POD pre-installed, an extra POD and coil, a Micro USB cable and some reading material. Nothing spectacular really

Design

The Degree is a sleek looking device. A brushed steel look throughout the body and a resin styled panel. The battery/POD cover has the Vaporesso logo cut out to allow you to view your juice levels and the buttons are all made of the same steel look.

The general feel is great and the Vaporesso feels substantial in your hand. The screen is large for an AIO device (although not RPM sized) but contains only the most basic of details. Resistance, puff count, voltage and power, that’s it.

Unfortunately, when you open the POD cover, all illusions of quality disappear when you witness that the material used is not of the best quality.

In fact, I managed to twist off the bottom corner of the cover with my bare hands. The door magnets also fall out fairly easily, bummer. So, the Degree doesn’t quite compete with the Orion in build, however, it trumps it in the filling department.

Press-to-Fill is something Vaporesso has been pushing since the Renova Zero, but never quite got the hang of it. The Degree changes how I believe filling should be done.

The chassis has a cutout directly above the PTF hole in the POD. This means no more fiddling with rubbers, screws or caps trying to fill your device. Simply push the bottle into the exposed hole and squeeze.

Sure, it can be messy, but I’ll take this over juggling a fill cap and bottle cap while trying to push a nozzle into a hole tighter than Chihuahuas’ butthole.

 

Performance

The Degree shines where it counts thanks to the Axon chip inside. Not once did I ever feel that this device could not keep up with my needs.

Push the fire button and the Degree simply delivers what you’re expecting from it. Running 30w with the 0.6ohm coil, sure, here’s some vapor. 12.5w on the 1.3ohm, why not.

Sure, it’s not pushing massive amounts of power, but it’s more than you need, and it delivers time after time.

The 950mAh battery is on the small side these days and pushing the upper limits of the device will see it draining quickly, but you’ll still be able to get a days’ worth of power at sub 20w.

The Degree is bundled with two coils, a 0.6ohm coil with absolutely massive wicks slots and a 1.3ohm CCELL POD. While the 0.6 is a replaceable coil inside the pod, the 1.3ohm is not. I wish manufacturers would stop doing this, there is literally no point.

The flavor on the 0.6 outshines the 1.3 by a long shot and provides a thick, almost creamy vapor. For the life of me, I was unable to get this coil to die and finally had to submit the review. That’s 3 weeks of solid use from a single coil.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have as much luck with the CCELL coil. Ceramic coils are known to produce inferior flavor and it’s no different here. Sure, they last a little longer, but I’m an MTL flavor first kinda guy and was bummed out to see things have not changed from the Renova Zero.

Specs:

• Evolv DNA75 C Chipset
• Battery: 950mAh
• Power output: 5/30w
• POD Capacity: 2ml
• Charging Port: Micro USB
• Size: 90.5mmx41.5mmx16.4mm

Vaporesso Degree Review Conclusion

The Vaporesso Degree is a great looking device that is sadly let down by a few easy to fix issues. The material is inconsistent, the battery size could easily have been increased and the CCell coils need to die in a ball of fire.

Look past these issues and the Degree offers great flavor from the 0.6ohm coil, has an amazing fill system and the airflow control works like it’s supposed to.

Still, in this day and age, the Degree feels senseless, there are devices that do what the Degree does, some even better.

If you’re looking for your first POD system, the Degree will do you good, but if you’re looking to upgrade, get a SMOK RPM40 or Lost Vape Orion.

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The Ultroner x Asmodus Thor II is an easy foray into the world of DNA devices. It’s cheap enough not make your eyes water, but not cheap enough to embarrass you at Vapecon. A wonderful device at the price, even if it’s a little older…

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Ultroner Thor II Verdict – 89%

Ultroner Thor II Pros:

• Evolv DNA75C is still the best low power chipset available
• Stabilized wood and alloy combo looks great
• Build quality is solid
• Ergonomics are spot-on for both righties and lefties
• 21700 and 18650 compatible
• Really affordable for what you get

Ultroner Thor II Cons:

• Parasitic battery drain is a pain

Where To Buy It? UK ECIGSTORE – £219.99

Full Ultroner Thor II Review

Anyone that’s been vaping for a while will know about DNA boards, a highly customizable chipset from US-based company Evolv. Everything, from preheat-temperature to themes can be customized to your own tastes. It is widely regarded as the best chipset in the game but unfortunately comes at a hefty cost. As such, DNA boards are often only used in products on the upper tier of the price range.

To make matters worse, stabilized wood is the material of choice for high-end mods, so if you want to own a DNA device, you’re looking at forking out over 300 dollars. Sure, there are a few affordable DNA based device, the Lost Vape Paranormal, but it just doesn’t have that appeal of a real stabwood DNA device. Enter the Thor II from Ultroner.

Coming in at $250 odd, it is unbelievable value for money and because of this, I was expecting a turd of a device. I’ve never been that wrong.

Packaging

The Thor II comes in a classy wooden and leatherette box. The contents are sparse, as is the case with high-end mods. Inside you’ll find the device, an 18650 adapter, a Micro USB charging cable, a buffing pad, a carry bag, some polish rags, and some manuals.

Design

Gorgeous, that’s the only way to describe the Thor II. Real stabwood and resin encapsulate a purple alloy battery tube and screen surround. There are five color wood designs available, but the green seems to be the most popular. Green, yellow, red, blue and purple are your choices, with the alloy parts remaining purple on all models. Being carved from actual blocks of wood means that every single device will differ in look, adding to the uniqueness. The Thor II fits comfortably in your hand and with either your left or right thumb being able to reach the fire button easily. This, too, is made out of stabwood, something not often seen.

25mm Atomizers will look great on the Thor II, anything bigger is going to be a stretch. Be careful of topheavy tanks as the Thor can topple over easily.

The screen is the stock 3.5” TFT display that comes with the DNA 75C and is a clear, color unit. It’s pointless for me to go over the screen and menu system as it can be customized in any which way you desire.

The battery door is an old school screw style lid that is housed on the bottom of the device that allows up to a 21700. Even with the included 18650 adapter, there is no battery rattle as the lid is designed to clamp down on the negative end of your batteries.

All done and said, the Thor II is one of the prettiest and most comfortable mods in my collection

Performance

The Thor II is a DNA75C based device, so performance was never going to be an issue. It is vital to use a 21700 over a 18650 as there is some parasitic drain (expect about 4% drop overnight) on the battery. I am unsure if it’s a trait of DNAs (DNAs can not be turned off, only put in standby mode) or a design flaw of the Thor II. With a 18650, expect about a day worth of use. A 21700 will get you 2 days for average use.

As the name suggests, the DNA75c will fire up to 75w, instantly, another well-respected trait of the DNA chips. Voltage cutoff is 9v

There are little to no complaints on DNA chipsets, but it is one of those things you need to experience for yourself before you will truly grasp the greatness. The 75C is an excellent addition to the Thor II, however, a 250C and dual battery Thor II would make my heart very happy.

Temperate control on a DNA chip is where it’s at, or “Replay” as Evolv calls it. In a nutshell, when using a TC compatible coil, a DNA allows a user to save his last puff and “replay” that puff repeatedly, giving an identical vape with each press of the fire button. It’s a simple, no-nonsense approach to temperature control that just works. Sadly, the DNA75C does not have Replay enabled by default, so you will need to update to the newest version via Escribe.

Specs:

• Evolv DNA75 C Chipset
• Battery: 21700 or 18650
• Power output: 1/75w
• Temp Control Range: 200-600°F / 100-315°C
• Voltage Output: 0.2-9.0V
• Charging Port: Micro USB
• Size: 51mmx30mmx9.2mm

Asmodus Ultroner Thor II Review Conclusion

I’m a difficult guy to please, but the Ultroner Thor II has me smiling from ear to ear. It’s one of those mods that you’re too scared to take out into public for the fear of losing or breaking it. It doesn’t quite qualify as a high-end mod from a price perspective, but everything about it makes you treat it as such. It’s built solidly, looks high end and performs amazingly well. Ultroner and Asmodus have done well with picking the DNA 75C chipset for the Thor II to really make this mod stand out from the mass-produced Chinese bins.

If you’re after a high-end mod without remortgaging your home, the Thor II is the ideal piece of kit for you. If you don’t mind the battery drain that is.

Where To Buy It? UK ECIGSTORE – £219.99