Kangertech (or simply Kanger) has been around since 2007 and has a rich history. Along with another oldest Chinese company, Joyetech, the manufacturer’s products are quite popular in the electronic cigarette market around the world. Many of our vapers have gone through this company’s clearomizers during their “paid training”: countless “Evods”, “Protanks” and “Aerotanks” in their various incarnations. Your humble servant himself used T2 clearomizers, ProTank Mini and the second version of the large ProTank for a very long time at the dawn of his “paid training”. The company has not been sitting idle for the last couple of years and has been constantly updating its range, but these were mainly products aimed at entry-level vapers: the development of the “tank” line and the release of semi-serviceable kits like EVOD, EMUS and EMOW.
A real breakthrough and “entry into the major league” happened with the addition of a convenient solution to the manufacturer’s portfolio, allowing it to cover in one product both the audience of beginners who do not want to deal with independent winding, and more sophisticated vapers who can easily wind a “porno coil” on a standard Kayfun base. e liquid canada Of course, we are talking about the SUBTANK sub-ohm clearomizers, presented in the line in three versions: SUBTANK (25 mm), SUBTANK Mini (22 mm) and SUBTANK Nano (18.5 mm). We will not delve into the shortcomings of the “first pancake”, which, by and large, turned out to be more successful than a flop. This is evidenced by the well-deserved popularity of the tank among many users. Kangertech has always been engaged in the parallel production of eGo-format batteries, and together with the release of SUBTANK, it has also prepared “adult” battery units for it: K-Simar and KBOX for 18650 batteries. In fact, the first one turned out to be an almost complete copy of the long-outdated Sigelei 20W, and the second one was an interesting and ergonomic device, but very controversial in terms of design execution.
Kanger recently announced an update to the popular SUBTANK line, making some improvements and eliminating the teething troubles of the first devices: the large SUBTANK received the Plus prefix, got rid of the need to replace the lid when using a serviceable base (RBA) and received minor changes in the airflow, as well as in the design of the replaceable heads and serviceable base. And yes, the largest representative increased the volume of the liquid it can hold from 6 to 7 ml. But today we are not talking about it.
Today’s review is about the SUBOX Mini starter kit, which includes a KBOX Mini battery pack and the “middle brother” of the SUBTANK Plus – SUBTANK Mini. The kit is presented in two colors: black and white.
SUBOX
Well, they meet you by your clothes. And our subject’s clothes are very bright and attractive. The box is made of thick cardboard, the lid is held with a magnet.
All images can be enlarged.
Package contents. Truly, in the box in which the SUBOX is delivered, you can find almost everything you need to use the device. The contents are located on two “floors”: immediately upon opening, we are greeted by a pile of (possibly) useful papers and instructions, a KBOX Mini battery pack and a SUBTANK Mini with a 0.5 Ohm replaceable head installed. On the second level of the package there is a replaceable 1.5 Ohm evaporator, a serviceable base (RBA), a charging cable, a bag of extras, a screwdriver and cotton wool for self-winding the RBA.
Package Contents:
KBOX Mini
SUBTANK Mini
0.5 Ohm OCC Replacement Coil
1.5 Ohm OCC Replacement Coil
2 Pre-made Coils for Rebuildable Base
RBA Mini Plus Rebuildable Replacement Base
Manual
2 Base Post Bolts, 2 Base Skirt Mounting Bolts
Blue Screwdriver
Japanese Cotton Plate
USB – Micro USB Cable
It is immediately obvious that Kanger did not provide a replacement glass for the SUBTANK Mini, which, given the existing design and a slight clumsiness of the user, has a high chance of leaving its owner without a tank at all. Apparently, the Chinese decided to at least slightly, but still make the kit cheaper. Although it is doubtful that a spare glass would have decisively affected the final cost. Do not forget that one SUBTANK Mini costs about $ 30 today. And here you get a complete set for $ 50-60. The set of spare sealing rings, which is included in the separate SUBTANK delivery, also fell victim to the calculating Chinese.
The battery pack is designed for using independently purchased batteries. Whether this is an advantage or a disadvantage is a subjective question. But if we remember the positioning of the device as a “starter”, then it is unlikely that a beginner will have an extra 18650 battery and a network charger for it lying around. Here, I would still like to see a battery suitable for the device in the kit (as Kangertech themselves recommend – “20A or higher”), so that a person who bought this kit could only buy a jar of liquid with a suitable strength and taste for himself and immediately start using it. But, again, do not forget about reducing the cost of the kit.
Operating experience
I used the set for about three days. The device is excellent, to be honest. I really liked the way the battery pack fits in the hand: rounded shape and pleasant coating, reminiscent of soft touch, the device is simply pleasant to hold in the hand. Of the shortcomings noticed: after a couple of days, small chips appeared on the SUBTANK tightening ring, radial scratches appeared around the battery pack connector. On the battery compartment cover, where it adjoins the case, metal began to shine.
There were no problems in operation, no freezes, no electronic errors. When you press the fire button, the device wakes up and supplies voltage instantly, you do not need to wait for KBOX to “come to life”. With Cloupor Mini, for example, after a long period of inactivity, the device needs at least a second to do this. Perhaps this will negatively affect the battery life if the device is constantly in the on mode. But the screen quickly turns off (about 5 seconds), and by pressing fire five times you can always send the electronics to the “Off” mode.
Everyone who saw the device admitted that the set looks impressive. After all, many are already tired of steel pipes and chrome elements of iSticks, in this regard, SUBOX Mini wins with its fresh appearance.
Conclusions
Pros:
Attractive appearance
Convenient KBOX Mini battery pack
Almost complete set
Popular SUBTANK Mini included
USB charging capability
Informative display
Low price
Cons:
No spare glass and O-rings for SUBTANK Mini
Noticeable gaps between the cover and the case
Fixed positive pin
Using Mean/AWG mode in the calculation mode when reducing voltage
To sum it up, we can say that Kangertech managed to make its own version of the iStick (and stepped on absolutely the same rake), only with a replaceable battery and a complete “people’s” SUBTANK Mini. I would not definitely recommend buying the kit, after all, there are many “buts”. It is unknown how the mod and tank coating will behave during long-term use, especially if you like to play around a little and then sell the device – a scratched set will lose a lot in presentability and price. Probably, Kangertech will soon take into account all the comments and release an updated set, which will have an adjustable or spring-loaded pin, there will be no problems with play and a wobbly battery compartment cover, the “wrong” Mean mode and, who knows, with fashionable temperature control. Moreover, Joyetech offers its eVic VT with working temperature control on the market at a comparable price, against which the SUBOX looks pale. True, the battery block from the competitor comes with built-in batteries. But whether this is a plus or a minus, everyone decides based on their experience and preferences.