Aspire Gotek Pro v. Gotek X - Which is Right For You?
The Aspire Gotex X has proved to be one of the most popular products we sell. But if you are considering purchasing one, it’s well worth comparing it to the newer and upgraded Gotex Pro.
In this post, you’ll find the key differences between the two devices on a range of factors from battery life to flavour and price point, so you can choose which one meets your needs best.
At a glance
Battery life
Let’s start with the battery, as this is where you’ll find the biggest difference between the two devices.
The Gotek X comes with 650mAh of capacity, which is fine for a small pod system with limited power output but is certainly nothing special.
Even using it alongside another device, I didn’t find it lasted much more than a day. A light user might squeeze a day of vaping out of it, but a heavy user won’t get much more than half a day.
However, the Gotek Pro comes with 1500mAh - more than double the capacity, and very impressive for a palm-sized pod system. It’s true that the Pro has a slightly higher output (13-16 watts instead of 10-13 watts), but even so, the battery easily doubles the life of the Gotek X.
Ease of use
The name ‘Pro’ may be a misnomer here, as there’s nothing difficult or complicated about the more premium device - in fact, the functionality is almost exactly the same.
There’s no wattage to adjust (the device does this automatically for you depending on the pod used) and there’s one simple setting at the base of the device to adjust airflow. Essentially you have two choices here - airy or restricted - although you can half cover the airflow hole with the Gotex Pro to achieve a midway point.
One thing to note here - the airflow setting is set at the base of the device. This is unusual, but as you will likely find your preferred setting and set it once, it probably doesn’t matter. The only disadvantage is that people who don’t read the manual (which I am guessing is at 90% plus!) might miss the setting. Fortunately, you are reading this review, so that won’t apply to you :)
To fill both Gotek devices, you pull out the pod, lift the orange flap and insert your e-liquid bottle. While it’s not top fill, which is the most convenient filling method a pod system can use, the larger orange flap avoids the awkward fiddle associated with many side-filling pod systems.
So while it’s not as easy or quick to fill as a Vaporesso Xros device, you’re unlikely to find any difficulties either.
Beyond that, there’s nothing to them other than inhaling to activate the device and start vaping. That makes both devices a great choice for vapers who like a super simple device with little to think about. Vapers who want more control would do better with a device such as the Luxe XR Max.
Style and comfort
With the Aspire Gotek X, you’re either going to love or hate the style. The futuristic, techno style features a completely transparent plastic casing which allows you to see all the interior, including the battery with its black and silver cyber design. In contrast, the Gotex Pro resembles a traditional box mod (despite the fact it’s a pod system), with only the section that holds the e-liquid transparent.
One negative with the Gotek X is that it’s not the most comfortable device to hold, at least if you prefer to grip it in your whole hand. The biggest problem is the protruding lanyard connection, which, although plastic, does dig a little into your fingers or palm, depending on how you hold it. That’s a shame, because pretty much the only people who use lanyards are vape shop staff!
(What’s more, when you do use a lanyard (not included) the device tends to slip off quite easily.)
The Pro doesn’t have this problem, although its size and square shape mean that if you have small hands it won’t fit comfortably into them.
We’ve already mentioned that the Pro comes with a larger battery capacity. Add the aluminium alloy body, and this means a heavier weight too - 81g instead of 52 g. I personally prefer the heavier weight, as it feels sturdier and more solid. However, if you prefer a super light device, you’ll be better off with the original Gotex X.
Flavour and airflow
When selecting the restricted airflow, the Gotek X delivers a tighter inhale than the Pro, making it ideal if you are a fan of very restricted vape. If you prefer a slightly airer Mouth-to-Lung inhale, you’ll find the Pro preferable.
The Pro is much airier on the open setting, and I found I had to inhale harder to activate the device. I personally preferred the restricted inhale on the Pro, and the airy setting on the Gotek X, but this is down to my personal preferences.
Testing both of these devices with Seriously Salty Black Lemonade, the Gotek X delivered an acceptable flavour with the airflow set to airy, but really delivered the richer notes of this flavour with the restricted setting. The Gotex Pro is similar, delivering a superb flavour on the more restricted draw, but slightly lacking on the airier draw.
With both these devices, when I got other people to try it the first thing they noted was how smooth the vape was, even considering it was using nicotine salts. I personally prefer a stronger throat hit, which might be why I wasn’t as keen on the devices as other users.
E-liquid compatibility tip: Both Gotek X devices are suitable for 50:50 e-liquids (including nicotine salts). Due to their draw and the coil resistance and design, they are not suitable for high VG e-liquids or a Direct-Lung inhale.
Price point
At the time of writing, at E-Cigarette Direct the Gotek X is a very reasonable £9.89. That’s an extremely good price for a decent little pod kit, and has certainly factored into its popularity. It also makes the device a particularly good back up option if (like me!) you often find yourself losing your main vape device.
The Gotex Pro comes in at £16.89, seven pounds more expensive. However, with a more solid build and a battery that lasts twice as long as the Gotex X, you do get your money’s worth.
TLDR
Both of these pod systems are a great choice if you are looking for a simple, no-fuss refillable device that requires little or no thought to use. They deliver a smooth throat hit and the flavour is good once you have selected the right airflow setting.
I’d suggest choosing the Gotek X if you are looking for a cheap, throwaway device or if you prefer a very restricted inhale. If battery life and build quality are important to you, though, and you are looking for a device you can vape all day long, the Gotek X Pro is definitely the best option.
I think it’s also worth mentioning that while this isn’t my favourite device, the Gotek X has some serious fans - including one customer who works in a vape shop but orders the devices from us as her shop doesn’t stock it!