VAPORESSO LUXE X2 Review: Sweet Simplicity!
The VAPORESSO LUXE X2 is the newest pod system in the expanding LUXE family. Like the original, the X2 is a simple device, lacking a screen and adjustable power. But it still offers plenty of great features, like adjustable airflow, a 2000 mAh battery, upgraded pods (built-in coils), and dual-activation modes.
Product intro and specs
The VAPORESSO LUXE X2 is the fifth installment of the LUXE X line, which first hit the scene in August 2022. These devices have been popular amongst both new and experienced vapers, likely due to their performance and versatility. Regardless of your level of expertise, there’s a LUXE suited to you. I’ve personally enjoyed two of these devices, so I was excited to test out the latest version.
What’s new with the LUXE X2? Compared to the original, it has 25% more battery capacity (2000 mAh,) auto- and button-activation, fully adjustable airflow, and a new series of pods with COREX 2.0 technology. The device comes with two pods with integrated coils, but it also retains compatibility with the other LUXE X pods—both the replaceable coil and integrated coil versions.
The important question is: is VAPORESSO just cashing in on the LUXE name and reputation, or is this a noteworthy upgrade? Spoiler: it’s the latter! Continue reading to find out why the VAPORESSO LUXE X2 just might be your new favorite pod system.
Price: TBD (at Element Vape)
Colors: Avocado green, light pink, wasp yellow, night black, ruby white, white silver, light purple, navy blue
Specifications
·Dimensions: 101.0 mm x 31.4 mm x 21.5 mm
·Weight: 80 grams
·Max wattage: 40 watts
·Battery capacity: 2000 mAh
·Charging current: 1.5A
·Display: LED battery indicator
·Pod capacity: 5 mL/2 mL (TPD)
·Compatible pods/coils: LUXE X series pod/GTX coil
Kit contents
·1 x VAPORESSO LUXE X2 battery
·1 x VAPORESSO LUXE X series 0.6-ohm mesh pod
·1 x VAPORESSO LUXE X series 0.8-ohm mesh pod
·1 x Type-C charging cable
·1 x User manual
·1 x Reminder card
·1 x Warranty card
Build quality and design
The design of the VAPORESSO LUXE X2 reinforces the basic aesthetic of the previous LUXE X devices. The body is a combination of metal (likely zinc or aluminum alloy) and transparent plastic. Unlike the first three versions, the chipset is no longer visible, making it more reminiscent of a LUXE X PRO without a display.
Although the LUXE X2 is larger than a lot of pod systems, it’s surprisingly pocket-friendly. For comparison, it’s roughly the size of a harmonica. The hand feel is fantastic, thanks to the rounded edges and smooth finish. It doesn’t collect fingerprints either, which is a nice little bonus. The textured plate on the front (it looks like leather, but it’s plastic) makes finding the button easy.
The button is firm, doesn’t rattle, and has a satisfying click. But the adjustable airflow switch probably deserves the most praise. This is a big upgrade. The original only had two airflow settings, and they were dependent on pod orientation. The new airflow switch on the side allows for precision tuning. The tension is perfect. It doesn’t easily slide when you drag your finger across it—you have to work for it.
The overall build quality of the LUXE X2 is excellent, as we’ve come to expect from VAPORESSO. I’m not claiming that it feels like a high-end device, but it’s certainly a cut above the competition.
VAPORESSO COREX 2.0 pods
There are three notable differences with the new LUXE X2 pods:
·They feature new COREX 2.0 technology (coils are non-replaceable). We’ll discuss their performance later.
·VAPORESSO redesigned the mouthpiece to be slimmer and more comfortable than previous versions. I think it feels undeniably better, especially when it comes to MTL (mouth-to-lung) and RDL (restricted direct lung) vaping.
·The plastic is slightly less tinted than previous pods, making it a little easier to see the e-liquid level.
Also included in the package is a coil/pod compatibility card, which can be helpful. It clearly outlines the recommended nicotine strengths and PG/VG levels for each pod and coil, as well as the differences between the different LUXE devices. Note that all LUXE X pods and devices are cross-compatible, so you’ll have plenty of options to choose from. However, some of the more power-hungry coils won’t be the best choice for the X2, since it maxes out at 40 watts.
Getting started
The LUXE X devices can be divided into two camps: advanced (featuring a screen and adjustable wattage) and simple (no settings; plug and play.) The VAPORESSO LUXE X2 falls into the simple category. The only thing you can adjust is the airflow.
Click the button five times to turn the device on or off. When powered on, simply inhale or press the button to vape. That’s all there is to it!
While this simplicity makes life easier for the user, an option to lock the button would have been another nice upgrade. Still, it’s hard to complain since the original LUXE X didn’t even offer auto-draw functionality (button-activated only.)
The pod can be filled via the rubber tab at the bottom, which opens without difficulty. Because the pod and fill port are so large, the air escapes easily, allowing you to fill the entire chamber with one big squeeze.
Performance
The airflow on the VAPORESSO LUXE X2 is fantastic. Whether running it wide open for RDL or closed off for MTL, it’s perfectly smooth. I wouldn’t change a thing about it. The auto-draw functionality is crazy responsive, too. It doesn’t exhibit a split-second of hesitation before activating.
Included in the kit are two pods with integrated coils: 0.8 and 0.6-ohm. They feature COREX 2.0 flavor-boosting technology, which is said to provide “explosive flavor and extended pod life.” Is this just a marketing gimmick? Let’s find out! I tested the 0.8-ohm pod for MTL (50/50 e-liquid) and the 0.6-ohm pod for RDL (70VG e-liquid).
0.8-ohm (MTL)
Love at first puff! These new 0.8-ohm pods are phenomenal. Pods and coils usually require some break-in time, so I was shocked when this one performed flawlessly right out of the gate. I’ve since put 35 mL of e-liquid through it and the flavor is just starting to fade.
One unexpected characteristic of this pod is how it seems to enhance the sweetness of my e-liquid. I always test new vapes with tried-and-true flavors, so I have a baseline to judge the performance; this particular flavor has never tasted so sweet! I don’t know what sorcery is at play with these COREX 2.0 pods but color me impressed!
0.6-ohm (RDL)
This pod did require a break-in period (about 30 puffs) before finding its stride. After that, it performed beautifully. It was not boosting the sweetness like the 0.8-ohm pod, but the flavor was great. I’ve always enjoyed VAPORESSO’s 0.6-ohm GTX coils for RDL, and this was no exception.
At the time of this review, the 0.6-ohm pod has gone through about 25 mL of e-liquid. The flavor hasn’t dropped, but I recently started getting occasional semi-dry hits. This is likely due to the thickness of my e-liquid. VAPORESSO recommends 50-60VG for this pod, but I used 70VG (it was the thinnest low-nicotine e-liquid I had).
Battery life and charging
The LUXE X2 features a 2000 mAh battery, which is a considerable upgrade from the original (1500 mAh.) It charges via a bottom USB-C port at a rate of 1.6A. Charging from zero to 100% took me 67 minutes. The battery status is displayed on the LED indicator directly above the button; this light also breathes throughout the duration of the charge.
·Green: 70-100%
·Blue: 30-70%
·Red: 0-30%
VAPORESSO claims the battery can provide “up to 4 days of vaping,” but this will vary depending on usage patterns. A light user might be able to get four days from it, but that’s not a practical estimate. I went through about 11-12 mL per charge, so do the math based on the amount of e-liquid you consume. For me, it lasted a solid day with exclusive use. While I’m more than happy with that, it’s important to manage expectations.
I should also note that the LUXE X2 is a direct-output device, meaning the power output decreases as the battery drains. This power drop significantly impacts performance. When the battery gets down to around 40%, the vape experience is not nearly as enjoyable (especially in RDL).
Pros / Cons
Pros
·High battery capacity (2000 mAh)
·Compatible with other LUXE X pods
·COREX 2.0 pods have fantastic flavor
·5 mL e-liquid capacity
·No leaking or condensation from pods
·Comfortable mouthpiece
·Smooth airflow
·Firm airflow adjustment switch
Cons
·Firing button can’t be locked
·Performance significantly drops when the battery hits 40%
Gallery
Verdict
The VAPORESSO LUXE X2 might not be the most advanced refillable pod vape on the market, but it was never intended to be. It’s a simple, no-nonsense device that any vaper could use and enjoy without difficulty. In that regard, it’s a massive success.
On top of that, the new COREX 2.0 pods excel in performance. Even if you own one of the previous LUXE X kits, I’d strongly recommend giving these new pods a try. Just be sure to use 50-60VG e-liquids, or else the wicking may be unable to keep up.
On the downside, a lockable firing button would have provided some peace of mind when tossing this device in your pocket or purse. Also, expect lackluster performance when the battery is low; that’s just the nature of direct voltage devices.
Regardless, the pros dramatically outweigh the cons with this one. I’ve owned dozens of pod systems and small AIO devices, and the LUXE X2 keeps up with the best of them. And you bet I’ll be stocking up on those COREX 2.0 pods!
Which LUXE X device is your favorite? Do you think it’s worth upgrading to the VAPORESSO LUXE X2?