The Vaporesso Gen S is one of the latest models from one of the more popular mod manufacturers in the market today.
It is a true successor to the original Gen, which was a massive success, than its diminutive brother, the Gen Nano.
What Vaporesso did with the Gen S is take the successful formula of the original Gen and improve it even further.
The newer version still retains the compact and ergonomic design while using the latest AXON chip to improve consistency and performance.
Just like the original, the Gen S will take 18650 batteries. It will also include the NRG-S Tank, which we’ll discuss later in the review.
For original Gen owners, will the Gen S push you to upgrade?
Read on to find out…
PRICE (US): ~ $55.00 available from DirectVapor
PRICE (UK): ~ £60.00 available at Vape Superstore
VAPORESSO GEN S SPECS
- Tank capacity: 8mL / 2mL
- Battery: 2 x 18650 (not included)
- Output power: 5 – 220 watts
- Charging current: 2.5 amps
- Display: 0.91-inch OLED screen
- Resistance range: 0.03 – 5 ohms
- Coils: GT4 Meshed coil (0.15 ohms / 50-75 watts) / GT Meshed coil (0.18 ohms / 50 – 85 watts)
VAPORESSO GEN S CONTENTS
- 1 x GEN S mod
- 1 × NRG-S tank (8 mL)
- 1 × GT4 Meshed coil
- 1 × GT Meshed coil
- 1 × Extra glass tube (5 mL)
- 4 x O – rings
- 1 × Micro USB cable
- 1 × User manual
- 1 x Warranty card
PACKAGING & DESIGN
If you’re familiar with the Gen, the Gen S will look pretty much the same, which is not a bad thing.
Vaporesso has adopted the “why fix what’s not broke” approach and I think it’s a good idea since the design is striking and ages well.
The Gen S takes two 18650 batteries, which are not included. The battery door is held by powerful earth magnets and doesn’t exhibit rattles or play.
In the front you will find the fire button, the OLED screen, and below that, the “+” button, the mode/confirm button, and the “-” button.
Facing the front on the right side is where the micro USB port is located which can be used to charge the mod in case of emergencies.
In case you didn’t know, 18650 batteries are best charged externally, though the charge port can be used if you don’t own an external charger, although it is is always recommended to charge externally for extra safety precautions.
The 510 pin is located in the center on top, just like the original. It can fit tanks up to 26mm in diameter and still keep its seamless lines.
There are five colors to choose from: Rose Gold, Matte Grey, Cherry Pink, Midnight Blue, and Lime Green.
Inside the box you will get the mod itself, an NRG-S tank, two coils, spare o-rings, a spare glass, a micro USB cable, and a user manual.
FUNCTIONALITY
What sets the Gen S apart from the original is the use of the new AXON chip.
The AXON chip makes the Gen S sort of a “smart mod” so to speak.
It gives recommendations on which mode to use by detecting the tank and coils used.
It’s a pretty impressive technology that many of you will like, whilst some of you may not.
The Gen Nano uses the same technology which makes it a smaller brother to the Gen S.
Modes available include: Power ECO, which kicks in when the battery gets low to improve its remaining life; Smart TC, which automatically detects the coil used and the mod suggests the proper setting for it; Pulse Mode, which Vaporesso says will improve flavor and overall performance; and DIY, which is basically where you input the settings you prefer such as variable wattage and bypass mode.
Oh, and it also has a Super Player Mode, which sounds like something off a 90’s video game, but in reality is a mode that allows you to build at much lower ohms where other mods cannot. Not a bad little touch, but just make sure you know exactly what you’re doing here as this can cause battery explosions if you don’t use the correct calculations.
Using the Gen S is pretty simple, especially if you are used to variable mods.
Five button presses of the fire button turns the unit on and off, three clicks of the fire button will lock the menu and navigational buttons to prevent accidental changes in settings, while three clicks using the “mode” button will bring you to the menu.
The up and down buttons will help you navigate the menu while the fire button confirms your selection.
NRG-S TANK
The tank that comes with the Gen S is called the NRG-S.
It has a 22.5mm diameter and sits flush on the Gen S. The design is nothing ground breaking, but you will notice some knurled rings on the top and bottom part of the tank to help aid unscrewing the tank.
The glass is the bubble type, which allow you to have more capacity in a low profile form factor. The capacity of the tank is cool 8ml though an extra 5ml glass tube is available if ever you prefer a smaller form factor.
Filling the tank is easy. You simply push the top cap and it slides to the side revealing a curved fill hole. The fill hole is a little small though and you might need ejuice bottles or droppers with slim tips to fill it up.
The tank is compatible with Vaporesso’s GT line of coils, which have been around for quite some time, so you have a wide range to choose from. There are two coils included in the kit though, the GT4 and GT meshed coils.
The adjustable air flow ring is smooth and has dual slots. There is a stopper as well and you can close the air holes completely in case you need to.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
The Vaporesso Gen S Vape Kit costs around £60.00 in the UK, which you can buy at Vape Superstore, and in the region of $55.00 in the US via DirectVapor. The pricing is definitely on the higher side, even though it is a full kit, but Vaporesso has been around for a while and do make quality products. For this reason Id’ say it isn’t a bad buy, but if you’re a beginner you can get a great kit for much less of your hard-earned cash.
Aside from the included tank and coils, the new features make the Gen S a great choice for any vaper regardless of experience. It must be noted though that you’ll still need to factor in the cost of 18650 batteries and charger, which can add up. Though you can reuse these with any 18650 mod, if you don’t already own any it will be an additional cost to you.
DISLIKES
- Mode button in the middle of the navigational buttons can be confusing
- Still no USB-C
- Small e-liquid fill hole
- Not much difference with the original Gen
- Expensive Kit
LIKES
- Compatible with previous GT4 & GT tanks
- Great performance
- Good flavor and cloud production
- Ergonomic and nice to hold
- Build is high quality
- AXON chip
CONCLUSION
Despite the new chip and new features, the Gen S is too similar to the original Gen to make it worth it to upgrade.
If you own the original, you can skip this and wait for the next one. But if you are coming from a different brand or a lesser mod, the Gen S is great addition to your vape collection if it’s within your budget, which will need to be higher than the norm for a full mod kit.
The performance and features are fantastic. Personally, I am a fan of Vaporesso and would suggest the Gen S to anyone who hasn’t had a Vaporesso mod before.
The tank performs really well and users won’t have to swap it out for another. The ability to use the old GT coils is a plus as well.
In all, the Gen S is a great mod for those who don’t have the original Gen and is worth the price of admission. If it wasn’t for the price, I’d have given it 4.5 stars.
What do you think of the Vaporesso Gen S? Is it worth the investment? Let us and other peers know in the comments below…