Header
IN SHORT:
Subox Mini Black Edition by Kangertech
Subox Mini Black Edition by Kangertech

Subox Mini Black Edition by Kangertech

Commercial characteristics

  • Sponsor who lent the product for the review: Tech Vapeur
  • Price of the tested product: 79.90 Euros
  • Product category according to its selling price: Mid-range (from 41 to 80 euros)
  • Mod type: Variable power electronics
  • Is the mod telescopic? No
  • Maximum power: 50 watts
  • Maximum voltage: 9
  • Minimum value in Ohms resistance for a start: 0.3

Reviewer comments on business characteristics

Kangertech is on all fronts! The Chinese brand attacked very strongly this year with the declined series of Subtanks which upset the market situation in terms of clearomizers or the Kbox which, combining simplicity and efficiency, has established itself among novice vapers. 2015 is the Kanger year!

Also, the manufacturer is now entering the market with a complete kit at a minimum price. Indeed, for less than 80 €, you have the mod and ato. We will not come back here to the Subtank mini delivered in the kit because we have already reviewed it on the site, even if this second version arrives equipped with a new RBA better thought out because it has two fluid intake holes and which the airflow ring has been improved. We will devote ourselves to the analysis of the Subox, a pretty little box here in its black edition, which also exists in a white version.

Obviously, this kit was developed to come hunting on the lands of the Evic VT and the brand has put the package on the look to compete with the beautiful body of its competitor. No problem on the other hand for the atomizer, Kanger just had to take a Subtank Mini, improve it a little, match it in color to the box to have a perfect set-up.

Perfect? Maybe not… By building on the fame of its star clearomiser, the Chinese giant has certainly reduced research and development costs but has perhaps neglected an essential parameter that we will see below.

Do not forget in any case that this is a kit even if we will focus on the new element of this set, namely the box. Because keeping this in mind will allow you to easily understand where the tender trap of this wonderful kit lies.

Kangertech Subox Mini Behind

 

Physical characteristics and felt quality

  • Width or Diameter of the product in mms: 22.2
  • Product Length or Height in mms: 82.2
  • Product weight in grams: 153.8
  • Material composing the product: Aluminum
  • Form Factor type: Box mini - type IStick
  • Decorative style: Classic
  • Quality of decoration: Good
  • Is the coating of the mod sensitive to fingerprints? No
  • All components of this mod seem well assembled? Yes
  • Fire button position: Lateral near the top cap
  • Fire button type: Mechanical plastic on contact rubber
  • Number of buttons making up the interface, including touch zones if they are present: 3
  • Type of user interface buttons: Mechanical plastic on contact rubber
  • Quality of the interface button (s): Very good, the button is responsive and does not make any noise
  • Number of parts in the product: 2
  • Number of threads: 1
  • Quality of the threads: Very good
  • Overall, do you appreciate the quality of manufacture of this product with regard to its price? Yes

Rating of the vapelier as to feelings quality: 4.1 / 5 4.1 5 out of stars

Reviewer's comments on physical characteristics and perceived quality

WARNING: I indicated “aluminum” by default when choosing our protocol, but it is truly a zinc alloy, die-cast. The fact of being able to cast the zinc allows to obtain more complex shapes and the roundings of the Subox benefit greatly from this method. The black ceramic finish is splendid, I admit not knowing if it will hold well in case of impact, but it is soft in the hand with a very pleasant peach skin touch. 

The general shape is very sexy. We really have in hand a small box, quite light and with a splendid finish. In addition, the touch-feeling is fantastic, between the rounded rectangular shape and the softness of the coating. 

The magnetic cover, which serves as an access hatch for the 18650 battery (not supplied), is a total success. Not only does it not move when closed, but its operating principle is totally innovative since it is located, not at the back of the box as usual, but on the lateral side opposite to the screen assembly. more buttons. It's as easy as pie, but you had to think about it. In use, it is very user-friendly. 

Kangertech Subox Mini Interieur

The switch buttons, plus and minus, are made of red plastic and have a lot to do with the aesthetic success of this Black Edition. I regret, however, that their size is more suitable for little fingers than big ones. Indeed, even the switch is quite small. However, you get used to it quickly and its ease of use is average. The other plus and minus buttons are tiny and will remind older ones of the interface buttons on a Lavatube. But as their position is clear in space and they are well in relief, they do not pose any problem of use. In short, a very qualitative feeling for a beautiful object.

Kangertech Subox Mini Screen

Functional features

  • Type of chipset used: Owner
  • Connection type: 510
  • Adjustable positive stud? No, a flush mounting can only be guaranteed through an adjustment of the positive pad of the atomizer if this allows it.
  • Lock system ? Electronic
  • Quality of the locking system: Excellent, the chosen approach is very practical
  • Features offered by the mod: Display of the charge of the batteries, Display of the resistance value, Protection against short circuits from the atomizer, Protection against reverse polarity of the batteries, Display of the current vape voltage , Display of the power of the current vape, Clear diagnostic messages
  • Accusability: 18650
  • Does the mod support stacking? No
  • Number of batteries supported: 1
  • Does the mod retain its configuration without batteries? Yes
  • Does the mod offer a recharge feature? Charging function possible via Micro-USB
  • Is the recharge function pass-through? Yes
  • Does the mode offer a Power Bank function? No power bank function offered by the mod
  • Does the mode offer other functions? No other function offered by the mod
  • Presence of air flow regulation? Yes
  • Maximum diameter in mms of compatibility with an atomizer: 22
  • Accuracy of the output power at full charge of the battery: Good, there is a tiny difference between the requested power and the real power
  • Accuracy of the output voltage at full charge of the battery: Good, there is a tiny difference between the requested voltage and the actual voltage

Vapelier's note regarding functional characteristics: 4.5 / 5 4.5 5 out of stars

Reviewer's comments on functional features

The SUBOX arrives covered with all kinds of protections. In addition to those listed above, there is also a temperature sensor that will stop the mod if the PCB (chipset) exceeds a normal operating temperature. There is also an interesting function which will warn you when the discharge capacity of the battery is compromised by your settings by flashing the charge indicator. In this regard, Kangertech recommends the use of a battery capable of delivering at least 20A in constant value. 

Lock mode is standard. 5 quick clicks on the switch are enough to turn the box off or on. Simultaneous pressing of the plus and minus buttons allows the screen to be inverted to match your positional vaping habits. Blood pressure is shown in real time while you are vaping. 

To increase or decrease the power, Kanger relied on an ingenious principle. If you press by press, you increase or decrease the power in 0.1W steps. If you keep pressed to go up or down faster, the system will output the power in 0.1W steps up to the ten lower or higher and then in steps of 1W to reach the desired power faster. In use, it is precise and simple even if we have known faster.

I now come to the trap I told you about at the start of the review.

Indeed, as you have no doubt noticed, the 510 connection is not adjustable. By no means. No matter how hard I looked, I found nothing that could help to resolve it. There is a hole on the battery cradle in which I managed to enter a Philips screwdriver and which corresponds to a screw. But no matter how hard I turn this screw, it doesn't change the height of the connection. Niet! Nada!

And therein lies the trap. Indeed, I tried an Origen Genesis V2, it doesn't take it, too short young man… I tried an Expromiser, which usually goes everywhere given its spring connection, it doesn't take it either. Ditto for almost all of the drippers in my possession. In desperation, I installed a Taifun Gt for testing by largely unscrewing its adjustable connection and there it worked. 

So, it appears here that this kit is meant to work together. Namely, there is no problem recognizing the (still happy) Subtank Mini and since the kit is sold inseparable you are just not supposed to put another atomizer in it. Moreover, the brand clearly specifies in its communication: Starter Kit. It is therefore indeed a starter kit. The message is clear: confirmed vaper, walks in the shade and looks elsewhere. Obviously, you can put an atomizer there as soon as it will have the required connection depth or if the positive pin is adjustable. Otherwise, use the Subtank, period. 

Kangertech Subox Mini ConnectionKangertech Subox Mini Bottom

But I don't agree. For several reasons:

  1. First of all, after the proprietary resistors or the proprietary batteries, here come the proprietary mods… Great! The freedom of vapers is still taking a little hit. As long as Aspire, Taifun, Svoemesto and the others do the same, the set-ups will start to be expensive if a different mod per atomizer is needed! You, I don't know, but I like to decide what to vape with, both as an ato and as a mod. And if I want to put an Origen on the SUBOX, I want to be able to do it. I paid for!
  2. This kit is stamped “starter kit” or Starter kit. Take the test: take this kit, put a liquid in 12mg (it must be that for a beginner!) And vape your guinea pig, even at 10W. He will choke and curse you and your offspring for thirty generations. We know very well that when we start, we need a higher level of nicotine. We also know very well that even with a very small set-up set very low, the consenting victim will first find the vapor difficult to swallow, will cough and choke, we have all been there. And here, Kanger offers us a superb kit for beginners, in sub-ohm, which sends his mother and his grandmother and makes a hell of a vapor… is it relevant or is it to make us swallow the pill of the setting missing?
  3. The Subox is the first box in the recent generation not to benefit from an adjustable connection. This means either that Kangertech is not aware of the realities of the market, which you will allow me to doubt. Either Kangertech has decided to ignore this essential feature to force consumers to use Kanger with Kanger. And I find that very limited as a way to proceed.

Evaluation of the packaging

  • Presence of a box accompanying the product: Yes
  • Would you say that the packaging is up to the price of the product? Yes
  • Presence of a user manual? Yes
  • Is the manual understandable for a non-English speaker? Yes
  • Does the manual explain ALL features? Yes

Vapelier's note on packaging: 5 / 5 5 5 out of stars

Reviewer's comments on conditioning

As usual, the manufacturer delivers high quality packaging that contains everything to use the two parts of the kit in good conditions. Japanese cotton, additional resistance, RBA plateau… so on and the best. There is nothing to reproach the packaging which is in itself a reference.

We even have the right to a complete bilingual notice, in English and French. Even if French is more “Googlien” than “Hugolien”, I welcome this initiative which should be more widespread.

Kangertech Subox Mini Pack

Appreciations in use

  • Transport facilities with the test atomizer: Ok for an inside jacket pocket (no deformations)
  • Disassembly and cleaning facilities: Super simple, even blind in the dark!
  • Easy to change the batteries: Super simple, even blind in the dark!
  • Did the mod heat up? No
  • Has there been any erratic behavior after a day of use? No
  • Description of situations in which the product has experienced erratic behavior

Vapelier's rating in terms of ease of use: 5/5 5 5 out of stars

Reviewer's comments on the use of the product

In use, the Subox does not disappoint. The vape rendering is very good. There is no latency between the moment you switch and the crackle of the resistance and the vape is very pleasant. Neither too aggressive nor flabby. Of course, the box accepts higher resistances (as long as you have an atomizer that works on that damn connection, I know, I don't easily let go of my bone ...  😈) in order to operate the Subtank with the RBA plate. Kangertech specifies however that from 1.6Ω, it will be impossible to reach 50W. The intensity that the Subox can output is limited to 12A and its maximum voltage to 9V. Lovers of high resistance (there are still some!) Will not be delighted with the news. But remember that this box is called SUBox. The message is clear enough.

Kangertech Subox Mini kit

Recommendations for use

  • Type of batteries used during the tests: 18650
  • Number of batteries used during the tests: 1
  • With what type of atomizer is it advisable to use this product? In sub-ohm assembly
  • With which model of atomizer is it advisable to use this product? The Subtank.
  • Description of the test configuration used: Subox + Taifun Gt, + Subtank.
  • Description of the ideal configuration with this product: It is already in the box….

was the product liked by the reviewer: No

Overall average of the Vapelier for this product: 3.4 / 5 3.4 5 out of stars

Link to a video review or blog maintained by the reviewer author of the review

The mood ticket of the reviewer

The rating is severe, I agree and I apologize to the Subtank aficionados. I explained to you why this box did not suit me: the “programmed” absence of an adjustable 510 connection is due in my opinion more to the commercial maneuver than to involuntary forgetting and this method does not please me. That doesn't mean you have to agree with me. Indeed, if we use the kit as it is, we have here a perfect set. The cohesion between the Subtank and the Subox is total, an osmosis both aesthetic and technical which can only delight lovers of this type of vape. 

The sensuality of the form, the beauty of the finish, the design and the good rendering of the vape are all strengths that cannot be overlooked. No more than the protections implemented which make it a secure object.

This alluring set will be hugely popular, used as is, for what it is and not for what it is not. This is its greatest quality, especially at this price, and its biggest flaw since it will sideline a good number of atomizers and let's face it, it's a shame ... 

Objectively, this is an excellent kit. Subjectively, you already know my position… 😉 

(c) Copyright Le Vapelier SAS 2014 - Only full reproduction of this article is authorized - Any modification of any kind is totally prohibited and infringes the rights of this copyright.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
Com Inside Bottom
Com Inside Bottom
Com Inside Bottom
Com Inside Bottom

About the Author

59 years old, 32 years of cigarettes, 12 years of vaping and happier than ever! I live in Gironde, I have four children of whom I am gaga and I like roast chicken, Pessac-Léognan, good e-liquids and I am a vape geek who takes responsibility!