Table of Contents
1. Introduction
When it comes to box mods, Vaporesso’s GEN series has always been synonymous with sleek design and robust performance. The latest models, the Vaporesso GEN MAX and Vaporesso GEN SE, keep that tradition going strong with some new features and a commitment to quality. We’re going to take a closer look at both of these devices, checking out their design, features, and performance to help you figure out which one is the right fit for you. Read on to find out more.
2. Package List
The GEN MAX and GEN SE starter kits, come with the following components:
- 1 x Vaporesso GEN SE or GEN MAX Mod
- 1 x GTi 0.2-ohm Mesh Coil (Pre-Installed)
- 1 x GTi 0.4-ohm Mesh Coil (In Box)
- 1 x Vaporesso iTank T
- 1 x Extra Glass Tube (3ml or 6ml)
- 2 x O ring
- 1 x Type C Charging Cable
- 1 x User Manual and Warranty Card
- 1 x Safety Manual
3. Design and Quality
The GEN MAX – Big and Bold
The GEN MAX is the heavyweight in this duo. It’s larger and built to make a statement. The entire body looks like it’s been dipped in shimmering metallic paint, giving it a sleek and modern vibe. The front and back have a subtle texture for grip, while the beveled edges and sides are smooth.
The circular screen on the front resembles a stylish porthole. It’s clear and easy to read, adding to the mod’s modern feel. The activation button is both pressable and rotatable, offering a cool, unique experience. Plus, the branding on the button is subtle and classy, not in-your-face at all.
For practical features, the GEN MAX has a lock button for safety and a USB Type-C charging port for quick charging. The backplate is held by strong magnets, yet it’s still easily removable with a pull on a notch at the bottom, revealing the battery compartment. You’ll need two 18650 batteries that are not included to power the GEN MAX. The battery compartment has a handy battery ribbon to help remove the batteries when needed.
GEN SE – Compact Yet Mighty
The GEN SE is the smaller sibling, about a third narrower than the GEN MAX, making it a more portable choice. It has the same eye-catching shimmery metallic finish and textured grip on the front and back, with smooth bevelling and sides.
It features a vertical screen on the side, making it easy to read without cluttering the smaller body. The circular activation button is at the top, with two adjustment buttons at the bottom, all laid out intuitively.
Like the GEN MAX, the GEN SE has a lock button and a USB Type-C charging port. The backplate, featuring the sleek “V” for Vaporesso, comes off in the same way, but this model uses a single 18650 battery.
3.1 Pod Design
Both the GEN MAX and GEN SE come with the upgraded iTank T, designed to make your vaping experience as smooth and convenient as possible.
The iTank T on both models now has top airflow and top filling, making it easier to use. Both tanks come with two GTi mesh coils – a 0.2 ohm coil preinstalled for convenience and a 0.4 ohm coil included in the box. The other GTi mesh coils – the 0.15-ohm and 0.5-ohm are also compatible and can be purchased separately.
Refilling the iTank T is a breeze. Just look for the red arrow on the top metallic ring of the pod. Push against this arrow, and the mouthpiece slides away to reveal the refill port. It’s quick, easy, and mess-free. Adjusting the airflow is just as simple. Rotate the second metallic ring to open or close the airflow, letting you customize your vape to get the perfect draw every time.
The main difference between the GEN MAX and GEN SE pods is their tank capacity. The GEN MAX has a larger 6 mL tank, which is great if you want fewer refills throughout the day. The GEN SE, on the other hand, has a 3 mL tank, offering a more compact design while still giving you decent capacity.
3.1 Does the Vaporesso GEN MAX or GEN SE leak?
The short answer is no. Neither the GEN MAX nor the GEN SE have issues with leaking. By relocating the fill port to the top, Vaporesso has minimized the common issues that lead to leaking. During our testing, we didn’t experience any leakage with either vape.
Both devices come with extra O-rings. While the pre-installed O-rings are built to last, they can eventually wear out. If you ever notice any leaks, you can simply swap out the old O-rings with the spares provided. This easy fix keeps your device running smoothly and leak-free.
3.3 Durability
When it comes to durability, both the Vaporesso GEN MAX and Vaporesso GEN SE are tough enough to handle your busy life. These devices feature a fully metal body construction, meaning they can take a hit and keep on going. Whether they’re rattling around in your bag or taking an accidental tumble, these mods are designed to stay in one piece.
The iTank T, with its glass body, is the one part that might be a bit more fragile. Glass can break if you drop it just right, but Vaporesso has thought ahead. Each kit comes with a spare glass tank, so if you do end up with a crack, you can easily swap it out and get back to vaping.
3.4 Ergonomics
These devices are definitely on the heavier side, but anyone looking to pick up a mod like this is expecting a heftier device that’s packed with features and offers great battery life. Otherwise, you’d be looking for a disposable or pen-style vape.
The Vaporesso GEN MAX, in particular, might feel a bit cumbersome if you have smaller hands. It’s a powerhouse, and with that comes some extra bulk. But for those who prefer a solid, substantial feel in their hand, the GEN MAX delivers. The Vaporesso GEN SE, on the other hand, is more compact. It’s about a third less wide than the GEN MAX, making it easier to handle, especially for those with smaller hands.
The placement of the activation button on both devices is spot on. The mods are designed to sit comfortably against your palm, with your thumb naturally resting on the button. This thoughtful design ensures that you can vape with ease, without having to adjust your grip constantly.
4. Battery and Charging
The GEN MAX requires two 18650 external batteries, providing an extended lifespan that can keep you vaping consistently for well over 12 hours. The GEN SE, being the smaller sibling, needs just one 18650 battery, still offering an impressive lifespan of 12 hours of consistent use.
One of the best features of using external batteries is the flexibility they offer. If you have an external battery charger, you can charge your batteries outside of the device. This means you can have a couple of sets of batteries charged and ready to go. When the batteries in your vape run out of juice, simply pop them out and replace them with freshly charged ones. This way, you’re never tied down to a charger.
Alternatively, you can charge the batteries directly in the device through the USB Type-C charging port. This port ensures fast and efficient charging, making it convenient when you’re on the go and need a quick power boost.
5. Ease of Use
While the GEN MAX and GEN SE are packed with advanced features, they’re not exactly aimed at beginners. If you’re new to vaping, you might want to start with something smaller and simpler, like a pod-style device. However, if you’ve had experience with mod-style vapes before, you’ll find these devices straightforward and familiar.
User-Friendly Interface
The screens on both devices show everything you need to know at a glance. For the Vaporesso GEN MAX, you get independent battery levels, mode, wattage (or voltage, depending on the mode), coil resistance, and puff count. The Vaporesso GEN SE offers similar information in a compact format. Both screens also feature fun visuals that change depending on the mode you choose, adding a bit of personality to your vaping experience.
Menu Navigation
Navigating the menu is easy. Press the activation button three times in rapid succession to open the menu. From there, you can rotate the button to cycle through the options and click the button again to make selections.
Modes and Customization
You can choose from several modes:
- F(t) Mode: The default mode adjusts the temperature, heating speed, and time to deliver a balanced, flavorful experience.
- Pul (Pulse) Mode: This mode improves vaping by maintaining a constant voltage throughout the hit, offering a consistent experience.
- Eco Mode: This mode allows you to adjust the wattage for the best balance between performance and battery life, extending your vaping sessions.
- VV (Variable Voltage) Mode: This mode switches from power output to voltage output, giving you precise control over the voltage.
In addition to these modes, you can choose between three visual themes for the screen: a general theme (blue breathing), a UFO theme (purple/pink), and a football theme (yellow/red).
Practical Controls
When the device is unlocked, you can change the wattage at any time. Initially, we were concerned that the wattage might be accidentally adjusted, but in practice, we found this wasn’t an issue. The button design ensures that while you’re vaping, it’s not easy to accidentally rotate the button.
5. Performance
When it comes to performance, the GEN MAX and GEN SE deliver in spades. At the core of these mods is the AXON chip, driving multiple modes and offering a high level of customization. This chip is the brains behind the operation, keeping everything running smoothly and efficiently, no matter what mode you’re in.
Thanks to COREX 2.0 technology, both the Vaporesso GEN MAX and Vaporesso GEN SE provide outstanding flavor depth and consistency. Each puff delivers a rich, full-bodied taste that brings out the best in your e-liquids. Whether you’re vaping your favorite fruity blend or a bright icy flavor, these devices provide a satisfying experience every time.
Adjusting the airflow on the iTank T is smooth and straightforward. Just rotate the metallic ring to dial in your perfect draw. Both the GEN MAX and GEN SE offer an intense DTL (direct to lung) draw, great for those who prefer a more powerful, lung-filling vape. If you’re after thick, voluminous clouds, look no further. The vapor production on these devices is impressive, perfect for cloud chasers. Each hit delivers dense clouds that fill the room, satisfying anyone who loves a robust vapor experience.
7. Price
When it comes to price, the Vaporesso GEN MAX and GEN SE strike a balance between affordability and quality. These devices aren’t intended to break the bank, but they’re far from cheap throwaway products. You get what you pay for, and with these mods, you’re investing in top-notch performance and durability.
For those who want the full experience of the Vaporesso GEN MAX, you’re looking at a price in the $70 range. It’s currently available for $72.90 from Vaporesso. This gets you a powerful, feature-packed device with excellent flavor, vapor production, and a solid, durable build.
The GEN SE comes in a bit lower, around the $60 range. It offers the same great features and quality as the GEN MAX but in a more compact and manageable size. It’s perfect for those who want all the benefits of the GEN series in a smaller package. It’s currently available for $64.70 when purchased directly from Vaporesso’s website.
8. Verdict
Vaporesso’s latest GEN series mods, the GEN MAX and GEN SE, bring a lot to the table in terms of features, performance, and design.
The Vaporesso GEN MAX is a real powerhouse. It delivers fantastic flavor and thick, impressive clouds thanks to the AXON chip and COREX 2.0 technology. The sturdy metal body can take a beating, and with two 18650 batteries, you can vape for well over 12 hours. The circular screen is clear and easy to read, and the button layout makes switching between modes and themes a breeze. On the downside, its larger size might be a bit much for smaller hands, and you’ll need to buy your own batteries since they’re not included.
The Vaporesso GEN SE is the more compact option. It’s about a third less wide than the GEN MAX, making it easier to handle and more portable. Despite its smaller size, it still packs the same great AXON chip and COREX 2.0 technology for excellent flavor and clouds. The sleek metal body looks great, and the vertical screen and intuitive button placement make it user-friendly. It uses a single 18650 battery, which still gives you over 12 hours of use. You will need to refill the smaller 3 mL tank more often, but it’s a good trade-off for the compact size. Just like the GEN MAX, you’ll need to provide your own battery.
Both the GEN MAX and GEN SE are solid choices for vapers who want quality and performance. The GEN MAX is perfect if you want a powerful, feature-packed device, while the GEN SE is great if you need something more portable. With prices around $70 for the GEN MAX and $60 for the GEN SE, you’re getting great value for your money. Whether you want more power or more portability, Vaporesso’s GEN series has you covered.
