Table of Contents
1. Introduction
Vaping enthusiasts are in for a treat with VAPORESSO’s latest offerings: the VAPORESSO Armour Max and VAPORESSO Armour S models. Both vapes boast a bold industrial design, complete with a 0.96-inch TFT screen and an integrated fire and lock button.
The Armour Max comes with an impressive 8mL tank capacity and requires the power of two external 21700 or 18650 batteries, delivering an output ranging from 5 to 220W. On the other hand, the Armour S, while more compact with a 5mL tank, requires just one external battery and offers an output between 5 and 100W. Let’s take a closer look at the details of these two models!
2. Packing List
The VAPORESSO Armour Max and VAPORESSO Armour S have similar packing lists, with just a few differences.
ARMOUR MAX
- 1 x VAPORESSO ARMOUR MAX MOD
- 1 x VAPORESSO iTANK2
- 1 x GTi 0.2-ohm MESH Coil (Pre-installed)
- 1 x GTi 0.4-ohm MESH Coil
- 1 x Extra Glass Tube
- 1 x Tank Protective Cover (Pre-installed)
- 2 x O-ring
- 1 x Refilling Silicone Plug
- 2 x 18650 Sleeve (inside the MOD)
- 1 x Type-C Cable
- 1 x User Manual & Warranty Card
- 1 x Safety Manual
- 1 x Reminder Card
ARMOUR S
- 1 x VAPORESSO ARMOUR S MOD
- 1 x VAPORESSO iTANK2
- 1 x GTi 0.2-ohm MESH Coil (Pre-installed)
- 1 x GTi 0.4-ohm MESH Coil
- 1 x Extra Glass Tube
- 1 x Tank Protective Cover (Pre-installed)
- 2 x O-ring
- 1 x Refilling Silicone Plug
- 1 x 18650 Sleeve (inside the MOD)
- 1 x Type-C Cable
- 1 x User Manual & Warranty Card
- 1 x Safety Manual
- 1 x Reminder Card
3. Design & Quality
3.1 Body Design
The Armour Max and Armour S share a strikingly similar design ethos. Both exude an industrial charm, featuring a metallic frame complemented by a rubberized grip that runs along the sides and base. This rubber grip is adorned with diagonal geometric patterns, lending a rugged appeal.
The rear showcases more of this rubber finish, with VAPORESSO’s signature etched vertically onto a metal plate. A button located at the lower center of the back panel is pressed to reveal the battery compartment.
The front is segmented into three distinct sections: a charging port, a 0.95-inch TFT display with two associated buttons, and an eye-catching orange lock/fire button. This orange button serves a dual purpose. When the orange button is in the down position, it can be pressed to initiate a draw. When the orange button is slid to the up position, it cannot be pressed and is effectively ‘locked’.
As far as the differences go, the VAPORESSO Armour S is about 2/3rds the width of the Armour Max. This extra width allows the Armour Max to have a horizontally positioned screen versus the Armous S with a vertical screen.
These devices are available in 5 different colorways:
- Black
- Green
- Silver
- Yellow
- Orange
3.2 Pod Design
The Armour Max and Armour S pods bear a strong resemblance, but they’re distinguished by a couple of notable features. Firstly, the Armour Max boasts an 8mL tank capacity, outdoing the Armour S by 3mL. Both pods come equipped with protective tank covers with diagonal cutouts for easy viewing of the tank’s e-juice level. But the Armour S sports a metallic cover, while the Armour Max opts for a silicone cover.
Beyond these differences, the pods share a consistent design. Both feature an identical airflow section located beneath the tank, which screws directly into the mod body. Users can rotate this component to modify the airflow’s size.
The pods are equipped with a glass tank and a uniform tubular mouthpiece, which can be swapped out for a different style or color.
Both pods also incorporate a refill section atop the glass tank, marked by a distinctive metallic red button. Pressing this button causes the mouthpiece to swing open, unveiling the refill port. This port is safeguarded by a silicone plug, uniquely designed to allow e-juice bottles to slot directly into a slit, ensuring a clean and hassle-free refill process.
3.3 Durability
The 8S and Armour Max are hefty devices that exude strong construction and durability. The rubber grips found on all sides of the mod act as protection against drops and normal wear and tear. The screen is inset deeply to prevent accidental damage or cracking. And the glass tank is protected by either a metallic or silicone tank cover.
These protective elements collectively ensure the vape’s delicate components remain intact, prolonging the device’s lifespan and ensuring users get the most out of their investment.
3.4 Do the Armour S or Armour Max leak?
Throughout our testing phase, both the Armour S and Armour Max proved to be leak-resistant. A thorough inspection of the airflow control area, situated beneath the tank, revealed no traces of e-juice leakage.
3.5 Ergonomics
The Armour models, when equipped with external batteries, have a noticeable heft to them. However, this weightiness is par for the course in the industry, especially for mods of their calibre. Those in the market for a robust, high-powered mod typically anticipate a more substantial device.
Setting the weight aside, both the Armour S and Armour Max score high on ergonomics. Their rubberized flanks provide a touch of cushioning and ensure a secure grip against the metallic frame. Furthermore, the prominent orange activation button is strategically positioned, making it accessible for users and comfortable to press.
4. Battery and Charging
The Armour S and Armour Max do not come with internal batteries included. This means you’ll need to purchase Lithium Ion batteries separately if you do not already have some on hand. While this is an extra cost, most Li-Ion batteries are reasonably priced and offer a long lifespan. Both models are compatible with 18650 or 21700 batteries, with the Armour S requiring a single battery and the Armour Max needing two.
After fitting the batteries, you can conveniently charge them using the Type C port, similar to vapes with internal batteries. With a high-capacity charger, these external batteries can be fully charged in a swift 15-20 minutes.
On a full charge, these devices can run continuously for approximately 10 hours. For average users, this translates to a battery life of 24-48 hours, meaning you’d only need to charge your vape once daily or every other day, adding to the device’s convenience.
5. Ease of Use
These two vapes are super easy to use. The provided user manual provides clear directions for all aspects of operation, including:
changing coils- adding e-liquid
- disassembling the tank to remove the protective cover
- navigating the user interface
- changing modes
While the Armour S and Armour Max are designed to be easily picked up by a vaper with any level of experience, these devices will be most familiar to those who have previously owned mods. But for true beginners, both models are set to the F(t) mode by default, which automatically adjusts the temperature, heating speed, and time for the e-liquid of your choice. And changing coils is a simple, straightforward process.
More advanced users can select one of four modes to customize their vaping experience:
- F(t) Mode– automatically adjusts the temperature, heating speed, and time for the e-liquid of choice
- Pulse Mode– delivers constant voltage output
- Eco Mode– adjust the wattage to your needs, has a longer vaping time than F(t) and Pulse modes
- TC-NI/SS/TI (Temperature Control) Mode – adjust the temperature and wattage
6. Performance
As is typically the case with mods, the Armour Max and Armour S are both DTL or direct-to-lung devices. The iTank can use a range of VAPORESSO GTi coils:
- 15 ohms (75-90 W)
- 2 ohms (60-75 W)
- 4 ohms (50-60 W)
- 5 ohms (30-40 W)
This means you can purchase the coils that suit your preferred wattage range, although both kids come with the 0.2-ohm and 0.4-ohm mesh coils to start. Your specific vaping experience is going to depend on how you customize your mod, but we did most of our testing in the F(t) Mode.
In this mode, I was most impressed by the temperature control. Oftentimes, mods can produce overly hot clouds and tons of spitback, but the VAPORESSO Armour Max and Armour S delivered vapour that was completely cool and flavor that was potent. The hits remained smooth to my throat for a wide range of wattages but were satisfying to my lungs. And the vapor volume was very significant. A deep inhale produces massive clouds if that’s something that gets you excited.
7. Price
The Armour MAX is priced at $62.88 on Eightvape’s website, while the Armour S comes in a little cheaper at $55.88. When stacked against other mods in their category, both models present good value for money. But what compromises are made if you lean towards the more budget-friendly, sleeker model?
Firstly, the VAPORESSO Armour S offers a 5mL tank, in contrast to the MAX’s more generous 8mL capacity. Additionally, the Armour S’s output power caps at 100 watts, whereas the VAPORESSO MAX can ramp up to a whopping 220 watts. Beyond these distinctions, the only other discernible variation is in the tank cover material: the VAPORESSO Armour S sports a metal cover, while the Armour Max opts for a silicone one.
Ultimately, the choice boils down to individual vaping preferences and lifestyle considerations, but it’s important to factor in the additional costs of external Lithium Ion batteries, e-juice, and periodic coil replacements as you make your decision.
8. Verdict of VAPORESSO Armour Series
The VAPORESSO Armour Max and VAPORESSO Armour S stand out as remarkable additions to the vaping market, each with its own set of unique attributes tailored to different user preferences. For those who prioritize a larger tank capacity and the ability to achieve higher wattage outputs, the Armour Max is undoubtedly the superior choice. On the other hand, the Armour S shines in its sleek design and offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising on essential features.
One of the standout qualities of both models is their robust construction. Their durable design ensures that they can withstand the test of time, offering users a reliable vaping companion. The versatility they offer is also commendable. With a range of modes and coil options available, users have the freedom to customize their vaping experience to their liking.
Ergonomics is another area where these devices excel. The thoughtful design, which includes a rubberized grip and strategically placed buttons, ensures that users have a comfortable experience. This attention to detail is evident in every aspect of the device, from its aesthetics to its functionality.
It’s worth noting that while both models offer excellent value for money, the need for external batteries does introduce an additional expense. This is a common trait among mods of this calibre, but it’s something potential buyers should be aware of. Additionally, the Armour Max’s size might not appeal to everyone, especially those who value portability.
In wrapping up, both the Armour Max and Armour S are top-tier devices that promise and deliver on performance, design, and overall value. The decision ultimately boils down to individual preferences and budget constraints, but regardless of which model you choose, a quality vaping experience is guaranteed.
