What You Need To Know

Product Description

Vaporesso’s latest additions to their popular GEN series are here, and they’re bringing some serious firepower to the table.

The GEN MAX and GEN SE are two new vape mods that aim to satisfy cloud chasers and flavor enthusiasts alike.

The GEN MAX is a dual 18650 powerhouse, capable of pushing out a whopping 220W.

Meanwhile, the GEN SE keeps things compact with a single 18650 setup, maxing out at a respectable 80W.

Both mods come paired with the all-new iTank T, a top-airflow sub-ohm tank that’s promising to deliver leak-resistant performance without sacrificing flavor.

The tank utilizes Vaporesso’s latest COREX 2.0 technology in its GTi coils, which they claim offers better flavor and longer coil life.

You’re looking at a 0.96-inch TFT color screen on both devices, with three themes to choose from – because who doesn’t love a bit of customization?

The mods also feature a handy lock slider, making accidental pocket fires a thing of the past.

Available in a range of colors, from subtle to eye-catching, there’s likely a GEN MAX or SE to match your style.

Design & Build Quality

The GEN MAX and GEN SE are like fraternal twins – similar DNA, but each with its own distinct personality.

Let’s start with the GEN MAX. This dual-battery beast measures 141.4 x 49.7 x 28.5mm and weighs in at a solid 196 grams. It’s got a boxy shape that’ll give veteran vapers some serious nostalgia vibes, but with modern refinements. The edges are nicely rounded, making it comfortable to grip despite its size.

The standout feature here is the rotary fire button. It’s like Vaporesso took a page from the old-school vaping playbook and gave it a 2024 makeover. It’s also a separate color to the device to make it stand out.

The button is responsive, and the dial feels satisfyingly clicky as you adjust your settings.

On the front side, you’ve got a vibrant 0.96-inch TFT screen. It’s bright, clear, and adds a splash of modernity to the otherwise retro-inspired design. The lock slider just below the screen is a nice touch – it’s firm enough to prevent accidental adjustments but smooth enough for easy operation.

The GEN SE, on the other hand, is the compact cousin. At 141.4 x 35.6 x 26mm and 161 grams, it’s noticeably slimmer than the MAX. It ditches the rotary button for a more traditional setup, with separate fire and adjustment buttons. This gives it a sleeker, more streamlined look.

Both mods feature a unique textured finish that’s a far cry from the usual smooth metal. It’s not quite rubberized, but it’s got a satisfying grip that feels secure in your hand. The build quality on both is top-notch – no rattles, no loose panels, just solid construction all around.

The battery doors on both GEN devices deserve a special mention. They’re held in place by strong magnets and fit flush with the body. They snap into place brilliantly, and there’s no wiggle or rattle whatsoever. They both also have a battery ribbon to help you remove the batteries—a small but thoughtful touch.

Up top, both mods have a centered 510 connection that’ll accommodate atomizers up to 25mm without overhang. Any bigger, though, and you’re looking at some lip.

Color options are plentiful, from subtle black to eye-catching gradient purple. The Arctic Silver GEN MAX and Dark Black GEN SE we received are not the most striking. But they do have a sophisticated, sleek quality.

Overall, Vaporesso has done a stellar job with the design and build quality of both the GEN MAX and GEN SE. They’ve managed to blend old-school charm with modern functionality, resulting in devices that feel both familiar and fresh.

Features

Vaporesso has packed these mods with a solid set of features, striking a balance between simplicity and functionality.

Let’s start with the power. The GEN MAX, with its dual 18650 setup, can push out a whopping 220W. The GEN SE, being the compact single-battery version, tops out at 80W. Both are more than enough for most vapers, unless you’re really chasing those massive clouds.

The mods are powered by Vaporesso’s AXON chip, which brings a few nifty features to the table. You’ve got three power modes to play with:

Pulse, Eco, and F(t).

• Pulse mode gives you a bit of a kick at the start of your draw.
• Eco aims to conserve battery life.
• F(t) provides a more consistent vape throughout your puff.

There’s also a Variable Voltage (VV) mode for those who like to kick it old school. And a Smart mode that suggests a wattage based on your coil resistance.

Both devices sport a vibrant 0.96-inch TFT screen. It’s clear, bright, and easy to read. You can choose from three themes:

• General (blue)
• Football/Soccer (orange)
• UFO (purple)

It’s a fun little customization option, though I found myself sticking with the General theme most of the time.

The GEN MAX features a unique rotary fire button for adjusting your settings. It’s intuitive to use and gives the mod a distinct feel. The GEN SE sticks with traditional up and down buttons, which work just fine.

Both mods have a nifty lock slider. It’s a physical switch that locks all the buttons, preventing any accidental firing or setting changes. It’s a small feature, but one that I found myself appreciating more than I expected.

The devices support USB-C charging at 2A, which is always welcome. You can also vape while charging, though I recommend using an external battery charger.

One thing to note: neither device has a temperature control mode. It’s not a deal-breaker for most, but TC enthusiasts might be disappointed.

Lastly, both mods have all the safety features you’d expect: overtime protection, short-circuit protection, low battery protection, and more.

iTank T & Coils

The iTank T is Vaporesso’s latest sub-ohm offering, and it’s clear they’ve put some serious thought into its design.

Let’s start with the basics. The tank holds a generous 6ml of e-liquid (or 3ml if you’re in a TPD region).

It’s a top-airflow design, making it leak-resistant. So you can say goodbye to those annoying floods from bottom airflow tanks.

The top cap slides open smoothly for refilling, revealing a decent-sized fill port. It’s not the largest I’ve seen, but it’s big enough to accommodate most bottle nozzles without making a mess.

Now, let’s talk about those coils. The iTank T uses Vaporesso’s GTi coils, which now feature their COREX 2.0 technology. In the box, you get two options:

• A 0.2Ω mesh coil, rated for 60-75W (best at 65W)
• A 0.4Ω mesh coil, rated for 50-60W (best at 55W)

Both coils are plug-and-play, making installation a breeze. Just pop them into the base of the tank, and you’re good to go.

The 0.2Ω coil is your cloud-chasing option. It handles higher wattages well and produces impressive vapor production.

The 0.4Ω coil, on the other hand, is more suited for flavor chasers who prefer a slightly cooler vape.

One thing I really appreciate about the iTank T is its compatibility. It works with all GTi coils, so if you’ve got some lying around from other Vaporesso tanks, you’re in luck.

The airflow control on the iTank T deserves a special mention. It’s smooth, easy to adjust, and allows for precise control. You can dial in anything from a restricted direct-lung hit to a fairly airy draw.

Now, it’s not all roses. The coils can be a bit fiddly to grip when it’s time to change them. You might need to use a small tool to help pull them out, especially if you’ve got larger hands.

Overall, the iTank T is a solid performer. It’s not reinventing the wheel, but it’s taking what works and refining it. The leak-resistant design, compatibility with a wide range of coils, and smooth airflow control make it a worthy companion to the GEN MAX and GEN SE mods.

Performance

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty – how do these GEN devices actually vape?

Starting with the GEN MAX, this dual-battery beast is a solid performer. The 220W capability is no joke – it hits hard and fast when you crank it up. But let’s be real, most of us aren’t chain vaping at 200W+.

In the more reasonable 60-80W range, which is where the included GTi coils shine, the GEN MAX delivers a consistently satisfying vape.

The rotary fire button is a bit of a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s intuitive and feels great to use. There’s something satisfying about dialing in your exact wattage. On the other hand, I found myself accidentally adjusting the wattage more than once while vaping.

A lock function for just the adjustment wheel would have been a welcome addition.

Moving on to the GEN SE, it’s impressive how much punch Vaporesso has packed into this compact mod. The 80W max output is more than enough for most vapers, and it delivers it without breaking a sweat. The traditional button layout feels familiar and reliable.

Both mods fire instantly – there’s zero lag between pressing the button and getting vapor. The AXON chip is clearly doing its job well here.

Now, let’s talk about that iTank T.

I started with the 0.2Ω coil, running it at 65W as recommended. The flavor was impressive right out of the gate – no break-in period needed. Vapor production was equally impressive, producing thick, satisfying clouds.

The 0.4Ω coil, which I ran at 55W, was a slightly different story. It took about half a tank to really hit its stride, but once it did, the flavor was arguably even better than the 0.2Ω coil. It’s definitely the one I’d reach for if flavor is your primary concern.

Coil life on both has been excellent. I’m about 40ml in on the 0.2Ω coil, and it’s still going strong. No signs of flavor drop-off or burnt hits yet.

The airflow on the iTank T deserves a special mention. It’s smooth as butter, with no whistling or turbulence even when wide open.

The top airflow design means absolutely zero leaking – a massive plus in my book.

Typically, you’d expect a top-arflow tank to lose a smidge of flavor compared to a bottom-airflow tank. But honestly, that’s not a worry with this iTank T – flavor is on point.

Battery life on the GEN MAX is, as you’d expect from a dual 18650 device, excellent. I was easily getting into a second day of heavy vaping before needing to recharge. The GEN SE, with its single battery, naturally doesn’t last as long, but it still comfortably gets through a day.

One quirk I noticed on both devices is that they’re direct output mods. This means you’ll notice a slight performance drop as the battery depletes. It’s not a deal-breaker by any means, but it’s something to be aware of, especially if you’re used to regulated mods that maintain a consistent output.

The different power modes (Pulse, Eco, F(t)) are interesting, but honestly, I found myself sticking to F(t) most of the time.

The Pulse mode felt a bit too aggressive for my liking, while Eco mode’s battery savings weren’t noticeable enough to sacrifice performance.

All in all, both the GEN MAX and GEN SE deliver solid, reliable performance. They’re not groundbreaking, but they do what they’re supposed to do, and they do it well.

Verdict

The Vaporesso GEN MAX and GEN SE are more than solid entries into the box mod market.

Both devices blend modern features with a classy, almost nostalgic design.

The GEN MAX, with its rotary fire button is a unique touch, even if it can be a bit finicky at times.

The GEN SE, on the other hand, offers the same reliable performance in a more compact package. It’s perfect for those who want a no-fuss, portable device that still packs a punch.

Both mods paired with the iTank T make for a compelling setup.

The tank’s leak-resistant design and flavorful performance are definite highlights. And that airflow is oh so smooth.

Are they perfect? No. The direct output might irk some, and the lack of temperature control will disappoint TC enthusiasts.

But for the vast majority of vapers looking for a reliable, well-built mod with great flavor and impressive cloud production, the GEN MAX and GEN SE fit the bill nicely.

They’re familiar enough to feel comfortable, yet refined enough to keep things interesting. And really, isn’t that what we’re all looking for in a vape?