Twisty battery cap haters can rejoice, it's got one ......
The good news is it wasn't very fiddly, had clear negative polarity marking, and was easy to remove/re-install ...
Positive polarity marking in the tube ....
I don't think I even own any 18350 batteries at this point, so I reviewed this in "tall mode" running an 18650 only .....
Plenty of room once installed, ready for the springless cap ....
The cap was easily installed by hand, but you could also use a coin. Ample battery venting as well ......
The display, despite being bottom mounted, was very easy to read, and the mod was very accurate on the coil ohmage. The volts/amps zero'd out after the fire button was released however.....
This mod seemed to almost have been designed FOR the SteamCrave RDTA v.1 …
**Testing / Usage:**
I think it's MORE than safe to say that I loved the looks and style of this mod. It not only looked, but felt like a Top Shelf mod as soon as it landed in my hand. Super clean lines, and accents throughout, with a perfect fit and finish as well. Very well thought out and implemented design, that felt VERY solid and comfortable in the hand. The display was very clear, even in direct sunlight, with a nice round robin setup, that PAUSED at the Min/Max values, then allowed you to continue scrolling. While fairly minimalistic, the controls, settings, and adjustments worked perfectly, quickly, and without issue. Even in 18650 mode it was fairly small, and compact, but had some heft to it.
Before moving onto the P's and C's, it seemed prudent to mention some of the particulars about SBS mods, as they're not really "cons", but issues that are shared by most SBS's. Large(r) airflow, juiceflow rings can sometimes be cumbersome to adjust, and dry burning/rinsing coils can be a challenge. Coiling and wicking can also sometimes be a challenge while the tank is installed in/on the mod.
**Pros:**
* Stunning design and body lines/accents
* Bright easy to read display
* Solid, tactile firing and adjustment buttons
* Fast adjustments, and round robin advancements
* Very high end machining
* Springless battery cap, with no rattles
* Felt VERY good, and solid in the hand
* Mod was very stable when table topping, allowing for easy tank/battery cap removal with NO tipping
**Cons:**
* Downward facing display
* Amperage and Voltage zero out after fire button released
* Twist off battery cap took longer to remove/replace than a hinged battery door
* No USB charging (but is this really a Con ??)
* `+` button on the right ??
* No Allen Key provided to change battery tube screws
**Conclusion:**
Despite this mod having been released quite a while ago, I'm shocked that I JUST became aware of it, and the Aspire Prestige Line, BUT, I'm glad I did. If you (the reader) are not a fan of Side By Sides, or more basic (i.e. Watts/Volts/Bypass) modes this mod may not be for you. For the REST of us (hehe), press on we shall. This piece was SHOCKINGLY good, and realizing the collaboration with Sun Box Mods, I was rather blown away that this came from Aspire. Go figure. Was it a showpiece, or an abomination ?? That's up to you, but for me, it was a Top Shelf Mod, and could still be had on the cheap. I was also surprised to read that the CNC process JUST for the aluminum block took over 30 minutes, let alone the rest of the process and assembly. This WAS indeed obvious every time you picked up and used the MIXX mod. Despite being somewhat heavy, it felt very solid, and good in the hand. The downfiring display (for me) was a real non-issue, as I spent most of the tests DTL'ing @ 60 watts, and once I set and locked the display, only used the fire button until the battery died LOL. The battery life was average @ 60w DTL'ing, and only got better with lower wattage MTL'ing. The lack of a USB charging port was also a non-issue for me, as I never use them, but prefer my Opus charger. Sure, sure, you've got to fiddle with the battery cap, but once you did it a few times, it as well, became second nature, and fairly quick.
The fit and finish were VERY good, with ZERO rattles on any of the components, battery/battery cap, or buttons for a completely silent affair. Aspire spec'd out a MAX of 24mm tank, but I WAS actually able to squeeze in a 25mm SteamCrave Supreme v.2 with no issue. This obviously WILL depend on YOUR tank. Obviously single batt, side by sides aren't for everyone, but if you are one of those who they ARE for, you may want to RUN (not walk) to get yourself one, or two. Fast firing, simple to use, stunning to look at, and not sure what else you could ask for. I'll drop a load of different tank, and size comparison shots below in the "Bonus" area, as well as linkage for purchases INCLUDING the very RARE Stabwood Versions. YES, they're still a FEW left. Color me impressed. From Aspire ?? YES, from Aspire..
