Introduction
Pod reviews aren’t really pod reviews – the vast majority of what makes a pod system succeed or fail is its coils. You could make the world’s best pod system and it would still suck if it came with terrible coils.
I’ve already used, reviewed and enjoyed the coils that come with the XLIM SQ in the XLIM Pod, so I know they how good they are – time to see if there are any advantages in using them in the SQ version of the XLIM.
Product overview
The XLIM SQ is a 900mAh, aluminum alloy pod system, with 2ml juice capacity, DC 5V/1A Type-C fast charging, adjustable airflow and a choice of three pods.
What do you get?
First impressions
There’s not much to say – it’s the same form factor as other similar square pods in this market sector. The color fade looks sexy, the black plastic top/bottom provides a nice contrast (and scratch protection), the airflow control is exactly the same as on the XLIM pod.
There’s a small light indicator on the front panel that for charging, battery levels, etc.
As with the XLIM pod, my only complaint is that the USB charge port is on the bottom rather than on the side.
Pod
The 2ml pods are slightly tinted, but not so dark as to make seeing juice levels difficult and are held securely in place by a pair of magnets.
The pods are side-fill, and as I’ve stated in previous reviews – side-fill is best, you may not agree with me, but I’m opinionated, so I’m going to stick with that opinion.
The mouth pieces has a very comfortable feel, it used to be my favorite, but I think that the current Argus pod mouth piece slightly edges it for comfort.
The coils are not removable from the pods, when your coil is dead – throw the pod away and fit a new one. I prefer this system, because even though it’s a little wasteful, fixed-coil pods are less prone to leaking. OXVA have just released a new XLIM with replaceable coils, although I have no idea if that system is compatible with previous XLIM pod systems.
How does it perform?
These two pods are identical to those in the XLIM Pod and perform exactly the same in both systems, apart from the fact that the XLIM SQ does not have adjustable power. When I switched the pods between the two systems, it felt as if the SQ was operating at 80-100% of the maximum recommended wattage for the pods, when compared to the XLIM Pod.
Airflow
I don’t consider the XLIM SQ to be restricted DL even on it’s most open airflow settings – you can get a restricted DL draw from it, but it’s a struggle and the MTL draw is much nicer.
The airflow has a three hole sliding system, however the three holes are not the same – the first hole to be closed down reduces the airflow by about 10%, the second by an additional 30% and the final one closes down the remaining 60%. You can close down all three holes to achieve a very tight MTL draw.
For me, the airflow is where OXVA have a clear advantage over other similar MTL pod systems – their airflow adjustment system is just better.
Battery
The claimed 900mAh battery lasts well and just as importantly charges very quickly, assuming you’re using a decent charger.
XLIM SE
It’s worth mentioning that the SE has identical specs to the SQ, but is a ‘stick-style’ pod system, rather than the ‘square-style’ of the SQ. However, I might be completely incorrect, because I’ve never actually used it.
Conclusion
The XLIM SQ was always going to be good, because it comes with good coils – but a more difficult questions is, is it the best XLIM pod system?
Disclaimer
The XLIM SQ was provided by OXVA for the purposes of this review.
Pod reviews aren’t really pod reviews – the vast majority of what makes a pod system succeed or fail is its coils. You could make the world’s best pod system and it would still suck if it came with terrible coils.
I’ve already used, reviewed and enjoyed the coils that come with the XLIM SQ in the XLIM Pod, so I know they how good they are – time to see if there are any advantages in using them in the SQ version of the XLIM.
Product overview
The XLIM SQ is a 900mAh, aluminum alloy pod system, with 2ml juice capacity, DC 5V/1A Type-C fast charging, adjustable airflow and a choice of three pods.
What do you get?
- XLIM SQ device
- 1×0.6ohm pod (fitted)
- 1×0.8ohm pod
- Lanyard
- type-C cable
First impressions
There’s not much to say – it’s the same form factor as other similar square pods in this market sector. The color fade looks sexy, the black plastic top/bottom provides a nice contrast (and scratch protection), the airflow control is exactly the same as on the XLIM pod.
There’s a small light indicator on the front panel that for charging, battery levels, etc.
As with the XLIM pod, my only complaint is that the USB charge port is on the bottom rather than on the side.
Pod
The 2ml pods are slightly tinted, but not so dark as to make seeing juice levels difficult and are held securely in place by a pair of magnets.
The pods are side-fill, and as I’ve stated in previous reviews – side-fill is best, you may not agree with me, but I’m opinionated, so I’m going to stick with that opinion.
The mouth pieces has a very comfortable feel, it used to be my favorite, but I think that the current Argus pod mouth piece slightly edges it for comfort.
The coils are not removable from the pods, when your coil is dead – throw the pod away and fit a new one. I prefer this system, because even though it’s a little wasteful, fixed-coil pods are less prone to leaking. OXVA have just released a new XLIM with replaceable coils, although I have no idea if that system is compatible with previous XLIM pod systems.
How does it perform?
These two pods are identical to those in the XLIM Pod and perform exactly the same in both systems, apart from the fact that the XLIM SQ does not have adjustable power. When I switched the pods between the two systems, it felt as if the SQ was operating at 80-100% of the maximum recommended wattage for the pods, when compared to the XLIM Pod.
- 0.6ohm pod - this is a loose MTL pod, it works well with the airflow completely open, or 2/3 open. The vape from this pod is excellent, with strong flavor and the ability to pick out the secondary sub-flavors of your juice. The only downsides to this pod are that it will drain your juice a little quicker than the 0.8ohm pod and that it doesn’t work well with airflow shut down to tight MTL levels.
- 0.8ohm pod - this is almost identical to the 0.6ohm pod, with the same draw and great flavor characteristics, just slightly less intense. The main difference with this pod, is that it’s more flexible when it comes to airflow. You can get a very nice vape with the airflow fully closed, or with one to three holes open.
Airflow
I don’t consider the XLIM SQ to be restricted DL even on it’s most open airflow settings – you can get a restricted DL draw from it, but it’s a struggle and the MTL draw is much nicer.
The airflow has a three hole sliding system, however the three holes are not the same – the first hole to be closed down reduces the airflow by about 10%, the second by an additional 30% and the final one closes down the remaining 60%. You can close down all three holes to achieve a very tight MTL draw.
For me, the airflow is where OXVA have a clear advantage over other similar MTL pod systems – their airflow adjustment system is just better.
Battery
The claimed 900mAh battery lasts well and just as importantly charges very quickly, assuming you’re using a decent charger.
XLIM SE
It’s worth mentioning that the SE has identical specs to the SQ, but is a ‘stick-style’ pod system, rather than the ‘square-style’ of the SQ. However, I might be completely incorrect, because I’ve never actually used it.
Conclusion
The XLIM SQ was always going to be good, because it comes with good coils – but a more difficult questions is, is it the best XLIM pod system?
- For new vapers: yes and no – it’s less complicated that the XLIM pod, but from what I can see, it’s exactly the same as the XLIM SE – apart from the SE being a stick style pod system, and the SQ being square. So either the SQ or SE.
- For more experienced vapers wanting an XLIM as a second device; my advice is exactly the same as for new vapers. Decide if you want a long thin pod system or a square pod system, and you’re covered with the SE and SQ.
- For more experienced vapers wanting an XLIM as their only device: I’m going to recommend the XLIM Pod with its adjustable power. The ability to fine tune the vape with adjustable airflow + wattage is useful for certain juices.
Disclaimer
The XLIM SQ was provided by OXVA for the purposes of this review.