Maximum Velocity

GeekVape’s new Aegis Max Kit sets a new standard for quality, performance and value.

By Mike Huml

The Aegis Max Kit from GeekVape is the ideal kit for intermediate vapers or anyone looking for a robust single-battery setup that produces maximum vapor. With 21700 or 18650 battery compatibility, the Aegis Max will far outlast the competition, and with the included GeekVape Z sub-ohm tank, this kit truly sets the bar for intermediate kits.

GeekVape’s popular design aesthetic is continued with the Aegis Max mod, incorporating a rubberized texture along with metal and leather for a super comfortable feel and maximum durability. The Aegis series is designed to be dust-proof, water-resistant and to be protected from drops from a reasonable distance.

The 510 connection is a solid piece of steel that eliminates threading issues. It also provides a solid foundation for atomizers with diameters up to 30 mm with no overhang. The buttons and screen are more conducive to a thumb-firing grip, which works well with the rubberized finish and the leather portion and stitching.

The mod is simple enough to use in wattage mode or temperature control mode, and the menu features many shortcuts that offer additional functionality such as adjustment locking, stealth mode and more. These features come standard on many modern devices, but the Aegis Max allows more advanced users to dig deeper into the menu for more customization features.

TCR curves, variable power settings and firmware upgradeability are all available to those who really want to fine-tune their vaping experience. Although the Aegis Max is geared toward intermediate users, the advanced features never get in the way if ignored or not needed. This also opens up the Aegis Max as a serious contender for enthusiast vapers looking for something a bit more tame than a multi-battery device.

Although the Aegis Max kit includes an adapter for an 18650 battery, it really shines when used with a 21700 cell. With power output up to 100 watts, an 18650 battery just can’t hold out very long even when used in the 60 watt to 80 watt range. Additionally, using an 18650 battery means that the additional bulk of the mod is no longer justified, and GeekVape offers several other mod options that are either powered by an 18650 cell or an internal battery.

While the Aegis Max does offer internal charging via an included micro-USB cable, the battery door can also be unscrewed to remove and replace the battery. The battery door is a bit unique since it screws in but features a flip-out “handle” to assist the user. Because the Aegis Max prides itself on being sealed from water and dust, the battery cap incorporates an O-ring that sits at the base of the threading. This extra security also means that the process of twisting the battery door on or off doesn’t feel quite smooth, and this could have quickly derailed the whole system.

However, the handle that swings out makes battery replacement incredibly easy for most users and if it isn’t, GeekVape also includes a tool with the kit that further reduces the effort needed to manipulate the battery door. In short, the system works extremely well even when it doesn’t seem like it should at first glance, mainly because of the forethought of the manufacturers.

The screen on the Aegis Max differs from some other GeekVape mods in that it is monochrome instead of colored. However, this doesn’t impede functionality or readability in any way and may actually serve to keep the price reasonable. For anybody already accustomed to the menu system from other Aegis series devices, the Aegis Max is nearly identical. At a glance, the screen shows the current firing mode, the power or temperature setting, remaining battery life, coil resistance, amperage, voltage and a puff counter.

As for the Z tank—this is an extension and renaming of the Zeus line of products. This newest iteration, the Z Max tank or simply the Z tank, features a 25 mm diameter and uses replaceable mesh coils that are available in 0.2 ohm or 0.4 ohm varieties. The Aegis Max kit includes one of each, but both are very similar. The 0.2 ohm coil requires a bit more power but has slightly more airflow due to a marginally larger diameter.

The 0.4 ohm coil is slightly more reserved and will extend battery life by a small amount. Neither coil is specifically designed for restricted lung hits, but both can be used for this purpose with a small adjustment to output power and by closing the airflow adjustment ring to the desired value. Because of the mesh heating element, heat is dispersed more evenly, allowing for an overall improved vape experience. Flavor is more robust, more vapor is produced and a wider power range is possible with minimal risk of oversaturated or dry hits.

While the airflow adjustment ring at the top of the tank can be closed off to heavily restrict airflow, mouth-to-lung vaping is not recommended. The internals of the tank are wide open and designed for maximum airflow and vapor production. Attempting mouth-to-lung vaping will result in poor vapor production and a harsh throat hit. However, using a different tank specifically designed for mouth-to-lung vaping isn’t off the table, as the Aegis Max mod works just as well at 15 watts as it does at 100 watts. Coupled with a 21700 battery, several days of use can be achieved in between charges when used in this way.

The Z tank is designed from the ground up for cloud chasing and ease of use. Airflow is top down to eliminate leaking and to provide a smooth draw. The tank is also top filling for maximum convenience. The top cap unscrews approximately a quarter turn before it’s able to be removed and the tank filled. This helps eliminate the frustration of needing to turn the cap over and over for it to be removed.

It’s a small thing in theory, but anybody who has tried to fill a tank with excess liquid on their hands will understand the relief of a single, quick turn of the cap in order to remove it. Doing so reveals two large kidney-shaped fill ports, which are widely accepted as the best filling method. There is no juice backup due to pressure, and thick liquids can be dispensed quickly with no spillage.

The Z tank holds 5 mL of e-liquid with the default bubble glass installed, but the kit also comes with a standard glass tank section that reduces the size as well as the capacity to a moderate 3.5 mL. Coil replacement is relatively painless and can be done without the need to empty the tank beforehand. The base unscrews easily to reveal the coil, which simply slides in and out and is held in the correct position by two grooves on either side of the coil base. If for some reason the coil does not slide out easily, GeekVape has included a tool for that as well. It’s great to see that GeekVape has included tools to increase accessibility for some of the maintenance that may require the use of fine motor skills rather than compromise on quality.

The Aegis Max kit is unmatched in terms of build quality, aesthetic and performance. The mod is durable and rugged by design but is also easy to use while including features also found in GeekVape’s more advanced devices. As far as single-battery mods go, the incorporation of 21700 batteries is a no-brainer.

The advantages of extended battery life and increased reliability when used above 60 watts compared to a standard 18650 battery can’t be overstated. While the Aegis Max mod could be smaller, the increased size feels great in the hand, offers additional protection to the battery if dropped and allows for the use of extra-large atomizers with no overhang.

The GeekVape Z sub-ohm tank as well as the Z series coils are among the best on the market. Airflow is smooth and relatively quiet, and the vapor is effortlessly produced. The flavor is accurate and bold, and it’s safe to say that leaky tanks are a thing of the past, barring user error. Coil replacement and refilling are quick and easy, and a wide airflow path and mouthpiece means no spitback. The implementation of a mesh heating element keeps juice flow consistent and expands the ideal power range for each coil.

The kit comes with a myriad of replacement O-rings as well as the battery door and coil replacement tools. Everything except for a battery and e-liquid is included in the Aegis Max kit, which retails for between $50 and $70—that’s a steal. The mod and the tank are available separately as well, but either way, the price-to-performance proposition is incredible.

The Aegis Max kit rides the line between intermediate and advanced devices, but it does so with grace. For either market, neither gets in the way of the other. This is a perfect device to upgrade to from pod systems or starter kits or even from a similar intermediate device that uses an 18650 battery or internal battery. For advanced or enthusiast vapers, the Aegis Max doesn’t necessarily mean a step back.

While the battery life and power output can’t match that of a multi-battery mod, keep in mind that 200 watts is often overkill, and enthusiasts won’t be sacrificing too much for a top-tier setup that’s likely a bit smaller and more portable.

All in all, GeekVape has once again impressed with the Aegis Max kit and has set a new standard for quality, performance and value.