A fair few OXVA XLIM kits, like the NeXLIM and XLIM Go, have passed through the MIST review halls in the past couple of years, and they continue to impress with each release.
The XLIM Pro 2 DNA Edition arrived at my desk at the start of this week, and I’ve been using it as my go-to daily rider to see whether it meets the usual OXVA standard. And, of course, if it’s significantly better than its regular, non-DNA version.
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MIST’s Verdict
Review Summary: The OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version upgrades the XLIM range’s features significantly, all presented in an attractive build that’s intuitive to use. It may not wildly diverge from previous XLIM kits, but when they aren’t broken, why would you want it to?
Review Disclosure: OXVA have supplied me with the XLIM Pro 2 DNA Kit I’ve been using for this review. While generous, they are aware that they can’t influence this review.
Video Review
Packaging and Labels
My OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version arrived in a black cardboard box surrounded by a black, red and gold cardboard sleeve.
The top of the sleeve face lists OXVA and Evolve over a red background. In the middle of the face, we have a plastic window showing us the kit within, next to a “DNA Inside. Anti-burn flavour replay” message printed next to it. At the base of the face, we see the XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version logo.
One side of the sleeve shows the included pod ohmages above a scannable QR code, while the other side lists features. The back of the sleeve displays a blurb about the device, along with contact info for Voopoo and an authenticity hologram.
Removing the sleeve, the kit is framed by a cardboard page that explains some of the anti-burn and memory functions of the kit.
Lifting this page, we are finally able to extract the device from the foam surrounding it. To the right of the kit, you’ll find a box containing the USB-C cable and spare pod for the device.
Build Quality
Score: 5 out of 5
The XLIM Pro 2 DNA has an exceptionally nice build, very similar to previous XLIM kits, but with a more robust and classy feel. The kit uses a blend of lightweight zinc alloy and carbon fibre to deliver a device with a low carry weight but decent durability. The matte feel of the casing is also charming, as I dislike the glossy surface of many pod kits.
The front of the kit features a compact, full-colour screen, with the airflow control slider located on the right side of the kit. On the left side, a novel sight: TWO buttons, one for the usual firing, but the other, the ‘Replay button’, is for different purposes, and has a heart graphic printed on it.
The charging port is on the base of the kit, and the XLIM pods connect magnetically as usual. They retain the excellent raised-side refill ports, which permit refilling without the need to remove the pod.
Overall, the build is solid, classy, understated, and confident in itself.
Performance
Score: 5 out of 5
Now, performance is where the DNA version becomes rather special. At first glance, it’d be easy to assume that it’s the same as the XLIM Pro 2, but the XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version has some very special features hidden inside that elevate it high above many other kits, even in its own range.
Brass tacks, the kit has a maximum wattage output of 30W, which is appropriate for a kit of this variety. The airflow is fairly ample and allows for some decent RDL use when open all the way and with the power set high. There’s also Smart functionality to protect your pods and rapid 2A charge speeds. These aspects alone make the XLIM Pro 2 DNA a worthwhile daily device!
So, what makes it special? Its DNA chip manufactured by Evolv.
I’ve said in multiple reviews that it’s a sad but unavoidable fact that no one has made a vape kit that can handle human oversights, such as firing an empty pod and ruining it forever.
Until now! The XLIM Pro 2 DNA knows when the coil is dry and untouched by e-liquid, and will prevent the device from firing at these times! That’s a GROUNDBREAKING feature that may well become a standard aspect of all future vapes.
Something to keep in mind: The anti-burn feature will ONLY work with OXVA’s new XLIM top fill cartridge stainless steel.
The other standout feature of the XLIM Pro 2 DNA is the Replay button. If you should happen to take a particularly satisfying puff, you can hit the button to save the exact settings that were active on that puff, allowing you to return to it whenever you please!
It’s a great feature that really encourages you to explore the power settings, as this way you can leave little ‘bookmarks’ to return to memorable puffs.
This makes the XLIM Pro 2 DNA the most advanced XLIM Pro kit yet by quite a large margin.
They’ve also upgraded the pods to provide more consistent flavour, and with burnouts effectively eliminated by the DNA chip, you’re in for long-term satisfying puffs.
Ease of Use
Score: 4.8 out of 5
Now, admittedly, the XLIM Pro 2 DNA is a little trickier to understand than some stripped-back devices like the XLIM Go. There are two buttons to get to grips with, some multi-button functionality, and the memory system to keep in mind.
BUT, get past those (ankle-high) hurdles and you’ll have the kit mastered in no time. It’s only slightly more complex than some other XLIM devices, and ultimately, you’ll be glad for the extra functionality, even if it’s initially a little confusing.
So, a slight nix off the ease of use score, but nothing major!
Battery Life
Score: 5 out of 5
The kit has a 1300mAh battery, and with 2A charge speeds, you’ll be back to full battery in no time when the time does come to charge it up. With the ability to change the power, you can keep it low to prevent draining the battery, and you can even switch off the colourful LED on the front of the device to conserve power.
So while the XLIM Pro 2 DNA may not have a dedicated Eco mode, you can effectively put it to eco settings yourself, particularly with the use of the Replay button.
Flavour Output
Score: 4.8 out of 5
The flavour is brilliant, with the new XLIM pods delivering consistent taste for much longer than their earlier pods. And not to harp on about it, but the Replay mode makes it even easier to ‘lock in’ your ideal flavour by saving the settings on a puff you found particularly toothsome.
OXVA continue to deliver not just easy-to-use and well-built vapes, but super flavoursome ones at that!
Summary
The OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version upgrades the XLIM range’s features significantly, all presented in an attractive build that’s intuitive to use. It may not wildly diverge from previous XLIM kits, but when they aren’t broken, why would you want it to?
The MIST Favourite Feature:
- Anti-Burn: Someone finally did it! They actually went and did it! No longer will pods be ruined by an ill-timed puff, with a Evolv DNA chip ensuring that dry coils aren’t fired!