The Digi Max R Kit isn’t Geekvape’s first foray into pod-based sub-ohm vaping. Almost two years ago, they proved their capabilities with the excellent B100 Kit, which bore all the hallmarks of classic Geekvape design: chunky, bulky, tall, and proud.
They’re now ready to jump back into the portable cloud engine game with the Digi Max R Kit, updating their Digi Max original with replaceable coils. This week, I’ve been putting the Digi Max R through intensive use. I’m hoping to determine its worth and whether Geekvape can retain the portable, pocket-friendly sub-ohm throne.
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MIST’s Verdict
Review Summary: Sub-ohm vaping isn’t my go-to style, but the Digi Max R makes it very easy to get along with. I think this would be a great selection of kit for anyone interested in starting a sub-ohm journey.
Review Disclosure: Geekvape has supplied me with the Digi Max R Kit, which I’ve been reviewing this week. However, all my thoughts and opinions are impartial and informed only by my own experiences as a vaper. Geekvape also supplied me with a sample unit of their Digi Pro R Kit; however, this review will focus entirely on the Digi Max R.
Video Review
Packaging and Content
The Geekvape Digi Max R Kit arrives in a silver/orange box and sleeve.
- The front shows the name and picture of the Digi Max device and Geekvape’s company logo up top.
- The sides of the sleeve show the Geekvape logo again on one side and social media links on the other.
- The back of the sleeve displays device features and a contents list, as well as the above contact information for Geekvape and various certification symbols.
Note: The sample unit I’ve been sent is not TPD compliant, as it does not feature the standard health warning and features a 5ml pod. The TPD version will limit the pod capacity to 2ml.
When we remove the sleeve, we find a thick and substantial instruction manual for the device. Under this are cards highlighting coil compatibilities and purchase information.
Beneath these, we find the device on the left with a pod already inserted. To the right of it, a white box contains two coils and a USB-C charging cable. The device has stickers placed over the display screen to prevent marks and scratches before purchase.
Build Quality
Score: 4.5 out of 5
All in all, the Digi Max R has a solid construction with great carry weight. The super-advanced user interface is both intuitive and dazzling, and the pods and coils are a leak-free and tasty delight. I’ve shaved a half-point off the Build Quality score as I did find the kit slightly too bulky.
Mod
The Digi Max R Kit isn’t quite as heavy as I expected it to be. A 3000mAh battery usually increases the weight noticeably, but the battery tech must be progressing incredibly because the Digi Max R is relatively lightweight, weighing around 125g in total. That low weight is also likely due to the zinc alloy construction.
However, the device is a weird mix of compact and bulky. I think this is because of its somewhat ‘square’ build, which allows it to fit the palm well but requires a fist to fully ensconce it within your grip.
The device is pleasantly free from airflow sliders, as Geekvape made the unorthodox but bold choice to place the slider on the pod itself! I’ve used a couple of pod-based airflow sliders before, and without naming names, all I’ll say is that THIS is the one that actually works well.
However, the sides where airflow sliders might have once gone are now home to two matching and eye-catching colourful LED light strips illuminating when the device is fired.
The bottom of the device has a helpful rubber pad to prevent scuffs. Inside, you’ll find the USB-C charging port and a dedicated lock switch that prevents the kit from being fired with button activation.
The front of the device shows a plain Geekvape logo above the device’s only button. Beneath this button, the 1.47″ 2K display screen shows all your vape specs du jour and acts as a touch screen for navigating menus and modes and confirming wattage adjustments. It’s very bright and colourful!
Screen
I feel that screen discussion matters more in the Build Quality segment than in Performance, so here we go: the screen is phenomenally high-definition. Remember, this is a 2k screen; it may be of better quality than the screen you’re reading this on.
The screen has dynamic animations and themes for the different modes of use. While I usually find screen themes a bit dumb, I appreciate that these themes are for specific modes rather than just stylistic flair. However, some screen features are excellent, particularly the battery readout, which displays a numbered percentage rather than just a diminishing battery graphic turning red over time.
Pods
The Digi Max R is different from the other Digi Max devices in that it comes with an empty pod that can be fitted with J Coils from Geekvape. The other Digi Max device (which doesn’t feature “R” in the name) uses disposable pods with pre-installed coils you can’t remove. So, the R version of the kit provides better value by requiring just new coils rather than whole new pods every time.
Performance
Score: 5 out of 5
Regarding Performance, the Digi Max R’s primary inspirations – or rivals – are apparent if you’ve any experience using portable sub-ohm kits. The first comparison I think of is the Vaporesso LUXE XR Max, and in all my testing, I’ve found the Digi Max R far more enjoyable overall.
An 80W maximum output can produce some very impressive clouds, particularly when you’ve pulled the pod-based airflow adjuster all the way open. However, I have a misgiving about some sub-ohm pod kits because they rarely provide the necessary battery capacity.
However, this is not a problem with the Digi Max R, which boasts a remarkable 3000mAh cell that charges rapidly thanks to the 2A charge speeds.
In addition, the kit comes equipped with an ever-welcome Eco mode, which I found helpful for keeping my battery solid while travelling from A to Z.
There are other modes to select on the device.
- Custom mode opens the wattage selection up to you entirely, without restrictions.
- Smart mode keeps the wattage selection within an optimal range for your installed coil.
- The enjoyable Boost mode sets the output to the maximum your coil can handle, so it’s like Smart mode but with way more punchiness.
Ease of Use
Score: 5 out of 5
Surprisingly, for a sub-ohm pod kit with a touchscreen interface and four user modes, the Digi Max R is super simple to use.
Navigating the UI is a dream! Some touch displays can be awkward and floaty, but the Digi Max R screen manages to be both relatively compact and straightforward. There are clear signs of where to swipe to unlock, change modes, and alter wattages. A tappable ‘cog’ symbol also takes you to a more comprehensive menu.
The menu has some options available, such as checking the model number of your device, resetting the puff count, changing user modes in-menu rather than mid-vape, and adjusting the screen brightness levels and side-LED light show.
While kits with menus seem intimidating, I found the Digi Max R intuitive and phone-like. Geekvape first impressed me with touchscreen vape tech in the form of the T200’s gigantic and beautiful touchscreen.
It’s awesome to see that Geekvape is still keen on the screen, as it were, with their recently released Wenax Q Ultra also featuring an incredible touch interface.
Battery Life
Score: 5 out of 5
As mentioned, the Digi Max R contains a 3000mAh battery and rapid 2A charge speeds. This massive bank of power made it easy for me to explore the further ends of the 80W maximum output. I’m honestly very impressed at the relatively light weight of the kit, considering the size of the power cell within. Lithium batteries are certainly improving!
Flavour Output
Score: 4 out of 5
The J Coils used in the Geekvape Digi Max R Kit provide a clear flavour and seem built to last through long sessions.
This is essential, of course, as a sub-ohm kit puts the coils through a lot more stress and pressure. But the Geekvape I know has always been built for longevity and durability, and the J Coils seem to follow that ethos.
Admittedly, there are tastier coils out there. I was impressed by the four-airstreams design of the J Coils, as this builds on the chance for rich depths of taste. But having used the device very happily for a week, I once again have to acknowledge that DTL vaping just doesn’t carry the same flavour as MTL.
Cloud Output
Score: 5 out of 5
I have absolutely nothing bad to say about the cloud production capabilities of the Digi Max R! The pod-based airflow adjustment and coil design both contribute to producing thick, corporeal plumes of opaque vapour, rivalling many traditional sub-ohm setups.
It’s not quite going to rival an RDA or RTA of course, but in terms of a portable pod device? You really cannot find better clouds in another device of this size and travel-friendliness.
Summary
I’ve really enjoyed using the Geekvape Digi Max R. Sub-ohm vaping isn’t my go-to style, but the Digi Max R makes it very easy to get along with. I think this would be a great selection of kit for anyone interested in starting a sub-ohm journey.
While it does provide a great cloud-chasing experience, dedicated sub-ohmers will always want things like temperature control modes and RDA/RTA compatibility. But as a travel-friendly and pocketable sub-ohm vape kit, the Digi Max R does a superb job.
The MIST Favourite Feature:
Touch Screen UI: This is the most enjoyable touchscreen I’ve used in a while! It manages to be compact yet legible, discreet yet easy to navigate. If this is a sign of future vape UI designs, strap me in because I want the future TODAY.