Danielle AlhirakiGeekvape Aegis Max Kit
9.4
PROS
- Classic Aegis design
- IP67 rating; rugged & durable
- Great power & TC mode performance
- Takes a 21700/20700/18650 battery
- Zeus tank is awesome
CONS
- SS316L TC mode is a bit off
- Wattage scrolls too fast
Geekvape are best known for their ‘Aegis’ line of waterproof, dustproof and ultra-durable box mods. They’ve practically got a mod for everyone; there’s the dual 18650 battery Aegis Legend & Aegis X, the built-in battery Aegis Mini, the single 18650 battery Aegis Solo, and the Aegis Squonk mod. They even make pod systems like the Aegis Pod and Aegis Boost!
For vapers seeking a single 21700/20700 Aegis, Geekvape have just released the latest addition to the Aegis family: the Aegis Max.
The Aegis Max takes a single 21700, 20700 or 18650 battery and features a maximum output of 100W. It has an IP67 water and dust resistance rating, as well as military grade shock resistance.
The Aegis Max kit comes with the Geekvape Zeus sub-ohm tank. This tank has been out for a while now but it’s still a top performer. The Zeus sub-ohm tank has a 26mm base diameter, a 5ml ejuice capacity. It also has top slotted airflow that basically eliminates the chance of leaking.
When I saw that Geekvape was releasing yet another Aegis mod, I couldn’t help but think “Do we really need another Aegis?”
Well, I’ve been using the Aegis Max for a few weeks now and I think that I have the answer. Read on for my full thoughts on the Aegis Max Kit!
This kit was sent to me from Heaven Gifts for the purpose of this review.
Box Contents
Aegis Max Kit
- 1 x Aegis Max Mod
- 1 x Aegis Zeus Sub-Ohm Tank
- 1 x 0.4ohm Z1 Mesh Coil
- 1 x 0.2ohm Z2 Mesh Coil
- 1 x Replacement Straight Glass
- 1 x Bag of Spare Parts
- 1 x Micro-USB Cable
Specifications
Aegis Max Mod
- Geekvape AS100 chipset
- 93mm(height) x 46mm(width) x 34mm(thickness)
- Takes a Single 21700/20700/18650 Battery
- IP67 Water & Dust Resistant
- Shock Resistant
- 100W Maximum Wattage
- Multiple Modes
- OLED Display
Zeus Sub-Ohm Tank
- 26mm Diameter
- 5ml Max. Capacity (Bubble Glass)
- Top Fill
- Top Airflow Adjustment
- 810 Drip Tip
- 43mm Height (excluding drip tip)
Design & Build Quality: Aegis Max Mod
The Aegis Max is smaller than the original 26650 Aegis, but still much larger than the Aegis Solo. For a comparison, the Aegis Max is 93mm tall, 46mm wide, and 34mm thick; the Aegis Solo is 85mm tall, 41mm wide, and 31.5mm thick.
This might not seem like a big difference on paper but when you hold these two mods in your hands it’s a different story; the Aegis Max feels much larger and much more robust than the Aegis Solo. The size means that the Aegis Max is not as pocketable or portable as the Solo. However, it’s still a relatively lightweight mod.
The design of the Aegis Max stays true to the rest of the Aegis line. I’m glad that Geekvape didn’t totally reinvent the design and stuck with what works. One look at the Aegis Max and you know that it’s an Aegis. It looks rugged and tactical, but stylish at the same time. It has a rubberized outer body, along with the signature Aegis skeletal metal frame that surrounds the leather grip.
Not everything is the same, though. There are some subtle design additions on the Aegis Max when compared with previous Aegis models. One such addition is a geometric, triangular pattern in the rubber that surrounds the skeletal metal frame. Another is that ‘GEEK VAPE’ is engraved on one side of the metal frame, and ‘AEGIS’ on the other side. These changes make the Aegis Max look more refined than previous models.
The buttons on the Aegis Max are different from previous models. They all have a diamond-cut appearance and stick out a bit from the face of the mod. The screen on the Aegis Max remains the same but it’s brighter and emits more of a true white light as opposed to the blue tinted screen on the Aegis Solo.
The large 510 connector plate on the Aegis Max can hold tanks up to 30mm without overhang. The 510 pin is gold-plated and spring-loaded. The 510 plate is flush with the top of the mod and all of my tanks sit flush with no gap.
The battery cap has a small handle that pops out. Due to the IP67 water and dust proofing, the cap is pretty tight. If you find it too difficult to remove or tighten, Geekvape includes a metal rod that you can slide through the handle to make it easier. There’s also a slot on the cap for a flathead screwdriver, just in case the cap is seized up.
While I never charge my batteries in a mod, there’s a USB port on the Aegis Max that can be used for charging if you’re in desperate need of a recharge. It’s nestled under a deep rubber plug, which is necessary for the IP67 water and dust resistance, but you might have trouble reaching the port if you use a thicker micro-USB cable.
The Aegis Solo will take a 21700 or 20700 battery, or an 18650 battery with the included adapter. I had no trouble getting my battery in or out. The compartment is snug but not so tight that it will damage battery wraps.
As far as the IP67 rating is concerned, the Aegis Max is just like other Aegis mods and passes testing with flying colors. I’ve tossed it around, dropped it from varying heights, and generally been rough with it. Apart from some scuffs and scratches to the screen and metal, and a few chunks missing from the rubber, my Aegis Max looks and functions just fine. I even dropped it in a bucket of water for 25 minutes, battery and all, and it’s still vaping like nothing ever happened.
Not surprisingly, the Aegis Max nicely lives up to the reputation of previous Aegis devices. It’s solid, nicely built, and has a quality feel to it.
Features & Functions
The Aegis Max uses Geekvape’s AS-100 chip, which is the same chip as the Aegis Solo. It has all the modes I’ve come to expect from an Aegis device, which include Power, Bypass, Temperature Control, TCR, and VPC modes. The Aegis Max can fire at up to 100W.
The UI is the same as the Aegis Solo. It displays your mode and wattage at the top of the screen , followed by a battery life indicator, coil resistance, amperage, voltage, and a puff counter.
Switching modes is done by pressing the fire button three times, and then using the adjustment buttons to scroll through the modes. If while switching modes you press the fire button again, you can lock your coil resistance or reset the puff counter.
The Aegis Max scrolls in 0.1W increments which is a bit frustrating. You can hold the adjustment buttons to scroll by full watts but it scrolls much too fast. It can be hard to get your desired wattage by holding the adjustment button. Most of the time I scrolled until I was close, and then adjusted in 0.1W increments to my desired wattage. Not the most optimal way to do it but it gets the job done.
Aegis Max Button Combinations
- Power ON/OFF: Press the fire button five times.
- Change Modes: Press the fire button three times.
- Change Screen Brightness: Hold the power button and either adjustment button to turn the brightness up or down.
- Enter Stealth Mode: Hold the power and both adjustment buttons for a few seconds. This will turn off the screen. This also locks the adjustment buttons.
- Lock Adjustment Buttons: Hold both adjustment buttons simultaneously.
Zeus Sub Ohm Tank
The Zeus sub-ohm tank has been around for a while, but it’s still a great performing sub ohm tank. This is the same tank that comes with the Aegis X Zeus kit. It looks a lot like the Zeus X RTA but takes premade coils. You get a 5ml bubble glass, as well as a 3.5ml straight glass in the box.
The Zeus is a top airflow tank which greatly reduces the chances of it leaking. In fact, I haven’t had it leak at all during the entire time I’ve been using it with this tank. I’ve even used it before in the past and never had any leaking issues. This top airflow funnels air down through the chimney and to the coil, and although top airflow tanks aren’t known for their flavor, the Zeus is quite a flavorful tank.
It has an 810 drip tip with rounded edges for added lip comfort. The top cap unscrews with a quarter turn to reveal two large, kidney shaped fill ports. These ports are recessed inside the top cap, so even if you don’t get the ejuice directly in the hole, it doesn’t come spilling back out.
The coils for the Zeus are easy to install; they just push into the bottom of the tank. Two coils come with the Zeus:
- 1 x 0.4ohm Z1 Mesh Coil (Rated for 60-70W)
- 1 x 0.2ohm Z2 Mesh Coil (Rated for 70-80W)
Performance
As a whole, this kit is super. The Aegis Max fires as soon as I press the fire button. It’s feature packed and, aside from the annoying wattage scrolling, it’s pretty easy to use. Paired with the Zeus sub ohm tank, this is a kit that delivers in the performance and flavor departments.
Both of these coils perform nearly the same, just with slight difference in their best wattage. Starting with the Z2 coil, which is rated for 70-80W, flavor is very nice at 75W. I get very good warmth from the vapor and it’s not too strong or hot at all. I’ve been using 80VG ejuices almost exclusively lately and this coil had no trouble keeping up with wicking.
The Z1 coil performs nearly the same as the Z2. This coil is rated between 60-70W. I get great flavor and the best warmth at 70W but anything above 60W is very nice. Again, no problems with wicking 80VG ejuices even when I chain-vaped like a mad woman.
For being a top airflow tank, the Zeus and its coils aren’t too bad at all.
The Aegis Max performs good in wattage mode, but that’s almost a given for any box mod. I mean really, if a box mod doesn’t work properly in wattage mode then why is it even on the market? What I was really curious about is its TC performance.
For my TC testing, I used the SS316L coil that comes with the OFRF NexMesh sub ohm tank. In SS mode, the Aegis Max does well at around 450°F and gives a nice warm draw that is just to my taste. The TCR value for SS is a little off so I had to go about 30°F higher than I normally would with any other TC mod. Manually inputting the value in TCR corrects this and allows me to vape at 420°F like I normally would with SS316L.
The TC mode is a little off, but it’s consistent and works well. You’ll just have to bump the temperature up a bit from your normal go-to temperature if you use SS316L.
Verdict
The Aegis Max is a nice addition to the Aegis line of mods. It’s the single 21700 mod that I’ve been waiting for; beautiful, durable, and a good performer in wattage or TC mode.
The Aegis Max is super similar to previous Aegis mods so if you don’t particularly care about using a 21700 battery, then this might not be worth the purchase. But if you’ve been looking for a good 21700 mod, the Aegis Max is a perfect choice. If you don’t have the Zeus tank or if this is going to be your first mod/tank, the kit is also worth the money.
Do you have the Aegis Max or Zeus tank? Leave a comment with your thoughts!
Jamie Gann
Robert Barnes
Adam Alhiraki
I’ve had several of their mods including the original ages, The Legend, and the solo. I’ve been quite happy with the Three Ages solos and the original ages that I purchased. However Both of my Legends went bad because the battery connector on then we’re horrible. It happened to a lot of people. Unfortunately, geekvape customer service department would not help me, or anyone with the same problem out. In fact they were the worst customer service I ever dealt with in my life. I truly hope the next time when you write a review about any present or future geekvape products, that you not only talk about the product but you take into consideration what horrible customer service that geekvape provides its customers. Atrocious and that they say that they’re there to help their customers, they really aren’t and they couldn’t care about the customers after they’ve made a sale to them. Very sad
I just bought an Aegis Max with the Zeus tank, it works great in wattage mode but I just wondered if it can be used in TC mode. The coils it comes with are Kanthal and I don’t know if there are any other coils that work with the Zeus tank.
Unfortunately I don’t think that there are any TC-capable coils available for the Zeus sub-ohm tank. If you want to TC with the Aegis Max then you’ll have to get another tank. 🙁
Ok, after owning this for a couple of weeks I thought I’d chime in. For reference I was previously using a Geek Vape Aegis Legend (2 of them actually) for the past 3 years or so.
First, the size. I couldn’t be happier losing the brick that the Legend is. While it’s a very good mod, it’s just too big and heavy for my liking. It’s a pain to carry around with you, while the Max is a pleasure to have along! It fits perfectly in my hand (I’m a 6’ tall guy), and I can put it in my back pocket or jacket pocket without it being a big deal. It’s not tiny by any means, but the size is perfect for my hands, and it feels good to hold. The ergonomics are great, and it feels like it was designed to fit me. When I pick up the Legend now it feels too large and just not very comfortable to hold.
Now let’s talk about the mod itself. The modes are the same as you’d find on the legend. I only really use wattage so that doesn’t matter much to me. The buttons have a good feel, are placed in a good location, and using them is instinctive. The adjustment buttons raise and lower the settings either too slowly, click by click, one tenth of a watt at a time, or too quickly if you hold them down. Hopefully they fix that in upcoming versions; it’s not a huge problem that will affect people often, but they can make it better. Stealth mode is a cool feature, and the ability to lock the settings is a must have. Only having to use one battery is wonderful, and it doesn’t seem to run out of juice any faster than my 2 battery Legend did either. It can accommodate both 18650 batteries with the included battery sleeve, or the 21700 battery it’s designed for which will give you a little extra run time. The battery door is SO much better than the Legend, with the Legend it would pop open if you dropped it sometimes, and occasionally it was hard to close. Geek Vape provided the Max with a metal screw in cap on the bottom which not only won’t pop open, but it feels like it will aid in the waterproofing department. The metal screw in cap features a pop-up metal ring that is used to help remove and replace the cap, which was very thoughtful, you can tell the engineers put a great deal of thought into this mod. The kit even includes a metal rod to insert into the ring to assist in loosening it, which would be great for people lacking in finger strength. Additionally, it’s slotted as well, so if that metal ring ever did manage to break off somehow, you’re not out of luck. A quarter or a nickel fits in nicely to assist in unscrewing it, and of course you could always use a screwdriver. The screen is easy to read, and while is isn’t fancy or color changing, it displays all the info you need, and is dimmable. The mod itself is aesthetically pleasing, and it both feels and looks like a high quality mod. The fact that it is waterproof, dustproof, and impact resistant makes it even better.
This kit comes with the Zeus tank, which seems light years ahead of what I was previously using, the Aero and Alpha tanks. The flavor alone from these coils and tank are ridiculously good. I can honestly say the flavor I’m getting now is 2-3x better than what I’d ever experienced with the other tanks. The kit comes with .2 and .4 ohm coils, and so far I prefer the .2 coil, as it seems to deliver flavor a bit better, but that’s a personal choice. Changing coils on this tank is a breeze compared to the tanks I’m used to! It comes with a coil removal tool, which is basically just a forked lever which you use to pop out the old coil, and then you press in a new one. You can easily change a coil in under a minute with this setup, and it’s a VERY welcome change from the old screw in coils! The top airflow vents do a great job, and it never leaks! The airflow adjustment ring under the top screw cap does come loose when you unscrew the top to refill, and if it isn’t seated correctly you won’t be able to screw the top cap back down, but it only takes a second to fix, and it’s a minor gripe.
I’ve tried a lot of mods over the years. Some get it right more than others, for me at least. This isn’t a “one size fits all” type of thing though, it’s a matter of personal preference. For my preferences, I love the Max. The 200w capability of the Legend was unused by me, as I never really ever Vape above 60-70 watts. The run time of the Max with one battery seems about the same as the Legend too, and if I know I’m going to be out all day, carrying one extra battery with some extra juice is easier than carrying 2! I love that while it’s designed for a bigger battery than what I used to use, my old batteries aren’t useless. There’s a lot to love about this mod, and very little to not love. As a testimony to how much I like this mod, a few days after having the first one I bought, it was stolen. I immediately went and bought another. There was really nothing to think about, it’s THAT good a mod kit. The mod itself is excellent, the Zeus tank pushes it over the top. I’d buy another one tomorrow!