Hi Ecigssa members, In this review i take a look at the iStick Mix from Eleaf. The Eleaf iStick Mix 160W Box MOD was supplied for the purpose of this review by Ella from Sourcemore.
iStick Mix
Introduction
Eleaf were quiet for a while but have recently burst into activity releasing some really good products and seemed to of upped their game when it comes to build quality. The iStick Mix is their latest dual battery device which has an ergonomic form factor, beautiful Resin panels and high build quality. It also boasts a type C USB connection and supports the PD 3.0 protocol which we are seeing on a most Eleaf products of late. With it's old school display and familiar menu system those use to and fond of how eleaf products are navigated will be pleased the iStick Mix stays true to the previously used menu system, let's give it a look!
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In The Box
Contents:
1× Eleaf iStick Mix (no cell)
1× QC USB Cable
1x Warning Card
1× User Manual
___________________________________________________________________
Aesthetics and Ergonomics
The iStick Mix came in the usual cardboard box with cardboard sleeve packaging that Eleaf products come in. I received the version with the Hell Witch Resin battery panel, it's also available with Skyline Numen, Glary Night, Seabed Snaker and Wind Ninja Resin panel designs. The fixed panel uses IML technology and there are three different designs, the one you get is dependant on which Resin panel option you choose. The Chassis of the device is strong and feels solid and i am guessing is thick Zinc Alloy, on the Skyline Numen version the chassis is Silver, from the pictures it looks like the Wind Ninja has a Gun metal chassis and on the other 3 versions it's Black, on shaking the device there is no button rattle whatsoever. I both love Resin panels and also really like the use of IML but although entirely subjective i'm not a fan of mixing the two on the same device i would much rather of had matching panels whether both in Resin or matching IML designs. Both sides, spine and face are curved making the device very ergonomic helped by the fact it's also i would say slightly smaller than the average dual battery device. On the face of the device we have a large, round protruding fire button at the top and towards the bottom 2 smaller round protruding navigational buttons, we have the screen housed central. On the IML fixed panel we have the type C USB port then moving to the base we have safety stamps, venting and a notch for the resin panel removal. Up top we have a centre mounted 510 plate which is raised just enough to protect the surface of the device without causing visual gaping issues, the Gold plated 510 is spring loaded with more travel than the average 510.
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iStick Mix Specs and Features:
Size: 52 x 27 x 83mm
Battery type: Dual 18650 batteries (not included)
Output wattage: 160W max
Resistance range: 0.05-3.0ohm
Dual 18650 Cells with 160W Output
Ergonomic and Compact Design
Artistic Double-sided Panels, Removable Resin panel and fixed design
Steady and Efficient Recharging
Distinctive in Moulding Label(IML) Technology
Avatar Chip Offers Stable and Fast Fire Speed
Multiple Safety Protections
Thread: 510
Colours: Skyline Numen, Glary Night, Hell Witch, Seabed Snaker, Wind Ninja
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Fitting The Batteries
The iStick Mix accommodates dual 18650 batteries which are inserted by removing the Resin panel (there is a notch at the base to help with removal). The battery compartment is neat and tidy with a battery ribbon so no issues removing used batteries, orientation is Black on Black which yet again is disappointing. The panel is secured by large strong magnets top and bottom and very impressed as their is no movement of the panel whatsoever, a really good job!
___________________________________________________________________
The Display
Despite having a slightly tinted cover the display is bright and very clear and i had no issues even reading the display outdoors. To the Left of the screen we have your 2 vertical battery status bars, To the right of the battery status bars we have at the top the resistance, under this is the voltage and at the bottom the subpara which is amps by default but can be changed to puffs or time vaped, the entire right side of the screen displays the wattage (temperature when in temp control).
___________________________________________________________________
Navigating the iStick Mix
The iStick Mix is the normal 5 clicks on and 5 clicks off but if you turn on with 10 clicks the temperature of the PCB is displayed, as well as the main menu there are some combination key press functions. When the device is off clicking the up and down together flips the screen, the same combination when the device is on locks and unlocks the navigational buttons but the device will still fire, also when in temp control pressing the fire button 4 times allows you to set wattage for temp control. To enter the main menu is 3 clicks of the fire button which allows you to scroll through the various modes which are Variable Wattage, Ni, Ti, SS, M1, M2 and M3 (M1, M2 and M3 are your TCR slots). If instead of pressing the fire button 3 times you press the up and fire together when in wattage mode a row of icons appear which represent, subpara (change between puff, vape time or voltage), stealth (turn on or off), preheat (set your preheat wattage and duration), Logo (allows you to upload a logo), info which gives hardware and firmware versions and finally information about your battery status. When you press up and fire together when in temperature control you get the same row of icons but now we have 2 extra icons which are for locking resistance and entering TCR values to your memory slots. The menu system is easy to navigate around and those that have owned similar Eleaf products will be very familiar with it.
___________________________________________________________________
Type C Port
The iStick Mix supports PD3.0 protocol for faster charging and supports balanced charging at 2.5A, it also has the USB Type C connection so it doesn't matter which way the connector is fitted. The supplied USB charge and firmware update cable has a normal mini USB connector so can be used on other devices but this can be pulled off to reveal the type C connector for the iStick Mix.
___________________________________________________________________
Protections
Over-charge Protection
Over-discharge Protection
Over-current Protection
Over 10s Protection
Short Circuit Protection
Reverse Polarity Protection
___________________________________________________________________
My Experience Using The iStick Mix
As usual i need to point out i do not vape using temp control or have access to data so have simply reviewed the device as i experienced it as a vaper using it.
I have already pointed out i'm not keen on the mix of panels although each panel looks good on it's own merits. When using the iStick mix i only had one issue which was when trying the Serpent Elevate that my DNA devices read the resistance at 0.30 i noticed the iStick Mix read it at 0.34. I then tried it on other devices that all read it at 0.30 (+/- 0.01) but whenever i put it on the Mix it read between 0.32 and 0.34. I then tried other atty's which confirmed the Mix reads resistances high. To me who really only cares about there being no delay, and a consistent vape i really loved using the iStick Mix. The fire button has a short travel but is nice and clicky and it fires super quick with no misfires. I like the fact the top claimed wattage is an achievable 160W rather than being some pie in the sky claim, i also like the wattage adjustment which are 0.1 increments up to 20W for MTL and then switches to 1W increments right up to 160W. The device has a full TC suite and a few other features, when testing the pre-heat it works fine although i do prefer devices with custom curves and think the device could of benefited from a few more features. The device is equally comfortable firing using the finger or thumb and for a dual battery device it's a nice portable size. Battery life was what i would expect from a dual 18650 device and having type C USB supporting PD3.0 protocol supporting quick balanced charging is another pro. Having the 510 centre mounted allows for up to 25mm atty's to fit great while 26mm will overhang the bevelled edging but not the device it'self, finally the iStick mix is fully firmware upgradeable.
___________________________________________________________________
Likes
Very good build quality
High quality Resin panels
IML panels with nice designs (don't like mixed with the Resin panel but that's entirely subjective)
Very ergonomic shape
Bright, clear display
User friendly interface
No Rattles
Battery door fits securely, no movement whatsoever
Temp control (not tested)
Pre-heat (works well)
Fires extremely quickly
Adjusts in 0.1W increments up to 20W then 1W increments from 20W to 160W
Type C USB Connector
2.5A balanced charging
Firmware upgradeable
Cons
Don't like mix of Resin and IML panels (entirely subjective)
Reads Resistances a bit high
Could benefit from more features
I would once again like to thank Ella from Sourcemore for supplying the Eleaf iStick Mix 160W Box MOD for the purpose of this review.
iStick Mix
___________________________________________________________________
iStick Mix
Introduction
Eleaf were quiet for a while but have recently burst into activity releasing some really good products and seemed to of upped their game when it comes to build quality. The iStick Mix is their latest dual battery device which has an ergonomic form factor, beautiful Resin panels and high build quality. It also boasts a type C USB connection and supports the PD 3.0 protocol which we are seeing on a most Eleaf products of late. With it's old school display and familiar menu system those use to and fond of how eleaf products are navigated will be pleased the iStick Mix stays true to the previously used menu system, let's give it a look!
___________________________________________________________________
In The Box
Contents:
1× Eleaf iStick Mix (no cell)
1× QC USB Cable
1x Warning Card
1× User Manual
___________________________________________________________________
Aesthetics and Ergonomics
The iStick Mix came in the usual cardboard box with cardboard sleeve packaging that Eleaf products come in. I received the version with the Hell Witch Resin battery panel, it's also available with Skyline Numen, Glary Night, Seabed Snaker and Wind Ninja Resin panel designs. The fixed panel uses IML technology and there are three different designs, the one you get is dependant on which Resin panel option you choose. The Chassis of the device is strong and feels solid and i am guessing is thick Zinc Alloy, on the Skyline Numen version the chassis is Silver, from the pictures it looks like the Wind Ninja has a Gun metal chassis and on the other 3 versions it's Black, on shaking the device there is no button rattle whatsoever. I both love Resin panels and also really like the use of IML but although entirely subjective i'm not a fan of mixing the two on the same device i would much rather of had matching panels whether both in Resin or matching IML designs. Both sides, spine and face are curved making the device very ergonomic helped by the fact it's also i would say slightly smaller than the average dual battery device. On the face of the device we have a large, round protruding fire button at the top and towards the bottom 2 smaller round protruding navigational buttons, we have the screen housed central. On the IML fixed panel we have the type C USB port then moving to the base we have safety stamps, venting and a notch for the resin panel removal. Up top we have a centre mounted 510 plate which is raised just enough to protect the surface of the device without causing visual gaping issues, the Gold plated 510 is spring loaded with more travel than the average 510.
___________________________________________________________________
iStick Mix Specs and Features:
Size: 52 x 27 x 83mm
Battery type: Dual 18650 batteries (not included)
Output wattage: 160W max
Resistance range: 0.05-3.0ohm
Dual 18650 Cells with 160W Output
Ergonomic and Compact Design
Artistic Double-sided Panels, Removable Resin panel and fixed design
Steady and Efficient Recharging
Distinctive in Moulding Label(IML) Technology
Avatar Chip Offers Stable and Fast Fire Speed
Multiple Safety Protections
Thread: 510
Colours: Skyline Numen, Glary Night, Hell Witch, Seabed Snaker, Wind Ninja
___________________________________________________________________
Fitting The Batteries
The iStick Mix accommodates dual 18650 batteries which are inserted by removing the Resin panel (there is a notch at the base to help with removal). The battery compartment is neat and tidy with a battery ribbon so no issues removing used batteries, orientation is Black on Black which yet again is disappointing. The panel is secured by large strong magnets top and bottom and very impressed as their is no movement of the panel whatsoever, a really good job!
___________________________________________________________________
The Display
Despite having a slightly tinted cover the display is bright and very clear and i had no issues even reading the display outdoors. To the Left of the screen we have your 2 vertical battery status bars, To the right of the battery status bars we have at the top the resistance, under this is the voltage and at the bottom the subpara which is amps by default but can be changed to puffs or time vaped, the entire right side of the screen displays the wattage (temperature when in temp control).
___________________________________________________________________
Navigating the iStick Mix
The iStick Mix is the normal 5 clicks on and 5 clicks off but if you turn on with 10 clicks the temperature of the PCB is displayed, as well as the main menu there are some combination key press functions. When the device is off clicking the up and down together flips the screen, the same combination when the device is on locks and unlocks the navigational buttons but the device will still fire, also when in temp control pressing the fire button 4 times allows you to set wattage for temp control. To enter the main menu is 3 clicks of the fire button which allows you to scroll through the various modes which are Variable Wattage, Ni, Ti, SS, M1, M2 and M3 (M1, M2 and M3 are your TCR slots). If instead of pressing the fire button 3 times you press the up and fire together when in wattage mode a row of icons appear which represent, subpara (change between puff, vape time or voltage), stealth (turn on or off), preheat (set your preheat wattage and duration), Logo (allows you to upload a logo), info which gives hardware and firmware versions and finally information about your battery status. When you press up and fire together when in temperature control you get the same row of icons but now we have 2 extra icons which are for locking resistance and entering TCR values to your memory slots. The menu system is easy to navigate around and those that have owned similar Eleaf products will be very familiar with it.
___________________________________________________________________
Type C Port
The iStick Mix supports PD3.0 protocol for faster charging and supports balanced charging at 2.5A, it also has the USB Type C connection so it doesn't matter which way the connector is fitted. The supplied USB charge and firmware update cable has a normal mini USB connector so can be used on other devices but this can be pulled off to reveal the type C connector for the iStick Mix.
___________________________________________________________________
Protections
Over-charge Protection
Over-discharge Protection
Over-current Protection
Over 10s Protection
Short Circuit Protection
Reverse Polarity Protection
___________________________________________________________________
My Experience Using The iStick Mix
As usual i need to point out i do not vape using temp control or have access to data so have simply reviewed the device as i experienced it as a vaper using it.
I have already pointed out i'm not keen on the mix of panels although each panel looks good on it's own merits. When using the iStick mix i only had one issue which was when trying the Serpent Elevate that my DNA devices read the resistance at 0.30 i noticed the iStick Mix read it at 0.34. I then tried it on other devices that all read it at 0.30 (+/- 0.01) but whenever i put it on the Mix it read between 0.32 and 0.34. I then tried other atty's which confirmed the Mix reads resistances high. To me who really only cares about there being no delay, and a consistent vape i really loved using the iStick Mix. The fire button has a short travel but is nice and clicky and it fires super quick with no misfires. I like the fact the top claimed wattage is an achievable 160W rather than being some pie in the sky claim, i also like the wattage adjustment which are 0.1 increments up to 20W for MTL and then switches to 1W increments right up to 160W. The device has a full TC suite and a few other features, when testing the pre-heat it works fine although i do prefer devices with custom curves and think the device could of benefited from a few more features. The device is equally comfortable firing using the finger or thumb and for a dual battery device it's a nice portable size. Battery life was what i would expect from a dual 18650 device and having type C USB supporting PD3.0 protocol supporting quick balanced charging is another pro. Having the 510 centre mounted allows for up to 25mm atty's to fit great while 26mm will overhang the bevelled edging but not the device it'self, finally the iStick mix is fully firmware upgradeable.
___________________________________________________________________
Likes
Very good build quality
High quality Resin panels
IML panels with nice designs (don't like mixed with the Resin panel but that's entirely subjective)
Very ergonomic shape
Bright, clear display
User friendly interface
No Rattles
Battery door fits securely, no movement whatsoever
Temp control (not tested)
Pre-heat (works well)
Fires extremely quickly
Adjusts in 0.1W increments up to 20W then 1W increments from 20W to 160W
Type C USB Connector
2.5A balanced charging
Firmware upgradeable
Cons
Don't like mix of Resin and IML panels (entirely subjective)
Reads Resistances a bit high
Could benefit from more features
I would once again like to thank Ella from Sourcemore for supplying the Eleaf iStick Mix 160W Box MOD for the purpose of this review.
iStick Mix
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