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REVIEWS
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IQ VIVA KIT By Benedict Jones
Mod Specifi cations:
- Dimensions: 75.1mm*26.5mm*17mm - Battery capacity: 1100mAh internal cell
- Power output: Three power settings (Low/Medium/High) - Charging: Micro-USB
Tank Specifi cations:
- Dimensions: 55.9mm*14mm (height including drip tip)
- Materials: Glass, stainless steel - E-liquid capacity: 1.3ml
E-liquid giants Hangsen have pushed to make an impact on the
hardware market in recent times and until now that has taken the
form of several pod systems of varying sizes. The IQ VIVA is their fi rst
traditionally-styled tank and mod kit, so how does it measure up to
the competition?
Construction, fi t and fi nish are good. This is an affordable, beginner-
friendly kit so it would be unfair to expect top-tier, rugged construction,
but the device feels nicely put-together. Seams are minimal, there is
no rattle or play to speak of and the mod is comfortable in the hand.
The chassis material is not stated but from the relatively low weight
it’s seemingly aluminium and the fi nish is nicely done.
Ease-of-use is critical with starter kits and Hangsen have done well
in this case. The device features just one button, which acts as a
fi ring mechanism, cycles between three power settings with three
consecutive presses and powers the device on/off with fi ve clicks. A
simple set of LEDs indicates the current power setting and tells the
user when the device is charging, when there is a connection problem
or when the battery is depleted. I would like to see a greater range of
battery feedback, warning the user of different levels of charge, but
this is a minor complaint.
In terms of performance, the VIVA kit is very respectable when
compared with the other miniature mods and pod systems that
it is competing with. I found the 1100mAh internal cell to easily
accommodate a full day’s use on one charge regardless of power
setting when used with 20mg/ml nicotine strength e-liquids. Vapers
who use low strength e-liquids may have less run time, though the
device charges from flat to full in just under 1.5 hours, which is
entirely acceptable considering the size of the internal cell.
The VIVA tank is a sensible pairing for the mod. With its tiny 14mm
PROS
- Build quality
- Battery life
- Wattage adjustment
126 VAPER EXPO
CONS
- Only one coil option, not
true MTL
diameter, e-liquid capacity is small at just 1.3ml, but the intended
audience for this device is clearly those who use high strength
e-liquids, so this shouldn’t be too much of a concern and it does result
in a very slender package. The tank features a simple child-resistant
top-fi ll mechanism with generous fi ll ports and an airflow control
ring at the base which offers a good range of options, from tight
MTL when fully closed off to a restricted direct-lung draw when fully
open. This should cater to most new vapers, though I found flavour
performance to be best with the airflow closed all the way down.
Vape quality is commendable for such a small device, though it
doesn’t compete with fully-fledged MTL stock coil tanks. But this is to
be expected and I thoroughly believe that the VIVA coil heads provide
a good experience for new vapers.
In summary, the Hangsen IQ VIVA kit is a solid miniature device
with extended battery life for new users who want something
that performs like a pod system. If simplicity, affordability and an
inconspicuous size are your priorities, this is a good option.