I was contacted by Augvape and asked if I would like to review there Merlin Mini. It wasn't a tank on my radar as I generally prefer dual coil rta's with a lot of airflow, just fits my vape style better. I did know it also includes a dual coil deck so I figured I would give it a shot.
The packaging is pretty damn good, off to a good start
Get a good amount of orings, spare glass and an extra airflow reducer for the single coil deck for MTL vapers.
2 build decks, yes please
Going into this I just figured I would try the single coil deck for a day or 2 but eventually just use the dual coil deck for the majority of the time. I started off wicking the dual coil deck first though, just so I could get a feel of the tank in my usual preferred setup.
I used a dual SS spaced Clapton build and wicking was pretty straight forward. Used it for a whole day and was happy with the performance of this small tank. Flavor was real good and I got a nice dense cloud, not Boreas cloudy but very enjoyable.
Since I was pretty satisfied with the dual coil deck right off the bat that night I decided to dive into the Single coil deck. I figured I wanted to just get it over with so I can put the dual coil deck back in and enjoy, as I mentioned earlier single coil decks usually don't satisfy me.
Airflow reducer? No no no no
That was the first thing I removed, real easy with a flat head screwdriver.
Simple SS spaced Clapton, my goto when first reviewing tanks, like to keep them the same to remove that variable.
Loaded up the tank and gave it a go in single coil mode. First thought, good airflow and good flavor, so far so good. I really only planned on using the single coil for a day or 2 but the more I used it the more I appreciated it. Not as cloudy as the dual coil but the most enjoyable single coil RTA I have used thus far. The 2 day test wound up being my entire time with the tank thus far, about 3 weeks with everyday use and a couple of wick changes.
Competition
I had received a Geekvape Ammit a few days prior to the Merlin Mini showing up. I was curious about the 3d airflow on the Ammit and figured it might satisfy my need for more airflow from single coil RTA's. I put the same build in the Merlin Mini to make it a fair shot and new wicks in both tanks and loaded them up with the same juice. Both tanks were placed on Hohmtech Slice mods so that so I could compare as evenly as I could. Right off the bat the Merlin Mini has more airflow, not a tremendous amount more but noticeable. I also noticed that I got a more dense cloud from the Merlin Mini, likely due to having more airflow. Flavor wise there close but I give the edge to the Merlin Mini, might be due to the more dense cloud.
I do like the Ammit and since it is SS and 22mm it has found a place on my SMY SDNA75 for a very nice medium sized setup. If I had to choose it would be the Merlin Mini I would take every time though due to the increased airflow and 2 decks, I think it looks nicer as well.
Mods that were used to evaluate the Merlin Mini
Conclusion
Even though I was given the Merlin Mini for free I will freely admit that I was not a fan of the original Merlin which just had too tight airflow for me. I really believe the Merlin Mini is what the Original Merlin should have been, it is a big step up in performance for me. I know the original Merlin had a big following but fell short for people like me who liked more airflow. The Merlin Mini now gives the option for that extra airflow but also includes 2 airflow reducers to satisfy MTL vapers.....Win win in my book.
In the 3 weeks I have used the Merlin Mini I have not had any leaking issues, really no issues at all. It has been a go to tank for me when I am looking to get great flavor without clouding up a room. It is not a juice hog as well which is good thing due to it's small size, I can take it on the road with me and not worry about having to fill it all the time. I am also a fan of the looks and the stock drip tip is real comfortable.
I loved the Boreas but the Merlin Mini is now my favorite tank from Augvape, a real winner for me.
The packaging is pretty damn good, off to a good start
Get a good amount of orings, spare glass and an extra airflow reducer for the single coil deck for MTL vapers.
2 build decks, yes please
Going into this I just figured I would try the single coil deck for a day or 2 but eventually just use the dual coil deck for the majority of the time. I started off wicking the dual coil deck first though, just so I could get a feel of the tank in my usual preferred setup.
I used a dual SS spaced Clapton build and wicking was pretty straight forward. Used it for a whole day and was happy with the performance of this small tank. Flavor was real good and I got a nice dense cloud, not Boreas cloudy but very enjoyable.
Since I was pretty satisfied with the dual coil deck right off the bat that night I decided to dive into the Single coil deck. I figured I wanted to just get it over with so I can put the dual coil deck back in and enjoy, as I mentioned earlier single coil decks usually don't satisfy me.
Airflow reducer? No no no no
That was the first thing I removed, real easy with a flat head screwdriver.
Simple SS spaced Clapton, my goto when first reviewing tanks, like to keep them the same to remove that variable.
Loaded up the tank and gave it a go in single coil mode. First thought, good airflow and good flavor, so far so good. I really only planned on using the single coil for a day or 2 but the more I used it the more I appreciated it. Not as cloudy as the dual coil but the most enjoyable single coil RTA I have used thus far. The 2 day test wound up being my entire time with the tank thus far, about 3 weeks with everyday use and a couple of wick changes.
Competition
I had received a Geekvape Ammit a few days prior to the Merlin Mini showing up. I was curious about the 3d airflow on the Ammit and figured it might satisfy my need for more airflow from single coil RTA's. I put the same build in the Merlin Mini to make it a fair shot and new wicks in both tanks and loaded them up with the same juice. Both tanks were placed on Hohmtech Slice mods so that so I could compare as evenly as I could. Right off the bat the Merlin Mini has more airflow, not a tremendous amount more but noticeable. I also noticed that I got a more dense cloud from the Merlin Mini, likely due to having more airflow. Flavor wise there close but I give the edge to the Merlin Mini, might be due to the more dense cloud.
I do like the Ammit and since it is SS and 22mm it has found a place on my SMY SDNA75 for a very nice medium sized setup. If I had to choose it would be the Merlin Mini I would take every time though due to the increased airflow and 2 decks, I think it looks nicer as well.
Mods that were used to evaluate the Merlin Mini
Conclusion
Even though I was given the Merlin Mini for free I will freely admit that I was not a fan of the original Merlin which just had too tight airflow for me. I really believe the Merlin Mini is what the Original Merlin should have been, it is a big step up in performance for me. I know the original Merlin had a big following but fell short for people like me who liked more airflow. The Merlin Mini now gives the option for that extra airflow but also includes 2 airflow reducers to satisfy MTL vapers.....Win win in my book.
In the 3 weeks I have used the Merlin Mini I have not had any leaking issues, really no issues at all. It has been a go to tank for me when I am looking to get great flavor without clouding up a room. It is not a juice hog as well which is good thing due to it's small size, I can take it on the road with me and not worry about having to fill it all the time. I am also a fan of the looks and the stock drip tip is real comfortable.
I loved the Boreas but the Merlin Mini is now my favorite tank from Augvape, a real winner for me.
