Hi ECF members, In this review i take a look at the exceed grip Starter Kit 1000mAh from joyetech. The Exceed Grip Starter Kit was supplied for the purpose of this review by Coco from joyetech.
http://www.joyetech.com/product/exceed-grip/
Introduction
The Exceed Grip is the latest device from Joyetech and a very interesting pod system/AIO/Pod mod, whatever you want to call it as it's different to anything i have used before. The device has a removable 510 drip tip and the pods/cartridges slot into the device from the side so no issues with seeing the juice level. The kit includes both a cartridge where you can replace the coils and a cartridge that is disposable which house's an integrated 0.8ohm Mesh coil, there is also a cartridge which has an integrated Ceramic coil (not included). The EX series of coils fit the cartridge where you can replace the coils and you get supplied with 2 EX-M 0.4ohm coils. Both the EX-M coils and integrated 0.8ohm mesh coil make use of the Dry Burn Protection the Exceed Grip offers. The device outputs voltage intelligently dependant on the coil used and is a low power device with a max wattage of 20W. The device comes in both plain colours and colourful designs with different designs on each panel, so i will stop my rabbiting and crack on!
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In The Box
Contents:
1 x Exceed Grip Battery
1 x Standard Cartridge 4.5ml (2ml TPD) (one EX-M Coil Pre-installed)
1 x Pod Cartridge 3.5ml (2ml TPD) (Integrate 0.8ohm Mesh Coil, Fixed)
1 x EX-M 0.4ohm Mesh Coil(Spare Part)
1 x USB Cable
1 x User Manual
1 x Warranty Card
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Aesthetics and Ergonomics
The Exceed Grip came in cardboard packaging with sleeve and i received the Blue version which has plain Blue panels both sides. Their are 3 plain colours available which have textured grooves on the panels which are Blue, Black and white, also their are 3 versions that take advantage of IML technology which have different colourful designs either side. The device is box shaped once the pod/cartridge is fitted but very small making it portable and comfortable to use. The chassis of the device i believe is Aluminium and the device is light even with a cartridge full of juice inserted. The spine of the device has a rectangular cutout section for the cartridge to fit and up top above where the cartridge is fitted is a delrin 510 drip tip which can be removed and is a standard fitting so you can use one of your own if you prefer. On the face of the device towards the top we have a protruding rectangular fire button then towards the bottom an LED strip for indication followed by the micro USB port. The base of the device has safety marks stamped into the metal, the Exceed Grip is a well put together device.
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Exceed Grip Specs and Features:
Size: 40 x 21 x 74mm
Standard Cartridge: 4.5ml (2ml TPD), EX-M 0.4ohm coil (changeable)
Pod Cartridge: 3.5ml (2ml TPD), 0.8ohm integrated Mesh coil (fixed)
Battery Capacity: built-in 1000mAh
Output Mode: variable voltage output
Output Wattage: max 20W
1000mAh inbuilt battery
Dual colourful IML panels
Intelligent variable voltage output
Innovative dry burning protection
Creative side-way cartridge
4.5ml standard cartridge with a pre-installed 0.4ohm EX-M coil
3.5ml pod cartridge with an integrate 0.8ohm Mesh coil
Pod cartridge Optimized for Nicotine Salts with incredible flavor
Colours/Designs: Rainbow Tattoo, Skull-Stone, Mystery-Blue, Black, Blue, White
___________________________________________________________________
The Replaceable Coil Cartridge
The replaceable coil cartridge will house any of the EX range of coils but in this kit you are supplied with 2 EX-M 0.4ohm coil heads to take advantage of the Dry burn protection technology. At the top of the pod we see the air pipe opening with a rubber lining at the top. On one side towards the bottom we have the usual bung that lifts up but stays attached to the cartridge, when lifted up a well above average sized fill port is revealed. The base of the cartridge has a metal plate with central airflow hole surrounded by the Gold plated positive circle, this circle has an insulator surround with the rest of the plate being the negative. This base plate locks into position and to remove you need to first twist it round and then pull and it becomes detached along with the coil if one was fitted. The coil just screws onto the base plate much the same as a coil screws into the base of a standard tank. To fit back on the cartridge just push back in with the base plate at an angle then twist to lock in position, the standard version of this cartridge holds 4.5ml of e-liquid.
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The Disposable Pod Cartridge
The included Pod cartridge has an integrated 0.8ohm mesh coil to utilise the Dry burn Protection technology but also available is a pod cartridge housing a Ceramic coil. The Pod cartridge looks very similar to the standard cartridge with the same air pipe opening at the top and removable bung on one side. Inside the pod cartridge there is more plastic towards the bottom and thicker air pipe both of which reduces the capacity of the standard version of this cartridge to 3.5ml of e-liquid. The real difference is at the base on the pod cartridge, instead of the removable base plate the bottom of the pod cartridge looks much more like a standard pod with 2 contacts and you can also see where the air will get in the pod which will be less than on the standard cartridge.
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Fitting The Pod
The pod fits into the side of the device by just press fitting into place but it secures tightly and gives a satisfying click when put in place. Looking inside the device we have a slightly protruding rubber ring around the air pipe opening at the top and 2 protruding Gold plated contacts at the bottom which if they are spring loaded are very stiff and seem fixed to me. With the pod/cartridge in place the whole pod/cartridge can be seen so really you shouldn't need the dry burn protection to kick in as you can clearly see your juice level at all times.
___________________________________________________________________
DBP (Dry Burn Protection)
The Exceed Grip has DBP protection so when the device detects your liquid is very low the LED flashes twice and the device cuts out to avoid dry and burn't hits. Because it's a form of automatic temperature control it only works when using coils with TC compatible material so although not stated i assume the 2 EX-M 0.4ohm included mesh coils and integrated mesh coil in the pod cartridge are SS316L. The technology doesn't work when using the other EX coils in the standard cartridge or if you use the also available pod cartridge that houses a ceramic coil.
___________________________________________________________________
Using The Exceed Grip
I have covered the pods and how they just clip into the side of the device to complete the box mod look but let's look how the device works. The Exceed Grip is a very interesting device yet is as simple as it gets to operate, you simply press the fire button and vape. The airflow is different on each cartridge but is set so non adjustable, the voltage is automatically adjusted smartly dependent on the coil being used and although there is no specifics given as the EX-M 0.4ohm coil is rated at only 10-13W the voltage output must be quite low (do the maths). The device can be turned on and off with the usual 5 clicks of the fire button but other than that you simply vape and enjoy. The device does have battery status indication which is shown by what colour the LED lights when taking a vape but it's done terribly in my opinion and hardly worth having. When the light goes White the battery is 20% to 100% and when it lights Red it's below 20%. I am being harsh on the battery status indication as in my opinion there should be at least 3 different indications rather than just the two the Exceed Grip has but at least with it having a 1000mAh battery and being low output giving you a less than 20% warning does give you plenty of time to plan on charging. As well as the Dry Burn Protection i have already explained the Exceed Grip as the usual safety Protections which are indicated by various flashes of the LED.
___________________________________________________________________
Protections
Timeout Protection 10s
Short Circuit Protection
Over-charging Protection
Over-discharging Protection
___________________________________________________________________
Not Impressed With Manual
On Joyetech's website and listed everywhere else i look all specs given for the device are the same so i assume must be correct. The Manual list completely different specs which actually i wish were true because they would make it an even better device. The manual says it has a 1100mAh battery rather than a 1000mAh, it also says the pod cartridge with integrated coil is 4ml capacity rather than 3.5ml and the mesh coil inside is 1.2ohm rather than 0.8 ohm which would of been a much better option for the device. Whether all devices have been shipped with the manual that came with my device i'm not too sure as the manual that can be downloaded has all the correct information.
___________________________________________________________________
My Experience Using The Exceed Grip
I have a few issues with it but nothing that took away how much i have enjoyed using the device and it has many pros. I list things that are stated by the manufacturer but i don't necessarily agree, Joyetech does say the pod cartridge with integrated 0.8ohm mesh coil is optimised for nicotine salts and it just isn't, i tried some 20mg nic salts and the airflow is just too much in fact really the pod cartridge i wouldn't class as MTL (you can manufacture a very loose MTL at best) but is more suited to a very restrictive DL vape. The standard cartridge allowing to replace the coils was much better giving a restrictive direct lung vape much closer to what i would expect from an RTA as this gives much more air and the 0.4ohm mesh coil i liked a lot. I also much prefer this cartridge has although the cartridge won't last forever it will be good for many coil changes which will work out much more economic while also allowing for trying the other EX coils. The vapor production was far greater than expected from a low power device especially with the 0.4ohm coil and both this and the integrated 0.8ohm coil gave very good flavour from what essentially is a pod system. The battery status indication i found somewhat lacking but at least fair warning is given that the battery is getting low, the battery life was impressive as mentioned i don't now what the different voltage outputs are for the 2 supplied coils but the 1000mAh seemed much better than that lasting a full day and i vape a lot. If you like a genuine MTL device the Exceed Grip isn't for you but those that like a looser draw then the Exceed Grip gives very good flavour, good e-liquid capacity, excellent battery life and has many coil options available.
___________________________________________________________________
Likes
Well made device
Small, light and pocket friendly
Ergonomic and portable
Plenty colour/design options
Replaceable coil Pod
Pod with integrated coil included (0,8ohm mesh coil)
2 EX-M 0.4ohm coils included
See juice level at all times
Easy to fill
Takes a few seconds to switch pods/cartridges
Dry burn protection
Low power device
1000mAh in-built battery
Very good battery life
Good vapor production
Very good flavour for pod device (with both included types of coil)
Removable standard fitting 510
Cons
Not really a MTL option
Battery status indication is poorly done
My manual listed incorrect specs
I would once again like to thank Coco from Joyetech for supplying the Exceed Grip Starter Kit for the purpose of this review.
EXCEED Grip - Joyetech
___________________________________________________________________
http://www.joyetech.com/product/exceed-grip/
Introduction
The Exceed Grip is the latest device from Joyetech and a very interesting pod system/AIO/Pod mod, whatever you want to call it as it's different to anything i have used before. The device has a removable 510 drip tip and the pods/cartridges slot into the device from the side so no issues with seeing the juice level. The kit includes both a cartridge where you can replace the coils and a cartridge that is disposable which house's an integrated 0.8ohm Mesh coil, there is also a cartridge which has an integrated Ceramic coil (not included). The EX series of coils fit the cartridge where you can replace the coils and you get supplied with 2 EX-M 0.4ohm coils. Both the EX-M coils and integrated 0.8ohm mesh coil make use of the Dry Burn Protection the Exceed Grip offers. The device outputs voltage intelligently dependant on the coil used and is a low power device with a max wattage of 20W. The device comes in both plain colours and colourful designs with different designs on each panel, so i will stop my rabbiting and crack on!
___________________________________________________________________
In The Box
Contents:
1 x Exceed Grip Battery
1 x Standard Cartridge 4.5ml (2ml TPD) (one EX-M Coil Pre-installed)
1 x Pod Cartridge 3.5ml (2ml TPD) (Integrate 0.8ohm Mesh Coil, Fixed)
1 x EX-M 0.4ohm Mesh Coil(Spare Part)
1 x USB Cable
1 x User Manual
1 x Warranty Card
___________________________________________________________________
Aesthetics and Ergonomics
The Exceed Grip came in cardboard packaging with sleeve and i received the Blue version which has plain Blue panels both sides. Their are 3 plain colours available which have textured grooves on the panels which are Blue, Black and white, also their are 3 versions that take advantage of IML technology which have different colourful designs either side. The device is box shaped once the pod/cartridge is fitted but very small making it portable and comfortable to use. The chassis of the device i believe is Aluminium and the device is light even with a cartridge full of juice inserted. The spine of the device has a rectangular cutout section for the cartridge to fit and up top above where the cartridge is fitted is a delrin 510 drip tip which can be removed and is a standard fitting so you can use one of your own if you prefer. On the face of the device towards the top we have a protruding rectangular fire button then towards the bottom an LED strip for indication followed by the micro USB port. The base of the device has safety marks stamped into the metal, the Exceed Grip is a well put together device.
___________________________________________________________________
Exceed Grip Specs and Features:
Size: 40 x 21 x 74mm
Standard Cartridge: 4.5ml (2ml TPD), EX-M 0.4ohm coil (changeable)
Pod Cartridge: 3.5ml (2ml TPD), 0.8ohm integrated Mesh coil (fixed)
Battery Capacity: built-in 1000mAh
Output Mode: variable voltage output
Output Wattage: max 20W
1000mAh inbuilt battery
Dual colourful IML panels
Intelligent variable voltage output
Innovative dry burning protection
Creative side-way cartridge
4.5ml standard cartridge with a pre-installed 0.4ohm EX-M coil
3.5ml pod cartridge with an integrate 0.8ohm Mesh coil
Pod cartridge Optimized for Nicotine Salts with incredible flavor
Colours/Designs: Rainbow Tattoo, Skull-Stone, Mystery-Blue, Black, Blue, White
___________________________________________________________________
The Replaceable Coil Cartridge
The replaceable coil cartridge will house any of the EX range of coils but in this kit you are supplied with 2 EX-M 0.4ohm coil heads to take advantage of the Dry burn protection technology. At the top of the pod we see the air pipe opening with a rubber lining at the top. On one side towards the bottom we have the usual bung that lifts up but stays attached to the cartridge, when lifted up a well above average sized fill port is revealed. The base of the cartridge has a metal plate with central airflow hole surrounded by the Gold plated positive circle, this circle has an insulator surround with the rest of the plate being the negative. This base plate locks into position and to remove you need to first twist it round and then pull and it becomes detached along with the coil if one was fitted. The coil just screws onto the base plate much the same as a coil screws into the base of a standard tank. To fit back on the cartridge just push back in with the base plate at an angle then twist to lock in position, the standard version of this cartridge holds 4.5ml of e-liquid.
___________________________________________________________________
The Disposable Pod Cartridge
The included Pod cartridge has an integrated 0.8ohm mesh coil to utilise the Dry burn Protection technology but also available is a pod cartridge housing a Ceramic coil. The Pod cartridge looks very similar to the standard cartridge with the same air pipe opening at the top and removable bung on one side. Inside the pod cartridge there is more plastic towards the bottom and thicker air pipe both of which reduces the capacity of the standard version of this cartridge to 3.5ml of e-liquid. The real difference is at the base on the pod cartridge, instead of the removable base plate the bottom of the pod cartridge looks much more like a standard pod with 2 contacts and you can also see where the air will get in the pod which will be less than on the standard cartridge.
___________________________________________________________________
Fitting The Pod
The pod fits into the side of the device by just press fitting into place but it secures tightly and gives a satisfying click when put in place. Looking inside the device we have a slightly protruding rubber ring around the air pipe opening at the top and 2 protruding Gold plated contacts at the bottom which if they are spring loaded are very stiff and seem fixed to me. With the pod/cartridge in place the whole pod/cartridge can be seen so really you shouldn't need the dry burn protection to kick in as you can clearly see your juice level at all times.
___________________________________________________________________
DBP (Dry Burn Protection)
The Exceed Grip has DBP protection so when the device detects your liquid is very low the LED flashes twice and the device cuts out to avoid dry and burn't hits. Because it's a form of automatic temperature control it only works when using coils with TC compatible material so although not stated i assume the 2 EX-M 0.4ohm included mesh coils and integrated mesh coil in the pod cartridge are SS316L. The technology doesn't work when using the other EX coils in the standard cartridge or if you use the also available pod cartridge that houses a ceramic coil.
___________________________________________________________________
Using The Exceed Grip
I have covered the pods and how they just clip into the side of the device to complete the box mod look but let's look how the device works. The Exceed Grip is a very interesting device yet is as simple as it gets to operate, you simply press the fire button and vape. The airflow is different on each cartridge but is set so non adjustable, the voltage is automatically adjusted smartly dependent on the coil being used and although there is no specifics given as the EX-M 0.4ohm coil is rated at only 10-13W the voltage output must be quite low (do the maths). The device can be turned on and off with the usual 5 clicks of the fire button but other than that you simply vape and enjoy. The device does have battery status indication which is shown by what colour the LED lights when taking a vape but it's done terribly in my opinion and hardly worth having. When the light goes White the battery is 20% to 100% and when it lights Red it's below 20%. I am being harsh on the battery status indication as in my opinion there should be at least 3 different indications rather than just the two the Exceed Grip has but at least with it having a 1000mAh battery and being low output giving you a less than 20% warning does give you plenty of time to plan on charging. As well as the Dry Burn Protection i have already explained the Exceed Grip as the usual safety Protections which are indicated by various flashes of the LED.
___________________________________________________________________
Protections
Timeout Protection 10s
Short Circuit Protection
Over-charging Protection
Over-discharging Protection
___________________________________________________________________
Not Impressed With Manual
On Joyetech's website and listed everywhere else i look all specs given for the device are the same so i assume must be correct. The Manual list completely different specs which actually i wish were true because they would make it an even better device. The manual says it has a 1100mAh battery rather than a 1000mAh, it also says the pod cartridge with integrated coil is 4ml capacity rather than 3.5ml and the mesh coil inside is 1.2ohm rather than 0.8 ohm which would of been a much better option for the device. Whether all devices have been shipped with the manual that came with my device i'm not too sure as the manual that can be downloaded has all the correct information.
___________________________________________________________________
My Experience Using The Exceed Grip
I have a few issues with it but nothing that took away how much i have enjoyed using the device and it has many pros. I list things that are stated by the manufacturer but i don't necessarily agree, Joyetech does say the pod cartridge with integrated 0.8ohm mesh coil is optimised for nicotine salts and it just isn't, i tried some 20mg nic salts and the airflow is just too much in fact really the pod cartridge i wouldn't class as MTL (you can manufacture a very loose MTL at best) but is more suited to a very restrictive DL vape. The standard cartridge allowing to replace the coils was much better giving a restrictive direct lung vape much closer to what i would expect from an RTA as this gives much more air and the 0.4ohm mesh coil i liked a lot. I also much prefer this cartridge has although the cartridge won't last forever it will be good for many coil changes which will work out much more economic while also allowing for trying the other EX coils. The vapor production was far greater than expected from a low power device especially with the 0.4ohm coil and both this and the integrated 0.8ohm coil gave very good flavour from what essentially is a pod system. The battery status indication i found somewhat lacking but at least fair warning is given that the battery is getting low, the battery life was impressive as mentioned i don't now what the different voltage outputs are for the 2 supplied coils but the 1000mAh seemed much better than that lasting a full day and i vape a lot. If you like a genuine MTL device the Exceed Grip isn't for you but those that like a looser draw then the Exceed Grip gives very good flavour, good e-liquid capacity, excellent battery life and has many coil options available.
___________________________________________________________________
Likes
Well made device
Small, light and pocket friendly
Ergonomic and portable
Plenty colour/design options
Replaceable coil Pod
Pod with integrated coil included (0,8ohm mesh coil)
2 EX-M 0.4ohm coils included
See juice level at all times
Easy to fill
Takes a few seconds to switch pods/cartridges
Dry burn protection
Low power device
1000mAh in-built battery
Very good battery life
Good vapor production
Very good flavour for pod device (with both included types of coil)
Removable standard fitting 510
Cons
Not really a MTL option
Battery status indication is poorly done
My manual listed incorrect specs
I would once again like to thank Coco from Joyetech for supplying the Exceed Grip Starter Kit for the purpose of this review.
EXCEED Grip - Joyetech
___________________________________________________________________
