Smok X Cube II/ first impressions

[Hitcat44]

Pulled the trigger yesterday. Confirmed eBay Seller had put his remaining Stock of X Cube II's on sale for only $70 including Priority 3 Day shipping. Took it as a "Sign".... Who am I to ignore a vape Directive. Good Soldier always obeys Orders and seizes Opportunity to advance when such is at his avail
Of course, this new Acquisition requires 2 new LG HG2's from RTD and a textured Wrap from J-wraps (who incidentally were running a 15% off Coupon thru Sunday for past Customers).
vape Mail Incoming

 

[Hitcat44]

Vape Mail Express just landed here at Ft. Vape
Dropped the X Cube II and 2 new LG HG2's from RTD
Smok BEC App downloaded to S6 Activ and the LGs are on the Nitecore.
Can't wait to Lock & Load and send some tasty TC Rounds down range tonight

 

[dcfluegel]

woot - think you are going to enjoy it... now the squirfnodes have done gone and released a night black edition... ARGH!

 

[kougialis]

So i just got my xcube 2 and i updated to v 1.8. Now i have a questions if someone could help.

1) In temp mode it asks Single coil or dual coil. If i a put a single coil but it is dual will that affect it? The reason i ask is i used a herakles tank with ni coil but it showed me resistance 1 ohm.. and when i tried to vape it went to wattage. So are herakles ni coils dual or single? also what are the freemax stare ni-200 coils.

Thanks

 

[dcfluegel]

hrm - hopefully someone more knowledgeable can weigh in on this one - not sure what difference it would make, really, unless it is adjust the coefficient somehow to allow for a dual coil?

 

[kougialis]

hrm - hopefully someone more knowledgeable can weigh in on this one - not sure what difference it would make, really, unless it is adjust the coefficient somehow to allow for a dual coil?

Yeah i hope i can get a reply.. And another strange thing is i tried the herakles again later and it showed this time the resistance at 0.34 while on my evic its 0.24...

 

[Hitcat44]

Sounds like a Center Pin connection Issue to me but I am not familiar with the Herakles....

Got the X Cube. Loaded the Erl K Ti built to @ 0.21 ohm and downloaded the Ti Profile.
Lethargic.... Remembering the Vape Chronicles Vid (embedded previously) and the Reviewer saying he found it weak as well, I also remembered his Theory on Why and his Solution. So, went into the settings and adjusted the TCR from the Ti Default of .00350 upward to .00440 and hit it again. Thar She Vapes!
He had theorized that the Smok TC Algorithm implementation is incorrect and/or the TCR "low" (purposeful or not?) and that raising it around 1 thousandth makes it come in and fire just right. I would co-sign that Theory after having proved it again in my Case.
Anyways, set at 470-480* F on Ti Single Coil (EK is a Single) Normal Settings the X Cube II does an Awesome job (with Ti TCR adjusted) and yields a great and highly pleasing Vape. Hearty & Warm. Steady and Predictable. The TC Software performs as advertised and expected. Still new to it so little soon to tell but, I'd say I really like this Mod and will for a long time.

The X Cube II itself is amazing and quite User Customizable. I tend to agree that this is the new Benchmark as far as that and Bells & Whistles go. Not just useless Snazz and window-dressing. It is highly functional and does add greatly to the User experience. If you are a Tech and Gadget Person, ya gonna absolutely love it. The Weight is good (if you prefer Substance and are not a Minmalist) and the Design Layout is pleasing both Aesthetically and Functionally. At this point, I completely disagree with those who moan about the Battery Door and the Magnets thereof. Zero Issues or Complaints from me in that regard. Buttons are just right (not flimsy, rattily, or stiff either) and after you get used to the long Plate Firing Switch it is nice and pleasing as well. None of the screws on this Device needed to be tweaked or adjusted at all right out of the Box.
Display is great, easy to read, centered, and the ability to "Flip" it depending on how the individual prefers to hold it and vape is nice. Thought would prefer it better if auto-rotated like the SXMM but after using it,,, naw. I like it to stay where I put it. The Top Mount Screen is sweet. Like to be able to see the Screen while I vape just by looking down as I thought I would. HUGE Plus in my book.
Device is Solid and well-built. Fit & Finish is well-done and if ya like Stainless, you will dig this metallic Beast. However, the Beast IS a finger-print Gobbler as is any such Device as you can imagine. I have a textured black Snake-Skin J-Wrap on the way which will fix that Issue as well as add (IMO) much needed Grip. Not a Fan of "slick" (grasp-wise) Mods but I do love the Stainless look. Needs some Black on it anyways. Only thing prettier than Black & Stainless is Black & Chrome
I do plan to do a couple custom Cut-Outs on the Wrap so that the X Cube II Logo and the Smok Logo still show. Leave the Top and Bottom Plates unwrapped and this Beast should dress-up real nicely.

Mine came already pre-loaded with Firmware Version 1.08 so no experience Pro or Con or comments on the Download/Upgrade USB Data Cable Deal.
The In App Ti Profile download and install went by the numbers with no problems at all.

The App is a little "glitchy" at times on the newest Android Firmware but that seems to be somewhat common by the Posts on the App included Blog Site.
Biggest glitch is it doesn't recognize the Mod and won't connect at times. Think may have figured out the Solution when it does that but not proven enough times yet to say definitively. Otherwise, really dig the App and how it controls and integrates with the Device. Definitely of value and will be utilized as much if not more than the Mod itself to change Settings and Features.

Overall,,, I give it without hesitation and as long as it doesn't fade or become twitchy or Schizo on me it is definitely a Keeper. Won't be selling it off when the next Biggest-Best-Greatest comes along like some others I have once had along the Journey.
If the sound and the Vids of this Mod Flip your Switch-Buy It. You won't be sorry or disappointed.

Thanks to dcfluegel & The Vape Chronicles for turning me on and tuning me in to this new Bad-Boy of the Ft. Vape Armory Arsenal
The Hollowpoint Mech is torqued though,,, It stayed at Base HQ today instead of being on Point for daily Work Manuevers for the first time ever.

 

[kougialis]

Sounds like a Center Pin connection Issue to me but I am not familiar with the Herakles....

Got the X Cube. Loaded the Erl K Ti built to @ 0.21 ohm and downloaded the Ti Profile.
Lethargic.... Remembering the Vape Chronicles Vid (embedded previously) and the Reviewer saying he found it weak as well, I also remembered his Theory on Why and his Solution. So, went into the settings and adjusted the TCR from the Ti Default of .00350 upward to .00440 and hit it again. Thar She Vapes!
He had theorized that the Smok TC Algorithm implementation is incorrect and/or the TCR "low" (purposeful or not?) and that raising it around 1 thousandth makes it come in and fire just right. I would co-sign that Theory after having proved it again in my Case.
Anyways, set at 470-480* F on Ti Single Coil (EK is a Single) Normal Settings the X Cube II does an Awesome job and yields a great and highly pleasing Vape. Hearty & Warm. Steady and Predictable. The TC Software performs as advertised and expected. Still new to it so little soon to tell but, I'd say I really like this Mod and will for a long time.

The X Cube II itself is amazing and so User Customizable I will agree that that this is the new Benchmark as far as that and Bells & Whistles go. Not just useless Snazz and window-dressing. It is highly functional and does add greatly to the User experience. If you are a Tech and Gadget Person, ya gonna absolutely love it. The Weight is good (if you prefer Substance and not a Minmalist) and the Design Layout is pleasing both Aesthetically and Functionally. At this point, I completely disagree with those who moan about the Battery Door and the Magnets thereof. Zero Issues or Complaints from me. Buttons are just right (not flimsy, rattily, or stiff either) and after you get used to the long Plate Firing Switch it is nice and pleasing as well. None of the screws on this Device needed to be tweaked or adjusted at all right out of the Box.
Display is great, easy to read, centered, and the ability to "Flip" it depending on how the individual prefers to hold it and vape is nice. Thought would prefer it better is auto-rotated like the SXMM but after using it,,, naw. I like it to stay where I put it. The Top Mount Screen is sweet. Like to be able to see the Screen while I vape just be looking down as I thought I would. HUGE Plus in my book.
Device is Solid and well-built. Finish is well-done and if ya like Stainless, you will dig this metallic Beast. However, the Beast IS a finger-print monster as well. I have a textured black Snake-Skin J-Wrap on the way and believe that will fix that Issue as well as add (IMO) much needed Grip. Not a Fan of "slick" (grasp-wise) Mods but I do love the Stainless look. Needs some Black on it anyways. Only thing prettier than Black & Stainless is Black & Chrome
I do plan to do a couple custom Cut-Outs on the Wrap so that the X Cube II Logo and the Smok Logo still show. Leave the Top and Bottom Plates unwrapped and this Beast should dress-up real nicely.

Mine came already pre-loaded with Firmware Version 1.08 so no experience or comment on the Download/Upgrade USB Data Cable Deal.
The In App Ti Profile download and install went by the numbers with no problems at all.

The App is a little "glitchy" at times on the newest Android Firmware but that seems to be somewhat common by the Posts on the App included Blog Site.
Biggest glitch is it doesn't recognize the Mod and won't connect at times. Think may have figured out the Solution when it does that but not proven enough times yet to say definitively. Otherwise, really dig the App and how it controls and integrates with the Device. Definitely of value and will be utilized as much if not more than the Mod itself to change Settings and Features.

Overall,,, I give it without hesitation and as long as it doesn't fade or become twitchy or Schizo on me it is definitely a Keeper. Wonlt be selling it off when the next Biggest-Best-Greatest comes along.
If the sound and the Vids of this Mod Flip your Switch-Buy It. You won't be sorry or disappointed.

Thanks to dcfluegel & The Vape Chronicles for turning me on to this new Bad-Boy of the Ft. Vape Armory Arsenal The Hollowpoint Mech is torqued though,,, It stayed at Base HQ today instead of being on Point for daily Work Manuevers for the first time ever.

solid review man interesting stuff about the coefficient, do you think it is the same about ni coils and i should up it from 0.006 to higher?

And the app for me there are some stuff not working which is a shame... i bought the temp app upgrade but i cant seem to change temperature from app

 

[Hitcat44]

After re-reading your Post, I wouldn't run a Dual Coil Atty in Single Coil Mode on the XC2. Set it at Single Coil and adjust the TCR up by 1 one-thousandth (.006 to .007) in the App Settings or on-board Device Settings. Then see if the Vape changes to the good for you.
The Herakles is a "Slip-Pin" Design Pos Post. I thought they were Copper but maybe not. If the Schizo Ohm Readings continue, disassemble it and take a look at the Pos Pin Connector to be sure the Slip mating is firm.
Also, check to be sure the Slip-Pin is not stuck either. If stuck too far upward, that will make for a loose and twitchy connection to the XC2 510 Pin which would definitely account for the differing/wavering Reading.

 

[kougialis]

After re-reading your Post, I wouldn't run a Dual Coil Atty in Single Coil Mode on the XC2. Set it at Single Coil and adjust the TCR up by 1 one-thousandth (.006 to .007) in the App Settings or on-board Device Settings. Then see if the Vape changes to the good for you.
The Herakles is a "Slip-Pin" Design Pos Post. I thought they were Copper but maybe not. If the Schizo Ohm Readings continue, disassemble it and take a look at the Pos Pin Connector to be sure the Slip mating is firm.
Also, check to be sure the Slip-Pin is not stuck either. If stuck too far upward, that will make for a loose and twitchy connection to the XC2 510 Pin which would definitely account for the differing/wavering Reading.

Thanks a lot for your reply Could you by any chance tell me what a slip pin is? cause i have no idea.. And do you know if the herakles ni coils are dual? Thanks again

 

[Hitcat44]

No Idea on Herakles Coils Design (Single or Dual). Sorry.

A Slip-Pin is a 2-piece Pos Pin. One End is "hollowed-out" at one end so a small diameter solid end of the mating Piece can slip in and out of that Piece and still make connection from Piece to Piece. Thus, it is self-adjusting in length yet still carrying the Current and providing a steady consistent Resistance to the Coil attached as well.
The possible Issues with that Design are:
1. If the "slip" Pieces' fitment are too tight; they will compress/slip together and not rebound leading to not making any connection at all or just barely (what I think is going on with yours possibly). This can happen a lot to many different Attys of the same Design. These you need to physically pull the lower Piece out/down a tad prior to attaching to the Mod to insure a good connection.
2. If the "slip" Pieces are too loose fitting; they will not be making good connection with each other as the I.D. of one and the O.D. of the mating Piece are not of close enough tolerance and therefore aren't properly transferring the Current or Resistance.

Too tight is easily corrected by the Method in #1 above.
Too loose is much harder to correct. Ya either have to add a thin piece of conductive Film to the solid End Piece (increasing the O.D. of that Piece) or chuck the Pin altogether and get a new Correct fitting Pin.

Hope that helps.

 

[kougialis]

No Idea on Herakles Coils Design (Single or Dual). Sorry.

A Slip-Pin is a 2-piece Pos Pin. One End is "hollowed-out" at one end so a small diameter solid end of the mating Piece can slip in and out of that Piece and still make connection from Piece to Piece. Thus, it is self-adjusting in length yet still carrying the Current and providing a steady consistent Resistance to the Coil attached as well.
The possible Issues with that Design are:
1. If the "slip" Pieces' fitment are too tight; they will compress/slip together and not rebound leading to not making any connection at all or just barely (what I think is going on with yours possibly). This can happen a lot to many different Attys of the same Design. These you need to physically pull the lower Piece out/down a tad prior to attaching to the Mod to insure a good connection.
2. If the "slip" Pieces are too loose fitting; they will not be making good connection with each other as the I.D. of one and the O.D. of the mating Piece are not of close enough tolerance and therefore aren't properly transferring the Current or Resistance.

Too tight is easily corrected by the Method in #1 above.
Too loose is much harder to correct. Ya either have to add a thin piece of conductive Film to the solid End Piece (increasing the O.D. of that Piece) or chuck the Pin altogether and get a new Correct fitting Pin.

Hope that helps.

Thanks a lot Hitcat for all this write up! It definitely helps and will check and see whats the case on my herakles.

 

[Hitcat44]

My pleasure.
All the best in finding and effecting a Solution

 

[Paul lamb]

How's everyone's temp control performing?

Going to purchase just a little hesitant due to smok's last supposedly TC unit?

 

[Hitcat44]

No Issues except I felt either the TCR or the Smok XC2 Algorithm implementation was "off". Easily corrected by adjusting the TCR from .0035 to .0044 (Ti Profile). The Review from Vape Chronicles alerted to that possible Issue and that Solution (see Vid I embedded earlier in this Thread). Other than that and after the TCR Adjustment, it performs awesomely. Actually prefer this over my SXMM Yihi SX350j in Ti TC.

 

[Hitcat44]

Another thing NICE about the XC2 is the ability to manually tweak/adjust & manually set the Resistance.

Case in Point,,,, the Lemo 2 (which works better on the XC2 than it does on the SXMM for whatever reason).
The L2 is notorious for having wavering/unsteady Contact Connection which causes twitchiness in the Resistance. So, even on Devices such as the SXMM where the Resistance Reading of the ATTY is read and locked in, it is still "off" if the initial Reading is skewed due to the L2 giving an "off" initial Reading at initial connection to the Device. Since I know by Steam Engine the L2 is built to right at 0.22 Ohm, I can adjust the XC2 Ohms to that Known regardless of what the Atty is falsely telling it. It initially read it at 0.22 and the TC Vape was great set at a .0045 TCR and 480* F. When I let it cool while the LG HG2's recharged here at work and then reattached to the XC2, it then was getting 0.19 Ohms and the Vape that was awesome became "blah".
So, went into the Settings and adjusted the Ohms back to the correct 0.22 and locked that Known back in. Then the "blah" became an awesome Vape once more. Another HUGE Plus in my Book to the XC2.

This Feature can be a Solution to many Atty's that are good to great but can still be a tad Schizo on Resistance Reading at times.

 

[Xanocide]

OK, so I loosened up the hex screws a little bit. It helped with the top, but the bottom is still sticky. I'm gonna use it for a few days and see if she loosens up before I decide to send it back or not.

I took the whole button assemble out (easy-peasy), but did not remove the button from it's mounting "rail"....I wonder if it would be a good idea to get in there with some sandpaper or something....probably not.

I did notice that the top plate is bent down just a tiny bit over the top of the button...maybe I could remove the top plate and straighten it out...???

Thanks for the tip!

Ok, so I'm now having the same issue with my X Cube, and I can't seem to get the button assembly to come off...I feel like I'm going to break it, but I haven't found any other sites or posts where anyone has mentioned taking this thing apart, so I made an account specifically to ask you how the hell you got it off. Lol

 

[Dale Freed]

The idea is not to take it apart. Just loosen the screws. You might need to bend either the top plate or the trigger a little bit to get it to move freely.

 

[Xanocide]

My button-sticking is from a tiny smidge of juice that got down into the sides of the button assembly. I feel like there isn't a way to get to it without either removing the trigger plate or breaking it. =\

 

[JohnZilla]

I saw this problem on several other places. The solution is, figure out where it is sticking. If it's on the top or bottom. There is a set of hex screws on both sides. Just loosen the ones on the top if it's on top or tighten them up a little bit on the bottom if it's the bottom. Try it and see if that works. Occasionally they come where the screws are too loose or to tight, you can almost look at it and see which it is. I notice that if you press the bottom a lot that the bottom just sticks because it is cockeyed.

I just tried this method and it worked like a charm!