SXK Ceto 2 DNA60C - anyone own one and if you do would you recommend it?

[conanthewarrior]

Hello everyone, next Saturday when I get payed I am planning on getting my first Boro mod, as out of my collection of 52 mods I am yet to own an AIO device and want one.

I was going to get the Vandy vape Pulse V2 which was £54.99, but on discord someone told me of a deal on the SXK Ceto 2 DNA60C at just £67.99.

I don't yet own a colour version of any of the dna boards, so it would be nice to have as I like to use TC as well.

I just wondered if anyone owned this mod, as I have looked for reviews online but can't find any.

The RBA I will use will be the Ether Boro RBA which includes both the Boro and RBA as it is on sale for £13, so I will have a full dna powered Boro kit for around £81.

If anyone does own this mod, could you let me know of any pros and cons, as I will likely buying this mod- it is quite expensive for me but I would rather pay more for the DNA board and being able to use Escribe than spending a bit less on a mod that may not be as good.

Any help is much appreciated, thanks, Conan.

 

[Infinium]

I remember that SXK wasn’t known for how they wired the DNA. As a circuit, just its presence isn’t enough to offer reliable temperature control vaping. If you only need it for variable wattage, it should works fine. It's still better than the circuit in the Vandy Vape Pulse V2, which I own and honestly, it’s not worth the money, especially since you have to buy aftermarket aluminum panels, as the stock ones scratch with barely any contact.

The Nova AIO is built far superior, but it only has a circuit for variable wattage. It's quite heavy but really beautiful in person, but even though I own it, I’m not a fan of the RBA world and I remain loyal to RTAs for life.
The RBA of the Nova and the Pulse V2, despite having different names, is exactly the same. It's a good starter that allows for practice.

Also, check the actual presence of the USB port on the Ceto. I remember more than one DNA made by SXK that didn’t have a USB port, or that it existed in versions both with and without the port.

 

[conanthewarrior]

I remember that SXK wasn’t known for how they wired the DNA. As a circuit, just its presence isn’t enough to offer reliable temperature control vaping. If you only need it for variable wattage, it should works fine. It's still better than the circuit in the Vandy Vape Pulse V2, which I own and honestly, it’s not worth the money, especially since you have to buy aftermarket aluminum panels, as the stock ones scratch with barely any contact.

The Nova AIO is built far superior, but it only has a circuit for variable wattage. It's quite heavy but really beautiful in person, but even though I own it, I’m not a fan of the RBA world and I remain loyal to RTAs for life.
The RBA of the Nova and the Pulse V2, despite having different names, is exactly the same. It's a good starter that allows for practice.

Also, check the actual presence of the USB port on the Ceto. I remember more than one DNA made by SXK that didn’t have a USB port, or that it existed in versions both with and without the port.

I see, thank you for your input!
I just knew of SXK as a good manufacturer of high quality clones, so was hoping the wiring and parts of the mod would be of ideal quality especially at the price I can get it.
Oh, OK, the Pulse is not worth the money? I might be glad I am leaning towards the SXK Ceto 2 then.

I also looked at the Nova AIO, and it does look nice. I have to ask though, where I am completely new to Boro's, what is the difference between an RBA and a RTA?
I know the difference between a standard RBA and RTA as I have plenty in my collection for my normal tanks and mods, just not when it comes to a Boro where it is a new world to me.

The Ceto 2 has the USB port at the bottom on the side that the battery goes in on the mod, that allows for 2A onboard charging and also so I can connect it to Escribe.
I wouldn't buy a mod with a Evolv DNA board if it had no USB connection, as for me Escribe is part of the fun of using a mod powered by that board.

 

[Infinium]

what is the difference between an RBA and a RTA?

Those called RBA, bridge, or any other term used worldwide to refer to atomizers designed for Boro systems tend to produce cooler vapor in MTL compared to a traditional tank, at least in my experience. The flavor definition also feels different—not necessarily worse, as some may prefer it. RDL vaping is less different compared to a tank, but I still prefer the latter for the same reasons.

The advantage of RBAs over RTAs is that the atomizer is almost always submerged in liquid. This helps significantly with heat dissipation, even at high wattages, which is why many of these atomizers can be used with a 1/1.5 mm airflow hole for MTL but can also be adjusted for more open draws by simply changing the build and using a 3 or 4 mm under-coil airflow hole. In this regard, they tend to be more versatile than RTAs.

 

[conanthewarrior]

Those called RBA, bridge, or any other term used worldwide to refer to atomizers designed for Boro systems tend to produce cooler vapor in MTL compared to a traditional tank, at least in my experience. The flavor definition also feels different—not necessarily worse, as some may prefer it. RDL vaping is less different compared to a tank, but I still prefer the latter for the same reasons.

The advantage of RBAs over RTAs is that the atomizer is almost always submerged in liquid. This helps significantly with heat dissipation, even at high wattages, which is why many of these atomizers can be used with a 1/1.5 mm airflow hole for MTL but can also be adjusted for more open draws by simply changing the build and using a 3 or 4 mm under-coil airflow hole. In this regard, they tend to be more versatile than RTAs.

So the difference is that a RBA, Bridge, or other term is just a rebuildable part that fits a Boro tank, whereas a RTA is a specific Boro tank that takes its own RTA part?

The advantages of a RBA sound good, and for my use which will be DTL I can simply use a suitable coil and 3 or 4MM airflow hole?
Also where it is submerged in liquid and helps with heat dissipation sounds like a bonus.

I think where the Ceto 2 is new I will be a guinea pig and test it out for myself where no one seems to own one to give their genuine opinion on, I will pair it with the Ether as then I can get a DNA 60C powered full kit for 80 something pounds.

I have been the guinea pig in the past, first time was with a Hotcig DX200 DNA 200- the mod arrived with a severely undercharged and unbalanced Li-po so I kind of lost out there, but when I complained I was sent a free new Li-Po, and also the DX200 V2 whole mod as compensation, so risking it worked out well for me as I got an extra free DNA200 as well as the replacement Li-Po.

 

[ShamrockPat]

Here's my definition which is different to @Infinium

Bridge - term used mainly in boros where you attach 2 ends to a premade coil. The OG BB had an Aspire bridge for BVC coils and a kanger bridge. There are now many more bridges for nearly every smallish coil.

RTA - There is no 'tank' in a boro, so a new term is needed.

RBA - Rebuildables for Boros. Everyone and their brothers now make one, some very similar in airflow and aesthetic to their RTA's. Such as VWM, or Kayfun. There are a few similar to RDTA's.

I get the same warmth/heat and flavour from RBA's as I do from single coil RTA's and RDTA's I use but at lower wattages. Mainly using Replay or TC depending on DNA device.

 

[ShamrockPat]

2 more things as you delve into the boro world.

Condensation is a fine area of tiny droplets of juice. You might see it around the positive pin on the Ceto.

A leak is pooled juice, either on the outside of your boro or down by the positive pin

 

[Infinium]

RTA part?

More or less, yes. I've seen Chinese manufacturers selling boro + RBA and calling them "RBA." On the other hand, some high-end modders label their RBA as a "bridge" and sell only the atomizer. The vaping glossary is constantly evolving and, most importantly, fluid, varying depending on different parts of the world. What truly matters is understanding each other.

3 or 4MM airflow hole?

Yes, I've seen that the Ether offers a wide range of air pins, from 1 to 4 mm.

 

[conanthewarrior]

Here's my definition which is different to @Infinium

Bridge - term used mainly in boros where you attach 2 ends to a premade coil. The OG BB had an Aspire bridge for BVC coils and a kanger bridge. There are now many more bridges for nearly every smallish coil.

RTA - There is no 'tank' in a boro, so a new term is needed.

RBA - Rebuildables for Boros. Everyone and their brothers now make one, some very similar in airflow and aesthetic to their RTA's. Such as VWM, or Kayfun. There are a few similar to RDTA's.

I get the same warmth/heat and flavour from RBA's as I do from single coil RTA's and RDTA's I use but at lower wattages. Mainly using Replay or TC depending on DNA device.

OK, so a bridge took premade coils that you could buy from a vape shop, instead of building your own?

So as the Boro is actually the tank, a new term was needed, and that became the RBA. I realised everyone makes them, as I am very confused what one to go for and have been taking advice from a vaping discord to help me find what to use with the mod.

That sounds good getting the same warmth/heat as a single coil RTA or RDTA as that is what I like.

I am yet to use replay as I only own DNA200's and one DNA75 which doesn't support replay, is it a good feature?
I mainly am interested in the TC, as I love my DNA devices for TC using the steam engine csv file transferred from Escribe for SS316L, as I find all of the other CSV's kick me out of TC mode with SS316L for some reason apart from that one.

 

[ShamrockPat]

My color DNA's I'll use Replay. My non color DNA's I'll use TC and get almost identical puffs.

My color DNA 60C has spent most of its life in Replay.

There's not much difference between steam-engine's 316, 316L, and the evolv default.

 

[conanthewarrior]

My color DNA's I'll use Replay. My non color DNA's I'll use TC and get almost identical puffs.

My color DNA 60C has spent most of its life in Replay.

There's not much difference between steam-engine's 316, 316L, and the evolv default.

I see, I will have to check out replay to see what I think of it then.

I was told that before there was not much difference, but on my DNA200's for some reason the Evolv default would always kick me out of TC mode, whereas the one from steam engine worked with SS316L.

Not sure what is going on there, but it was the only way I could manage to get SS316L TC working with my mods.

 

[conanthewarrior]

I remember that SXK wasn’t known for how they wired the DNA. As a circuit, just its presence isn’t enough to offer reliable temperature control vaping. If you only need it for variable wattage, it should works fine. It's still better than the circuit in the Vandy Vape Pulse V2, which I own and honestly, it’s not worth the money, especially since you have to buy aftermarket aluminum panels, as the stock ones scratch with barely any contact.

The Nova AIO is built far superior, but it only has a circuit for variable wattage. It's quite heavy but really beautiful in person, but even though I own it, I’m not a fan of the RBA world and I remain loyal to RTAs for life.
The RBA of the Nova and the Pulse V2, despite having different names, is exactly the same. It's a good starter that allows for practice.

Also, check the actual presence of the USB port on the Ceto. I remember more than one DNA made by SXK that didn’t have a USB port, or that it existed in versions both with and without the port.

I am still weighing up my options, and really like the Vandy vape Pulse V2 in Sakura pink.

What makes you think it is not worth the money? I am interested as I can get the full kit with Boro and RBA for £54.99 to see if I even like a Boro device, then when I next get payed I could get the SXK Ceto 2 DNA 60C and also order a RBA separately to use.

If I bought that one on Saturday it also leaves me with enough money to get some new Molicel P30B's for my new mod and also for my mech use.

I don't find I need to build below 0.21 Ohms for a nice vape on a mech, so will be drawing 20A, which gives me a nice bit of headroom where the P30B's are good for 30A.

My current batteries are 3 years old as I write on them in sharpie when I buy them, so I imagine capacity has dropped and also internal resistance has risen. They definitely don't hit as hard as they did when new, and also don't run as long either.

I imagine I will be very impressed with the P30B, especially compared to old batteries.

 

[ShamrockPat]

If you wanna talk to actual boro owners of all kinds there's a dedicated boro thread. I'm part of that post, not just some dude with what he read, and my circa 2018 SXK DNA60 BB runs TC perfectly since day 1.

Boro Mod's, Tanks, Attys And More

A place to discuss and share information related to the ever growing boro mod platform. Feel free to post everything related to Boro mods, attys, tanks, face plates, buttons, modifications, customizations, repairs, and new drop's. Share photos...

www.e-cigarette-forum.com

 

[Infinium]

What makes you think it is not worth the money?

The Pulse V2 (with the aluminum panels that you'll be forced to buy sooner or later) has the flaw of having the battery "exposed" without panels to separate the Boro section. Instead, a transparent panel is behind the Boro, with an additional (black) aluminum panel on top of it. So it's a constant worry about condensation slowly building up and seeping either into the transparent panel (which isn’t sealed) or into the pin that allows reading

It’s a product released in late 2023, when box mod clones were hard to find for less than $100-120 and were still just clones. Back then, it made sense as an entry-level AIO, but now, not so much, given the design flaws.
The Nova already has the advantage of having an external battery—not fully protected, but at least there's no way for condensation to reach it. You can tell it’s something designed to be used seriously.

 

[conanthewarrior]

If you wanna talk to actual boro owners of all kinds there's a dedicated boro thread. I'm part of that post, not just some dude with what he read, and my circa 2018 SXK DNA60 BB runs TC perfectly since day 1.

Boro Mod's, Tanks, Attys And More

A place to discuss and share information related to the ever growing boro mod platform. Feel free to post everything related to Boro mods, attys, tanks, face plates, buttons, modifications, customizations, repairs, and new drop's. Share photos...

www.e-cigarette-forum.com

I didn't realise there was a dedicated Boro section, I will take a look there thank you for letting me know. Thats good to hear your 2018 SXK DNA 60 BB still works, and gives me faith in the Ceto 2 DNA 60C working well.

The Pulse V2 (with the aluminum panels that you'll be forced to buy sooner or later) has the flaw of having the battery "exposed" without panels to separate the Boro section. Instead, a transparent panel is behind the Boro, with an additional (black) aluminum panel on top of it. So it's a constant worry about condensation slowly building up and seeping either into the transparent panel (which isn’t sealed) or into the pin that allows reading

It’s a product released in late 2023, when box mod clones were hard to find for less than $100-120 and were still just clones. Back then, it made sense as an entry-level AIO, but now, not so much, given the design flaws.
The Nova already has the advantage of having an external battery—not fully protected, but at least there's no way for condensation to reach it. You can tell it’s something designed to be used seriously.

I will watch that video now, thank you for linking it.
That sounds like it could be an issue you pointed out.

I do like the look of the Nova, it just doesn't do TC does it? The Nova is also slightly smaller than the Pulse V2 isn't it, as I want to get the smallest 18650 boro I can afford.
I will seriously consider the Nova as a mod against the Ceto 2, I will think during the week and weigh up the pros and cons of each then decide which mod I am going to buy on the weekend.

I want to have enough money left to be able to buy some Molicel P30B's as they are £7.49 each, I want to get a few to use with my new mod and also for the main mech mod I use daily, as my Molicel P26A's and P28A's are 3 years old now, so have had lots of charge cycles, and have likely lost a lot of capacity and internal resistance has probably risen so they are not hitting as hard.

I imagine when I try a new P30B in my mech I will be blown away by how hard it hits and how much longer it lasts before I need to pull it compared to my old batteries.

 

[conanthewarrior]

The only thing is that the VV Pulse V2 AIO does TC, which is leaning me towards that mod.

I know the Ceto 2 would be best for that with the Evolv DNA 60C board, however I just want to try a Boro style or AIO mod before I spend more money on it, if I like it I will gladly buy a more expensive DNA powered mod and also spend more money on a Boro and nice RBA which suits my DTL needs.

I wish the Nova did TC as then I would settle on that one, but the Pulse V2 being available in Sakura Pink is also leaning me towards that, as I want a mod that I like the look of and really want a pink mod.

Decisions decisions.