Kangertech KBOX 200 Mod Review
KBOX 200
from $62.95
Pros
- Temperature control with virtually any type coil
- 200 Watts
- Solid construction
- Firmware can be upgraded
Cons
- No charging cable included
The vape industry saw an amazing amount of innovation in 2015, from off-the-shelf sub ohm coils to temperature control mods and more. And Kangertech was there each step of the way. They started the year with the introduction of the Subtanks, boasting 0.5 ohm organic cotton coils.
They followed the Subtanks with the SUBOX Starter Kits, upgraded versions of the KBOX mod and color coordinated Subtanks. The SUBOX is still a top seller and the Seven Report reviews, articles and videos featuring the SUBOX models continue to generate a good deal of traffic.
Kanger was a little late jumping on the temperature control band wagon, but they finally released the NEBOX in October. The NEBOX features an internal 10 ml tank and will fire Nickel and Titanium coils in temperature control mode. Soon after the release of the NEBOX Kanger came out with the TOPBOX, a temperature control version of the KBOX with a new top filling tank, the Toptank.
As 2015 wound down Kangertech released some of the first temperature control devices that would work in TC mode with coils made of materials other than Nickel and Titanium, the TOPBOX Platinum Edition (which I’ll review in the next week or so) and the KBOX 70, KBOX 120 and KBOX 200.
The Kangertech KBOX 200 is powered by two 18650 batteries (not included) which can be charged via the micro USB port, though Kanger does not include a charging cable. The micro USB port can also be used if and when Kanger issues a firmware update.
The wattage range on the KBOX 200 is 7 – 200 watts in 0.1 watt increments. In temperature control mode it has a range of 100° C – 300° C and 200° F – 600° F in 1° increments. The most innovative feature of the Kangertech KBOX 200 is its ability to operate in temperature control mode with a wide range of coil materials.
Once you’ve attached a tank to the KBOX 200 via the spring loaded 510 connector you select the type of coil you’re using by pressing the fire button three times to cycle through the options of Ni 200, Titanium, Nichrome, Stainless Steel or variable wattage modes.
In temperature control mode the LCD display shows battery level, resistance of the attached coil, wattage and your selected temperature and coil material. In variable wattage mode the display shows battery level, resistance of the attached coil, voltage and your selected wattage.
You can flip the orientation of the display 180° by holding in the “plus” and “minus” buttons at the same time. By pressing all three buttons simultaneously you can lock (and then unlock) the KBOX 200 to keep from inadvertently changing your power or temperature setting. You can also change the back light of the display from black to white by pressing the fire and “plus” buttons at the same time.
What’s In The Box
- 1 X KBOX 200
- 1 X User’s manual
Performance: The Kangertech KBOX 200 is a solid performer, it fires consistently in both temperature control and variable wattage modes. The battery life is decent, especially in temperature control mode, but even in variable wattage mode I’m getting a full day of vaping on a single charge.
Features: For the moment at least, the KBOX 200 is one of the most feature rich mods on the market. It will operate in temperature control mode with a wide range of coils, with settings for Ni 200, Titanium, Nichrome, and Stainless Steel. According to Kanger and my own experience, you can also use kanthal coils in temperature control mode, just use the Nichrome setting. And of course you can use it in variable wattage mode too.
Kangertech doesn’t include the two 18650 batteries needed to power the KBOX 200 (but most manufacturers don’t) or a charging cable. But you can charge the batteries while they’re in the device via the micro USB port and you can continue to vape while it’s charging. And the KBOX 200 is the first mod by Kanger with firmware that can be upgraded.
The display can be flipped by 180°, and you can change the back light color from black to white. And the power and temperature control buttons are lockable to prevent accidental changes to your settings.
Kangertech has given the KBOX 200 all of the standard safety features, like short circuit and open circuit protection, cell reversal, temperature and overtime usage protection. Kanger offers the KBOX 200 in black, red and white.
Quality: The KBOX 200 is a solid, high quality device. The casing is made of zinc alloy and aluminum alloy. It feels solid in my hand and the battery door fits snugly and securely. The display is sharp and easy to read with all of the information you need available at a glance.
Looks: The Kangertech KBOX 200 has subdued good looks. The colors are rich and the contrasting colors of the buttons and the logo are a nice touch. The curved edges give the mod a sleek look and make it fit comfortably in the hand.
Price/Value: Kangertech lists the MSRP on the KBOX 200 at $64.90 and DirectVapor has it available for $62.95. That’s almost $20 less than the best price I’ve seen on the Snow Wolf 200 watt temperature control mod. Given that the KBOX 200 will operate in temperature control mode with virtually any type of coil it’s an amazing value.
I’ve been vaping with the Kangertech KBOX 200 extensively for about two weeks. I’ve used it with the Kanger Subtank Plus with a Nickel coil in temperature control mode and the SMOK TFV4 with a standard coil in both temperature control and variable wattage modes. It performed flawlessly, delivering plenty of power and vaping enjoyment. It’s quickly becoming my go-to device.
If you’ve been waiting to pick up your first temperature control mod or are ready for a device that will allow you to use virtually any tank and coil and still take advantage of temperature control, I’m pretty sure you won’t be disappointed with the Kangertech KBOX 200. It’s a solid, quality mod at a great price.
Order the KBOX 200 from DirectVapor
(For more information on Seven Report review methodology click here.)
