The SXmini SX Nano review and this is obviously the smaller version of the hugely popular SX Class and is also an auto squonker.
We haven’t reviewed the latter, but I have reviewed the YiHi SX Mini Mi Class pod kit – which I found a little on the lacklustre flavour side of things.
I did buy the awesome and still very much used Q Mini – one of the best vape mods ever made in my humble opinion.
I’ve never really fancied the much loved G Class but would like to get my hands on the MX Class one day soon – in black if anyone’s reading this lol.
OK, SXmini is known for its ‘high end‘ vape devices and its direct competitor, I guess, would be Lost Vape. Whilst both companies do bring out pricey vape gear, they could be classed as the lower end of the high end vape market…if you catch my drift.
One thing I can say, and that’s my experience with the YiHi chip and menu can be a little frustrating – even using the Q Mini after all these years, I still get lost in there lol.
Let’s hope the menu on the SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk kit is easier to navigate…for me any way.
What Can We Expect From the SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk Kit?
Automatic squonking is the obvious answer – hey – call me Captain Obvious.
This review was written some weeks ago but held in drafts waiting for the ‘RSA deck’….rebuildable squonking atomizer.
I’ve put that in inverted commas, as it’s more pre-wrapped coils than an actual deck as you will see.
SXMini has also asked me to showcase the stainless steel drip tip – my original reviewer kit came with just a black plastic one. The company says the stainless steel one will be in the retail box and available to be purchased separately.
OK, so with the SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk I hope to see great flavour, a great build quality and a good looking design.
I think we can tick the latter off, it does look very smart indeed.
Add to that, I’m pleased to to see airflow control, and whilst there’s only one choice of coil right now, there is another due to be released soon.
- Read more about all things squonk: 7 Best Squonk Mods 2020 – Plus Bottom Feed RDA’s & Squonking Guide
OK, scene set on with the review – for the record this was sent to me direct from SXmini – thank you – and as always my thoughts and opinions are not swayed by freebies…
Inside the Box
No frills box – the retail version should also come with the dinky little SXmini bag…
- SXmini SX Nano device
- SX-ADAv2 Atomizer – 0.6ohm
- x1 0.6ohm disc coil
- 2x reservoirs
- Type C USB Cable
- User manual
SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk Specs and Features
- Size: 87.4x39x17.9mm
- Output: Not specified
- Battery: 900mAh internal
- E-liquid capacity: 2ml
- USB Type C charging – 1A charge rate – 60 mins to full charge
- YiHi SX681J chip
- Flavour pre-sets
Key Features
As the name suggests, the SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk kit automatically pumps e-liquid to your coil once the chip sensor recognizes the coil is too hot or dry. There’s also a manual over-ride should you feel more vape juice is required.
BTW, the fancy name for this auto squonking malarkey is: the ESS driver system [Electronic Spray Squonk].
The auto squonk mod is topped with the ADA-V2 [Auto Dripping Atomizer] which takes the disc shaped 0.6ohm ‘coil’. There’s two of those in the box, one already installed, and a 0.3ohm version is to be released soon. YiHi says there’s a chance a separate RSA atomizer may be released in the future.
There is airflow control on the ADA-V2 – I’ll look at how that affects the performance in a moment.
Incidentally, these coils are not compatible with the larger SXmini SX Auto.
There’s no wattage control as such, instead there’s x3 ‘flavour pre-sets‘, and these are Cold – Normal and Warm – these are obviously a form of temperature control thanks to the YiHi SX681J chip.
The kit is powered by an internal 900mAH battery and has fast USB Type C charging.
OK, before we get into the review, let’s get the SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk kit set up and ready to vape.
SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk Kit Quick Start Guide
- x5 Clicks to turn on
- x3 clicks of the fire button to lock and again to unlock
- Remove e-liquid reservoir from side of the device and fill
- Screw on the ADA V2
- Press the fire button once – this will start the auto squonk – screen will state No Liquid
- Once filled device will hold in a priming mode waiting for the coil to saturate
- Press UP x1 to enter flavour/power presets
- Scroll via up and down button and press fire button to select the chosen mode
- Press Down button x1 to enter the Pump settings – adjust pump speed via up and down buttons
- To manually squonk – press and hold Up button
- To draw away excess e-liquid press and hold the Down button
- x5 clicks of the fire button to enter configuration mode
- Coils are push ‘n pull
Configuration modes are: Shutdown – Brightness – *Update – Exit and Help.
Note: each flavour pre-set setting has its own pump speed – however this can be altered if so wished.
You can’t over squonk either – at least I couldn’t – if you auto squonk, the device cuts out and stops pumping after a few seconds.
OK, it might all sound a little complicated on paper – but it really isn’t – if this old fool can suss it out you guys will have no issues lol.
SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk Kit – Firmware Upgrade
The kit does have a firmware *upgrade option, V7, which is the mass production Firmware.
The manual was printed (in the version we received) prior to the firmware release.
In the review samples, the battery level now shows 100% when full and there’s an added auto lock feature.
Another important note regarding this firmware is:
- When installing a new coil: Hold the fire button 1st time to get a No liquid notice.
- Hold the fire button a 2nd time to initiate auto new-coil feeding operation.
Download the firmware upgrade HERE – link works for all SXmini devices, just choose the one you require.
Checkout the handy video for more information and how to upgrade the firmware:
It took me a few goes to actually get my device to connect…
What I can say is following the update – the Normal and Warm settings certainly bumped up a few degrees.
SXmini SX Nano RSA Deck
It’s not so much a deck as a set of pre-built and pre-wicked coils.
It’s a simple matter of removing the paper disc and coil from the housing and replacing it.
Rather than me banging on – here’s a very simple to follow video for swapping out the coils from SXMini:
So easy I did it…and I’m guessing the more nimble among us will easily re-wrap your own coils.
Design and Build Quality
SXmini is known for its high end vape gear and with that comes an expectation of stunning design and excellent build quality.
The SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk Kit is most definitely a classy good looking set up and not at all ‘over fancified‘ as some of their previous mods I could mention.
The device has ridges running around the whole mod and they match beautifully with the circular ones on the ADA-V2 – like I said this is a good looking set-up.
The SXmini logo is a little big – but not in your face, ideal for showing the world you vape on high end vape kits lol.
One thing to note is, the SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk kit is a little wobbly when standing up on your desk or table. Mine has toppled a few times, however the paintwork is standing up so far.
Saying that and laying on its side overnight I had no leakage – the vape kit not me BTW…I ain’t that old yet!
Also to note is the finish, it has left the mod a little on the slippery side in your hand – but no biggie if you’re careful.
Both drip tips are proprietary and screw into the tank and are on the small size but I like them – even the new stainless steel version. However my OCD kicks in a little as there’s a perceivable gap between it and the 510…only tiny but it irks me lol.
The buttons are slightly raised from the device – look great and are very clicky indeed with a nice throw to them as well.
The vape juice reservoir slots in and out easily enough, is easy to fill and there’s a spare in the box meaning you can have a couple of different e-liquids on the go.
Build wise I’m guessing this is zinc alloy – it’s lightweight, but still manages to feel substantial in the hand if that makes sense.
So, it looks good, with all the moving parts working well – so how does it vape?
How Does the SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk Kit Perform?
The short answer is very well indeed.
I’ve had absolutely no issues with the auto pump/squonk feature.
Given I know from experience that Yihi chip mnenus can shall we say, be a little deep and ponderous, the configuration options on the SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk Kit are refreshingly easy and straightforward.
So the big question is – how does the ADA-V2 and 0.6ohm disc coil perform?
Let’s break it down into the x3 flavour presets.
For the test I’ve used x2 different e-liquids, a salt nic – the SuperGood Cocktail Selection Peach Belini – and to see if it could cope with higher VG vape juice, the Jungle Juice Lagoon Red Lagoon, bloody lovely stuff!
For the record, the ADA-V2 and coil managed both vape juices very well indeed, with no issues wicking the thicker vape juice.
SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk Kit – Cold
The auto squonk pumps maxes at 40 – and you can’t go any higher – but you can of course go lower.
I wouldn’t use the word ‘cold’ to describe this preset – more lukewarm.
Flavour is decent too and bags of clouds – not bad at all.
SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk Kit – Normal
This preset has the pump speed set at 40 – but you can go to the max of 50 or lower should you desire.
There’s the slightest – and I mean slightest – up in temp – but only a tad.
Again the flavour is decent – not mind-blowing – but acceptable, and there’s once again plenty of clouds.
SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk Kit – Warm
This time there’s a definite jump in temperature and the pump speed can move from 50 to 60 if that takes your fancy.
The flavour gets a jump too – however I’m going to have to put it in the good rather than amazing flavour zone.
Yes I can taste the usual flavour notes from my preferred e-liquid, but it’s not singing if you catch my drift.
SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk Kit – Airflow
The air comes in from both sides of the ADA-V2.
There are x2 tiny pin holes both the same size.
With both open it’s an airy MTL vape with 10 being the airiest this is around an 8.5
One open and it’s around the 7.5 airiness scale lol.
I have shut both airflow ports off and if you like a very tight MTL vape that’s the one for you. Things did warm up and the flavours was slightly better – bonus!
My preferred setting is set on warm, with a pump speed of 50, and the single airflow pin hole closed half way off. A decent tight MTL vape with OK flavour and plenty of clouds.
Battery Longevity
Not good if I’m honest.
I’m guessing a combo of that pump and a small battery mAH is the key.
Fully charged and vaping for a little over 2.5 hours saw the battery drop to almost flat.
Ummm…
Pros
- Good build quality
- Smart looking design
- Auto squonk feature works well
- Good simple easy to navigate menu
- Flavour presets
- Airflow options
- Great clouds
- Decent flavour
- Good price
- No leaks!
- Good coil and battery longevity
Cons
- Bit wobbly when stood up
- Poor battery life
Final Review Verdict
Looking at the sheer amount of Pros outnumbering the Cons, you’d expect me to be raving about the SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonk Kit… so am I?
It’s a bit of a Yes and No from me…yeah splinters on my ample arse from fence sitting lol…
It looks bloody beautiful and feels great in the hand. It’s easy to fill and operate – after a very quick learning curve – and there’s enough options to keep you happy.
Incidentally and even after the guys over at SXMini asked me to showcase the stainless steel and ultem driptip – I prefer using the plastic one…nothing but contrary me ha!
Anyway, including the option of buying pre-wrapped coils is a great addition too and will certainly save you a few quid in the long run.
Is the SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonker Flavoursome?
Which brings me to the flavour off the SXmini SX Nano Auto Squonker…
It’s certainly into the better side of good flavour wise and much better with the airflow almost shut off.
I have tried x2 different coils, and each one took a long time to break in, and each achieved the same flavour score.
As you can see I’ve also used the pre-wrapped coils and to be honest there was no real difference in flavour – definitely no drop which is a good thing.
Popping them in to the circular ‘deck’ can be a little fiddly but nothing too difficult.
I would certainly NOT put you off buying it, it’s decent enough flavour…but don’t expect to take this one out all day due to the battery life…
So, is this one you own or are thinking of buying?
Let me know your thoughts and comments in the comments below!
PS: SXmini says the kit was due to be released in December 2020 – at the time of writing this vape review [updated in January] I can’t see it for sale anywhere…I’ll update when I do.
