ZQ Xtal Pod Kit Review – A Vape Starter Kit From A Relatively New Company

The ZQ Xtal pod kit comes from a company I’m afraid I’d actually never heard of – my deepest apologies to all concerned – so I’m as intrigued as you probably are to see how this one performs.

ZQ Vapor is based in where else but Shenzhen China, and is aligned closely with vaping distribution company SKEY – and nope didn’t know about those either…what am I like!

The company has a smallish back catalogue of pods kits including the ZQ MOOX which is very similar in style to the Lost Vape Orion series, and the ZQ Vi that also looks vaguely familiar…

So, and given ZQ Vapor are a company I doubt has been on many vapers radar, it will be interesting to see how this one performs.

What Can We Expect From the ZQ Xtal Pod Kit?

Looking at the resistance of the coils this is designed predominantly as a vape starter kit first and foremost – though of course regular mouth to lung vapers might want to pick one up.

The device has a 520mAH internal battery and the refillable pods have a 1.8ml capacity featuring Aspire coil technology – interesting!

It can be button or draw activated and comes in a choice of four funky colours.

OK, this was sent to me free of charge for the purpose of this review direct from ZQ Vapor – thank you – and as always my thoughts and opinions cannot be swayed by freebies.

Incidentally, there’s a couple of definitions of the word ‘xtal‘ a rock band or a virtual reality headset…

So let’s see if this one rocks and has me virtually running out of my virtual door to buy more…

Inside the Box

No frills packaging – though the colour of the device you choose matches the nice faded design on the side.

• 1 x Xtal Device
• 2 x Pod 1.2 ohm coils
• 1 x Micro USB Cable
• 1 x User Manual
• 1 x Warranty Card

ZQ Xtal Pod Kit Specs and Features

• 520mah battery
• Draw/Button activated
• Dual heating coil
• 1.8ml pod capacity
• Unique concentration proofing system
• Choice of colours: Black,Teal, Gunmetal and Red
• Coil Resistance: Nichrome 1.2ohm
• Product Size: 2.2 x 1.25 x 11.3cm

Key Features

OK, the ZQ Xtal pod kit is designed for Mouth To Lung vapers and follows very much in the mold of the original and incredibly popular Uwell Caliburn.

As to if it reaches the giddy heights of that pod kit’s high quality performance and flavour we shall of course be looking at in this vape review.

If you skipped the specs, here’s a brief rundown.

The ZQ Xtal pod kit has a 520mAH internal battery and can be draw activated or by using the fire button.

The 1.8ml capacity pods are refillable and apparently have UK cotton as wicks and have 1.2 ohm Nichrome coils, which ZQ says features Aspire’s coil technology – sounds promising.

There’s an intriguing feature the company is calling a “unique concentration proofing system” – not completely sure what that is as there’s no explanation.

However, they do mention the ‘higher sensor system‘ – this, they say, stops condensation from getting into the battery – meaning a longer life I guess.

Design and Build Quality

I’ve already mentioned the design is akin to the Caliburn and I stand by that – looks good though 😉

The colours are great – really vibrant – and thankfully the logos are kept to a minimum and very tastefully done.

The fire button is nicely responsive and ‘clicky‘ and matches the angular overall design. This one won’t be rolling off your desk.

The build quality is first rate and whilst lightweight it does feel solid in the hand.

The pods are nicely made too and snap into the battery with a really satisfying click and there’s barely any movement.

The plastic is tinted – but held up to the light there’s no issue in seeing your juice levels.

All sounds good – so before I get into how the ZQ Xtal pod kit performs – here’s a very quick – quick start guide.

ZQ Xtal Pod Kit – Quick Start Guide

• My kit was fully charged but do check
• Click the fire button x5 to turn on and off
• Green light = 60% power – Blue = below 60% and Red = 30% and below
• Use fire button OR draw to vape

How To Fill the ZQ Xtal Pod Kit

• Pull up the plastic cover on the base of the pod
• Insert nozzle and fill
• Easy!

The fill hole is rather small so some of the larger nozzles – particularly from short fill e-liquid bottles – may be a little too big.

How Does the ZQ Xtal Pod Kit Perform?

In a nutshell not bad at all.

Given the coils are high resistance, I was expecting a much tighter MTL draw.

On a scale of 1:10 with 10 being tighter than a gnat’s ass, it’s around the 7 to 7.5 – so pretty airy.

However, by popping your thumb or finger on one of the tiny airflow holes on the side and just above the fire button – the draw really tightens up.

By doing that the flavour also bumps up a notch – it’s a little clumsy but you will find a way – you could of course block it off completely with a bit of tape.

ZQ Xtal Pod Kit – How’s the Flavour?

As for the flavour?

Not bad at all…

I’ve used the absolutely stunning Red Vape Reserva Mapacho tobacco flavoured e-liquid, as well as the almost addictive Pachamama Sorbet nic salts – I’m having to ration that one!

The coils kept up with both as far as wicking goes without any issues and indeed the 65/35 VG and PG mix I tried this morning, kept up OK.

I say OK, as I didn’t wait long enough for the e-liquid to soak into the coil – known as priming your coils – and it did struggle a little until it caught up.

I really was able to get a direct lung hit using the higher VG vape juice – a little restrictive for sure but I quite liked it.

Of the three flavours I tried, the tobacco was decent enough – obviously nowhere near as good as I get off an RDA or RTA…

It really shined with the fruity nicotine salt and whilst again the flavours didn’t pop off the taste buds – it was acceptable for a pod kit.

Incidentally, I’ve had the ZQ Xtal pod kit on the go for over a week and even in my rucksack on a very hot day whilst out hiking, it hasn’t leaked once.

I have checked for condensation on the ‘air sensor system‘ and didn’t see any…not even sure if that’s a ‘thing‘…

Pros

• Decent flavour
• Dead simple to use
• Familiar design
• Decent battery life
• Refillable coils
• Coils lasted 3 refills for me
• Nice design
• x2 draw options
• Good colour options

Cons

• Tight to fill
• ‘MTL’ Airflow may be to loose for some

Final Review Verdict

As you can see, the ‘Pros’ far outweigh the ‘Cons’ – so does that mean the ZQ Xtal is an amazing pod kit?

That would be taking things a little too far to be honest – it’s good that’s for sure.

I’d have it sitting in the lower top half of good pod kits.

It does the job, has decent flavour, is competitively priced, and performs well.

Last year, the ZQ Xtal pod kit would be extremely well received, but there’s not a lot new here, and certainly no real innovation.

Apart from that “unique concentration proofing system” which I’m still scratching my head over.

Could they mean somehow the juice is squeezed off the coil concentrating the flavour?

Wiser men and women than me may have the answer 🙂

Would I recommend it?

I wouldn’t stop you buying one let’s put it that way 😉

So, have you tried the ZQ Xtal pod kit or any of the other set-ups?

Let me know in the comments below!