Next up for me to review is the Aspire Cyber X pod kit!
I know my mind is always in the gutter but the term “Cyber X” sounds like some sleazy Direct Message you might get from a stranger on social media – followed by a question mark.
This joins the other members of the Cyber family including the previously reviewed Cyber S and the Cyber G.
Aspire have been in the vape game for a long time and have brought classics such as the Nautilus range, PockeX range and the popular Zelos kits.
For many vapers, seeing the Aspire logo means they are getting a quality bit of kit. I can’t really comment as I have only reviewed one Aspire device back in 2018, that wasn’t their best example!
So with me being a relative Aspire virgin, can they turn my head in the right way? Let’s find out!
What To Expect From The Aspire Cyber X…
This is a super funky futuristic looking pod kit with a nod to Retro designs too!
The device itself is a square shape with one coloured side and one transparent side.
On the coloured side the LED indicator is in the shape of an “X”. Plus on the transparent side are the mode indicators.
The mode indicators refer to the activation mode, you can select Auto Draw, Button firing or both.
Inside the device is a 1000mAh battery and it charges at a fast 2A charge rate using the USB Type C port.
When it comes to the pods, these are existing pods also found on the rest of the Cyber range.
There are 3 types available, the clear coloured pods come in 3ml or 2ml (TPD) capacities. Also there is a Child Resistant TPD pod which has a Black mouthpiece.
The clear pods have a side fill port whereas the Black pods have a snap off mouthpiece top fill port.
These are fixed coil pods, so when the flavour eventually deteriorates you simply dispose of the pod, no messy coil changes required.
You can insert the pod 2 different ways around and this will dictate the airflow, one way is more restricted than the other.
Here is an introduction and unboxing video from the Aspirecigs YouTube Channel.
There are 6 colour options to choose from: Gunmetal, Frost Blue, Pearl Silver, Coral Orange, Sage Green and Flax Yellow.
Kit Includes
- Aspire Cyber X Device
- TSX Pod 0.8ohm
- TSX Pod 1ohm
- USB Type C cable
- Lanyard
- User manual
Aspire Cyber X Specs
- Size: 74.2x51x20.5mm (Standard) / 71.4x51x20.5mm (TPD)
- Battery: 1000mAh (internal)
- Display: LED indicators
- Output: 3.4V constant output
- Type C USB charging – 2A charge rate
- Resistance range:Â Not specified
- Capacity: 3ml (Standard) / 2ml (TPD)
- Pods: Compatible with Aspire TSX pods
- Top fill (Black Pod) / Side Fill (Clear Pod)
- Two airflow settings (selected by inserting pod in 2 directions)
- Auto draw or button activation
Thank you to Vape Club for sending this over for review! I will report back honestly on my findings with the device in my possession!
Aspire Cyber X Design and Build Quality
I received this in the Pearl Silver version and all the clear panels have a protective film to – well – protect them! This is a sign of quality for me.
The device arrived in pristine condition, apart from a very strong plastic chemical smell emitting from (I think) the foam insert that holds the device in the box.
You get plenty for your money with 2 different pods, a Lanyard and the rare USB cable included. The quality of the Lanyard is ace!
Not to mention the good quality of the ribbon style USB cable and it is actually longer than the palm of my hand – which is also rare!
The instructions are excellent and make the manuals from some other brands look like scribbles on an alleyway wall. You can also download a PDF version (which may be easier to read for some as you can zoom in) here.
Aspire Cyber X Mod
This looks like 2 squares with a plastic frame to join them together. It is not a particularly rounded shape and is a lot thicker than I was expecting.
Despite that it does look classy!
The one side (with the colour) is metallic – I assume Aluminium or Zinc Alloy and it has a slightly convex profile.
In the centre is a concave area with the Aspire logo printed on. Surrounding that concave area are 4 LED indicators in the shape of an “X”.
The opposite side is transparent and you can see the goodies which lurk inside. This has the same profile as the metal side but with the Aspire “α” logo in Orange in the centre.
On the right is the battery with gorgeous Holographic printed patterns and has the following printed on it…
“Next-gen upgrade the futuristic style neo effect”
…erm yes OK then – slightly baffled? Oh and it also says “Cyber X”.
To the left side of the battery is the circuit board which also houses the 2 mode indicator LED’s (marked “A” and “B”).
I love this detail as I love to see circuit boards, hence why I was probably the only person who loved the old school Sigelei Kaos Z!
Talking of old school mods, this reminds me of the Smoant Rabox too, in its industrial styling. But Aspire have taken it to a more refined level.
Above the circuit board is the pod compartment which should give you a clear view of the entire pod contents.
Inside the pod compartment are 2 spring loaded contacts, 2 magnets, airflow sensor and some other prongy thing sticking up. The pod is slightly wobbly in here though. Not wobbly enough to affect the electrical connection and it doesn’t fall out when dropped onto carpet so it hasn’t caused me an issue.
All 4 edge panels are clear plastic.
The side next to the circuit board houses the fire button and the airflow inlet hole. When you shake the device the fire button is a bit “rattly” but works perfectly fine.
The bottom has the USB type C port and the required legal logos quietly etched in.
The battery side panel is plain apart from the Lanyard cut out at the top which also continues onto the clear top face.
This is a very square and plastic design, but it doesn’t look cheap, it actually looks really classy. Which is quite a feat for something that consists of mostly plastic.
But some of the plastic edges are quite sharp to run your finger over, I do feel these could be finished a bit better.
Aspire TSX Pod
Both of my pods are the 2ml clear side fill design, which for me is a relief, as I hate “Snap off” mouthpiece refilling styles!
The mouthpiece section is crystal clear with a comfortable rounded “Duck Bill” moulding.
Below that the pod becomes thinner and the finish is quite frosted which seems a shame. The device allows a full view of the pod, so it would be nice to be able to see the coil inside, to fit with the futuristic transparent styling of the whole device.
One side of the pod has the legal logos and “Made in China” etched in in White. The opposite side states that it is a TSX Pod, plus the coil resistance and capacity.
The pod base mirrors the device connectors with two contacts, 2 magnets and 2 different size airflow inlets which are opposite each other. These are a different size so that when you rotate the pod you get a different airflow restriction.
On the side you will see the Black Silicon fill port cover, which does have tiny writing and a drip shaped arrow to direct you to the edge that you need to lift to fill.
It is a bit awkward to lift the cover as it is virtually flush with the lip of the mouthpiece area. I have longish nails and it took a bit of negotiating to do it.
Once the port cover is open you will find a generous 4mm diameter circular fill port which is perfect for the majority of bottle nozzles. You can swing the port cover out of the way too which makes it easier to fill.
Aspire TSX Quick Start Guide
The clear sides of the mod have a protective film applied so make sure to remove these.
The 0.8ohm pod is already installed but you will need to fill the pod and remove the isolator sticker from the base to get it to work.
After that there are a few other steps to get started – but fear not I cover all of them below!
Basic Operation
- Power On/Off = Press the fire button 5 times to turn On/Off
- Vaping = Just inhale on the mouthpiece to trigger the auto fire system or use the fire button. You can select between these modes…
- Fire Button / Draw activation or Both modes: press the fire button 3 times then press the fire button to select from 3 activation modes. The top indicator (A) lit = auto draw only, bottom indicator (B) lit = button activation only, both indicators lit = auto draw and button operation mode. Stop pressing when the mode you require is selected.
- Battery indicator = When vaping, the colour of the “X” shaped LED displays the remaining battery charge remaining. Green = over 60%, Blue = 30-60% and Red = less than 30%. The Red LED will flash 10 times when the device needs charging.
- Battery indicator when charging = The “X” LED will flash Red 3 times when you connect the charger. Whilst charging the LED will pulse through the Red, Blue and Green cycle. When fully charged the LED indicator will flash green 20 times then turn off. The LED will flash Green three times when removing the USB cable.
- Airflow: Remove the pod and rotate 180° to access the different airflow settings.
Protections
The Aspire ASP Chipset offers plenty of user protections.
- Low Battery: LED flashes Red 15 times and the device will stop working, get it charged to continue vaping.
- Short circuit: LED flashes Red and Blue 3 times. The device will stop working. Clean the contacts, replace pod. If fault continues try another pod.
- Over time protection: If you vape for longer than 6 seconds, the LED will flash Red and Blue 10 times (Purple – in real life!) and the firing will cut off. Simply inhale / press fire again to carry on.
- Open circuit: LED will flash 3 times in Blue and it will vibrate twice and cut out. Clean the contacts, replace pod. If fault continues try another pod.
- Overheat protection: The LED will light in Yellow for 3 seconds and device will turn off. Allow to cool and turn on again.
- Over voltage protection: If there is a fault when charging the device will stop charging and vaping is not allowed.
- Pod insertion / removal: the LED will flash White once.
How To Charge The Battery
The charging rate is specified as 2A.
- Using a USB type C cable, connect the small end into the USB port on the mod.
- Connect the large end of the cable into a suitable USB outlet.
- The “X” LED will flash Red 3 times when you connect the charger. Whilst charging the LED will pulse through the Red, Blue and Green cycle. When fully charged the LED indicator will flash green 20 times and then turn off.
- The LED will flash Green three times when removing the USB cable.
The charging time for me using a mains charging plug was around 35 minutes which is ace.
How To Fill the Pod
This depends on the style of pod included in the kit. Those with the Black mouthpiece have a top fill style. I got two of the Clear mouthpiece pods which have a side fill port so I will cover those in this review.
- Remove the pod from the mod.
- Lift up the fill port cover tab to access the port.
- Add e-liquid to the fill port whilst observing the level through the pod.
- Replace the fill cover tab.
- Replace the pod in the mod.
How Does the Aspire Cyber X Perform?
I mix my own e-liquid using the IVG Bubblegum Concentrate to 20%. I add this to 50% VG and 50% PG base liquid. This is the ideal ratio of VG/PG for a low powered pod kit.
The flavour ratio I use is quite high, which can sometimes be a coil killer, but I love a lot of flavour!
I add nic salt to approx 6mg strength.
If any of these terms are over your head – have a read of our handy guides below!
- MTL V DTL V RDL – A Guide To Vape Styles
- VG and PG in E-liquid – all you need to know
- Beginners guide to E-liquid
- Nic Salt E-liquid
0.8ohm TSX Pod Coil
The first few vapes tasted like the horrible chemical smell emitting from the Foam insert in the box.
However please persevere as this taste does fade within the first tank full!
After that I got a clear flavour with plenty of warmth.
I didn’t get a strong throat hit, but I am only using 6mg e-liquid, increase the nicotine strength if you want more of a pow to the tonsils!
There is a surprising plume of vapour when you exhale, pretty impressive for a low power MTL kit!
Lovely pod, good flavour and after 11 refills this is still hitting the mark – in fact it tastes better now than the first pod full!
It is not the best flavour I have ever had from an 0.8ohm pod, but it is not disappointing either.
1ohm TSX Pod
This pod is designed for higher nicotine strengths (over 10mg) or for those who just want a mellow cooler vape.
The flavour is still excellent and unlike the 0.8ohm pod it was perfect right from the first inhale.
On a long inhale it does get a bit warm but otherwise the vapour is quite cool. Also you will get a lot less vapour when you exhale, so this is ideal for those who want a cheeky easy to conceal vape.
As this pod has a higher resistance and lower power consumption there is reduction in the throat hit. But for those on high nic strengths that is a good thing – it means you can increase the nic strength to the level you need to satisfy cravings without burning your throat out. On higher powered pods, high nic strengths can be harsh on the throat.
In fact I used some of the SKE Crystal Salts Blue Fusion in here with a 10mg Nic Salt strength and it was still super smooth whilst the flavour was just incredibly pure.
Delicious, usually when 2 different pods are included in a kit, you often find one is superior and the other is a bit “Meh”.
With the Cyber X pods, Aspire have provided two bosting pods!
After 7 refills the flavour is still epic! I love this pod!
Airflow
I use a rating system for airflow – 0= fully closed and 10= like breathing unrestricted fresh air!
With the 0.8ohm pod I didn’t notice any difference in airflow by rotating the pod 180°.
In either direction I would class this as a mid restriction MTL vape. It is not the tightest I have used but still a decent restriction. So on the scale this would be around 3. You can also get a RDL (Restricted Direct Lung) vape if that is your thing but you might find it a bit too restricted. The restriction tends to naturally lend itself to allowing the vapour to congregate in your mouth whilst inhaling.
As for the 1ohm pod there is around 0.5 to 1 point difference when you rotate the pod. This is a tighter MTL vape which I would class as 2 to 2.5 on the airflow scale.
Mod Performance
The mod performed perfectly, no issues at all.
Even when the X LED was lit up Red the output seemed to be the same until the last 2 or 3 vapes.
The auto draw firing is super quick and there is no lag compared to the button firing.
One thing I found slightly annoying though, was the 6 second vape cut off. With the 1ohm pod I was taking long draws and it would flash Purple lights at me and cut out. (Even though the instructions say it will flash Red and Blue – it is definitely Purple!) I do wish this was extended to perhaps 10 seconds.
Leaks
Not a drop! The pods and pod compartment in the mod were bone dry – excellent!
Battery Life
This is a variable and will depend on the coil resistance of the pod, your own vaping habits (length and frequency of inhales) and your nicotine strength will dictate how often you vape.
But as a guide, with the 0.8ohm pod I got 6 to 6.5 hours of vaping – 3 refills per charge.
With the 1ohm pod I only got 5 to 5.5 hours of vaping, but this is because I was taking a lot longer inhales. I kept having the device cut out (over 6 seconds “Over Time” cut out) because I was taking such long draws! If you use strong nicotine in here you will take shorter puffs than me and should get more battery life. I just caned this pod a bit as the flavour was excellent!
Pros
- Every transparent face was protected with a protective film
- Beautiful styling, I am a sucker for seeing circuit boards!
- Despite being extremely plastic it looks classy and feels robust
- Choice between auto draw or button fire.
- I love that you can lock the fire button and use on auto draw only, to prevent accidental firing
- Generous kit contents including 2 pods, quality lanyard and quality USB ribbon cable
- Excellent instructions
- Pods are compatible with other Cyber devices
- The concave circles on either side make a natural place to hold this comfortably
- Great mid restriction MTL vape, possible RDL with 0.8ohm pod
- 1ohm pod is just 10/10 for performance!
- Super quick charging – 35 mins!
- Simple to operate (the mode adjustment might be the only confusing aspect)
Cons
- Smell of the foam insert in the box gave me a headache, a very chemically plastic smell
- Half of the pod is frosted, which seems a shame when the design feature is transparency and it obscures the view of e-liquid.
- The transparent edges are not that smooth, can be a bit sharp
- Fill port cover edge is close to the lip of the mouthpiece section so can be hard to navigate to open
- On the 0.8ohm pod there was little difference between either airflow setting
- Pod is a bit wobbly in the mod
- 6 second fire cut out was a bit too short, this should be increased to 10 seconds.
- Battery life is average, but the quick charging does compensate for this.
Aspire Cyber X Final Review Verdict
I absolutely love the styling of this, it is retro and futuristic at the same time!
Despite a couple of niggles about the fill port cover location, wobbly pod, frosted e-liquid level area on the pod and some slightly sharp edges, I still think it is an excellent design.
Add to that the very quick charging and amazing flavour and you won’t be disappointed with the Aspire Cyber X. 35 minutes to charge a 1000mAh battery is pretty ace!
If you do get a weird taste when you have first started using a pod, please hang in there it does clear within the first 2ml of e-liquid and you will be rewarded with a beautiful clear, pure flavour.
It is super simple, the only thing which may confuse people is the mode adjustment (auto draw, button fire or both). But once it is set to your preference you won’t have to set it again.
I love the fact I can rely on the auto draw and the fire button is locked to prevent accidental operation. It is still great having a fire button for back up if the auto draw should fail at some point in the future.
It would be good if Aspire could extend the 6 second maximum fire time as it cut out on me a lot when I was having longer inhales.
The quality is excellent for the price and it feels like it will be a hard-wearing device, it certainly feels solid despite being mainly plastic! Mine still looks as good as when I unpacked it!
It is visually striking and offers a beautiful vape experience so if you like how it looks you should just go for it!
