OXVA’s XLIM range continues to expand, partnering with EVOLV for the OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version!
I’d not long finished my review of the OXVA XLIM SQ Pro 2 before the XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version landed on my doorstep, OXVA definitely aren’t a brand that rest on their laurels!
OXVA are quickly becoming one of my favourite vaping brands, and they are a very highly regarded brand here on Ecigclick, as previous reviews on the OXVA NeXLIM, OXVA VPrime, OXVA XLIM Pro 2 and the OX Passion e-liquid range will attest to.
Will the OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version continue to cement OXVA’s reputation as one of vaping’s great innovators? Read on to find out more…
What Can We Expect From The OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version?
Two vaping giants in OXVA and EVOLV have partnered for the OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version, which is the first pod system that features a DNA chip for dry hit prevention!
Having EVOLV provide a DNA chip for the XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version is very big news, EVOLV have pioneered temperature control technology to prevent dry hits and their chips have been long regarded as the most accurate and reliable on the market.
And of course, OXVA are extremely well known for providing top quality vaping products, so an OXVA/EVOLV combination is going to be something absolutely special!
So, the OXVA x EVOLV DNA chip is a specially designed chipset for the XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version that delivers precise temperature control and also includes Replay technology, for a smooth, intelligent and effortless vaping experience.
It is over 300 times more responsive than your everyday vaping chip, with a read speed of 30,000 times per second for precise dry hit prevention, flavour consistency and flavour replay.
Preventing dry hits increases the lifespan of pods drastically, as the majority of pod waste is caused due to burnt coils from dry hits, and the DNA chip on this device eliminates that- guaranteed until the final puff, even with low e-liquid!
Replay technology allows you to recreate your perfect puff at the touch of a button, so if you had a particularly enjoyable vape you can hit the replay button and the puff curve will replicate, so you can keep on enjoying that perfect puff!
Consistent flavour from start to finish ensures that the flavour never fades, even when the battery is running low.
A luxurious real carbon fibre design gives the OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version a real high-end look and feel, meaning that it looks as good as it performs, with six stunning finishes available too.
Other features include a 0.56″ HD screen, 1300mAh battery with fast charging, auto draw & button activation options and an ergonomic airflow control, as well as the ability to utilise EScribe software to customise your device, I will go more into the functions in the review!
Many thanks to OXVA for sending the XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version in for review, lets have a deeper look at this exciting new kit.
As always, all views are my own!
Kit Contents
I received my OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version inside a lovely, boutique-styled bag, unfortunately this had taken a bit of a battering whilst it travelled through the postal system!
There was also a card featuring a message from the OXVA team and a carbon fibre tag.
Still, that was a lovely touch from OXVA!
Thankfully, the box and its contents were unharmed, inside the presentation box I found-
- 1x XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version device
- 1x XLIM Top Fill Cartridge SS 0.6ohm
- 1x XLIM Top Fill Cartridge SS 0.8ohm
- 1x Lanyard
- 1x Type-C cable
- 1x User Manual
Specifications
- 114.5mm x 25mm x 15mm dimensions
- 67g weight
- Zinc Alloy & Carbon Fibre/IML+PCTG construction
- Auto draw and button activation
- OXVA x EVOLV DNA chip
- Anti-Burn technology to prevent dry hits
- Flavour Replay to recreate your perfect puff
- 0.56″ HD Colour Screen
- 5-30W output range
- 1300mAh battery
- 5V/2A USB-C fast charging
- Side airflow control
- Mouth to lung and restricted direct lung vaping options
- 2ml XLIM Top Fill Stainless Steel Cartridges
- Top filling system
- Compatible with 0.6ohm/0.8ohm/1.2ohm options (0.4ohm coming soon)
- Also compatible with all other XLIM cartridges
- High end look and feel
- Available in six different finishes
- Compatible with EScribe software
Design & Build Quality
The OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version measures in at 114.5mm x 25mm x 15mm with a 67g weight, and is manufactured from either zinc alloy and carbon fibre or IML and PCTG depending on which version you opt for.
Six different finishes are available, you can choose from
- Luminous Forged Carbon Fibre Daylight State
- Luminous Forged Carbon Fibre Luminous State
- Frost Titanium Blue
- Nebula Gray
- Silk White
- Silk Brown
I received the fantastically-named Luminous Forged Carbon Fibre Daylight State edition for review and let me tell you- this is an absolute stunner!
Definitely one of the best looking and most well machined pod systems that I have had my hands on.
It feels so robust and well manufactured, yet the carbon fibre construction makes it feel lightweight at the same time too. Plus, in sunlight, parts of the finish become luminous, which is a nice touch.
On the rear you have ‘EVOLV DNA INSIDE’ printed just to remind you what is powering this beast! Opposite to this, the OXVA logo is printed.
There’s a glorious 0.56″ HD Colour screen which is bright and clear, this has an LED light bar that illuminates as you vape. The screen is activated when you click the power or replay button, it shows the coil resistance, battery life, wattage, lock status and a puff counter.
At the base is a USB-C charging port, meaning that you need to lay the device down in order to charge it.
As expected, the XLIM Top Fill Cartridges connect to the XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version via a strong magnetic connection.
With the XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version, the new XLIM Top Fill Cartridge SS pods are included in the kit, which feature stainless steel coils designed to be compatible with the temperature control functionality of the DNA chip.
OXVA Xlim Pro 2 vs Xlim Pro 2 DNA
Quick Start Guide
How to Fill the XLIM Top Fill Cartridge SS Pods
Thanks to the way that these pods have been designed, you don’t actually need to remove the pod from the device in order to fill it.
Just locate the filling port cover on the side of the pod, lift this up to expose the filling port, pop the nozzle of your e-liquid bottle in and fill away!
When filling a new pod for the first time, let the e-liquid sit in the pod for a few minutes to allow the cotton in the coil to fully absorb the e-liquid.
Operation
This is actually a very simple device to use and settings can be changed via some easy button clicks and combinations.
Holding the replay button down, and keeping it held down, will also display how to change the different settings on the screen!
This device has both auto draw and button activated fire modes, the button activated fire option can be easily locked however if you would prefer not to use that.
- Hold the replay and power button down for two seconds to turn the device on and off
- Five clicks of the power button will also turn the device off
- Hold the replay button down for two seconds to view the operations menu
- Two clicks of the power button changes the LED light colour
- Three clicks of the power button allows you to change the output power setting
- Four clicks of the power button locks or unlocks the fire button
- Six clicks of the power button will change the language, with English, Spanish and German options.
- Seven clicks of the power button will reset the puff counter
Anti-Burn Technology
As this device uses a DNA chip for dry hit prevention, and is the first one to do so, you can vape away without having to worry that you are going to get a nasty, burnt hit.
Important Note: This does only work with the XLIM Stainless Steel Top Fill Cartridges, it will not work with other XLIM pods.
Temperature control technology is utilised, with a read speed of over 30,000 times per second, so the coil is constantly being checked to ensure that it is saturated with e-liquid.
If it isn’t, the anti-burn technology kicks in and prevents power from being delivered to the coil.
This means that you can vape worry free right down to the last drop of e-liquid in the pod, and the lifespan of your pod will be increased as the cotton is protected from scorching!
In practice, I haven’t yet experienced a single dry hit, even when I have vaped a pod virtually dry.
However, I have had a few instances when the anti-burn technology has kicked in when I still have a lot of e-liquid in the pod, and this has happened when condensation has built up around the base of the pod affecting the connection, necessitating a quick wipe to clean it.
So, keep the base of the pods clean!
Flavour Replay
Another cool feature is Flavour Replay, if you found that the last puff you had was satisfying, you can click the Replay button on the side and the device will automatically follow the output curve of the last puff to ensure a consistent flavour experience.
When Flavour Replay is active, the heart icon on the screen will be green. To cancel Flavour Replay, press the Replay button twice.
As with Anti-Burn, this feature is only available with the Stainless Steel XLIM Top Fill Cartridges.
EScribe Software
Devices that use DNA chips have had the advantage of EVOLV’s EScribe Suite, which allows you to further tinker with your device using a computer, meaning that you can really customise the functionality and theme of your DNA-powered device.
And you can really go into some serious depth with EScribe if you wish to do so!
On the OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version webpage, you can scroll down and there is a link to download the EScribe software specific to this device.
After running the installation script, use the included USB Type-C cable to connect your device to your computer.
I tried to connect my XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version to EScribe on both my laptop and PC but didn’t have any luck getting it to connect to the software, however I was testing a pre-release model for this review and the XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version has not been released at the time of writing.
So I’m sure you’ll be able to hook it up to your computer and have a tinker once you can purchase one!
Charging
You do get a USB-C charging cable included in the kit, so you just need to connect this to your device and a suitable power source.
I was pleased to see the inclusion of 5V/2A fast charging and this does help the device to charge up rapidly, with the charging status displayed clearly on screen during charging.
How Does The OXVA XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version Perform?
One of the big differences here between other XLIM Pro models is the inclusion of the new XLIM Top Fill Cartridge SS pods, which feature stainless steel coils to ensure compatibility with the temperature control functionality of the DNA chip.
The XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version is also compatible with all other XLIM pods but you won’t be able to use the anti-burn or flavour replay function, so there’s no dry hit protection if you do use the non-stainless steel XLIM pods!
Included in the kit is a 0.6ohm and a 0.8ohm XLIM Top Fill Cartridge SS, so you’ll be able to vape either mouth to lung or restricted direct to lung right out of the box.
A 1.2ohm XLIM Top Fill Cartridge SS will be available at launch to purchase separately, and OXVA have plans to release a 0.4ohm version too.
I’ll definitely be keeping my eyes out of the 0.4ohm XLIM Top Fill Cartridge SS!
The chipset smartly detects the resistance of the coil and recommends an output power setting, but you also do have the ability to adjust the output power yourself from 5-30W.
When using either the auto draw function or the power button to vape, there’s no delay in this device firing at all- it’s instant! And the power ramps up instantaneously too.
I would expect that when the EScribe software is up and working, you’ll be able to adjust the output power curve to your liking as with other DNA powered devices, so if you prefer a slower ramp up time you’ll be able to enjoy that.
Flavour
Now, I was impressed with the flavour that I got from the XLIM Top Fill Cartridge when I reviewed the XLIM SQ Pro 2 Device recently but the stainless steel cartridges paired with the temperature controlled DNA chip really take this up a notch!
Firstly, the flavour from these pods is so clean and pure. Coupled with the DNA chip, these pods really get absolutely everything out of the e-liquids that I had been vaping, and the flavour intensity is very noticeable.
I actually had to drop down a couple of watts on my usual power output settings!
When switching flavours, the temperature control technology really does come into its own.
I can be vaping a sweet, fruity e-liquid right until the pod is completely empty, then switch to a dessert or tobacco flavour when I refill the pod, and the previous flavour does not affect the new one.
DNA chips are regarded as the most consistent out there, and the consistency of the flavour is outstanding. Right from the first vape on a fully charged battery right down to the last on a depleted one, the vape just tastes the same right the way through.
Even without using the Flavour Replay function, I get a phenomenally consistent tasting vape!
Without a doubt this is one of the best pod kits on the market when it comes to delivering a flavoursome vape.
Pod Lifespan
I’ve had this device in my possession for almost two weeks at the time of writing, and have been using it as my daily driver since the day that I got it.
My puff counter actually shows that I have puffed away on the XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version 2,876 times as I write this!
I’ve switched between the 0.6ohm and 0.8ohm pods during that time, using a range of different e-liquids including fruits, tobaccos and desserts, and even now, nearly two weeks later, neither coil shows the slightest sign of degradation and the flavour is as good as it was on day one.
That is a really exceptional pod lifespan!
Airflow
On the side of the device is a sliding airflow control system, allowing me to easily adjust the airflow using my thumb.
And the airflow control is buttery smooth, yet it stays in place once adjusted.
There’s options here for mouth to lung and restricted direct to lung vaping, giving this device a broad range of appeal.
If you like a dense cloud of vapour, this kit is more than capable of providing you with one, just open up the airflow and it will deliver!
On another note, I’m usually terrible at accidentally covering up the airflow intake on pod systems but I have only managed to do that once whilst using this kit, so hats off to OXVA for some excellent airflow placement!
Battery Life
The 1300mAh is easily capable of delivering over a day’s worth of battery life for the average vaper.
I’ve powered away at this with the 0.6ohm pod at 23-25W and still had battery left to spare, so that says something!
Quite often, if I take this kit to work with me, I’ll come home after a shift and still have 70% or more left, so I won’t even need to charge it again if I’m working the next day.
If I do, the 5V/2A fast charging means that it is charged up again in no time at all!
Pros
- Exceptional flavour performance
- Dry hit-free vaping
- Mouth to lung and restricted direct lung vaping
- Adjustable wattage and airflow
- Outstanding build quality and looks
- Bright, HD screen
- Beginner friendly refillable pod system
- All-day battery life
- Fast charging
- Can refill the pod without removing it from the device
- Superb lifespan from the pods
- Compatible with all XLIM pods
Cons
- Occasional inconsistent performance from the Anti-Burn technology
- Fair amount of condensation build up on the pods
- At the time of writing the E-Scribe software is not currently working (though I was testing a pre-release model!)
Final Verdict
This isn’t the first pod system to feature temperature control technology to guard against dry hits, but it certainly is the first one to feature EVOLV’s much vaunted DNA technology to do so.
I’m loving how OXVA are continuing to push the envelope with this partnership with EVOLV. Yes the anti-burn technology wasn’t perfect, triggering a little too early sometimes, but it did the job and still prevented me from experiencing any dry hits.
And the chip is incredibly accurate, providing a fantastically consistent vaping experience, with the stainless steel XLIM top fill cartridges providing some of the very best flavour that I have experienced from a pod system.
I will most definitely be purchasing more of these pods once they become available in the UK, especially as this kit has become one that I do not leave my house without!
I do get a lot of vaping devices in for review, so it’s rare that I get that attached to one, but this is one of those devices that I will continue to use daily long into the future.
This is a real, top-drawer, premium pod kit and this is one of the absolute best pod systems that I have ever had my hands on.
From the looks of prices for pre-orders in the UK, you’ll be paying a bit of a premium for the XLIM Pro 2 DNA Version but I honestly think it is worth absolutely every penny for what you get here.
Plus, you’ll save money thanks to the exceptional pod lifespan, meaning you haven’t got to invest in a new pod every week!
What are your thoughts on OXVA’s latest XLIM device? Let us know in the comments below!
