Geekvape DIGI MAX Review: New Heavyweight Champ?

Product intro and specs

The pod landscape is rapidly changing. What began as a family of simple, low-powered devices has blossomed into some of the most advanced products on the market. The new Geekvape DIGI MAX may be the pinnacle of this evolution, featuring a massive 3000 mAh battery, 80 watts of power, and a 1.47-inch color touchscreen. In comparison, the first generations of pod vapes seem as outdated as flip phones and floppy disks.

Of course, devices can’t be measured by specs alone; performance, quality, and functionality are far more crucial. In that regard, I’m happy to report that the DIGI MAX exceeded most of my expectations. It’s an absolute banger! However, while I’m a big fan of the device, I also accept that it’s not for everyone. Keep reading to learn what to expect and whether it’s the right fit for you.

Price: $39.99 (at Element Vape)
Colors: Pearl white, moon silver, gunmetal gray, space black, misty blue, ruby red, sakura pink, lavender haze

Build quality and design

Geekvape may be a budget-friendly brand, but you wouldn't know that just by looking at the devices they have been releasing lately. The build quality has been top-notch in the last few products I’ve tested from them, making it difficult to find anything to complain about. The DIGI MAX certainly follows suit: it’s pieced together with the precision you’d expect from a much more expensive device.

Like the Wenax Q Pro, I love the understated design. Some devices are too simple and boring, while others are too loud and polarizing; the DIGI MAX lands in the sweet spot right in the middle. The zinc alloy chassis has a soft satin finish, and the subtle designs on the front and back panels tie everything together beautifully. Also, the edges and corners are perfectly rounded, so it feels wonderful in the hand. It’s so smooth you could probably skip it like a stone (although I don’t plan on testing that theory).

It’s also worth noting that the bottom of the DIGI MAX is lined with a thick rubber pad (again, like the Wenax Q Pro). I like this design choice, as it protects from scratches and falls and makes it easier to stand the device upright.

The color display is another big win. It’s gorgeous, the colors are sharp, and it includes all the good stuff: wattage, mode, resistance, a four-digit puff counter, and battery percentage. The menu also allows you to customize (change, dim, or turn off) the lights, reset puffs, and switch modes.

Geekvape DIGI PRO vs. MAX

Realistically, the size and weight of the DIGI MAX may be off-putting for some. It’s an 80-watt, 3000 mAh device, and those features don’t come in small packages. I recommend checking out the Geekvape DIGI PRO if you want something more pocket-friendly. It looks similar to the MAX and utilizes the same pods and coils, but it’s been stripped down to promote portability:

• 34 grams lighter
• 9 mm shorter (other dimensions are also slightly reduced)
• 40-watt max output
• 2000 mAh battery
• Smaller screen (0.96 inches vs. 1.47 inches)
• No touch screen or haptic feedback
• No rubber padding on the bottom

Getting started

The Geekvape DIGI MAX is an advanced pod vape, so it’s less intuitive than many devices I’ve reviewed. But, after taking a few minutes to familiarize yourself with the menu, it’s pretty easy to operate.

• Five clicks to turn the device on or off
• Slide the switch on the bottom to lock/unlock the device (locking disables the touchscreen and button-firing, not the auto-draw)
• Swipe to the right to unlock the screen (the device must be unlocked)
  • Swipe up or down to adjust the wattage
  • Swipe left or right to change the mode (smart, boost, eco, custom)
  • Press the gear icon to access the advanced menu

Like many devices released over the past year, there’s no need to remove the pod to fill; the rubber fill plug is always accessible. Just turn the pod horizontally, remove the plug, and top it off. Easy! The only downside is that the mouthpiece is solid black, and the transparent viewing window is narrow. This makes it challenging to see the precise e-liquid level, so watch closely to avoid overfilling.

To vape, inhale or press the button (again, the button can be locked if desired). You can also adjust the airflow via the slider on the side of the pod. Although the airflow is smooth, the slider’s tension is loose, so it may fall out of position if you put the device in your pocket.

Performance

Both the DIGI MAX and PRO use Geekvape’s J and JR cartridges and coils. Note that J cartridges have integrated coils, while the JR cartridges use replaceable coils (I assume “R” means replaceable). So, whichever style you prefer, you’re covered! The kit I received included 0.4- and 0.6-ohm J pods; let’s see how they performed.

0.4-ohm pod (RDL): This one got off to a rough start. The first pod I tested started tasting burnt after just 6 mL. Thankfully, the second pod has outdone its predecessor, and the performance has been superb. This thing provides an outstanding RDL vape at a mere 24 watts. As of the time of writing, I’ve put 21 mL through it, and the flavor is just starting to fade.

0.6-ohm pod (MTL): This pod would be a fine choice for RDL, but I opted for MTL to test its capabilities. It reminded me of the MTL experience from the 0.8-ohm Q pods, which is a very good thing. I can get a perfect (for me) MTL draw with the airflow fully closed or slightly cracked. The flavor is also excellent; not “the best,” but I have zero complaints. I also used an especially thin e-liquid (70PG) and didn’t experience any leaking.

My main criticism is the lack of high-wattage pods (and coils). Currently, 28 watts (0.4-ohm pods) is the most you can get from the J series, which is underwhelming for an 80-watt device. A 0.3-ohm version is in the works, but I feel like that should have been released with the kit and not as a separate purchase.

Device performance: It would be unfair for me not to mention the phenomenal auto-draw experience on the DIGI MAX. It’s one of the few switches I can activate without touching my lips to the mouthpiece (along with the VAPORESSO LUXE X2, which has become my gold standard in this department).

Battery life and charging

The charging capabilities of the Geekvape DIGI MAX are beyond impressive. 3000 mAh is substantial compared to most pod vapes, so I predicted a minimum of 90 minutes for a full charge. Surprisingly, it only required 62 minutes. Of course, a full charge won’t always be necessary with such a large battery; plugging in for a mere 20 minutes will likely provide several hours of use.

Due to the black mouthpiece and the fact that you can’t completely drain the pod, it wasn’t easy to determine how much e-liquid I was vaping per charge. However, my best estimate is around 10-11 mL, which is commendable. This device is truly an all-day carry.

Pros / Cons

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