Lavabox M DNA75 Review

Volcano Ecigs’ Lavabox is one of numerous mods coming into the market that use Evolv’s newest chip/board, the DNA75.

What distinguishes the DNA75 from Evolv’s DNA200? Well, besides the obvious difference in power output — 200 watts versus a more modest 75 watts — the 200W Evolv board requires much more battery power to operate. DNA200 mods tend to use non-replaceable internal LiPo battery packs that can be recharged only via USB, while DNA75 mods can be powered by a single 18650 high-drain (20-amp continuous rating) that allows swapping out with a fresh battery. That’s how the LavaBox is designed.

As far as sophisticated technology goes, Evolv’s DNA75 board is about as high end as it gets. Evolv and Yihi are the industry leaders in chip technology. Evolv invented temperature control as it is currently configured, by measuring hundreds or thousands of times per second the changing resistance of low-resistance wire types (nickel, titanium, stainless steel) as the coil heats up. By monitoring the “temperature coefficient resistance” (called TCR), the chip can then regulate power to the coil.

Evolv chips allow adjustment of TCR values, as well as employing the Escribe computer software via USB to allow custom-tailoring of other variables, such as TCR curves, attack levels, and ramp-up curves. Such boards are great for hard-core enthusiast vapers who want to fine-tune every aspect of their vaping experience, but the majority of vapers may find these sophisticated features a bit much, and more than they want or need. TC chips made by other manufacturers may not be as good as Evolv’s, but they are often much simpler and straightforward in terms of menu navigation and selection of options.

Still, temp control doesn’t get more accurate or precise than with the DNA75 board. This chip is guaranteed to show up in numerous box mods by different manufacturers, the LavaBox M being only one of many.

As an American-designed mod with a high-end chip, the LavaBox M isn’t cheap. On the other hand, it isn’t overly expensive. Online prices are now $79.99.

The LavaBox DNA75 mod is a rectangular box with crisp lines and beveled corners. It’s compact and fairly light weight even with an 18650 installed. The firing/adjustment buttons, display screen, and USB port are located on one narrow side, with a rubberized grip wrapped around the other side, which also functions as the battery door. For all its good looks, however, the LavaBox feels a little plasticky. The case is made of high-grade 6061 aluminum alloy, though, so the mod should be sturdy enough to withstand some abuse. Although the case is all angles rather than curves, it feels good in the hand nonetheless.

The display screen is large, clear, and bright, truly a pleasure compared to many mods with smaller screens and tiny numbers. Primary numbers are very large, but even the info with small numbers is easily legible.

Except for a menu system that is less than intuitive and requires a learning curve to master, there is little not to like about the LavaBox.

Performance in all modes is extremely good, as one would expect from an Evolv DNA chip. Temp control doesn’t get any better than this, and wattage mode is dead-on accurate.

Vape times are in line with expectations for a single 18650 high-drain battery — good enough, and certainly acceptable. Being able to swap out batteries for external recharging is a great feature, however, providing maximum ease and convenience. Evolv’s decision to market a lower-wattage but less power-hungry chip was a wise move.

Overall, the LavaBox M deserves to become very popular.

• Great performance
• Compact size
• Removable 18650 battery

• Complex Evolv menu system
• Shorter vape time with a single 18650

The LavaBox M DNA75 is a high-quality mod. Thoughtfully designed, compact, sturdy but light, the LavaBox M is a sterling performer.

Given all the customizing options, the $79.99 price tag makes this a great buy. For regular vapers who are likely to use few if any of those fine-tuning features, the mod is still attractive as an American design and a higher-quality choice.