Aspire Mixx 60W Box Mod – Full Review!

Disclosure: The Aspire Mixx 60W Box Mod in this review was provided by the fine folks over at Health Cabin (thank you!). You can use coupon code “preholiday” to pick one up for only $41.87 (expires 9/29).  Please note that you must be logged into your account to view any Aspire products on their site.

Introduction

My appreciation for side-by-side (a.k.a. sidecar or SBS) devices goes all the way back to my first year of vaping (2014).  Like many vapers in the pre-pod system era, I was desperately looking for a discrete setup.  At the time, most of us were using long eGo kits or obnoxious tube mods (like the Joyetech eVic Supreme or the Innokin iTaste 134).

Since there weren’t any options on the market, I was forced to be resourceful.  I purchased a little 2-post adapter from Fasttech, connected a Kanger Protank Mini and a tiny 350mAh battery, and there you have it, my first side-by-side!

To this day, I’ve remained partial to this style.  It’s not just for nostalgic reasons either, I also appreciate the efficient use of space, much like the way a series box is a more efficient design than a stacked tube.  The way I see it, devices like the Aspire Mixx are basically DIY AIO Kits.  In this case, however, you can skip the proprietary pods/cartridges and just use your favorite tanks.  They’re not quite as portable as AIOs, but they make up for it with versatility.

The Mixx has received nothing but glowing reviews, so I was anxious to get my hands on one to see if it lived up to the hype.  If you’re looking for a fresh perspective, that being from a consumer rather than a reviewer (I’ve only done 4 reviews in the past 4 years!), then maybe this will help you out.  I’ve always tried to maintain a “refined” collection; there’s no room for dead weight.  If a product doesn’t live up to my standards, it gets passed along to someone else.  The question is: will I be giving this one away or keeping it?

Aspire Mixx Box Mod Features / Specs

• Dimensions: 83mm by 48mm by 24mm
• Collaboration Between Aspire & SunBox
• Colorways: Quick Silver (pictured), Tuxedo, Jet Black, Amethyst, Orchid, Sapphire, and Toffee
• Uses a Single High Amp 18650 or 18350 Battery (not included)
  • Top-Loading Battery Cap
• Wattage Output Range: 1 – 60W
• Atomizer Resistance Range: 0.1 – 3.5Ω
• Output Modes: VW, VV, and Bypass
• Aluminum and Stainless Steel Construction
• OLED Display Screen: 0.91″
  • Wattage Output
  • Voltage Output
  • Amperage
  • Battery Status
  • Coil Resistance
• Spring-Loaded 510 Connection

Packaging & Presentation

This is the boring part of the review, I know, but I like what they did here.  Aspire has basically been using the same style of packaging for the past 4 years.  At first glance, the Mixx appears to follow suit.  What’s really clever is that, when you remove the traditional Aspire sleeve, it reveals the actual packaging.  This interior box is branded with a foil Aspire Prestige logo, which even Jim Halpert would consider classy.  As some of you know, their Prestige line is a series of collaborative projects with high-end companies (SunBox, in this case).  Essentially, it’s a classic Aspire box disguising something much more special.  It accurately represents a “Mixx” of 2 very different companies.  That was the impression I got, anyway.

[In the Box]

• Aspire Mix Box Mod
• 18350 Tube
• 18350 Bolts
• User Manual

Build Quality

This section is going to be easy.  The build quality of the Mixx is phenomenal!  I’ve been an Aspire fan for many years, but they’ve never really hit a home run in this department.  Most of their devices have been solid, but there’s always a few cheap components here and there that detract from the final product.  That is not the case with the Mixx.  I honestly can’t find anything to complain about.  The paint/finish, buttons, machining, materials, they’re all flawless.  It’s fair to assume that this device costs more to manufacture than most of their mods, which is why the low price tag ($50 – $60) is so shocking.  If you were to remove the branding and show it to someone for the first time, they’d probably guess that it cost well over $100.

Design

[Dual Battery Modes]

The thing that really makes the Aspire Mixx stand out is its ability to use 2 different battery sizes: 18650 or 18350.  The default 18650 mode will give you the side-by-side design.  It comfortably fits atomizers up to 24mm, but 22mm looks great too (which isn’t always the case with these types of devices).  You can easily switch it to 18350 mode with the spare parts in the box.  And just like that, you’ve got yourself an absolutely adorable mini-mod!

While I do appreciate the versatility here, the 18350 mode doesn’t do much for me.  Unless you’re using a tiny MTL RDA, you’re essentially covering the same footprint that you were with the 18650 tube.  Personally, I’m sticking with the larger battery, but it’s a nice option regardless.  I should note that the package does not include a wrench to remove bolts and switch out the tubes.  All that’s required is a 2.0mm hex bit, which is a standard size for squonk pins.  I’m sure most of you will have a few of those lying around, but that doesn’t excuse them from excluding it.

[Style & Ergonomics]

The Aspire Mixx doesn’t look like everything else on the market, so it’s not going to be for everyone.  Personally, I love it.  Again, there’s some serious nostalgia here.  The industrial style reminds me of old-school vaping products, like the Innokin iTaste 134 and the Smok Kronos.

Based on the looks alone, you wouldn’t expect it to be ergonomic at all…but you might be surprised.  They clearly thought this one out.  There are 3 distinct indents: one for the battery tube, which rests perfectly in the palm; another for the firing button, making it easy for your middle finger to find; and a third on the bottom (very subtle), which is where your pinky will naturally position itself.  It may look odd, but it feels unexpectedly good in the hand (although the bottom edges are slightly sharp).

On that note, it’s important to manage expectations here.  Regardless of the ergonomics, I wouldn’t recommend this for a portable, out-and-about setup.  Make no mistake, the Aspire Mixx is a fairly heavy and clunky device.  Although it’s relatively small, I still consider it a “desk mod” only.  Maybe that’s just me; I’m sure others will disagree.

Performance & Functionality

The chipset in the Aspire Mixx seems designed to resemble the DNA60, so the layout should be familiar to most of you.  Here’s a basic idea of how it works:

• Lock All Buttons: Firing Button 5x
• Lock Adjustment Buttons: Firing Button + Down
• Stealth Mode: Firing Button 3x
• Change Output Mode: Firing Button + Up
• Flip Screen: Up + Down
• Turn Device Off: Hold Firing Button for 2 Seconds when in Lock Mode
• Turn Device On: Firing Button 5x

There are 3 output modes: VW, VV, and Bypass.  Surprisingly, it does not support temperature control.  That might be an issue for some users, but it doesn’t bother me in the slightest.  I feel like the addition of TC in these types of chipsets just makes things overly complicated.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve accidentally jumped into TC on a DNA mod and couldn’t find my way out of it!  The Mixx has a much simpler chipset and it works well.  No complaints here.

[Battery Cap]

Just a quick note on the battery cap.  It’s the basic twist-off design that has been used in the vaping industry for years.  It amazes me that, despite all the refinements we’ve seen with top-fill tanks, some manufacturers refuse to improve on this tedious design.  Dovpo attempted to remedy this with their new side-by-side device, the College (quarter-turn battery cap).  It’s unfortunate that Aspire didn’t try to innovate here as well.  It certainly isn’t terrible, and the threading is great, I just wish they’d made an effort rather than saying (in the words of one of my favorite YouTubers), “Nah, it’ll be fine!”

Aspire Mixx Pros & Cons

[Pros]

• Build quality (it’s the best I’ve ever seen from Aspire…by far!)
• Looks great with both 22mm and 24mm atomizers
• Incredible value (it looks/feels like a much more expensive device)
• 18650 and 18350 battery options
• Beautiful packaging and presentation
• Nice firing button with a large indent, making it easy to locate
• Simple chipset

[Cons]

• Outdated battery cap design
• No tool provided to switch between 18650 and 18350 modes
• No spare bolts provided in case you lose one
• Although most of the edges are smooth, they’re a bit sharp on the bottom
• Wattage adjusts in 0.1W increments
• No venting holes on the bottom (near the positive end of the battery)

[Subjective]

These are things that don’t bother me, but might be an issue for some people…

• Like most side-by-sides, holding/firing it might take some getting used to
• No USB port
• No temperature control or advanced options (simple chipset)
• It’s not especially portable/pocket-friendly
• The screen is on the bottom of the device

Aspire Mixx – Final Thoughts

It’s not uncommon for me to watch/read a review and think, “That looks awesome…I just wonder how good it REALLY is.”  Well, when it comes to the Aspire Mixx, you’re getting exactly what’s advertised.  Nothing more, nothing less.  It’s built extremely well, it has a unique look, and it performs admirably.

Again, the design won’t appeal to everyone, but if everything about it looks and sounds good to you, I’d highly recommend picking one up.  I’d be shocked to learn that someone was disappointed with this device.

Which brings us back to the big question: Will I be giving this one away or keeping it?  I think you already know the answer to that one—this mod ain’t going anywhere!  It’s certainly not going to replace any of my AIO kits when I need something portable, but it’s an absolutely perfect “desk mod”.  I have a feeling this will be my faithful work companion for quite a while.  “Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”

Jeremy V.

My name is Jeremy and I’ve been writing for VAPE.DEALS since early 2016.  Digging for deals is what I do!  I’m a former 15-year smoker and will always be grateful that I found vaping when I did.  This site played a key role in my journey.  It kept me interested and excited about vaping during those first crucial months away from cigarettes.  Now, my ambition is to pass along that excitement to others; to help people make the switch and never return to combustible cigarettes.  This industry is important and I feel truly blessed to be a part of it.  Please feel free to reach out to me if you ever have any questions: [email protected]