Regulated Tube Battle: Twister, Nunchaku, Falcon, Cube

One of my guilty pleasures in vaping is regulated tube mods.  Why do I call it a guilty pleasure?  Probably because these “stick-style” devices are mostly associated with newbies, and I’ve been vaping for almost 6 years.  But, hey, I like what I like!  When I really think about it, there are 3 reasons they appeal to me.  (1) They’re nostalgic.  They remind me of the simple devices I used when I first started vaping, like the eGo Twist and the Vision Spinner.  (2) They offer the form-factor of a mech mod…but with the addition of some built-in protections.  (3) Although they tend to be top-heavy, they’re also incredibly ergonomic.

I thought it would be fun to look at some of the best-selling kits on the market and see how they stack up against each other.  If you’re shopping around for a regulated tube kit, maybe this will make your decision easier.  Today we’ll be looking at the Uwell Nunchaku 2, the OBS Cube / Cube X, the Horizon Falcon 80W, and the Freemax Twister.  Some might disagree with the Cube being on this list, but it’s essentially just a tube mod with flat sides, so I see no reason to disqualify it.  Please feel free to leave a comment down below if you still have questions after reading this.

Regulated Tube Starter Kit Battle

[Uwell Nunchaku 2 Starter Kit]

• Price: $55 – $75
• Height: 100mm
• Max Atomizer Diameter: 26mm
• Max Wattage Output: 100W
• Display: YES (0.46”)
• Battery: 21700, 20700, or 18650
• Temperature Control: YES (TCR only)
• Wattage Increments: 1W
• Included Tank: Uwell Nunchaku 2 Sub-ohm Tank
  • • E-liquid Capacity: 5mL
    • Drip Tip: 510
    • Top-Fill: Twist-Off (Quarter Turn)
• PROS:
  • • One of the few tube mods with temperature control (TCR only)
    • 21700 battery compatible
    • Adjusts in 1W increments
    • The most powerful regulated tube mod on the market
• CONS:
  • • The firing button sticks on occasion
    • It’s a fairly large device
    • The motion sensor adjustments can be annoying
    • Most of the finishes are extremely glossy (except SS)
    • It’s the most expensive device on this list
    • The tank uses proprietary coils

Summary: This is the best option for high-wattage and advanced users.  A single 21700 battery delivers more power and capacity than the rest of the competition.  The only downsides are the price (it’s the most expensive one by far), the overall size (it’s a chunky one!), and the motion sensor adjustments, which I’m sure will annoy some people (I’m a set-it-and-forget-it guy, so it doesn’t bother me).  The included tank and coils are fantastic, but it’s unfortunate that it uses a proprietary coil size/style.

[OBS Cube / Cube X Starter Kit]

• Price: $25 – $40
• Height: 81.5mm (Cube) | 88.5mm (Cube X)
• Max Atomizer Diameter: 27mm
• Max Wattage Output: 80W
• Display: YES (0.96”)
• Battery: 3000mAh (Cube) | 18650 (Cube X)
• Temperature Control: NO
• Wattage Increments: 1W
• Included Tank: OBS Cube Sub-ohm Tank
  • • E-liquid Capacity: 4mL
    • Drip Tip: 810
    • Top-Fill: Twist-Off (Quarter Turn)
• PROS:
  • • Adjusts in 1W increments
    • Large firing button
    • Large display screen
    • Battery options: internal (Cube) and 18650 (Cube X)
    • The hinged battery door (Cube X) is much better than the twist-off style
    • The tank uses Baby Beast style coils
    • The tank is 810 drip tip compatible
• CONS:
  • • Snug battery bay (Cube X); double-wrapped batteries will not fit
    • Must click 3x to unlock and adjust the wattage

Summary: This is my personal favorite. I love the boxy design, the tank is compatible with Baby Beast coils (tons of options available), and it’s easily the most compact.  Another advantage is that the 510 platform accommodates a wide variety of atomizer sizes (up to 27mm).  Most of the other devices on this list have a narrow margin of atty sizes that will look good on top.  The 18650 battery might be considered a con, but there are plenty of Baby Beast style coils that perform great at lower wattages, so I’m ok with it.

[Horizon Falcon 80W Starter Kit]

• Price: $45 – $60
• Height: 97.5mm
• Max Atomizer Diameter: 25mm
• Max Wattage Output: 80W (100W Boost)
• Display: YES (0.49”)
• Battery: 18650
• Temperature Control: NO
• Wattage Increments: 0.5W
• Included Tank: Horizon Falcon King Sub-ohm Tank
  • • E-liquid Capacity: 6mL
    • Drip Tip: 810 (w/ O-rings)
    • Top-Fill: Push-Button
• PROS:
  • • Very ergonomic
    • Comfortable firing button
    • It comes with a fantastic tank
    • Awesome top-fill design
• CONS:
  • • Most of the finishes are extremely glossy (except SS and Black)
    • Slight button rattle
    • Awkward 510 platform
    • The Falcon King Tank is very tall, making this the tallest overall kit

Summary: While it’s a fine setup, it’s probably the most forgettable. First of all, it’s the tallest kit in the bunch (much of that is due to the height of the tank).  Also, unlike the Cube, it has an awkward 510 platform that makes most atomizers look funny if they’re not the exact same diameter.  And lastly, considering it includes a Falcon King Tank, a single 18650 really doesn’t cut it for this one.  On a positive note, it has the most ergonomic design and includes one of the best mesh tanks on the market.

[Freemax Twister Starter Kit]

• Price: $25 – $35
• Height: 101.5mm
• Max Atomizer Diameter: 24.5mm
• Max Wattage Output: 80W
• Display: NO
• Battery: 2300mAh
• Temperature Control: NO
• Wattage Increments: 5W
• Included Tank: Freemax Fireluke 2 Mesh Sub-ohm Tank
  • • E-liquid Capacity: 5mL
    • Drip Tip: 810
    • Top-Fill: Sliding
• PROS:
  • • Extremely user-friendly (simple wattage dial)
    • Clean design (1 button, no screen)
    • Comfortable firing button
    • It comes with a fantastic tank
    • 810 drip tip compatible
• CONS:
  • • It only adjusts in 5W increments
    • No screen/display
    • It’s the tallest mod on this list
    • Wattage #’s are very small and can be hard to read

Summary: The Twister is probably my second favorite. It’s super simple, affordable, has a perfect firing button, and it includes a phenomenal tank.  In my opinion, this is one of the best no-fuss options on the market.  The only downsides for me are the internal battery, the height (it’s the tallest device in this group), and the 5W adjustment increments aren’t ideal for MTL users.

Final Thoughts

To be honest, this is one of those rare occasions where there are no losers.  These all happen to be great little kits.  What surprised me the most was the included sub-ohm tanks.  None of them are mindless inclusions—they’re all top performers.  I’m going to wrap this up by giving you my winners for every major category.  Hopefully, that will help you decide which one is the best option for you.

Regulated Tube Kit Awards

MY FAVORITE KIT: OBS Cube X

MY FAVORITE TANK: Freemax Fireluke 2

BEST VALUE ($): Freemax Twister

BEST OPTION FOR HIGH POWER USERS: Uwell Nunchaku 2

MOST FEATURES: Uwell Nunchaku 2

BEST OPTION FOR BEGINNERS: OBS Cube

MOST ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Horizon Falcon 80W

BEST TOP-FILL SYSTEM: Horizon Falcon King

BEST DISPLAY: OBS Cube / Cube X

MOST COMPACT: OBS Cube

BEST BUTTON(S): Freemax Twister

 

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]