Vaporesso FORZ TX80 80W Starter Kit – Full Review!

The Vaporesso FORZ TX80 80W Starter Kit in this review was provided by our friends over at Vaporesso (thank you!).  Feel free to refer to their site if you would like additional info on this device or any of their other products.

Introduction

I’ve been on a bit of a kick lately.  With all the new devices that continue to be released, coupled with an admitted problem I have looking through all the sales of aging devices on the shelves, I find myself searching for those rugged pieces.  I’ve had my eye on the bend-but-don’t-break pieces, the scratch-but-don’t-crack kits.  Waterproof?  I’ll take it.  Shock-proof?  I better have it.  Dust-proof?  Please, I was sold at “proof.”  I like the idea of a vape kit not quitting on me because I decide to drop it off a bridge, throw it into oncoming traffic, or feed it legs first through a woodchipper.

I was on a little break from reviews when Jeremy mentioned there might be an opportunity to review the latest product from Vaporesso, the FORZ TX80 Starter Kit.  The way he described it made it sound like it might scratch my current itch.  A small and compact kit that claims to hold all the “proofs.”  Since it is a Vaporesso product, I knew we wouldn’t have much time to spend with it, but I figured all I’d need was a few days to beat the hell out of it.  I agreed, USPS gave it its first round of beatings, and I got it in my greasy mitts.

In the spirit of full disclosure here…

I am not rough on my gear, quite the opposite actually.  I can’t stand rub marks on the bottom of mods, smear marks on RBA’s, or even fingerprints on touch screens.  The only pieces I have ever broken personally have been devices I have spent way too much money on, and God always makes sure I pay for my mistakes.  I am generally careful, and if a device quits it is because sometimes that’s what they do, unfortunately.  Although they usually don’t quit the day after the warranty expires, and if so, hopefully, they have an understanding warranty department. (I’m looking in your direction, vape company with a cephalopod for a name and logo.)  Ahem.

Vaporesso FORZ TX80 Box Mod Specs

• Colorways: Steel Blue, Gunmetal Grey, Imperial Red, Brick Black, and Leather Brown
• Upgraded AXON 2.0 Chipset
• Waterproof, Shock-proof, and Dust-proof
• Powered by a Single High Amp 18650 Battery (not included)
  • Bottom Threaded Battery Cap
• Adjustable Wattage Range: 5 – 80W
• Atomizer Resistance Range: 0.03 – 5.0Ω
• USB Type-C Port: DC 5V/2A
• OLED Display Screen: 0.69”
• New Output Mode: F(t) Mode
• Leather Grip
• Reinforced Screws
• High-Strength Zinc Alloy Bracket

Vaporesso FORZ Tank 25 Specs

• Fiberglass Plastics & High Tenacity Soft Rubber
• Silicone Drip Tip Cover
• New GTR Coil Platform
  • Natural Organic Cotton
  • Leak-proof Structure
  • Plug and Play Design
• Adjustable Bottom Airflow System
• Top Fill Design
• Max E-liquid Capacity: 4.5mL

Out of the Box

I can’t say with certainty that your Vaporesso FORZ TX80 Starter Kit will be packaged like mine, or if the final retail version will have some minor changes.  The kit comes packed neatly with everything mentioned above, but I did not receive a screwdriver (not sure what I would need that for), and I am not sure what Vaporesso means by “FORZ Badge.”  There is included what appears to be a pry tab that does come in handy when changing coils.  I also received a spare glass, spare coil, O-rings, Type-C USB cable, drip tip cap, and the usual cards.

The packaging is tidy as I have come to expect from Vaporesso, with the outer sleeve indicating the color of the mod within.  Everything is organized in neat compartments and well cushioned for the long ride from China.  There is no wasted space in the box, so the outer package resembles the contents within; small, compact, and durable.

Vaporesso FORZ TX80 Starter Kit Contents:

• Vaporesso FORZ TX80 Mod
• Type-C USB Cable
• Vaporesso FORZ Tank 25
• 2x GTR Mesh Coils: 0.15Ω and 0.4Ω
• Drip Tip Cover
• Spare Glass Tube
• 4 x Spare O-Rings
• Screwdriver
• USB Silicone Plug
• FORZ Badge
• User Manual and Warranty Card

The Vaporesso FORZ Tank 25

FINALLY!  This was my first thought when pulling the tank out of the box.  How many times have we purchased the latest indestructible, do-all mod, that is built like a tank, only to have it paired with a sub-ohm tank made of 90% glass?  I’ll answer that.  Every time.  Not only is it made of glass, but it’s also shaped like a bubble which means if it doesn’t hang over the side of the mod when it is screwed on, it will at least run right up to the edge of the mod.  When you drop it, and you will, the glass tank will be the first to hit the concrete.  Your mod might be a beast, but when you eventually shatter that delicate rose of a tank, the mod becomes worthless.

I have never understood this pairing.  I usually pull the new mod from the box and screw on an RDA while “Bubbles” stays in the box and never sees the light of day.  No mas!!!  The Vaporesso FORZ Tank 25 has a little hair on its chest.  The glass tube section is caged in with what feels like the same rubber the mod is built with.  It hollers heft and durability.  Yeah, it’s a little large and makes the kit look top-heavy like a German Shepard puppy that hasn’t grown into his head, but I’ll take it.  Although I’m not about to test its strength by backing a truck over it, I do believe it will take more than a reasonable drop to crack the glass within.  This is an exciting day for sub-ohm tank vapers and lovers of the “proof” kits.

[How Does it Vape?]

Oh, and lest I forget, the tank vapes well!  I’m not the biggest vaper of sub-ohm tanks because I enjoy rebuilding, but I will use this one going forward.  The top fill is easily accessible with a half-turn of the cap.  The bottom airflow adjusts the airflow!  I can get a nice restricted lung hit that I like or wide open for tons of air.  At any airflow position, it vapes smooth and quiet.  The drip tip, in my opinion, is just the right size and shape.  I went ahead and threw the drip tip cover away immediately to avoid the disappointment of losing it in a week or two.  Finally, the coils are easy to swap in and out with simple, press-fit action.  This is a good sub-ohm tank that I would consider buying separately.

Vaporesso GTR Coils

Speaking of fitting the coils, let’s chat about those for a minute.  I have reviewed several Vaporesso devices and each one has come with different coils; an upgrade from the previous version.  I like the ongoing evolution, but it is getting hard to keep up.  How messy of a process will it be when I have to shop for replacement coils.  Do I have the GT?  The GTR?  The G4?  Does mine even have a “G” in the name?  Are they all mesh or does the “G” mean mesh?  Will the GT fit where the GTR belongs because my vape shop only carries the G4.  Does anyone have any Tylenol?  Do I check myself in or is this an outpatient program?

Yes, the newest GTR coils are good.  They have great flavor and vapor production.  They are easy to swap in and out when the time comes.  The Vaporesso FORZ TX80 Kit comes with a 0.15Ω and 0.4Ω mesh coil.  If I am completely honest, I couldn’t tell the difference between the two.  I ran both of them at 55 watts because that seemed to be enough to power them without draining the single 18650 in the mod.  I was only given a few days to test the kit so I can’t speak to how long they last, but in those days, I found them to be flavorful and convenient.  Hopefully, that convenience carries over when it comes time to buy replacements.

Are the GTR coils a noticeable upgrade from their predecessors?  Nope, but then again, I’ve smoked a lot of cigarettes in my life and maybe I don’t have the taste buds of a discerning vaper.  The best part about the coils is they come with the kit and I don’t have to look for them separately.  Convenience.

The Vaporesso FORZ TX80 Mod

I like it.  I am a little weary from typing FORZ in all caps, but damn it, I like the mod.  It’s small and compact.  It is heavy for its size.  It’s simple to use.  It feels like a mod that will take an absolute ass-whooping and still last a lifetime.  It gives me all those feelings, but I don’t love it.  Why?…… It’s not a 21700.  Why, in the year 2020, are we still sticking with single 18650 mods?  Was this released as another blow to the gut of the people from the year 2020?  Hasn’t this year been hard enough on us?!

On the side of the package there is a reference to the use of a 18650 battery, and below it says, “Long Lasting.”  Nah uh!  I can come close to getting some battery life out of the mod by running it at 55 watts with a coil that is rated for 80 watts, but that leaves me feeling a little short-changed.  I don’t feel the weight is an issue because even with a 18650 battery this little guy is a brick.  Size can’t be an issue because a 21700 mod below the FORZ 25 Tank might help the kit look like it has grown into its body.  Maybe the FORZ 2 will be powered by a 21700, but you better start asking your local vape shop to consider Vaporesso’s newest coils, the GTFO’s.

[Using the Mod]

Okay, I am over myself.  Like I said, I do like the mod.  The box does indicate it is IP67 rated, but I don’t know if a company has to apply for that rating or if it can just be printed on the box.  The mod feels as durable as any mod I own.  All indications are it is waterproof, dust-proof, and shock-proof.  I like the heft to it.  The buttons are nice and clicky, though the adjustment buttons are very close together so blindly feeling for them and changing settings is a challenge.  Thank goodness it has a Type-C charging cable.  That makes up a little bit for the 18650 battery.  The mod charges very fast (from zero to 100% in little over an hour), and I appreciate the time-remaining status when charging.

I didn’t give it any of the “proof” tests because I like the mod and would hate to find out if it fails any of them. The mod instills confidence and that goes a long way.  The bottom twist battery cap might be a little annoying to some of you, but I find that method creates a good seal.  Confidence.  The leather backstrap might be “reminiscent” of other durable mods, but I find it understated and classy.

[Axon 2.0 Chipset]

A couple of the Vaporesso Devices I have reviewed in the past had the Axon Chip.  It is simple to navigate, the settings make sense, it charges quickly, and it is fast firing.  The Axon 2 Chip is very similar.  It has Pulse Mode, DIY Mode, TC Mode, Power ECO to save battery life (might come in handy here), and now F[t] Mode.

Vaporesso’s website reads, “Through the GTR coil, the newest feature F[t] mode can consistently bring you the pure and leveled tasting experience from your e-juice.”  Yes, it can, but you know what, so did the Pulse Mode on the original Axon Chip.  I tried going back and forth from pulse to F[t] modes trying to tell the difference and I just couldn’t.  I tried with both coils.  Maybe it was because I was vaping comfortably at 55 watts and it needs 80 watts to shine, but I doubt it.  Maybe this old smoker’s tongue just can’t pick up the subtle differences, but to me, there was no difference.  It is still a very good chip to run a device and I enjoy using it.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• IP67 Rated (Although someday we may want to see some independent tests to certify these ratings)
• The FORZ 25 Tank is a beast and the star of the show
• The coils are flavorful
• Fast Type-C Charging
• Easy to navigate menu
• Quick Firing
• The Vaporesso FORZ TX80 Mod is solid and heavy, no doubt durable
• The Kit, although a bit heavy, is pocket friendly and comfortable to hold

Cons:

• Uses a 18650 battery
• Mediocre battery life for coils that are rated for 80 watts
• F[t] Mode on the new Axon 2.0 Chip isn’t very impressive
• The mod design isn’t exactly original

Vaporesso FORZ TX80 – Final Thoughts

Vaporesso has always released solid products and the FORZ TX80 Starter Kit is no exception.  It is very well built and performs as you would expect.  Although I do get frustrated with the use of 18650 batteries and the constant upgrading of coils, with Vaporesso you know what you are going to get.  A solid kit that performs and is sure to last.

I highly recommend this kit for new vapers and/or anyone in need of a tough and durable set up.  Although I plan on babying it like I do all my devices, I trust this one will take some tumbles and drops and still keep vaping.  Thank you Vaporesso for letting us try this one out for you.

Shane

Shane is a former smoker turned vaper, and now a hobbyist in financial turmoil. His get rich slow scheme involves sharing his opinions, educated or not, on anything vape related.  But first and foremost, his belief is vaping will save your life.  Shane is an outdoor government employee and fully expects the crackdown to begin with him, since he vapes freely and openly, albeit politely, and often uses city property for the backdrop of his vape photos. In his free time, he enjoys stressing about being more productive and regretting every terrible decision he has ever made. He feels switching to vaping is one of the best decisions he’s ever made.