This month, we showcase the Aspire Gotek X vape kit. A top-seller that retains popularity amongst new and seasoned vapers, known for a simple interface and huge value in reliability.
Despite releasing in 2022, the Gotek X retains its status as one of our most popular devices and shows no signs of slowing down. Marrying a simple, compact design with consistent, strong performance, we've decided to review the Aspire Gotek X and showcase why it's so popular - read on to find out more!
ABOUT THE ASPIRE GOTEK X: A FLEXIBLE DEVICE FOR ALL VAPERS
If you're familiar with the vaping industry, Aspire will surely need no introduction. Established in Shenzen, China in 2013, they aimed from the start to be the pinnacle of the vaping industry. The Gotek X is an attestation to this goal, proving that budget devices can still be unique and impactful.
The strength behind the Gotek X comes from its ability to work with freebase nicotine and nic salts, offering RDTL and MTL vaping. Wattage is automatically set and adjusted by the device, meaning beginner vapers can pick up this device and get straight to vaping. Similarly, more advanced vapers will appreciate the user-friendly interface, meaning minimal effort in setting up.
A 650mAh battery allows all-day use with a full charge. Depending on your vaping frequency, you may even manage to make it last longer between charges.
ASPIRE GOTEK X FIRST IMPRESSIONS
WHAT'S IN THE BOX?
When you buy the Aspire Gotek X vape kit you should receive:
1 x 650mAh Gotek X device
1 x 0.8 Ohm AF Mesh Coil Gotek X Refillable Pod
1 x USB-C charge cable
1 x User manual
1x Lanyard
LOOK & FEEL
The Gotek X echoes convenience inside and out, with an ergonomic design that ensures comfort during use and when being stored. It's designed to fit in your pocket or bag with ease, making it a great everyday vape kit.
With 10 colour designs to choose from, Aspire have ensured that all vapers' preferences are met. The body of the device is transparent, and despite being primarily made from zinc alloy and plastic, it feels very durable and light.
During use, it fits very comfortably in my palm. It is inhale-activated, so I didn't encounter any trouble with accidental nudges or button presses between uses.
FUNCTIONALITY
Being an inhale-activated device, the Gotek X is really easy and simple to understand. Wattage output was automatically adjusted once the pod was inserted, meaning I had the device working within moments of taking it out of the box and filling the pod.
Anyone and everyone can make the most of the Gotek X because of this - pods will be less likely to burn out quickly, as the wattage is readily adjustable, and the device works with both freebase and nic salt vape liquids.
I also found filling the pods to be very easy, made accessible through a handy side-fill port on the pod.
The Gotek X works a treat with any 50/50 e-liquid, be it freebase or nic salts. I lean towards using nic salts myself, but I found that the device handles both with ease.
GETTING SET UP: HOW TO USE GOTEK X PODS
Gotek X pods arrive with a built-in 0.8ohm mesh coil, delivering extra flavour and ideal for use with nic salts. When first using the device I opted for the 0.8ohm coil with EDGE LIQ Blueberry Ice nic salts.
The Gotek X pods are relatively simple to operate:
1.Remove your pod from the Gotek X device (if installed)
2.Pull back the orange silicone bung
3.Insert your e-liquid bottle into the filling port
4.Squeeze the bottle gently to fill the Gotek X pod - do not overfill it
5.Reinsert the bung, closing the filling port
6.Reinsert your pod into your Gotek X device, leaving a minute for the liquid to absorb
OHMS & WATTS: ASPIRE GOTEK X COILS EXPLAINED
The Gotek X allows both MTL and RDTL vaping styles, meaning it's a perfect companion for any 50/50 e-liquids, such as freebase or nic salts. I particularly found using the 0.8 RDTL coil with EDGE LIQ nic salts to be most satisfying to use together.
While you can't manually adjust the device's wattage to match your coil, the wattage is automatically adjusted for you, ensuring your coil is always appropriately powered with minimal effort from the user.
0.6ohm Gotek X Coil
0.6ohm coils are available, although they do not arrive with the Gotek X device, nor are they available on the EDGE website. They're best applicable for RDTL style vaping, though the 0.8ohm coils that come with the device are the best all-round option and by design, the flexible choice for the Gotek X.
0.8ohm Gotek X Coil
The 0.8ohm Gotek X coil arrives with the device and is the best all-around pod available for the device. This pod's output enables the device to produce an estimated output of 12W, ensuring powerful hits and strong flavour. This coil works best for MTL vaping, and would be the best all-around option. The 0.8ohm coil comes pre-packaged with the Gotek X vape kit, and replacement coils are available on the EDGE online store.
TAILORING YOUR VAPING EXPERIENCE WITH THE GOTEK X
The Aspire Gotek X features no buttons or external features outside of an airflow valve and USB charging port situated at the bottom of the device. Although this may seem like a detriment, it's actually quite handy as the device automatically handles any internal features, such as wattage. It also means less fiddling, and for beginners, a much more streamlined and easier-to-understand experience.
The only detriment to this is the lack of coil options. Although I found the 0.6 and 0.8ohm coils to serve their purpose, vapers looking for a more traditional MTL vaping experience may find the 0.8ohm coils to not match the usual coils that range around 1.0ohm.
USABILITY: ASPIRE GOTEK X BATTERY LIFE AND CHARGING
Utilising a 650 mAh battery, the Gotek X should last a full day with moderate use. If the battery is spent early, you can simply recharge the device via USB-C cable in under an hour.
The battery level is indicated by an LED display, which will flash green when over 70% charge, blue over 30% and red when under 30%. Prior to running dry, the Gotek X will flash 10 times to remind the user to charge. Upon reaching full charge, it will flash 20 times and stop automatically charging.
Other modern vape kits tend to have notably have larger, longer-lasting batteries. Due to the low wattage of the Gotek X, however, 650mAh is a reasonable power to appropriate the cost and ability of this device.
Current devices will indeed charge faster and last longer, though I would suggest this is only a major issue for heavier vapers. As a relatively new vaper, I didn't find myself cut short, but this is certainly something to consider on a case-by-case basis. At £9.99, however, it would be bold to ask for much more from such a well-rounded device!
VAPE JUICE OPTIONS: WHICH E-LIQUID WORKS BEST WITH THE ASPIRE GOTEK X VAPE KIT?
The Gotek X has been designed with 50/50 e-liquid in mind, most particularly with the 0.8ohm coil complementing both freebase and nic salt e-liquids.
The Gotek X is not compatible with high-VG e-liquid, even with the 0.6ohm coil; the wattage is too low to effectively heat this type of e-liquid.
SUMMARY: SHOULD YOU BUY THE ASPIRE GOTEK X VAPE KIT?
If you want a great beginner vape kit that delivers the best at a budget, the Aspire Gotek X is a great choice. It is one of the cheapest refillable vape kits on the market currently, and still performs reliably and powerfully as an everyday vape kit.
With the choice of 0.8 and 0.6ohm coils, the Gotek X has reasonable selection between coils, despite being a relatively budget and entry-level device. That being said, the 0.8ohm coil is a great 'one-size-fits-all' option.
This doesn't apply to high-VG e-liquid, however, with HVG liquid requiring a more high-end kit such as the Vaporesso Luxe XR Max. The Aspire Gotek X is designed and much better fitted for 50/50 e-liquid
In this sense, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option for 50-50 e-liquids, the Gotek X remains a consistently well-performing and popular option, from its release to this day.
The Gotek X's simple design and functionality work to its benefit, being intended for new vapers, or those that value a no-nonsense straight into vaping experience - ready for use immediately out of the box.