Aspire Gotek X Review

Posted by

Karl J

On 17 October 2024

The Aspire Gotek X is a compact, stylish, and highly affordable pod system that has gained considerable attention in the vaping community. Its lightweight design, futuristic look, and user-friendly features make it an attractive choice for both beginners and experienced vapers alike. This review will take an in-depth look at the design, features, hands-on experience, and overall performance of the device, helping you decide if it’s the right pod system for you.

Design and Build Quality

The Aspire Gotek X stands out with its translucent body, giving a clear view of internal components. This allows users to easily check e-liquid levels and battery status. The design isn’t just visually appealing—it’s also highly practical. Available in colours like clear, black, and blue, it caters to individual style preferences. The rounded edges and lightweight build make it comfortable to hold and carry, even for long sessions. Its compact size further enhances portability, making it ideal for daily use.

At 81.5mm tall, 47.6mm wide, and 19.8mm thick, the device is incredibly compact, fitting easily into pockets or bags. It also comes with a lanyard attachment point, providing the option to wear it around your neck for easy access—especially useful for vapers on the go. Although small, the Gotek X feels robust, and its plastic construction doesn’t detract from its durability.

Key Features

Refillable Pod System:
The Aspire Gotek X uses refillable 4.5ml pods that feature a bottom-fill system. The rubber stopper covering the fill port is easy to remove and reinsert, making refills straightforward. The generous pod capacity means fewer refills throughout the day, which is particularly beneficial for heavy vapers. The pods attach magnetically to the device, ensuring a secure fit while still being easy to remove for refilling or replacing.

0.8Ω Mesh Coil:
Each pod in the Aspire Gotek X uses a 0.8Ω mesh coil, which delivers great flavour by heating e-liquid quickly and evenly. The mesh coil design is perfect for mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping, offering a tight, cigarette-like draw that many former smokers enjoy. The mesh also helps prevent dry hits and extends coil lifespan, ensuring a smooth, consistent vaping experience without burnt flavours.

Adjustable Airflow:
A notable feature of the Aspire Gotek X is its adjustable airflow. Located at the bottom of the device, the airflow slider allows users to fine-tune their vaping experience. This can range from a tight MTL draw to a looser restricted direct-lung (RDL) inhale. However, some users may find the airflow slider a little stiff, but once set to your preference, it provides a customisable experience for different vaping styles.

Auto-Draw Activation:
The Gotek X has auto-draw activation, meaning there are no buttons to press. Simply inhale on the mouthpiece to activate the device. This design simplifies the vaping experience, making it accessible for beginners while still appealing to experienced users who prefer a hassle-free, no-button device. This is particularly beneficial for those transitioning from smoking, as it mimics the action of drawing on a cigarette.

Battery and Charging

Battery Capacity:
The Aspire Gotek X comes with a built-in 650mAh battery, which is fairly standard for a compact pod system. For light to moderate vapers, the battery can last an entire day, but for heavy users, it may need to be charged more frequently. Depending on how much you vape, the battery could last anywhere between half a day to a full day.

USB-C Charging:
The device features USB-C charging, ensuring faster and more reliable charging compared to older micro-USB systems. While the battery is relatively small, the faster charging capabilities mean that it doesn’t take long to recharge. It typically takes around 45 minutes to fully recharge, so even if the battery runs out during the day, you can top it up quickly during breaks.

One drawback is that the Gotek X doesn’t support passthrough vaping, meaning you cannot use the device while it is charging. While this is a minor inconvenience, it does encourage users to prioritise safety by not vaping while charging, which could lead to overheating or damage in some devices.

Ease of Use

The Aspire Gotek X is designed with simplicity in mind. From its button-free operation to its easy-to-refill pods, the device is highly intuitive, even for those who are new to vaping. Filling the pod is simple, and replacing it when the coil wears out is just as easy—simply pull out the old pod and snap in a new one. The magnetic connection between the pod and the device makes this process seamless.

The lack of adjustable wattage might seem like a limitation for advanced users, but the device is designed to automatically adjust power output based on the battery level, ensuring a consistent vaping experience. Whether the battery is fully charged or nearly depleted, the Gotek X maintains its performance, delivering a satisfying draw every time.

Vaping Performance

The Aspire Gotek X performs impressively for its compact size. Its 0.8Ω mesh coil enhances flavour production, delivering rich, intense flavours from various e-liquids. The mesh coil heats faster and absorbs e-liquid more efficiently, ensuring a smooth vape with minimal dry hits.

For vapour production, the Gotek X is ideal for MTL vaping. It produces a satisfying amount of vapour without being overwhelming. Nicotine salts and higher nicotine strengths work particularly well with this pod system, delivering a strong throat hit that isn’t too harsh. The adjustable airflow lets users customise their draw, from a tight MTL hit to a looser RDL experience.

If you prefer more vapour, opening the airflow fully increases vapour production, though it won’t match the output of advanced sub-ohm devices. The Gotek X focuses on flavour and ease over creating large clouds, making it perfect for users who prioritise simplicity and taste over high vapour output.

Battery Life in Practice

While Aspire claims that the 650mAh battery can last up to a full day, the actual performance depends heavily on usage patterns. For light or moderate vapers, the battery will likely last throughout the day. However, for chain vapers or those who use the device heavily, it may only last half a day. Fortunately, the USB-C charging means that even if the battery runs out, a quick charge will get you back to vaping in no time.

In practice, users report the battery lasting about 6-8 hours with moderate use, which is in line with expectations for a device of this size. If you’re a heavy user, you might need to charge the device more than once a day, but the fast charging time compensates for this.

Hands-On Experience

Using the Aspire Gotek X is a pleasant and straightforward experience. From the moment you fill the pod and take your first draw, the ease of use becomes apparent. The auto-draw feature means you simply inhale to activate the device—no buttons, no fuss. This simplicity is ideal for new vapers, as well as experienced users who want a device that just works without needing to fiddle with settings.

The flavour delivery is impressive for a device of this size. Whether you’re using a high-PG e-liquid for a stronger throat hit or a high-VG liquid for more vapour, the Gotek X delivers a smooth and flavourful vape. Even with thicker e-liquids, the 0.8Ω mesh coil performs well, offering consistent flavour without dry hits.

Refilling the pod is easy, thanks to the bottom-fill system. The rubber stopper is easy to remove and reinsert, and the large fill port minimises the chance of spills. The pod’s 4.5ml capacity is generous for a pod system, meaning you won’t have to refill it frequently.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

Stylish, futuristic design with a transparent body.
Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
0.8Ω mesh coil for excellent flavour production.
Adjustable airflow for customisable vaping experiences.
Easy-to-use with refillable pods and no buttons.
USB-C fast charging, with full charges in about 45 minutes.
Multiple safety features, including overheat and short-circuit protection.

Cons:

Limited battery life for heavy users.
No passthrough charging (can’t vape while charging).
Stiff airflow slider may be difficult to adjust at first.
Non-adjustable wattage, though it provides consistent power automatically.

Final Thoughts

The Aspire Gotek X is a great pod system for both beginners and experienced vapers seeking simplicity and reliability. Its sleek design and adjustable airflow provide a versatile option for those balancing ease of use and customisation. Whether you’re new to vaping or need a secondary device, the Gotek X’s design and performance make it a solid choice.

A standout feature is its reliable flavour production. The 0.8Ω mesh coil delivers consistently great flavour, making each puff satisfying. The adjustable airflow allows users to switch between a tight MTL draw or a more open RDL draw. This level of flexibility is uncommon in compact devices, especially at this price, appealing to a wide range of vaping preferences.

Concerns

The 650mAh battery may feel limiting for heavy users compared to larger devices. However, USB-C charging minimises downtime with quick recharges. For casual users, the battery can last all day. Heavy vapers might need to recharge, but the fast charging makes it manageable.

While it lacks adjustable wattage, the Gotek X automatically adjusts power for consistent performance throughout the battery cycle. This ensures a smooth vaping experience without fiddling with settings, making it ideal for users who prefer simplicity.

Who is the Aspire Gotek X Best For?

The Aspire Gotek X suits a wide range of users, from beginners to experienced vapers. It’s perfect for:

Beginners: The button-free, draw-activated design ensures ease of use right out of the box. There are no complex settings, so new vapers can start immediately without a steep learning curve.
Transitioning Smokers: The MTL draw mimics the sensation of smoking a cigarette, making it a great option for those quitting smoking. It offers a smooth transition from smoking to vaping.
Experienced Vapers: Even with its simplicity, the adjustable airflow and excellent flavour make it a good secondary device for seasoned vapers. It’s perfect for casual use when a more portable setup is needed.
On-the-Go Users: Its compact size and lightweight build make it ideal for those who need a highly portable option. It’s easy to carry around without the bulk of larger mods or sub-ohm tanks, offering convenience without compromising performance.

Conclusion

The Aspire Gotek X combines sleek design, ease of use, and customisation, making it a top choice for vapers. Its translucent body, mesh coil technology, and adjustable airflow set it apart from other compact devices. These features offer both style and performance. While its 650mAh battery may not last long for heavy vapers, the USB-C charging and compact size make it an ideal everyday device. It’s perfect for those seeking reliability with minimal upkeep, delivering a consistently smooth vaping experience without extra fuss..

For vapers seeking a device that delivers strong flavour and ease of use in a stylish, portable package, the Aspire Gotek X is definitely worth considering.