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Although its diminutive name may suggest otherwise, the arc Mini 2 has big shoes to fill. The original arc Mini has proven to be one of the all-time most popular e-cig kits and still stands strong as a go-to vape for the masses. The arc Mini was in fact the second vape I ever owned, and the device that finally finished off my traditional cigarette smoking habit for good. So, you can understand why the original has a special place in my heart and why I was a bit hesitant to embrace a new iteration.
But I was still eager to discover if the new arc Mini 2 could live it up to the lofty expectations set by its predecessor.
This is a bit of an early spoiler but let's just say the arc Mini legacy is well and truly intact.
arc Mini 2 Video Review
arc Mini 2 Appearance
The arc Mini 2 is... well you guessed it, pretty mini. The battery retains the exact same size as the original arc Mini. It fits perfectly into the palm of the hand and remains lightweight and easily transportable.
So, we know what's staying the same, but what's new about the appearance of the arc Mini 2:
- The tank on top is the brand new EN tank. I will move onto the performance of this tank later in the review but in terms of looks it can't be faulted.
- A fresh chrome finish which matches the battery accents perfectly
- A longer, thinner tank structure that is more fitting to the all-round structure of the kit.
With the shape and size ticking the boxes, did the colour options meet my expectations? In a word, yes. There are 5 options in total, including a black version which always proves popular. For those feeling a little more adventurous, there's pink, turquoise, red to black gradient or blue to black gradient. I went for the red to black gradient, which was subtle enough for me but with a flash of flair.
Battery Features
The arc Mini 2's battery has been brought right up to speed with the latest technological advances and without any gimmicky nonsense. The battery capacity remains the same size as its predecessor at 1050mAh, which is generous given the size of the device. A welcome addition to this upgraded kit is USB-C quick charging, meaning I was back to full charge, from zero, in around an hour.
As with the original arc Mini, the wattage is adjustable from 1 - 20W. This retains the much-loved adjustability of the arc Mini and means it's compatible with a range of atomizer head resistances. It also features wattage locking functionality. A subtle, but important, feature for me (as I can be a little clumsy) which meant I could lock my wattage in so I didn't accidentally change it. The wattage can be locked and unlocked at any time by holding the up and down buttons simultaneously for 3 seconds.
The screen is uniquely placed on top of the battery, so I could check key information like remaining battery life and current wattage level at a glance. This is a nifty little position for the display and a great piece of space utilisation.
EN Tank
Arguably the most distinguishing aspect of the arc Mini 2 is the brand new EN Tank. The atomizer heads, filling mechanism, and airflow control all come together to create the perfect balance of user-friendliness and high performance. Sliding top fill is one of my most sought-after features in an e-cigarette. The arc Mini 2 satisfied this need and more. Not only is it a sliding mechanism but it has a push catch to avoid it sliding open in my pocket.
The airflow is adjustable via the ring at the base, allowing for the use of various atomizer head resistances available. The atomizer heads in question are from the EN range. As an avid fan of the Skope Air which also uses the ENs, I already knew I would love the flavour from these coils. The 1.2ohm comes included with the kit and worked a charm at 9 watts. I also tested the 0.8 ohm EN atomizer which I used at 15 watts and the experience was equally as enjoyable, particularly if you prefer a little extra vapour production. The fact these atomizer heads are push fit for easy changes is simply the icing on the cake.
Overall Performance of the arc Mini 2
As an overview, the arc Mini 2 is pretty much flawless. The flavour and vapour production are spot on, it's really easy to use and looks the part. One other talking point is how well this thing performed with VLTZ e-liquid. My personal preference was the 0.8ohm atomizer head when using VLTZ e-liquid, as it simply enhances those vivid flavours.
All in all, I'm really impressed with this little starter kit and can see it becoming just as, if not more, popular than the esteemed arc Mini. The size has remained but the technology has grown, resulting in a real step forward without affecting the fundamentals of why this kit series is so well-loved. If you're a loyal follower of the arc Mini, I would certainly recommend giving the arc Mini 2 a try. Or, if you just like a compact kit which is reliable, easy to use and performs well, then this new addition to the arc range is a no-brainer.
