Aspire Atlantis Versus Kanger SUBTANK - Long Term Test & Review January 20 2015

12 Week Long Term Term Test

A lot of our customers keep asking, which is better, the new Kanger Subtank or the Aspire Atlantis.  While both are great sub-ohm tanks that may require zero maintenance aside from adding liquid and changing a coil from time to time, each is an entirely different animal.  Comparing the two is like comparing an Audi sports coupe to a Cadillac sedan.  We tested each for several months in order to create an unbiased review.  In order to use a sub-ohm tank, you need 20 watts or more so we tested using the new Aspire CF-Sub Ohm Battery, a 30 watt DNA Box Mod, and the Smok BEC Pro 50 watt bluetooth mod.  Tests were typically conducted between 20 watts and 30 watts, but on both we found the sweet spot to be around 23.5 watts.  

First, let's cover the similarities:

• Stainless Steel & Pyrex Glass Construction CHECK
• Smooth, click in to place airflow adjustment CHECK
• Sub-Ohm Coil (0.5 Ohm) included CHECK
• Great removable drip tip included CHECK
• Unique coil construction with massive vapor and flavor CHECK
• Ease of use including coil changing, filling, and deconstruction CHECK

That's about where all of the similarities end.  Although both are designed to plug and play with any high-power device (you need 20W to sufficiently push these for any amount of time), the Kanger Subtank includes a separate base for rebuilding your own coils.  We will not cover this feature, as the Atlantis only has the capability of being used as a straightforward fill and go clearomizer.  Next, there is a significant difference in size and capacity:

How does the Subtank hold so much more liquid in just a little more space?  Well, the dimensions from the top of the drip tip are misleading.  The Atlantis has a short top that immediately turns into a drip tip, whereas the Subtank's body is nearly a half inch taller.  This makes the Atlantis considerably more portable; easy to fit in a pocket or purse. On the other hand, this gives the Subtank superiority in liquid storage capacity.  The flip side to the Subtank's size is that it is wider than most 18650 battery mods and it is downright bulky.  If you place the Subtank on a box mod, you can easily almost double your height which makes it less portable.  The Atlantis is considerably smaller, lighter, and compact.

The airflow control valve on both models is outstanding.  Kanger has finally adopted the "click in position" so the dial does not move in your pocket.  Both offer a few settings from high to super-high airflow (even the lowest settings on both provide a great deal of air to keep those sub-ohm coils cool).  Although the draw on the Atlantis is very smooth, it sometimes can make a small whistling noise.  The Subtank remains consistently pretty quiet.

We were surprised at the lifespan of the coils on both units.  Coils were changed, pro-actively, after 1-2 weeks of use.  However, both were still creating considerable flavor and vapor production after two weeks of use.  If we were vaping a higher wattage, say 40 watts, they probably would have lasted considerably shorter amounts of time. However, above 25 watts the vapor does begin to get very warm and the taste less desirable (in our opinion) on both the Atlantis and the Subtank.

The Aspire Atlantis comes with a coil installed, an extra coil, and a replacement glass tank.  The extra glass tube is a blessing as it is inevitable the glass will break eventually.  We haven't had to use it yet, thankfully, but it was very thoughtful of Aspire to include one in the purchase price since replacement glass tubes have always. been a profitable item for them.

The Kanger Subtank comes with a plethora of kits, including the optional rebuildable base which has its own separate tank, coils, and a screwdriver.  Two extra coils (one 1.2 Ohm and one 0.5 Ohm) are included in the box with some of the most beautiful packaging we've ever seen.  A beauty ring is also standard.

Both the Kanger and the Atlantis come with anti-counterfeit packaging so if you don't see that on the box or you are not sure, do not buy it!  There are too many fakes out there and often a vendor may be selling a clone and not even realize it.

So who wins in Aspire Atlantis VS Kanger Subtank?  It's subjective.  If you do not use a lot of e-liquid daily or are on a budget, the Atlantis is an awesome tank.  If you go through a ton of liquid and hate refilling, then the Subtank is more your speed.  We highlight where each tank shines below, but in our opinion they are tied in the following:

• What's included in your purchase price
• Vapor Production
• Reliability & Maintenance
• Flavor
• Quality

All of this being said, Aspire and Kanger are aware of each of their product's shortfalls, and as of this week Aspire is releasing a larger tank for the Atlantis whereas Kanger is introducing smaller Subtanks (Nano and Mini).  You really can't go wrong with a Subtank or Atlantis, they're both awesome.