Getting It Started: First Puff
Once your pod's had time to soak, take the filled pod and push it into the top of the XROS 5 device until it clicks into place. The Vaporesso XROS 5 should automatically detect the pod and show the resistance on the screen. If it doesn't switch on, press the fire button 5 times quickly to turn it on.
With the XROS 5, you've got two options for vaping: either press and hold the button while you inhale, or just take a puff without pressing anything (auto-draw). If you're coming from disposables, the auto-draw will feel most familiar as it works just like those do.
The XROS 5 Mini keeps things even simpler with auto-draw only. No button to press, just inhale like you would on a disposable. For most ex-disposable users, this is actually a bonus, as it feels more familiar.
Adjusting Airflow: Finding Your Sweet Spot
One of the best features on both the XROS 5 and XROS Mini 5 is how easy it is to adjust the airflow. Look for the slider on the side of the device. Sliding it up opens the airflow (more air, looser draw), sliding it down restricts it (less air, tighter draw).
This is a massive upgrade from disposables, which have a fixed airflow you can't change. With the XROS 5, you can fine-tune it exactly how you like it. If you're used to disposables, start with it about halfway closed and adjust from there.
Have a play around with different settings until you find what feels right for you. There's no wrong answer here, it's all about what you find most satisfying.
The XROS 5 vs XROS 5 Mini: Which Is Right For You?
If you're torn between the two models, here's a quick breakdown.
Both use the exact same pods with that COREX 3.0 tech
, so you'll get the same flavour performance from either one. And if you end up with both, you can swap pods between them. Proper handy!
Both devices actually have the same 1500mAh battery, so you get the same all-day performance regardless of which one you choose.
Go for the XROS 5 if you like having a screen to see your settings, you prefer having button activation as an option, or you want to be able to adjust power settings.
Go for the XROS 5 Mini if you want something closer in size to a disposable, you prefer simplicity with just auto-draw activation, you like a more minimalist design with LED light indicators, or you want to save £7 (it's £16.99 vs £23.99).
Understanding the XROS 5 Screen and Controls
The Vaporesso XROS 5 has a nice little 0.88-inch screen that shows you everything you need to know. At first glance, you'll see the battery level indicator, wattage/power mode, resistance of your pod, and puff counter.
The controls are dead simple once you get the hang of them. 5 clicks of the button turns it on or off, 3 clicks lets you adjust power settings, 2 clicks changes the screen theme (there's 6 different ones), and 4 clicks gets you into the settings menu.
If you're coming from disposables, this might seem like a lot at first, but trust me, within a day you'll have it down pat. For most beginners, I'd recommend just leaving it in NORMAL mode to start with. But if you find it a bit too warm, switch to ECO mode. If you want a warmer vape with more vapour, try POWER mode.
The XROS 5 Mini does away with all this. There's no screen or button controls, just a simple LED indicator that shows your battery level with different colours. It's as close to disposable simplicity as you can get while still having a refillable device.
Changing Between Pods
Both the XROS 5 and Mini come with different pods - the XROS 5 includes both a 0.6Ω and a 0.8Ω, while the Mini comes with just the 0.8Ω. But what's the difference and when should you use each?
The 0.8Ω pod is more for a traditional mouth-to-lung (MTL) style. That's where you pull the vapour into your mouth first, like a ciggie, before inhaling. It uses less power, gives a slightly cooler vape, and is great for higher nicotine strengths. This is closer to what most disposables feel like.
The 0.6Ω pod is a bit more open, letting you take a restricted direct-lung hit if you want (where you inhale straight to your lungs). It produces a bit more vapour and often gives slightly more flavour, but uses battery a bit quicker.
To change pods, make sure the device is off or just pull out the old pod, empty and clean the old pod if you plan to reuse it later, fill your new pod and let it sit for 5 minutes, then pop it into the device and you're sorted. The XROS 5 will automatically detect which pod you're using and adjust accordingly. The Mini does this too, though without a screen to show you.
Avoiding Common Beginner Mistakes
In my years running Ecigone, I've seen pretty much every beginner mistake going. Here's how to avoid the most common ones with the XROS 5, especially if you're new to refillable pods.
Always give a fresh pod at least 5 minutes after filling before you start vaping. I know it's tempting to dive straight in, but patience here saves you a burnt pod. With disposables, all this waiting was done in the factory. Now you're doing it yourself, so take your time.
When your liquid gets low (below the cotton wicking holes), top it up. Vaping a nearly empty pod can burn the cotton and ruin the flavour permanently. With disposables, you'd just chuck them away when they got low. With refillables, you need to keep an eye on your juice level.
Stick to 50/50 or nic salts. The thick, high VG stuff is for bigger sub-ohm devices, not pod systems like this. If you're not sure what to get, just ask us. We can point you to liquids that'll work perfectly.
If your pod starts making a gurgling noise, it usually means there's liquid in the airflow. Take the pod out, wrap it in tissue and blow gently through the mouthpiece to clear it. This happens sometimes with refillables, but it's dead easy to fix.
Every now and then, take the pod out and use a cotton bud or tissue to wipe the connection points on both the pod and device. Liquid can build up here and cause issues with performance. A bit of regular maintenance goes a long way.