Before I dive into this review for the YiHi SXmini SL Class Vape Mod I thought I should state upfront that although YiHi is using a brilliant chipset that allows a single cell to output up to 100W, there can be no doubt that some of the features in the SL Class mod itself seem to be a step backward. If you’re as enthusiastic as I was when first seeing the photos of this beautiful piece of technology, there are a couple of things you should know upfront.
Jun 23, 2017 Today we're unboxing the brand new YiHI SXmini G Mini Class Limited Edition Kevlar Finish with Bluetooth connection and it's own operating system!
The SX Mini G Class 200W TC Box Mod is a device that looks, feels and works great. We are sure that as for now, it is the finest and the most functional mass-produced box mod. It is a high-end mod that is meant to deliver an ultimate vaping experience to the advanced TC vapers. Feb 18, 2017 شرح التحديث الجديد لجميع اصدارات جهاز SX mini g class بالعربي. SX mini g class new updates - Duration: 3:45. B7vape 10,535 views.
Sx Mini G Class For Sale
Firstly, Bluetooth is NOT currently available in the SXmini SL Class, despite being listed on various vendor “specs” sheets and even inside the “Upgrade and Bluetooth” manual tucked away inside the SXmini box. At this point, I’m not even sure a Bluetooth module is on the board, and if it isn’t, well, even a firmware upgrade can’t activate a module that isn’t already there.
However, if YiHi did in fact install a Bluetooth chip on the board, then yes, it could be activated via a firmware upgrade, at some point. I’m not very confident that this mod has a Bluetooth module on board. And that can be a big disappointment. I own the YiHi SXmini G Class (reviewed here), which does have Bluetooth, and using the SXi app on my iPhone is the only way I adjust the mod.
YiHi SXmini SL Class Mod
The YiHi SXmini SL Class SX485J 100W Box Mod is a luxurious vape mod from YiHi's so far unrivaled line-up, utilizing a single 18650/20700/21700 battery platform with a premium frame chassis and high-end grip design.
Slightly Disappointing SL Class Mod
Dimensions - 88mm by 35mm by 27.5mm
Single High-Amp 21700/20700 Battery - Not Included
Optional Single 18650 Battery - Adapters Included
Advanced YiHi SX485J Processor
No Bluetooth
MicroUSB Port
Making various adjustments to wattage, temperature control, and so on, can be accomplished with the joystick that functions as the equivalent of adjustment “buttons” found on other mods. It takes practice to use the joystick, but it’s certainly do-able. Still, having access to all the settings, memory slots, and so on, in a smartphone app is one of the most appealing features of the expensive YiHi SXmini series. Without Bluetooth the YiHi SXi app can’t be used by the SL Class.
If you’d rather not use the joystick, then you can download the very buggy Mac (beta) or non-buggy PC SXi software and use it to adjust and set up the memory slots. You’ll need to attach the SL Class to your computer with the included MicroUSB cable.
Because I use only Mac computers, I downloaded the SXi software for Mac, and installed it on a 2018 MacBook Pro using the MacOS Mojave Public Beta 3. The app does work occasionally, but only occasionally. Hopefully YiHi will continue to work on the Mac beta version so that users can navigate the menu system through the software. PC users should be able to do just fine with the PC SXi software.
Considering the substantial price tag of the SXmini SL Class, YiHi certainly should have included Bluetooth so owners would have access to the SXi smartphone app.
Another disappointment with the SL Class is that YiHi has reverted back to the older MicroUSB port and cable for this model instead of using the tried and true USB-C port and cable seen in the SXmini G Class (reviewed here). Again, I have to say that the SL Class is an expensive mod and losing the Bluetooth module and reverting back to MicroUSB is definitely a misstep for YiHi, and it could spell disaster to the SL Class mod sales.
I know I’m making it seem as though the SL Class isn’t even worth the effort to review it, but there are plenty of positives about this mod, and I’ll discuss them below. When I was assigned the SL Class for review purposes I expected it to have Bluetooth and use the USB-C post/cable, so this is a big disappointment to this reviewer, but it’s not necessarily a deal-killer. In fact, I love using it, though not nearly as much as the two newest mods in my collection, the Lost Vape Triade DNA250C (reviewed here) and the aforementioned G Class Mod.
YiHi SXmini SL Class SX485J 100W Box Mod Features:
- Dimensions – 88mm by 35mm by 27.5mm
- Single High-Amp 21700/20700 Battery – Not Included
- Optional Single 18650 Battery – Adapters Included
- Advanced YiHi SX485J Processor
- BlueTooth App Control Technology
- Wattage Output Range: 5-100W
- Joule Output Range: 10-100J
- Voltage Output Range: 1-7.5V
- Temperature Control Range: 212-572F
- Mininum Atomizer Resistance: 0.05ohm
- Comprehensive Temperature Control Suite
- TCR Adjustments
- Taste Mode – Powerful+, Powerful, Standard, Soft, Eco and SXi-Q
- SXi-Q Intelligent Taste Curve – 5 Memory Modes
- High-Quality Zinc Alloy & Stainless Steel Construction
- Joystick Adjustment Controller – Joystick Spinner
- Bottom-Loaded Threaded Battery Cover
- Full-Color TFT IPS Display
- Reverse Polarity Protection
- Output Short Protection
- Low Resistance Protection
- Low Battery Voltage Warning
- Overheat Protection
- Over-Charge Protection
- Buck-Boost Technology
- Firmware Upgradeable
- MicroUSB Port – 2A Maximum Charge
- Stainless Steel 510 Connection
- Available in Aluminum w/ Etching – Black Tang, Steel/Grey Tang, Coffee Tang
- Available in Carbon Fiber – Black
- Available in Stabilized Wood – Blue Series, Green Series, Mixed Color
YiHi SXmini SL Class SX485J 100W Box Mod
- 1 SXmini SL Class Box Mod
- 1 MicroUSB Cable
- 1 18650 Battery Adapter
- 1 Instructional Manual
The YiHi SXmini SL Class is a single cell mod, making use of one 18650, or 20700, or a 21700 cell. Users that want to stick with the 18650 can use the plastic full-sleeve 18650 adapter, and as long as the 18650 battery is 35A or above, the SL Class can still achieve the full 100W. Most “multi-battery platform” mods will limit the 18650 to 80W, while providing 100W to the large 2X700 cells.
The YiHi SXmini SL Class mod is one truly gorgeous mod, whether it’s the carbon fiber finish or etched stainless-steel/aluminum finish. The most elegant models are the aluminum etched models, available in a “coffee”, “black” or “gray” etched-aluminum finish. The most expensive SL Class is the “stabilized wood”, or stab-wood models. YiHi is asking a premium of $40 for the stab-wood model.
The SX485J Chipset
Sx Mini G Class Software Mac Download
The YiHi SX485J is the newest intelligent chip that features a TFT (thin film transistor) color display. It is designed for use with a single battery to reach 100W with DC-DC, buck-boost technology, and has an efficiency rating of 94%. It supports MicroUSB onboard charging of 5V/1A. The SX485J also features YiHi’s Intelligent Taste Control. This chipset is similar to the one used in the Pioneer4You Trantor Mod (reviewed here), though the Novice and Advanced feature is included only in the SL Class. (see below)
Owners of the SL Class can operate the mod in Novice Mode or Advanced Mode. The Novice mode turns the SL Class into a strict variable wattage mod, while the Advanced mode offers temperature control features, Bypass mode, and so forth. There are various “moves” the user can make with the joystick to maneuver these settings, but again, the Mac or PC software makes it so much easier to set up.
Operating the Menu System
The SXmini SL Class uses a simple 5-click system to turn on the mod. Once on, the user is presented with the main screen which includes readings of the current wattage or temperature, the resistance of your chosen coils, the voltage, amperage, the joules, your vape strength setting (soft, powerful, etc.), the memory setting, and a battery indicator along with the battery voltage in real time.
To adjust any of the above settings, the user makes use of the joystick. Select the setting you want to change by highlighting by moving the joystick and clicking the joystick, then push up, down, or side by side to change that setting.
To enter the Novice mode, the user simply holds the joystick to the left for 3 seconds. When entering the novice mode, the screen changes and shows just the current wattage, battery voltage and battery indicator, the resistance of the coil and the real time voltage. Unless you make much use of temperature control, I would recommend the Novice mode.
I didn’t experience much, if any, difference in performance between novice and advanced mode, although many more adjustments can be made in advanced mode in order to finely tune the mod to your optimal vape. Both Novice and Advanced modes can fire up to 100W with any of the 3 battery types.
YiHi chips are well known in the vape community for their tremendous accuracy in wattage and (especially) temperature modes, so anyone looking for a single-cell mod with very accurate temperature control will be delighted with the results from the YiHi SXmini SL Class Mod.
Because we’re also currently reviewing the new Resin Edition of the Horizon Falcon (review coming), I decided to use this sub-ohm tank for the SL Class review. This high-performance, A+ tank is spectacular and performed exceptionally with the SL Class mod. I used this tank in Novice and Advanced Modes and found the mod and tank work together really well.
The SXmini SL Class vape mod is designed with a cylindrical look wrapped around the battery compartment with a square front end for the screen, fire button, and joystick.. and the USB port. This port is used for firmware upgrades and battery charging.
The battery chamber is certainly large enough for a single battery mod, but because it can 3 types of batteries, including the larger 21700 cell the battery chamber is just right.
On the top of the SL Class sits a 510-thread with a spring-loaded pin.
On the base of the SL Class is the battery cap. The threading is on the rough side, but it does have good venting to keep the battery cool.
I can’t help but feel that despite how beautiful the chassis is, how well built it is (except for the rough battery threads), the SXmini SL Class is a big mistake for one of the finest mod makers in the business. I still use the mod, but it’s such a step back for YiHi that, if indeed there is no Bluetooth module on the board, then nothing can make the SL Class worth the present price tag, especially if you spring for the stab-wood version. I would love nothing more than to talk to the product manager and find out why the SL Class seems to lack a Bluetooth module and why they didn’t use a USB-C port.
Spinfuel VAPE Recommendation and Score
Unlike most of my SXmini purchases, I did not pay for the SL Class. So, when it comes to a final verdict I have to look at the device and ask myself if I would pull out my Debit Card and spend $140 (or $180 for a stab-wood model) for a single-cell 100W mod from a company that usually offers a Bluetooth app to control it, and a USB-C port for secure, fast, charging… my answer is “No, I wouldn’t buy it.”
If the YiHi SXmini SL Class sold for under $80 it would have scored an A+, but lacking the modern features of other YiHi mods, yet priced the same as these ultra-advanced mods, the final score is….
Want to buy this beautifully machined, ultra-accurate 100W mod? Pop over to Element Vape and pick one up. If you’re fine with the usual MicroUSB port and no Bluetooth support, and have deeper pockets than me, you’ll love the SL Class. Hell, I love it, but it’s still disappointing.
Regardless of bells, whistles, features and flamboyances, at the end of the day, all you need to vape is an atomizer, a power source, and some e-liquid. Don’t get me wrong, I like LEDs and sharp looks as much as anyone, but the only “feature” I want is the ability to enjoy flavor and vapor without compromise. The rest is window dressing.
Enter the YiHi SXmini G-Class, which is arguably the most elaborate vape device I’ve ever used, if not the best. It’s not a new device, either, having been released this past winter, which only makes its current firmware’s flaws more unforgivable.
Indeed, this $2o4.95 “wallet-denter” at Element Vape has a lot of quirks, and simply isn’t worth the coin if you stay in wattage mode. But temperature control users who can fit this into their budgets should keep reading, to see if precise customization is worth some confusion along the way.
A temp control dream. A logistical nightmare.
YiHi SXmini G-Class - Handheld art?
When opening the subdued white packaging, my first impressions of the YiHi SXmini G-Class were positive. My test unit featured a deep blue, laminated carbon fiber body, held together by sturdy-looking, polished stainless steel, with a large, centered TFT (thin-film transistor) screen. The front-mounted hexagonal fire switch, USB 3.0 port and joystick controls are also framed with stainless steel.
Picking up the device only reaffirms this impression. The G-Class is a “mini” in name alone, as its moniker belies the device’s tall, weighty stature. At 92.5mm x 47mm x 32mm, the mod is compact, but not small, coming in slightly shorter (and notably thicker) than my Revenant Cartel box. But it all feels extremely durable, even with so many protruding parts.
Atop theYiHi SXmini G-Class is one of the nicest, most smoothly machined 510 connections around. The stainless is pristine, and the threading will easily handle any atomizer you choose, with a firm, but still flexible spring-loaded 510 to ensure each will sit flush. Not only did all my test tanks fit with no gaps, but there wasn’t an millimeter of wiggle, like you might find with cheaper, press-fit 510 connections.
The center-positioned 510 is wide enough to handle up to 31mm atomizers without overhang, though I found that it became a little top-heavy and unwieldy with bigger tanks. But my 25mm RTAs looked fantastic, and I’m sure most any other atomizer would fit just as well.
The only negatives I have about the device appearance come from the engraved sidebars, each of which has authentication info etched in. While I appreciate that YiHi wanted to add a little nuance to customers who just laid out $200+ for a mod, these bars are too big, and use an awkward script font that seems gaudy. Then again, this mod IS a showpiece, so I’ll chalk it up to personal preference.
Sx Mini T Class
But I think most users will agree that these sidebars serve no purpose other than aesthetics, and their positioning actually interferes with a comfortable grip. Because of the front firing button, most people will have to touch both bars when engaging, making for awkward ergonomics. I would have much preferred the look and feel of the smooth carbon body, which would have given the G-Class a narrower, more understated appearance.
Finally, the illuminated “SX Mini” cutout on the back is also a little obtuse. It can be deactivated when the screen brightness is set below 3, but at that setting the display itself is dull and lifeless. It seems a little over-the-top here, especially since the backlit logo will only be visible from beneath the user’s hand. A silly inclusion that might also affect battery life for heavy users.
The YiHi SXmini G-Class has arguably the brightest, sharpest full-color display I’ve yet to see on a vape mod. Depending on which of the 30(!) available backgrounds you choose, the display gives a vivid overview of wattage, temperature, voltage, coil resistance, coil material, battery life, preset mode and more.
If you don’t like the provided options – and let’s face it, fluffy kitten wallpapers might not be everyone’s cup of tea – a recent firmware upgrade allows for Bluetooth uploading of new backgrounds. Though minimalist pictures work best, since there’s so much information relayed on the screen, it’s nice to not be locked into generic stock images.
Regarding the information itself, I have a few concerns with the display. Everything is laid out in a pleasing format, but it can be initially difficult to be sure you’re in the right mode. When going through the menus users can choose from any of the standard coil types for temp control vaping.
But there is no Kanthal option here, nor does it default to Kanthal or SS316 when moving into wattage mode. Instead, the display presents whichever temp control coil was most recently selected, and – since the G-Class doesn’t automatically detect coil types – it ASSUMES you’re using appropriate materials for wattage vaping, and that you aren’t confused by the TC wire type displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Sx Mini G Class App
Even as a more advanced user, seeing “Nickel” on the display while the top of screen indicated “watts” was disconcerting. I was very cautious before proceeding until I figured out what was actually happening under the hood. The instructions, try as they might, do not explain this nearly well enough, and only YouTube and vape forums gave me the answers I needed.
This is definitely something YiHi needs to address in future firmware updates, as it might create a confusing, possibly dangerous scenario for newcomers.
Overview and Users Guide to the YiHi SXmini G-Class
The YiHi SXmini G-Class features an interesting, if not a little odd, design choice in going with a physical joystick “nub” rather than a standard directional button. And the results are mixed. While the stick itself is solid and responsive, it only has four recognized directions, offering little improvement over a more traditional, flush-mounted setup.
Though the stick can be depressed like a button, the same response can be achieved by pushing the stick to the right, eliminating any real purpose. Perhaps this is something an update can fix, as well.
But therein lies one of my frustrations with the G-Class. I’m only halfway through a device review, and I’ve already mentioned firmware three times. We cannot review devices based on what they COULD be, only what they are. And for a mod that costs north of $200, we really shouldn’t be speaking in terms of potential.
Plus, it should be noted that the stick is raised from the front of the device, which could cause some issues in a snug pocket or purse. I haven’t had the device activate when carrying it around, but the joystick noticeably protrudes through denim jeans – and no, I’m not “just happy” to see it.
Can I have a menu to explain this menu?
My reaction to the G-Class’s menu system is similar to that of the joystick controller – perfectly functional, but largely unnecessary.
Thanks to the beautiful display, the options are clear and easily identified. And boy are they plentiful. Beyond the standard coil/mode/temp configurations, this stacked menu takes three page scrolls to get through, featuring every piece of SX minutiae, from wallpaper and screen brightness, to language, ambient temperature, and even a section for YiHi contact information.
But navigating the system isn’t as clear. Depending on which tier of the menu you’re in, the joystick motions take on different functions – which are also unclear in the instruction manual. And, unlike most mods, it takes a full five clicks of the fire button to open the menu, leading to a lot of unintentional screen locking or partial fires.
My question is: With a physical joystick available, why is the fire button even used for such functionality? Poor design overall, even if it does become more intuitive over time.
Now that I’ve figured out how to operate the SXmini G-Class…
After nearly an hour of playing with menus and reading poorly translated instructions, I finally got around to vaping. Using my baseline atomizer – the OBS Engine RTA – with a 0.36-ohm Kanthal build, the G-Class fired hard right from the outset. There was no noticeable ramp up time, and the vape quality was excellent all the way up to its 200-watt limit. No muss, no fuss, no concerns.
All of the standard safety features are available here – polarity protection, atomizer short warnings, low resistance, battery meters, overheat and overcharge protection, for those who use the onboard 2-amp charging.
Sx Mini G Class Software Mac Pro
One nice addition is the “dry atomizer/no liquid” warning that lets you know when it’s time to refill. As someone who doesn’t check tank levels often, this was a pleasant surprise. I just wonder why the device can’t detect a coil, but can tell when it’s dry.
Wattage vaping is not the raison d’etre for the G-Class. YiHi’s all-new SX550J chipset was built for pinpoint-accurate temperature control vaping, with customization as far as the eye can see. The board can handle all standard TC wires, such as SS316, nickel and titanium, at temperatures ranging from 212-572 degrees Fahrenheit. And, for more complicated builds, the now-common TCR functionality is there to serve.
All temperature curves and taste curves (yes, this is a thing) can be customized using the free SxiQ software. This PC/Mac download allows you to manage the device’s presets so you can avoid trying to do this in the cumbersome menu system. This includes TCR levels, saved custom configurations, watts vs. joules, and more.
The same level of control is also offered by the SxiQ app for iOS and Android devices. Using snappy Bluetooth connectivity to handle all tweaks, and even software updates over the air, it’s possible you never need to plug in.
It’s nowhere as deep as the DNA/Escribe platform, nor is it particularly user-friendly. But for anyone who wants to be hyper-specific with their presets, there are few other chips offering this level of control.
Once settings are finagled to your liking, the YiHi SXmini G-Class provides note-perfect temp control vaping. At no point did I ever see a misfire, voltage spike or even a slightly dry hit. Just consistently enjoyable puffs with no surprises.
I put a number of different nickel and titanium builds through their paces, and once I locked in my desired resistance and power, the G-Class adjusted flawlessly. In the name of good journalism, I tried like hell to get the mod to falter, and to its credit, it never balked. It’s clear that this is a mod designed for high-end, highly particular vapers – as if the price didn’t already reveal that point.
Maybe it took a while to get to this destination, but the vape was worth the trip. And that’s coming from a guy who rarely uses temp controlmodes.
After a few minutes of use, I began to take exception to the fire button placement. There’s nothing inherently wrong with the center-positioned hexagon, and the clicky, low-throw button works well. But the shape of the device just screams for a side-mounted trigger. With my usual grip, I naturally covered the screen with my thumb, and had to shift whenever I wanted to see it. The mod was adequately comfortable to use, but hardly the ergonomic dream it could have been with a few design shifts.
Ending on a positive, I was thrilled with the G-Class’s frugal use of battery power. On two fully charged batteries, I got nearly seven hours of steady vaping, not to mention more than an hour of menu modification. Even with all of the extras – Bluetooth, bright screen, backlight, etc. – the YiHi chip is a power-efficient beast that will keep chain vapers going throughout the day.
Sx Mini G Class Troubleshooting
Make no mistake, despite my many gripes, the G-Class is a good mod, with true 200-watt power, efficient battery life, and a truly unique presentation inside and out. Once the controls and menus become familiar, I can see temperature control fans crafting this mod’s settings to create their ideal vapes.
But what about the wattage guys like myself, who just want to press, puff and repeat? The G-Class works perfectly well with Kanthal, but it all seems like expensive overkill without needing the endless customization control. Yes, it provided a solid experience, but so do mods that cost 1/3 of the price, with better ergonomics and more intuitive operation.
I’m going to keep my SXmini G-Class close by, and will certainly use it from time to time, whenever I have the itch to vape in TC mode. But, despite all its positives, the G-Class’s glaring flaws and questionable mechanics will probably relegate it to novelty status sooner than expected.
YiHi SXmini G-Class Score
- TFT display
- Bluetooth App Control
- SXiQ control system
- Anti-dry burning technology
- Output Joule:10J-120J. 212-572° F/100-300°C
- Resistance: 0.05-1.0ohms (Joule mode)
- Joule Mode (Temperature Control)
- Output Voltage: 1.0 – 9.5 Volts
- Resistance: 0.05 ohm – 3.0 ohm(Power mode)
- Taste modes: Powerful +, Powerful, Standard, Soft, Eco & SXi-Q-S1~S5
- USB Type-C onboard charging (5V/2A)
- Upgradable firmware
- Graphic user interface
- Reverse polarity, output short, low resistance, low battery voltage, overheat & battery over charge protection
- 1 x YiHi SX Mini G-Class Mod
- 1 x USB-C Cable
- 1 x Warranty
- 1 x Manual
- Metal Tin Gift Box