Very large format
Rather compact with its 75 mm high, 46 mm wide and 44 mm in diameter, the Pico Dual is a box powered by two 18650 batteries that are inserted by the bottom. Naked, it weighs 152 g, 239 g with the batteries and around 300 g in operation. It is heavy but it remains in the average of dual battery boxes.
Handling is delicate
The triangular shape makes its grip delicate, especially with small hands. This format is far from being ergonomic. Its width is also problematic to carry the box in a pocket. The OLED screen is located on the body of the box, on the same side as the 510 pin. It is quite small but its readibility is acceptable and all the important information are displayed (power, battery level, resistance value). Other parameters can be added, as well as a logo.
Technical review
The main features of Eleaf’s Pico Dual are:
- Height: 75 mm
- Width: 46 mm
- Diameter: 44 mm
- Connectivity: 510
- Battery: Two 18650 batteries with a continuous discharge value above 25 A
- Power: 1 – 200 W
- Vaping modes: VW/TC (Ni,Ti,SS,TCR-M1, M2, M3)
- Resistance range: 0.05 – 1.5 Ω in TC mode, and 0.1 – 3,5 Ω in variable wattage mode
- Temperature control range: 100 – 315℃
- Voltage: 0,5 – 9 V
- Maximum discharge current: 1.5 A
- Fonctions: Passthrough, Preheat
- Upgradeable firmware
- Colors: Black, White, Silver, Grey, Red, Cyan
The packaging includes:
- 1x iStick Pico Dual 200W by Eleaf
- 1x RC adapter (converts 510 connection into USB output to recharge any rechargeable USB device).
- 1x Micro USB cable
- 1x User manual (multilingual)
Control switches not ideally placed
The largest inconvenient ot Eleaf’s iStick Pico Dual 200W is the location of the “+” and “-” control switches on the bottom side. This configuration, impaired by its weight, necessitate for the operator to use his/her two hands to set up parameters. Other inconvenient is the fact that above 22 mm in diameter, the atomizers outreach the edge with an unsightly aspect, although the manufacturer confirms compliance up to 26 mm.
Complete chipset
The chipset is very complete and allows vaping in power mode, temperature control (Ti, Ni and SS316) and TCR. It also offers a “preheat” function, a “stealth” mode and a “lock” mode. One has to watch out when starting the box for the first time, the default setting for power is 200 W!
The preheat function increases the power during the first seconds of heating while the Stealth and Lock modes allows switching off the display and to clock it, respectively. Navigating in and parameterizing the different modes are made easier thanks to the multilingual user manual, clear and complete.
In addition, the Pico Dual comes with a RC adapter 510/USB that will allow you to charge a smartphone from your box, in case of emergency. To use it, you just have to screw the adapter onto the 510 pin in place of the atomizer and to plug the USB cable to your external device.
In summary
The “+”:
- Very Complete Chipset
- Good finish
- Robustness
- Good battery autonomy
- Good value for the money
The “-“:
- Perfectible ergonomy
- The “+” et “-” are on the bottom side of the box
- Above 22 mm in diameter, the atomizers outreach the edge of the box
- Too bulky to be carried in a pocket
Conclusions
Rating of 4/5. In the end, Eleaf’s iStick Pico Dual is a powerful electronic box, well finished and with a satisfying battery autonomy. It also has a performant and complete chipset. Its weakness is a bulky aspect that prevents it from being carried out everywhere. Its price, however, around € 40, is very attractive.
