The disposable vape marketplace is always rapidly evolving and the Geek Bar Pulse X was developed as a response to the increasing competition within this space. Having been a user of the original Pulse, I was skeptical that a larger and flashier version would actually represent a genuine improvement.
Following a lot of research and testing, I determined that the Pulse X is a product of compromise and spectacle. It provides an enormous amount of power and a considerable number of puffs in a sleek package featuring an incredible 3-D screen, clearly it is a technological marvel, yet may not appeal to every vaper, either in terms of style or budget.
Product Overview and Specifications
The Geek Bar Pulse X was designed to compete in the high-puff-count segment, responding to many competitors that have entered the market. Like its predecessor, it contains the same genetic makeup, but each of the specs have been pushed to new extremes.
Here are the pulse x key specs:
I believe these numbers demonstrate that the pulse x was created for use over extended periods of time with numerous features. The dual mesh coil is powered at a higher output (now 25W in Pulse Mode and 12W in Regular Mode) due to an upgrade to the VPU dual core processor.
Size, Look, and Feel
One of the first things you will notice is the size difference compared to the original pulse x. The pulse x is larger, with dimensions of 91.6mm tall, 57.4mm wide, and 29mm thick. While it certainly fits comfortably in your hand, it feels like you are holding a small box mod rather than a disposable vape. As such, it would be best to use the pulse x for users who plan on using a single flavor for an extended period of time as it will be difficult to carry multiple units.
While the overall design of the pulse x is bold, it is the display that really stands out. The 3-D curved "starry sky" display covers nearly the entire body of the unit. The rest of the body has a satin finish that looks like metal, adding to its overall modern aesthetic. When active, the display does not simply show information; it displays a starry night light show that is very difficult to ignore. While I think the engineering behind this is fantastic, I find the display to be extremely bright and there is no way to turn off or reduce the brightness.
How to Use & Power On/Off & General Operation
General operation is quite easy and centered around a three-position switch located at the base of the pulse x.
- Close Position: Completely powers off the device and acts as a child lock to preserve battery life.
- Middle (Regular Mode): Enables the regular vaping mode, which allows for up to 25,000 puffs. Airflow is a moderate MTL draw.
- Top (Pulse Mode): Enables the high-wattage mode for up to 15,000 puffs. Opens airflow fully to allow for a loose MTL or RDL hit.
This is a draw-activated device. Simply take a draw on the comfortable silicone-coated mouthpiece to vape. The smart screen will illuminate and display clear percentage readouts for battery and e-liquid levels. I thought this was a very useful tool in managing the device.
How Does It Hit?
The vaping experience is where the pulse x truly excels. The hit quality is fast, warm, and incredibly smooth. The combination of the VPU dual core processor and the dual mesh coil provide an alternating firing pattern to help distribute the wear and keep the flavor consistent throughout the life of the device.
The vaping experience is great and efficient in the regular mode, similar to high-quality standard disposables, but with a remarkably long life span.
When the pulse mode is selected, the device is able to produce significantly more vapor and is warmer, providing a stronger flavor hit. Please be aware that the strong hit quality in the pulse mode is due to the fact that the pulse x has 50mg nicotine and the stronger hit quality may overwhelm users who are not used to it.
One negative aspect of the pulse x is the lack of independent airflow control. The draw is directly related to the mode you choose. For example, you cannot have the tighter draw of the regular mode and the higher watts of the pulse mode. I feel that this was a missed opportunity for a device that is so advanced.
What Are the Best Flavors?
The pulse x was released with a limited selection of flavors, but the company has since greatly increased the options available. The following list represents a selection of the best flavors based on my own personal testing, along with a general consensus from review sites:
Battery Life & Quick Charge Capability
The 820mAh battery is a significant increase from the previous pulse models. I found that I was able to get 2-3 days of normal to heavy use in the regular mode before needing to recharge the battery. However, if you are using the device in the pulse mode, you can expect the battery to deplete much quicker, similar to the original pulse.
However, the pulse x does offer an incredible quick-charge capability. With the USB-C port, the pulse x can quickly recharge the battery to 80% in just 20 minutes, and to 100% in approximately 35 minutes total. This shortens downtime considerably, and is one of the most useful aspects of the pulse x.
LED Light Indicators
The pulse x uses its 3D screen and indicator lights to communicate status. While the search results detail the simpler LED indicators used in the original pulse, the pulse x uses its full-screen to communicate its status. From my usage and troubleshooting common issues, here are some things you should know regarding the blinking screens and indicator lights:
- Blinking Screen/Low Battery: The most common blink indicates the battery is low and needs charging. Simply reconnect the USB-C cable to begin recharging.
- Device Not Responding: If the screen does not come on when you pull on the mouthpiece, first make sure the bottom switch is in the correct position. If it is in the correct position, attempt to pull on the mouthpiece harder to activate the sensor. If neither of these works, it may be dead and need to be recharged.
- Burned Taste: This is not indicated by a blink, but is a common problem. Typically this means the liquid is gone, the coil is overheating from excessive vaping, or a buildup of debris has occurred. The easiest solutions are letting the device sit idle between pulls, and ensuring you are changing modes frequently to use both coils evenly.
Conclusion
The Geek Bar Pulse X is a technological powerhouse that sets a new benchmark for what a disposable vape can be. With its massive puff count, improved flavor density, rapid charging capabilities, and innovative screen, the pulse x is undoubtedly a phenomenal product.
However, it is not a perfect product for everyone. The large size of the pulse x makes it difficult to carry around, and the extremely bright and flashy screen that cannot be turned off may be perceived as too flashy or wasteful by some. Additionally, the pulse x lacks independent airflow control, which seems to be an odd oversight given how advanced the pulse x is.
Overall, the pulse x is a fantastic, albeit flashy, advancement of the disposable vape market. It provides a top-notch vaping experience, encased in a device that will likely start conversations about its technological advancements.