Eleaf iStick Pico X Review – Next Generation of Pico?

Unlike the previous revisions in the Pico Lineup where only minor changes were made to the overall look of the device, the Eleaf iStick Pico X got a major rework in the aesthetics department and now looks better than ever.

Now featuring grooves cut into the chassis for an even more ergonomic hand feel, the new cutouts are tastefully done and actually improves upon the look of the kit, especially when compared to the old plain-jane look that the older Picos had. Each of the 5 colorways is coated in a durable and only slightly reflective satin finish that looks stunning not to mention also feels soft to the touch.

Not much has changed for the screen used as the Eleaf iStick Pico X still keeps things pretty simple with its compact monochromatic display that manages to relay a good amount of information without taking up too much space on the device. The firing button also gets an update in this version and features a new sculpted profile that perfectly falls in line with the devices aesthetic. The aggressively concaved profile is a welcome addition as it makes the button easier to find and easier to press.

Unfortunately, there are still some things that haven’t changed and we feel has almost become a trademark in the Pico design. Most notably, the + and – have still been relegated to the bottom of the device which can make them a bit harder to reach especially for those who tend to change settings or profiles frequently. On a positive note, this does contribute to the much cleaner and clutter-free aesthetic that the Pico lineup is well-known for.

Just like previous devices, the battery cap is still found on the top right next to the 510 connection which limits the compatibility of tanks or atomizers that you can use with the device. One day it would be nice to see the battery cap on the bottom instead, albeit with a slightly recessed profile so that it doesn’t get in the way of placing the mod upright on a flat surface.

The Eleaf iStick Pico X kit comes packaged with the latest revision of the MELO tank series, the MELO 4. The tank has a diameter of 22mm which is the largest the mod can accommodate with or without overhang as anything larger will be obstructed by the battery cap that’s also located on the top of the device.

Given the smallish diameter of the MELO 4, we weren’t expecting much vapor production from the kit but also expecting better than average flavor production due to the tighter air pathways. Our predictions were more or less spot on; the Eleaf iStick Pico X isn’t the greatest cloud chucker out there but it should definitely satisfy the average vapers requirements. The EC-M coil heads that come with the kit feature a new mesh design that maximizes the surface area which helps make up for the smallish chamber of the tank.

Ease of Use

Navigating the menu and its various functions and modes can be tricky thanks to the small display used by the Eleaf iStick Pico X. Thankfully, the basic variable wattage mod is set up right out of the box and is easily accessible even by beginners standards. The MELO 4 tank features a top fill cap which easily slides out making refilling the tank with your preferred e-liquid a breeze, even when on the go.

Unfortunately, the tank holds only up to 2ml of e-liquid which is on the low end of the spectrum as far as tanks and sub-ohm devices go.

Out of all the changes we’ve seen made to Eleaf’s Pico lineup, we have to say that the Eleaf iStick Pico X is most certainly our favorite among the bunch. The designers really hit the nail on the head in terms of creating a look that is functional, aesthetically impressive, and most of all durable.

The performance delivered by the MELO 4 tank is far from being the best in the market even when considering other kit tanks unfortunately and the age-old tank compatibility issue wrought by the battery cap only helps to emphasize that by limiting your choices for aftermarket tanks in the market.

If you are looking for what we think is the best open pod vape than check out the Slice. Or if mods are your thing be sure to check out the Smok X-Priv.