With the e-rig space getting quite crowded, quite a few of the devices out there in the market will inevitably have to bump heads. The Core vs the XMAX Qomo will be our two contenders for today. While both e-rigs are well loved and rate highly on our list of best e rigs, only one can come out on top! Find out which one trounces the competition down below!
The X-Max Qomo is no slouch and is definitely capable of satisfying the needs of the average dabber thanks to its ceramic XMAX Qomo atomizer. While it manages to pull off a decent tasting dab, it takes a bit too long to ramp up in temperature which tends to result in a slightly unexciting session.
The Core by comparison makes use of a triple titanium coil which heats up significantly faster. It also manages to reach higher temps more reliably and comfortably than the ceramic counterpart found in the XMAX Qomo. The end result is an overall more consistent yet dynamic dabbing session, something that we failed to achieve with the X-Max Qomo.
Also included in The Core’s kit is a quartz bucket coil which provides a cleaner and better tasting dab than most other ceramic coil e-rigs we’ve tried, the X-Max Qomo included.
Manufacturing Quality
It could be said that the design and aesthetic of The Core caters to a very specific demographic and let’s just say that we aren’t a part of it. Subjectively speaking, the X-Max Qomo is the better looking device.
It’s not all about looks however as The Core makes a strong case for itself by including an all-inclusive travel case. The case features a zip-up pouch, and custom-cut foam inserts designed for The Core itself, a handful of the included atomizers, and even a cutout for the wall adapter.
As for the construction of the devices themselves, you really can’t go wrong with either. The X-Max has proven itself with the reliability of its devices time and time again and the X-Max Qomo is no exception. Despite the lack of a real premium feel, the X-Max Qomo manages to make up for it in terms of sheer robustness.
The Core is similar in this regard and manages to keep pace with the X-Max Qomo. Both devices use high quality borosilicate glass for their respective bubblers and there’s a lot to love about these two when holding either in hand. The Core however does use a more premium feeling aluminum alloy and managed to wow us just a tad more than the X-Max Qomo did.
Portability
The X-Max Qomo is easier on the hands thanks to its ergonomic form factor that most handheld devices end up gravitating to. The angled conical shape of the mouthpiece however, makes it ill-advised to keep in your pocket for easy access and storage when on the go. Furthermore, the bubbler on the X-Max Qomo isn’t spill-proof at all. This disqualifies it from being a pocketable device despite it’s almost pocket friendly shape
While The Core is obviously not something you can pocket due its large bulbous form factor, it does make up for this with the provision of an excellent travel case that comes with the kit. In addition, the 3000 mAh battery used by The Core is leagues ahead of the 1350mAh battery used by the X-Max Qomo.
We really can’t imagine anyone using either of these two devices where you could easily whip it out like a wax pen for a quick and easy hit. For this reason, we’re going to have to give the win once again to The Core. The included travel case and 3000mAh battery it uses are things sorely missing from the XMax Qomo.
Ease of Use
Both the X-Max Qomo and The Core feature simple one-button operation making them easy to set up. A few simple taps on either device allow easy and quick access to the various temperature settings available.
When it comes to setting the devices up, something we appreciated with The Core was its sturdy and stable round base. This made it a lot simpler to just plop down on a flat surface while both hands are free to do their thing. The X-Max Qomo doesn’t have this advantage. Due to its narrower width, the device tends to tip over when not securing it with one hand.
Cleanup and maintenance is a toss up between The Core and X-Max Qomo. On one hand, you have the ceramic coils on the X-Max Qomo that tend to trap a lot of residue after each session. The Core with its uniquely shaped glass in turn, makes it a bit tricky to get into all those nooks for proper cleaning.
Discreetness
For those who possess the sheer tenacity to use either of these devices in public, it should go without saying that you’re definitely going to get a lot of funny looks. We’ll stick to our guns and reiterate that neither The Core or X-Max Qomo are designed for use in public.
The Core in a home setting however, is a device that could possibly be mistaken for a regular household aroma diffuser or humidifier. This goes doubly true for those who aren’t well versed or initiated to the realm of e-rigs.
Thanks to its ergonomic handheld shape and smaller size, the X-Max Qomo is easily identifiable as a “personal vaporizer”. That’s just something to keep in mind in case you aren’t comfortable with other folks in the home taking a gander at your vape gear.
Temperature Flexibility
If we’re judging things purely by their numbers, The Core edges out the X-Max Qomo in terms of temperature options. Not only does The Core support 4 presets for easy cycling between temps, it offers manual temperature control for even the most nitpicky of vapers out there.
The X-Max Qomo in comparison, only offers 3 temperature presets without any option for precise temperature control. That doesn’t mean it can’t vape great though as each of these presets are well calibrated for a smooth dab session depending on your preference. The Core just does it better.
Overall Experience
While the X-Max Qomo sports a sleeker and more modern looking design, The Core simply wins out from a practical and performance standpoint.
Not only does The Core’s 3000mAh battery go longer without recharging, the included travel case makes The Core easier to transport as well.
While the flavor and vapor production of the X-Max Qomo is great in a vacuum, matching it up The Core simply makes it feel average in comparison.
The ability to use a quartz bucket in The Core easily makes it the better device in overall vapor quality. If you’ve got your sights set on The Core, make sure to check out our Core E Rig review for a closer look at this portable yet powerful dabber.
If you feel yourself gravitating towards the X-Max Qomo, make sure you check out or XMax Qomo review first for a more comprehensive view on the device before pulling the trigger.
Alex is a cannabis enthusiast, long time vaporizer lover, writer and filmmaker. He is also a board and video game nerd with a penchant for hosting a weekly board game night. Partygoers have been heard saying things like “is anyone else going to show up?” and “I don’t think I can make it next week”. He strives to make people laugh at every opportunity and sees cannabis as a helpful tool in doing so.
The reviews and ratings are based on personal and decade-plus of industry experience. Such content is based on the opinion of the Editor/Author. They are solely provided as a basis for research and should be used only as guidance. We encourage thorough research by all visitors to attain the most objective viewpoint before purchasing.
