Wismec Reulaux RX2/3
The Reuleaux RX2/3 is an updated version of the Reuleaux series, designed by JayBo and manufactured by Wismec. Interestingly, this device comes with a replacement back cover, giving you the option to use either two or three batteries. The device offers you a maximum output of 150W when using two cells and up to 200W when using three cells.
The RX2/3 comes with all of the typical features you would expect from a modern device including Variable Wattage, Temperature Control and support for all major wire types. It certainly sounds very appealing but does it really offer anything new? Let’s find out.
Wismec Reulaux RX2/3 features
- Size: 40.2 x 34.5 x 88.7mm (2x 18650 battery back plate)
- Size: 40.2 x 50.1 x 88.7mm (3x 18650 battery back plate)
- Zinc Alloy Construction
- Spring Loaded Brass 510 Pin
- Stainless Steel 510 Connector
- Requires 2x or 3x 18650 Batteries
- Output Mode: Variable Wattage/Temperature Control Nickel/Temperature Control Titanium/Temperature Control Stainless Steel/TCR Mode
- Output Wattage: 1-150W (with 2 batteries) / 1-200W (with 3 batteries)
- Resistance Range: 0.05-1.5ohm for Temperature Control Modes
- Resistance Range: 0.1-3.5ohm for Variable Wattage Mode
- Temperature Range: 100-315°C/ 200-600°F
- Large OLED Screen
What’s in the box?
- 1 x Reuleaux RX2/3
- 1 x Replacement Back cover (For Dual 18650 Mode)
- 1 x Micro USB Cable
- 1 x User Manual
- 1 x Warning Card
Styling and build quality
The RX2/3 features the typical good build quality that you expect from Wismec devices. The zinc alloy construction helps to cut down on the overall weight when you have batteries fitted but do keep in mind that when fitted with three batteries the device has some serious heft to it. It is actually noticeably taller than the RX200, RX200S and Reuleaux DNA 200 due to the fact that the device can be set up to use either two or three 18650 batteries.
I received the red and black version for review and I must admit the painted finish is nicely done but it has already picked up a slight scratch which I think was caused when trying to fit one of the battery covers (more about those covers later). The device features three buttons which work well and are responsive and thankfully do not rattle. The fire buttons has a nice feel to it but the adjustment buttons feel slightly cheap to me which is understandable to a degree considering the overall price of this device.
The main screen is of a good size and suitably bright and clear. All of the typical information is shown such as Resistance, Voltage and Wattage. In addition, battery life is displayed as is Temperature (when in that mode). I am still not a fan of the new screen font that this device features. Wismec first introduced this change with the RX200S model and while it is much larger I personally find it has far less readable due to its Art Décor style but it’s only a minor complaint and it probably won’t bother most users.
The 510 pin is spring-loaded so you won’t have any issues getting your atomizers to sit flush. The pin itself looks to be made from brass and the 510 connector is made from Stainless Steel.
The most notable feature of the RX2/3 is that it is designed to allow you to covert the battery compartment from dual 18650 to the typical triple 18650 size that Wismec devices are known for. While this might be an appealing feature the covers don’t seem as nice as the ones on the RX200 and RX200S. While they do have small magnets they are mainly secured by tabs which you press into locator holes on the device. The problem is that you have to angle the battery cover firstly hooking the top most part in first then pressing the bottom part in.
The larger battery cover was the better fit of the two and pretty much hassle free but the dual 18650 cover was initially an exercise in frustration and even when pressed into place it left a gap and I had to press quite hard to get it to go firmly in place of course the possibility exists that it may improve with frequent use. Removing the covers was far easier since there is a button tab on the base of the device but take care because I found the cover would occasionally launch itself across the room after pressing the release button.
When fitted the covers did not wobble at all and held the batteries securely. I do wonder how durable that button on the base will be long term but hopefully it should be okay if you are careful.
The correct battery orientation is clearly marked on the interior of the compartment and also on the inside of the larger battery cover so you won’t make any mistakes when fitting three batteries and there is a ribbon to assist with battery removal.
One thing that you really do need to keep in mind is that if you use one pair of batteries for dual 18650 mode don’t think that you can simply add another 18650 battery and use the device in triple 18650 configuration since the original two batteries will be a matched pair. You will need a dedicated set of three different 18650’s to make use of the larger compartment and it is important that you always charge and discharge them together. What I am saying is don’t ever mix and match batteries even though I know that most folks are quite clued up about battery safety.
Suitable venting is provided by two small slots on each side of the device and by four additional large slots located in the base. Located at the bottom front of the device is the Micro USB port which you can use for charging or to receive firmware updates.
Ease of use
In terms of function the device works just like the RX200 and RX200S so owners of the previous models will be right at home here! If you are new to these devices then rest assured that it is very straightforward to use and the manual does a thorough job of explaining all the functions. All of the usual options are here including support for Nickel, Titanium and Stainless Steel wire types. Other notable features include a Resistance Lock for Temperature Control Mode and the device itself can be locked when not in use by holding down the two adjustment buttons.
Wismec Reulaux RX2/3 performance
This device offers you the same solid performance that Wismec devices are known for. To test Variable Wattage Mode I used my Kayfun 5 set up with a 0.9ohm coil vaping at 18.5 Watts and I got a consistently good vape and plenty of life out of the batteries due to the low Wattage.
To test Temperature Control Mode I set up my Achilles II RDA with a 316 Stainless Steel coil that had a Resistance of 0.5ohm. I saturated the wicking and filled the juice well with some Manabush Powwow sauce. I then set the temperature to 440°F and the Wattage to 28W and I got a very enjoyable vape. I noticed absolutely no temperature spiking or Resistance fluctuation and the RX2/3 battery life was pretty good when using it set up in dual 18650 mode.
Given the excellent performance of the other devices that Wismec have produced you will certainly get a lot of mileage out of the RX2/3 and in my opinion it is well worth the price.
Conclusion
It is perhaps a little unusual that Wismec decided to go down the hybrid route with this product instead of simply making a dedicated dual 18650 device. If they had designed the device to specifically only require two batteries the overall size could have been reduced thereby making it even more streamlined. By having two battery compartment options the device is slightly taller than the previous models and unless you specifically want the flexibility that the RX2/3 offers most people are likely to stick to their RX200 or RX200/S.
Of course the very valid argument exists that you could simply buy this device and purely use it in dual 18650 mode and at least the extra battery compartment gives you an additional option that you may make use of later.
The fact that the device is limited to 150W in dual 18650 mode is not that big a deal in my opinion because while there are some mods that can achieve 200W with two batteries they do drain incredibly fast and I think that a lot of people don’t really need more than 150W at most, besides you can achieve 200W when the RX2/3 is used in triple 18650 mode.
Like all of the Reuleaux range of devices that Wismec offers this is certainly a very good product and it functions in an identical fashion to all of the others with the obvious exception of the DNA 200 version but apart from the dual 18650 or triple 18650 option it also offers nothing new.
Regardless if you are new to Wismec products then it certainly is a decent device and it works extremely well whether you choose to vape in Variable Wattage or Temperature Control modes. When you factor in the overall good build quality and the reasonable price this is a very worthwhile device!
VapeMaster
Reviewer at POTVJoin the discussion
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