Size compared:
The sets:
Ease of operation, stealthiness:
X-MAX V2 Pro requires a 5 click neither too fast or slow combo to turn on/off, also 3 clicks to cycle temps - needs some practice to get it right, also takes annoyingly lot clicking (17 clicks to get to the highest temp) to operate. Clicks sometimes doesn't register (see vid). LED indication can be confusing compared to market standards (flashing = ready, steady light = heat up, goes from top to bottom, red is coolest / white is hottest). White LED is bright as a key torch, can be considered either as an advantage in dark, or ruining stealth. Also temps painted on body (only in F°), indicatig purpose.
IMAG PLUS V2 requires 3 clicks to turn on/off, and a 2 sec hold of the button to cycle temps. Easy use, reliable operation, discreet lights. No paintings at all, pure matte black (or chosen color).
Temperature reliability:
Both vapes had similar test results, they failed to deliver listed temps, although
no combustion appeared during test. Both provides distinguishable levels of heat steadily, output is even, ABV equally browned, lower temps extracting slower, higher temps resulting thicker clouds.
Vapor quality:
I can only confirm the praise of vapor quality provided by both device. Quantity/flavor can be varied regarding to temps, similar to most conduction devices I've tried, however no on-demand heat control here, only constant roast, so the miracle happens way faster than at the high end
X-MAX also has an unusually short vapor path and wider chamber, resulting hotter vapor, may be irritating for some. Rubber MP adds some unwanted flavor, while IMAG's HR plastic is prone to hairline cracks due to rigidity, but an extra MP is included in their set.
Issues:
X-MAX V2 Pro has an alu-alloy body with high heat transfer rates, which in fact results an extreme heat dissipation throughout the entire body. I could not see any added insulation around the heat source (!), only a layer of HR plastic. After turning on, a few minutes is enough to have the entire body heated up to about 40 C° (feels warm to hand), battery will be amortised fast under such conditions. Later on the heat is unbearable, needs a break to use it again. Also, click sequence sometimes simply doesn't register.
IMAG Plus V2 has a twist-on design MP, which in fact does not provide airtight connection to body, resulting some false draw of air from outside, weakening vapor quality. This can be resolved in a few easy steps though (
see my earlier posts about this).
An extra screen recommended to be placed between MP and chamber in both vapes, to avoid clogging.
Both vapes are built with polyimide tape inside to hold sensor/heater (+cotton insulation in IMAG) installment together.
Orange/yellow polyimide tapes can be seen inside both vape's airpath!
IMAG has it embedded in a HR silicone/HR plastic profile...
...while X-MAX's PI tape can be seen without any cover through air intake holes...
...though its airpath is properly isolated from PCB, just as in IMAG:
These kind of electrical tapes are NOT designed to be used in heated areas for direct inhalation, whilst polyimide itself is highly resistant for high heat, the adhesives (acrylic or silicone resins) are prone to combust and evaporate as gases.
Because of this, I strongly suggest a so-called "burn-off session" repeated many times before first use: turn on device without MP to the highest temp (preferably outdoor), and let the program run.
Outgassing at first time use of X-MAX and IMAG. Notice the difference in intensity, IMAG does have insulation, while X-MAX have none:
Also, a trick working well for me, by blowing backwards some thick vapor (I use tobacco, but that will give a strong flavor to the entire airpath, which you might not want, if using other herbs!), this will deposit a layer of natural resins inside everywhere, preventing further outgassing.
Note:
IMAG PLUS V2 does have a cotton insulation around the heater, also HR silicone profiles to keep it embedded, so PI tape does not heats up much, provides much less noticeable outgassing, cotton also capturing most of it. It is important to understand, that this issue does not last forever, after succesful burn-off sessions this problem will be eliminated. Fumes can be irritating, but as my own example shows, they are unpleasant but mostly harmless in these quantities. Before I learned about them, I probably breathe through a good few cubic meters of it - still alive and kicking, and more worried about acrylic dust coming from my T-shirts.
Still, I strongly recommend to both companies to leave out PI tape, and use for example a natural copper wire to keep everything together inside. Fuck combustion, only metals/glasses/ceramics/HR plastics should be heated in contact with air to breathe, no any adhesives, or soft plastics/rubbers.
Conclusion:
I don't fully understand these manufacturers' methods of making vaporizers. Names seems fake, like "Destiny", "Misty", or some classy english forenames, essentially anonym strangers from unknown companies to deal with. I tend to have an imaginary picture of a big factory producing anything from slippers to rockets, and some "creative offices" with investors and ideas patented, whos doing everything else from design to market a product. It could explain why most of these vaporizers are built with much the same ingredients, with only minor technical and cosmetical differences. As you have X-MAX available now for the price given, plus its advantages, it may seem an obvious choice above "the original", the IMAG. However, the game isn't over at the point, when your goods are delivered. The guys at "Relaxotech" have never failed in communication, or to resolve any issue, not only for me, but reading the entire FC thread, for noone. They speak good english, they travel the world with their products, they listen and act. "Topgreen" in fact still not replied to my very first emails requiring info only, they only answered to me when I wanted to order and pay. Items delivered are different, what I have been promised (I was told to get devices without temps painted on side), warranty terms are unclear, representative said 6 months, but manual states a year, without details (to send back to China or not). Relaxotech have exchanged already devices for me without any hassle, or costs.
Is this worth a double price for a slightly less sophisticated, but well built vape, than a "cheapo" with notable advantages? Maybe not, but I leave that decision for you. For me, Imag is still more tempting overall, but X-MAX is certainly a better deal. With such strong competition, I would actually recommend not to buy either yet (!), and wait, until a faultless blockbuster comes. I have a feeling, that something major must be growing behind the scenes, with all necessary qualities and without faults - for a price set for being the undisputable winner of the Dragon's nest!
Gibarian
but my initial thought is that because of the disconcerting flashing temp light and more importantly the heat issue this is not likely one of the first vapes I'd reach for to take with me.
