Eleaf iStick Pico Plus Review

Eleaf’s iStick Pico Plus Kit is a compact single-18650 box-mod kit aimed at direct-lung and restricted-DL users who want solid flavor in a pocketable setup around $60. Its USB-C charging and EC-A mesh coils can deliver a clean, punchy vape, but the single-battery ceiling and limited true-MTL range keep it from being a universal “one kit for everyone.”

Product overview

Final verdict

The Pico Plus Kit is a practical, no-drama compact kit: quick to set up, easy to dial in, and consistently good when you stay in its comfort zone (RDL/DL, mid-wattage). The trade-off is predictable—single-18650 stamina and a tank/airflow feel that doesn’t fully satisfy MTL purists.

• Who It’s For
  • Adults who prefer RDL/DL and want a compact daily kit
  • People who like simple wattage vaping with occasional TC/BYPASS use
  • Anyone prioritizing flavor consistency over maximum clouds
• Who It’s Not For
  • Heavy all-day users who hate carrying spare 18650s
  • Dedicated MTL users who want tight draw and low-watt coils
  • People who want a rugged, drop-proof “worksite” mod

How we tested

We ran the kit for a week across commutes, desk breaks, and evening sessions, rotating two e-liquids (one fruit, one dessert) to check flavor separation. We scored Flavor, Throat Hit, Vapor Production, Airflow/Draw, Battery Life, Leak Resistance, Build Quality, Ease of Use, and Portability using repeatable wattage setpoints and airflow positions. We tracked charging behavior (heat, speed, stability), watched for seepage/condensation, and logged any misfires or button quirks. Vape and nicotine products are for adults only; use isn’t recommended for minors, pregnant people, or anyone who doesn’t use nicotine, and our notes are subjective—not medical advice.

Testing experience

I started with the included 0.3Ω coil and lived in the mid-30W range, keeping the airflow about halfway open for a restricted lung hit. The first few pulls felt “clean” in the mouth—no weird metallic edge, just a warm, slightly dense vapor that sat on the tongue without getting syrupy. Marcus immediately pushed it harder (higher wattage, longer pulls), watching for hot spots; the mod stayed controlled, but the single-18650 rhythm showed up fast when he chain-vaped. Jamal used it like an everyday carry—short bursts while walking, pocketing it between stops—and he kept calling out the same thing: it’s genuinely pocketable, but you need to stay on top of condensation around the mouthpiece if you’re in and out all day.

By day three, I swapped to the 0.5Ω coil for a calmer, smoother draw. At lower wattage it felt less “thick,” but flavor layering got easier to read—fruit stayed bright, dessert stayed rounded, and the aftertaste didn’t linger as long between puffs.

• What we liked
  • Stable, predictable output when you lock in a wattage and stick with it
  • Flavor stays crisp without needing extreme wattage
  • Small-kit ergonomics that don’t feel toy-like
• Who it is best for
  • RDL/DL adults who vape in short sessions (commute, breaks, evenings)
  • Users who want a compact box-mod kit without a steep learning curve
  • Anyone who prefers a warmer, dense puff over airy “competition” clouds
• Where it falls short
  • Battery stamina under high-intensity use
  • Airflow range doesn’t truly satisfy tight-draw MTL preferences
  • Pocket carry can mean light condensation management

Pros and cons

Key specs

• Price: $59.99
• Device type: box-mod kit (mod + tank)
• Output: 1–75W
• Battery: 1×18650 (not included)
• Charging: USB-C, 5V/2A
• Tank capacity: 4 ml; top-fill; bottom adjustable airflow
• Included coils: EC-A 0.3Ω and 0.5Ω; EC-A options include 0.15Ω (40–70W), 0.3Ω (30–50W), 0.5Ω (20–40W)
• Size: 47 × 25 × 115 mm

Score breakdown

Choosing the Pico Plus Kit

Pick the Eleaf iStick Pico Plus Kit if you want a compact box-mod kit for RDL/DL, you’re comfortable swapping/charging 18650s, and you prefer straightforward wattage vaping over feature-heavy menus. Skip it if you need true MTL tightness, or if you’re a high-watt chain-vaper who expects one battery to last all day.

For rugged daily abuse (drops, rain, dust), consider the Geek Vape S100 Aegis Solo 2 Kit—its durability focus and Zeus tank pairing fit a harsher routine.
For a lighter single-18650 kit with a modern tank ecosystem, consider the Vaporesso GEN 80 S Starter Kit.

Limitations

The Pico Plus Kit is at its best when you accept its “compact single-battery” boundaries.

• Single-18650 runtime can feel limiting for high-watt, long-pull sessions
• Airflow range favors RDL/DL more than true tight-MTL
• Pocket carry often means wiping light condensation around the mouthpiece

Pico Plus Kit vs alternatives

• Why choose these models
  • You want a compact box-mod kit with a simple, predictable feel
  • You vape mostly RDL/DL at mid-wattage and value flavor consistency
  • You prefer a familiar button-driven setup over touchy, app-like complexity
• Alternatives to consider
  • Geek Vape S100 Aegis Solo 2 Kit: better for rough environments; strong durability focus
  • Vaporesso GEN 80 S Starter Kit: lighter feel with a modern tank/coil platform
  • Aspire Zelos 3 Kit: better fit if your priority leans toward MTL/RDL flexibility and a calmer style of vaping

Pro tips for the Pico Plus Kit

• Start in the middle of the coil’s recommended wattage range, then move in 1–2W steps until flavor peaks
• If you pocket-carry, wipe the mouthpiece area once or twice a day to keep condensation from building up
• For a smoother RDL, close airflow slightly and lower wattage a touch instead of taking shorter, “choppy” pulls
• If you want warmer vapor, raise wattage modestly and open airflow a hair to avoid harshness
• Use a high-drain, authentic 18650; swap batteries before they feel “fully dead” to keep output consistent
• Keep your tank upright in a bag when possible; temperature swings can increase condensation
• Prime coils patiently and give a new coil a few minutes to settle before pushing wattage
• If flavor dulls, check the airflow ring and base for residue before blaming the coil
• Set a “daily default” wattage you like and treat it as your baseline for fair comparisons between liquids

FAQs

Does the Pico Plus Kit work best for MTL or DL?

It leans RDL/DL. You can tighten it down, but it doesn’t replicate the tight, low-watt MTL feel most MTL fans want.

How’s the flavor compared to other compact kits?

In our run it was consistently above average at mid-wattage—clear notes, clean finish, and less “muddy sweetness” than many small kits.

Will one 18650 last all day?

For light-to-moderate sessions, often yes. For heavy, high-watt use, expect to recharge or swap a battery.

Is leaking an issue?

We didn’t see true leaking, but pocket carry can create light condensation—normal maintenance is wiping and checking seals.

Is it beginner-friendly?

If you’re comfortable with basic wattage adjustment and coil changes, yes. It’s straightforward once you set a wattage and stick to it.