Joyetech’s Exceed Grip is a compact, button-fired pod system that swaps between a tighter MTL pod and a more open cartridge, and right now it’s a bargain-friendly buy at $9.99; in my testing it delivered clean flavor and smart dry-hit protection, but its micro-USB charging and battery sag at low charge keep it from feeling modern.
Product Overview
| Device | Overall Score | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
| Joyetech Exceed Grip | 4.0/5 | Clean flavor; two cartridge styles; low-juice cutoff | Micro-USB; output drop near empty; condensation | MTL users who want optional restricted DL; pocket carry; value shoppers |
Final Verdict
Exceed Grip still punches above its age because the two cartridge styles genuinely change the experience: the 0.8Ω pod is a calm, consistent MTL nic-salt driver, while the 0.4Ω mesh cartridge brings a warmer, denser restricted-lung pull. The downside is dated charging and a power curve that’s more noticeable as the battery drops.
Who It’s For
- Users who want one device to cover tight MTL and restricted DL without menus
- People who value dry-hit prevention and simple one-button operation
- Budget shoppers who don’t mind older charging
Who It’s Not For
- Anyone who insists on USB-C or modern fast-charge behavior
- Cloud chasers who want sustained high output
- Users who dislike wiping occasional condensation
How We Tested It
We ran the Exceed Grip for a full workweek, splitting time between the 0.8Ω pod cartridge and the 0.4Ω EX-M coil in the standard cartridge. Each day we logged Flavor, Throat Hit, Vapor Production, Airflow/Draw, Battery Life, Leak Resistance, Build Quality, Ease of Use, and Portability across commutes, desk sessions, and quick outdoor breaks. We tracked charge time, temperature at the body panels, and any misfires or accidental activation in pockets. Notes were compared nightly so the scores reflect what held up, not a single first impression.
Our Testing Experience
By day two, I stopped thinking about the boxy shape and just started reaching for it. On the 0.8Ω pod with a 50/50 20mg salt, the draw sat firmly in MTL: a soft tug, then a dense, slightly humid mouthfeel that coats the tongue before the throat hit arrives. It wasn’t harsh; it read as a rounded tap, staying steady until the battery got low. Swapping to the 0.4Ω mesh coil in the standard cartridge with a 70/30 6mg freebase, vapor turned warmer and thicker, and flavors felt more “blended,” but Marcus could push it into obvious heat with long chains.
Battery notes were straightforward: I saw about 8–9 hours of normal breaks on the 0.8Ω pod; Marcus cut that closer to 5 hours on the 0.4Ω coil, while Jamal’s light day cleared 10 hours. Empty-to-full charging averaged about 65 minutes. Once, when I ran the cartridge too low, the device blinked twice and cut output, sparing the coil from a dry hit.
What we liked
- Clean, saturated flavor, especially on the 0.8Ω pod
- Two distinct draw styles with zero setup
- Low-juice cutoff reduced dry-hit risk
Who it is best for
- Pocket carry and quick sessions
- MTL users who want a warmer, fuller mouthfeel
- People who prefer a simple button device with big juice capacity
Where it falls short
- Micro-USB charging feels dated
- Output drop near empty battery
- Condensation buildup needs regular wiping
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Strong flavor for a compact device; two cartridge styles; DBP low-juice cutoff; simple one-button operation; big capacity for its size | Micro-USB charging; no fine-tuning beyond cartridge choice; output sag at low charge; warmth on long chains with 0.4Ω; condensation at the mouthpiece |
Details
- Price: $9.99
- Device type: refillable pod system with a one-button design (5-click on/off) and side-way cartridge installation
- Battery: 1000mAh internal
- Charging: USB charging with a micro-USB port; our average charge time was about 65 minutes
- Capacity: 4.5mL standard cartridge; 3.5mL pod cartridge
- Coils: EX-M 0.4Ω mesh coil (standard cartridge, replaceable); 0.8Ω integrated mesh coil (pod cartridge)
- Output & protections: intelligent variable voltage output with DBP dry-burn protection (low-juice cutoff)
- Size: 74 × 40 × 21 mm
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
| Flavor | 4.2 | Clean, saturated flavor; best on the 0.8Ω pod in steady MTL pacing |
| Throat Hit | 4.0 | Defined but not harsh; gets sharper as the battery drops |
| Vapor Production | 3.7 | Respectable on the 0.4Ω cartridge; limited by the small platform |
| Airflow/Draw | 3.9 | Cartridge choice gives two real feels, but there’s no fine airflow control |
| Battery Life | 3.8 | Solid for 1000mAh, but heavy 0.4Ω use drains it quickly |
| Leak Resistance | 4.1 | Few true leaks, though condensation requires routine wiping |
| Build Quality | 4.0 | Pocket-friendly chassis feels sturdy; button stayed consistent all week |
| Ease of Use | 4.3 | Straightforward fill, simple button logic, and clear battery indication |
| Portability | 4.4 | Small, flat profile that carries well and doesn’t feel top-heavy |
| Overall | 4.0 | Strong value and a versatile draw; held back mainly by dated charging and battery sag |
How to Choose the Joyetech Exceed Grip?
Choose the Exceed Grip if you want a compact pod system with two “personalities”: tight MTL on the 0.8Ω pod and a warmer restricted-lung pull on the 0.4Ω coil cartridge. It fits moderate nicotine tolerance, short sessions, and people who prefer a button device over auto-draw. Trade-offs are the micro-USB port, a more noticeable battery curve, and the need to wipe condensation.
For mostly MTL with a broad pod ecosystem, consider the Vaporesso XROS 3. For a similar pocket kit with flexible pod/coil options and easy-to-find replacements, the Uwell Caliburn G line makes more sense.
Limitations
Exceed Grip’s core concept still works, but the day-to-day trade-offs are real.
- Micro-USB charging feels behind current pods
- Output sag becomes noticeable as the battery drops
- Mouthpiece condensation shows up with pocket carry
- Replacement cartridges/coils may be less common than newer lines
Joyetech Exceed Grip Vs. Alternatives
Why choose these models
- Two cartridge styles for tight MTL or warmer restricted DL
- Large refill capacity in a small frame
- Low-juice cutoff helps avoid dry hits
Alternatives to consider
- Vaporesso XROS 3: simpler pod swaps, smoother everyday carry
- Uwell Caliburn G: mainstream parts availability, predictable draw
- Innokin Sceptre 2: better tuning for airflow feel
Pro Tips for Joyetech Exceed Grip
- Prime the 0.4Ω coil thoroughly and give it a few minutes after filling before the first long pull
- Keep the fill plug fully seated; a half-closed plug is where gurgle starts
- Match liquids to the cartridge: thinner blends behave better in the 0.8Ω pod
- If the body feels warm, shorten chains and let the coil cool for a minute
- Wipe the mouthpiece and chimney daily; condensation is normal on pocket pods
- Click the device off before tossing it in a bag to avoid accidental firing
- Refill earlier than you think; the low-juice cutoff is helpful, but it’s not a refill reminder you want to “use up”
- Use a basic 5V USB adapter and avoid cheap high-output chargers
- Carry a spare cartridge or coil if this is your only daily device
FAQs
Is the Exceed Grip more MTL or DL?
It can do both: the 0.8Ω pod cartridge leans MTL with a tighter pull, while the 0.4Ω standard cartridge feels like a restricted lung hit with warmer vapor.
Can I run nicotine salts in it?
Yes. The pod cartridge was the smoothest match in our testing, especially with thinner 50/50 liquids.
How do I keep it from spitting or getting gurgly?
Avoid overfilling, reseat the fill plug firmly, and wipe the chimney and mouthpiece every refill. Pocket carry is when condensation shows up fastest.
What kind of battery life is realistic?
Light-to-moderate MTL use can stretch close to a day; the 0.4Ω setup drains noticeably faster if you chain pulls.
About the Author: Chris Miller
