The SBX 25K’s three power modes are its most underrated feature and the most misunderstood. Most owners pick one mode on day one and never touch the settings again, leaving half the device’s capability unused. This guide covers everything: what each mode does, which mode to use when, airflow combos, the display, charging, and troubleshooting.
New to SBX? Start with our full SBX vape review. For flavors, see SBX flavors ranked.
Table of Contents
Quick Start: Using SBX in 5 Steps
- Unbox — the device comes pre-filled and pre-charged, ready to use.
- Check the display — it shows battery level, e-liquid level, puff count, and current mode.
- Pick a mode — ECO (15W), Boost (20W), or X (25W). Start with Boost if unsure.
- Set airflow — twist the airflow control: MTL (tight), Normal (balanced), or DTL (airy).
- Inhale — it’s draw-activated. No buttons, no menus. Recharge via USB-C when the battery runs low.
The Three Modes: Full Breakdown
| ECO Mode | Boost Mode | X Mode | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power | 15W | 20W | 25W |
| Puff rating | ~25,000 | ~20,000 | ~17,000 |
| Vapor | Light, smooth | Medium, full | Dense, thick |
| Flavor | Clean, subtle | Rich, balanced | Bold, intense |
| Throat hit | Gentle | Noticeable | Strong |
| Battery drain | Slowest | Medium | Fastest |
| Best for | All-day vaping, longevity | Everyday sweet spot | Short intense sessions |
ECO Mode (15W) Maximum Longevity
The efficiency mode. Cooler vapor, smoother draw, gentlest throat hit and the full ~25,000 puff rating. Flavor is clean but less punchy; delicate fruit flavors (Georgia Peach, Ripe Apple) actually shine here because the low heat doesn’t distort them. Use ECO when you want the device to last weeks, or when vaping discreetly.
Boost Mode (20W) The Sweet Spot
The mode most owners should live in. Noticeably fuller clouds and deeper flavor than ECO, with only a moderate puff-count cost (~20,000). The dual mesh coil hits its stride here warm enough for rich flavor, cool enough to avoid harshness. If you only try one mode, make it this one.
X Mode (25W) Full Power
Maximum intensity: dense clouds, bold flavor, strong throat hit. The trade-off is real ~17,000 puffs instead of 25,000, faster battery drain, and more e-liquid per puff. Best for short sessions: an evening vape, showing off a new flavor, or pushing bold profiles like Blueberry Burst and Grape Ice. Don’t run X Mode exclusively unless you enjoy buying replacements.
Mode Strategy: Which Mode When?
- Workday / all-day vaping: ECO lasts longest, stays smooth
- Daily default: Boost the best balance, no thinking required
- Evening / flavor chasing: X intensity when you want it
- New flavor first try: Boost truest representation of the tasting notes
- Battery low, no charger: ECO sips power until you can recharge
Pro move: Start every new device in ECO or Boost and save X Mode for occasions. Running X exclusively turns your 25K device into a 17K device that’s 8,000 puffs you’re paying for and not getting.
Airflow Settings: MTL, Normal, DTL
The airflow control is a twist ring near the base. Three positions:
- MTL (mouth-to-lung) tight, cigarette-like draw. More throat hit, less vapor, most discreet. Pairs best with ECO or Boost.
- Normal balanced restriction. The default most people keep. Works with every mode.
- DTL / DL (direct-to-lung) open, airy draw. Bigger clouds, cooler vapor, deeper inhales. Pairs best with Boost or X.
Best combos:
- Flavor purist: Boost + Normal
- Maximum clouds: X + DTL
- Discreet all-day: ECO + MTL
- Ex-smoker transition: Boost + MTL (closest to a cigarette’s draw)
Display Guide: What You’re Looking At
The full-color screen shows four things:
- Battery icon charge level; recharge via USB-C when low
- E-liquid indicator juice remaining (in puffs or percentage depending on firmware)
- Mode indicator ECO / Boost / X
- Puff count total puffs taken
Check the e-liquid indicator before a long day out the 1000mAh battery recharges, but the 20mL juice doesn’t refill.
Charging
USB-C fast charging. A full charge takes roughly 45–60 minutes. You can vape while it charges (passthrough), though it’s gentler on the battery to let it finish. The battery will outlast the juice if you recharge regularly that’s the point of the design.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No vapor on inhale | Dead battery or airflow blocked | Charge it; check the airflow ring isn’t fully closed |
| Burnt taste | Chain-vaping in X Mode | Drop to Boost/ECO, slow down; let the wick re-saturate |
| Weak flavor | ECO mode + muted flavor | Switch to Boost; try a tighter airflow |
| Gurgling / spitback | Condensation in mouthpiece | Flick the device downward (mouthpiece away), wipe the mouthpiece |
| Screen blank but vapes | Display glitch | Usually resolves after charging; device still works |
| Blinking light | Low battery or end of e-liquid | Charge first; if blinking persists with full battery, juice is done |
FAQs
How do I change modes on SBX vape?
Cycle through ECO, Boost, and X using the mode control the display confirms your selection. (Exact control varies slightly by batch; the screen always shows the active mode.)
Which SBX mode is best?
Boost (20W) for most people best flavor-to-longevity balance. ECO for maximum puffs, X for maximum intensity.
How many puffs does X Mode give?
~17,000 vs ~25,000 in ECO. Same device, same juice higher wattage just burns through it faster.
What does MTL mean on SBX?
Mouth-to-lung: a tight, cigarette-style draw. DTL (direct-to-lung) is the opposite open and airy.
Can you recharge SBX vape?
Yes 1000mAh battery with USB-C fast charging. Recharge as many times as needed until the 20mL e-liquid runs out.
Why does my SBX taste burnt?
Usually chain-vaping at high wattage (X Mode). Lower the mode and pace yourself the wick needs time to re-saturate between puffs.
Does the mode affect flavor?
Yes. Higher wattage = warmer, more intense flavor but faster juice consumption. Some delicate flavors taste better in ECO; bold ones thrive in X.
For adults 21+ only. See our Metatine explainer for what’s inside, and is SBX safe for the honest safety picture.