Freemax Maxus 100W Vape Kit Black/Red

Overview

The Freemax Maxus 100W Vape Kit Black/Red by Freemax in Black/Red at 0mg. Free UK delivery over £20, same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 4pm.

Freemax Maxus 100W Vape Kit Black/Red overview

The Freemax Maxus 100W Vape Kit in Black/Red is a refillable, higher-power kit for adult vapers who want denser vapour and more control than a basic pod system gives them, without jumping straight to a multi-battery box mod and a rebuildable tank. Freemax is an established vaping hardware manufacturer known for its mesh coil designs, and the Maxus family sits at the higher-wattage end of its range. The 100W in the name is the maximum output the chipset can deliver. The Black/Red colourway is a cosmetic choice and does not change the specification, so everything in this guide applies to whichever finish you pick.

Because this is a kit rather than a disposable, you are buying a reusable device. You fill the tank yourself, swap the coil head when flavour starts to fade, and recharge over USB-C. That changes how you should budget, how you choose nicotine strength and how you look after the device day to day. It also means the kit sits outside the single-use vape ban that has applied across Great Britain since June 2025, which is one reason refillable kits have become the usual route for adult smokers moving over to vaping in the UK.

Here is a quick summary of what you are looking at:

• Maximum output: 100W, adjustable downwards so you can run it gently for flavour or harder for vapour volume.
• Type: refillable kit with a replaceable mesh coil head.
• Battery: internal rechargeable cell in the region of 3000mAh with USB-C charging. Confirm the exact figure in the spec table on the product page, as manufacturers occasionally revise hardware between batches.
• Tank capacity: UK rules limit refillable tanks to 2ml, so UK-market kits are supplied at that capacity. Larger capacities printed on overseas packaging do not apply here.
• Colour: Black/Red.
• Nicotine: you choose your own e-liquid. UK law caps nicotine e-liquid at 20mg/ml and refill bottles at 10ml.
• Age: 18+ only. Age checks apply at purchase and on delivery.

This guide is written for UK buyers and tries to be straightforward about what the kit does well, where it asks something of you, and where other devices may suit you better. Where a figure depends on how you set the device up, such as battery life or e-liquid use, we label it as an estimate rather than a specification.

Performance and vapour delivery

The headline figure is 100W, but the number that matters day to day is the power you actually run. Mesh sub-ohm coils of the type used in this kit are usually happiest in the middle of their rated range, and most people settle somewhere between 40W and 70W. Above that you get warmer, denser vapour and faster liquid consumption. Below it you get a cooler, more flavour-focused draw. The headroom up to 100W is useful to have, but it is headroom rather than a target.

The Maxus 100W is designed for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, where you inhale straight into the lungs through a wide, open airflow path rather than drawing into the mouth first as you would on a cigarette. Airflow is adjustable, so you can restrict it for a slightly tighter draw at lower power or open it right up for a cooler, airier pull at higher power. If you are coming from a cigarette-style draw, start with the airflow partly closed and a lower wattage, then open up as you get used to the sensation.

What about puff count? Puff counts are a disposable-vape concept. A refillable kit has no fixed number of puffs, because output depends on wattage, puff length, liquid type and the condition of the coil. As a rough planning figure only, a 2ml fill at a mid-range 50W setting will typically last somewhere in the region of 300 to 500 draws for most users, and noticeably fewer if you vape at the top of the wattage range. Treat that as an estimate, not a specification. The upside of a refillable device is that you can top up in seconds rather than discarding hardware.

• Ramp-up: mesh coils heat quickly, so vapour is available almost as soon as you press the fire button, and the draw stays consistent through a normal three to four second pull.
• Vapour volume: noticeably denser than a typical pod kit at comparable airflow. Be considerate with it. Many UK venues, workplaces and transport operators set their own vaping rules, so check before you use the device indoors or in shared spaces.
• Liquid use: higher power burns through e-liquid faster. If you find yourself refilling every hour, try dropping the wattage by 10W before assuming something is wrong.
• Regulated output: the chipset holds your chosen wattage steady until the battery gets low, so you should not notice a gradual fade. If the vapour suddenly weakens or the device cuts out, it is time to charge.
• Airflow control: the adjustable airflow lets one device cover a fairly wide range of draw styles, which is useful if you are still working out what you like.

In short, the kit delivers what a 100W sub-ohm mesh device should deliver: quick response, plenty of vapour and enough adjustment range to tune the draw. It is not a mouth-to-lung pod replacement, and it is worth being clear-eyed about that before you buy.

Flavour profile

A kit does not have a flavour of its own. The flavour comes entirely from the e-liquid you choose. What the hardware controls is how faithfully that flavour is delivered, and that is where the coil and the power setting make the difference. Mesh coils spread heat across a wide surface, so e-liquid is vaporised more evenly than on a single round wire. In practice that tends to give a rounded, consistent flavour with fewer hot spots, and it holds up through the life of the coil until residue begins to build up.

Here is what to expect by e-liquid style:

• Fruit and ice: bright and clean at roughly 35W to 55W. Menthol and cooling agents can feel sharp at the top of the range, so keep the power moderate if you like a gentler chill.
• Desserts, custards and bakery: heavier, sweeter profiles do well in the 40W to 60W range. Very sweet liquids leave residue on the mesh sooner, so expect to change the coil more often with these.
• Tobacco and nutty profiles: subtle notes benefit from slightly lower power and a mid-open airflow so the flavour is not washed out by a flood of vapour.
• Drinks (cola, energy, tea): these work across the range, though heavily sweetened liquids carry the same coil-clogging caveat as desserts.

PG and VG ratio matters. E-liquids with a higher propylene glycol (PG) content, such as 50/50 blends, are thinner, wick quickly and tend to carry flavour a little more sharply. High-VG liquids, such as 70/30 or 80/20, are thicker and produce denser vapour with a smoother, slightly softer flavour. A mesh coil handles both, but very thick 80VG-plus liquids can struggle to wick at high power, which shows up as a dry or burnt taste. If you are unsure, 70/30 or 60/40 is a sensible middle ground for this type of kit.

Flavour tip: if a liquid tastes muted, turn the power down before turning it up. Many vapers find that flavour peaks at a lower wattage than they expect, and that the extra power adds heat and vapour volume rather than more taste. Give a new coil a few tanks to settle in as well. The first few draws are rarely representative of how it will taste once it is fully conditioned.

Finally, rinse the tank thoroughly when you change flavours. Residue from a previous liquid will colour the next one, particularly if you are moving from a strong menthol or sweet dessert to something delicate.

Design and build quality

The Maxus 100W follows a compact, hand-filling form that suits a one-handed grip, with the Black/Red colourway combining a dark main body with red accents. Dark finishes look smart out of the box but show fingerprints and light scratches more readily than lighter colours, so a quick wipe with a dry microfibre cloth keeps the device tidy. The red accents also help you spot the fire button and key controls at a glance.

Freemax devices in this class are typically built around a metal alloy chassis with a painted or coated finish, which gives the kit a reassuring weight without making it awkward to carry. The interface is a compact arrangement of a fire button and adjustment controls, with a display showing your power setting and battery level. The product photos on the listing show the exact layout, and the manual explains the click sequences for turning the device on and off, locking the buttons and changing wattage.

Points worth checking when you receive the kit:

• Tank fit: the tank or pod section should seat firmly with no wobble. If there is movement, remove it and reseat it before blaming the device.
• Fill port: a good fill port should open and close cleanly and seal fully. A port that does not close properly will leak in a pocket or bag.
• Airflow control: the airflow adjustment should move smoothly with a bit of resistance, not freely and not stiffly.
• Drip tip: wide-bore drip tips are standard for this style of vaping. Wash it periodically, and replace it if it cracks or discolours.
• USB-C port: check it is clean and free of lint before charging. Pocket debris is a common cause of poor charging contact.

The build is aimed at everyday use rather than display, which is exactly what you want from a device that lives in a pocket or bag. As with any vape kit, dropping it onto a hard floor can crack the tank or dislodge the internal battery, so a small carry pouch is a worthwhile low-cost accessory. Keep the device away from keys and coins in your pocket, as contact between metal objects and the charging port is a real safety consideration.

Overall, the design prioritises usability and ease of adjustment over novelty. That is a practical choice and one that many vapers will appreciate once the novelty of a new device wears off.

Battery and charging

The kit uses an internal rechargeable lithium battery in the region of 3000mAh, charged over USB-C. Check the exact capacity against the spec table on the product page. A battery in this class gives roughly 11Wh of stored energy, which lets us make a sensible estimate of real-world life.

Here is the reasoning. At 50W, a 3000mAh cell would give roughly 13 minutes of total firing time once conversion losses are taken into account. With typical three to four second pulls that works out at around 200 draws per charge. At 30W the same battery stretches to roughly 20 minutes of firing time, or around 300 draws. Lighter vapers will see a charge last most of a day, while heavy users running at 60W or higher should expect to charge once or twice daily. These are estimates for planning, not guarantees.

• Charger choice: use a reputable 5V adapter or a computer USB port with a decent cable. Cheap unbranded chargers and worn cables are a common cause of charging faults.
• Charge supervision: do not leave any lithium-powered device charging unattended or overnight, and do not charge it on a bed, sofa or other soft surface.
• Temperature: avoid charging or leaving the device in direct sun, in a hot car or in freezing conditions.
• Damage: if the casing swells, gets hot during charging, smells odd or leaks, stop using it, keep it away from flammable items and arrange safe disposal.
• Storage: if you will not use the kit for a few weeks, store it with a partial charge in a cool, dry place.

Charging time. A full charge from empty typically takes a couple of hours over USB-C, depending on the charger and the charging current the device accepts. The display will show when it is full. Unplug it once complete rather than leaving it connected for hours.

Recycling in the UK. A vape containing a lithium battery must never go in household rubbish or kerbside recycling, because crushed batteries cause fires in bin lorries and recycling plants. In the UK, retailers that sell vapes are required to take back used vapes and batteries, and many shops have a dedicated vape-recycling bin at the counter. Household waste recycling centres also accept small electricals, and many have a battery or vape drop-off point. Empty the tank and remove the coil first where you can, then drop the whole device at a recycling point. Used coil heads can usually go in general waste once they are free of liquid, but check your local council guidance.

Coil and mesh technology

The coil head is the part that does the work. In a mesh coil, the heating element is a thin sheet of metal mesh formed into a curved or cylindrical shape rather than a wire wound into a spiral. That brings two practical advantages. First, the surface area in contact with the cotton wick is much larger, so e-liquid reaches the heating element more consistently. Second, heat is distributed evenly, which reduces the hot spots that can cause a burnt taste on a single wire coil.

Freemax has used fine stainless-steel mesh in many of its coil families, and the coil heads supplied with this kit are rated for the sort of wattage the device can deliver. Look at the side of the coil head: it will be stamped with a resistance value in ohms and a recommended wattage range. Both pieces of information matter when you set up the device.

• Resistance: lower-resistance sub-ohm mesh coils, generally somewhere between 0.15 and 0.3 ohms at this kind of power, draw more current, heat quickly and produce more vapour. Higher resistance coils are gentler and make the battery last longer.
• Wattage range: stay inside the range printed on the coil. Running below it can taste thin and cool. Running above it overheats the cotton and shortens coil life.
• Compatibility: only use coil heads that are specified for this Maxus tank. Coils from other brands may screw in but will not seat or seal correctly, and mismatched coils are a common cause of leaks.
• Coil life: expect anywhere from one to three weeks of average use per coil head. Sweet liquids, high wattage and chain vaping all shorten it.

Priming a new coil. A new coil head comes with dry cotton. Before you fit it, drip a few drops of e-liquid directly into the cotton holes on the side of the coil, then fit it and fill the tank. Wait at least five to ten minutes so the cotton can soak fully. Skipping this step is the most common cause of a burnt first draw, and a burnt first draw can ruin a coil in seconds.

Signs the coil needs changing. Flavour fades or tastes burnt even with fresh e-liquid, vapour looks thinner than before, the draw gurgles or you hear crackling that was not there earlier. When this happens, a new coil head is a much cheaper fix than a new kit.

Mesh coils have their own limitations. Because they are thirsty, they dislike very thick liquids pushed at high power, and because the mesh is delicate, a dry fire can ruin it immediately. Keep an eye on the liquid level, and refill before the tank drops below the coil's wicking holes.

Nicotine strength guidance for UK vapers

Choosing the right nicotine strength matters more on a 100W kit than on a small pod device. Higher wattage and larger vapour volumes mean you inhale far more e-liquid per draw, and with it more nicotine. That is why sub-ohm style kits are generally used with lower nicotine strengths than small pod systems.

UK rules are worth knowing. Nicotine e-liquid sold in the UK is capped at 20mg/ml (2%), refill bottles are limited to 10ml, and refillable tanks are limited to 2ml. The 20mg cap applies to all nicotine vaping products, including nicotine salt liquids and the pre-filled pods and disposables that were sold under the same rules before the single-use ban. Nicotine-free shortfills in larger bottles are legal because the bottle itself contains no nicotine, and you add nicotine shots separately to reach a final strength, which stays within the cap.

As a starting point, the list below sets out common pairings for a 100W mesh kit:

• 0mg to 3mg, high-VG (70/30 or similar): suits 50W to 100W and large, airy draws. Common for experienced vapers and those who want to cut down on nicotine.
• 3mg to 6mg, 50/50 or 60/40: suits roughly 35W to 60W and is a common starting range for ex-smokers who have moved up from a pod kit.
• 10mg to 12mg nicotine salt: can work at lower wattages, around 25W to 40W, with the airflow tightened. Salts are smoother at higher strengths but at higher wattages deliver nicotine quickly.
• 18mg to 20mg nicotine salt: intended for low-power, restricted-draw devices. On a 100W kit these are rarely appropriate. They can be harsh and deliver a large dose very quickly.

Signs your strength is too high: dizziness, nausea, sweating, a racing heart or a harsh feeling at the back of the throat. If this happens, stop vaping, take some fresh air and drink water. Drop to a lower strength or lower power next time.

Signs it is too low: persistent cravings, lighting up a cigarette between vapes, or chain vaping all day to feel satisfied. Raise the strength a step rather than the wattage.

Nicotine is addictive, and vaping is intended for adult smokers looking for an alternative. If you do not smoke, you should not start vaping. If you are trying to stop smoking, local stop smoking services in the UK offer free support, and many provide advice on moving between nicotine strengths as you cut down.

Who the Freemax Maxus 100W is for

The Maxus 100W is a good fit for a specific group of adult vapers, and being honest about that group makes the buying decision easier.

It suits you if:

• You are an adult smoker or ex-smoker who has outgrown a small pod kit and wants a bigger, smoother draw with more vapour.
• You like a direct-to-lung style of vaping, or you want to try it without buying a multi-battery box mod.
• You prefer lower nicotine strengths (0mg to 6mg) in larger-volume e-liquids.
• You want adjustable power and airflow so you can tune the device to different liquids.
• You are happy to maintain a refillable device: filling, priming coils, wiping the connection and charging.
• You want a device that will take a wide range of mainstream e-liquids rather than a closed system tied to one brand's pods.

It is probably not for you if:

• You want the simplest possible device with no settings. A small pod kit is easier to live with.
• You prefer a tight, cigarette-like draw with high-strength nicotine salts. A dedicated mouth-to-lung pod device is better suited.
• You need the smallest, most pocketable device. A 100W kit with a 2ml tank is larger than a pod system.
• You do not smoke now and have never smoked. Vaping is not for non-smokers, and nicotine is addictive.
• You are under 18. It is illegal to sell or supply vaping products to anyone under 18 in the UK, and age checks apply.

It also suits someone who is curious about changing devices but does not want to learn rebuilding. Replaceable coil heads mean you never touch a wire, a wick or a screwdriver. Think of it as a step up in power and control, with the same convenience of swapping a part when it wears out.

If you are still deciding, ask yourself one question: do you want to spend a few minutes a week looking after your device in return for a better experience? If the answer is yes, the Maxus 100W is a reasonable candidate. If you would rather not think about it at all, a simpler pod kit may be a more comfortable choice.

How to use the Maxus 100W kit

Setting up a refillable kit for the first time takes about ten minutes and avoids most of the problems new users run into. Follow these steps in order.

• Step 1, charge first. Charge the battery fully before first use, using a reputable USB charger. This also lets you check that the device powers up and the display works.
• Step 2, wash the tank. Rinse the tank, drip tip and parts in warm water and dry them thoroughly. Manufacturing residue can affect the first few tanks of flavour.
• Step 3, prime the coil. Drip a few drops of e-liquid onto the cotton through the holes on the side of the new coil head, then screw or push it into the base until it is seated firmly.
• Step 4, fill the tank. Open the fill port, angle the bottle against the inner wall and fill slowly, being careful to avoid pouring into the central chimney. Stop just below the maximum line, then close the port fully.
• Step 5, wait. Let the filled tank stand for five to ten minutes so the cotton can saturate. This is the step that most beginners skip, and it is the step that protects your coil.
• Step 6, start low. Switch the device on using the click sequence in the manual (many Freemax devices use five rapid presses of the fire button). Set the power to the low end of the range printed on the coil, then take a few short puffs without inhaling to the lungs.
• Step 7, tune. Increase the power in 3W to 5W steps until the flavour and warmth feel right. Adjust the airflow ring to taste.
• Step 8, maintain. Refill before the tank gets low, wipe the connection and USB-C port, and lock the buttons when the device is in a pocket to prevent accidental firing.

Everyday tips. Take four or five second pulls at most; very long pulls can overheat the coil. Pause for a few seconds between draws if you are chain vaping, giving the cotton time to re-wet. If you have not used the device for a day or two, take a couple of gentle draws first to check for flavour.

Changing flavour. To switch e-liquid, empty the tank, rinse with warm water, dry thoroughly and fit a fresh coil if the old one has been used with a strongly flavoured or very sweet liquid. Reusing a coil across very different flavours leads to ghosting, where old flavours bleed through into the new ones.

Travel. Empty or nearly empty the tank before air travel, as pressure changes can push liquid out. Check airline rules, as lithium-powered devices usually need to go in hand luggage rather than the hold.

Troubleshooting common problems

Most problems with refillable kits come down to a small number of causes: coil priming, overfilling, power settings and dirty connections. The list below covers the problems vapers meet most often.

• Burnt or dry taste: the coil is either not saturated or it is worn out. If the coil is new, give it longer to soak and lower the power. If it is old, replace it. Do not keep vaping a burnt coil as it makes the flavour of fresh coils worse as well.
• Leaking from the tank or airflow: check that the coil is seated properly, the fill port is shut, and the tank is not overfilled. Leaks are also caused by large pressure changes, such as flying or driving over hills, and by sticky or damaged seals.
• Gurgling or spitting: flooding, usually from overfilling or a thin liquid used at low power. Blow gently back through the drip tip or wipe the tank interior, then lower the airflow slightly.
• No vapour or weak vapour: check that the tank has liquid, the coil is saturated and the device is not locked. Remove and refit the coil head, and wipe the contact pin with a dry cloth.
• Device will not fire or displays a coil or short message: the coil head may be loose, dirty or dead. Refit it, wipe the connection and, if the message persists, try a fresh coil.
• Device will not charge: try a different cable and a different adapter, then clean the USB-C port gently with a dry wooden toothpick or a soft brush with the device switched off. Do not use metal tools.
• Battery drains quickly: the battery may be ageing, or you may be running higher wattage than you realise. Check the setting and try a lower wattage.
• Hissing or whistling airflow: a small adjustment of the airflow ring normally resolves this. It can also come from a loose drip tip.
• Sticky or gunky coil: typical with very sweet liquids. Change the coil and consider lowering the wattage or choosing a less sweetened liquid.

Safety first. If the device gets very hot, swells, smells of burning or leaks battery fluid, stop using it immediately and keep it away from flammable materials. Do not charge a damaged device. Take it to a UK vape-recycling or battery drop-off point, and contact us if you believe the device is faulty so we can help with the next steps.

If none of the above resolves the issue, contact the shop with your order number and a short description or photo of the fault. Faulty goods are covered by your statutory rights under UK consumer law, and the details of our returns process are on the delivery and returns page.

Value for money

Value on a refillable kit has two parts: the upfront price of the hardware, and the ongoing cost of coils and e-liquid. A single price tag for a disposable hides the fact that you pay again every time it runs out. A kit asks for more at the start and generally costs less per week afterwards.

As a rough planning framework rather than a quotation:

• Hardware: a one-off purchase. A 100W kit sits in the mid-range of the refillable market. Check the current price on the product page, as stock and promotions change.
• Coils: replacement coil heads are sold in packs, and each coil typically lasts one to three weeks. A pack of replacement coils usually costs a few pounds per coil, so allow for around two to four coils a month if you vape heavily.
• E-liquid: 10ml bottles of nicotine e-liquid are generally a few pounds each. Nicotine-free shortfill bottles in larger sizes cost noticeably less per millilitre, and you add a nicotine shot to bring the strength up. At 50W you are likely to use somewhere between 3ml and 8ml a day, depending on your habit.
• Charging: the electricity cost is negligible.

For many adult smokers, the all-in monthly cost of a refillable kit is lower than the cost of smoking, and typically lower than buying the same nicotine through pre-filled products. Single-use vapes have been banned from sale in Great Britain since June 2025, so the realistic comparison today is between a refillable kit, a pod system and the cigarettes you may be trying to leave behind.

Where the Maxus offers good value:

• Fully replaceable coil heads mean the device is not thrown away when the coil wears out.
• The 100W ceiling and adjustable airflow let it cover a wide range of draw styles from a single device.
• It works with standard 10ml e-liquid bottles and shortfills, so you can choose your own liquid and not be locked to one brand.

Where it asks for more: you need to maintain it, buy coils and manage liquid levels. If you vape only occasionally, a cheaper, simpler pod kit might cost you less over a year.

Overall, it offers a fair balance of price, power and upkeep for adults who want more from a device than a pod kit offers. It does not set out to be the cheapest option on the market, and it does not need to be. It aims to be a dependable mid-range kit, and on the evidence of the specification it does that job competently.

How it compares with similar kits

The 80W to 100W refillable kit space is crowded, and it helps to know where the Maxus 100W sits relative to other well-known options. We have not run side-by-side tests on this page, so read these comparisons as a framework based on published specifications and general market positioning, and always check the latest specs of whichever device you are considering.

• Voopoo Drag series: these kits are widely stocked and use the PnP coil family, which gives you a large range of coil options from many retailers. The Drag range is a strong contender if coil variety matters to you. The Maxus counterpart is a more focused ecosystem, with Freemax-specific mesh coil heads.
• Vaporesso GEN series: the GEN 80 S and similar kits focus on a compact, button-driven interface and typically run on a replaceable external battery. That makes them easy to keep running with a spare cell, whereas a built-in battery like the Maxus requires you to plug in and wait. If you value battery swapping, the Vaporesso route has an advantage.
• SMOK Nord series: Nord 5 and similar kits tend to be pod-style, simple and lighter, with a slightly lower power ceiling. They are a good choice if you want less to think about and are happy with a lower wattage range. The Maxus offers more headroom and more adjustment, at the cost of a bit more size.
• Uwell Caliburn style pod kits: better for a mouth-to-lung style and high-strength nicotine salts. If you like a tight, cigarette-like draw, these suit you better than a 100W DTL-oriented kit.
• Dual-battery box mods (150W and above): these give far more power and battery life, and are paired with larger tanks. They are bulkier, need more care with battery handling, and are overkill for many adults looking for a straightforward everyday vape.

Where the Maxus stands out: a good power ceiling for its size, mesh coil heads that are easy to swap, adjustable airflow and a straightforward interface. It sits comfortably between a pod system and a full box mod.

Where it gives ground: the coil ecosystem is narrower than the widest-selling rivals, the battery is not user-swappable, and the 2ml UK tank means more frequent top-ups than a sizeable overseas spec might suggest.

If you already use another 80W to 100W kit and are happy with it, there is no strong reason to switch. If you are choosing your first step up from a pod system, the Maxus 100W is a sensible option to put on the shortlist alongside the kits above.