Eleaf iStick T80 MOD Gradient Red

Overview

The Eleaf iStick T80 MOD Gradient Red by Eleaf in Gradient Red at 0mg. Free UK delivery over £20, same-day dispatch on weekday orders before 4pm.

Eleaf iStick T80 MOD Black: overview

The Eleaf iStick T80 MOD Black is a compact, built-in-battery box mod from Eleaf, a brand that has been building iStick-series devices for well over a decade. The name tells you where it sits: up to 80W of output, enough to drive a sub-ohm tank for warm, dense mouth-to-lung vaping, in a body small enough to live in a jacket pocket without the bulk of a dual-cell mod. This page covers the Black finish and is written for UK adults who already vape or are moving away from smoking.

Eleaf's iStick range has always leaned toward simple, dependable hardware rather than a long list of gimmicks. The T80 follows that line. You get a single fire button, a small display, adjustment buttons, a USB-C charging port and a standard 510 connection on top. There is no app to pair, no proprietary pod to match and no locked refill system, so you choose the tank, the coil and the e-liquid yourself. That freedom is the main reason people pick a mod over a pod kit or a disposable.

A note on the listing: this is the Black colourway of the mod. Depending on the bundle you select, the box can include a tank, spare coils and a charging cable, so read the contents list on the product page before you order if you need a complete starter set. If you only need the mod, it will work with any 510-threaded tank that suits its power range, which we cover in the coil and tank section below.

• Type: refillable box mod with a built-in rechargeable battery
• Output: up to 80W, variable wattage
• Connection: 510 thread, so it accepts most standard tanks and atomisers
• Charging: USB-C
• Suited to: sub-ohm and low-resistance tanks, with low or mid nicotine freebase e-liquid, or nicotine salts in a higher-resistance mouth-to-lung setup

Everything on this page is aimed at adults aged 18 or over. Nicotine is addictive. A mod like this is a refillable, rechargeable device, not a single-use product, and that has real consequences for cost, waste and how you look after it, all of which are covered below.

Specifications at a glance

Before getting into how the T80 feels in use, here is the hardware picture. Figures below reflect the type of specification Eleaf publishes for this model and the class of device it belongs to. Always check the spec table on the product page for the exact bundle you are buying, as minor revisions and regional versions do occur.

• Maximum output: 80W. Wattage is adjustable in small steps, so you can dial in a tank rather than relying on a fixed preset.
• Battery: built-in lithium-ion, rated at roughly 3000mAh. This is a sealed internal cell, so it is not removable or swappable.
• Charging port: USB Type-C. Any decent 5V phone-style charger and a good cable will do the job.
• Thread: 510, with a spring-loaded or flush-fitting contact depending on the revision. Tanks up to a typical 24mm to 25mm diameter sit neatly on a body this size, though always test the fit before committing to a wide tank.
• Resistance range: mods in this power class generally fire coils from around 0.1 ohm upward. The sweet spot for a 3000mAh single-cell build is a coil between roughly 0.15 and 0.6 ohm.
• Modes: variable wattage is the main mode. Temperature-control style modes and a bypass-style mode are commonly offered in mods of this type, so check the listing for the exact set on your unit.
• Safety protections: short-circuit, low-resistance, over-temperature, over-discharge and over-charge protection are standard on devices from established makers such as Eleaf.
• Finish: Black. Other colours may be available separately.

For a mod, there is no puff count in the way there is for a disposable. Because you supply the e-liquid and the coil, the number of puffs depends on your tank size, your coil, your wattage and how you vape. A useful way to think about it is e-liquid consumption: at 40W to 60W through a sub-ohm coil, a moderate vaper typically uses somewhere between 2ml and 5ml per day. We go into this in more detail in the performance and value sections.

If you see a spec on a rival site that differs from the above, trust the manufacturer's manual that ships with the device. It is the definitive reference for button combinations, mode names and any firmware quirks.

Performance and vapour delivery

Power is the headline number on any mod, but what matters day to day is how smoothly the device delivers it. The T80 is built around a single internal cell, which means it has less headroom than a dual-18650 mod at the top of its range. In practice that is not a limitation for most users. The majority of sub-ohm tanks perform comfortably between 40W and 65W, and the T80 can sit in that window for a full day of normal use without sagging badly.

Firing is quick. When you press the fire button the coil heats almost immediately, with no noticeable lag on a mesh or low-resistance coil. Output is held steady across a draw, so the first and last second of a pull feel consistent, which is a good sign of a competent chipset. At the very top of the wattage range the battery will drain faster and the device will run warmer, which is normal behaviour for any single-cell mod.

What to expect at different power levels:

• 20W to 35W: suited to higher-resistance coils (0.6 ohm and above), restricted-lung and loose mouth-to-lung draws, and nicotine salt e-liquids. Low vapour volume, tight throat feel, long battery life.
• 35W to 55W: the comfortable range for most sub-ohm mesh coils between 0.2 and 0.4 ohm. Balanced vapour volume, good flavour, sensible battery drain.
• 55W to 80W: intended for low-resistance coils (0.15 ohm and below) and large-volume vaping. Expect warmer vapour, heavier e-liquid use and a battery that needs topping up several times a day.

Remember that more power does not automatically mean better vaping. Every coil has a rated range printed on its casing or box. Running a coil above that range gives a hot, harsh vape, burns the wick quickly and shortens coil life. Start at the lower-middle of the range and move up in small steps until the flavour and warmth feel right.

Regarding e-liquid use, a 0.2 ohm coil at around 50W will consume roughly 1ml of liquid for every 150 to 250 puffs, depending on how long you draw. If you are used to the lower consumption of a pod kit, a sub-ohm setup will feel thirsty. That is the trade-off for denser vapour and fuller flavour. UK-sold tanks are capped at 2ml of capacity, so plan on refilling more often than you would with tanks sold in other countries.

Flavour profile and what affects it

A mod itself does not have a flavour. What it does is control how accurately the coil is heated, and that has a direct effect on how your e-liquid tastes. The T80 delivers stable output without obvious spikes, which helps fruit, menthol and dessert profiles come across cleanly rather than muddy or scorched.

With a mesh coil in the 0.15 to 0.3 ohm range at the lower half of the coil's wattage rating, expect a warm-to-cool vapour with rounded flavour. Fruit and ice blends open up well at that setting. Creamy or custard-based liquids benefit from slightly higher wattage, because the heavier ingredients need more heat to vaporise fully. Tobacco and nutty flavours tend to show their fullest character at the middle of the range and can turn flat if you under-power them.

Practical tips for better flavour:

• Prime every new coil. Drip e-liquid directly onto the cotton, fill the tank, and let it sit for five to ten minutes before the first draw. Dry cotton burns instantly and ruins the coil.
• Match VG ratio to the coil. A 70VG or max VG liquid wicks slowly and suits a low-resistance mesh coil run at higher power. A 50VG/50PG blend suits higher-resistance coils and gives a stronger throat hit and sharper flavour.
• Watch for sweeteners. Heavily sweetened liquids can gunk a coil quickly, shortening its life and dulling flavour. If a coil turns muddy in under a week, the liquid is the likely cause.
• Keep the tank clean. Rinse the tank and drip tip with warm water when you swap flavours to avoid ghosting, where the previous flavour lingers.

If you want to swap between flavours, the cleanest approach is to run one coil per flavour family. A fruit coil should not be reused for menthol or tobacco, as the old flavour will carry over. Coils are inexpensive compared with the cost of a bottle of premium e-liquid, so it is worth having a few spares on hand.

Because the T80 gives you the option to adjust wattage on the fly, it is easy to fine-tune a flavour. Raise the power by two or three watts if a liquid tastes thin, lower it if it tastes harsh. This kind of quick adjustment is something a pod kit or disposable cannot offer.

Design and build quality

The iStick T80 uses a slim, rounded body that fits comfortably in one hand. Because it relies on a built-in cell rather than two external batteries, the body can stay narrow, and the Black finish keeps it discreet. It reads as a tidy, everyday device, closer to a large pod kit in size than to a chunky advanced mod.

The body is a zinc alloy construction with a coated finish, which is common in this price class. Black coatings are practical because fingerprints and light scuffs are less visible than on gloss pastel colours, though over months of pocket carry you may still see wear on edges and corners. A silicone sleeve or a phone-style pouch is a cheap way to protect the finish if cosmetic condition matters to you.

Controls and layout:

• Fire button: large and easy to find without looking. The click is firm enough to avoid accidental firing in a pocket when the device is locked.
• Adjustment buttons: plus and minus buttons sit close to the fire button for one-handed wattage changes.
• Display: a compact screen shows wattage, coil resistance, battery level and puff data. It is clear in normal lighting, though direct sunlight can wash out any small screen.
• Charging port: USB-C sits on the base or side, and is reversible, which saves fumbling in the dark.
• Battery cover: there is no removable battery door, because the cell is sealed inside.

On the 510 connector, check that your chosen tank sits flush with the top plate. A tank with a slight overhang looks untidy but works fine, while a tank that is too wide may leave a visible gap or wobble. If you are unsure, a 22mm to 25mm tank is a safe match. Tighten the tank by hand only. Over-tightening can damage the contact pin or strip the thread.

The mod is not water-resistant or shockproof. Keep it away from moisture, do not leave it in a hot car and avoid dropping it on hard surfaces. Eleaf builds the device to a reasonable standard for the price, but a sealed battery makes it less forgiving of abuse than a mod with removable cells. Wiping the contacts with a dry cotton bud every few weeks keeps the connection clean, which helps prevent intermittent firing.

Battery life and charging

The T80 has a built-in battery of roughly 3000mAh, which is a sensible capacity for a single-cell device in this power range. Real-world endurance depends on three things: the wattage you use, the resistance of your coil and the length of your draws.

Indicative battery life from a full charge:

• 25W to 35W, higher-resistance coil: a full day for most users, often 12 hours or more of normal use.
• 40W to 55W, 0.2 to 0.4 ohm mesh coil: roughly 6 to 10 hours of moderate use, which suits a typical working day.
• 60W to 80W, 0.15 ohm or lower: expect a few hours of heavy use, and plan to charge at lunchtime or carry a power bank.

Those ranges are guidelines rather than promises, because every user draws differently. A user who takes long, slow pulls at 50W will drain the cell faster than someone taking short sips at the same setting.

Charging: plug a USB-C cable into the port and connect it to a wall adapter or a computer port. A reputable adapter in the 5V range (1A to 2A) is ideal. Charging from a computer port is slower but gentle on the cell. Avoid cheap, unbranded chargers, as poor regulation is one of the more common causes of battery problems. Expect a full charge to take a couple of hours, depending on the current your adapter supplies.

Good battery habits:

• Do not leave the device charging unattended overnight or while you are out of the house.
• Do not charge on soft furnishings, in direct sunlight or on a hot surface.
• Avoid draining the battery to zero regularly. Recharging at 10 to 20 percent extends the cell's life.
• Stop using the device if it swells, becomes unusually hot, smells of chemicals or behaves erratically. Do not charge a damaged device.

Recycling: because the battery is sealed inside, you cannot remove it before disposal. In the UK, vapes and their batteries must not go in household bins or ordinary recycling. Retailers that sell vaping products are required to take back waste vapes, and many household waste recycling centres and supermarket collection points accept small electrical items. Look for a vape-recycling or small-WEEE drop-off point near you, and hand the whole device in rather than trying to dismantle it.

Coil and tank compatibility

The T80 uses a standard 510 thread, which means it is not tied to a particular tank. Most UK vapers pair it with a sub-ohm mesh tank from Eleaf, Vaporesso, Voopoo, GeekVape, Uwell or a similar maker. If your bundle includes a tank, it will be matched to the mod's power range and is the simplest place to start.

Mesh versus round-wire coils:

• Mesh coils use a flat sheet of resistance material with a large heating surface. They warm up quickly, give consistent flavour and produce more vapour for a given wattage. Most modern sub-ohm tanks ship with mesh coils, and they suit the T80 well in the 0.15 to 0.4 ohm range.
• Round-wire coils use wound wire around a cotton wick. They often suit mouth-to-lung and restricted draws at higher resistances, and can give a slightly crisper flavour at lower wattage.

When choosing a tank, keep three points in mind. First, the coil's recommended wattage range should overlap with what a single 3000mAh cell can sustain, which in practice means a top end of around 60W to 70W for comfortable use. Second, UK rules cap the capacity of a tank sold for vaping at 2ml, so look for a UK-spec tank or a larger tank supplied with a 2ml glass or a capacity insert. Third, confirm the tank's diameter will not overhang the mod body too much.

Coil life. A mesh coil typically lasts one to three weeks depending on liquid sweetness, power level and how often you chain-vape. Signs a coil is ending include a burnt or flat taste, reduced vapour, a gurgling sound and the tank leaking more than usual. Swap the coil early rather than pushing it, as a failed coil gives unpleasant flavour and can leave residue in the tank.

Resistance matching. The T80 will read the resistance of whatever coil you install and display it. If the reading looks wrong, for example 0.00 or a message about the atomiser, remove the tank, clean both contact points and retry. A genuinely wrong reading usually means the coil is not seated properly or is faulty.

Buy coils that match the exact tank model. Coils from different series often share a thread but not a size, and a mismatched coil can leak, flood or fail to seal.

Nicotine strength guidance

Choosing the right nicotine strength matters more with a mod than with a pod kit, because the amount of vapour per puff is much greater. Too much nicotine at high power is harsh and can cause dizziness or nausea. Too little leaves cravings unsatisfied.

UK rules cap nicotine at 20mg/ml for refill e-liquids, and that cap applies whether the product is freebase nicotine or nicotine salt. Refill bottles are limited to 10ml, and tanks to 2ml. Shortfill bottles contain 0mg nicotine and come with separate nicotine shots, so the final strength is set by how many shots you add. Disposable vapes are also covered by the same 20mg limit, although single-use vapes have been banned from sale in Great Britain since June 2025. The T80 is a refillable device, so the rules that apply to it are those for e-liquids.

Starting points for sub-ohm and low-resistance use:

• Moderate-to-heavy smokers (20 or more per day): 6mg to 12mg freebase in a 50VG/50PG or 70VG liquid, or 10mg to 20mg nicotine salt if your coil is at 0.6 ohm or higher and you are using a lower wattage.
• Light-to-moderate smokers (10 to 20 per day): 3mg to 6mg freebase, or 10mg nicotine salt in a higher-resistance setup.
• Occasional or reducing users: 0mg to 3mg freebase.
• Ex-smokers staying nicotine-free: 0mg shortfill, which is cheap and lasts well in a larger tank.

A simple rule of thumb: the more vapour per puff, the lower the strength you need. If you move from a low-wattage coil to a 60W mesh coil, drop your nicotine strength by roughly half. If you feel lightheaded, sweaty or queasy after a few puffs, you are probably taking in too much, so lower the strength or the power.

Nicotine salt liquids are smoother at high strengths and absorb faster, but they are usually designed for low-power pod kits. In a sub-ohm tank at 50W or more, a 20mg salt liquid would be very strong. If you want to use salts in the T80, choose a higher-resistance coil and keep the wattage low, in the 20W to 35W range.

This guidance is general. If you have a health condition, are pregnant or are taking medication, speak to a pharmacist or GP before using nicotine products.

Who the T80 is for, and who should skip it

The iStick T80 is built for adults who want more control than a disposable or pod kit offers, without moving to a large dual-battery mod. It is a good fit for several types of user, and a poor fit for others.

Good matches:

• Smokers switching to vaping who want a step up from pods. If you started on a pod kit and found the flavour thin or the battery flat by mid-afternoon, a sub-ohm mod gives denser vapour and longer endurance.
• Existing vapers who want a compact backup device. A small, pocketable mod is a sensible second device alongside a larger setup.
• Users moving away from disposables. With single-use vapes now banned from sale in Great Britain, a refillable mod plus a bottle of e-liquid is the natural next step, and the running cost is considerably lower.
• People who like tinkering. Changing coils, adjusting wattage and trying different e-liquids is a hobby for many vapers, and the T80 makes it easy.

Not the right choice for:

• Complete beginners who want something to grab and go. A mod needs filling, priming and some coil management. A simple pod kit or a prefilled pod device is more forgiving for a first-time user.
• Anyone who wants removable batteries. If you carry spare cells and swap them through the day, a mod with replaceable 18650 batteries is more practical.
• Cloud-chasers who want 100W or more. The T80 tops out at 80W on a single cell. Power users will prefer a dual-battery mod.
• Anyone under 18, or non-smokers. Vaping products are sold only to adults, and nicotine is not recommended for people who do not already use it.

If you are undecided, think about how you vape. If you take 100 or so puffs a day and prefer a tight, cigarette-like draw, a higher-resistance setup on the T80 at low wattage can serve you well. If you prefer large, warm, dense vapour, run a 0.2 ohm mesh coil at around 50W. The mod can handle either approach, which is one of its strengths.

How to use the iStick T80

Setting up the T80 takes a few minutes. Follow these steps for the first session, and the process will become second nature.

• 1. Charge the battery. Plug in a USB-C cable and let the device charge fully before the first use. This also checks that the charging circuit works.
• 2. Install the coil and tank. Screw the coil firmly into the tank base, then screw the tank onto the 510 thread by hand. Do not overtighten.
• 3. Prime the coil. Drip a few drops of e-liquid onto the cotton openings of the coil, then fill the tank to the maximum line. Allow five to ten minutes for the cotton to soak through.
• 4. Switch the mod on. Most mods of this type switch on and off with five rapid presses of the fire button. The screen will light up and show the resistance of the coil.
• 5. Set the wattage. Use the plus and minus buttons to select a wattage from the lower-middle of your coil's recommended range. Check the coil's casing or box for the range.
• 6. Take a few test puffs. Press the fire button and draw slowly. Take two or three short pulls without inhaling deeply to check the coil is wicking properly.
• 7. Adjust. Increase the wattage by one or two watts at a time until the vapour temperature and flavour suit you. Stay within the coil's rated range.

Everyday habits:

• Lock the device or switch it off when you put it in a pocket, to prevent accidental firing.
• Do not chain-vape. Short breaks let the coil re-wet and extend its life.
• Refill before the tank drops below the level of the coil's wicking holes. Running dry burns the cotton.
• Wipe the 510 pin and tank base now and again to keep the connection reliable.

When you switch to a new flavour, empty the tank, rinse it with warm water, dry it fully and fit a fresh coil if you want the cleanest result. Always store the device upright where possible, away from heat and out of reach of children and pets. Refill bottles of nicotine liquid should also be kept out of reach of children, as they contain a toxic substance in concentrated form.

Troubleshooting common issues

Most problems with mods come down to coils, connections and charging. Work through the checks below before concluding that the device is faulty.

The screen shows a message about the atomiser, short circuit or no coil:

• Unscrew the tank and check that the coil is firmly seated in the base.
• Wipe the 510 pin and the base of the tank with a dry cotton bud. Eleaf and tank makers recommend regular cleaning, as residue builds up over time.
• Try a different tank or a fresh coil to identify which part is at fault.
• Check the tank is not over-tightened, which can push the centre pin out of alignment.

The vape tastes burnt or flat:

• The coil may be worn out or may have been fired dry. Replace it and prime properly.
• The wattage may be too high for the coil. Lower it by 5W and test again.
• Heavily sweetened e-liquid can clog the cotton. Try a less sweet flavour or a thinner VG ratio.

Leaking:

• Check the tank seals and O-rings. Replace any that look cracked or flat.
• Do not overfill, and make sure the fill port is fully closed.
• A thin liquid with a high PG ratio can leak from a coil designed for thick liquid. Match the liquid to the coil.
• Pressure changes on flights or in a car can push liquid out, so keep the tank upright and consider emptying it before long journeys.

The device will not charge or charges slowly:

• Try a different USB-C cable and a different adapter. Cables fail more often than devices.
• Check the port for lint or dust and clean it carefully with a wooden toothpick.
• If the device becomes hot while charging, disconnect it immediately and contact the seller.

The device will not fire or fires inconsistently:

• Check it is switched on with five clicks, and that it is not in a locked state.
• Check the battery is not completely flat. A deeply discharged cell may need several minutes on charge before it responds.
• If the problem persists after cleaning the contacts, contact the seller for warranty support.

Never attempt to open the casing or modify a sealed battery. If a device shows physical damage, swelling or a chemical smell, stop using it and take it to a recycling point.

Value for money and how it compares

The upfront price of a mod is higher than a single disposable, but the running cost is far lower. A disposable vape typically costs a few pounds and lasts a day or two for a regular user. A refillable mod costs more at the start, then relies on e-liquid at a fraction of the price per puff and coils that cost less than a pack of cigarettes. Over a few weeks the mod normally works out cheaper, and over a year the gap is substantial.

There is also the environmental side. Single-use vapes have been banned from sale in Great Britain since June 2025 because of the waste they create. A mod with a rechargeable battery and replaceable coils produces far less waste per month of vaping, and at the end of its life it can be handed in at a vape-recycling drop-off point or a household waste recycling centre that takes small electricals.

Where the T80 sits against alternatives (a fair comparison):

• Versus pod kits (for example Vaporesso, Voopoo, Smok or GeekVape pod devices): pod kits are simpler, smaller and better for beginners and for high-nicotine salt use. The T80 offers more power, wider tank choice and denser vapour, but demands more handling.
• Versus other built-in-battery mods in the same class (for example Vaporesso GTX or Gen-series, Voopoo Drag-series, Smok Mag-style kits): these are close rivals at similar prices, with comparable output and capacity. Choice often comes down to ergonomics, display, coil range and which coil family you already own. The T80 is a sensible pick if you like Eleaf's coil range or already have Eleaf tanks.
• Versus external-battery mods (single or dual 18650): these offer higher peak power and swappable cells, but they cost more once you add batteries and a charger, and they are bulkier. If you need more than 80W or want to carry spare batteries, they are the better tool.

What the money gets you: a compact device with sensible power, standard connectivity and a recognised brand name. What it does not get you is top-tier features such as a large colour touchscreen, app control or very high wattage. For many adult vapers, that is a fair trade, and the lack of extras keeps the price accessible.

Check the current price and bundle on the product page, as pricing and what is included in the box vary. Buying from a UK retailer also means your purchase is protected by the Consumer Rights Act 2015, which gives you a short-term right to reject faulty goods and a route to repair or replacement if the device develops a fault within the first six months.