What Makes These iStick Models Stand Out? Find the One That’s Right for You

Eleaf iStick Series: A Decade of Compact Box Mods

Few names have remained as closely associated with compact box mods as Eleaf iStick. The story began in 2014, when Eleaf introduced the original iStick 20W. Announced on August 30, 2014, the first iStick combined a compact metal body, a built-in 2200mAh battery, a 20W maximum output and an OLED screen into a device designed to fit comfortably in the palm. Its 510 connection and adjustable output established a formula that would become familiar across the series: relatively small dimensions, straightforward controls and a focus on everyday portability. Eleaf’s original announcement records the launch and its specifications.

From there, the iStick name became a platform rather than a single device. Eleaf expanded the early line with models such as the iStick 20W, 30W, 50W and 100W, gradually increasing both power and battery capacity while retaining the compact box-mod concept. Temperature control entered the family with the iStick TC40W, while the Pico generation introduced another defining idea: putting a replaceable 18650 battery and considerably more power into a remarkably small body. Eleaf’s own archive now lists a long history of iStick and Pico models, including the Pico, Pico 25, Pico S, Pico X, Pico 2 and later Pico Le and Pico Plus.

The series has continued to evolve rather than simply becoming more powerful. Recent models demonstrate several directions at once: the iStick i40 and i75 emphasize compact ergonomics and integrated batteries; the iStick P100 introduced a 100W pod-mod format with a TFT display; while the newer X40, X80 and XC100 move the line toward contemporary MTL and higher-output configurations. In 2026, Eleaf described the latest iStick generation as a new evolution of the lineup, pairing models such as the X40, X80, XC100, Power 2 and Pico Plus with its GTL X tank system. The company’s current product catalog therefore shows an iStick family that spans compact everyday devices, replaceable-battery box mods, higher-output systems and more MTL-oriented designs.

That long history also explains why the iStick name continues to appear in independent reviews. Reviewers have repeatedly focused on the same characteristics that defined the family from the beginning: compact dimensions, straightforward operation and the ability to deliver substantial functionality without an oversized form factor. Vaping360’s review of the original iStick Pico, for example, highlighted how much functionality Eleaf managed to fit into its small single-18650 design. More recently, Ecigclick’s Pico Le review emphasized portability, ease of use and consistent performance, while Versed Vaper’s iStick T80 review focused on its battery life, performance and accessible controls. Reviews of the older TC40W likewise continue to describe it as a compact, straightforward device rather than a high-power platform.

Seen as a whole, the iStick story is less about chasing one specification than adapting a familiar design language to changing hardware. From the original 20W iStick to today’s higher-output X-series, the family has repeatedly moved between portability, battery flexibility, power, interface design and ease of use.

From compact classics to higher-powered box mods, the iStick family has always offered more than one way to vape. The differences are not only in wattage, battery or tank compatibility — they also come down to what you value in an everyday setup.

So, which one feels most like you? Maybe you will find the perfect match by taking the quiz below.

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Five iStick Generations, Five Different Personalities

That variety is also what makes the series interesting to compare today. The five devices featured in this guide — iStick TC40W, iStick Pico Plus, iStick XC100, iStick Pico Le and iStick T80 — come from different stages of the iStick story. Rather than treating them simply as a progression from lower to higher wattage, the comparison below looks at how their size, battery architecture, controls, output and overall design philosophy differ. Before choosing a device, explore the comparison and take the quiz to see which iStick profile most closely matches your preferences.

Thumbnail	Product	Size（mm）	Output Wattage	Battery Capacity	Thread
	iStick XC100	25 x 15 x 78	5-100W	about 2500-3500mAh/4000-5000mAh	510 thread
	iStick T80	36 x 28 x 78	1-80W	3000mAh	510 thread
	iStick Pico Plus	47 x 25 x 70.6	5-75W	about 2500-3500mAh	510 thread
	iStick Pico Le	52 x 28 x 71	1-75w	3000mAh	510 thread
	iStick-tc40w	36.2 x 22.3 x 77.3	1-40W	about 2500-3500mAh	510 thread

Thumbnail	Product	Size	Tank volume	Coil	Filling Hole Diameter (mm)
	GTL X Tank	24 x 24 x 50.8	2ml/3ml	all ELEAF GTL coils	3.7
	MELO X Tank	32 x 32 x 59.5	5ml	EC-D, EC-A, EC-2, EC-M & EC-N coils	3.7
	GTL Pod Tank	26 x 26 x 51	2ml/4.5ml	all ELEAF GTL coils	3.8

Eleaf iStick Box Mods and Tank Pairings: Five Classic Devices, Three New Tank Options

The Eleaf iStick family has developed across different generations of compact box mods, from the classic iStick TC40W to the newer XC100 and Pico Plus. Rather than following a single formula, the lineup combines different battery systems, output ranges, control interfaces and tank platforms. That makes these devices useful for comparing different approaches to a modern vape kit — whether the priority is compactness, replaceable batteries, higher output, simple controls or MTL-oriented performance.

The five box mods below represent different points in the iStick lineup: the iStick TC40W focuses on compact temperature-control functionality, the iStick Pico Plus retains the recognizable Pico form factor with a replaceable 18650 battery, the iStick XC100 pushes the platform toward higher output and smarter controls, while the iStick Pico Le and iStick T80 take different approaches to portability and everyday use. Three compatible Eleaf tanks — the GTL X Tank, MELO X Tank and GTL Pod Tank — further expand the possible setup combinations.

Eleaf iStick XC100 — 100W Power with Flexible Battery Options

The iStick XC100 represents one of the more performance-oriented directions of the current Eleaf iStick range. Unlike models with built-in batteries, the XC100 uses a single 18650 or 21700 battery, giving users the option to replace the cell rather than relying entirely on an integrated battery. Its adjustable output reaches 5–100W, making the device suitable for a broader range of atomizer and coil configurations.

One of the defining upgrades is the Smart Chip 2.0. Eleaf specifies functions including memory settings and smart wattage recommendation, while the 1.05-inch TFT color screen displays information such as battery level, puff count and coil resistance. The interface also includes several visual themes, giving this box mod a more contemporary feel than earlier generations of the iStick series.

The XC100 can also be paired with either the GTL X Tank or the MELO X Tank, depending on the preferred vaping style. With the GTL X system, the XC100 can be configured around Eleaf’s newer MTL-oriented GTL-D coils, while the MELO X version uses the EC coil family and is positioned toward higher-output vaping. This flexibility makes the XC100 an interesting choice for readers comparing a more powerful vape mod with the compact designs traditionally associated with the iStick name.

Key specifications: 5–100W output, single 18650/21700 battery, USB-C 2A charging, 1.05-inch TFT display, press-and-twist control, lock slider and 510 tank compatibility.

Eleaf iStick T80 — A Straightforward 80W Everyday Box Mod

The iStick T80 takes a different approach from the XC100. Instead of using a removable battery, it incorporates a 3000mAh built-in battery and provides up to 80W of adjustable output. Eleaf describes the T80 as a successor to the iStick TC40W, retaining the compact and straightforward character associated with the earlier iStick generation while increasing both battery capacity and maximum output.

The body uses an aluminum-alloy construction and keeps the overall design relatively clean, without an oversized control interface. USB Type-C charging provides up to 2A charging current, while the OLED display provides the information needed for everyday adjustment. For users who prefer a rechargeable integrated battery rather than carrying spare 18650 cells, this configuration keeps the basic setup relatively simple.

The T80 can also be paired with the GTL Pod Tank. This combination brings together the 80W box mod with a tank that uses a magnetic connection and supports different GTL coils. Depending on the selected coil, the GTL Pod Tank can accommodate both MTL and DL styles, giving the T80 a broader range of possible configurations.

For someone researching a best vape kit for a particular set of requirements, the T80 is better understood through its specifications rather than a universal ranking: it combines a built-in 3000mAh battery, 80W output, USB-C charging and a familiar iStick-style interface in one package.

Key specifications: 1–80W output, 3000mAh built-in battery, USB-C 2A charging, 510 connection and compact aluminum-alloy body.

Eleaf iStick Pico Plus — The Classic Pico Formula, Updated

The iStick Pico Plus carries forward one of the most recognizable design ideas in the Eleaf box mod family: a compact body combined with a top-mounted battery cap. It uses a single 18650 replaceable battery and offers 5–75W adjustable output. The removable battery architecture also allows users to carry a spare compatible cell, providing a different kind of flexibility from a built-in-battery vape mod.

The newer Pico Plus version adds modern conveniences while retaining the characteristic Pico appearance. It supports USB-C 2A charging and uses a wider 510 platform capable of accommodating tanks up to approximately 25mm in diameter. Despite the increased functionality, Eleaf continues to emphasize the compact dimensions of the Pico design.

When paired with the GTL X Tank, the Pico Plus takes on a more MTL-oriented configuration. The GTL X uses a slide-open top-fill system, adjustable top airflow and GTL-D mesh coils. Eleaf lists 0.8Ω and 1.2Ω GTL-D coils for the newer configuration, giving the setup a lower-power operating range than the high-output side of the iStick family.

This combination illustrates how the Pico concept has evolved: the familiar replaceable-battery box mod remains, but the tank system can be changed to suit newer coil technology and a more restricted draw. For readers comparing an Eleaf iStick vape kit with newer pod-style devices, the Pico Plus offers a bridge between traditional box-mod construction and contemporary tank design.

Key specifications: 5–75W output, single 18650 battery, USB-C 2A charging, 510 connection and compatibility with tanks up to approximately 25mm.

Eleaf iStick Pico Le — Compact, Lightweight and Battery-Swappable

The iStick Pico Le continues the Pico design language while giving the exterior a more contemporary treatment. Eleaf highlights its single 18650 battery structure, characteristic screw cap, compact dimensions and lightweight body. The leather-look finish and color-block design also distinguish it visually from the more industrial appearance of some traditional box mods.

The Pico Le provides up to 75W of output and uses USB Type-C charging at up to 2A. Because the 18650 cell is removable, users can replace the battery when necessary or carry an additional charged cell. This makes the device different from integrated-battery models such as the T80, while maintaining a relatively compact form.

The original Pico Le kit was designed around the GX Tank, which uses GX mesh coils and a magnetic connection. Eleaf describes the GX system as combining plug-and-play coil replacement, adjustable airflow and a side-refilling structure. The kit therefore keeps the box mod relatively simple while using a tank designed around direct coil replacement and higher-power coil options.

The Pico Le is particularly relevant when looking at the evolution of the Eleaf iStick design philosophy. Instead of simply increasing output, Eleaf also experimented with materials, ergonomics, portability and visual design, showing how the Pico branch expanded beyond raw wattage specifications.

Key specifications: 1–75W output, single 18650 battery, USB-C 2A charging, 86g mod weight and compact Pico-style body.

Eleaf iStick TC40W — The Temperature-Control Generation

The iStick TC40W represents an earlier stage of the iStick story, when temperature-control functionality was becoming an important feature of box mods. Despite its compact 36.2 × 22.3 × 77.3mm body, the TC40W provides up to 40W of output and a built-in 2600mAh battery.

Its defining feature is the temperature-control system. Eleaf specifies a TC resistance range of 0.05–1Ω and a temperature range of 100–315°C / 200–600°F. In conventional VW mode, the supported resistance range is 0.15–3.5Ω. The OLED screen displays battery level, resistance, wattage and temperature information, giving users direct access to the main operating parameters.

The TC40W also uses a 510 thread, stainless-steel threading and an elastic spring connector. These details reflect the more traditional box-mod architecture of its generation. Eleaf lists the GS-Tank as its recommended pairing, with the original kit combining the TC40W with temperature-control coils.

Compared with the newer high-output models in this guide, the TC40W is technically more limited in maximum wattage. Its importance lies elsewhere: it demonstrates how the iStick platform combined compact dimensions, a relatively large internal battery and more advanced control functions at an earlier point in the development of the Eleaf vape mod.

Key specifications: 1–40W output, 2600mAh built-in battery, 510 thread, OLED display, VW/TC operation and 100–315°C temperature-control range.

GTL X Tank — A Newer MTL Partner for the iStick Platform

The GTL X Tank is one of Eleaf’s newer tank designs and is particularly relevant to the latest iStick generation. Its structure uses a slide-open top-fill system, allowing the filling port to be accessed from the top, while an adjustable top airflow system provides more precise airflow control. Eleaf specifically positions the GTL X for MTL vaping.

The tank is compatible with the GTL coil family and comes with the newer GTL-D mesh coils. The 0.8Ω GTL-D coil is rated at 13–18W, while the 1.2Ω version is rated at 10–13W. Other GTL coils extend the usable range, allowing the same tank platform to be used across different Eleaf devices.

The GTL X is available in different capacity configurations depending on the market. Eleaf lists 2ml and 3ml versions on the iStick Pico Plus product page, while the official tank listing also describes a 3ml tank with an optional glass tube increasing capacity to 4.5ml. Its 23.9mm diameter makes it suitable for a wide range of 510-threaded box mods.

As a pairing, the GTL X is particularly suited to newer Eleaf devices such as the Pico Plus and XC100 when the goal is a more controlled MTL configuration rather than simply maximizing output.

Key specifications: approximately 23.9mm diameter, 3ml/4.5ml capacity depending on configuration, top fill, adjustable top airflow, 510 drip tip and compatibility with Eleaf GTL coils.

MELO X Tank — Stainless Construction and EC-D Mesh Coils

The MELO X Tank takes a different direction from the MTL-focused GTL X. Eleaf describes it as a stainless-steel tank with a 5ml capacity, top airflow control and compatibility with the wider Eleaf EC coil family. The top airflow configuration is designed to provide adjustable airflow while helping reduce the possibility of e-liquid leakage.

The tank supports the newer EC-D dual-mesh coils, including 0.3Ω and 0.5Ω versions supplied with the standard 5ml configuration. This coil architecture gives the MELO X a more performance-oriented position within the Eleaf tank range, particularly when paired with a higher-output box mod.

The iStick XC100 is one of the natural combinations for the MELO X Tank. With up to 100W of adjustable power and support for either a 18650 or 21700 battery, the XC100 provides considerably more output headroom than compact earlier iStick models. The combination therefore represents a different side of the Eleaf vape kit concept from the Pico Plus and GTL X pairing.

For users comparing tank platforms, the MELO X focuses more on capacity, EC coil compatibility and higher-output configurations, while the GTL X places greater emphasis on MTL airflow and lower-wattage GTL-D coils.

Key specifications: 32mm diameter, 5ml capacity, 3.7mm filling hole, stainless-steel construction, top airflow, 510 connector and compatibility with EC-series coils.

GTL Pod Tank — Switching Between Pod Convenience and 510 Compatibility

The GTL Pod Tank was designed around a simple idea: combining the convenience of a pod-style system with the compatibility of a conventional 510-threaded tank. Eleaf describes it as a tank that can be converted through its 510-threaded base, allowing it to be used with compatible box mods rather than being restricted to one particular device.

A magnetic connection makes the tank straightforward to remove for refilling and coil replacement. The airflow system uses adjustment on both sides, allowing the draw to move between more open airflow and a more restricted configuration. Eleaf positions the GTL Pod Tank for both MTL and DL vaping depending on the selected GTL coil.

The GTL coil range includes 1.2Ω, 0.8Ω and 0.4Ω options. Eleaf specifies approximately 7–13W for the 1.2Ω coil, 12–18W for the 0.8Ω coil and 20–30W for the 0.4Ω coil. This gives the tank a relatively broad operating range despite its compact pod-tank format.

The GTL Pod Tank is particularly relevant to the iStick T80, where the 3000mAh built-in battery and 80W maximum output provide a straightforward box-mod platform while the tank supplies different coil and airflow options. It can also be used with other compatible 510-threaded devices, making it one of the more flexible tank designs in the Eleaf ecosystem.

Key specifications: 4.5ml/2ml capacity, 26.1mm diameter, magnetic connection, 510-threaded tank base, adjustable airflow and compatibility with GTL 1.2Ω, 0.8Ω and 0.4Ω coils.

Choosing a Setup Across the Eleaf iStick Range

Taken together, these five box mods and three tanks show how broad the Eleaf platform has become. The TC40W represents an earlier compact temperature-control design, while the T80 focuses on integrated battery capacity and straightforward operation. The Pico Plus retains the classic replaceable-battery Pico architecture, the Pico Le adds a lightweight and more fashion-oriented exterior, and the XC100 brings higher output, external battery flexibility and a more modern smart interface.

The tanks extend those differences further. GTL X emphasizes MTL airflow and newer GTL-D mesh coils, MELO X focuses on larger capacity and EC-D mesh performance, while GTL Pod Tank combines magnetic pod-style convenience with 510 compatibility and both MTL and DL options. Rather than one device serving every preference, the Eleaf ecosystem provides several combinations built around different power levels, battery systems, airflow styles and coil platforms.

For anyone comparing an Eleaf vape, box mod or vape kit, these differences are more useful than simply looking at maximum wattage. Battery architecture, tank compatibility, coil range, charging method and the intended airflow style all influence how a setup is designed to be used. That is also what makes the iStick series a useful starting point for exploring different generations of Eleaf hardware.

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