Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

The Lowdown

The Zeus Arc GT has long been one of our favorite portable vapes. The new Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit builds on that success, but as mentioned, we don’t think it calls for an immediate upgrade if you already have the earlier GT model. The new ArcPods and Xtruder, however, are game changers. These items make vaping at home or on the go easier than ever; they eliminate the need for cleaning the device and give you more control over “portions.”

Pros

  • Great, easy-to-use vape
  • New model offers small, incremental improvements over its predecessor
  • ArcPods are ingenious, easy to use, and convenient
  • The Xtruder makes filling and emptying the ArcPods simple
  • The various components work together to create a system that is unlike anything we have seen

Cons

We wish the Hub had a gasket around the edges to make it less noticeable to people with a keen sense of smell

It’s almost 2023, and the Arc GTS’s micro-USB charger should have been updated to USB-C

Three years ago, we reviewed the Zeus Arc GT. The small, compact device combines superb industrial design with the latest vaping technology. Now the company is back with a new model; the Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit includes a vape that looks quite similar to its predecessor. Under the hood, there are significant improvements to the vape, but more importantly, it’s now part of a larger ecosystem.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit retail packaging

In our review of the Zeus Arc GT, we wrote:

A portable vape doesn’t have to be overly complicated but, too often, companies make a simple product complicated by adding feature after feature. We were particularly interested in having a chance to review the Zeus Arc GT because it combines top-quality materials and design with a simplicity that lets you enjoy using it on the go without too much fuss. It is the simplicity of the Arc GT’s design that stands out.

the Zeus Arc GTS Hub

That remains true with the new Zeus Arc GTS. In fact, the two look quite similar.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

Standing at about 3.5″ tall, 2″ wide, and about an inch deep, they are exactly the same size; the GT and the GTS are made from anodized aluminum with a matte black finish, and they have exactly the same shape.

The side of the Zeus Arc GTS Hub

Both have the words “Zeus” and “Arc” embossed on the front of the vape and the letter “GT,” or in the case of the new offering, “GTS” stamped in gold on the side.

The bottom of the Zeus Arc GTS Hub

Like its predecessor, the Arc GTS has a single button that sits under the mouthpiece, which turns the vape on or off and allows you to toggle through three different temperature settings. And, like its predecessor, the Arc GTS has three indicator lines on the side to let you know the current temp; we appreciate the system’s simplicity.

There is one more similarity from one unit to the next; both the Arc GT and Arc GTS use a microUSB for charging. I understood why the older model used microUSB; after all, USB-C was still relatively new three years ago, but in 2022 it’s the standard, and there’s really no excuse for not adopting it.

If you were blindfolded and handed both, you would likely think you were holding two samples of the same vape. All of that is fine by us as we have been quite impressed with the performance of the Zeus Arc GT.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

The only visual indication that this is the third generation of this line is the additional “S” in the letters embossed on the side and the gold, rather than the black, multipurpose tool that sits at the bottom of the vape. As we said, in a blindfold test, the two are indistinguishable.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

So, what’s the big deal about this vape being the third generation? The differences are rather subtle. The new GTS model has an improved air path. It also has next-generation firmware for more consistent and efficient performance.

Here’s a rundown of the differences. The Zeus Arc GTS:

  • Introduces Gold sink technology, featuring a gold chamber and airpath resulting in high quality vapor
  • Can use loose herb and also Arc Pods
  • Has an improved gold/zirconia heatsink that offers less heat transfer than the GT
  • The Gold Multitool comes stock with the GTS and not the GT
  • Has a new mouthpiece that is made out of different material to help improve flavor over the GT model

That’s all great, but we really didn’t have any complaints about the older model. In fact, the only real, substantive change we notice is the new, harder material used for the mouthpiece. It’s different but not necessarily better or worse.

Of course, the Arc GTS has the same gold zirconia vapor path, haptic feedback, and motion sensor as its predecessor. And, thanks to its 3,500mAh battery, you won’t need to charge it too frequently.

We usually recommend purchasing products with the newest and most powerful components and technology you can find and afford. In this case, the incremental improvements from the last generation GT to the GTS is not so substantial as to warrant an enthusiastic endorsement of one over the other.

But, and we think this is a significant but, while the Zeus Arc GT was (and is) a great dry herb vape, it was just that, a dry herb vape.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

The Zeus Arc GTS is different because it is now part of a larger ecosystem, and it’s pretty great.

The Zeus Arc GTS can still be loaded with the ground herb; we used CBG flower from the Horn Creek Hemp Company during our testing.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

The big news is that the Zeus Arc GTS now works with Zeus’ new ArcPod system as part of what the company calls their GTS Hub.

Zeus ArcPods lined up in a row

Before we go further, it is worth noting that the ArcPods will also work with the previous generation Zeus Arc GT. The company is also now offering a slightly less expensive Arc S model that only works with the ArcPods. The Arc S has a Zirconia Ceramic mouthpiece and Stainless-Steel vapor path and chamber, does not come with the multitool and has a lower pricepoint. One advantage is that you can get a discount on arc pod subscription if you purchase the Arc S Hub. Still, we prefer the flexibility of choosing whether to use loose flower or the ArcPods, so while we recommend the Arc GTS, we do not recommend the less expensive Arc S model unless you want a great vape but are looking to save a few dollars.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

When using the Arc GTS with the loose flower, you’ll have to pack the bowl, empty it after use, and clean the residue every few sessions or so. It’s not a complex or difficult process, but it does take some time.

The ArcPods eliminate all of that.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

The ArcPods are small aluminum containers large enough to hold up to .3 grams of ground flower. Each box of ArcPods contains five individual pods and fifteen plastic caps. The ArcPods can be used three times, but each cap is intended for single use only.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

The Zeus ArcHub shipped with three boxes of ArcPods for a total of fifteen pods. Addition packages of fifteen ArcPods and 45 caps can be purchased from TVape for $19.99. It’s a brilliant move by Zeus as it creates an ongoing revenue stream since once you start using the ArcPods, we suspect you won’t want to go back.

To use the ArcPods, you simply pack each pod with .3g of flower and then secure the cap into place. When the time comes for a vaping session, you open the top of the Zeus Arc GTS, place an ArcPod inside and turn the vape on.

You must follow the instructions for the Arc GTS and remove the flow sink and screen. It’s not a difficult process, but the pieces are small, so you will want to be careful when removing them and setting them aside if you decide not to use the ArcPods.

But in all honesty, we can’t imagine why you would want to do so since the ArcPods make loading and using the vape easy and avoids the need for messy degunking.

The ArcPods aren’t just convenient; they also allow consistent control over the amount of dry herb you vape per session.

Loading the ArcPods isn’t difficult, but it is a bit messy. Even when using the magnetically attached micro-tool to the bottom of the vape, ground herb finds its way onto the counter rather than into the ArcPod.

We did tell you that the Arc GTS is part of a larger ecosystem, didn’t we? Well, that’s where the third component, the Zeus Xtruder, comes in.

The Zeus Xtruder

The Zeus Extruder is a large, plastic cylinder.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

The first step is to snap the bottom piece off. When you do, you’ll notice a spot at the center that is the same size as the ArcPods.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

That spot holds the ArcPod in place; you’ll want to place the ArcPod into position without the cover in place.

The next step is reconnecting this bottom piece to the rest of the Xtruder. We were surprised to find that it doesn’t lock firmly in place, but we quickly understood why this is so.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

The next step is to lift the cap of the Xtruder from the main device and load your dried flower of choice into the bin.

Finally, you’ll want to replace the top piece and begin turning it. As you do, you will notice the dry herb being pulled down into the Xtruder and, with each twist, ground to the ideal size for use with the ArcPods.

Eventually, after several twists, the bottom of the Xtruder will pop off a bit, indicating that the ArcPod is full and also revealing why it is not locked into place.

Finally, you’ll want to pull the filled ArcPod out, cap it and set it aside. After that, you can place and empty ArcPod into the Xtruder and release the process.

The first ArcPod will take a decent number of twists before it is filled. That’s because the flower placed into it must be ground and moved down to the ArcPod. Filling additional ArcPods goes much more quickly.

Filling several ArcPods takes some time, but it isn’t a long or difficult process. And, once you have loaded some ArcPods, you won’t need to do so again until they are all “spent.” In other words, while the preparation process of filling the ArcPods may take some time, that initial effort makes actually using the vape far quicker and easier than any vape we have reviewed.

It is at that point that the final challenge presents itself. As mentioned, the Zeus Arc GTS Hub ships with fifteen ArcPods. If you fill them all, you are left with fifteen small herb-filled containers that can easily be lost or misplaced. That’s where the Hub itself comes in.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

The plastic Hub has a spot to hold the Xtruder, the Arc GTS, and three boxes of ArcPods. It also has fifteen slots for holding full ArcPods safely until you are ready to use them.

The Zeus Arc GTS Hub in use

It’s a great system and lets you keep all of your Arc GTS components in one safe, secure, and neatly organized place. The Hub also has a tray with a removal tool in the middle so you can quickly remove spent flowers to reuse the ArcPod.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

The Hub has a cover that affixes to it magnetically. The cover keeps everything in one place and makes transporting the entire system easy.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

Here’s a rundown of some of the Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit’s key features:

  • All-in-One Vaporizer Solution
  • ArcPod Compatibility
  • Xtruder Included
  • Zeus Hub Included
  • Built-in ABV Tray
  • 3500mAh Battery
  • 3 Temperature Presets
  • Goldsink Technology
  • Gold-Plated Heating Chamber
  • Haptic Feedback

We were already impressed with Zeus’ offerings, and while we appreciate the incremental improvements of the Arc GTS over the Arc GT, they aren’t compelling enough for us to recommend replacing an Arc GT.

Even so, the ArcPods and Xtruder take the Zeus Arc GTS to an entirely new level of convenience, and we love it. Using the ArcPods removes the need to clean the vape constantly; they let you easily control “portions” from one session to the next, and they let you fill some pods with one type of flower and others with a different kind.

Using the ArcPods system means you can simply pull out a spent ArcPod filled with one type of flower and swap it for something else. Were it not for the ArcPods, such a change would require you emptying and cleaning the Vape’s chamber, which isn’t exactly always convenient.

Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit Review: No Muss or Fuss with This Complete Vaping Ecosystem

The Zeus Arc GT has long been one of our favorite portable vapes. The new Zeus Arc GTS Hub Kit builds on that success, but as mentioned, we don’t think it calls for an immediate upgrade if you already have the earlier GT model.

The new ArcPods and Xtruder, however, are game changers. These items make vaping at home or on the go easier than ever; they eliminate the need for cleaning the device and give you more control over “portions.” Best of all, the ArcPods work with the earlier Zeus Arc GT!

When you add in the convenience of the Hub kit, you get a complete system that should serve you well for years to come.

The Zeus Arc GTS Hub sells for $239.99; it is available from TVape. If you already have the Zeus Arc GT, the Zeus Hub can be purchased separately for $55.99; it includes the Xtruder and some ArcPods to get you started. Additional ArcPods [sold in packs of three] can be purchased for $15.99.

Source: Review sample supplied by TVape

What We Like: Great, easy-to-use vape; New model offers small, incremental improvements over its predecessor; ArcPods are ingenious, easy to use, and convenient; The Xtruder makes filling and emptying the ArcPods simple; The various components work together to create a system that is unlike anything we have seen

What Needs Improvement: We wish the Hub had a gasket around the edges to make it less noticeable to people with a keen sense of smell; It’s almost 2023, and the Arc GTS’s micro-USB charger should have been updated to USB-C

 

DISCLAIMER:
The statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products has not been confirmed by FDA-approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

All information presented here is not meant as a substitute for or alternative to information from healthcare practitioners. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any product. The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act requires this notice.

Vaping products are only intended for sale to adults 21 years or older. The reviews and information posted on this site are not intended to be used as a substitute for professional health or medical advice and/or information, as no two people are alike.

You and your doctor know your body best, and you should always get professional advice that is specific to you before trying any of the suggested actions, solutions, remedies, or instructions found on this site.

The owners, editors, contributors, administrators, and other staff of Gear Diary LLC and Gear Diary are not qualified medical professionals, and the materials presented here are not intended to be nor do they constitute actionable professional advice.

About the Author

Gear Diary Staff
Gear Diary was founded on September 30, 2006, with the goal to create a website that would not easily be labeled. Everyone who is part of Gear Diary is a professional who uses technology in their work and daily lives. On this site, we share our enthusiasm while exploring the gear we use — the equipment that makes our lives easier, more entertaining, more productive, and more manageable. Our hope is that Gear Diary visitors find this site to be a welcoming, friendly, and accessible place to learn about and discuss interesting topics — and not only those that are tech-related! Gear Diary is a place to discover and explore all kinds of new gear, including smartphones, computers, kitchen gadgets, Toys, EDC, camping gear, or even your next new car! You can follow us on Twitter @GearDiarySite.