The Freemax Gemm 25W Pod Kit arrives approximately six months after the release of the Freemax Gemm 80W device.
Their Freemax Twister 80W Kit had already received high acclaim, largely due to its originality and ease of use.
Designed in the US, their Fireluke Mesh was to be the worlds first sub ohm tank to feature mesh coils.
Mesh coils make it across with our latest review.
What Can We Expect From The Freemax Gemm 25W Pod Kit?
Right out of the box it’s blatantly clear that Freemax has decided to broaden its audience.
Two pods are included, one to suit the stealthy MTL user and another designed for a direct to lung experience.
Unlike the traditional pod format we are presented with two tank inspired PCTG made designs.
..Complete with a single fully adjustable cycloptic airflow port.
The kit is available in four colour schemes. Blue, Red, White and Black.
The pods (I really, really wanna say tanks!) are available for purchase separately. The TPD versions are of course 2ml in capacity but the standard rendition is available in 4/5ml.
They are colour matched to suit the mod and available as blue, red, clear and black.
I received the white version for the purpose of the review.
Speaking of the review, the following experiences are based on my own observations. They may not be in keeping with your own should you decide to purchase.
Inside The Box
- Freemax Gemm Pod (MTL 1.0ohm)
- Freemax Gemm Pod (DTL 0.5ohm)
- Gemm 25W Pod Mod
- 2 x replacement silicon plugs
- USB charging cable
- User Manual
- Warranty card
- Safety card
Freemax Gemm Pod Kit – Specs And Features
Mod
- Size 121 x 25 x 24mm (With pod fitted)
- Weight 67g (with pod fitted)
- Material Zinc Alloy
- Maximum Output 25W (12W-25W with included pods)
- Battery capacity 1300mah
- Wattage adjustable
- 4 level charge indicator
- Resistance range 0.5 – 3.0ohm
- Colour LED display panel
Pod
- Size 45.3mm Height x 23mm Diameter
- Drip Tip 11.9mm Height x 8.6mm Diameter (510 style)
- Weight 15g
- Material PCTG/SS904L
- SS904L Mesh coil (MTL pod and DTL pod)
- Refillable up to 20 times (using FM CoilTech 3.1 technology)
- Tea Fibre cotton for flavour stability
- Single adjustable airflow ring
- Gold plated 510 connector
Design And Build Quality
Mod
There’s absolutely no weight to the battery section of this kit.
The rear panel features what can only be described as weird and futuristic alien hieroglyphics, indeed it may be a nod to the future endeavours of Freemax.
Due to the weight I’m almost convinced it’s made from plastic as opposed to zinc alloy.
The sides of the mod feature a raised pattern that reminds me of those aniseed twist sweets! They serve little purpose and make for a slightly uncomfortable grip.
The mod exudes a very “greasy” feel when held. However, being lightweight there’s probably little chance of slipping from the palm.
The front panel is home to a single fire button at the top. The bottom houses a standard USB port – there’s no type c charging available.
The fire button although sizeable feels a little spongy when pressed but there’s no rattle at all.
The underside of the mod features a single battery air venting hole. It’s also very flat which assists charging when stood up.
FreeMax Gemm Pod Kit – Pods
I’m honestly finding it hard to understand why this is classed as a pod kit. I can understand that pods are often used and thrown away, and that’s certainly the route Freemax are taking here too.
Yet I would have to consider these as disposable tanks.
Indeed these pods come as a completely sealed, one piece affair. The coils are pre installed and the 510 styled drip tip is moulded into the top cap.
Everything from an external perspective is comprised of PCTG.
A dreaded silicone stopper seals both e liquid and any further misconceptions I may have.
Yup! It’s just as fiddly but being top fill is still easier than many traditional pod systems on the market.
The beauty of these pods (OK, I concede) is they both have a single adjustable airflow port at their base.
There’s some clever knurling on the plastic mould which helps no end when adjusting.
The turning resistances are spot on and silky smooth in operation, so you’re going to find your sweet spot easily enough.
I like the fact that the coil resistances are clearly visible on the outside of the pods. You’re even told whether it’s an MTL or DTL coil inside.
The only thing missing are the coil ratings themselves but since the mod takes care of that, no real biggie.
I can’t leave this area without asking the question.
Is anyone else reminded of those retro Christmas tree lights?
..Maybe I’m showing my age! lol
How Does The Freemax Gemm Pod Kit Perform?
The Pod attaches to the mod very smoothly so there’s some good threading at work, and it sits nice and flush.
From here there is more than enough knurling around the base of the pod, adjusting the airflow is incredibly easy.
How To Fill The FreeMax Gemm Pod Kit
This is pod filling for dummies, folks!
- Lift the silicone stopper out of the top of the pod
- Insert nozzle into the exposed hole of the pod
- Carefully squeeze liquid into the chamber until pod is full
- Replace the silicone stopper ensuring a snug seal
The fill port of the pod is quite large so there shouldn’t be any issues with using larger nozzle variations.
How To Use The FreeMax Gemm Pod Kit Functions
- It’s the industry standard five clicks on, five clicks off with the Freemax Gemm 25W Pod Kit.
Press the fire button rapidly three times to adjust power output.
- Green indicates a maximum, harder output of power
- Blue will provide a medium amount of power
- Red will offer a much softer vaping experience
The mod automatically reads the required wattage settings depending on which coil is used. For example, the device will fire to 25W at the maximum output for the DTL coil.
It will only fire to 15W at the maximum output for the MTL coil.
Further safety features and protection have been incorporated into the mod.
- Low resistance
- Low Voltage
- Short circuit
- High Temperature
- Open circuit
FreeMax Gemm Pod Kit – 1.0ohm mesh MTL Coil Performance
I carried out my tests with this MTL stainless steel mesh coil using Double Drip Sherbet Lemon. It’s a 50VG/50PG – nicotine salt e liquid. Perfectly suited for this style of vaping.
Soft Setting – Red (12W)
I shut down the adjustable airflow as far as I could as this was the only way of achieving a tight MTL experience. All other airflow settings gave a far too loose vape for my liking.
The flavour of the lemon was quite bright and poppy, demonstrating the citric tones quite nicely. The fizziness of the profile, however was absent. Cloud production was minimal but allowed for a stealthy vape.
Medium Setting – Blue (14W)
An improvement to the throat hit was noticeable on the medium setting. There was slightly more sweetness from the lemon and the flavour in general seemed to linger more.
From time to time the flavour did appear somewhat diluted and inconsistent. Cloud production was unaltered from the lower setting.
Hard Setting – Green (15W)
The flavour was now diminishing under this setting and cloud production remained the same as before, certainly no increase worthy of mention. The fruity tones only seemed to want to appear towards the end of the exhale.
With Airflow Wide Open – DTL vaping
Although the coil is not strictly designed for the purpose of direct lung vaping I thought I’d try out of curiosity.
I achieved a much more consistent vape during procedures and was surprised at how well the coil held up to extended inhales.
Curiosity killing the cat? Maybe Lol!
Although the flavour was still muted and flat I found this restrictive direct lung the best way to vape. It was offering reasonable flavour, definitely an improved cloud production coupled with a mild throat hit.
FreeMax Gemm Pod Kit – 0.5ohm Mesh DTL Coil Performance
I tested the DTL mesh coil with Zeus Juice The Black. It’s a high VG ratio with freebase nicotine.
Freemax suggest in their instruction manual to gradually step up through the three power settings. As well as priming the coil it’s another way of preventing unnecessary dry hits.
The following three tests were carried out with the airflow wide open.
Soft Setting – red (15W)
The first thing of note is cloud production. On soft setting it produced much more than I anticipated. The juice was wicking just fine with copious amounts of air bubbles circulating around the pod.
Blackcurrant bounces forth, is clean and distinct while a hint of menthol provides a very cool vape.
Medium Setting – Blue (20W)
The menthol ingredient is more lively and pronounced. Fruit elements become richer and deeper in their flavour tones.
It’s still a relatively cold vape but the cloud production is most certainly that of a direct lung vape.
The blackberry and blackcurrant combo are tickling the taste buds.
Hard Setting – Green (25W)
Menthol catches the back of the throat during the inhale and has reached it’s most effective level. Cloud production now has plenty of denseness and volume.
With the fruit elements now combining perfectly there is added sweetness that lingers longer after the final exhale. At this setting there’s both smoothness and warmth to the profile.
With Airflow Fully Restricted – MTL Vaping
It’s certainly possible to mouth to lung with this coil.
However, it produces an unbalanced performance with menthol overriding the fruit. It also stays on the taste buds for an extended period of time.
Indeed flavour in general is compromised, there being a tad too much sweetness – cloud production is also diluted.
FreeMax Gemm Pod Kit Battery Longevity
Wow! Did I get a pleasant shock when testing the lifespan of the battery.
Throughout the day, while using the 1.0ohm MTL coil over various power setting I observed the following:
- 100 – 75% 2.5 hrs
- 75 – 50% 4.5 hrs
- 50 -25% 4.5 hrs
- 25% – flat 4hrs
I’ve grown used to expecting a rapid depletion of power from internal batteries showing 25% charge remaining. Not so with this device, with fifteen and a half hours continuous use is highly commendable.
There were significant differences with the 0.5ohm DTL coil.
- 100 – 75% 2 hrs
- 75 – 50% 1 hr 15 mins
- 50 – 25% 1 hr 45 mins
- 25% – flat 1 hr 30 mins
Six and a half hours continuous vaping falls a little short of what I was expecting.
Pros
- Incredibly lightweight
- Easy, basic screen functions
- Battery life for days with the 1.0ohm MTL coil
- Very convenient top filling pod design. Easier to use than most pod systems
- Fantastic all round performance from the 0.5ohm DTL coil
- No leaking from either Pod
- A pod system featuring a coil that pushes the mod to its max capabilities.
Cons
- The Clear pod looks unsightly sitting on the mod
- Too much airflow on the MTL pod
- Screen display is invisible under direct sunlight
- Below average battery life from the 0.5ohm DTL coil
Final Review Verdict
The Freemax Gemm 25W Pod Kit 1300mah battery does a phenomenal job when used with the 1.0ohm MTL coil – life for days!
What the 0.5ohm DTL coil lacked in battery clout was more than compensated for with tremendous flavour and cloud production.
Using the DTL coil also allows the mod to work to maximum capabilities. That’s something I haven’t found with many devices of this ilk.
I would like to have seen a clear silicone stopper. As things stand it takes on the appearance of a dollop of wax! It’s always on show so for me, it’s a big deal.
I hope the colour co ordinated pods look better with their counterparts than the white one. I find the clear one to look hideously out of place, as it cheapens an otherwise more than capable device.
The drip tip is a little longer than it needs to be but I’m just knit picking there, it gets the job done and is relatively comfortable to use.
The 510 threading on the pod is flawless and attaches perfectly to the mod.
The fire button is raised which allows you to find it very easily without looking.
It’s incredibly lightweight so you’re never likely to know it’s even in your pocket.
Don’t expect to view the backlit colour screen in direct sunlight.
Neither coil has had leaking issues.
FreeMax Gemm Pod Kit Coil Performance Summary
I feel a bit let down by the performance of the MTL coil. You really have to close down that airflow control ring if you want any semblance of a mouth to lung experience.
Even then, the flavour lacked in clarity and sparkle which I have to say, disappointed me. The fact that it appeared to perform better as a restrictive lung vape had me scratching my head too!
I vaped approximately 5ml of e liquid before I needed to recharge the device.
The DTL pod was faultless. The flavour and cloud production was superb and just got better and better as more power was pumped to the coil. With full airflow the pod displayed semi restrictive qualities which just so happen to be right up my street!
Being a more powerful coil I vaped approximately 9ml of e liquid before the device needed a recharge.
- Use liquid with a viscosity of 50/50 – 60/40 VG PG with the 1.0ohm coil.
- Liquid ratios of 50/50 – High VG work perfectly fine with the 0.5ohm coil.
