With the Mi-Pod 2.0 pod kit review we’re taking a look at an upgrade to a hugely popular device.
It all began in 2008 with the establishment of US based Smoking Vapor. In 2014 the Mi One vape device was first imagined, designed and created and as tends to be the case, manufactured in China.
Such was their confidence in the product that in 2019 they became known as “Mi One Brands”.
In 2016 their flagship device, the Mi-Pod was unleashed onto an unsuspecting vape market. Thanks to some innovative design it went on to win over 20 industry awards. This was to be the start of a vaping movement for the manufacturer.
Motivated to improve the lives of adult smokers physically, emotionally, environmentally and societally, Mi One Brands moved forwards with the Mi-Pod Pro.
Although similar in form factor to the original it boasted an improved pod design. It incorporated a new (non replaceable) vertical mesh coil capable of handling additional refills.
As one of the fastest growing private US companies, Mi One Brands have certainly planted deep roots within the vaping community.
Today they offer us the Mi-Pod 2.0. Let’s take a look at it.
What Can We Expect From The Mi-Pod 2.0?
We can expect a very similar form factor to that of its older sibling, the Mi-pod Pro.
The Mi-pod 2.0 is as slim and lightweight but due to added battery capacity is now a little taller.
Portability is certainly the order of the day with this upgrade. If you really want to be hip, you can swing it around using one of the included lanyards!
One of the bullet points on the carton refers to sub ohm capabilities. With a mesh coil resistance of 0.9ohm I expect that to be pushing things a bit.
We’ll see..
As with previous versions the pod looks more suited to discreet MTL vaping.
On the subject of the pods, don’t expect backwards compatibility. They appear to be exclusive to this upgrade.
The same auto draw feature is included so there won’t be much button bashing. The Mi-pod 2.0 relies on LED’s to indicate the current battery strength and any potential safety issues.
A range of e-liquid ratios will work with the pod and anything up to 70VG/30PG will be suitable. The original Mi-pod was designed to be used with nic salts. The Mi-pod 2.0 will happily accept hybrid and freebase varieties.
If any of these terms are over your head – have a read of our handy guides below!
- MTL V DTL – A Guide To Vape Styles
- VG and PG in E-liquid – all you need to know
- Beginners guide to E-liquid
- Nic Salt E-liquid
Mi-pod 2.0 – Inside The Box
The device sits on the top of the inner packaging and there’s a cardboard box of extras underneath.
- Mi-Pod 2.0 device
- 2 refillable mesh pods
- Micro USB cable
- User manual
There’s no mention anywhere of the two finger held lanyards or the helpful EU filling instruction manual. A leaflet covering possible side effects and a six month warranty registration card are also inside the box.
I think Mi-One Brands have sold themselves a little short there..
Mi-Pod 2.0 – Key Features
As previously alluded to, the Mi-Pod 2.0 is incredibly slim and very, very light. This is aided by a high density custom made 1250mAh integrated high drain lithium battery.
The new mesh coil is laser cut and uses a patented OAS (oil and air separated) technology, designed to prevent leaking, prolong usage and improve flavour quality.
Auto draw is featured for ease of use on the go and there’s a four stage power LED built into the front of the battery. All the essential safety features are built in and any issues are dealt with via the LED indicators.
The Mi-Pod 2.0 also includes an on/off switch which is something of a rarity in an age of ‘five clicks on – five clicks off’.
Micro USB is incorporated and it’s still possible to vape thanks to pass through charging.
Mi-Pod 2.0 – Specifications
- Dimensions: 45 x 13 x 72mm
- Weight: 48g
- Material: Zinc alloy
- Power mode: Full power output
- Maximum current: 3.5A
- Coil resistance: 0.9ohm mesh
- Battery capacity: 1250mAh
- Pod capacity: 2ml
- Output voltage: 3.1V – 3.7V
- Power display: 4 x white LED
- Working mode Auto switch & on/off button
- Coil: 0.9ohms – non replaceable
Whereas the Mi-Pod Pro had twenty colour schemes, the upgrade has been significantly reduced to four.
They’re still quite impressive though and you can choose from Merkaba (Black pattern), Seed of Life (Grey pattern), Vortex (Pink swirl on a purple background) and Lotus Flower (Pink pattern).
Mi-Pod 2.0 – Design and Build Quality
Battery Section
The zinc alloy material drastically reduces the weight of the battery section. It’s much smaller than a credit card and around the same size as a box of matches.
The thickness is what makes the device so damn pocket friendly.
I’ve received the Lotus Flower version and I have to say I’m impressed with the Rose Gold appearance. The flowered pattern appears to be laser etched and wraps seamlessly around the contours of the spine and cascades down the front and underside of the battery.
It stands quite comfortably in a vertical position but at a mere 11.3mm thick (using my callipers) won’t take too much nudging before toppling over.
The locking button of its predecessor has been replaced with a dedicated on/off switch, located above the recessed (and rather delicate looking) micro USB port.
One of the significant changes to the Mi-Pod 2 are the battery strength LED indicators. The hollowed out ‘M’ of the Mi-Pod logo is now a fully-fledged badge and the LED’s take centre stage on the front.
The Purple, Blue and Red lights have also been replaced with four White ones that run vertically up the front panel.
Light Up My Life – LED Functionality
During the charge cycle, the four White LED’s either flash or remain solid. A solid LED indicates charging is in progress. Once four solid LED’s flash eight times the battery is fully charged.
While in use:
- 4 LED = 4.0V – 4.2V (full battery)
- 3 LED = 3.6V – 4V
- 2 LED = 3.3V – 3.6V
- 1 LED = 3.3V (low battery)
Mi-Pod 2.0 – Built In Safety Features
- Low voltage / Over usage – White LED flashes 8 times
- Short circuit / Low resistance – White LED flashes 3 times
- Overtime puffs – White LED flashes 5 times
- Eight second cut off – Device will switch off. Turn the device off and back on to reactivate
The Mi-Pod 2.0 will automatically switch off once fully charged.
Mi-Pod 2.0 Pod section
The PCTG pod is crystal clear and has an overall height of 29.2mm. Unfortunately the majority of this is recessed within the battery section. This means having to constantly remove it to check remaining juice levels.
The pod doesn’t rely on magnets and instead clips into the battery. It only fits one way and that’s because of the airflow structure.
A 5.3mm oval is punched into the side of the pod allowing airflow to pass down and hit the mesh coil from beneath.
The oval lines up with the air ingress port inside the top of the battery section once it’s snapped into place. This does mean the airflow is non-adjustable and we’ll be testing its efficiency shortly.
The opening on the mouthpiece is very small which indicates a MTL style of vape. I’ll be attempting my usual restrictive lung hit too.
How To Fill The Pod
- Pull the pod out of the battery section.
- Using the arrow, lift the silicone stopper clear of the pod.
Gently squeeze e-liquid through the fill port opening of the pod, taking care not to overfill.
Gently squeeze e-liquid through the fill port opening of the pod, taking care not to overfill.
Replace the silicone stopper making sure it’s firmly back in place.- Push the pod back into the battery section.
Replace the silicone stopper making sure it’s firmly back in place.Let the e-liquid soak into the cotton for at least five minutes before vaping.
Mi-Pod 2.0 – How Does It Perform?
I tested the pod kit by using a nicotine salt e-liquid by Bake ‘N’ Vape. It’s a dessert based profile and I wanted to see how the mesh coil responded.
It responded remarkably well! Although the MTL vape was a tad on the lose side I still received plenty of flavour during the exhale. I was even able to pick up some of the salt content during inhale which was impressive.
With a fully charged battery there’s actually quite a bit of clout generated by the 0.9ohm mesh coil.
It’s when I attempted a restrictive direct lung vape that I realised the Mi-pod 2.0 does actually have sub ohm capabilities. The coil created mini whirlwinds of vapour and flavour tumbled from the vape.
Extended pulls increased the performance and wasn’t far off what I’d expect from a dedicated sub ohm tank set up.
I’m hard pressed to find a pod kit that can emulate Caramel, Fudge and especially Fried Donut this well.
Airflow
It offers a satisfactory MTL vape. It’s not as tight as I would have liked but others may find it makes for a comfortable vape. When the battery level falls below 50% flavour does begin to suffer with this style of vaping.
As a restrictive direct lung vape (my personal preference) it’s damn amazing. Flavours explode during exhale and that also proved to be the case with other categories such as fruits and beverage.
The coil handles ice cold vapes in a very effective way.
Battery Performance
One word. Incredible. I notched up 24hrs continuous use from a single charge. That has to go down as the longest serving single charge I’ve experienced with any pod kit. I was even chain vaping during this period, checking for dry hits from 70VG/30PG ratios.
So the on/off switch served its purpose as the Mi-pod 2.0 was tested over three consecutive days across eight hours of vaping.
One note of caution. The device didn’t register anything under two LED’s. This lead to a false idea of remaining battery strength when in fact it was close to full discharge.
It will take over two hours to fully recharge the battery using micro USB but what you get in return more than makes up for that. Don’t forget it’s also possible to vape the Mi-pod 2.0 whilst charging if you’re desperate.
Pros
- Lightweight and pocket friendly.
- Fantastic flavour and cloud production from the 0.9ohm mesh coil.
- Battery life is incredible.
- Auto draw is flawless and super sensitive.
- LED’s are bright enough to read in direct sunlight.
- No leaking.
Cons
- Micro USB connectivity. No fast charging.
- Mouthpiece may be uncomfortable to some (subjective).
- LED battery strength indicator behaves oddly during discharge.
Mi-Pod 2.0 – Final Review Verdict
It’s a little powerhouse of a pod kit and that power comes from a kickin’ high drain lithium battery that seems loathe to discharge itself!
I never once noticed it in my pocket and found it very comfortable in the hand. It worked most effectively in moments where discretion was called upon, such as in groups or waiting at a bus stop.
The mesh coil is incredible. That may be due to how the airflow is channelled down the side of the pod, hitting the coil directly from beneath.
As a restrictive direct lung vape, the Mi-pod 2.0 is prefect, delivering more than enough vapour production and plenty of flavoursome vapes.
The auto draw is flawless and very sensitive to weaker lungs which should help widen the appeal.
Oh! Almost forgot. Thanks to the rubber seal at the bottom of the pod there’s no leaking either.
..Talking of seals I think that seals the deal! A brilliant little pod kit and one I highly recommend.
