The Vaporesso Luxe 80 Pod Kit review and this device uses the same GTX Pod as featured with their GTX GO 80 device.
It also makes use of one of the its GTX mesh coils, hardly surprising given the number of Vaporesso products they’re compatible with.
It seems they are offering some kind of consistency across the board with their mesh coils. It may also be a case of if it ain’t broke don’t try to fix it…
Vaporesso are familiar for a range of MOD’s including the Luxe and Luxe Nano both with touch screen capabilities. Then there’s the IP67 rated follow up, the Luxe II mod.
The Vaporesso Luxe 80 appears to be a combination of a MOD and pod. It certainly bares no resemblance to the Luxe Q and Luxe PM40 which are traditional looking pod kits.
The GTX pod follows recent trends by taking on the appearance of a traditional sub ohm tank – without the 510 threading of course.
I highly rated the unassuming Vaporesso Barr MTL Pod kit for flavour, overall performance and portability.
So what about the Luxe 80?
Let’s find out.
What Can We Expect From the Vaporesso Luxe 80 Pod Kit?
There are similarities between the Swag PX80 mod and the Vaporesso Luxe 80 Pod Kit.
More so with the aesthetics as opposed to functionality.
Instead of the usual side or bottom fill pods such as those found with the Luxe PM40, Target PM80 or Osmall, the GTX pod 26 is top fill. We can expect this to add convenience when time is at a premium.
With a maximum power output of 80W expect the entire range of GTX coils to be compatible with the pod – that includes the RBA section.
Dual airflow is built into the ring of the battery section. This means we can expect either an airy direct lung vape or a more restrictive one.
A large internal battery capacity should keep the device running for at least a day with either of the included coils. If that still isn’t sufficient, Vaporesso has also released a single 18650 battery version, the Luxe 80S.
Keep in mind the Luxe 80S is slightly bigger in size in order to accommodate the external battery. It also increases the overall weight of the device.
Inside The Box
The pod kit comes in a slip case. Remove this and lift the inner lid to expose the following:
Luxe 80 battery- GTX pod 26 (5ml/2ml TPD)
- GTX 0.2ohm mesh coil
- GTX 0.3ohm mesh coil
- Type C charging cable
- User manual
- Warranty card
Luxe 80 batteryVaporesso Luxe 80 Pod Kit – Key Features
Vaporesso has incorporated an extra locking ring (seal) around the base of the GTX pod to provide an extra layer of protection against leakage.
It’s now much easier to fill than traditional pods via a removable top cap – again, very much in keeping with a standard sub ohm tank.
The Axon chip makes a welcome return and so does its capability to fire the device in 0.001 seconds. The chip also recommends the optimal power for the installed coil through use of its smart variable wattage mode.
A 0.96in TFT colour screen provides a pin sharp display. The menu system is very basic and user friendly.
A net weight of 136g ensures a high level of portability.
The Vaporesso Luxe 80 Pod Kit is available in a standard 5ml Pod capacity or as a 2ml version for TPD rules and regulations – you know the score by now..
It comes in a variety of colours, these being wood grain, carbon fibre (under review), Gorilla, Steel Blue and Steel Red.
Vaporesso Luxe 80 Pod Kit – Specifications
- Dimensions 111.1 x 28 x 39.4mm
- Pod capacity 5ml/2ml (TPD)
- GTX 0.2ohm mesh coil 45-60W
- GTX 0.3ohm mesh coil 32-45W
- Internal battery capacity 2500mAh
- Power output 5-80W
- Charging current DC 5V/2A Type C
- Display 0.96in TFT colour screen
Dimensions 111.1 x 28 x 39.4mmVaporesso Luxe 80 Pod Kit – Design and Build Quality
Battery Section
The high strength stainless steel body has a plastic coated sticker on one side, representing the colour scheme.
A faux leather finish compliments the opposing side.
It’s a little spongy and has some give. It feels very comfortable when in the palm of the hand.
When ignoring the pods docking chamber the height of the battery is 68.2mm. Vaporesso is taking into account the raised fire and menu buttons with their width specification while the depth is indeed as stated in the manual.
In general the battery is quite short and compact. It tapers at the rear to accommodate the fixed pod chamber.
Two spring loaded gold plated coil contacts sit in the centre of the chamber.
Two fixed airflow slots measuring around 13mm in width with a height of just under 2mm feature on either side.
The battery section has quite a few contour lines and extend around the base. There isn’t a single sharp edge, adding to the overall comfort when held in the hand.
The fire button although of ample size, does feel a little spongy. The menu buttons appear to protrude slightly further making more of a click when pressed. Both respond well during use.
Below both menu buttons is the type C USB charging port.
There won’t be any problems charging in a vertical position which is another convenience.
Vaporesso Luxe 80 Pod Kit – How To Operate The Battery
It’s the usual five clicks to power the battery on or off.
- Press the fire button three times to lock/unlock the device
- Hold the left and right menu buttons to enter the settings menu
It’s then possible to choose from the following menu options. Use the left or right menu buttons to scroll to the selected setting
- Variable wattage – displays wattage output
- Variable voltage – displays voltage output
- Smart variable wattage – the device auto detects optimal power output
- Puff counter – records a seven day vaping history
- Colour theme – Choose from green, blue or pink
- Defaulf (I’m sure this means default!) – restores factory settings
- Exit
The AXON chip includes a host of safety features including USB input protection, low battery, no load, short circuit, overtime and overheat protection.
GTX Pod 26
The pod measures 40.8mm in height when including the fixed 810 mouthpiece.
The base measures 24.5mm but the juice viewing area increases the diameter to 25.7mm.
Designed to seal comprehensively, the pod is will saturate the cotton efficiently. It includes a locking ring to provide SSS leak resistant technology.
Made of a tough PCTG material, the pod is able to withstand a few knocks and the occasional drop.
Around the bottom of the pod there are dual (twin) airflow ports. Individually they measure just under 6mm.
A strong magnetic contact ensure that it never pulls free of the battery when turning to make airflow adjustments.
I tested the magnetic force and found it to be very strong.
Vaporesso Luxe 80 Top Cap
I’m not a fan of the removeable top cap.
It incorporates a moulded mouthpiece and feels quite weak.
A rubber gasket sits inside the cap and includes three seals. Any of these align with the fill port when attaching – adding to the leak free approach.
However the top cap is not quite a quarter turn bayonet style fit. It needs to snap into place in order to secure it.
It’s not the best way of securing a top cap in my opinion and may be prone to snapping or cracking.
Vaporesso Luxe 80 Fill Port
Filling the pod works by inserting a bottle nozzle into the non return valve style set up. It worked very well during tests and I appreciated the fact I could actually see the nozzle inside the pod.
It just provided added reassurance.
However larger bottle tips may struggle to pass into the pod. I didn’t have any to test the theory unfortunately but it’s something to be aware of.
Vaporesso Luxe 80 Pod Kit – How To Install the Coil
The GTX range of mesh coils are all plug and play which makes them simple to install.
Remember to align the flat sides of the coil before pushing up into the pod.
The dual rubber seals of the coils will do the rest and provide an adequate seal.
Vaporesso Luxe 80 Pod Kit – How To Fill The Pod
- With a plug and play coil installed remove the top cap by twisting it counter clockwise.
- Locate the fill port gasket and push the bottle tip inside.
- Fill the tank to a level above the cotton wicking ports
- Replace the top cap
- Leave the juice to soak into the cotton for around five minutes before vaping
Fill the tank to a level above the cotton wicking portsHow Does the Vaporesso Luxe 80 Pod Kit Perform ?
GTX 0.3ohm Mesh Coil (32-45W) Best 40W
The Axon chip registered the coil exact at 0.3ohm. I carried out tests using smart variable wattage mode, this set the power to 40W.
The e-liquid of choice was Castle Long by Five Pawns – this is a complex mix of sweet, sour, smoky with a beverage thrown in for good measure. It has a 50VG/50PG juice ratio and is freebase nicotine in the 10ml TPD compliant bottle.
I carried out the initial tests with airflow fully open. While it’s possible to enjoy an extended inhale there’s still around a ten percent restriction. This does allow some added heat from the coil to generate before exhaling.
This setting produces a broader all round flavour. The almond and nutty tones of the e-juice dominate while a few complimentary smoky back notes drift in.
It’s not the quietest of vapes with airflow wide open and I did notice some turbulence but the vapour production was impressive for a 50/50 liquid ratio.
Vaporesso Luxe 80 Mid Airflow Restriction
Closing airflow down to mid position caused a drastic change in flavour quality as well as restriction. Without doubt this now became a semi restrictive direct lung vape.
Although still a little loose for my own personal liking, I experienced further warmth during inhale and the brown sugar content began to ping along nicely. In fact it engulfed the nutty sub notes while inviting more of the vanilla bean.
This created a very satisfying smoothness to the exhale while vapour production remained suitably dense.
Further Airflow Restriction
With airflow restricted by two thirds the real magic of the e liquid becomes apparent.
This is where all flavour notes merge seamlessly together. Each one remains clearly identifiable, I think that’s pretty impressive for a pod kit.
At this level of suppression the beverage properties spring to life with Kentucky Bourbon nuances teasing the taste buds. The Bourbon fuses with the creamy smoothness of coconut milk adding to the texture and is most welcome.
That’s not to exclude other flavour tones. They do pop up on occasion working towards a perfect blending of the included concentrates.
This becomes blatantly obvious while enjoying a slow drawn out exhale.
However all this flavoursome goodness comes at a price. During inhale the vape becomes much louder, heavier airflow restriction also creates a whistling tone.
I can live with it. Why? Because this is my favourite style of vaping.
GTX 0.2ohm Mesh Coil (45-60W) Best 55W
Again the Axon Chip read the coil true for resistance values.
This time I used Element E Liquid American Apple Pie from their Tonix range. It’s a 73%+ VG ratio with freebase nicotine inside the 10ml TPD compliant bottle.
As before I went with the recommended wattage output using smart variable wattage – 55W and with airflow wide open.
There’s a definite increase in power over the GTX 0.3ohm coil and has the effect of offering a little extra in the way of flavour with minimum restriction.
The coil produces a very a wet and saturated vape experience during exhale. The vape is cool but offers ample vapour production with much less turbulence on the inhale.
Is is as noisy as the GTX 0.3ohm coil? Yup. If anything I found it to be slightly louder.
Vaporesso Luxe 80 Mid Airflow Restriction
There isn’t as drastic a restriction when spinning the adjustable airflow to mid position.
The vape is certainly very smooth if still somewhat noisy. There’s also an increase in warmth which really helps the cinnamon content along nicely.
It sits on the tip of the tongue by way of an introduction. This restriction also brought out more sweetness from the apple.
The intense saturation remains and unfortunately nullifies any of the pie crust I was hoping to enjoy.
Further Airflow Restriction
The cinnamon content now becomes over powering, subduing the fruit content. The mouthpiece becomes quite hot and uncomfortable on the tongue during longer inhales.
Using this juice profile with a restrictive direct lung vape has a tendency to contribute to a rougher inhale – one that I don’t really appreciate.
Although it’s a less saturated vape there’s still no sign of the pastry, which is a disappointment. The only way that’s likely to appear is if the vape was much drier during exhale.
As a plus point the GTX 0.2ohm coil wasn’t whistling under these tight airflow restrictions
Optimal flavour and cloud production occurred with the airflow set around mid way.
Pros
- Instant firing
- Excellent flavour and cloud production from both GTX mesh coils
- Smart variable wattage mode is a huge plus
- Informative display (best wattage parameters)
- Easy to navigate menu’s
- Compact and ergonomic design
Cons
- Both coils prone to leaking from their base
- The 0.3ohm mesh coil whistles under tighter airflow restriction
- The removable top cap feels cheap (subjective)
Vaporesso Luxe 80 Pod Kit – Final Review Verdict
It’s great how the display shows recommended wattage parameters. Not every pair of eyes can tell simply by looking at the small print on a coil.
..Yup – that includes me lol!
It’s another small yet meaningful step forwards in terms of useful but often overlooked screen information.
The pod spins inside the battery cradle when altering airflow. I found this to be something of a learning curve.
This is a natural consequence of a pod based system trying to emulate a sub ohm tank.
It takes five swift clicks of the fire button to turn the device on but a more casual approach works when switching the device off… I did find that to be a little odd.
GTX Mesh Coil Performance
When testing the coils I looked at other juice ratio’s.
I found both coils to be compatible between 50VG/50PG – 80VG/20PG. With no loss in flavour and very little to separate them for cloud production.
Without doubt the 0.2ohm coil provided additional clout, creating a more intense and wet exhale. This did come at the expense of a few flavour notes.
The 0.3ohm coil edged it for me simply because of how successfully it handled more complex profiles.
Vaporesso Luxe 80 Battery Performance
The battery lasted a total of nine hours under the 0.3ohm coil. I vaped around 8ml of e liquid. When the battery icon fell to one bar there was still an hours use before having to recharge.
It lasted for seven and a half hours using the 0.2ohm coil during which time I vaped around 6ml of e liquid. The battery was pumping out a consistent 3.3V at all times.
Type C USB charging was a bit quirky. I was expecting around the usual one hour wait. It turned out to be closer to 90 minutes during the initial test charge.
Subsequent tests were much nearer the mark.
Fast charging or not, it’s possible to vape while plugged into a wall socket.
I also appreciated the screen display showing remaining charging time as well as percentage complete.
Vaporesso Luxe 80 Ergonomics
The Vaporesso Luxe 80 Pod kit is one comfortable little bugger to hold in the hand. It’s devoid of sharp edges which makes a huge difference.
Even the faux leather softens over time increasing the comfort factor. The raised fire button is large and placed in a convenient position that’s comfortable for thumb firing. This means it’s always accessible, easy to locate.
The wide 810 style mouthpiece feels natural enough although I’d rather have seen it colour matched with that of the device.
It could’ve taken away from the only tacky looking part of the device if I’m being an honest Joe.
..Or Neil.
Vaporesso Luxe 80 Leaking Issues
Unfortunately despite claims to the contrary both coils do leak. Quite badly in all honesty.
Initially I put it down to excessive condensate build up around the pod airflow ports.
The leaking only seemed to occur after replenishing the pod a few times. As a consequence both coils would intermittently short out. Maybe due to excessive juice on the contacts themselves.
At least I had the chance to see the effectiveness of built in safety features.
Was thin e-liquid the cause for leaking?
Possibly but that still doesn’t explain why it happened with an 80VG/20PG ratio.
Vaporesso Luxe 80 Pod Kit – Who’s It Suited To?
I think the Vaporesso Luke 80 Pod Kit is ideal for anyone whose intrigued by direct lung vaping but hasn’t yet tried it.
Those that are curious about the nature of sub ohm vaping without the need for a large, heavy and cumbersome set up.
The GTX Pod 26 is a great starting point for those intrigued by sub ohm tanks – how they look, feel and operate.
The menu functions are quite basic and easy to learn. This makes the device an ideal introduction for those looking for a step up in power. There’s no fussing and flapping over how to get through multiple screens.
The Axon chip even auto suggests the best power settings. I really like this feature. It’s one that will help a relatively new vaper.
Top filling takes the sting out of silicone stoppers and their occasional awkwardness. It reduces the chances of e liquid spillage quite significantly.
So all in all the Vaporesso Luxe 80 Pod Kit is a low maintenance, highly portable and very user friendly device.
A good introduction into the world of vape pod kits as well as providing a base level understanding of how sub ohm tanks work.
So is this a pod kit you’ll be looking to buy?
Let me know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
