Is the Vaporesso Target PM30 the link between the Osmall Pod System, and their larger PM80 devices?
We shall of course find out in this review.
Vaporesso has a standard, and personally I think its a pretty high one.
Right from the moment you receive a package from Vaporesso you see the quality and design is there, from the packaging to the device.
So does the Vaporesso PM30 pod mod follow suit?
As an extremely well known manufacturer, Vaporesso started to delve into the Pod-Mod market with the Target PM80 device, an 2000mAh internal battery device capable of an apparent 80 watts!
But lets not take anything away from their recent history. The Vaporesso Gen mod is extremely highly respected and enjoyed along with their Swag 2 vape kit .
Both very high quality with a lovely feel and finish.
Lets hope they’ve done the same with this one, the Vaporesso Target PM30!
What Can We Expect From The Vaporesso Target PM30?
Standing nearly 120mm tall, this skinny pod mod system is capable of firing up to 30 watts and with an impressive 1200mAh internal battery, its certainly going to last a long while between charges.
There is no display to worry about, just a small fire button on the face of the device which illuminates when pressed.
Vaporesso has also included a USB Type-C port for fast charging and a 3-step wattage adjustment.
So let’s crack on with the Vaporesso Target PM30 review and see what this kit is all about.
This kit was sent to me free of charge for the purpose of review.
All views and opinions are solely those of my own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of others.
See the Vaporesso Target PM30 In Action
Inside the Box
- 1 x PM30 Device
- 2 x PM30 Pod (2.0ml TPD)
- 1 x 0.6Ω GTX Mesh Coil (Best 20-30w)
- 1 x 1.2Ω GTX Regular Coil (8-12w)
- 1 x Warranty Card
- 1 x User manual
- 1 x USB Type-C Cable
- 1 x Reminder Card
Vaporesso Target PM30 Specs and Features
- Size: 117.1×26.7×22.0mm
- Battery: 1200mAH Internal
- E-Liquid Capacity: 3.5ml (TPD Version 2.0ml)
- Output Wattage: 30
- Suitable Resistance: 0.1Ω-3.0Ω
- Airflow – Adjustable on the RGC Pod/Coil
- Charging: Max 1A charge via USB-C Port
- Available colours: Red | Green | Black | Silver | Blue | Purple
Design and Build Quality
I received the Blue version of the PM30, and it really is a striking electric blue, I really really like the colour.
Its the kind of finish that changes depending on where the light hits it, almost pearlescent.
Around the back is a slightly textured, carbon fibre effect sticker, and in all honesty its not the best as it doesn’t quite fit right – its cut a little too high so it overlaps over the section it’s supposed to fill.
However its fair to say I have been sent the first version, and its believed the final retail edition will also include an extra 1.2 Regular Coil, along with a 10ml Filling bottle, which is a relief.
More on that later!
The face of the Pm30 has a small fire button with a nice LED indicator ring around the button.
Its a nice bright LED in normal condition, but take it outside and you’ll struggle to see it.
Vaporesso Target PM30 – The Pods
The PM30 pods are different in style and shape to the PM80 pods, and also include a different filling method, making use of a small valve for filling.
The mouthpiece up top is non-removable but its very simple and smooth, so personally I’ve had no issue with it. But for some, they may prefer a removable 510 drip-tip.
You get 2 pods in the kit which i think is ace! However the pods are very dark and it can be a nightmare to see your e-liquid level. I thought we had got over this issue?
Vaporesso – Make lighter coloured pods please!
There are a large array of coils available for Vaporesso pod mods.
No airflow control on these pods, so we will be solely relying on the coils to restrict the airflow.
Vaporesso Target PM30 Pod Mod In the Hand
Weighing just under 100g, the PM30 has a fair weight to it, which gives the device a better feel.
Its very slim too, like sticking 2 pens together, but in essence this is almost a vape pen style system, but with a pod on top.
Comfortable, slim and fairly nice looking, especially in this blue colour variation.
How To Fill the Vaporesso Target PM30 Pod Mod
To fill the pod with e-liquid you don’t need to remove the PM30 pod from the device as it now has a slide top-fill system, which includes a valve…
Where do I start with he valve, the idea of having a valve system is ideal, as it limits the changes of leakage.
However, considering this is a top filling device, that will stand quite happily on its base. Its a bit of an overkill.
Using your own e-liquid bottles, you have to use a hell of a lot of force to open the valve, so much so you end up bending the tip of your e-liquid bottle.
Fortunately Vaporesso has said they are including a 10ml filling bottle in the retail kit.
Here’s what to do:
- Slide the top of the pod open
- Press your e-liquid tip down into the valve
- Fill with your desired e-liquid
- Slide shut the top of the pod
- Leave the coil for 5 minutes to fully saturate before vaping
Vaporesso Target PM30 Pod Mod Functions
With only a small fire button to worry about, there are only 2 fire button sequences to remember.
Here’s the info:
- Fire Button 5 Clicks – Turns the device On & Off
- Fire button 3 Clicks – Will alternate power setting between Red, Green and Blue.
What power output you get from the device will depend on the resistance of the coils installed.
How Does the Vaporesso Target PM30Pod Mod Perform?
With the included coils, I made the usual assumptions that the 0.6Ω GTX Mesh coil is for a Direct Lung Vape, and the 1.2Ω Regular coil is predominantly for Mouth-To-Lung.
So I stuck some 70VG 30PG Just Jam Original in a pod using the 0.6Ω coil, and some Blueberry Bubble 50VG 50PG Nic Salt by Ohm Brew in the Pod using the 1.2Ω coil.
Flavour and Clouds
Let’s look at each of the coils and how they perform…
Vaporesso Target PM30 – the 0.6Ω GTX Mesh Coil
With the wattage setting set at the highest (Blue) setting, which I imagine is between 25 and 30 watts, the flavour is very good, and a nice cloud to boot.
Its a slightly warm vape but you get the full profile of the flavour. The coil isn’t quite as good as some others I have tried, but its more than acceptable.
Dropping down the wattage option purely reduces the vapour production, and the flavour a little.
Vaporesso Target PM30 – the 1.2Ω GTX Regular Coil
If you decide to use a high nicotine e-liquid with the 1.2Ω coil, I suggest not using the highest wattage setting, which is probably around 12 watts according to the manual.
But in all honesty it feels more like 20 watts.
So I stuck to the middle (Green) setting and you get a slightly warm, smooth vape and good flavour.
Vaporesso Target PM30 – Coil Breaking-in Time
I pushed a 0.6Ω GTX coil almost to the limit, using some Max VG 80/20 e-liquid, and even on the highest setting, it wicked like a dream.
So no complaints there.
Vaporesso Target PM30 Pod Mod Airflow
Rant Time…
The Vaporesso Target PM30 I imagine was designed to be the baby to the PM80, but offering more of a restrictive vape, better suited to a Mouth To Lung Vaper.
Vaporesso has sadly got this terribly wrong.
The airflow, regardless of which coil you use, is neither too tight, or to loose. Its right in the horrible position between loose and tight where you struggle for both a DTL, and an MTL vape.
Seriously frustrating.
However, regardless of which coil, the airflow is smooth and quiet, its just the restriction that quite frankly, is probably pointless to the majority of vapers.
Airflow Adjustment please!
Vaporesso Target PM30 Pro Battery Life
The internal 1200mAh battery is a corker.
Especially with the 1.2Ω coil, you’ll happily enjoy 2 days vaping in my experience, and even the 0.6Ω coil will happily manage over a day.
With regards to charging, oddly enough the device itself limits the charge current to 1 Amp which is frustrating considering it includes a USB Type-C port, and cable.
However its not the slowest at charging by any means, taking a little over an hour in my experiences.
Does the Vaporesso Target PM30 Leak?
I’m pleased to say, so far I haven’t experienced any leaks, however I take extra precautions nowadays including not leaving a pod system for more than 24hrs without use, and checking under the pod regularly for the early signs of leaking.
You do get a small amount of condensation, so I advise cleaning that up regularly to avoid damage to the contacts.
Apart from that, no issues at all.
Pros
- Good flavour on both coils
- Great battery life
- Smart and sturdy
- Strong power output
- Charges quite quick
- Nice finish
- 2 Pods and 3 coils in the kit!
Cons
- Lacks airflow control
- Terrible filling valve
- Very dark pods
- Airflow Restriction is awful.
Final Review Verdict
Devices like these are aimed as ‘Starter Kits’ – with the potential to be used as a discreet device for every day out and about usage.
The Vaporesso Target PM30 just doesn’t quite achieve what I imagine its set out to do.
It certainly bridges the gap between their Osmall Pod System, and the PM80, and PM80 SE, but it doesn’t fulfill its potential by a long way.
The addition of a fully adjustable airflow control system along with a lighter tinted pod and easier filling option will make this an absolute winner.
There’s a number of features that I look at when trying out a device, and for something to score highly, it needs to meet certain demands.
Would this device be long lasting and still work 3, 6 or even 12 months from now?
With the 1200mAh battery and coils which tend to last quite well, and not forgetting the very good finish. I imagine this device will last very well long term
Does this device deliver the flavour, vapour and general experience I require, in order to be enjoyed?
The flavour on both coils is very good. Not the best, but more than acceptable.
The flavour is certainly the best thing going for this device as the restriction to the vape is not right at all.
Is this device versatile to suit a new vaper, and an experienced one a like?
I’m really not sure who this device will suit. If you enjoy a tight Direct Lung vape, try it.
And if you like a very loose MTL vape, give it a go.
If you don’t fit into either of those categories, give it a miss.
Have you bought the Vaporesso PM30 pod mod kit?
Or have you given it a try?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Hi I bought Vaporesso PM30 vape a week ago, the 1st couple of days I had leakage so put a new coil in & no leaks. This is my 1st vape so went mid range price. I have been pretty happy with it. I have 1 or 2 cigarettes a day & I don’t really need them, so it has worked well for me, so now i am addicted to my vape, better than cigarettes so done the job for me. I carry it every where with me, its like my safety blanket. I basically stopped smoking so I am very happy. I give it 8 out 10. GREAT REVIEW
Wow that’s ace news well done Linda! Its not easy to ditch the ciggies and rely on vaping. So well done to you! Keep it up. Stick with it. Seeing as you’re so new to vaping, my advice would be to keep listening to yourself. Sounds weird right? Well as time goes by, your taste, nicotine reliance and even your lungs will change. This may require you to change things slightly over the next few weeks and months. It may mean changing nicotine levels, flavours or even the device. But i’m pleased the PM30 is working for you. We’re always here for advice if you need it. Many thanks for reading.
Hi Gaz, nice review! I wonder what’s the percentage of experienced vapers that prefer tight MTL draw? I totally agree that tight draw is perfect for smokers / new vapers, but I am not quite sure about long time vapers. I mean look at the popular pods these days from Smok, Geekvape, Voopoo, Uwell etc., almost all them can be categorized as ‘loose airflow’. What do you think?Thanks.
Hey Tom. I completely agree and even peoples lung/pull strength and capacity are completely different.
It’s always a question I ask myself. It’s very difficult to explain the restriction on the draw of any device because of that fact. What I lean towards with this review, is the fact Vaporesso call this an MTL pod system and I’m pretty sure it’s supposed to be exactly that.
But with no airflow adjustment, they are limiting their audience to those who prefer a very loose MTL vape, or in fact a tight DL drag.
Personally I’ve been vaping for 5 years and I still prefer a tight MTL over a loose one, and I enjoy a nice airy direct lung vape. Complete opposite ends of the spectrum.