The Vaporesso XTRA pod kit review and this is another new arrival from the manufacturing team based out of Shenzen, China.
They’re already responsible for some cracking pod systems including the Target PM30, Target PM80 (and the PM80SE), and the unassuming Osmall, a mouth to lung device offers superb flavour reproduction for such a low powered device.
There’s no doubting their commitment to the industry with product development commencing way back in 2006. The parent company SMOORE passed down all their knowledge and as of now boast the confidence to state “We’re pretty awesome“.
Is that statement justified with the release of the XTRA pod kit? Let’s find out.
What Can We Expect From The Vaporesso XTRA Pod Kit?
Vaporesso has upgraded the wicking material in the coils of the Vaporesso XTRA pod kit, so this should provide improved flavour qualities and denser cloud production.
It’s a very small and ergonomically styled device so expect this one to be extremely pocket friendly.
The low power output requirements of the included coils should allow the 900mah battery to last at least a day. Both coils also have a fixed power output so no variable wattage and no screen display.
The airflow is also fixed and drawn in down the side of the pod, hitting a single air intake port directly under the coil.
The device runs at 11W with the 1.2ohm coil and 16W using the mesh 0.8ohm.
Inside The Box
The Vaporesso XTRA pod kit sits in a moulded plastic tray in the top of the box that when lifted out reveals a spare pod and braided USB cable. Underneath another cardboard tray lies the instruction manual, reminder and warranty cards.
- Vaporesso XTRA battery
- 0.8ohm meshed UNIPOD (2ml – installed)
- 1.2ohm UNIPOD (2ml – in box)
- USB cable
- User manual
- Warranty card
- Reminder card
Vaporesso XTRA Pod Kit – Specifications and Features
There doesn’t appear to be anything other than a TPD compliant version of the Vaporesso XTRA. That kind of makes sense given its overall size.
It comes in a range of colours: Grey, Rainbow, Silver, Silver Resin (under review), Rainbow Resin and Grey Resin.
The three resin versions feature multi coloured lava lamp swirling effects below the etched surface. The kind of retro psychedelic schemes that have been dominating device panels quite a lot.
You either love it or hate it.
- Dimensions 73.9 x 38.2 x 16.7mm
- Weight 60g (including pod)
- Pod capacity 2ml
- Battery capacity 900mah (built in)
- Resistance UNIPOD 1.2ohm – UNIPOD mesh 0.8ohm
- Output power UNIPOD 11W – UNIPOD mesh 16W
- Display Single 3 colour LED indicator
- Charging current DC 5V/1A
- Compact, ergonomic design
- Auto Draw – Inhale activated
- Upgraded cotton material
- Easy to use side filling port on pod
- Refillable pods (colour coded on silicone stopper)
- Suited to high PG E liquid ratios
Design and Build Quality
Vaporesso XTRA Pod Kit – The Pod
Using an industry standard toughened PCTG the pod has very little tinting. However, the only way you’re going to be seeing juice levels is by constantly removing it from the battery.
Attachment to the battery is via two gold plated magnetic contacts and a very firm connection is achieved. It can’t be shaken out even when extreme force is applied which is good.
Vaporesso has printed the coil type and resistance on the edge of the pods but both variations can be identified by the colour of the silicone stoppers.
The silicone stopper is incredibly easy to use. Being positioned on the side of the pod makes it easy to pry open, even in the absence of finger nails lol!
The fill port opening is around 3.5 x 5mm so really only likely to accommodate thin bottle nozzles if enough air is to escape while administering e liquid.
How To Fill The Vaporesso Xtra Pod Kit
- Remove the pod from the battery section
- Lift the silicone stopper away from the pod to reveal the fill port
- Gently administer E liquid into the fill port being careful not to overfill
- Return the silicone stopper firmly back into place
- Slide the pod back into the battery section using the magnetic contacts
The pod will attach to the battery either way round. Idiot proof – ideal for me!
With any new coil, it’s best to let the e-liquid soak into the cotton for a good five minutes prior to vaping – this is commonly known as priming the coil.
NB: Vaporesso suggest replacing the pod after five refills.
Vaporesso Xtra Pod Kit – The Battery Section
The silver resin colour panel is made from an anti skid fabric, wrapped around the sides and front of the battery.
This does seem to provide additional grip but the colours themselves appear a little washed out as a consequence.
A series of matrix style dots is incorporated into the chrome plating again providing some additional grip.
On the front of the pod at the bottom lies the USB port so charging can be achieved in a vertical position – nice touch, Vaporesso!
Just above this is the three colour LED indicator which is bright and visible in direct sunlight, no problem.
Since the Vaporesso Xtra pod kit is an auto-draw device, the power button has been resigned to the underside of the battery. Slightly recessed into the plastic material it has a fair degree of travel and very responsive.
During real world use, I found it somewhat awkward to switch the device on or off when in a hurry.
There are also three battery venting ports visible on the underside – always reassuring methinks.
How To Operate The Vaporesso Xtra Pod Kit
Press the fire button five times in quick succession to turn the device on or off. The LED will cycle through the three colours available.
While the device is on a single press of the power button will display the current battery condition:
- Green 100% – 71%
- Blue 70% – 31%
- Red 30% – 0%
The current battery level is also shown while vaping the device.
When connected to the USB port during charging, the LED will flash red three times before pulsing steadily. It will turn green when fully charged and remain solid until the USB cable is removed from the device.
Vaporesso Xtra Pod Kit Protection
- Short circuit. LED flashes red five times
- No load protection. A high resistance is detected and the LED flashes red five times
- Low voltage protection. When the voltage drops extremely low the LED will flash red three times
- Overtime protection. Attempting to vape for more than eight seconds will cause the LED to flash red three times.
I don’t quite understand why Vaporesso used the same sequences and colour for different warnings. It would have been nice to pinpoint the actual fault instead of guessing.
Something that should NEVER be done when dealing with potential battery issues.
How Does The Vaporesso XTRA Pod Kit Perform?
Both disposable XTRA pods utilize a newly developed cotton wicking system designed to deliver a dense and flavourful vape. I’m already extremely impressed by the Osmall 1.2ohm regular coil so how will this update fare?
Vaporesso XTRA Pod Kit – 1.2ohm UNIPOD Coil
I recommend using thinner E liquid as this will allow the low powered coil to keep up with the wicking process. Avoid using ratios over 70VG/30PG with this coil.
Double Drip Raspberry Sherbet was used for testing purposes. It’s a 50VG/50PG mix containing Nicotine Salt based e-liquid.
From the very first pull it’s blatantly obvious there’s no chance of even a restrictive lung hit. We’re talking about a classic MTL vape experience that’s all too often overlooked on pod devices these days.
I even found myself having to pull quite hard and for around five to six seconds to get the auto draw to function efficiently.
The cloud production was extremely limited and stifled. The flavour properties were quite good with the raspberry bright, lively and dominant.
After around five minutes I noticed those same flavour values receding during the exhale. Any sweetness in the fruit made way for a dryness on the exhale.
Then after a further five minutes of testing, the pod started spitting juice into my mouth. Pulling the pod out exhibited clear signs of leakage on the base. After replacing the pod and trying again the auto draw function failed.
Sadly then an epic fail. The pod is designed to handle the juice ratio thrown at it. I also ensured an adequate priming period before testing.
Dud coil? Quite possibly – but not the best of starts.
Vaporesso Xtra Pod Kit – 0.8ohm UNIPOD Mesh coil
I used another Double Drip e liquid for this test. Crystal Mist is a blend of blue Raspberry and black Cherries with a touch of Menthol. A 50VG/50PG mix with nicotine salt in the 10ml bottle.
The recommended juice ratios for the coil are 50VG/50PG up to 70VG/30PG.
There’s much more airflow with this mesh coil. As a mouth to lung vape it works a treat providing a very comfortable experience on the inhale. That’s not to say you won’t need a hefty inhale for the auto draw to work efficiently.
Flavour properties are exceptional! The menthol is actually more pronounced than the level described in the profile, dancing nicely across the tongue.
The fruit content is really all about raspberry than black cherry, which tends to be shy in presentation. For a 16W resistance value this mesh coil actually packs a hefty punch!
Pros
- Ergonomic and portable
- Efficient battery life and chipset
- Easy to fill on the fly
- Great flavour from the 0.8ohm Unipod mesh coil
Cons
- Both pods leak
- Relatively strong inhale needed for autodraw
- 1.2ohm Unipod coil failed early on (subjective)
Final Review Verdict
The battery performance of the Vaporesso XTRA pod kit is very good and very reliable.
- 4 hours Green – Blue
- 4 hours Blue – Red
- 1 hour Red – Dead
Charging a depleted battery takes around one hour and there’s the option of pass through vaping [using while charging] should the cravings strike early.
During the course of a week testing I filled the pod around ten times without any serious loss in flavour or cloud production. Seems like Vaporesso themselves are underestimating the quality and lifespan of this Unipod mesh coil.
I’m really disappointed that the 1.2ohm coil was received dead on arrival. Although likely to be an isolated case, frustrating for anyone that makes the purchase.
The 0.8ohm Mesh coil behaved well for around half a day before leaking from around the magnetic contacts. The pods themselves were also tricky to remove for the first day or so but eventually loosened up.
Despite these Negative Neils, flavour and cloud production held up very well under some quite intense vaping sessions. I managed to vape in the region of 3ml E liquid between each charge.
The Vaporesso XTRA is very light and comfortable in the hand. There were many occasions where I thought I’d mislaid the device only to find it still in my trouser pocket.
The chrome plating of the battery housing started showing signs of scratching after a week but nothing major. The silver resin panel held up very well indeed showing no wear or tear at all.
Final Thoughts
Having spent over a week with the Vaporesso XTRA pod kit I have to say it’s an ideal companion for the new vaper.
Why?
From pod filling to auto draw the experience is simplified. It weighs little more than a packet of lit cigs and is unobtrusive in a shirt pocket.
The battery only takes around an hour to fully charge and can then be used for an entire day – no problem.
Just as importantly the flavour replication from e liquid is top notch. The pods are likely to last anything up to two weeks before needing to be replaced.
So is this a little pod kit you’ve used or are thinking of buying?
As always any thoughts – opinions or questions let me know in the comments below!
