Voopoo Argus XT | MT Kit Review – Volcanic Vaping At Its Very Best!

Today I’m taking a look at the new Voopoo Argus XT kit.

This is the latest addition to the growing Argus series and follows in the footsteps of the original Argus, Argus Pro and Argus GT2 among others. Just like the latter, the Argus XT kit employs a tank instead of the usual pods of the range.

As is often the case, Voopoo have simultaneously released the Argus MT kit. Both are the same but different! We’ll see how during the course of this review.

There won’t be many folks on the vaping scene that haven’t heard of Voopoo. I myself still cling to my original DRAG 157 Mod. Yes it’s bruised and battered and seen better vaping days but still symbolises my earliest foray into box mods with substantial clout.

I’m a bit sentimental like that!

Whereas the DRAG 157 was a relatively heavy box mod, the Argus series focuses on its lightweight appeal and ‘made for outdoor’ performance.

Let’s check it out.

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What Can We Expect From The Voopoo Argus XT Kit?

Voopoo have taken a step back in terms of power output with the Argus XT kit. It’s capable of handling up to 100W and that’s half the wattage of the recent Argus GT2.

However, it does still share the same IP68 certification (waterproof, dustproof, shock proof). Plus the GENE.TT2.0 chipset for the various modes it supports – Smart, RBA (Variable Wattage), Turbo and Temperature Control. It comes with the MAAT Tank New.

In Smart mode, the chip automatically detects maximum power output for the installed coil. RBA mode simply refers to user definable wattage settings while Turbo mode enhances vapour production by up to 25%.

The upgraded chip is also capable of power management. By this I mean it can auto detect either an 18650 or 21700 battery. The smaller battery capacity will provide up to 80W of power while the larger battery can handle the maximum output of 100W.

It’s pretty much an inbuilt form of battery safety and protection.

By comparison the Argus MT kit makes use of a 3000mAh integrated battery and will run up to 100W max but only in RBA mode.

What’s interesting about the Mod is “QS locking”. A simple slide of a button will lock the device preventing any accidental misfiring for when in a purse for example.

Both Argus XT and Argus MT kits make use of the MAAT Tank New and upgraded TPP “Dual In One tech 2.0” mesh coils. They’re specifically designed to bring a fuller, delicate and multi layered vapour production.

Voopoo state that even at 100W, their lifespan is still increased by up to 30% against other coils on the market.

The Argus XT and Argus MT share the same TPP-DM2 mesh coil out of the box.

The MAAT Tank New employs a two way airflow system to offer a deep direct lung vaping experience by reducing airflow loss by up to 60%. It also adopts a unique volcano crater design to divert condensate down into the isolate chamber at the base.

Expect all TPP coils to be compatible with the MAAT Tank New.

I was sent the non TPD compliant 6.5ml tank – usually for TPD regulated areas you will receive the reduced capacity 2ml version.

The Voopoo Argus XT kit comes in five colour schemes. These are Dark Blue, Graphite, Silver Grey, Carbon Fiber and Lime Green (under review).

Voopoo Argus XT Kit – What’s In The Box?

The review edition came in a badly damaged tin case (SPTE material) so I initially feared the worst. Upon prising open, everything was amazingly still intact. I guess an early indication of the durable nature of the kit.

• Voopoo Argus XT device
• Voopoo MAAT Tank New (6.5ml)
• User manual
• Type C USB charging cable
• TPP DM1 coil
• TPP DM2 coil
• Spare 6.5ml glass tube
• Spare O-rings
• 18650 battery adaptor
• Battery safety card

Specifications – Argus Mod

• Size: 147 x 34.5 x 37mm
• Material: Leather and Zinc Alloy
• Screen: TFT colour
• Output: 5-100W
• Maximum output voltage 8.5V
• Charging voltage: 5V/3A
• Resistance range: 0.05 – 3.0ohm

Specifications – MAAT Tank

• Size: 26 x 52mm
• Material: Stainless steel and Pyrex
• Capacity: 6.5ml (standard) 2ml (TPD)
• Coil resistance: TPP DM1 – 0.15ohm / TPP DM2 – 0.2ohm

Voopoo Argus XT Kit – Design and Build Quality

MAAT Tank New

The MAAT Tank New has been created to work with the updated TPP mesh coils. It features a volcanic crater design to prevent leakage by channelling condensate into the bottom of the chamber. This stops e-juice from entering the Mod.

The airflow design is a bit different. Dual adjustability is achieved using one of two rather robust sliders. At its widest, the opening is 10mm so this indicates a very loose direct lung vaping capability.

I did find the threading on the deck to be quite loud and squeaky but the O rings holding the glass in place did a magnificent job. I couldn’t remove it.

There’s adequate knurling around the top cap and it’s the quarter turn bayonet style.  Again it feels a bit rough when turning which gives the impression it’s not fully seated.

When removed, two kidney shaped fill ports are exposed. I think these could’ve done with being slightly larger, especially for when filling the 6.5ml tank capacity.

The 810 drip tip is proprietary so I had trouble attempting to use my own but there’s nothing wrong with the one we get. It’s comfortable enough and gets the job done.

Argus XT Mod

At the heart of the Mod lies the Voopoo GENE.TT 2.0 chipset. It’s responsible for sensible battery protection by altering maximum output depending on whether an 18650 or 21700 external battery is installed.

It also handles the various modes on offer as well as providing fast ramp up time and power boosting.

The Mod does feel very comfortable in the hand and fingers grip reassuringly around the “Leather-like” side and rear. The Lime and Grey colours complement each another and the stitching looks quite tidy.

Being comprised of Zinc Alloy, it’s also quite lightweight – even including the battery.

I’m not the biggest fan of the hinged battery door though and didn’t find it that accommodating.

There’s an unnecessary learning curve with making sure the thin catch is fully in place. It could’ve been lengthened slightly to make changing batteries much quicker.

A lanyard clip has been integrated into the top of the Mod but this isn’t the kind of kit I’d personally choose to have dangling from my neck.

A unique feature is the QS locking mechanism. When positioned in the centre everything functions as normal. Sliding the dial left of centre will lock the device while sliding right will only allow vaping – all other functions are disabled.

It is still possible to turn the Mod on or off while locked.

Both are very welcome. It makes a refreshing change from having to delve into menu screens prior to popping into a purse, for example. It’s the ultimate short cut, if you like.

Below the QS lock is the fire button. It’s large, clicky and very responsive. The TFT colour screen sits in the centre of the front panel and measures 80 x 32mm.

I’m quite impressed by the display because even the smallest fonts and digits are readable. The wattage level takes up most of the real estate and that’s something I give Voopoo full credit for.

Directly below the screen is a menu rocker. Under this is the type C USB charging port but it won’t be noticeable until the alloy cover is pulled down. It’s a nod to IP68 standard and will certainly provide enough protection but I won’t be using it myself.

External batteries are always best charged with a dedicated, external charger.

Quick Start Guide – MAAT Tank New

The TPP range of Voopoo coils are “Plug and Play” so installing one is easy enough.

• Unscrew the deck of the tank by turning clockwise
• Push the coil up into the chimney section of the tank ensuring a firm seal
• Screw the deck counter clockwise back onto the tank making sure it’s finger tight

The MAAT Tank New is top fill which also makes things straight forward.

• Unscrew the top cap by turning it counter clockwise
• Gently squeeze e-liquid through one of the fill ports. Take care not to overfill.
• Replace the top cap by turning it clockwise. Make sure it’s firmly connected.

Quick Start Guide – Argus XT Mod

I’ve already explained how the QS lock feature works but what about functionality?

• Press the fire button rapidly five times to turn the Mod on or off
• Hold the up and down rocker buttons to enter the main menu (above pic).
• Use the up or down rocker buttons to access mode, setting, about device or to exit
• Press the fire button when you’ve made your choice

Selecting ‘mode’ will allow you to choose from Smart, RBA, Turbo or temperature control.

In the ‘setting’ screen you can reset the puff counter, adjust screen brightness and alter the screen time out period from 10 seconds to 2 minutes. Pressing ‘exit’ will send you back to the previous screen.

A final option is to view ‘about device’ info. This simply displays the chip ID and the level code – whatever that means!

• Use the up or down rocker buttons to manually adjust wattage. Hold either button to speed up the process. This is done in single watt measures.

How Does The Voopoo Argus XT Kit Perform?

I started by using the TPP DM2 0.2ohm coil. It’s rated at 40-60W and best between 50-55W.

For flavour and cloud testing I used Pacha Mama Apple Cinnamilk, a 70VG/30PG juice ratio with 3mg freebase nicotine applied.

Smart mode instantly set the power to 50W, so I kept with that and airflow was wide open.

Straight out the gate, power to the coils is instantaneous. The slightest touch of the fire button is all that’s needed!

With airflow wide open the flavour is still insanely good. Usually under this setting it can be a bit broad and washed out but not so with this coil.

The sweetness of the Apple is clearly defined, the Cinnamon is incredibly punchy and dairy notes enter mid way through the exhale.

Cloud production is also insane – it’s thick, billowy and swiftly fills the room yet doesn’t take an eternity to dissipate. Just how I like them.

There’s always a caveat with airflow set wide open and yes, the inhale does sound loud but there’s very little turbulence. I’d say there was as little as 5% airflow restriction.

Mid Airflow Restriction

I’d hazard around a further 10% airflow restriction. This is most definitely direct to lung (DTL) vaping.

We tell you what DTL means in our Guide To Vape Styles.

A bit more warmth gets pulled in during the inhale. It has the effect of spicing the Cinnamon up further while both sweetness and fruity notes are pushed back slightly.

Noise levels don’t decrease but neither does the cloud production.

Heavily Restricted Airflow

The MAAT Tank New doesn’t seem to want to play ball! There’s still masses of airflow although we are now entering semi restrictive direct lung territory. I’d guess there’s a 50% increase over airflow wide open but there’s little difference, if any to the warmth during inhale.

I have to be honest, the flavour isn’t quite as impressive on this setting. The Apple loses its crisp, sharp notes and the Cinnamon isn’t as inspiring. There’s less separation between the fruit, spice and dairy elements.

The clouds keep pumping out though and the noise generated remains around the same level as before.

TPP DM1 Coil 0.15ohm 60-80W (best 65-70W)

I used Pacha Mama Strawberry Cheesecake to test the coil in Smart mode. It’s another 70VG/30PG juice ratio with 3mg freebase nicotine applied.

With the airflow wide open I got an incredibly tasty vape. There is a slight amount of turbulence generated by the coil and more noticeable across longer inhales but nothing major.

Ramp up time is phenomenal and the coil snap, crackles and pops if left to cool for any time period.

The sweetness and punch from the fruit content is amazingly good. Every flavour note is clearly defined. The only thing missing is the warmth needed to generate an effective level of creamy, dairy notes.

Vapour production is also insanely good.

Mid Airflow Restriction

The inhale remains as loud as the TPP DM2 coil and the restriction is around 20% over wide open, so not really much difference.

It’s blatantly obvious the coil craves airflow as the sweetness of the vape gets drawn up into the inhale. It’s followed by a tidal wave of Strawberry flavour on the way out.

Additional warmth now allows some of the creamy texture of the profile to join forces with the fruit to make this vape taste just the way the manufacturer intended.

All I can say is that both flavour and vapour production are on equal par. That’s to say excellent.

Heavily Restricted Airflow

Under heavy airflow restriction this now becomes a semi restrictive lung vape. I would hazard a guess at around 60% over wide open. Although this is my preferred style of vaping it’s also where the flavour takes a bit of a dive, in my opinion.

Yes, the vape is at its warmest and producing quite a few milky notes but at the sacrifice of the Strawberry. It’s certainly lacking the clarity and sweetness from before and just feels more condensed and stifled.

Vapour production remains great and the inhale is quieter than before but this isn’t my favourite setting. It doesn’t seem to appeal to the inherent power of the coil, either.

Smart Vs RBA Vs Turbo Mode

I never use temperature control so I’m not in a position to comment on that but I have a few thoughts on the others.

I like Smart mode. That’s simply because there’s no way of accidentally dry burning the coil. The maximum output is restricted to what the coil is capable of so it’s something that will appeal to a more inexperienced vaper.

RBA mode is simply variable wattage in that the user has free reign to decide upon the ideal setting for the coil. This will be of value to those using an alternative tank. Someone experienced in sub ohm vaping.

Tank sizes of anything up to 28mm will suit the Argus Mod without over hang.

Turbo mode is supposed to offer an initial one second boost in power to enhance cloud production by 25%. I didn’t notice any difference between this and the other modes. So I failed to see its impact or use in offering an alternative vaping experience.

In all honesty, whose going to notice a difference? Vapour production is already insane in the other two modes!

IP68 Water Proofing Test

I submerged the Argus Mod in a bowl of water for five minutes. Given that you’re only likely to accidentally drop it in a bath or swimming pool it seemed a realistic enough scenario.

I feared for the Mod when air bubbles began escaping the hinged USB door inside the first thirty seconds. Although there were no other points of exit around the Mod it didn’t bode well.

Upon removing I checked the USB port first. It was bone dry. I then removed the battery door and again, no water ingress. The inside of the door was dry and so was the 18650 battery upon inspection.

After returning the tank to the Mod I then checked functionality. All was good.

So in my mind the Voopoo Argus XT Mod lives up to its IP68 certification.

Here is a video I made of me testing the device…

Volcanic Crater Design

It’s a simple design, really. A rubber cup has been inserted around the circumference of the deck. This traps any condensate leaking from the airflow ports.

Although the coils do weep from their base it’s nothing significant. The tank never leaked a drop.

Pros

• QS Locking switch is a great idea
• No leaking from the tank
• Excellent ramp up time, flavour and vapour production from both TPP coils
• Good quality screen
• Easy to navigate menu
• Smart mode protects the battery and coil life

Cons

• Not much difference between Turbo mode and the others
• Slight gap between tank and Mod
• Battery door can be fiddly to use
• Screen doesn’t time out (review model)
• Unsuitable for use around the neck (subjective)

Final Review Verdict

Wow! What can I say? These new TPP DM coils may very well be the best I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing.

I couldn’t believe the heightened flavour quality from either coil, especially with airflow wide open. It was clean, concise and very tasty. I usually expect that when airflow has been significantly restricted.

Vapour production was equally as impressive, building to create a satisfying fullness to the rear of the throat before tumbling out into the ether.

The coils are definitely the star of the vape show, here.

Equally as impressive is the QS switch. It’s just so damn convenient and so easy to use. For those concerned about miss-firing in a purse or pocket – fear no more.

The switch on the Argus MT model is smaller and positioned below the screen. It only locks the device against use – you won’t be able to vape. I’m not sure why Voopoo took this decision for the integrated battery version..

This is a design more devices need because it negates the need to fiddle about inside menu screens.

The menu screens on the Argus MT model are identical. You get the same chip.

While the Voopoo Argus XT kit isn’t the lightest device around the leather like rear provides a reassuring level of grip when held.

It’s not going to be shock proof either because the chromium plating will scratch up and the alloy body will dent if dropped from height. Voopoo claim ‘tri proofing’ but in fact, after some research, IP68 doesn’t include it anyway..

When all the nit picking is over, the Voopoo Argus XT is a solidly built device that should be on the wish list of any self respecting sub ohm vaper. The flavour and cloud production alone is reason enough.

Let us know your thoughts on the Voopoo Argus XT kit in the comments below!

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