Another day, another new DRAG device! Today I’m taking a look at the new Voopoo DRAG H80 S pod kit.
The Voopoo DRAG H80 S has been simultaneously released alongside the Voopoo DRAG E60 pod kit.
These devices have not been officially released yet by Voopoo so this is a very very early review!
The DRAG E60 is the first device to make use of the new PNP TW20 and TW30 coils.
The DRAG H80 S is the first to make use of the new PNP TW15 coil.
What Can We Expect from the Voopoo DRAG H80 S pod kit?
Whereas the Drag E60 pod kit adopted a box Mod design, the H80 S is influenced by the form factor of the DRAG X Plus since it also makes use of a single external 18650 battery.
Yet compared to the DRAG X plus its still 15% smaller. Voopoo state this is the most compact DRAG ever.
The front panel takes on the traditional appearance of the DRAG device too with independent menu buttons instead of the single rocker found on the E60.
Both devices share the new PNP Pod II with its easy top filling system. Just like the DRAG E60, it’s fully viewable through two windows incorporated in the top of the DRAG H80 S battery section.
The pod is available in 4.5ml (standard) format as well as 2ml for Europe and the TPD market.
At the heart of the device lies the Voopoo GENE.TT 2.0 chipset. All the functionality of the DRAG E60 is included. We get Smart, RBA and Eco modes and there are also numerous battery and device protections in place.
The DRAG H80 S comes with the same ‘Dual in One’ PNP TW30 mesh coil of the DRAG E60 pod kit. It also includes an additional PNP TW15 coil to capitalise on the extra power the device has.
Fast type C charging is available, but I would always recommend the use of a dedicated external charger when dealing with 18650 batteries.
Essentially, we can expect a more powerful version of the DRAG E60 alongside a radically different design.
It’s available in Black, Red, Brown, Golden, Plum Red and Grey Carbon Fiber (under review).
What’s In the Box?
The Voopoo DRAG H80 S comes in a well presented slip case. The DRAG logo is embossed vertically behind a raised image of the device.
- DRAG H80 S device
- PNP Pod II (4.5ml)
- PNP TW30 (0.3ohm) coil
- PNP TW15 (0.15ohm) coil
- Type C USB charging cable
- User manual
- Battery warning card
Voopoo DRAG H80 S pod kit – Specifications
- Size: 123 x 26 x 32mm
- Weight: 122g
- Battery: 18650 (not included)
- Input voltage: 3.2 – 4.2V
- Power range: 5 – 80W
- Charging voltage: 5V/2A
- User modes: Smart, RBA (Variable Wattage), Eco
- Resistance range: 0.1 – 3.0ohm
- Capacity: 4.5ml (standard edition) / 2ml (TPD edition)
- Kit includes: PNP TW30 0.3ohm coil / PNP TW15 0.15ohm coil
- Coil options: Compatible with all PNP coils
This product was sent over from Voopoo free of charge and for the purposes of review. Many thanks.
This will not sway or alter my opinion in any way and all observations are based on my own experiences of using an early sample version.
Voopoo DRAG H80 S Pod Kit – Design and Build Quality
PNP Pod II
I’ve already taken a look at the new PNP Pod II in our Voopoo DRAG E60 pod kit review. I’ll just go over the basics here.
The top cap employs a simple quarter turn release system. Simply grip the fixed 810 mouthpiece and turn anti clockwise to remove it.
This will expose two fill ports. Although they appear quite small, they should be able to accommodate most bottle nozzles.
Around the base there are a series of wavy etchings. These latch onto three lugs inside the battery section and serve to drive the independent adjustable airflow.
The adjustable airflow structure of the DRAG H80 S differs from that of the DRAG E60 in that one side can be fully closed off while the other remains open. The DRAG E60 simply employs ‘mirrored’ adjustment.
As usual, three strong magnets on the underside help to snap the pod firmly into the battery section. It certainly passed the vigorous shake test. However, it did fail the drop test.
There’s no frosting on the PNP Pod II so e-liquid levels are highly visible.
DRAG H80 S Battery Section
It’s very comfortable in the hand. Although we don’t get the spongy leather of the E60, the embossed DRAG logo assists with additional grip.
It’s super slim too and the fire button is perfectly positioned for thumb firing.
The fire button itself is responsive and has a solid clicking sound while the menu buttons are less audible and slightly hollow sounding.
A type C USB charging port is located at the bottom of the battery. It’s fair to say not everyone owns a dedicated external charger so I’ll be checking its effectiveness.
The base is rubberised which means it grips the smoothest of surfaces, including glass. Given the height of the device I’d say that’s a good call on Voopoo’s part.
Two additional pod viewing windows have been incorporated into the top of the battery section. No more having to remove the pod to check remaining juice levels. That’s another good call.
Voopoo are on a roll with their design quality!
Pull the magnetised door from the device to access the battery tray. I think it shares the same zinc alloy of the main body because it refuses to bend under pressure.
Insert an 18650 battery with the positive terminal facing up then snap the door back into place. Either way – it doesn’t matter.
By the way, it passed the drop test…
Voopoo DRAG H80 S Pod Kit – Functionality
The screen size and TFT colour display is identical to the DRAG E60 but there’s one noticeable difference. The brightness is improved and that’s a factor because there’s no way of controlling the level manually.
The menus are simple to navigate and also work the same. I refer you to the Quick Start guide of the DRAG E60 pod kit for a detailed explanation.
Let me summarise the modes on offer and how they impact functionality.
- Smart mode: The device works within the capabilities of the coil. For example, if the coil is rated to a maximum output of 60W that’s the cap. Smart mode prevents further adjustment.
- RBA mode: This is the same as variable wattage. The coil can be vaped to the maximum capabilities of the device, in this case it’s 80W. For experienced users only.
- ECO mode: Can be activated manually at any time or prompts the user when the battery level falls to 40%. It’s designed to preserve the lifespan of the battery. Especially useful for when the nearest charging point is miles away.
The puff counter can also be reset, and voltage output is viewable during vape time.
Voopoo DRAG H80 S Pod Kit – How Does It Perform?
I’ve already taken a look at the new PNP TW30 0.3ohm mesh coil in the DRAG E60 pod kit review.
For today’s review I’ve gleaned a little more info on the TW range of coils. Here’s what I found out.
The “Dual in One tech” is designed to bring richer cloud production and an improved flavour experience. So, the TW coils have been structurally upgraded to ramp up heating time and atomize e-liquid more efficiently.
Smart mode will detect the best wattage once a coil is installed for the first time. Be aware that any manual adjustments will be remembered by the GENE.TT 2.0 chip. This applies when turning the device off and/or removing the 18650 battery.
Since Smart mode recommended 65W that’s where I tested. I used Pacha mama Cookie Butter, a 70VG/30PG ratio with 3mg freebase nicotine applied.
PNP TW15 0.15ohm mesh coil (55-70W)
The ramp up time is absolutely phenomenal. Power instantly hits the coil the minute the fire button is pressed.
It’s warmer than either of the 0.2 or 0.3ohm PNP TW coils. That’s something I notice right from the start.
With airflow wide open the inhale is on the loud side, but I didn’t notice any airflow turbulence. This makes for a very smooth hit. I could feel the heat being pulled up into the mouthpiece, hitting the rear of the throat in a satisfying way.
Highly effective given that I opted for a dessert style vape. As a consequence all the dairy, milky, buttery notes are on display from the first moment of exhale.
The crunchy biscuit base is omnipresent throughout the vape, so the overall flavour combination works a treat and just as the manufacturer envisioned.
The flavour is very consistent and includes a welcome after taste as proof of its efficient delivery.
Despite masses of airflow, I’d say there’s still a minimum of 10% restriction. That’s probably due to the height of the airflow holes as opposed to their width.
Further Airflow Restrictions
The restriction is more noticeable because closing airflow by half reduces it by around 50%. That’s what I was hoping for and that’s what I got – a precise adjustment.
It does mean the vape borders on ‘hot lips’ syndrome with extended inhales but there’s certainly nothing wrong with the flavour as it becomes even more intense and saturated.
With maximum airflow restriction applied the flavour quality is too suppressed and becomes a shadow of its former self. The biscuit base is absent, and the dairy notes are muted.
This is the worst setting for the coil, in my opinion. The PNP TW15 mesh coil craves airflow to bring out the best possible flavour.
As far as vapour production goes. It’s also very impressive but I must state that it’s no better than either of the other coils in the range. I tested with airflow wide open and it’s just as good – but no better.
To conclude. The best setting for flavour and cloud production is with airflow fully open.
Battery Performance
Vaping in Smart mode at 65W, the single 18650 battery held out for five and a half hours. I’d vaped around 7ml of e-liquid while registering 129 on the puffs counter.
There’s no reduction in performance as the battery level falls either. Loads of power was being fed to the coil right up to the last. The ramp up speed constantly impressed me throughout.
It’s one area that the GENE.TT 2.0 chipset really shines.
Smart Vs Eco mode
When testing Eco mode, I got some disappointing results. There was no difference to battery life, and I’d vaped around the same amount of e-juice. Even the puff counter registered 22 fewer puffs than Smart mode.
Very odd..
Type C USB charging of DRAG H80 S VS battery integration of DRAG E60
My external battery (H80 S) and the integrated battery (E60) are rated to the same capacity.
It took 70 minutes to charge the 18650 battery inside the device via Type C whereas it took 90 minutes with the integrated battery of the DRAG E60.
Interesting results..
Pros
- Excellent flavour and cloud production from the TW15 coil
- Fast ramp up time – instant power to the coil
- Smart mode prevents the coil from burning out which in turn preserves lifespan
- Screen is clear and bright
- Easy to navigate menus
- Ability to view remaining juice levels without removing pod
- Lightweight and comfortable to use
Cons
- Unable to vape when the device is locked
- Eco mode doesn’t appear very effective
- Pod can guzzle the juice (subjective to my own vaping frequency)
- No battery venting
- Coil will leak from the base
Voopoo Drag H80 S Pod Kit – Final Review Verdict
I’m having a hard time putting the H80 S down. Although quite tall, it’s very compact when held in the hand.
In terms of weight there’s really not much between this and the DRAG E60. A single 18650 battery doesn’t make that much of a difference.
As for the PNP TW15 0.15ohm mesh coil? It’s terrific! Full on flavour from start to finish. Not one single nuance is overlooked and consistency is key here. I wrote in my review of the Drag E60 that these are the best stock coils I’ve used in a very long time.
This one is no different. The ramp up time is incredible, the power is instant. I love it!
To maximise cloud production it’s best to keep the airflow wide open and equally as impressive with no sacrifice to flavour quality.
All three of the new PNP TW mesh coils are designed to optimise flavour and produce plenty of cloud. The Dual in One tech works an absolute treat and Voopoo have done it again.
More excellent coils to add to their already impressive portfolio.
Let us know your thoughts on the Voopoo Drag H80 S pod kit in the comments below!