Voopoo Drag MAX Kit Review – Standard and Special Edition Version

Can you get power, versatility and convenience in one is the question I’m asking about the new Voopoo Drag MAX vape kit.

Three categories which are extremely difficult to cover in one product.

Usually we have to sacrifice power to allow for a smaller, more pocket friendly system and on the flip-side if we want more power, it generally means we need a larger device.

The Voopoo Drag line has been going for a long while now. I still remember the emergence of resin with their original Drag mods…Oh boy they were cool.

Of course since then, resin has been painful to see on every device.

The Drag 2 improved what Voopoo started with, and then Voopoo created something which arguably could be game-changing…

The Evolution Of Pod Mods and the Drag

When the Drag S and Drag X kits came out, I felt like the pod market just got a new lease of life because lets face it, As much as pod systems are a fantastic way for people to quit smoking they just got a little boring and monotonous – Wow a bleedin’ big word there!

The Voopoo Drag S, and Drag X systems were pocket friendly devices with effectively a tank which pops into the device magnetically unlike the generic tanks which have a threaded 510 connection.

Both an internal, and external single battery option were available and the ‘pod tanks’ themselves took the PNP Coils which in general are very good.

I suppose it was only a matter of time before VooPoo released the Drag Max, A Dual 18650 version of the very popular Drag S/X

What Can We Expect From The Voopoo Drag Max Kit?

I received the ‘Special Edition‘ of the Voopoo Drag Max Kit, which includes the standard retail version of the Drag Max Kit, but also includes a beautifully displayed layout of coils and the PNP Compatible Tanks.

As lovely as all that is, what matters is the performance, and will a dual battery version be just as user friendly day to day as the Drag S and X are?

So let’s crack on and see what the Voopoo Drag Max Kit is all about…

Buy Now

Inside the Box (Special Edition)

• 1 x VooPoo Drag Max Standard Edition Kit
• 1 x 2ml Pod Tank
• 1 x 4.5ml Pod Tank
• 1 x RTA Pod Tank
• 8 Different Coils (Listed later in review)

Inside the Box (Standard Edition)

• 1 x VooPoo Drag Max Device
• 1 x 4.5ml Pod Tank (2ml TPD)
• 1 x PNP-VM6 0.15Ω Mesh Coil
• 1 x PNP-VM5 0.20Ω Mesh Coil
• 1 x USB-C Cable
• 1 x User Manual

Features

Voopoo Drag Max Kit

• • Product Size: 122 x 50.25 x 25mm
  • Output Wattage: 5.0 -177 Watts
  • Output Modes: Smart Mode or RBA Mode (Wattage Only)
  • Output Voltage: 6.4 – 8.4V
  • Resistance range: 0.1-3.0
  • Display: 0.96” colour display
  • Dual Screen Theme
  • GENE Fan 2.0 Chip which is the upgraded chip from Drag allowing for more features to be added.
  • Battery:Dual 18650 (Not Included)
  • Charging – Via USB-C Connection at 2A
  • Drag MAX is compatible with all PnP systems (including coils and pods), so it can be a pod (with MTL coils) , mod pod and mod (with HDL and DL coils）

VooPoo Drag Max Colours

The Drag Max will initially be available in the colours shown below:

Design and Build Quality

I received the ‘Vintage Grey’ version of the Drag Max and I’ve gotta be honest, I think its a lovely looking dual battery mod.

Its not particularly classy, but it looks edgy and a little industrious.

Adding an extra battery over the Drag X has of course meant extending its depth, but that depth has allowed Voopoo to extend the leather effect running around the back of the device, with DRAG stamped into the leather in their usual fashion.

All metal finishes appear to be matte black, which with the grey leather contrasts really nicely.

The Voopoo Drag Max Pod Tanks

If you haven’t used a Voopoo Pod-Tank before, its very simple because its plug and play, there is also a 510 adaptor base available and I’m actually quite surprised it wasn’t included in the Special Edition kit, but then again they want you to use their tanks on their devices obviously…

VooPoo Drag Max Pod Tank Mouthpiece

A non-removable mouthpiece is at the top of the pod tank.

As much as I hate PCTG tanks, the mouthpiece itself is comfortable and there is a more MTL styled pod available, which doesn’t come with the standard edition, but was included with the Special Edition.

So if you’re planning on using this device for MTL, you might want to consider the more MTL style pod tank if you prefer a curved mouthpiece.

VooPoo Drag Max Fill Port

At the base of the Pods is a small rubber bung which can be opened and the filling port is small, bit large enough for most bottle tops whilst still leaving enough room for air to escape.

VooPoo Drag Max the Base

The pod-tanks all use the PNP push-fit coils so the majority of the base is taken up by the coil and the filling bung.

Voopoo Drag Max Device

The device itself has a number of features, and of course more power over its little brother (Drag S/X)

Voopoo Drag Max Top Connection

Located at the top is a recessed section where the Pod Tank fits, its a little odd looking at first with a large metallic ring and 2 small brass/gold plated connection under it.

Display, Menu & Buttons

A fair sized colour display is located below the big round fire button fire button. The display itself is clear and fairly bright and displays all the usual information.

Below that are 2 smaller Up and Down buttons for wattage adjustment and a few other handy features.

With regards to Menu, there really isn’t a great deal to go through, but If you need information on that, check out the Performance section and ‘Basic Operation’.

Voopoo Drag MaxBattery Door

Voopoo has gone for the pushy-slidey kind of bBattery door, which isn’t my favourite and does feel a little flimsy with no springy feel to it. But its functional and I’ve never had a battery connection issue during my testing.

Airflow Control Slider

Usually the Airflow would be controlled via the tank, but with the latest Drag series thanks t these new Pod Tanks, the airflow is controlled via a Slider on the back of the device and will adjust the airflow on the two sides.

Its a clever little dial which is proud enough that its easy to slide, but not too proud that its annoying. The restriction on adjustment is almost bang on too, not too firm, not too loose.

The Voopoo Drag Max – Overall:

With the device and pod-tank Put together, I really like the look of it.

Even when using the larger capacity 4.5ml Pod Tanks it looks like a compact system and across the board everything feels, fits and looks good quality.

Voopoo Drag Max In The Hand

I really enjoy the Drag Max as a finger firer.

Your fingers wrapped around the soft leathery section of the device just fits nicely.

As a thumb firer, its not as comfortable and I feel like I have to find room for my fingers…almost like the device feels too small.

Either way its a very lightweight Kit considering its dual battery. A lot of the weight-loss comes from not having a huge tank on top, but rather a PCTG 4.5ml tank instead.

When it comes to day-to-day use, this is still not the most pocket friendly system, yes its lightweight and seems a little shorter than most dual-battery mod and tank combo’s, but its still larger than the Drag S/X of course, so for convenience and portability its still not as good as its predecessors.

How To Fill The Voopoo Drag Max Pod Tanks

The PNP pod tanks are fairly easy to use, push fit coils require no explanation, but here’s how to fill.

• Remove the Pod-Tank from the Device
• Lift the rubber bung on the base of the Pod Tank
• Fill with your desired e-liquid ensuring a coil is installed
• Re-fit the rubber bung so it cannot leak
• Allow the Coil around 5minutes for it to saturate
• Re-fit the Pod-Tank into the device

Leaking?

As always, I keep a close eye on leaks, especially from a tank which has bottom fitted push-fit coils, and bottom filling.

I’m pleased to say leaking is not an issue, just the usual condensation build-up.

Keep a close eye on the base of the pod tank, and more importantly the top connection of the device.

If you see any moisture, be sure to clean it up ASAP as this build-up could damage the device.

Voopoo Drag PNP Coils

The PNP coils are vast and different, from low resistance, high airflow Direct To Lung to high resistance low airflow Mouth To Lung coil.

They’re also available in mesh, round-wire and ceramic.

How Does the Voopoo Drag Max Kit Perform?

Basic Operation

The Drag Max Kit has simple and limited capabilities when it comes to its operation, here’s the basics:

Voopoo Drag Max Menu

There are a small number of button sequences to remember to operate this device:

• 5 clicks of the fire button will turn the device on and off.
• 3 clicks of the fire button will switch between Smart and RBA mode Basically Beginner and Advanced Mode.
• Up button will scroll wattage Up
• Down button will scroll wattage down
• Press and hold Up/Down buttons to choose between two display options
• Fire and Up button will lock/unlock all buttons
• Fire and Down button will reset Puff Count
• Pressing and hold all three buttons will display Chipset ID

Usability

Most devices have the usual Wattage/Temp Control functions and sometimes a confusing menu.

I’m really impressed with the simplicity of the Drag Max firmware.

What’s most impressive is the smart side of things. The instant a pod is installed onto the device, the device will automatically set the wattage to match the recommended wattage of the coil.

This has been done before yes but considering the vast range of PNP coils, its great to see Voopoo have added that function which will really limit people from putting too much power through their coil. However you can still easily switch to RBA mode and vape how you like.

Voopoo Drag Max Flavour & Clouds

Well this is going to be painful… The Special Edition Kit comes with SEVEN different coils including an RBA Coil. However the standard edition does come with just the two coils.

But hey, I want to give you folks the best possible information so I’ve been trying out all of them!

I must stress, in order to FULLY test them, this review would potentially take a few months as in my experience, PNP coils tend to last for around 2 weeks, sometimes longer.

So instead I will just summarize on their flavour and vapour performance, along with how I have enjoyed each coil

Fortunately, I’ve been enjoying the Drag X (Single 18650) for a while now, so I already have some experience with the PNP Coils.

Anyway… Here goes!

For the duration of my testing on the low resistance coils, I was vaping on Code Red by Darkstar for the lower resistance coils, Code Red is made to a 80VG 20PG Mix

For the higher resistance coils, I used them more in a MTL format, with a 50VG 50PG Mix of Raspberry Sherbet by DripHacks.

The PNP-TR1 1.2Ω Coil (Round-Wire)

Recommended at 10-15w the TR1 is an average Mouth To Lung Coil. I found 15 watts with the airflow half open was my sweet spot. Its not the best MTL coil, but its comfortable and a fairly decent vape.

The PNP-TM2 0.80Ω Coil (Mesh)

Recommended at 12-18w the TM2 for me worked best at 20 watts, higher than recommended. A very nice MTL vape with the airflow 3/4 closed. Decent flavour and a nice cloud to boot.

The PNP-VM4 0.60Ω Coil (Mesh)

Recommended at 20-28w the VM4 I spent half my time using it as a MTL, and the other half as a DTL. I’m still not sure what I prefer from this coil.
But its versatile that’s for sure.

Good flavour and more cloudy than the 0.8 TM2

The PNP-VM3 0.45Ω Coil (Mesh)

Recommended at 25-35w the VM3 is an ideal coil for the single battery version, and in my experience 30 watts was a nice place for me.

A slightly warm vape, nice clouds and decent flavour.

The PNP-VM6 0.15Ω Coil (Mesh) STANDARD EDITION INCLUDED

Recommended at 60-80w the VM6 is the lowest resistance and biggest cloud chucker in the range.

Its also a battery drainer but if you want big clouds and a flavour banger, stick the wattage at 65w and open the airflow up completely.

A very good coil that performs much better than I thought considering its actual size.

The PNP-VM5 0.20Ω Coil (Mesh) STANDARD EDITION INCLUDED

Recommended at 40-60w the VM5 is my favourite PNP coil.

It’s pretty much like the VM6 but requires less power and still produces a nice cloud and great flavour.

It’s also very good with all types of flavours.

I’ve been using the VM5 coil for a good few weeks and have found I get 2 weeks life, plus it brings out very good sweet notes on e-liquids, at 55 watts, airflow open, its a great coil.

The PNP-VM1 0.3Ω Coil (Mesh)

Recommended at 32-40w the VM1 was best for me at 40 watts.

This coil reminds me of the VM5 but just lacking a little.

It’s OK, and certainly another one which will help preserve battery life, but you are unfortunately sacrificing flavour for battery life.

BONUS COIL

The PNP-C1 1.2Ω Coil (Ceramic) – Not Included

Recommended at 10-15w the C1 is the only Ceramic-Based coil in the range.

Personally though, it performs quite well.

I enjoy it at 12 watts and even with the Airflow wide open, its still a nice tight draw. Its not the best MTL coil by any means, but its certainly acceptable.

Voopoo Drag Max Kit Airflow

Airflow firstly will depend on your coil selection, the restriction will definitely vary depending on which coil you go for.

However, regardless on how you use this device, the airflow adjustment is very good and also fairly quiet.

The airflow slider itself is also very good, easy to use and adjusts the airflow on both sides of the device, a clever way of doing things.

VooPoo Drag Max Battery Life

This will always go back to how much you vape, and at what wattage.

Personally I always expect a dual 18650 battery device to last me all day when vaping at approx. 60-70w.

In general I get a days life at that kind of wattage unless I’m having a bad day of course or using batteries which are near the end of their life.

The Voopoo Drag Max is no different, the chip is very good at conserving energy and what works best for me is the 0.2Ω coil at 55 watts.

A days battery life no problem at all with a little life for the next morning if required.

Of course you can make use of the USB-C port for charging at 2 Amps and firmware upgrades, however I strongly suggest as always to use an external charger for your vape batteries.

Is the Voopoo Drag Max Special Edition Kit Worth it?

If you’re new to Voopoo, or perhaps the Drag S/X/Max versions of the Drag then there are a few things to consider.

The Special Edition kit gives you the option of trying out every coil including the RBA and RTA so if you’re unsure how you want to use this kit then you may want to consider this.

However if budget is an issue, or you know you want this purely for a DTL vape then the Standard Edition will more than suffice and you could spend some of that left over money on extra coils if you like?

I really like the Special Edition Kit for obvious reasons. Everything you could possibly need is included in the kit, but there are limited numbers on the kit so you will have to act fast before they sell out.

If you’re a die-hard VooPoo fan – then you need to get this package!

If not, the Standard Edition will absolutely do the job.

The below Pro’s and Cons are purely based on the Standard Edition – hopefully this will help those looking to get the retail version in future.

The Special Edition Kit is mostly add-ons which might even be sold out by the time you read this.

Pros

• Nice Styling and feel
• Comfortable as Finger firer
• Very user-friendly functions
• Airflow Slider operates beautifully
• Good flavour across the board on all coils
• Plug and Play Tanks easy to use.

Cons

• Does not have a 510 connection for other tanks
• Condensation from Tank may cause issues without maintenance
• Well built, but no Bullet Proof

Final Review Verdict

Can you tell I like this device?

Well I do.

As a hobbyist vaper it can be easy to lose sight on just how important simplicity and convenience can be.

The Drag X and S took pod-style systems to a new level and the Voopoo Drag Max has simply added more battery life and power to an already successful idea.

I’m still not convinced this kind of kit is ideal for a new vaper, however it really does cover a whole lot of aspects of vaping so I would imagine this device would be an idea stepping stone for someone looking to upgrade after their first few hard months from quitting smoking.

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?

The Voopoo Drag Max has good build quality and will certainly last into 2021 and beyond with good care and maintenance.

However this doesn’t mean you can throw the Drag Max around.

Its build quality is good, but I doubt it will survive many hard falls.

Does this device deliver the flavour, vapour and general experience I require, in order to be enjoyed?

Across the board the PNP coils work extremely well.

I have my favourites of course but regardless of which coil you use, you will enjoy a good vape once you get the wattage and airflow set how you like it.

Is the Voopoo Drag Max Kit be versatile enough to suit a new and experienced vapers?

For a new vaper the Voopoo Drag Max may be a little over-the-top.

I would probably suggest starting with the Drag S, an internal battery version which is much more pocket friendly and also has an automatic draw system.

But the Voopoo Drag Max does everything very well, there really isn’t much that this kit can’t do, especially if you happen to pick up the Special Edition.

Did you buy the VooPoo Drag Max?

Or have you tried it?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Buy Now