When I heard I’d be receiving the new WISMEC Motiv 2 all-in-one pod mod system to review I was a little perplexed. I mean, the Hiflask was only released last month so I wondered what direction they would take. Who were they aiming the Motiv 2 at?
Wismec have a vast and varied product catalogue and have been the creators of some pretty decent box mods over the last couple of years.
They launched version 1 of the MOTIV range in April last year. In version 2 we see a change to the refilling method and a simplified battery indicator. The form factor has also been shrunk to make this a more pocket friendly device.
For the purpose of this review we will be looking at the red version of the Wismec Motiv 2.
This product was sent for the purposes of this review. As always my views are my own.
Inside the box
- 1 x MOTIV 2 Battery
- 2 x MOTIV 2 Cartridge
- 1 x USB Cable
- 1 x Instruction Manual
Specs
- Size: 87.7 x 34.4 x 14.4mm
- Weight: 58.9g
- Capacity: 2ml (TPD Compliant) and 3ml versions available
- Battery: Internal 500mAh
- Output wattage: 10W Max
- Output mode: 3.5V constant voltage
- Continuous firing: Cuts out at 10s
- Charging: Micro USB
Quick start
After hacking my way through the postal packaging, I was stunned with the simplicity of the setup.
I simply took an included pod, filled it with some nic-salt e-liquid, slotted it into the battery and took my first draw. As the MOTIV 2 is draw activated there is no power button or menu system, making this an ideal kit for a beginning vaper or someone more seasoned.
Build Quality
Visually appealing, sturdy and customisable due to additional batteries this is a great little pod system for work or nights out. It allows convenient stealth vaping when cloud chucking isn’t possible or simply isn’t your thing.
Handy and Dandy
What struck me when I opened the box was the size. Although small, the Motiv 2 was a little wider than I’d expected to see but there was a sense of style and refinement. The battery has no seams making it smooth to the touch. It fits well in the hand with almost a reverse remote-control hand position.
Taking it from the top
The snug fit of the pod into the battery leaves no wiggle room and no rattle. The Wismec Motiv 2 feels robust. However, without giving it some rough treatment I can’t confirm how careless you can be with it.
Pucker up
The mouthpiece was more comfortable than I thought it would be. I assumed I’d have to pucker up and purse my lips to draw, but there’s an altogether more ergonomic feel here with the bottom section fitting neatly on the lip.
Snug and simple
The pod fits snugly into the battery housing one way and with the clearly identifiable top and bottom to it you aren’t constantly turning it around as if trying to get a USB drive into a computer (we all know the struggle).
The refill hole is obvious and wide enough to fit a 10ml bottle tip in, although there’s the possibility of spillage and overflow with a larger bore tip.
When I slipped the pod back into the battery I notice a slight gap on the air hole side. Not a deal breaker but does break that illusion of seamlessness.
The workhorse
The form factor of the battery itself is stunning. The all metal housing comes in a variety of colours, I was sent the red one. The lacquer leaves the feel in the hand not dissimilar tohigh end mobile phones.
There’s a good weight to it too which gives the impression that the Wismec Motiv 2 is robust. The USB charge port is on the right side of the battery and a close look shows what could be venting gaps to add an extra layer of protection.
Battery Indicators
The only display to concern yourself about on the Wismec Motiv 2 is the battery indicator light. Showing 3 levels of charge:
- Green (100%-16%)
- Yellow (15%-6%)
- Red (<=5%).
There are additional batteries available separately to give peace of mind when charging is not possible or just to customise to your current mood. If budget allows it’s always recommended to carry a spare.
In terms of protection the Motiv 2 boasts 5 official protection systems:
- Short circuit protection
- Atomizer protection
- Low voltage protection
- Dual circuit protection
- No load protection
- The result should be a pod system with a decent life expectancy.
How Does The Wismec Motiv 2 Perform?
How To Fill/Re-Fill
- Remove the pod from the battery
- Unplug the rubber bung on the base of the pod
- Fill carefully
- Replace the bung
- Leave for 10 minutes to allow the coil to soak up the e-liquid.
The draw is kind of airy. Not being an MTL vaper I assumed I’d be faced with the same battle I have when trying to drink a McDonalds Milkshake I.e. a lot of suck for not a lot of reward.
There’s a nice loose draw that makes a restrictive DTL draw possible but not very satisfying.
MTL is totally different, the draw is clean and throat hit is comfortable. The airflow is non-adjustable as you’d expect from a pod mod system. What I didn’t expect was it to sound like someone was blowing through a straw next to my ear.
Personally, I’d like a tighter draw with a bit less air noise. The MOTIV 2 certainly isn’t a thirsty beast, during testing I’ve managed being out and about for 2 days without having to worry about running out of e-liquid in the pod containing a 65:35 VG/PG mix.
First Pod Test
The Motiv 2 came with 2 pods. To check the diversity of the flavour and vapour production, I filled one with the 65:35 VG/PG Grape Vape e-liquid from Far E-liquids.
The draw was clean and had good mouth feel. The e-liquid I used contained nic salts so I was expecting a smooth throat hit and I wasn’t disappointed. The flavour was pleasant and satisfying.
2nd Pod Test
In the 2nd pod I wanted to see how the Motiv 2 would stand up to an e-liquid with a thicker ratio.
I chose Twisted Ice Cream from Double Drip coil sauce, coming in at an 80:20 VG/PG mix. I was surprised to see the thicker e-liquid wick just as well as the thinner mix.
You can definitely see bubbles as the wicking material feeds the pod contents through into the coil, which fills me with confidence that coils have been well manufactured. The only concern I have is that the pod containing the thicker e-liquid ran noticeably warmer as the coil worked to vaporise the liquid as I chain vaped.
Both of these e-liquids produced a loose vape on exhale. Even with a much lower nicotine content the 3mg free base mix of the Double Drip was a little harsher on the throat than its 20mg Far rival.
Neither of these e-liquids left me with a dry hit which was a great result for higher ratio vapers. Although, the pod containing the 80:20 mix did gobble up the supply with gusto.
With the filling hole sitting directly next to the battery contacts, I was a little concerned that the pods would leak and flood the battery with extended use. I’ve now ran 4 refills through each pod and have had no leaking from either thinner or thick ratios.
When you notice the flavour deteriorating or a slight burnt taste coming through it’s time to change out the pod cartridge.
Battery Life
The battery stands up well too. I started using this straight of the box with no initial charging and even though I’m quite a heavy vaper, especially chain vaping during breaks, the battery lasted me easily into my 3rd day without a charge.
Pros
- Quick setup
- Easy to use – Good for beginners
- Decent flavour
- Low eliquid consumption
- Long battery life
- Great looks
Cons
- Air noise
- Draw could be tighter
- Small gap next to air hole breaks the seamless illusion
Final verdict
As my first trip into pod mod land the Wismec Motiv 2 was a good guide to have by my side. I liked the simplicity of use and the convenience it gave me of getting a nicotine hit when I was at work or on a night out.
There’s no indication of how long the pods will last. I’ve had 4 refills with no degradation in flavour yet, so things do look promising.
Wismec have a retail price for the MOTIV 2 of $27.60 which puts this little beauty near the top of the AIO pod price range, but I can live with that for the performance and quality I’ve experienced.
