Wismec R80 Pod Mod Review – A Vinci X Beater?

Will the Wismec R80 pod mod destroy the competition – and is it better than the VooPoo Vinci-X?

Me and Wismec have a bit of history, first I recommend their products as well built and durable – and then they steal my photographs!

But no, I’m not being salty about it, because I can’t really fault their devices that much.

The Reuleaux Tinker 2 kit could be used as a hammer, and the Wismec AI was a little different but it performed as you would hope, and with all the positives on design, build quality and function.

What I really need to find out about Wismec, is can they do good flavour?

And have they developed a ‘category leading’ pod mod suitable for Mouth-to-lung and Direct to Lung Vaping?

What Can We Expect From The R80 by Wismec?

So it’s clear this is a competitor to the VooPoo Vinci X pod mod as it also houses a single 18650 battery, a higher wattage capacity than its competitor with 80w to be enjoyed.

But it also has some ‘stand-out’ features.

The USB Type-C Connector is right up there with modern times, and also included is a 510 adaptor so you can make use of your own sub ohm tanks and RDA’s.

The Wismec R80 has all the other usual features such as a full 0.96In colour display, 2 coils inside the box, and the pod houses 4ml of e-liquid (2ml TPD).

So let’s crack on with the Wismec R80 review and see what this kit is all about…

This kit was sent to me for the purpose of review.

All views and opinions are solely those of my own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of others.

Inside the Box

• 1 x R80 Device
• 1 x 4.0ml Pod
• 1 x  0.3Ω WV-M Mesh Coil
• 1 x  0.8Ω WV01 Coil
• 1 x 510 Adaptor
• 1 x Warranty Card
• 1 x User manual
• 1 x USB-C Cable
• 2 x Warning Cards

Wismec R80 Specs and Features

• Size: 116.2×32×31.5
• Battery: Single 18650
• Material: Zinc Alloy Body. PCTG Pod.
• E-Liquid Capacity: 4.0ml (TPD Version 2.0ml)
• Output Wattage: 80w
• Suitable Resistance: 0.1Ω-3.0Ω
• Airflow – Adjustable via Coil base.
• Charging: Max 2A charge via USB-C
• Available colours: Classic Legend | Meteor Shower | Northern Lights | Ocean Star | Quantum World

Design and Build Quality

I received the Wismec R80 in its ‘Northern Lights’ colour variation.

The R80 has an odd ‘Triangular cylinder’ style going on. As its triangular, two sides feature a specific colour or pattern, with the third side being mostly filled by the fire button, Colour display and adjustment buttons.

Each side has 5 fairly large airflow holes near the top of the device.

The Wismec R80 pod mod comes in 2 general finishes which appear to be Gun Metal and a more Stainless Steel look.

However, I cant find information on what material the device is actually made from, so I assume its a Zinc Alloy or Aluminium?

The gun-metal version is however, an absolute finger print magnet – it has an extremely polished finish which is really nice, but yeah – its a mega finger print magnet.

At the base of the device is the ‘screw-in’ battery compartment and the USB-C port.

At the top of the device is obviously where the pod is installed. 3 Large magnets sit inside of the Wismec R80 along with 3 power terminals.

With a pod installed, and the included lid clipped on the top, its a big ol’ pod system for sure, however, the build quality as a whole really is top notch and it also looks premium.

Wismec R80 Pod Mod In the Hand

The triangular shape fits almost perfect in the hand and it has a decent weight as well.

Looking at it, its very similar in size to the usual 60ml short-fill bottle, but triangular.

It feels very well constructed and put together and as a thumb firing device its very comfortable.

Flipping it round to be treated as a finger firer, there is a lovely flat edge with ‘Wismec’ engraved into the panel which means your thumb presses nicely against a flat edge, and not a corner.

Very well thought out indeed.

The Pod

The R80 comes with one very darkly tinted 4.0ml Pod/Tank which has quite a large mouthpiece, certainly a larger bore than that of the VooPoo Vinci X or GeekVape Aegis Boost.

So the R80 is looking to be more of a DTL device because of that factor.

However the base of the pod has 3 massive magnets that clunk into the device with some force, and the push-fit coils fit nice and snug.

And its through the push-fit coil that the airflow is directed, thanks to the airflow adjustment ring on the base of each coil – top marks for that.

Nestled within the base of the pod is also the silicon seal to fill the pod, which is really well hidden and took me a moment to find.

How To Fill the Wismec R80 Pod Mod

To fill the pod with e-liquid you firstly remove the pod from the battery part of the device, then:

• Locate the silicon flappy part and gently peel it back and carefully fill with your favourite e-liquid

NOTE: Be sure to clean up any spillage as any residual liquid will rest on the magnets and connection terminals once the pod is re-fitted.

• Re-fit the silicon seal
• Fit the pod back into the device and leave to rest.

I strongly suggest giving the coils 5-10 minutes rest time to allow the coils to fully saturate in e-liquid – known as priming your coils.

You can prime your coils to save on waiting time by simply adding a few drops to the cotton a number of times.

But either way I’d still leave the coil to fully saturate for a while.

Wismec R80 Pod Mod Display Functions

The 0.96in Colour Screen on the Wismec R80 is fairly bright, and very well laid out.

With regards to settings, there isn’t too much to worry about as this is a wattage only device.

However there are also a couple of fire button sequences to keep in mind

• 5 Clicks on, 5 Clicks Off.
• 3 Clicks when on will change display colour. Blue | Red | Gold
• Hold Fire and Left Button to reset Puff Counter
• Press and hold Left & Right button to lock wattage (Can still fire)
• When device is off – Press and hold Left & Right buttons to flip screen

How Does the Wismec R80 Pod Mod Perform?

During my testing I’ve been vaping on Tru Juice Blackcurrant Raspberry Lime (70/30 VG/PG) for the 0.3Ω Mesh Coil.

And Just Juice Mango Passion Fruit (50/50 nic salt) for the 0.8Ω Coil.

Read more: VG VS PG In E Liquid: All You Need To Know

Wismec R80 Pod Mod – Flavour and Clouds

The 0.3Ω Coil (25-40w)

To start with, I happily sat on 30 watts with the airflow control halfway open.

At this setting the Wismec R80 delivered a ‘satisfactory’ experience, however, it was a little lacking in the flavour department.

So once I had given the coil enough time to bed in, and the cotton to get a little sticky, I ramped the wattage up by 10.

And at 40 watts with the airflow all the way open – it delivered a slightly better than satisfactory vape.

Nothing ground breaking or majorly impressive, but good enough I suppose – vapour production was very good however.

Which for me, is a bit of a let down, especially considering on the side of the box it says ‘Challenge Accepted’ Which is either their new motto, or perhaps a dig at the VooPoo Vinci? Who knows!

Nonetheless the flavour and general vape experience from the 0.3Ω is satisfactory at best.

The 0.8Ω Coil (12-20w)

I made a stupid assumption when I first started using this coil, or did I?

My assumption was that the 0.8Ω coil, with its low wattage recommendation, and traditional round-wire coil was meant for a Mouth-To-Lung vape.

And to be honest, I feel maybe that’s what Wismec are thinking too?

So I spent almost two days toying around with using the 0.8Ω coil as a MTL setup, with the airflow almost fully closed.

And although the restriction of the airflow was excellent and dynamic, the flavour was extremely lacking, regardless as to how I set the wattage – it was lacking.

Experiment time! Empty the pod of its Nic Salts, pop the wattage to the maximum recommended 20w and bang in a 70-30 3mg bottle of Code Red (My most loved e-liquid).

And Boom! It came to life!

Of course there is a slight restriction there as the coils airflow control ring has a much smaller hole to pull in air – but the flavour was very good.

Vapour production on the 0.8Ω coil is OK too, not a cloud chucker, but certainly decent enough and the whole vape experience, when using the 0.8Ω coil as a DTL coil, is good.

Breaking-in Time

Both coils break in very quickly, in fact there really isn’t much improvement in flavour from puff number one, to puff number 50, 100 ad so on.

However, the 0.3Ω coil was showing serious signs of burn within the first day, but it still managed 5 days before a hint of that burnt flavour started to show its ugly face.

Wismec R80 Pod Mod Airflow

Top marks to Wismec for making the R80 fully adjustable when it comes to airflow, it just allows a device to suit more people as they can tinker to find the best vape for them.

It’s a ‘set and forget’ kind of airflow as its hidden under the pod. So once you’ve got it set, you’re not likely to adjust it until you have to replace the pod.

Regardless of which coil you opt for, the airflow is smooth and only the slightest turbulence on the smaller 0.8Ω coil when using it as a DTL coil with the airflow all the way open.

Top marks for adjustable airflow coils.

Wismec R80 Battery Life

Battery life always depends on usage, and the resistance of the coils.

But whether you decide to use the 0.3Ω or 0.8Ω coil, at the maximum recommended wattage, you’ll enjoy at least a days battery life from a single 18650.

That’s the beauty of these larger Pod-Mod devices, better and longer battery life.

Obviously if you decide to fit your own tank or RDA on top using the 510 adaptor, and fire at a higher wattage, expect that battery to deplete a lot quicker.

Using the 510 Adapter

510 adaptors have become a big thing in the ‘Pod-Mod’ world as they allow the user to practically fit any Tank or RDA they like, onto their mod.

With the maximum 80w power output, the adaptor offers more versatility to the R80, however it does have its flaws.

Although the adapter clicks into the device, thanks to the strong magnets with some authority, it does pose a weird dilemma.

With your favourite RDA on top, you can happily vape away, no issues at all.

However, if like me, you like to remove the barrel, or top-cap to drip, you’ll find when you attempt to pull off the top-cap, the adapter, and the whole RDA for that matters comes with it!

A very minor, yet annoying fault.

As strong as the magnets are, the 510 adaptor could really do with some kind of clip to keep it in place.

Any Other Business

My only other minor observation is that in all honesty, 80 watts is just to much for a single 18650 to produce comfortably.

Its actually a little annoying they even allow the device to power to 80 watts.

For someone either new to vaping, or experienced but maybe a little naive when it comes to battery power output.

They may be interested in this device partially because of the stated 80w output.

In essence, at 80 watts, it feels more like 50 watts on a Dual 18650 regulated device.

Pros

• Feels very well built
• Smart Design
• Bright, clear screen
• Great flavour from the 0.8Ω Coil

Cons

• The pod is very dark and difficult to see your e-liquid level
• Flavour isn’t the best on the 0.3Ω Mesh Coil
• Mega Finger-Print magnet
• Not a true 80w Device.
• Filling the pod from the base leaves major potential for moisture on the contacts
• Pod mouthpiece is a little large for an MTL vape.

Final Review Verdict

Are we bored of pod mods already??

Possibly yes but there are certainly a few features to the Wismec R80 that allows it to be considered slightly unique.

I think they’re onto something with this particular pod mod, but in all honesty it could do with more battery power (it wont be long before we see dual battery pod mods, you heard it here first!)

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 Wismec R80, in my opinion is the best built in its class. Its extremely well built and put together and I have no doubt it’ll last into 2021 with a little care of the Pod terminals and regular cleaning.

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

Overall, the R80 does the job. I have a feeling my 0.3Ω coil might just be a little dodgy? Hopefully if you decide to go for this kit, the 0.3Ω mesh coil will perform better.

The general vape experience is excellent thanks to the adjustable airflow control ring on the coils.

Is this device versatile to suit a new vaper, and an experienced one a like?

I’d put the Wismec R80 Pod Mod in the crossover stage between ‘New Vaper’ and ‘Hobbyist’

Primarily I would class this as a ‘Starter DTL Kit‘ as apposed to a Starter Kit for a new vaper – however, it is possible to get a decent MTL draw from this, similar to a cigarette.

Have you bought the Wismec R80 pod mod kit?

Or have you given it a try?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.