After the two iSticks, another return to the past officially debuts, seeing as very few similar pods are being released. iSolo Air 3, after the cartridges (integrated pod + coil) took the market by storm, Eleaf returns with the solution of extractable coils. Compact dimensions for a 1600 mAh battery, 4 choices of GTL coil. The iSolo Air 3 was gifted by Eleaf, I have no working relationship with them.
The box is similar to all new Eleaf releases in rigid cardboard. Inside are the manual and warranty enclosed in a white card, the iSolo Air 3 battery body with its pod installed, two packaged GTL coils, and a USB Type-C cable for charging.
The weight is 105 grams due to the zinc alloy construction, the dimensions are 35 x 27.5 x 98 mm, with the 98 mm height taking into consideration the drip tip as well; without it, the height is 84.
The feeling when holding it is distant from the other Eleaf pods I have tried but more similar to what you get with a Pico, massive and which, despite not being declared shock-proof, offers the sensation of being able to survive any daily challenge.
The iSolo Air 3 pods are equipped with a standard 510 connection; if you don't like the one supplied, you can use others. The standard one has a plastic core with a rubber coating (where the lips rest). The photo shows the 3 ml version, with a 2 ml version also available for the TPD market: both have a glossy finish and a dark gray color.
Refilling is done by lifting the small cap with the possibility of using chubby bottles without problems and with the pod installed in the battery body of the iSolo Air 3. Coil insertion is press-fit from below, with both the GTL Coils arriving packaged in their own plastic container.
The GTL Coils, despite having a mesh section, differ due to Eleaf's choice of Kanthal instead of the usual Ni80, excellent for those who have issues with this material. Choices include:
GTL 0.3Ω Coil recommended 25-40W (included in the package)
GTL 0.6Ω Coil recommended 18-25W
GTL 0.8Ω Coil recommended 12-18W (included in the package)
GTL 1.2Ω Coil recommended 7-13W
Eleaf opted for a middle ground (approximately) of the 3 most MTL coils and the most powerful 0.3, which for a similar device, compared to airflow and battery, I ran at the minimum recommended watts without problems, taking care to use a 60 VG liquid. The flavor delivery is obviously sweet. Abundant vapor and everything you would expect from a coil of this kind. The GTL 0.8 is slightly better; at 12 or 13 watts, it's also more than fine even with 50/50 final liquid with these temperatures. The flavor delivery is slightly more balanced than the 0.3, but it remains in the field of mesh coils.
Pod housing with two central spring-loaded pins that allow the coil to be read. A plate allows the pod magnets to maintain continuous contact even if it accidentally rotates while vaping or pulling it out of a pocket. Considering that the GTLs are press-fit and not cartridges, it would be good daily practice to check and clean any condensation.
The back is covered by a thick faux leather insert compared to the dimensions but still comfortable to grip. Airflow adjustment is entrusted to the lever system which partially closes the small holes installed nearby, with the air entering "from below," which for me is slightly more valuable than, for example, top airflow atomizers.
The airflow choice on the iSolo Air 3 is between three small holes that can be partially closed as desired for MTL vaping and a slot for RDL vaping. Even with only one hole open, you are in "normal" MTL vaping, so not lung-filling. Opening the 3 holes and the slot makes it a (quasi) RDL or at least a very open MTL to be used with the GTL 0.3.
The base is similar to the iStick X80 style, so it's rubberized and features 3 vent holes in addition to the CE mark and disposal logo. Despite the weight, thanks to its contained dimensions, it remains quite stable when placed upright. Charging will be seen; it's on the front.
Despite its dimensions, the iSolo Air 3 has everything many box mods have on the front side. The fire button has a central recess to make activation more comfortable with the thumb. The screen size is not specified, but it should be clear that it is quite bright. The last two buttons are the usual + and - for watt regulation, while at the bottom, there is the USB Type-C 2A port to recharge the 1600 mAh battery.
The AI-Chip is stripped down but still allows for watt selection and precise monitoring of the remaining battery percentage at all times. 5 clicks for power on or off, and 3 clicks to "unlock" watt selection and modify it with the + and - buttons below the screen. Pressing them together for a few seconds allows you to lock or unlock firing with the fire button. Nothing else to report except the cutoff after 10 seconds of puff and the low voltage which engages when the battery reaches 3.3 volts. Beyond this, the usual atom/short checks if the coil is not read with a value between 0.2 and 3 ohms.
The iSolo Air 3 will certainly satisfy all vapers who hate the trend of pod mods with cartridges and plastic waste, or those who approached vaping with disposables and are looking for something similar in shape but whose management costs ten if not twenty times less. It is also perfect for those looking for a device to keep as a backup given its excellent build quality, suitable for leaving not only on the office desk but also in the glove compartment of their car or in a bag due to its sturdiness.
For more info about the iSolo Air 3, you can visit the
Eleaf iSolo Air 3 – Compact Yet Powerful Pod Mod Eleaf website.
I thank the ECF staff and community for the space.
