Drag S3
VooPoo brings us two new devices that are quite interesting and packed with good features. In this case, the review will focus on the new Drag S3. A POD-Mod style device that incorporates a 3000mAh internal battery and, most certainly, the great PNP X coils, which, as we already know, deliver incredible performance.
This review is possible thanks to VooPoo; you can visit their page to learn more about them and the new Drag S3.
This review is possible thanks to VooPoo; you can visit their page to learn more about them and the new Drag S3.
Packaging
The product comes in a rectangular cardboard box, which, as we saw in a previous review, has changed in terms of its colors and aesthetics. In this case, it combines yellow with black typography. At the top, we find the VooPoo branding, and in the center, we are treated to an image of the device, which in this case matches the color of the unit.
Personally, I find it to be quite an attractive and aesthetic packaging, which combines good colors and is quite complete.
Inside the box, we find;
1* Drag S3 Device
1* PNP X Cartridge MTL 5mL
1* PNP X 0.6Ω
1* PNP X 0.8Ω
1* Type-C Cable
1* User Manual
Device
From this perspective, we can get a general overview of the Drag S3. In this case, my edition is the Spray Black. It is crafted entirely from a Zinc alloy, although in other cases and colorways, this alloy is combined with leather on the grip section.From the front, we can see the button, which features a small mountain imprint and "Everest Lab." It has relatively short travel and is quite clicky. The button introduces a quite interesting feature: the device can be locked and unlocked directly through it.
Let me explain: there is a mode that detects when we place our finger on the button and unlocks it; as soon as it senses we remove our finger, it locks. Honestly, it works quite well. I’ve tested it with other objects and carried it in my pocket as well; it hasn't given me any issues and only activates with a finger.
If we look further down, we find the screen, which we will discuss in more depth in the next image, along with the modes and configuration options. Near the very bottom, we find the power up and down buttons, which also serve to navigate the settings menu. They also have a very pleasant tactile feel and short travel.
Finally, we find the charging port, in this case, Type-C with 5V/2A charging—meaning fast charging, which is necessary to charge the 3000mAh battery quickly and effectively.
Here I show you the screen and its main information;
- Battery percentage
- Lock icon
- Vaping mode
- Power indicator
- Puff counter
- Coil resistance
Let's move on to the vaping modes and menu settings;
- 5 Clicks to turn the device off or on.
- 3 Clicks to access the settings menu, and we navigate through it with the power up and down buttons.
- From the menu, we can access the vaping modes: SMART, RBA, ECO. SMART mode selects a suitable power range for the coil, RBA mode allows us to choose any value ourselves, and in ECO mode, a considerable power reduction is noticeable.
- From the menu, we can also access the choice of UI themes and the activation or deactivation of animations.
- We can also access the lock modes, which are divided into Touch Lock, Button Lock, and fully Unlocked.
- Finally, we can clear the puff counter and reset it.
Here I show you the airflow intake, although it isn't entirely visible in the image. It consists of three small holes on each side, as this is the MTL cartridge. To close or open it, we simply have to rotate the top ring. One thing I don't like is that to rotate the ring, we have to hold the cartridge firmly; otherwise, the entire assembly spins instead of the ring, which is what we need to move to regulate the airflow.
Apart from that, it is a very well-designed MTL cartridge. It filters the air great, and the drip tip complements it perfectly, in addition to being extremely comfortable in the mouth. Something I would have liked is a much more pronounced hit, because even though it is MTL, it isn't very noticeable even when closing the airflow.
To refill it, we simply need to open the silicone tab, and we can fill it with up to 5mL of our preferred liquid. For this atomizer, VooPoo recommends liquids with <= 20mg/mL. Personally, I recommend it for salts or freebase liquids with a high nicotine percentage, as the throat hit is barely noticeable.
Vaping Time
The moment has come for the vaping test. To start, I will share some of my conclusions regarding the hand feel. The device is relatively heavy, although it is also actually really comfortable. It feels like a robust device that will stand the test of time, although I don't know if the part that imitates a sort of "carbon fiber" will last very long. The button position is really good and very comfortable, as is its feel during use. In general, the hand feel is really good.
Regarding the vaping, my conclusions about both coils are really similar; the only difference is that the 0.8Ω one is slightly more restricted than the other. Both provide very good flavor, not at the level of an RDA in my opinion, but indeed a really good flavor. Vapor production, being MTL, is not very considerable, but I am sure it has the capacity to release big vapor clouds with the other cartridge and a more powerful coil.
The battery life is very good, especially in combination with this MTL cartridge which doesn't exceed 23W with the 0.6Ω coil. You can really tell it is a 3000mAh battery, and charging is relatively fast, approximately an hour and a half.
It is a really good device; the airflow regulation is excellent, the flavor is good, and it is quite versatile, plus the hand feel and the construction of the device are great. However, will this be worth it over its big brother, the Drag X3? I will soon review that device as well and answer this question.
