The Eleaf Iwu pod mod is from a brand that has been synonymous with easy to use, mainstream gear since vaping first became a thing. The brand is known for making compact, stylish devices that are particularly popular amongst first time vapers.
In fact, one of my first devices was an Eleaf iStick and I was delighted last week when I received the brand’s latest iStick, the Amnis, to add to my collection. The user friendly iJust and Pico ranges proved massive hits for the brand, who’ve released an absolute fountain of smooth running gear over the years.
Eleaf targeted cigarette quitters with its sleek iCare 2 and now, with their freaky looking IWU pod mod, they’ve hit on something that I think would be invaluable to anyone keen on cutting the smells with some Nic salts and a small, stealthy vaping device.
I’m so pleased to bring this review of my exotic, rainbow hued, pet trilobite (lol), the sexy Eleaf iWu.
What’s In The Box
- 1 X iWu pod mod battery
- 1 x Eleaf iWu pod mod cover
- 2 x iWu pod mod cartridges
- 1 x QC USB cable
- 1 x User Manual
Features
- Button free draw activation/li>
- 700 mAh battery
- Battery level indicator light
- 2ml plastic pod tanks
- 1.3 Ohm MTL coils
- Available in silver/black, black/red, rainbow/yellow (like mine!), gold/green and blue/blue
- 30 x 14 x 98 mm
- 15W output
- 58.48g
Build Quality & Design
Opening up the neat, white box packaging, I discover my psychedelic looking yellow and rainbow Eleaf iWu, which comes half assembled, with the battery and cover fitted and the two pod cartridges on the side.
First of all, let me say that I instantly liked the design. The cover, which seems to be made of Stainless Steel, serves as grip and a real interest factor and it reminds me of those trilobite fossils they used to try to teach us about in school, unfortunately we weren’t listening though, so we only remember what they look like.
The pod mod battery is made of a lightweight plastic, and is basically rectangular, with a micro USB port at the bottom and a small Eleaf and iWu brand on the small section of the battery that’s still visible once you’ve fitted the cover over it.
On the edge in-between the branding and the port that’s perpendicular to it, is a small hole, which has a protective silicon plug in it on arrival. This hole serves as both the airflow and the LED indicator light.
Without the cover on, you will find 2 small magnets either side, which hold the cover in place, as well as a recess at the top, which includes magnets and connectors for the cartridge, which has both the tank and the coils inside it.
One has to fit the cartridge and then slide the cover over it all, to lock it place, then just the drip tip sticks out, its very cool.
I take one of the little pods out of its protective bag and inspect it. I see the connections at the bottom, a nice 2ml tank with a really comfy, narrow rectangular drip tip, much like the iCare 2 had.
On the side of the cartridge is a little fixed silicon stopper, which opens from the one side to give you access to the fill port. Unfortunately there’s no air-escape hole, so filling can be a messy business unless you’re careful.
Once it’s all assembled I delight in how compact and comfortable the shape is, I just love the way the rainbow colours look as they go from blue at the tip to a bright gold…I need more rainbow things. This may be a stealth device but it looks super flashy and really draws the attention with this trilobite skin.
How Does The Eleaf iWu Perform?
The iWu is an absolute delight, it now has a permanent place in my bag or pocket and i don’t see myself leaving home without it anytime soon.
Firstly, who knew that a tiny little cartridge and coil like this could produce such profound flavour?
These are, hands down, the best flavour pod coils I’ve ever vaped on, which is why I can’t put this pod down, especially with Nic salts, where you really need the flavour to offset the harsh taste of the high nicotine.
Now, the device is designed for Mouth to Lung (MTL) hits and really delivers on that front, with the airflow and the shape of the tip being absolutely perfect for it.
That said, I use it for restricted DTL hits almost all the time and it doesn’t complain at all.
Unsure what MTL and DTL is? Read our guide here.
I’m actually pleasantly surprised by the richness of vapour I’m getting, given the 15W max output, it’s not bad at all.
The drip tip is extremely comfortable and if you’re palming the device the whole time, you may find yourself cathartically rubbing the trilobite skin…just because you can and it makes you feel better.
I have definitely hopped on the POD WAGON and now have a dedicated pod section in my collection and I have to say, thanks to the looks, flavour and performance, this has to be my favourite pod mod vape!
Last but not least, the draw activation works a charm and what’s better than an automatic…especially for first time capers who are used to just drawing on a cigarette. No lighter needed here though!
How To Fill
- Remove the cover
- Remove the cartridge
- Open the silicon stopper on the side
- Fill, taking breaks to release the air inside
- Close and reassemble
How To Change the Coil
- Simply change the cartridge
Stock Coil Performance
Well well, full marks for these 1.3 Ohm winners from Eleaf. So much flavour that I literally feel like I dropped some juice on my tongue, I don’t know how they did it!
These coils deliver a fairly full vapour on MTL and stand up to rigorous restricted DL vaping, without losing their flavour, even after 2 weeks. No complaints whatsoever.
Battery Life
The 700mAh battery is more than ample for these coils and actually really impressive, given the pod’s diminutive size. I get about 6 hours constant use of this battery, which translates into much more if you are only using this on vape breaks.
Charges in about 30 minutes.
Pros
- I love the uniquer looks and design
- Compact and ergonomic
- Excellent airflow, drip tip and coils for MTL
- Miraculous flavour
- Stands up to extended DL use, even though it’s not designed for it
- Excellent battery life
- Comes with 2 X Pods
Cons
- Bleh!
Final Review Verdict
The Eleaf iWu pod system comes highly recommended to Nic salt lovers and smoke quitters everywhere. I think this would be the perfect cessation aid, especially with the draw activation and the beautiful flavour.
You couldn’t ask for better flavour, vapour quality or convenience from a pod. I know the looks might not be your cup of tea but you either LOVE IT, like I do, or you hate it. If you love the weird looks, one thing I can vouch for is that the performance certainly won’t let you down…convenient, tasty and absolutely top notch!
And..
Would I buy the Eleaf IWU if I lost/broke the device? Of course!
Why doesn’t my pod hit and it blinks green when I hit it?
Thank you for such a detailed review Laura! I’ve had one of the iCare2s you mentioned in the review for a little over a year now. It’s amazing for such a little device, and works pretty well with salts. I think the poor little thing has run it’s course as the battery seems to be getting weaker and coils are beginning to burn easier, but over a year on a $20 device is incredible! I’ve been looking at the iWu to replace it with and your review has certainly sold it for me! I was just wondering how much better the flavor is with the iWu compared to the iCare2. Lack of flavor was my only gripe, but it still had enough to be enjoyable. Thanks!
Thanks so much for your feedback, Paul. I think you’ll find the flavour difference to be like chalk and cheese! It’s incredible how the flavour and vapour quality of devices has improved over the past year, you should be very satisfied with that purchase! All the best and please keep us posted.