Today I’m taking a look at the Freemax Marvos 60W Kit and I’m just wondering if they omitted the word “pod” for a good reason.
It feels like vaping has become synonymous with the word pod. See? Even I keep saying it lol!
One of the reasons is due to the rather aggressive evolution from a simple starter device to one that does its best to engulf and overtake traditional sub ohm tank set ups.
Heck! Even 510 threaded PCTG plug and play tanks are being classed as.. ahem.. pods.
Thankfully that’s not the case with the Freemax Marvos 60W Kit and some of you may even be familiar with the included DTL pod. Trust me. That certainly is for good reason.
So let’s get into this and a few comparisons along the way.
What Can We Expect From the Freemax Marvos 60W Kit?
It wasn’t long ago we were reviewing the Freemax Marvos T 80W Pod Kit (Yes! Freemax included that word).
One would usually expect a progressive increase in power output but as with their current Onnix series that’s not the case here.
In fact a side by side comparison will tell you all you need to know.
This is the first pod mod kit Freemax have used tri proof technology on. That’s to say IP67 rated for dust, shocks and water ingress.
Despite having less battery capacity and overall power, the Freemax Marvos 60W Kit now features three output modes via its TFT colour screen.
The fabled FM coiltech 4.0 makes a welcome. The now familiar tea fibre cotton and mesh coils feature at the beating heart of the pod – it’s no longer a secret that I’m a huge fan of these.
The DTL pod itself is future proof so compatible with all current Freemax Marvos devices as well as those in the pipeline.
..Sounds like a case of going forwards, backwards then forwards again. Are Freemax leading us a merry dance? It’s time we found out.
Inside the Box
I received the TPD version of the Freemax Marvos 60W Kit.
It sits inside an easy to remove outer sleeve and will expose the following:
- Freemax Marvos 60W mod
- Freemax Marvos DTL pod (2ml)
- MS mesh coil 0.25ohm
- MS mesh coil 0.35ohm
- Type C USB charging cable
- Warning card
- Warranty card
- User manual
Of course standard and US editions are available and these include a 4.5ml capacity pod.
..It’s alright for some, eh lol…
Freemax Marvos 60W Kit – Key Features
I’ve already mentioned the IP67 capabilities of the kit. This does mean I will be checking those waterproofing and durability boasts at some point during the review.
So what other reasons do we have to be cheerful? Well for starters there’s an improved adjustable airflow slider mechanic not featured in the Freemax Marvos T 80W kit.
The large 0.96in TFT colour screen displays one of three output modes available and adjustable wattage is now at your fingertips.
We’re dealing with the Freemax MS platform which basically means coil compatibility across the Marvos range both now and in the future.
The 2000mAh integrated battery is the real thing, apparently and takes a mere 90 minutes to fully recharge from flat.
There are four colour schemes to chose from and these are Black (under review), Blue, Gunmetal and Red.
Keep in mind it’s only partially coloured and limited to the top area of the battery/mod section. The main body consists of a black rubberised coating.
Freemax Marvos 60W Kit – Specifications
- Size 123.6×32.6×30.6mm
- Pod capacity 2ml/4.5ml
- Coils MS mesh coil (tea fibre cotton formula SS904L mesh)
- Coil resistances 0.15/0.25/0.35/0.5ohm
- Battery capacity 2000 mAh
- Output voltage 0.7-4.2V
- Output wattage 5-60W
- Weight 132g
- Material Zinc Alloy/liquid silicone rubber
Freemax Marvos 60W Kit – Design and Build Quality
Battery Section
Considering the body is comprised of zinc alloy the battery section feels a bit weighty in the hand.
It has an average height of 90mm but the 30mm cuboid style makes it a chunky monkey for a pod kit.
The rubberised external coating is ribbed. This does add a level of grip and provides some comfort when palmed. It doesn’t cover the front or back however which makes me wonder how it’s going to respond to submersion.
It’s nice to the USB port covered, literally by a thick pull tab of silicone. It can be twisted out of the way while charging too. Good stuff.
The rubberised coating extends to the underside of the battery. This will provide additional grip on a multitude of surfaces such as glass or polished wood.
I couldn’t find any battery venting holes. Given that Freemax state there’s a genuine battery inside wouldn’t that be relatively important. Or is it at the sacrifice of an IP67 rating?
Freemax Marvos 60W Adjustable Airflow Slider
I’m not really a fan of these.
In a mid airflow position the pin sticks out too far. They’ve caught in a trouser pocket in the past and I see no reason why this should be any different.
The tolerances seem good enough to make fine adjustments and the pin doesn’t (for once) dig uncomfortably into the finger.
There’s enough resistance out of the box but I’ll update below on how that translates after everyday use.
At their widest the dual airflow slots measure 10mm so plenty of scope for that direct lung vape we’re promised.
Underneath the magnetised ring inside the top of the battery lie the gold plated spring loaded coil contacts.
Airflow will directly hit the underside of the coil before being drawn up inside. A very basic but nonetheless effective way of providing good flavour and cloud production.
Freemax Marvos 60W Front Panel and display
The 10.5mm squared fire button doesn’t overly protrude and like the menu buttons has an unfinished gloss appearance. There could’ve been a little more attention to detail here.
The fire button is responsive enough but the menu buttons sound very loud and hollow when pressed giving the device a cheap feel.
Individual wattage adjustments are going to grate on me – and soon!
I measured the screen viewing area as 0.86in x 0.43in and appears to be set back inside the plastic viewing window. It doesn’t affect the display which is clear and bright even if the colours do look a tad washed out.
Freemax Marvos 60W Menu Functions
We’re dealing with a pretty straightforward set of menu functions. It won’t take a new user too long to get to grips with.
- Rapidly press the fire button five times to power the device on or off
- Press the fire button three times to toggle between Power, Smart or Bypass mode
- Hold the fire and down menu button to toggle through colour schemes
- Hold the fire and up menu button to reset the puff counter
- Press both the up and down menu buttons together to lock/unlock the device
- Press fire, up and down menu buttons together to restore factory settings
While the screen is locked it’s still possible to vape.
Power Mode
Power mode allows you to set your own wattage range from 5 – 60W depending on preference.
When in power mode use the upper and lower menu buttons to adjust the wattage in single watt increments.
Hold the buttons to increase or decrease the speed of adjustment.
There’s no round robin feature. The screen will simply alert you that maximum power has been hit.
Smart Mode
In this mode the device reads the coil and limits maximum power based on its capabilities.
For example, the MS mesh 0.35ohm coil is rated between 30-40W. In smart mode it is not possible to use the device beyond the maximum output of 40W.
Smart, eh?
Bypass Mode
This mode simply bypasses variable wattage and allows the device to pull power directly from the battery.
The screen will display the remaining voltage of the battery, expect this to drop as the battery depletes.
Mech Mods are designed to work the same way but the Freemax Marvos 60W kit is regulated (incorporates safety features) whereas Mech Mods aren’t.
You kind of get the best of both worlds – as well as an early introduction into the world of mech mods if that’s your bag.
Freemax Marvos 60W the Pod Section
If you’re familiar with the Freemax Marvos 80T Pod Kit then you’re going to be familiar with this…it’s the same…
There’s very little tinting to the PCTG pod and it’s pleasing to note that all remaining juice levels can be viewed through it. I can’t knock that!
It also feels very strong and solid, capable of rolling with the blows.
Further proof of direct lung capabilities can be noted by the wide bore 810 moulded mouthpiece. It feels comfortable enough in use.
The magnetic contacts on the base of the pod look strategically placed but it doesn’t matter how you drop it into the battery section. The magnetic ring inside the battery picks it up every time with a very reassuring snap.
It’s not possible to shake the pod out but when carrying out a drop test it failed miserably – instantly separating.
The silicone fill port is one of the easiest I’ve dealt with. I didn’t have to resort to a pin for aid – even my nail bitten fingers managed this one lol!
The fill port has a 6mm opening. That should cater for most bottle nozzle types.
Freemax Marvos 60w DTL Pod – How To Install a Coil and Fill the Pod
There’s plug and play then there’s twist, plug and play. Thankfully this is the former of the two…it’s idiot proof so I was very much at home here..
- Remove the pod from the battery section
- Dab a few drops of e liquid onto each wicking port of the coil (optional)
- Push the coil up into the base of the pod ensuring a good seal
- Lift the silicone stopper on the pod to expose the fill port
- Push the bottle nozzle through the port and fill with e liquid
- Replace the silicone stopper ensuring a good seal
- Snap the pod back into the battery section
Let the e liquid soak into the cotton for around five minutes before vaping.
Freemax Marvos 60W Kit – How Does It Perform?
Both coils are 11.9×25.5mm in size. They weigh 6.3g and are comprised of SS904L mesh with tea fibre cotton for wicking material.
Freemax MS 0.35ohm mesh coil (30-40W)
Both coils are going to be better suited with either a 70VG/30PG or 80VG/20PG juice ratio. I’m looking to find some pretty decent cloud production.
I used Doozy Vape Liquid Gold, a 70VG/30PG ratio with freebase nicotine.
With airflow wide open I still noticed a minor degree of restriction. A restriction that appeared to increase during extended inhales. Either that or I was picking up some mild turbulence from the coil.
Having said that, the bore size is smaller than the MS 0.25ohm mesh equivalent so it’s to be expected, I think.
Most importantly of all the flavour was pumping out. The custard was thick and creamy with all the dairy notes intact, very impressive for a totally unrestricted vape.
Of course, cloud production was also on par billowing out in a thick swirly mass.
Mid Airflow Restriction
Now I moved into semi restrictive direct lung territory with more warmth being generated which suited the profile perfectly. It certainly enhanced the vaping experience.
Extended inhales were no longer causing any turbulence and the vape was extremely consistent for flavour notes. Not a single element was lost thanks to the increased saturation.
The profile had now taken on its true intent of being the warm, homemade style custard we all know and love. (Well, I do anyway! lol). The cream content was rich, smooth and tasted very authentic.
It was on this setting I also noticed how smooth the inhale was. Yes, it’s not the quietest of vapes but that mattered not with flavour performance this good.
Further Restriction
This is where I felt flavour properties began to stutter somewhat.
Proving the coil clearly needed the extra airflow to be effective. I was also expecting more restriction here but it differed little from mid range in my opinion.
The flavour was too supressed. It tended to drift off during the exhale, becoming a little stale in the process. A wetness was left on the tongue towards the end of exhale but also tasted a bit “funky” and not to my liking.
So although cloud production remained great, the setting didn’t do this otherwise awesome coil any justice.
Freemax MS 0.25ohm mesh coil (40-60W)
It’s good to see a coil matching the power abilities of the device. I still opted to test the coil in smart mode which recommended 50W
I used Doozy Vape Dream Shake, a beverage inspired flavour with a juice ratio of 70VG/30PG and freebase nicotine.
With airflow wide open I got a fiery, powerful vape. Unlike the 0.35ohm mesh coil there was very little restriction and could be classed as a true direct lung vape.
There was no turbulence during inhale and cloud production was superb. Because of the wider bore the coil was a bit noisy but again mattered little with flavour performance this good.
The concentration levels were on par and the chocolate/diary content was in abundance. All flavour notes were instantly recognisable and held their own throughout the exhale.
It’s usually more about cloud production on this setting but the flavour was equally as impressive.
Mid Airflow Restriction
This was a very good place to be! Well, for me at least because it’s my preferred vaping style. It’s the classic semi restrictive lung hit if ever there was – fantastic!
I wouldn’t say there was a major difference to flavour quality. It remained superb, constantly pulling out the milkshake and rich creamy tones of the e liquid.
At 50W it’s still a cool vape but suits this flavour category to a tee. No turbulence was noticed, even on the longest of inhales where sweetness kicked things off very nicely.
Indeed the coil was able to handle extended inhales very well. I’m not one for generally doing this other than for the purposes of testing.
The vape experience was very smooth and satisfying.
Further Restriction
I think the bore of the coil made a real difference here because the vape still remained highly effective.
It did come at a sacrifice, not to flavour but to the throat. Extended inhales were out of the question for my aging lungs lol!
That didn’t stop the classic feeling of fullness to the throat which always adds to any vaping experience.
A higher level of sweetness was obtained during exhale and all the flavour notes were intensified, almost to the point of sickly sweet – almost…
The vapour production was still impressive too, tumbling out white and fluffy into the atmos.
Freemax Marvos 60W Coil Performance
This is one of those pod kits I could happily vape all day. Why?
Because of those damn excellent coils. I think the combination of stainless steel mesh and tea fibre cotton works brilliantly. These are the words of someone that generally vapes RDA’s or RTA’s.
I crave flavour above vapour production every time and this is what the coils provided. Every time.
I put most of that down to the design of the coil and the tea fibre cotton. This wicking material just seems to enhance the vape experience.
The MS Mesh 0.25ohm coil just edged it for me but not by much. It just had a bit more depth to the flavour although it was a dead heat as regards vapour production.
Freemax Marvos 60W Battery Performance
I got around six and a half hours from the 0.35ohm coil and just over 5 hours from the 0.25ohm. Bearing in mind that I class myself as a chain vaper this isn’t too bad.
If you’re a moderate vaper expect around a days use from either.
It took 90 minutes to fully recharge the drained battery during which time a few observations were made. After plugging in, the screen dims after a short period and eventually switches off.
There’s no way of identifying when the charge is complete. It should either remain on or at least wake up when fully charged.
It could have been an early glitch but it took the chip a good few seconds to register the charged battery too. Initially it showed a depleted battery icon before jumping back to life.
It’s the little things, but that’s my job lol!
Freemax Marvos 60W Everyday Use
I had concerns about condensate around the adjustable airflow but those fears were swiftly allayed.
I never encountered a drop, unfortunately the same could not be said of the coils, they leaked quite substantially which was a shame.
Despite the general annoyance of the pin slider it was actually the pod that caused more issues. It’s not recessed enough inside the battery to prevent it from catching at the sides. I noticed this a few times when removing from a trouser pocket.
A word to the wise. When refilling make sure there are no airlocks present. I got caught out a few times with the pod. So did my clothing lol!
The Freemax Marvos 60W Kit is a bit chunky but still felt comfortable enough in the hand. Because the TFT colour screen is recessed it didn’t suffer too much in direct sunlight – always a plus.
Doomed To a Watery Grave?
I dropped the device quite a few times from various heights and it held up very well.
The rubberised body acting as a shock absorber. The pod was separated each and every time – another sign it’s not recessed enough inside the battery, I guess.
So how did it hold up to the infamous water test?
I submerged it in 4in of water for a total of 15mins. I spotted one, maybe two air bubbles clinging around the edges of the plastic front panel but that was it.
When the device was lifted out of the water it was tested for functionality while still wet and performed admirably – as if never exposed to water.
The first few vapes were funny! There was a slight gurgling sound and practically no vapour production. After persevering for five or six tugs the pod sprang back to life.
During inspection I found the pod connection point to have been the least water resistant. There were wet areas and judging by those initial gurgles had entered the chimney section of the coil.
Pros
- Exceptional flavour and cloud production from both coils
- Able to withstand a few knocks during tests
- Passed the water proofing test
- Entire content of the pod is visible
- Clear, bright TFT colour screen
- Easy to navigate screen menu’s
Cons
- Both coils prone to leaking
- Airflow slider pin can be an annoyance (subjective)
- Menu buttons on the loud side
- No battery venting
- Pod partially dislodges when removing from pocket (subjective)
Freemax Marvos 60W kit – Final Review Verdict
I spent the majority of the time using smart mode. Why? The recommended wattage was fine for flavour and cloud production.
When the battery strength fell to mid level I switched across to bypass mode. This gave me an extra boost that power/smart mode couldn’t achieve.
This being the TPD edition, I was constantly filling the pod. That’s just the nature of these terrific coils. They are juice guzzlers so the 4.5ml pod might be something to consider if interested.
Being a bit chunky it’s better suited to a trouser pocket or bag than a shirt pocket for example. There’s a debate about whether a device should fully lock against vaping.
I don’t think it should. For those worried about it inadvertently firing there’s a simple answer.
Five clicks of the fire button…
OK…is this a pod kit you’re looking to pick up?
How do you find tea fibre coils?
Please let me know your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
