The GTRS Loco AIO has joined the Pod mod race but why are pod systems all the rage? They’re absolutely ideal as a Starter device for someone looking to quit the fags.
They’re generally well made, discreet and thanks to the Pod vape Boom last year in these types of devices, they’re generally cheap to buy and maintain.
Not forgetting the seasoned ‘Vaper’ who might well have a device like this, slotted in their back pocket for a rainy day.
With the success of the Vboy 200/222 Box mods, GTRS have spread their wings a little and have jumped on the Pod Wagon with a number of Pod style devices.
So what’s so special about their latest kit? Let’s have a look!
Disclaimer: I received the GTRS Loco Pod Kit for the purpose of this review. All opinions are based on my own experience and road testing.
Check Out My Hands On GTRS Loco Video Review
What’s in the Box:
- 1 x GTRS Loco Vape Kit (The Device Itself)
- 2 x 1.0Ω Dual Coil Atomizers
- 1 x Bottom Coil Base Adaptor
- 2 x Rubber Filling Hole Plug (1 installed)
- 1 x Micro USB Cable
- User Guide
Specs and Features
- Material: Aluminium Alloy & Polycarbonate
- Size: 94.5 x 33 x 18 mm
- Battery: 1000mAh
- E-Liquid Capacity: 3.0ml
- Power Range: 10-16W
- Suitable Resistance: 0.8 – 3.0Ω
- Charging: Via micro USB
- Available colors: Blue | Black | Red | Grey |
Design and Build Quality
First things first… Im clumsy. And this kit has had a tough few days, but there isn’t a scratch or dent on her. Even after a downhill bike ride, falling out of my pocket a number of times there is not a scratch.
It is certainly a well put together device and considering for a Pod system it is fairly large, it’s not very weighty but substantial enough that you don’t feel like you could snap it in half. Im impressed with its durability, general build quality and paint finish. Which is almost slightly pearlescent in certain lights and also doesn’t show up fingerprints which is a big plus for me.
The LED fire button on the face of the device is bright and bold and has a lovely clicky action and the Pod section itself is a strong Polycarbonate which even at its weakest points, doesn’t bend easily.
How Does it Look and Feel
As you can see by the images, it looks a bit like a giant USB stick, and that’s how it feels. But that doesn’t make it uncomfortable – Going back to the big word for this device, it feels substantial for a small bit of Kit.
The fire button is in my opinion slightly too low as I generally use my pinky to support the base of the device, which then naturally leaves my thumb slightly higher than the fire button position. Having said that, for a chap of my size (6ft 4) this device is probably not best suited to my hands.
The top cap to protect the mouthpiece clicks on nicely and has a nice amount of resistance when taking it off – I’m not sure what to do with the top cap whilst I’m vaping though? Just hold it or pop it in my pocket. For sure I’d lose that part at some point. It’s a shame it doesn’t push on to the base of the device.
Features
Ease of use is the big thing with pod systems, refillable pod systems aren’t everyones cup of tea, but it does mean you don’t have to take as many trips to the Vape shop as long as you’ve got spare coils and plenty of e-liquid. Which is why I like this device so much.
As I mentioned at the start of this review, the device is ideally for those looking to get off the dirty sticks and start a simpler, cleaner life – and this device is just that. Simple.
There are only 3 boxes to tick when using this kit:
- Pod Filled with e-liquid √
- Battery Charged √
- Coil Installed √
To switch her on and off, simply click the button 5 times.
A lot of Pod style devices rely on your inhale/drag to initiate the vapour, this one makes use of the fire button which you press and hold whilst taking a pull. The LED fire button will glow white throughout your puff, unless of course the battery is running low, when it will glow Red.
Filling the Pod
To fill the pod with e-liquid you firstly remove the pod from the battery part of the device, remove the Rubber Bung, and pour in your desired E-liquid. This kit is generally designed for your Nic Salt E-liquids, which usually have a higher nicotine content, but still give you a nice smooth vape.
You’ll have to be selective with which bottles you use though, as the shorter bottle ends don’t reach the filling hole as the base of the bottleneck hits the coil base! Very frustrating.
Fitting/Replacing the Coil
Replacing the coils is simple enough, take the pod section off, unscrew the adaptor, unscrew the coil from the adaptor and then fit your new coil in the reverse order. Once you fit the pod back into the device, the button will flash white 3 times to let you know its fitted correctly.
When you replace a coil for the first time, you’ll be pleasantly surprised how simple and quick it is. Be sure to give the coils at least 10 minutes to soak up the liquid once filled before trying it out though, and chain vaping this device can lead to burning the cotton out so make sure you give it at least 10 seconds between pulls.
Note – Sometimes the adaptor part unscrews without taking the coil with it, leaving your coil sitting in the eliquid compartment, but fortunately it sticks out high enough for you to pull it out and re-fit.
How Does The GTRS Loco Perform?
I’ve definitely put this device through its paces over the past few days, i’ve gone through a fair amount of liquid (still on the same coil), taken the Loco for a Bike Ride and had it bouncing around in my pocket each day and it has not bat an eyelid – My only gripe with regards to performance is that it doesn’t like cold weather – I left it out in the cold one evening and when I tried to have a puff, I was greeted with the red flashing light of doom.
10 minutes later after being nestled in my pocket it came back to life! I suppose it’s a battery safety feature but that’s not mentioned in the User Guide – Which apart from not covering this problem, is fairly comprehensive.
Flavour and Cloud
This device gives both good flavor, and average cloud for a device of this type, however flavor is more potent when vaping mouth to lung (Cigarette style), whereas the cloud is more prominent in a direct to lung hit (Like a Cloud Chasing expert), which also affects the flavor slightly.
Both styles produce enough of a punch to give you the gentle tickle on your throat that a newly confessed ex-smoker might be looking for. I found mouth to Lung with the airflow halfway open was hitting the spot for me.
The bottom adaptor for the coils has an adjustable airflow feature, meaning you can restrict just how much air is being pulled up through the coil, and this does make a difference to the Flavour, vapour production and temperature of the vapour you inhale
For this review I used only 50VG/50PG 20mg Nic Salt E-Liquids which worked perfectly. You may be able to use a liquid with a slightly higher VG content, however I would advise not going above a 60VG/30PG mix as this will inevitably give you a dry hit and burn out your coils as the cotton is only so quick at soaking up the good stuff.
Battery Life
Boasting a 1000mA battery which is bigger than most, meaning it should last you all day however in my testing, I have found I had to recharge it by early evening, but with a 30 minute charge time I could simply re-charge it on my journey home each afternoon. Charging the device is like most pod systems, with a Micro USB cable which in this case, plugs into the side of the device. The button will glow red, until fully charged when it will turn white.
Pros:
- Huge 1000mA Battery
- Refillable with 3ml Capacity
- Durable, Robust and Substantial
- Fast Charge time
- Coils provide good flavor & Vapour
Cons:
- Top cap has no home when in use
- Re-filling will only take certain bottle nibs.
- Looks like a USB Stick (Might not slot nicely in a handbag – Subjective)
Final Verdict
Excluding its minor faults, I’m pleasantly surprised with the GRTS Loco, Its an excellent starter kit which is tough enough to get a beating on a building site.
The battery life will probably last most people all day and the device isn’t too large meaning it won’t feel uncomfortable in your back pocket. It fills up with ease (excluding some bottle top types) and the coils are quick and simple to replace.
