New in for review is the Uwell Sculptor pod kit.
It’s hard to discuss pod kits without mentioning the Uwell Caliburn. Since its arrival back in 2019 this vape device has sold bountifully in over 65 countries.
With a generally traditional look and feel the Caliburn has now reached its 12th iteration with the Caliburn A3. Aesthetically it doesn’t look much different from many others in the series. But Uwell have had a habit of tweaking features and tech along the way.
In fact it’s part of their ethos to continually learn, to evolve and provide users with the highest quality vaping devices.
Change is something they’re not afraid of in a highly competitive global vape market.
So the Uwell Sculptor sees the Shenzhen based manufacturer doing a complete 180 in terms of design and aesthetics. In other words, we get a completely different looking pod kit.
So like the Caliburn, is this the first of many in the Sculptor series? Does it perform well enough to have future tweaks of its own?
Let’s find out.
What Can We Expect From The Uwell Sculptor Pod Kit?
Total simplicity. That’s going to appeal to the new vaper and that’s exactly who the Sculptor has been designed for. There’s no screen, no fire button and no coil changing to deal with.
It’s actually smaller and lighter than I was expecting given the material used which makes it perfectly pocket friendly.
The Uwell Sculptor relies entirely on auto draw and the fixed airflow is suitably restricted for a MTL (Mouth To Lung) vape.
A tiny coloured LED informs of current status of the 370mAh integrated battery during various stages of depletion.
The pods are refillable but the coils are sealed (non removable) and snap into the battery section via strong magnets.
Uwell’s PRO FOCS atomisation technology is once again included to deliver a richer, fuller flavour experience.
The self cleaning tech also makes a return to ensure a leak free performance.
Two 1.2ohm FeCrAL mesh pods are included with the kit. At the time of writing these appear to be the only ones available.
The pods have a 1.6ml E-juice capacity (TPD compliant) and filling is achieved by lifting the silicone stopper on the side.
The Uwell Sculptor pod kit can be picked up in six basic colour schemes: Copper, Bronze (under review), Silver, Gold, Grey and Black.
What’s In the Box?
Large box. Small device! lol
- Uwell Sculptor device
- 2 x Meshed H 1.2ohm Sculptor refillable pods
- Type C charging cable
- User manual
- Necklace
- Warranty card
- Warning card
Specifications
- Material: PCTG, Zinc alloy, PC, POK, Copper
- Dimensions: 32.6 x 15 x 77.1mm
- Net weight: 50g
- Display: LED
- Pod capacity: 1.6ml
- Coil: Sealed 1.2ohm FeCrAL mesh coil
- Output power: 11W
- Battery capacity: 370mAh
- Type C USB port
- Activation: Auto draw
Uwell Sculptor Pod Kit – Design and Build Quality
Battery Section
It has to be said that the carvings on the Uwell Sculptor are extremely impressive.
The electroplate detailing is quite incredible. From the edges and sides to the front and back, it’s all etched in a highly consistent fashion.
The crest or shield is raised and actually helps with grip.
I’d personally have omitted the text on the reverse side or at least limited it to the Uwell logo..
The two fixed airflow slots either side are almost hidden by the vertical scroll and the LED is protected beneath a tiny raised moulding.
I’ve received the Bronze version but all colour schemes employ a worn, oxidised look that’s highly effective. All this from Zinc Alloy and Copper..
Inside the battery section two strong magnets and coil contacts are visible and the pod snaps reassuringly into place.
The type C USB charging port can be found on the base so as not to break the aesthetic appeal of the device. It’s a necessary evil in this case.
Pod Section
These feature the Uwell H 1.2ohm meshed coil. I’m guessing they’re exclusive to the Sculptor. It has four wicking ports which is substantial for a MTL coil so I’m hoping that bodes well for flavour quality.
The pod is made from the usual PCTG material. Although perfectly clear, remaining juice levels are hidden within the battery section.
The contouring and general shape complements the battery section and the mouthpiece feels comfortable in use.
It can be slipped into the battery either way around – useful for after topping up in a hurry.
Speaking of topping up, let’s take a quick look at how to fill the Uwell Sculptor.
Uwell Sculptor Quick Start Guide
Filling the Pod
- Pull the pod out of the battery section
- Locate the silicone stopper on the side of the pod and lift to reveal the fill port
- With the pod in a horizontal position, gently squeeze e-liquid into the fill chamber
Push the silicone stopper back into place ensuring a firm seal- Snap the pod back into the battery section
Push the silicone stopper back into place ensuring a firm sealWhen filling make sure the e-juice level is above the wicking ports of the coil.
Let the e-juice soak into the cotton for around five minutes prior to taking your first vape.
Functionality
While auto drawing, the LED functions to provide current battery status.
- Green LED – battery strength is above 60%
- Blue LED – battery strength is between 30% – 60%
- Red LED – battery strength is below 30%
In the event of battery malfunction the LED will respond accordingly.
- Short circuit protection – LED flashes red three times
- Low voltage protection – LED flashes red ten times
- Overtime protection – LED flashes green 5 times
Uwell Sculptor Pod Kit – How Does It Perform?
Typical for a MTL device the coil resistance is high (1.2ohm) and the output from the device is low (a steady 11W). In situations like this I would always recommend an E-liquid ratio of 50VG/50PG. Thinner juice will run through the coil and the cotton wicking much easier.
My E-liquid of choice was ELFLIQ Apple Peach. A 50VG/50PG juice ratio with a salt nicotine strength of 10mg. Perfect for the Uwell Sculptor pod kit.
So first things first. The device delivers a very satisfactory mouth to lung vape. It’s comfortable enough to adopt an extended inhale but not so loose that vapour is lost before hand.
Those extended inhales also don’t lead to the usual ‘stinging bottom lip’ syndrome. It’s insanely quiet too, ideal for the odd stealth vape or six.
Vapour production will definitely appeal to the new vaper. It’s around the same density and volume as found with cigarette smoke.
The flavour is amazingly good! The fruit is in sharp focus and highly concentrated throughout the exhale. There’s oodles of sweetness and the Menthol notes kick in instantly.
For such an unassuming little device it kicks proverbial butt on the flavour front!
.. Can you restrictive lung vape the pod? Yes – and the flavour remains good but it’s a little on the uncomfortable side. It pulls on the neck muscles too much.
That’s the acid test for me and proves the airflow restriction is pitched perfect for a MTL vape.
Battery Performance and Recharging
I managed 4.5 hours from a single charge. The bulk of the vaping took place around mid strength when the LED was displaying a blue indicator. There won’t be much vaping time left once the LED turns red, so be aware of that.
The LED will flash red 10 times when the battery requires a wall socket.
I guess it’s about average for the size of the battery and we also need to keep in mind that I often chain vape. I was getting through 1.6ml of juice quite rapidly while MTL vaping.
Type C charging was fast coming in on 50 minutes so no complaints there. It’s also possible to vape mid charge so that’s another plus.
Pros
- Great flavour and satisfying vapour production
- Perfect airflow restriction for a MTL vape
- Extremely quiet and turbulence free
- Comfortable mouthpiece
- Lightweight and extremely pocket friendly
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Pods don’t leak
- Fast type C USB charging
Cons
- Unable to view juice levels without removing the pod
- Won’t stand upright (subjective)
- Horizontal charging (subjective)
- Could have done with a higher capacity battery
- Both pods contain the same coil
Final Review Verdict
Leaving the device in a horizontal position for too long may cause one side of the cotton wicking to dry out. If that happens there’s every chance of the odd dry hit or two. It’s not a major gripe but something that’s always in my mind with situations like this.
If I’m not vaping for an hour or so I don’t want to have to remove the pod. I guess it’s not really an issue if left in a trouser or shirt pocket.
There’s nothing to fault when it comes to flavour or vapour production. The Uwell Sculptor consistently delivers on that score and auto draw is extremely reliable.
The MTL vape experience is spot on – airflow resistance is perfect. Not having to fiddle with adjustable airflow will be a big relief for the new vaper.
I can see the design, build qualities and overall aesthetics appealing to that new vaper.
The Uwell Sculptor is incredibly easy to use and the draw perfectly matches that of a cigarette.
So to conclude, the pros far outweigh the cons (niggles in this case) and I sincerely hope Uwell expand on the Sculptor range.
Why not?
Have you tried the Uwell Sculptor Pod Kit? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
