Today I’m taking a look at a dinky little starter pod kit from veritable vape legends Voopoo – the Voopoo Argus SE!
The Argus range of devices is growing and Voopoo don’t do things by halves.
The Voopoo Argus Pod SE has been released at the same time as the slightly more powerful Argus G pod kit.
.. Our Shell reviewed that one – and she’s keeping hers!
Both are simply designed and with ease of use in mind – two characteristics the new or casual vaper looks for in their vape device.
Auto draw functionality and easy to navigate menu screens are other vital factors. These attributes make the Argus range highly popular with younger vapers and those attempting to quit the cigs.
For reliability, you really can’t ask for more than the infamous GENE chip, forever at the heart of everything Voopoo releases.
It all adds up to a winning combination.
Does the Voopoo Argus Pod SE continue to deliver the vape goods?
What Can We Expect From the Voopoo Argus Pod SE?
Whereas the original Argus pod kit uses variable wattage to deliver a MTL vape, the new Argus Pod SE has no user power adjustments.
Together with auto draw functionality and the omission of an OLED screen, the Voopoo Argus Pod SE is user friendly and fully accessible to the brand new vaper.
Younger vapers will appreciate the Nanoscale Lithography process adopted by the two shiny versions, with their prism and multi layered lighting effects.
The OLED screen of the original has been replaced with 3 White LEDs. These act to inform of current battery charge and potential safety issues with the device.
Of course the GENE AI 1.2 chipset makes a welcome return, automatically adjusting power depending on the installed pod.
Users of the Argus range will be pleased to know all pods in the series are compatible.
The full range of replaceable ITO M coils can also be used with the empty pod cartridge (available separately). So if you own an Argus Pod, Argus P1, Argus Z or Argus G hold onto those pods and coils if you’re considering this device.
The 2ml side filling pods incorporate a multi layered leak proof structure consisting of air tight silicone rings and seals. A four hole structure locks the E-liquid firmly inside the pod.
Together with four airflow inlets on the base, Voopoo’s ITO atomization tech ensures each pod delivers a smooth and flavoursome MTL vape.
The MTL vape experience is controlled by a simple airflow slider on the front of the device. We tell you what the term “MTL” means in our Guide To Vape Styles.
So the user can easily make the transition between a tight or classic MTL, either of which will replicate the act of smoking a cigarette.
The 800mAh integrated battery of the original is included, packing enough power for a full days use or beyond. Type C USB charging is also on board to reduce vaping down time.
The Voopoo Argus Pod SE is available to users in the UK and EU zones and are TPD Compliant. There’s also a standard and US edition – all versions feature a 2ml max pod capacity.
As well as the two shiny versions I mentioned there are three other leather effect colour schemes to pick from. No doubt designed for a more grown up vaper than me!
Choose from Black, Brown, Red, Shiny Orange or Shiny Blue. I think my personal favourite is the Brown. It matches my leather coat – for when out and about..
Inside the Box
- Argus Pod SE
- 0.7ohm Argus Pod
- 1.2ohm Argus pod
- Type C USB charging cable
- User manual
Specifications
SpecificationsBattery Section
- Dimensions: 93.2(H) x 26.1(W) x 13.8mm(D) (with pod attached)
- Weight: 57g
- Material: Zinc Alloy / Leather
- Output: 18W max
- Capacity: 800mAh (integrated)
- Output voltage: 3.2 – 4.2V
- Charging voltage: 5V/1A
- Display: 3 x LED indicators
- Resistance range: 0.5 – 3.0ohm
- Charging: Type C USB
- Activation: Auto draw
- Adjustable airflow
- GENE.AI 1.2 chipset
- Compatible with all Argus Pods
Pod Section
- Material: PCTG
- Capacity: 2ml
- Coil: fixed
- Coil resistance: 0.7 / 1.2ohm
- Filling: Side fill
Design and Build Quality
Battery Section
For such a dinky device the battery section is robustly designed. It has smooth contours and feels comfortable when grasped in the hand.
The shiny Orange colour of the review model reacts effectively under various lighting conditions and a striking reverse arrow pattern can be observed reflecting off the Zinc Alloy shell.
A simple airflow slider is fixed within the serrated square panel at the top of the device.
There’s around 3mm to play with which should be enough for those tight MTL restrictions.
Peering down inside the battery section, two magnets and spring loaded coil contacts are clearly visible.
There’s also a significant recess to cater for the passage of airflow during auto draw.
Things have been simplified with the Voopoo Argus pod SE. Three LEDs take the place of an OLED screen, indicating current battery strength and potential issues.
They illuminate during auto draw and when the pod is removed.
The type C USB charging port is placed on the bottom of the device. It’s suitably recessed against accidental damage but I still favour side mounted ports.
I’m never happy leaving the pod attached in fear of one side of the cotton prematurely drying out. My problem is with OCD and gravity – not Voopoo!
It’s surrounded by a rubberised oval but I still don’t think that provides enough grip while standing in a vertical position.
Of course, no Voopoo product could ever be complete without acknowledging the reliable performance of the fabled GENE chip! And why not. I’m a massive fan.
Here we’re given the AI GENE 1.2 chip.
Argus Pod
The kit comes bundled with the 0.7ohm and 1.2ohm MTL pods. They’re made from a toughened and clear PCTG material.
You may be pleased to learn that all remaining E-liquid can be viewed when attached to the battery.
What you can’t see are the two connecting magnets for the battery section. They’ve been cunningly concealed inside the base of the pods.
To be honest, and at first glance there appears to be no difference between the two pods.
Both coils are fixed inside the pods, the mouthpiece openings measure the same and the four airflow inlets on the base are the same size.
It takes a keen eye to spot the difference between the wicking port sizes, but they do exist.
Voopoo have just reminded me. I really do need to get my eyes checked!
The four air inlet holes on the base form part of the Voopoo ITO atomization tech.
All equally sized and strategically placed to allow the smoothest of inhales while delivering optimal flavour and vapour production.
The pod is filled via the side by lifting a silicone stopper. It’s incredibly easy to remove – even for my nail bitten fingers!
.. Talking of filling the pod
Quick Start Guide – Voopoo Argus Pod SE
How To Fill the Argus Pod
- Remove the pod from the battery section
- Locate the silicone stopper on the side of the pod and lift open
- Using the bottle nozzle, gently squeeze E-liquid into the pod chamber
- Replace the silicone stopper ensuring a firm seal
- Pop the pod back into the battery section
Replace the silicone stopper ensuring a firm sealSince the fill port opening is rather small I would suggest using smaller nozzles such as those found on 10ml bottles.
Take your time and avoid over filling. Make sure you fill beyond the height of the cotton wicks.
Let the E-liquid soak into the cotton wicks for around five minutes prior to vaping.
Remember to top up the pod when E-liquid levels are running low to avoid burning the cotton.
How To Operate the Voopoo Argus Pod SE
While auto drawing on the device, keep a keen eye on the LED’s. They are there to inform you about current battery charge.
- Three White LEDs – 100 – 66%
- Two White LEDs – 66 – 33%
- One White LED – < 33%
During normal use the corresponding number of LEDs will gradually brighten.
Should the device run into any problems the LED’s will respond accordingly…
- LED flashes Red 10 times – Low battery
- LED flashes Red 2 times – Short circuit
- LED flashes Red 8 times – Vaping has exceeded 8 second limit
- LED flashes Red 15 times – High temperature
How To Charge the Voopoo Argus Pod SE
The charging rate is specified as 1A/5V.
- Using the supplied Type C USB charging cable, connect the small end into the USB port on the bottom of the device.
- Plug the other end of the cable into a suitable USB outlet.
- The LED’s will slowly pulse from one bar to three. When the three bars turn solid White the Argus SE is fully charged.
Plug the other end of the cable into a suitable USB outlet.It took around 50 minutes to fully recharge the battery, so absolutely no complaints from me!
However, you won’t be able to vape while it’s plugged in.
How Does the Voopoo Argus Pod SE Perform?
Argus 1.2ohm Pod
I used Serendipity Golden Sunset to test the pod. It’s a 50VG/50PG E-liquid ratio, ideally suited to this low powered pod kit and has a salt nicotine strength of 20mg.
Mumma Mia! I was not expecting that!
I’m still able to restrictive lung (RDL) vape from the pod. Yes, it’s quite tight but the flavour and vapour production is superb.
The incredible authenticity of the baked Apples remain and are very much held in focus.
Even the creaminess pulls through and the Pastry notes – well – as prominent as they are in any self respecting sub ohm vaping device.
Everything is held together with the sweetest after taste that lingers on the tip of the tongue as an added bonus.
But if you really want all the subtle nuances this flavour is capable of, stick with MTL vaping.
For the best effect, push the slider back at least half way. The differences to airflow are dramatic enough.
The inhale is as quiet as the proverbial mouse and you’ll really benefit from the increase in sweetness. It actually does wonders in developing the Apple and Pastry notes too.
Both of which do a great job of replacing the warmth dessert vapes usually crave.
Without doubt, the 1.2ohm pod is fully capable of what I’d describe as a classic MTL vape. It even supplies the faintest of throat tickles on the inhale – an experience I used to enjoy when smoking.
The flavour from this pod is insane!
Argus 0.7ohm Pod
This time I used another flavour from Serendipity – Irie Vibes and just as before, has an E-liquid ratio of 50VG/50PG with a 20mg salt nicotine strength.
It’s another Mumma Mia moment from me!
How a relatively low powered coil can deliver such flavour is quite remarkable.
With the airflow slider wide open there’s maybe a tad less restriction than the 1.2ohm pod. There’s really not a great deal in it.
What impresses me is the entire vape experience itself. Not only do I get the perfect RDL inhale, but all the subtle nuances of the flavour are presented by the vape load.
From the delicate soothing Koolada brings to the table to the subtle Rum and Raisins of the exhale.
The creamy base even melts into the sweetness of the vape.
The inhale is also very smooth, quiet and turbulence free which is ideal for the odd stealth vape or four.
Because there’s slightly less restriction, the RDL vape benefits a little more in terms of vapour production but again, it’s not a drastic increase over the 1.2ohm pod.
You only need to push the airflow slider across slightly and you’re in MTL territory. Instantly.
Again, none of the flavour is lost so if tighter draws are your thang, this is the setting to apply.
Another flavour banging pod!
Battery Performance
On average I got 11 hours use from a single charge. Not too bad at all.
After around 4 hours of continuous usage the White LED dropped its first bar. Just as I was about to refill the 2ml pod.
With the battery strength between 66 – 33% (2 White LEDs) it was possible to vape for a further 6 hours.
There’s not usually much warning when an integrated battery is about to give out but the Argus pod SE held in there for another hour.
The device performed extremely well throughout use and although flavour tapered off slightly in that last hour, it wasn’t all that noticeable.
Pros
- Exceptional flavour from both pods
- A quality RDL and MTL vape experience
- Silky smooth and quiet inhale
- Pods don’t leak
- Sensitive auto draw
- Portable and pocket friendly device
- Every drop of E-liquid is viewable when attached to battery section
- Fast type C USB charging
Cons
- No pass through vaping (Vape while charging)
- Doesn’t stand securely in a vertical position
- Horizontal charging (subjective)
- LED’s not great in direct sunlight
Final Review Verdict
It’s quite a rarity for me to come across a device so capable of delivering an accurate MTL or RDL vape. It looks like Voopoo have really got a handle on airflow restriction with the Argus Pod SE.
With such limitation to the airflow slider I was expecting only MTL vaping but wide open it’s honestly one of the better RDL vapes I’ve experienced from a simple starter kit.
And that’s exactly what the SE is. It’s designed with the new vaper in mind and in my opinion a much better alternative to disposable vapes.
Firstly, there’s the obvious financial benefits – each pod is designed to last for up to 7 refills so you can do the maths on that one. (Editor Note – I am still vaping on my 0.7ohm pod in the Argus G – 32 refills so far!! Shell)
Secondly, I honestly feel the device is capable of delivering the same, if not better in terms of flavour and vapour production.
Finally there’s the design and build quality. Surpassing that of any self respecting disposable currently on the market.
In my opinion the Voopoo Argus Pod SE is the perfect replacement for them.
I really don’t know what you’re waiting for! Go pick one up..
