ARTERY VAPOR PAL 18650 POD SYSTEM REVIEW

ARTERY VAPOR PAL REVIEW – This isn’t a pod mod. Once again, I’m forced to open a review with a declarative statement. But after a while, we need to draw a line. Yes, there’s a refillable “pod” serving as a tank section, but the Artery Vapor PAL 18650 is a compact, replaceable coil, AIO device through and through.

But what’s in a name? Instead of rehashing the same debate about “AIO vs pod mods” let’s get past the Google search terms and call the PAL 18650 what it is — a multipurpose vape mod for an undefined audience.

 

Here’s the specs and official word…

 

Check out the Artery Vapor PAL 18650 Pod System, featuring a single 18650 battery, 50W max wattage output, and is equipped with a coil based airflow control system. Constructed from quality 6063-grade aluminium alloy, the PAL 18650 Pod System can withstand light to moderate falls and drops with ease. In addition, the PAL 18650 is equipped with a hidden diminutive screen located behind the magnetic panel.

        More…

This reveals the current output to the user and can be switched off for stealthy usage. Above the display screen and twin adjustment buttons, the PAL 18650 Pod System stores a 3mL refillable pod equipped with a side fill system stoppered by a silicone plug. Accepting coils in a bottom threaded manner, the Artery Vapor PAL 18650 can call upon a 0.4ohm mesh coil and 1.4ohm regular coil from the IP and HP Coils Series, respectively.

Artery PAL 18650 Pod System Features:

• Dimensions – 89mm by 45mm by 23.5mm
• Single High-Amp 18650 Battery – Not Included
• Wattage Output Range: 5-50W
• Resistance Range: 0.3-2.0ohms
• Aluminium Alloy Chassis Construction
• Single Firing Button
• Two Adjustment Buttons
• LED Battery Life Indicator Light
• Display Screen
• Magnetic Panels
• E-Juice Viewing Window
• 3mL Refillable Pod
• Side Fill System – Silicone Stoppered
• 4ohm IP Mesh Coils – rated for 20-28W
• 4ohm HP Coils – rated for 7-11W
• Threaded Coil Installation
• Slide In Pod Connection
• Low Voltage Protection
• No Atomizer Warning
• Short Circuit Protection
• Overheating Protection
• 8S Overtime Protection
• Type C USB Port
• 510 Widebore Drip Tip
• Available in Rainbow Blasted or Honeycomb

Includes:

• PAL 18650 Mod
• PAL 18650 Pod
• 0.4ohm Mesh Coil
•  1.4ohm Coil
•  Airflow Control Base (DTL)
•  Airflow Control Base (MTL)
•  Extra plug
•  O-Rings
•  Type-C USB Cable
•  User Manual
•  Warranty Card

Element Vape Links:

RBA for the Artery Vapor PAL 18650 RBA
Pods for the Artery Vapor PAL 18650 Pods
Coil Choices for the Artery Vapor HP & IP Coil Series

Aesthetics of the Artery Vapor PAL

Like its predecessor, the name of the game here is stealth and portability. The PAL 18650 is a simple squarish/rectangular shape, barely taller and wider than the battery inside it, with some subtle patterns built into the aluminum frame, so it’s more comfortable and tactile than most miniature vape devices. Even with its ultra-light weight, this isn’t a mod you’re going to forget about in your pocket.

 

The concealed tank/coil combination sits well inside the stainless-like alloy exterior, right adjacent to the 18650 battery. In a nice gesture, Artery gave the PAL 18650 comes with both mouth-to-lung and direct-lung coils, which help the device reach a wider audience.

Airflow of the Vapor Pal

Thanks to a pair of swappable airflow control bases, the PAL 18650 is suited for a range of vaping styles. But the mod is generally better as an MTL-focused device, even if the sub-ohm coil and higher wattage capability worked better than expected.

The Vapor Pal Hidden Display

Interestingly, there’s also a “hidden” display and control scheme behind a removable face plate. While this is great for preventing accidental adjustments in your pockets, it’s a bit cumbersome to remove the plate and operate the tiny controls on the go. With such limited real estate, I get the reasoning. But sometimes an idea is better than the execution.

Vaping the Artery PAL 18650

Let’s get to the nitty gritty – the PAL 18650 vapes well. Neither of the included mesh offerings are going to make you forget your top-tier tanks and coils. But when compared to similar pod mod/AIO devices, the coil flavor, vapor production, and (best of all) longevity, are top-tier. More than two weeks later, I’m still rocking both of the original coil heads, without any drop in performance or enjoyment.

 

Of the two included heads, the 1.4-ohm MTL head is a clear winner for flavor clarity and overall enjoyment. That’s not a shot at the 0.4 sub-ohm head, but there’s simply not enough power available in the PAL 18650 to really make it sing. I found that, even at relatively low wattages, the PAL struggled to maintain a steady output.

50W and Fluctuations?

I expect these fluctuations above 150 watts, but a 50-watt device? In 2020? Yeah, I’m not buying it. And, to boot, the battery life is decent at best. This isn’t an all-day warrior, so keep that in mind if you’re in the market for a new kit.

 

I should mention that the tank section is a respectable 3mL, which might not seem like much in a world of huge tanks. But using thinner, less-viscous liquids, this boost in capacity resulted in a notably longer running time between fills. I can see casual vapers getting some solid longevity from this arrangement.

The Artery Vapor Pal Mouthpiece

Another highlight is the mouthpiece. In terms of comfort and enjoyment, I can’t remember using a better one. It’s wide enough for satisfying sub-ohm pursuits, but still suitable for MTL use if you go down this road.

Perhaps my only other complaint about the PAL 18650 is the side positioning of the fire key. I could never find a comfortable grip that allowed me to naturally fire. I don’t even have large hands, but I almost felt as if I had to hold the device like a magician shows a deck of cards, elevated toward my fingertips.

Pros:

• Compact design
• Great coil longevity
• 3mL tank lasts a while with the right liquids

Cons:

• Poor power consistency
• Weak battery life
• Not really suitable for sub-ohm vaping

The ARTERY VAPOR PAL Bottom Line

I started with a declarative statement, so here’s another one. The Artery PAL 18650 is a solid, fairly versatile vape mod kit. It’s not a sub-ohm champion, but it’s capable. It’s not going to last all day on one charge, but it’s enjoyable while it lasts. And it’s light years better than most actual pod mods. I don’t know if I’ll spend a ton of time with the mod after testing, but if you’re looking for something in this range, check out the PAL 18650.

 

 

Score: B-