Table of Contents
Last Updated on June 29, 2020 by Team Spinfuel
Okay, normally we wouldn’t do an article/review like this. Our policy at Spinfuel VAPE is always to review items on their own merit, regardless of how many products exist in a series. However, Voopoo is releasing the all-new Drag X and Drag S pod mod systems in parallel, just begging for a comparison piece.A closer look at the Voopoo Drag X vs. the Voopoo Drag S
But, while it’s true these sleek, high-end AIO kits share a lot of similarities, there are a few differences on the table. But more importantly, there’s a clear winner. Both the Drag X and Drag S are light years ahead of the competition, but one makes a little more sense for the AIO category… and it’s not the one that you think we’re going to say.
Here’s the specs for both devices. We’ll see you after the jump…
VOOPOO DRAG X 80W Pod Mod Kit Features:
- TT Chipset
- Dimensions – 95mm by 32.5mm by 28mm
- Single High-Amp 18650 Battery
- Wattage Output Range: 5-80W
- Voltage Output Range: 3.2-4.2V
- Resistance Range: 0.1-3.0ohm
- Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
- Intuitive Firing Button
- Two Adjustment Buttons
- Infinite Airflow Adjustment Buttons
- Color Display Screen
- 5mL PnP Pod Tank Capacity
- Bottom Fill System – Silicone Stoppered
- 15ohm PnP-VM6 Coil – rated for 60-80W
- 3ohm PnP-VM1 Coil – rated for 32-40W
- Compatible with all PnP Coils & RBA
- Press Fit Coil Installation
- Magnetic Pod Connection
- Overtime Protection
- Short-Circuit Protection
- Overcharge Protection
- Max Power Protection
- Output Overcurrent Protection
- Over Discharge Protection
- Over Temperature Protection
- Battery Reverse Protection
- MicroUSB Type-C Port
- Available in Classic, Retro, Carbon Fiber, Mashup, Chestnut, Marsala, Galaxy Blue
Includes:
- Drag X Device
- 4.5mL PnP Pod Tank
- 0.3ohm PnP-VM1 Coil
- 0.15ohm PnP-VM6 Coil
- Type-C Cable
- User Manual
- Warranty Card
- Chip Card
VOOPOO DRAG S 60W Pod Mod Kit Features:
- TT Chipset
- Dimensions – 87mm by 33mm by 28mm
- Integrated 2500mAh Rechargeable Battery
- Wattage Output Range: 5-60W
- Voltage Output Range: 3.2-4.2V
- Resistance Range: 0.1-3.0ohm
- Firing Speed – 0.001s
- Intelligent Coil Identification
- Zinc-Alloy and Leather Construction
- Intuitive Firing Button
- Two Adjustment Buttons
- Magnetic Pod Connection
- 5mL PnP Pod Tank Capacity
- Bottom Fill System
- VOOPOO PnP Coil Series
- 3ohm PnP-VM1 Coil – rated for
- 2ohm PnP-VM5 Coil – rated for
- Bottom Press Fit Coil Installation
- Magnetic Pod Connection
- Overtime Protection
- Short-Circuit Protection
- Over Charge Protection
- Max Power Protection
- Output Over Current Protection
- Over Discharge Protection
- Over-Temperature Protection
- USB Type-C Port
- Available in Carbon Fiber, Classic, Retro, Mashup, Chestnut, Marsala, Galaxy Blue
Includes:
- DRAG S Device
- 4.5mL PnP Pod Tank
- 0.3ohm PnP-VM1 Coil
- 0.2ohm PnP-VM5 Coil
- Type-C Cable
- User Manual
- Warranty Card
- Chip Card
Aesthetics of the Drag X and S
Let’s lead with something you likely already know from the pics — the new Drag devices are (as our grandmothers used to say) “Effing gorgeous.” We’ve seen some seriously attractive AIOs come through here these past few months, with carbon and resin as far as the eye can see.
But they don’t hold a candle to the Drag S and Drag X. From the embossed and stitched leather grips, to the flawless machining and build quality, to the clear, cylindrical pod tank, there’s nothing about the Drag S or X that seems out of place. Nothing is extraneous or unnecessary. And nothing looks immature. Voopoo has a higher standard pod/AIO audience in mind, and they absolutely nailed it with both kits.
The Drag X and Drag S are also extremely comfortable and ergonomic — not a given with the rash of unusable pod devices flooding the market today. Firm, responsive buttons, clear, legible displays, no-nonsense functionality — just as the traditional Drag devices set high bars for performance, the same traits apply to these pristine AIOs.
Your only tough decision will be choosing which model is right for you. And which color combination best matches your personal style.
So, What’s Different Between the Drag X and S?
At first glance, the Drag S and Drag X seem to be the same device. The button layout, GENE.TT chipset, display design and overall form factor are just about identical, save for height, which sees the Drag X sitting slightly taller than its younger brother.
Hell, they even use the same pod tanks and VM coil options, so there’s true cross-compatibility within the series. The Drag S is stocked with slightly higher-resistance heads, but make no mistake, you can use these atomizers on either device.
The pod tanks even have effortless (and effective) airflow control sliders that make dramatic differences in vape quality. Want to use freebase e-liquid? Pop in that lower-resistance coil and open things up for cloudy pursuits. Nic salts work too! Just close down that airflow, use a higher resistance coil and lower wattage, and you’re all set.
Sure, advanced vaping products have offered these things for years, but these are still relatively new developments for pods and AIOs. It’s interesting to see how pod mods are evolving into the same advanced vaporizers we’ve already enjoyed for years, but we’re happy to see things merging to cater to more vaping styles.
Not Your High-End Replacement
While neither of the Drag models are going to replace my high-wattage boxes and tanks, both the Drag X and Drag S are light years ahead of lesser pod mods. There’s even an optional RBA head for building your own coils. That’s right folks, everything old is new again in the world of vaping.
Once you dive into the specs, you’ll see some disparity beyond basic dimensions. Most notably, in the battery. While the smaller, 60W Drag S packs a top-tier 2,500mAh integrated battery underneath the hood, the 80W Drag X manages an additional 20 watts of power from a single 18650 cell.
There’s nothing original about a pod/AIO mod using an 18650 cell these days. But the number of these devices that actually make good use of the format is small. Thankfully, the Drag X bucks that trend and offers a true 80-watt vape mod that uses the extra power to deliver faster ramp-up times – something you’ll notice at higher wattages.
That said, the 2,500mAh battery on the Drag S is a better performer, puff for puff. When using both devices side by side at 60 watts, the Drag S lasted considerably longer at its max wattage than the Drag X did 20 watts below its limit. Obviously, 18650 performance can vary, but this is worth noting.
Vaping the Voopoo Drag S and Drag X AIO Kits
I’m going to reveal something to you after completing hundreds of vape mod reviews for Spinfuel VAPE. No matter the device, my one TRUE test barometer has always been the simplest question — “Is this mod something I’d put my name on for newcomers to vaping?”
No more Limitations
Most pod mods and smaller AIO devices don’t meet this criteria. Either they’re too limited or not satisfying enough to recommend. Both the Voopoo Drag S and Drag X are items I’d not only recommend, but use regularly. Because, when you remove all the sublabels — “pod mod” this and “sub-ohm” that — it all comes down to one parameter: enjoyment. And these kits deliver flavorful, satisfying enjoyment in droves.
Better yet, they offer equal experiences, save for those 20 extra watts on the Drag X. The draw time is nearly the same — and that’s hardly going to be a huge problem for a pod/AIO users. The throat hit and flavor rush is immediate, with no need for primer puffs or coil break-in. The coils last a good long time, and provide unique experiences for a wide range of vapers and ex-smokers.
Preferences
It’s all going to come down to preferences. If you lean toward external batteries and slightly more powerful draws, the taller Drag X is going to speak to you. If you value battery life and convenience, the integrated Drag S is probably the better option. But there’s no doubt that vapers of all types are going to find things to like in either device.
Pros:
- Gorgeous design and build quality
- Sub-ohm tank-like pods are fantastic
- Excellent integrated battery on the Drag S
- 18650 compatibility on the Drag X
Cons:
- The battery performance is a little erratic on the Drag X
- The screen design is a little overused these days
- Maybe a third “hybrid” Drag AIO would marry these two ideas even further?
But What Does Spinfuel VAPE Prefer?
This was surprising on many levels, but if push came to shove, we’d give a SLIGHT nod to the Drag S. Because it maintains the flawless vape quality of its bigger brother, but the integrated 2,500mAh cell was a monster, giving us hours of performance before needing a recharge. And thanks to the GENE.TT chipset, it gets back up to speed in well under an hour.
Even at its 60 watt max output, we enjoyed hours of room-filling clouds with the Drag S, without sacrificing an ounce of flavor or draw power, in a device that was compact and easy to operate. The slightly taller Drag X offers the same thing, but the 18650 performance was erratic, and the onboard charging didn’t work nearly as well with external cells.
We are happily taking both devices with us on every car trip we take this year, but if we really had to choose, the little brother came up JUST a little bigger.
Scores:
Drag S: A+
Drag X: A-
