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In the volatile vape marketplace, there are pod mods and AIOs, and then there are devices that take these simplified ideas and turn them into something else entirely. The Vaporesso Target PM80 is in the latter category – and might be the pod/AIO device that raises a few bars in terms of design.
Let’s Discuss the Vaporesso Target PM80
It’s not that the Target is completely unique by modern standards. Nor is it anywhere near perfect. But the mod takes cues from devices like the GeekVape Aegis Boost and Voopoo Vinci and makes them altogether classier and more professional. Still, does that equal a better kit?
Let’s dive in and find out why or why not.
The Vaporesso Target PM80 Pod Mod Kit has a wattage range of 5-80W output. A large expansive 0.96″ TFT Display Screen fits nicely. And can be paired with various coil options that will create delicious flavor from your favorite eJuice.
Construction of the Target PM80
Featuring a zinc-alloy chassis construction, the Vaporesso Target PM80 is incredibly versatile and lightweight, delivering sub-ohm status clouds of vapor. Working in conjunction with the AXON chipset, the Vaporesso Target PM80 Kit can fire at speeds as low as 0.001s.
In addition, the fire button is oversized and intuitive, with a full panel of adjustment buttons at the bottom. Relaying crucial data on the 0.96″ TFT screen, the Target PM80 Pod Mod Kit can be fully charged in an hour, while the 4mL PM80 pod can be refilled by a bottom fill port, hidden by a silicone stopper.
Vaporesso Target PM80 Pod Mod Kit Features:
- AXON Chipset
- Dimensions – 102mm by 24.8mm by 33.4mm
- Integrated 2000mAh Rechargeable Battery
- Intelligent Wattage Detection
- Wattage Output Range: 5-80W
- Insta-fire Speed: 0.001s
- PULSE Mode
- Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
- Intuitive Firing Button
- 96″” TFT Display Screen
- Two Adjustment Buttons
- 4mL Refillable Pod
- Bottom Fill System – Silicone Stoppered
- Vaporesso GTX Coil Series
- 2ohm GTX Mesh Coil – rated for 45-60W
- 3ohm GTX Mesh Coil – rated for 32-45W
- Bottom Plug ‘n’ Play Coil Installation
- Magnetic Pod Connection
- MicroUSB Port
- Available in Silver, Brown, Blue, Black, Green, Red
Vaporesso Target PM80 Kit Includes:
- Vaporesso Target PM80 Battery
- 2 Vaporesso Target PM80 Pod
- 0.2ohm GTX Mesh Coil
- 0.3ohm GTX Mesh Coil
- USB Cable
- Warranty Card
- MicroUSB Cable
- Reminder Card
Aesthetics of the Target PM80
Vaporesso designed the Target to be compact, appealing, and powerful enough to appeal to beginners and experienced vapers alike. With an output of 80 watts, the Target is certainly in a different league than most usual “pod” systems on the market. Yet, despite the power within, the Target is still focused on providing a natural, authentic experience for users, and a stylish, pocketable mod for those on the go.
At first glance, the Target doesn’t seem all that unique, but it sure looks good, from flawless machining to a wonderfully textured grip that elevates the appearance to high-end altitudes. There are six color/texture combinations, and though I liked the simple black carbon grip the best, the resin-like options certainly have my attention.
Comparisons
The Aegis Boost comparison is no accident, since there’s a lot of shared design DNA between the devices. But of the two, I think Vaporesso wins the battle, with smoother lines and a more professional finish than its competition. I can’t get enough of the grip section, and proudly showed it off at a recent party, where most of the attendees commented, thinking that vape mods all resembled JUULs.
(Yes, I directed them to Spinfuel VAPE to set them straight, as should you all…)
Full Color Display
I really liked the bright, full-color display. It might not be the most-advanced screen we’ve seen on these mods, but it’s clear and legible at a glance, and manages to be instantly helpful without taking up much room on the face of the device. I wish more companies followed suit, to be quite honest.
The Target’s pods are a lot easier to fill and swap coils with than most of the mini-tanks pervading today’s market. These 4mL capacity vessels are top fill and leak-proof, thanks to an internal atomizer design that can wick any juice around.
Clouds
Yes, that’s correct. Your AIO can handle thicker, cloud-friendly liquids with relative ease. Would I use max-VG? No – the slender mouthpiece and smaller juice flow ports make it a questionable long-term practice. But it’s nice to know the option is there for short bursts of cloudier pursuits.
Vaping the Vaporesso Target
It’s pretty clear by the specs and features that the Vaporesso Target isn’t a standard bargain pod device, friends. Which is good, because unlike many of the lower-grade pods we’ve reviewed, the Target tends to produce some serious results when hitting at full stride. The flavor was rich and memorable, even by modern (read: good) AIO standards.
E-Liquid Choices
In regular use, standard 50/50 blends worked very well, with the right amount of cloud production and punchy flavor. Your mileage may vary, but the Target is certainly designed for a different audience than most devices in this category.
Target PM80 Smart Wattage
The Target has smart wattage control, which can be modified depending on the juice you’re using. The feature makes setting the power easy and effortless, but to be honest, since the whole thing is so automated, I’m not sure much tweaking is needed. Either way, the Target is designed and prepared to stave off dry hits and scorched coils, which is not something you hear about too many AIO setups in this price range.
I DO wish the coils lasted longer than a few days. Admittedly, I was testing it hard, trying different juice viscosities in the tanks. But all the same, for a higher-end setup, the coil heads were surprisingly weak, with muted flavors starting to rear their ugly heads after only a few days of steady use.
Flavor and Cloud Production
Still, the coil flavor and vapor production were great while they lasted, and outside of testing environments, will probably give a little more longevity than what I experienced. But, because the included GTX coils are both well-below 1-ohm, there’s little value to be had for MTL vapers, which is a little surprising in this category.
That aside, of all the pod mods and AIOs we review that boast “instant” firing speeds, the Target is one of the few that truly deliver on the promise. I enjoyed some of the quickest ramping and most-immediate satisfaction since we started testing these mods a while back.
The Target PM80 Battery Life
Finally, we should mention the integrated 2,000mAh battery, which charges quickly over the onboard USB port. But you’ll need to do so often, since the cell doesn’t seem to be consistent with the 80-watt output capability. I don’t recall how often I took the Target to 80 watts, but I imagine it happened more than once, and the battery never quite kept up.
Recently, we’ve seen an uptick in 18650-powered pod/AIO mods, and the Target might be the best case for this format to date.
Pros:
- Stunning, classy design quality
- Flawless machining and construction
- Great flavor and ramp-up time
Cons:
- Weak battery
- Poor coil longevity
- Little value to ex-smokers and MTL vapers
Bottom line
The unique-looking Vaporesso Target PM80 is a hybrid of a few really good ideas, and delivers a punchy, potent alternative to traditional pod systems and beginner vape rigs. Though it’s not a pod mod in the traditional, “smoking-like” sense, and struggles with some serious coil and battery longevity issues, the Target still delivers an experience well above the garden-variety pod mods cluttering shelves across the world.
