Voopoo Vinci R 40W Pod Kit Review

The Voopoo Vinci R 40W Pod Mod System… well it seems like yesterday we reviewed a pod mod kit that had more of a chipset than it probably needed. [ED: It WAS yesterday.] But another day brings another shipment, and another pod mod that’s reaching for the stars, when it probably would have been better for it to stay in its lane.

We enjoyed the new Voopoo Vinci R 40W and were impressed by its specs and capabilities. But we can’t help feeling that a stricter focus on MTL vaping (instead of color displays and sub-ohm coils) would have helped this device stand out from the rest of the pack. Let’s see what’s up.

The Official Word

The Voopoo VINCI R 40W Pod Kit is a variable voltage pod system. Integrating a large capacious 1500mAh rechargeable battery, the intelligent GENE AI Chipset , and utilizes a new 0.3ohm PnP-MV1 Mesh Coil from the Voopoo PnP coil line.  

It can deliver satisfying clouds of delectable vapor. Fitting at the top of the pod system is a 5.5mL refillable pod, holding a generous supply of your favorite eJuice or nicotine salts as the VINCI R supports both.

In addition the VINCI R Pod System utilizes coils from the convenient VOOPOO PnP Coil Series, adopting any in the series, but also introduces the new 0.3ohm PnP-VM1 Mesh Coil, designed for DTL vaping as it effectively vaporizes the eJuice with ease.

Installed with the new and revamped GENE AI Chipset, the VINCI features many intelligent features such as coil protection, preventing any dry burn hits and offering quality of life enhancements like a two week log of vaping history.

In addition,  a full range of specs shown on the 0.96″ TFT Color Screen. Firing on a draw-activated mechanism, the VINCI R Pod Kit can be adjusted in wattage or voltage mode, dialing in the preferred vaping settings for each individual user. Furthermore, the VINCI R is equipped with an auto and manual mode. It can fire by either a draw-activated firing mechanism or pressing the intuitive firing button.

The designers at Voopoo probably owe a few royalty checks to the folks at SMOK, who brought a nearly identical aesthetic to the popular NORD series. But we’ll give Voopoo a pass. Partly because most vape mods resemble other ones these days. And because the Vinci is pretty damn attractive for an entry-level pod mod system

Impressions/Aesthetics of the VOOPOO Vinci R

Bathed in attractive, honeycomb-adorned resin-like plastic, and framed in shiny silver aluminum, the Vinci beautifully straddles the line between “look at me” and subtlety. With a 104mm height, the Vinci certainly isn’t the most-compact pod mod we’ve seen, but it’s slender enough to stay in a pocket without worry.

We kind of wish the Vinci had a little more heft and substance, because durability is going to be an issue over long-term use. But at this price point, Voopoo made the most of what they had in hand, and users should be impressed by what they delivered.

Though this is more of a “usage” thing than an aesthetic one, we need to mention the 0.96-inch color display. On most mods, this would be a nice addition to the look and feel. On an entry-level pod mod, it’s practically unheard of. And it really adds to the “higher-level” experience Voopoo is trying to offer Vinci buyers.

Not only is the screen legible and clear, but it’s awfully helpful, because for once on a pod mod, the heavy duty chipset under the hood is almost warranted. But we’ll get to that in a few lines…

With draw-activated or manual firing, three power/voltage settings, plug and play oil replacement, and even a POWER CURVE adjustment, it’s hard to fathom why Voopoo didn’t take the GENE chip and add it to a more-advanced device. But you know what? We’re eating our words, because it flat out works here.

Vaping the Voopoo Vinci R Pod Kit

The variable voltage settings don’t give you laser-precise adjustments, but they’re certainly bringing more control than a cheap JUUL or similar knockoff. Each setting brings a unique and distinct vape experience, with only the highest setting creating any concern (mostly due to some excess warmth and dry coils).

Speaking of the coils, they’re highlights of this pod mod/AIO kit, since they not only offer strong flavor with both freebase and nic salt juices, but also bring some decent longevity to the table. Of the two included coil heads, the VM1 mesh head was the standout performer, offering near-tank like vapor and flavor. It might be a little thirsty for a pod mod, and maybe the flavor isn’t quite as good as a Horizon Falcon, but I defy you to find a stronger overall performer in this category and price range.

Interestingly, Voopoo recommends nic salt juices with these coils, but I found them to be FAR too harsh for this level of power and coil resistance. I’d stick with a less-viscous freebase liquid here, or prepare for some bold hits. Though the flat mouthpiece (NOT a highlight) limits the throat hit a touch, the wrong juices will take their toll. Try The Plume Room for incredible 50:50 e-juice with tons of flavor and clouds that work brilliantly in any pod mod system.

Also, while we liked the way the MTL vs. direct lung airflow was handled with the positioning of the pod, a little more adjustment would have been appreciated. Plus, in the “direct lung” setup, the mouthpiece floods with juice if there’s even a SLIGHT bit too much in the tank. After four mouthfuls of liquid, it subsided. But don’t think that was a pleasant experience.

So, this begs the question — has the pod mod boom finally brought us a true alternative to box mod vaping? After all, the sub-ohm capability, long coil life, and overall ease of use certainly puts the Vinci in the discussion. Unfortunately, all the technology under the hood comes at a price — namely, battery life.

Though a 1,500mAh cell would normally be enough, there’s simply too much power coming from the Vinci (up to 40 watts!) to conserve battery for very long. I found myself having to recharge the Vinci after just a few hours of moderate use, which was a nuisance, to say the least. Thankfully, the mod recharges quickly, but if you’re looking to use the Vinci when out and about, limit your puffs, or stay near a USB outlet at all times.

Oh, the Vinci R is certainly enjoyable while the battery lasts. But this is a mod with performance that can be measured with a stopwatch, not a sundial. It’s at times like this when I wonder if Voopoo would have been better off limiting the coils to MTL use, conserving both battery life and juice consumption.

Something to think about…

Pros:

• Huge 5.5mL tank capacity
• Long lasting, flavorful coils
• Gorgeous display brings out the best in this format

Cons:

• Godawful battery life
• Mouthpiece floods if you overfill
• Might have been better off with MTL-focused parts

Spinfuel VAPE Recommendation and Score

According to the packaging, the Voopoo Vinci R won a “Best Hardware” award at ECC 2019. And we can see why. The Vinci R is beautifully crafted and built, offers a ton of features and options, and will likely outlast a lot of pod mod pretenders along the way.

But we STILL believe that sub-ohm vaping is best left to higher performance devices, and that offering minimal sub-ohm vaping at the expense of e-liquid consumption and battery power is an odd tradeoff.

That said, those are universal claims and not totally reflective of the Vinci. As it stands today, Voopoo has created a VERY intriguing pod device, with strong flavor, thick vapor production and more control over the experience than pretty much everything else out there. As a primarily MTL mod, or a steady backup, we recommend it highly.