It seems like pod mods came out of nowhere, yet here we are, already reviewing the second editions of these erstwhile devices. (Although, in the vape industry, products come at a pretty rapid pace.) So, let’s dive in and take a closer look at the Wismec Motiv 2, the latest pod mod system to grace our desks.

The WISMEC Motiv 2 Review

The original Motiv was more of an AIO/hybrid vape mod – still focused on simplicity, but also clearly dipping back into Wismec’s advanced vaping roots. The Motiv 2, available at Element Vape, on the other hand, is a true pod mod in the “classic” sense. So true, in fact, that it copies some very familiar design and performance elements from bigger names in the space.

That’s not a knock, to be sure. But those seeking a “new” or “unique” vape experience should be forewarned – this is about as traditional a pod vape as there is on the market. But with Wismec behind it, the Motiv 2 might also be one of the safest bets.

At first glance, the Motiv 2 features the common “flattened tube” aesthetic that pervades the market, complete with a narrow, TPD-compliant 2mL pod atomizer that slots in seamlessly with the device body. The zinc alloy frame is surprisingly weighty but offers a nice level of protection against inevitable drops and dings.

Other than this, the sturdy exterior is completely unadorned. No fire keys, no adjustments, no gaudy lightshows. Just a small, pinhole LED light for battery notifications, a discreet logo and that’s about it. As a draw-activated pod mod, the Motiv 2 follows the trend of utmost simplicity and convenience. Simply fill the pods, plug in the gasket, insert and vape. That’s all there is to it.

The Motiv 2 kit supplies the usual array of items – two refillable pods, USB cable, instruction manual, and nothing else you don’t need. I guess I’ve become accustomed to bags of O-rings, spare glass sections and the like, because the Motiv 2 package seemed shockingly empty. But this is truly all vapers need to get started.

Let’s talk about these pods…

The pods themselves are standard issue when first checking them out. But there are several nice features that help separate them from the masses. First, the fill port is fantastic – unlike so many pod vapes that requires needle-tipped bottles to fill them, the Motiv 2 cartridges can accommodate larger tips, and even those awful droppers (that need to go away soon). The result is a nearly spill-proof experience, which most pod vapes can’t claim.

Secondly, even though the Motiv 2 is designed for a mouth-to-lung vape, the coils are able to wick high-VG juices better than most. It’s probably not the most ideal use for the device, but it’s nice to have options when your salt liquids aren’t available.

For the record, the salt liquids DO work better in the pods, but even my 80/20 VG/PG blends wicked well, and no dry hits ever happened during testing.

What’s nice is that the Motiv 2’s draw is suitably airy, meaning high-wattage vapers looking for a restricted lung hit can make the mod work for them. Again, not an ideal use case, but the Motiv 2 isn’t SOLELY an MTL pod mod system.

The only knock on the pods? Life span. It’s a song I sing far too often, but the included refillable pods perform admirably, almost from the moment you fill them, with minimal break in time. But they’re really only good for roughly 5-7 refills before flavor starts waning and vapor production becomes limited.

I truly hope these pod mod manufacturers start realizing that a refillable tank needs more durability than this. I get that this is a consumables-based business, and that there’s no money to be made if the coils last forever. But on an average day I refilled the pods 3-4 times – that’s under moderate use. Heavy users will be blowing through a coil a day, leading to excessive costs.

Beyond the coil issues, the simplified Motiv 2 works well, with a clearly designed color LED system to indicate battery life and possible warnings, such as short circuit protection, atomizer protection, low voltage protection, dual circuit protection and no-load protection.

The battery life is better than most pod mods in this category. On a full charge, I managed roughly six hours of steady vaping before the LED went red and the USB went in. But the 500mAh cell charges quickly – which is good, because the Motiv 2 doesn’t feature a passthrough mode.

Overall, for being “another pod mod system” the Wismec Motiv 2 does a pretty good job of standing out, even if it borrows a ton of design elements from other devices. Still, originality isn’t as important as performance, and I was pretty happy with what the Motiv 2 brought to the table. I imagine most newcomers will, as well.

Score: B+

WISMEC Motiv 2 Specs:

• Size: 87.7 x 34.4 x 14.4mm
• Weight: 58.9g
• Capacity: 2ml (TPD Compliant)
• Battery: Internal 500mAh
• Output wattage: 10W Max
• Output mode: 3.5V constant voltage
• Continuous firing: Cuts out at 10s
• Charging: Micro USB
• Quick start

WISMEC Motiv 2 Contents:

• 1 x MOTIV 2 Battery
• 2 x MOTIV 2 Cartridge
• 1 x USB Cable
• 1 x Instruction Manual