Wismec PREVA DNA 20W Pod System Review

Reviewing the new WISMEC PREVA DNA Pod Mod System – Alright, I’m gonna come right out and say it — pod mods don’t need to be this advanced. Over the last few months, we’ve seen the pod format evolve beyond the usual disposable trash to become miniature box mod setups. And some — most notably the Lost Vape Orion series — have proven to be solid, compact devices.

But now that other companies are getting involved, we’re seeing more instances of high-end chipsets, sub-ohm capability and more, when the basic intent should still be on flavor-focused, SMOKER-focused performance.

I’ll follow up on that opinion in a bit, but let’s start with the specs.

The WISMEC PREVA DNA Pod Mod Official Description

The Wismec PREVA DNA 20W Pod System epitomizes a combination of high-level craftsmanship and advanced vaping technology. Integrating Evolv’s DNA GO Chip with 1050mAh internal battery and 3mL cartridge equipped with ergonomic designs. Performance includes a new flavor-enhanced coil technology.

The Wismec PREVA DNA is fully built with highly durable metal construction with visually striking carbon fiber designs. Together,  it creates a luxurious all-in-one pod system for vaping enthusiasts.

Powered by Evolv’s DNA Chipset, the PREVA is equipped with three-level output control for customizable adjustments and precise power regulations Evolv have come to be known for.

The good news is that there isn’t a drop of resin to be found on the PREVA. We like resin. We appreciate resin. We’re getting a little tired of resin. Especially on pod/AIO mods like this one. (However, with an increase of Stabwood pod mods, we’re interested.)

Instead, Wismec went with carbon-like panels which is a welcome change of pace (as long as it doesn’t spark a sudden carbon rebirth in the vaping community).

Initial Impressions and Aesthetics of the WISMEC PREVA DNA

Aside from the above, the PREVA DNA lives in very comfortable, well-worn territory for this type of device. Roughly the height of a credit card, with a little more width and heft than its competitors, the PREVA DNA feels good in the hands, while still being perfectly appropriate for a shirt pocket.

The most notable difference between the PREVA DNA and the aforementioned devices is in the fantastic, tapered mouthpiece, complete with an effective adjustable airflow ring. It feels odd to call out a pod mod mouthpiece as a highlight, but it definitely enhanced my experience with the device.

The pod itself is also a highlight, with an easy-to-fill tank section (no small feat for this type of mod) and an impressive 3mL capacity. Of course, with the amount of refilling you’ll do, it’s kind of needed to be made easier to use… but we’ll get to that in the next section.

To close THIS section, my only complaint about the PREVA DNA is the carbon panels themselves. While I’m not 100% sure if they’re real carbon or just stickers (I didn’t try and find out) they felt a little cheap and flimsy, which stood out against an otherwise well-built piece of gear.

This is where my opening statement comes into play. Because, for all the hype of DNA chipsets and smart recognition, the PREVA DNA vapes like a standard pod mod/AIO system. As we’ve covered 1,000 times before, there’s only so much companies can do with a 20-watt max output, and if you can detect the difference in vape power modes here, you’re a better person than me.

Vaping the Wismec PREVA DNA Pod Kit

Despite the limited power output, the PREVA DNA comes with both 0.25-ohm (“direct lung”) and 0.5-ohm (“mouth-to-lung”) coils. And you know what the difference is? Absolutely nothing. Sure, maybe the lower-resistance coil chucks a little more vapor, but both heads are equally flavorful, with similar longevity and wicking ability.

According to the marketing, these are supposed to be distinct experiences that cater to a wider range of vapers.

In practice, they’re both MTL heads that do well with freebase and nic salt liquids. Even though we don’t ever recommend nic salt juices for direct lung use, the PREVA’s limited power ensures you won’t ever get “too much” draw.

The problem comes from the juice consumption. No matter how you choose to vape the PREVA DNA Pod Mod, these sub-ohm coils digest e-liquid like they’re preparing for a week in the desert. My juice levels dropped precipitously with more-frequent use. Not HEAVY use, mind you… just how an average user might choose to vape a mod like the PREVA DNA.

Of course, with these rapid refills, the coil life for the PREVA is noticeably diminished compared to similar devices. And the flavor, while solid, isn’t markedly different than similar mini-boxes like the Orion. But the coil life and juice efficiency just isn’t there.

Likewise, the battery life is pretty average, giving me roughly ⅔ of a workday before needing a quick boost from the USB. It charges quickly and never gets warm, but I wouldn’t consider battery life a highlight on any device, much less a DNA-powered one.

Pros:

• Extremely well-built
• Outstanding mouthpiece with airflow control
• It’s NOT resin!

Cons:

• Coil life and juice consumption aren’t good
• Carbon panels are a little cheap
• No marked improvement over non-DNA pod mods
• It’s time for ALL mods to go USB-C

Spinfuel VAPE Recommendation and Score

I’ll close with another big statement — in their current form, pod mods and low-powered AIO devices really don’t need DNA chipsets. While we love DNA customization and efficiency on more-advanced mods, I have to wonder why companies are shoehorning this technology into a mod that simply doesn’t have the power to take advantage of it.

Some of our favorite pod mods are the ones that demonstrate simplicity over all else. Once we start trying to bridge gaps, compact mods like the PREVA DNA  becomes jacks of all trades, masters of none. While we enjoyed the PREVA for what it is (even with the juice and battery problems) we’re just not seeing the need for so much tech under the hood.