The Argus G - a simplified yet versatile pod kit that delivers exceptional flavour quality and excellent vapour production
Products used in this review:
About Voopoo
Whenever I think of Voopoo, I'm instantly reminded of my first vape kit purchase. That would've been some time back in 2017 when they released the DRAG 157 dual battery box Mod.
What set this apart from other mods of the period was the GENE chip technology. Yes, it may seem slightly dated by today's standards, but it was significant enough to gain them considerable attention back then. It seemed everyone on the vape scene was talking about Voopoo.
Here was a chip capable of providing steady and consistent power, accurate temperature control, mode switching and, as it evolved, other smart features, including auto coil detection - the device could actually detect the best setting for the installed coil, removing any need for guesswork and tweaking by the user.
I mentioned the word evolve for a good reason. The DRAG range evolved into the VINCI and ARGUS series of devices, predominantly designed with the pod enthusiast in mind with the single 18650 battery VINCI X and the ARGUS Z with its 900mAh integrated battery.
Voopoo were well aware of the steep learning curve between their pod starter kits and more demanding products, which often called for user intervention for best results. Enter the OG ARGUS pod kit. This kit had limited but effective features designed to encourage relatively new vapers to take more control of their vaping experience. With simple airflow control and limited screen functionality, there was little to feel intimidated by.
Of course, these devices require much less power, and the iCOSM flavour interpretation code was developed to ensure no loss of taste across the range of compatible coils.
Fast-forward to the present, and things have certainly progressed for Voopoo and their ARGUS series. There are now a staggering 20 different versions in this range alone. Today, I'm looking at the ARGUS G pod kit; as you'll see, it shares many characteristics of the original ARGUS.
The ARGUS range
As you can imagine, ARGUS has taken many forms over the years, a testament to Voopoo's ability to acknowledge all types and levels of vapers.
The ARGUS GT II, for example, is the most powerful in the series, requiring two 18650 batteries and making use of the UFORCE L tank. It's there for more serious, experienced vapers.
Then there's the ARGUS MT, with its 100W power capabilities. This one's IP68 rated for those with an active lifestyle and also gives the user the option of either a built-in or single external 18650 battery.
If messing around with external batteries isn't quite your thing, and you're looking for additional portability, then the ARGUS PRO may be the choice to consider. It still packs a hefty 80W maximum power output. But for real vaping on the go and with very little fuss, the ARGUS Z will certainly tick all the right boxes.
To really put things into context, the ARGUS series and its mind-boggling number of coil, pod, and tank combinations can deliver power from 5 to 200W. Now, I'd call that total versatility.
The Voopoo Argus G Pod Kit
Manufacturers description
Reading through the marketing literature, these are the main features and selling points Voopoo describe for their Argus G Pod Kit:
- Powerful built-in battery - 1000 mAh / 25w max power
- Long battery life - 3 to 4 days stable output with one charge. In low battery status, you can still vape over 30 puffs continuously
- Ultra-smooth taste - A 4-hole air inlet in the pod enlarges the airflow, and an airflow buffer room ensures a smooth taste
- Leak-proof design
- Long lifespan - Preinstalled cartridge lasts for about 14ml e-liquid
- Full Compatibility - Compatible with all Argus series cartridges
- Attractive design - with a smooth polished finish
- OLED interface
- Multi-Function button - for smart interactions
- Diversified vaping styles - from MTL to RDL
- 6 Safety protections - Overtime, Short-Circuit, Overcharge, Over-Current charge, Low Battery, Over-Temperature
Read on for my thoughts and observations on the accuracy of these points as I put the Argus G to the test.
Unboxing
The Argus G comes in a cardboard box, with the device displayed on an eye-catching metallic backdrop describing some of its features. The version I received was Aurora Blue, but you can also pick it up in Gloss Black, Glow Pink, Racing Green, Sand Drift Gold, Satin Blue, or Space Grey.
One side of the box contains an authentic QR scratch code, and the other sets out a few of the features of the ARGUS G. The rear of the box lists the entire package contents as well as the obligatory health warnings.
The device sits inside a rather deep but flimsy plastic tray designed to accommodate the lanyard, instructions, spare pod and type C USB charging cable, all of which can be found underneath.
I'm particularly impressed that Voopoo took the time to include a vape prevention sticker on the base of the preinstalled pod, as well as a film to protect the screen.
Inside the box, we get:
- ARGUS G device (0.7ohm mesh pod preinstalled)
- Spare ARGUS pod (1.2ohm)
- ARGUS pod platform card
- Type C USB charging cable
- User manual
- Lanyard
Look and feel
It has a very sleek design, with its nanometer-scale polished finish and streamlined body featuring multiple contours that extend to the pods themselves. The Aurora Blue version has a kind of two-tone effect, where pink merges into purple from top to bottom. That certainly helps the ARGUS G stand out in the pod kit crowd.
With a height of 110mm (including the pod), it's one of the tallest pod kits in the range, but it's only 13mm thick, so it shouldn't prove too intrusive in a trouser pocket. The width (25mm) remains around typical for a pod kit of this ilk.
We get side-mounted USB functionality, which is always a plus when it comes to the gravitational forces of e-liquid. However, despite the base employing a rubber tab, the device's weight and the positioning of the USB port mean the cable is often more of a hindrance than a help.
Directly opposite the USB port is an adjustable airflow port; this comes in handy for the range of coils on offer. Close it down for an MTL vape and open it for that RDL experience. There's enough resistance and tolerance to allow for very fine-tuning, but I imagine you'll leave it alone once set because those airflow slots are rather small.
Every function of the ARGUS G is carried out using a single button on the front of the device. I am a little perplexed as to why it's been incorporated into the screen area - probably for comfort of use. At least it's raised, clicky and tactile enough to see without having to fumble for it. Of course, you can also activate the vape by drawing directly from the mouthpiece using the auto draw/auto inhale function.
Pods and compatibility
The sealed pods are perfectly clear, which is always a plus point. They make it much easier to fill and view remaining e-liquid levels, which are not lost when recessed into the battery section.
The contours of the pod fit the mouth quite comfortably, and vaping does feel like a natural experience. The pods snap reassuringly into place via two strong magnets located inside the battery section. It doesn't matter which way you insert them, either. But there's more going on with these pods than meets the eye.
Voopoo employ their iCOSM CODE tech across the ARGUS range, which makes for a fresher, cleaner taste, smooth airflow, leak-proof user experience, and consistent atomizing abilities.
With four airflow inlets on the pod base, multiple flavour interpretations are possible depending on the type of coil used. And for those fussy about hygiene, the pods are made of an antibacterial material.
But that's not all. The ARGUS G is the gift that keeps on giving! Along with the two pods included in the kit, the ARGUS G is compatible with the ARGUS and ARGUS SE empty pods. This opens the door to the full range of removable ITO mesh coils. You can also use the sealed pods of the ARGUS Z, ARGUS P1, and P1S. That's what you call backwards compatibility!
Refilling
I'm impressed with the design of the silicone stopper on the fill port. Getting a fingernail beneath to prise it open is very easy, and the fill port opening is large enough for those with dexterity issues. Nice one, Voopoo!
Functionality
To switch the device on or off, short-press the button five times. A small monochrome OLED screen displays all the data you need to know. You're initially presented with power, battery status, coil resistance, whether the device is locked, and the number of puffs registered. The screen will alert you to any safety issues the device may encounter.
Other on-screen information may relate to:
- Atomizer short
- Low power
- Max power
- High temperature
- Charging
After switching on, the SMART features of the GENE AI chip instantly spring to life, with the chosen coil's resistance already set for the best flavour experience. Of course, the power output can be adjusted, but only within the coil's maximum capacity. Great stuff, eh?
If you do wish to adjust the power output, press the button three times. For example:
- Press the button three times in quick succession - the power indicator will blink.
- Press the button again to increase power output.
- Keep pressing the button to cycle back to the lowest possible power output to make the appropriate adjustments.
- The power indicator will eventually stop blinking, and the setting has been made.
Important! When you press the button five times to switch the device off, you are first presented with a menu screen. You can clear the puff counter, lock or unlock the device or switch the device off. Again, use the button to highlight your selection, and then hold it down for three seconds to activate.
So yes! Everything is controlled by one simple button. You can't knock that!
Testing the Voopoo ARGUS G Pod Kit
Vapour test
I began by testing the 1.2ohm sealed MTL pod with a Maryliq Beach Day 20mg nic salt e-liquid. It's a 50VG/50PG ratio that's ideally suited to this low-powered coil. The GENE AI smart technology automatically set the power output to 10W, so that's what I kept with - hoping to get good results from the outset.
Now, one thing I will mention is that it's not a good idea to close the airflow off entirely. You will still get a vape, but it's far too tight for a decent MTL experience. Adjusting the airflow to one slot doesn't make a great deal of difference either, but when opening to two slots, things became much more in tune with what I had been hoping for. In fact, this level of airflow restriction is nigh on perfect, especially for those used to the draw from a cigarette.
As for the flavour? I found it to be fantastic! Even at this relatively low level of power, the coil was able to replicate the two main ingredients without blurring the lines, so to speak.
The Blackcurrant and tangy, citric nature of freshly squeezed Orange pull through in abundance—and in equal measure. This is a very refreshing and tasty vape. Yes, there's plenty of sweetness, but that's to be expected from the combination of these fruits, and the cooling agent is much less of an intrusion than found in a disposable vape, for example.
Vapour production is thin and wispy - expected for an MTL vape and very much mimics the experience of cigarette smoke. The 1.2ohm pod delivers outstanding flavour properties and then some. I'm particularly impressed by the layering of flavour experienced throughout each exhale.
I used Bar Juice Strawberry Ice Cream to test the 0.7ohm RDL pod - another 50VG/50PG E-liquid ratio with 20mg salt nicotine. The GENE AI chip's smart mode set the power output to 16W for best results, so who was I to argue?
I'd have to say this pod just edges it for extra flavour saturation—so much so that the e-liquid actually tastes slightly wet. There's clearly no issue with the coil, though, because vapour production is quite thick and much more noticeable during an RDL inhale. The best setting is with all three airflow slots open, but it's still possible to MTL the pod with two open. This coil will not be suitable with any further airflow restriction, as it results in a very tight and uncomfortable vape experience.
So, onto flavour quality. Once again, it doesn't disappoint. The Strawberry comes rushing through, and the creamier elements of the vape make for a lovely silky smooth inhale. The flavour profile contains too much sweetener, but that's just my personal preference. The cooling agent really works as the lynchpin for this mouthwatering fruit beverage-style vape. You'll get a consistently good taste throughout use. It always delivers the goods.
Battery life and recharging
Voopoo tell us the 1000mAh integrated battery is capable of lasting for anything up to 3 days. That's a bold and optimistic claim, and one I knew wouldn't hold true for a regular vaper like me. In all honesty, it may not be an exaggerated claim for those used to smoking up to 10 cigs a day, but many variables come into play, such as length, strength and frequency of vape. Everyone is different.
Using the 1.2ohm MTL pod, I harvested fifteen and a half hours of continuous use. For a casual user, that's around two days of use, meaning you must be a light, infrequent vaper to attain three days of use. The pod was refilled once during this time, and around 4 ml of e-liquid was vaped. The puff counter registered 407, and it's important to note that this is significantly less than the 500 puff claims of a 2 ml disposable device.
I got fourteen and a half hours of use and 251 puffs from the 0.7ohm RDL pod. The extra 6W of power made more difference to the number of puffs than I expected. This pod was filled three times, and I estimate I vaped approximately 5 ml of e-liquid.
The screen will read "low power" when the battery needs recharging, and you will no longer be able to use the ARGUS G. During the charging phase, the screen will display a battery icon with four blocks that gradually fill alongside the current charge percentage and projected time left to complete.
A flat battery is estimated to take 85 minutes to charge, but my test yielded slightly better results, with 79 minutes being closer to the mark. Be aware that the screen does not switch off once charging is complete.
Safety
If the button is accidentally activated for more than 5 seconds, the device will automatically lock and prompt timeout protection. If you wish to use the button to vape, unlock the device first.
Who is the Voopoo ARGUS G Pod Kit suited to?
This device is not the ideal solution for new vapers or those switching from disposable vapes. Auto power detection, auto-draw, and simple functionality lessen the impact to some extent, but some tweaking may still be required by the user.
However, it's not going to take long to get used to adjustable airflow and how to operate the ARGUS G, so it's a very worthy device to consider before diving into more powerful pod kits. It's the first step, in other words, and an alternative to pen-style devices. But rest assured, the taste experience is similar to that of a disposable vape.
Of course, the device is perfectly suited to someone already used to more powerful pod kits. It will make an ideal accompaniment for evenings out or holiday breaks where battery longevity and stealth vaping may be of importance.
Pros:
- Awesome flavour from both pods
- A great MTL and RDL vape experience
- Comfortable mouthpiece
- Easy to view the remaining e-liquid levels
- Sensitive auto inhale
- Easy to fill
- One button functionality
- Pods don't leak
Cons:
- The screen may be hard to read
- Unsteady on most surfaces
- The screen doesn't switch off once charged
- Relatively slow charge compared to other pod devices
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