Tests and Reviews: Drag 2 by VooPoo ~ The Vapelier

Commercial characteristics

Sponsor having loaned the product for the magazine: The Little Vapoteur
Price of the tested product: 66.90 €
Product category based on sales price: Mid-range (from 41 to 80 €)
Mod type: Electronics with voltage and variable power with temperature control
Is the mod telescopic? No
Maximum power: 177W
Maximum voltage: 7.5V
Minimum value in Ohms resistance for a start: Less than 0.1

Reviewer comments on business characteristics

VooPoo is, you guessed it, a Chinese brand active in the vaposphere since 2017, in partnership with the developer (electronics and software) GENE, as well as US designers. They have to their credit a good herd of boxs, atomizers and accessories.

Today, we are interested in box Drag 2, a rather upscale material, even if its price is not extravagant: 66,90 € is an amount that must be justified. The latest addition to the Drag series, it differs from the previous one in design, placement of the 510 connector, maximum output power as well as a "picturesque" electronic innovation called FIT mode.

With two batteries on board, this box goes up to 177W of power, as much as it is addressed to an informed public, the geeks and the amateurs of vape tricks and other power vapeux. "Who can the more, can the least" and the first-vapers, not yet keen on extreme performance but anxious to obtain reliable and quality material, can also appreciate this "small" pearl from the East. By car for its discovery.

Physical characteristics and felt quality

Width and thickness of the product in mm: 51.5 X 26.5
Product Length or Height in mm: 88.25
Product weight in grams: 258
Material composing the product: Stainless steel, Brass, Zinc / tungsten alloy, Resin
Form Factor Type: Classic Box - VaporShark type
Style of decoration: Psychedelic classic
Quality of decoration: Excellent, it is a work of art
Is the coating of the mod sensitive to fingerprints? No
All the components of this mod seem well assembled? Can do better and I'll tell you why
Fire button position: Lateral near the top cap
Fire button type: Mechanical metal on contact rubber
Number of buttons making up the interface, including touch zones if they are present: 3
Type of user interface buttons: Mechanical metal on rubber contact
Quality of the interface button (s): Very good, the button is responsive and does not make any noise
Number of parts in the product: 1
Number of threads: 1
Quality of the threads: Very good
Overall, do you appreciate the quality of manufacture of this product with regard to its price? Yes

Vapelier's note on quality feelings: 4.3 / 5

Reviewer's comments on physical characteristics and perceived quality

Here are its physical and technical specificities:

Dimensions: length: 88,25mm - width: 51,5mm (with buttons) - thickness (max): 26,5mm.
Weight: 160 +/- 2 g (not equipped) and 258 g (with batteries).
Materials: zinc / tungsten alloy and resin front with unique pattern.

Stainless steel 510 connector (detachable), positive brass pick-up pin - slightly offset to the adjustment knob side, slightly raised from the top cap (0,3mm).

Four degassing vents (bottom cap).

Magnetic battery compartment cover.

Accumulator type supported: 2 x 18650 25A minimum (not supplied).
Power: From 5 to 177 W in increments of 1W.
Resistances tolerated (offTC / TCR): from 0,05 to 5Ω.
Resistances tolerated (TC / TCR): from 0,05 to 1,5Ω.
Output Capabilities: from 0 to 40A.
Output voltages: from 0 to 7,5V.
Temperatures taken into account: (in Curve - TC and TCR modes): 200 to 600 ° F - (93,3 - 315,5 ° C).
0.91 '' OLED screen two-column display (configurable announcements, brightness option and screen rotation).

Charging function and pass-through tolerated USB charging on PC.
Software management (Windows) - Chipset update here

Electronic protections: Reverse polarity and battery overload (for others, see illustration).

Five stored (M1 ... M5).
Four different adjustable modes: Power Mode or usual mode (VW), where you set the power according to your resistance and your vape.
TCR Mode: temperature control and resistance heating mode (TC). Values (heating coefficients TCR) of pre-programmed settings for SS (Stainless Steel), Ni200 and Titanium resistive.

Custom Mode: power (and / or voltage) or temperature adjustment mode ("Curve"), configurable over ten seconds (more or less depending on your basic setting, see software).

FIT Mode: A program with three distinct phases, we will come back to it.
Lock function of the settings.

It is a well-studied and well-made material, its weight and its width may seem a little embarrassing for these ladies. Note also the relative bad adjustment of the battery access cover that shows a little game handling, nothing serious but it's a shame as this box is good overall.

Functional features

Type of chipset used: Owner
Connection type: 510
Adjustable positive stud? Yes, through a spring.
Lock system ? Electronic
Quality of the locking system: Good, the function does what it is for
Features offered by the mod: Display of the battery charge, Display of the resistance value, Protection against short-circuits from the atomizer, Protection against reverse polarity of batteries, Display of the vape voltage in Current, Display of the power of the current vape, Display of the vape time of each puff, Fixed protection against overheating of the atomizer resistors, Temperature control of the atomizer resistors, Support sound update firmware, Supports customization of its behavior by external software, Display brightness adjustment, Clear diagnostic messages
Accusability: 18650
Does the mod support stacking? No
Number of batteries supported: 2
Does the mod retain its configuration without batteries? Yes
Does the mod offer a recharge feature? Charging function possible via Micro-USB
Is the recharge function pass-through? Yes
Does the mode offer a Power Bank function? No power bank function offered by the mod
Does the mode offer other functions? No other function offered by the mod
Presence of air flow regulation? Yes
Maximum diameter in mm of compatibility with an atomizer: 25
Accuracy of the output power at full charge of the battery: Good, there is a tiny difference between the requested power and the real power
Accuracy of the output voltage at full charge of the battery: Good, there is a tiny difference between the requested voltage and the actual voltage

Vapelier's note regarding functional characteristics: 4.3 / 5

Reviewer's comments on functional features

The features are very complete, we will detail them below but before, know that the motherboard (chipset) GENE of this box, offers performances close to 95% ads in terms of power, voltage, temperature accuracy, resistive value approach displayed. I hold this info of a certain Phil Busardo who does not pass for a clampin lambda in terms of knowledge in electronics, his tests demonstrate this information, I trust him.

The Gene / VooPoo software allows you to update the chipset, as well as to organize your power and temperature curves (TC & TCR) on PC, to enter the settings on the box, to store them in the form of files to integrate in a specific folder of your documents (for example), to configure the duration of the puffs and above all, above all, to "customize" the announcements (logo etc…), the brightness of the screen, almost useless options therefore essential.

To turn your box on or off: five quick "clicks" on the switch, a classic. The screen asks you if you want to memorize the resistive value of the new atomizer YES [+] or NO [-].
You then enter POWER (VW) mode, standard. On two columns, you see the charge level of the batteries, the resistive value of the coil, the voltage of vape, finally the duration of the puffs on the left part. On the right, the wattage is displayed.

At this point you will act on the settings buttons to modulate the power values, it is basic vape within everyone's reach. To lock the box, a long simultaneous press on the [+] and switch (LOCK) buttons to unlock, same operation: UNLOCK and ride youth.

From the POWER mode, by pressing the switch three times quickly, you enter the FIT mode, three more and this is the temperature control mode. By pressing the [+] and [-] buttons simultaneously, you enter the menu of the selected functions. Pressing the switch and [-] at the same time changes the orientation of the screen.

There are four modes, three of which can be configured: Power mode (W), FIT mode (not configurable with three possible choices), TC mode and Custom mode (M).

In Power mode:
When installing the atomizer, the box will calculate the power to be delivered automatically (YES option) with the highest possible value (eg 0,3Ω will give 4V a power of 55W). By simultaneously pressing the [+] and [-] buttons, you enter the function menu: Power mode (W), Custom mode (M), display of the serial number (SN) and display of the software version (WORM).

FIT mode : To change option 1,2, 3 or XNUMX, use the [+] and [-] buttons.

TC mode (TCR) : Supports five kinds of resistive wires: SS (inox stainless steel), Ni (Nickel), TI (Titanium), NC and TC are configurable from your PC on VooPoo software, according to the heating coefficients of non-pre-programmed resistives. The temperature adjustment range is 200-600 ° F - (93,3 - 315,5 ° C). Below, a conversion table will help you see more clearly because the box is calibrated in ° Fahrenheit (it changes to ° C by going after the maximum or minimum temperature in ° F).

In TC / TCR modes, to adjust the power press the switch quickly four times (you will see the W mark highlighted), the setting can then be made between 5 and 80W.
To enter the function menu, simultaneously press the [+] and [-] buttons, TC mode, Coil Cooling Value * (ΩSET) from 0,05 to 1,5Ω, Custom mode (M), Coil Coefficient (° F ).
* Coil Cooling Value: values detected and noted, three digits after the decimal point!

Custom mode (under Power or TC mode).
Simultaneously press the [+] and [-] buttons, select [M] and switch to enter one of the five storage options. Then press the switch four times quickly to enter Power Customization (W), FIT mode, TCR customization (SS, Ni, Ti).
In this mode, you have two kinds of customization (adjustments): power or temperature. Manually, you adjust second after second (quickly press the switch four times to enter the “Curve” interface (vertical bars that increase in height with power or heat), to adjust, use the [+] and [-], when done, press the switch for one or two seconds to exit. For specific adjustments, depending on your resistive Kanthal, Nichrome ... Go to the software and enter your own values. For information, a table of the heating coefficients is given, with the default value used by the box to calculate the power according to your temperature parameters and the resistance value of the coil. The purists themselves calculate these coefficients as accurately as possible, according to the nature of their wires and the materials they are made from, the section, the resistivity of the coil. In short, the software also provides two tabs for this purpose. The pre-programmed values can also be subject to of rectifications.

The screen turns off only after thirty seconds of inactivity, after 30 mn, the box goes into stand-by, to reactivate press the switch.
During charging via USB, the battery icons flash at the charge level where they are, when the charge is completed, the flashes stop.
To recharge the batteries in 3h, you must use a charger 5A / 2V (not recommended), prefer a charger dedicated to reloading on PC, opt for a load 2Ah maximum.

Evaluation of the packaging

Presence of a box accompanying the product: Yes
Would you say that the packaging is up to the price of the product? Yes
Presence of a user manual? Yes
Is the manual understandable for a non-English speaker? No
Does the manual explain ALL features? Yes

Vapelier's note on packaging: 4 / 5

Reviewer's comments on conditioning

A package more spartan but quite functional, your box arrives in a black cardboard box, itself nested in a package from which it can slide.

Inside, the box is comfortably wrapped in a semi rigid black foam, it is accompanied by its USB / microUSB connection in a dedicated pocket.
Under this foam is a small black envelope in which you will find a notice in English and a certificate of guarantee (keep your proof of purchase).

On one side of the box is a QR code that sends you to the VooPoo website, a barcode and a certificate of authenticity to discover (scratch) and validate here .

All this would be perfect if the user manual was in French, it is not the case, too bad for the note, it is regrettable but ...

Appreciations in use

Transport facilities with the test atomizer: Ok for an external jacket pocket (no deformations)
Disassembly and cleaning facilities: Easy, even standing on the street, with a simple tissue
Easy to change the batteries: Easy, even standing in the street
Did the mod heat up? No
Has there been any erratic behavior after a day of use? No

Vapelier's rating in terms of ease of use: 4.5/5

Reviewer's comments on the use of the product

But what is this FIT mode I am talking about without telling you anything since the start of this test?
This mode is a preset (power and temperature) which takes things in "hand" without your intervention and which highlights three types of vape.

FIT 1 is the quiet vape that preserves the autonomy of the accusers. With this option, your batteries do not undergo too much peak demand, the vape is carried out in the low range of the required powers, depending on the resistance value of your atomizer.

FIT 2 is the vape flavor, the box increases power on a curve that starts high enough without reaching the upper limit depending on the coil. The immediate effect is a more pronounced heating which has the effect of quickly and more efficiently vaporizing the juice. The consumption of electricity and liquid will increase drastically and effectively, the flavors are better restored.

FIT 3 brings you to the limit values of tolerable power for your coil. Guaranteed cloud effect, hot vape too, maximum consumption in juice and energy but it is a choice, not an obligation.

In my opinion, the designers of the GENE chipset have concocted three compromises in power / heating values which take into account the resistive value of the coil. The calculations are fast (generally speaking) and the options are efficient. Basically, this mode avoids you having to re-adjust your parameters to either save energy, or make the most of its juice, or indecently cloud your surroundings. A saving of time adapted to the three main modes of vape, nice.

Excellent response to the switch, whatever the modes and settings chosen, the box reacts quickly and efficiently. The brand announces that the FIT mode is suitable for its own hardware (see atos equipped with UForce Coils), which I have no doubt but I have observed in broad outline that the three options also work with different hardware.
I have not tested this box beyond 80W, it did not heat up to this power. The vape is smooth and you actually see the power surges in Custom mode, if you set an increase of 10W per second (start at 10W and put the ato with the appropriate coil, over 10 seconds we reach 100W!) .

In terms of consumption and autonomy, it is at the level of performance-controlled equipment, that is to say relatively energy-intensive. The screen is not a big consumer and you can dim the lights as needed.

Without reaching the level of settings of Evolv's Escribe software, VooPoo's (PC) application is efficient and intuitive despite an interface in English (or Chinese). The communication with the box operates in both directions, so you can download your settings for each storage (M1, M2 ... M5), so either to return later, or simply to remember them to use the right atomizer at the right settings.

Illustrative examples given for information only and not necessarily coherent.

Recommendations for use

Type of batteries used during the tests: 18650
Number of batteries used during the tests: 2
With what type of atomizer is it advisable to use this product? Dripper, Dripper Bottom Feeder, Classic fiber, In sub-ohm assembly, Genesis-type rebuildable
With which model of atomizer is it advisable to use this product? Any type of ato, your settings will do the rest
Description of the test configuration used: RDTA, Dripper, Clearo, etc.
Description of the ideal configuration with this product: Open bar, you will adapt your settings to your atomizer

was the product liked by the reviewer: Yes

Overall average of the Vapelier for this product: 4.5 / 5

The mood ticket of the reviewer

Normally, geeks should be in heaven, this material is certainly designed for them and each box is unique! With its 95% calculation efficiency and the accuracy of the answers to the various possible settings, there is plenty of fun. Drag 2 allows every vape imaginable, so it can also be suitable for beginners. To these, it will evolve to rebuildable atomizers, test different resistive to become real aficionados after a while.

Its price seems justified to me and its note a little less, this notice in English degrades by a few tenths, our assessment protocol is well done, I would have glued a Top Mod without this small default.
And you, what do you think ? Tell us your impressions in the dedicated comment space.
I wish you an excellent vape.
See you soon.

(c) Copyright Le Vapelier SAS 2014 - Only full reproduction of this article is authorized - Any modification of any kind is totally prohibited and infringes the rights of this copyright.