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Drag Race - Yet another DRAG 3 Kit review

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Dec 23, 2017
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Yeah yeah I know the Drag 3 kit has already been reviewed a few times already but I've also been sent one to review so here's my take on the latest facelift of the popular DRAG kit.

Sent to me by Health Cabin for review:
https://www.healthcabin.net/voopoo-drag-3-kit-p/26226.html
Price: $ 53.99 (Log in for latest offer price)

VooPoo_Drag_3_Kit-1.jpg


VooPoo continue their run of new releases and updates, I have lost count how many products they have released in the past year but it’s a LOT!

So this time it’s the DRAG 3 that gets a makeover, let’s see if there’s anything that makes it stand out from their other releases.

Here’s a list of the features:
• Elegant and Flamboyant Design
• Leading, Again - Upgraded GENE.FAN 2.0 Chip
• 0.001s Extreme Ignition
• Innovative Super Mode+Smart/RBA/TC mode
• Max 177W Output Power
• Dual 18650 Batteries
• New Coil Bring Better Flavour
• TPP Atomization System

VooPoo continue their run of new releases and updates, I have lost count how many products they have released in the past year but it’s a LOT!

The main difference (apart from the styling) was the new PnP TPP tank system, Visually it looks a lot better than the previous version and finally a removable 810 drip tip, also the airflow control is a lot tighter.
  • Size:122mm * 50.25mm * 25mm
  • Capacity: 5.5ml
  • Battery: Dual 18650 Battery (Not Included)
  • Wattage Output Range: 5-177W
  • Voltage Output Range: 6.4-8.4V
  • Chipset: Upgraded GENE.FAN 2.0 Chipset
  • Modes: Super/Smart/TC/RBA mode
  • Resistance Range: 0.1-3.0ohm
  • Display: 1.08 inch TFT Color Screen
  • Charging Port: Type-C
  • Filling: Bottom Filling
Unboxing
I was hoping for VooPoo’s groovy hard-case design but the DRAG 3 kit comes in a more traditional cardboard box with a 1 piece box and outer sleeve.

VooPoo_Drag_3_Kit-2.jpg


Inside the first layer is the mod & tank, the size of the tank is the first thing that stands out, noticeably larger than the OG PnP tank and just looks more like a 'proper' tank.

VooPoo_Drag_3_Kit-3.jpg


Underneath that layer is a black box containing the extras, no surprises here, USB-C cable, Manual & 2 coils but there's everything you should expect from a mod & tank kit.

VooPoo_Drag_3_Kit-6.jpg


First impressions
It's a nice looking bit of kit and well sculpted, it's also pretty light without batteries, I'm getting a bit bored of the whole cloth/leather wrap but I guess it was inevitable the they would go down this route with the new DRAG, they have also gone with the massive DRAG title embossed on the one side which for me is a shame as the other side looks far more classy, on the plus side it isn't as loud as previous versions.

VooPoo_Drag_3_Kit-8.jpg


The 1.08-inch TFT screen size and clarity is impressive, though it looks a bit busy I do like the look of it and I can see everything clearly even with my older eyes, but there's no battery percentage displayed, instead they shoved 'DRAG' on screen, really? that 3 times DRAG appears on this friggin kit - come on VooPoo this is becoming a 'drag'.

Ergonomics wise, for some reason all of the DRAG range have had hard edges, the DRAG 3 is no exception but they are lessened this time and most edges have been smoothed slightly, in the hand it feels far more comfortable than previous DRAG's and I almost like the tactile feel of the edges.

The TPP Tank was quite interesting, there's no innovation as such, just a different styling which looks a lot better, I have no clue what TPP stands for? Let's go with Turkey Panda Panda for now.

VooPoo_Drag_3_Kit-4.jpg


The principle is the same as the PnP tank but with the notable inclusion of a much welcome removable 810 drip tip, the metallic looks are also welcome, they have even popped a domed metallic piece on the top, it looks more like a proper tank but since Innokin have developed a proper Glass pod then I do hope VooPoo and other adopt this method, though to be fair, when in use and full you can't really tell that it's plastic visually.

VooPoo_Drag_3_Kit-5.jpg


The coils really caught my attention, the wicking ports are huge and have a 'H' kind of shape to them, this should allow for faster wicking for chain vaping, I much prefer this Turkey Panda Panda tank overall.

It is also cross compatible with PnP pods which I have tested, surprisingly the ickle MTL pod looked pretty good on it, very Arabian and I even managed to get a decent MTL draw with the airflow closed off fully.

The DRAG 3 mod takes 2 x 18650 batteries (not included) and are fitted via a sliding base battery cap, orientation markings are present on the inside of the cap and the door fits tightly and fairly secure.

VooPoo_Drag_3_Kit-7.jpg


Operation
VooPoo mods are generally simple to operate and navigate, the DRAG 3 is no exception, I easily worked my way around the functions and settings without resorting to the manual, with 1 exception, I couldn't find TC mode at all and the manual made no mention of it?

VooPoo_Drag_3_Kit-11.jpg

***I made a mistake with 'Press & Hold ALL Buttons - this also resets all settings to default***

In fact I could only access 2 modes, Smart (Auto) and RBA (unrestricted variable wattage), it turns out 'SUPER' mode automatically kicks in at over 81 Watts and the display turns all red.

I was baffled by being unable to find TC mode so I did some digging, it turns out that there is a firmware upgrade which is a bit of a con as not everyone has access to a PC to update it, at the very least the description should have stated 'TC mode available by firmware upgrade', so I'm carrying on reviewing this kit as is and as buyers will receive it, I will eventually upgrade the firmware but to be fair I doubt I will use TC mode on it anyway, I only really use TC on squonk RDA's.

So ignoring the firmware update, the DRAG 3 is so easy to use and perfect for new vapers, there should be nothing to confuse users and the SMART wattage is spot on, whichever pod/coil/tank you fit then the wattage will set itself to mid range of the coils recommended range, you are able to tweak it higher but it will hit a limit and won't allow you to go higher (this is a good thing, longer coil life and no dry hits) but if you really want higher watts then flip it into 'R' (RBA) mode and you can dial in any wattage you want.

VooPoo_Drag_3_Kit-10.jpg


Performance
F**k me this thing hits like a train! whatever they have done with these new coils I like it! I started off with the 0.15 TPP coil at 65 watts with the airflow wide open, the "0.001s Extreme Ignition" was no idle boast, this thing was instant and felt like little to no ramp up, 65 watts was decent but I ventured up to the maximum 80 watts for this coil and the flavour improved dramatically, likewise with vapour production, I soon fogged up my living room so I ventured outdoor to chain vape it at 80 watts........... I chain vaped until my lungs couldn't take no more, it performed flawlessly.

I then tried the 0.2 Ohm Turkey Panda Panda coil at 50 Watts, it was impressive but nothing like the punch the 0.15 Ohm gave me, I took it up to 60 watts and again the flavour improved, this wattage range and ohms would normally suit my day to day vaping but surprisingly I just enjoyed the 0.15 Ohm coil more, but on both I found the top limit to give the best flavour, though it will likely shorten the lifespan of the coils but a price worth paying on this occasion, at the mid level the flavour was nothing special.

Battery life obviously depends on which batteries you use and how often you vape, I used a couple of Molicell P26A's and I almost got 2 full days at 80 watts at moderate use which really impressed me, especially with the large full colour screen, I trusted the USB-C charging and the charging time was impressive as it uses proper 2 Amp balanced charging which shown the battery percentage during charging, it took around an hour and a half from low and never felt too warm.

Life's a DRAG
I've long since passed my Drag 2 on but kept my Drag Mini, despite its massive DRAG branding I did like it, I didn't expect to like the Drag 3 all that much as the ARGUS though, the jury is still out but the Drag Mini is now redundant, I tend to use the ARGUS with the MTL pod so I guess I will end up using the DRAG 3 for DL use which it excels at.

VooPoo_Drag_3_Kit-9.jpg


Size wise, the DRAG 3 is very similar to the tiny (for dual battery) ARGUS but the screen is much larger and clearer, if you're already a fan of the DRAG range then I think you will enjoy the DRAG 3 kit, especially the improved Turkey Panda Panda tank in the kit.

Conclusion
The Drag 3 lacks that wow factor and there's little innovation, it is an improvement on the Drag 2 for sure and a lovely looking mod with one of the best screens I can think of, it looks a bit posher than previous versions and more comfortable in the hand.

TC (Temperature Control) should have been already installed instead of requiring a firmware update which is a bit naughty, but that's unlikely to put off most users, as a run and gun simple setup the DRAG 3 is ideal, especially the new coils for the TPP tank.

As a mod on its own, I have tried quite a few proper tanks and RTA's on it and it looks even better without that bulge, so even if you don't like the whole pod/tank thing I still think it's worth considering the mod alone.

Pros
  • Large bright colour screen.
  • Improved TPP pod/tank is better looking.
  • PnP pod backward compatible.
  • Posh styling and solid construction.
  • One of the easiest mods to use.
  • Very compact and lightweight.
  • 2 Amp charging.
  • Effective airy airflow control.
Cons
  • Over-branding is a DRAG (x 3).
  • TC Mode requires a firmware upgrade.
  • Bandwagon leather/cloth wrap.
Final Thoughts
Despite its niggles I really like the DRAG 3 kit, the new TPP tank made it different enough for me to enjoy using this kit, but for me; the mod is the star of the show, I'm a bit fed up of plastic tanks so popping a proper RTA on top of this mod makes it look very classy, I just wish it didn't have the MASSIVE DRAG on the side.

Overall VooPoo have released a worthy update and definitely one I will continue to use at least the mod.

Scores
  • Quality: 9/10
  • Looks: 8/10 (would have been a 9 without the huge DRAG logo)
  • Ergonomics: 7.5/10
  • Flavour: 8.5/10
  • Vapour Production: 8.5/10
  • Ease of use: 9/10
  • Value: 9/10
Overall Score: 8.5/10
 
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