Product intro and specs
The VMATE E2 is the latest beginner-friendly pod system by VOOPOO. Based on the classic VMATE E, released over two years ago, the VMATE E2 offers significant upgrades. The most notable one is the new 3 mL top fill pods—now with a 0.4-ohm option. Other features include a magnetic dust cap, a colorful battery life display, faster charging, increased battery life, and a higher wattage output. Lastly, the dual leather panel design gives it a stunning aesthetic.
VOOPOO has been putting out some fantastic pod vapes as of late, like the recent VMATE i2. It's been quite some time since I've actually got my hands on one. Let’s find out how the VMATE E2 performs compared to my favorite daily drivers and whether or not I would recommend it.
Price: $26.99 (at VapeSourcing)
Colors: Seashell white, rose red, emerald green, urban camo, jet black, lavender purple, navy blue, walnut brown
Build quality and design
“Dang, this is kinda heavy for a pod vape,” was my initial impression after pulling the VMATE E2 out of the package. As a dedicated Caliburn A3 user, I’m not accustomed to such heft. At 92.2 grams, It feels more like a flower vape—falling in the same weight class as the latest PAX vapes.
Considering that the E2 has an internal battery rated for 1500 mAh, it helps to justify the extra weight. The overall build quality feels quite rugged, which also helps to make a case for its heftiness. It fits well in my hand with just the mouthpiece protruding—perfect for stealth vaping.
The VMATE E2 is constructed from zinc alloy with leather panels—I’m not sure if it’s real leather or not. I received the purple lavender version, which I wouldn’t have chosen, but it looks great. If I were to buy another one, I would definitely go for the beautiful black or brown leather options.
There are no buttons on the E2, but there is a hidden display. It features a “dynamic light bar” that cycles through colors when vaping and displays a solid green bar when charging or inserting a pod. The display also provides battery life percentage for those who enjoy numbers. The VMATE E2 features a dust cap, which is held by strong magnets to block dust, dirt, debris, and whatever else from the coil. This simple innovation helps to promote pod longevity.
Other design features worth mentioning include subtle branding on the leather panels and a USB-C port located on the bottom. The airflow controller features a similar oval design to the one on the pod—a thoughtful touch. All in all, the device has an elegant and modern design with fully rounded edges. It looks great, but it also topples over easily when you try to stand it up.
Getting started
Using the VMATE E2 is super straightforward. It is draw-activated, and there are no buttons, menus, or wattage adjustments. The airflow offers flexibility between a legit MTL and an airier RDL draw. Sliding the controller to the left tightens the airflow, and sliding to the right loosens it up.
You don’t actually have to remove the pod to fill it. You do need to dig in a bit with your nail to get the rubber seal open, which can be a bit tricky at first. Once open, insert the bottle tip, and fill it up. Finally, reinsert the rubber seal and give the pod at least five minutes to saturate.
The pods click into the device despite having magnetic contacts at the bottom. Inserting the pod without clicking it in will still activate the display, and I was even able to take a puff. But with the pod clicked in they are held strongly, despite a bit of wobble. The harder part is popping them out. So, it’s not ideal for people with weak finger strength or very sweaty hands. Also, note that the device comes with a sticker on the bottom of the pod that needs to be removed.
Performance
I tested both pods to see the full range of this device. I used 25 mg nic salt for the 0.7-ohm pod and good old 6 mg freebase liquid for the 0.4-ohm pod. I’m not gonna lie; it was a blast from the past. I only ever vape high nic pods these days, so it was nostalgic to chuck some clouds again.
The clouds on the 0.4-ohm pod weren’t award-winning but were denser and more voluminous than I’m used to. The flavor was pretty clean, too. I used one of my favorite liquids of all time (Zenith Orion) and it tasted exactly how I expected it to. It’s been almost a full week, and the flavor is still just as fresh.
I put in way more miles on the 0.7-ohm pod. I did notice a subtle muting of the flavor after nearly two weeks of constant testing, but it’s still going strong. I’ll probably get at least another week or so out of it. I should also note an improvement from an old VOOPOO Argus Air review that I did where I got a slight plastic taste—because that is not the case with these new VMATE pods.
I was a bit surprised at how fast I was running through liquid with this device. I normally refill my 2 mL Caliburn pods just about once or twice a day. With the VMATE E2, I’m filling twice a day. The VMATE pods have a 3 mL capacity, so I’m not sure where all that extra juice is going.
Other than that, no major complaints. No leaking, spitback, or gurgling to report. The pods are tinted but are easy to monitor. The mouthpiece can get a little too warm from chain vaping, especially with the 0.4-ohm option, but nothing crazy. I’m just giving you the full scoop.
I did notice something a bit strange, though. When you puff on the VMATE E2 with headphones on or even with earbuds in, you’ll hear a buzzing sound that sounds like an electrical ground loop. I’m guessing it is related to the GENE chipset—not very noticeable, yet still worth a mention.
Battery life and charging
The VMATE E2 took longer than expected to charge. I clocked it at 52.5 minutes to achieve a full charge from 0%, a bit longer than the advertised 40 minutes, but still very good considering the 1500 mAh battery rating. However, I was able to achieve a 90% charge in about 40 minutes.
On a full charge with the 0.7-ohm pods, I can get through around 2.5 refills, or 7.5 mL. With the 0.4-ohm pods, it was noticeably less. But I was able to get through a full day on both pods, with some power left over for that morning puff. No complaints about battery life here.
I did notice that my battery jumped from 10% to 0% after my last puff. So, it can be a little deceptive in that regard. Also, the bar remains green and doesn’t change at all based on the battery life percentage. I also would have expected passthrough charging, but nope. I’m not sure why VOOPOO did not include this feature since the i2 had it—unlike many of their previous devices.
Pros / Cons
Gallery
Verdict
At the end of the day, the VMATE E2 is a nice pod system that is very easy to use. It doesn’t have any complicated features or require you to know anything. That makes it a suitable option for beginners or people like me who just want something nice and easy. The pods provide pretty decent flavor and coil longevity, while the airflow controller offers flexibility in terms of draw style. The battery capacity is extremely large, and the pods hold 3 mL—which is a whole lot of juice!
The device has a robust feel and an elegant look, especially with its little cap on. A simple yet brilliant idea that I hope catches on. It seems as though VOOPOO has implemented some of the feedback from Anthony’s previous VMATE reviews. This includes the addition of a second pod, the display now featuring a battery percentage, and faster charging—so props to them.
I still found some cons, but none of them were deal breakers. Well, except for one. Releasing a vape in 2024 without passthrough charging is wild. Thank goodness it charges so quickly. I would recommend it to a beginner looking for a refillable vape with a bit of flair. Sure, there is plenty of room for improvement. With that said, it still offers a solid vape experience.
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