Product intro and specs
The ZOVOO DRAGBAR B5000 Cosmic Edition is an update to an MTL rechargeable disposable vape I reviewed earlier this year. I really enjoyed using the original DRAGBAR B5000 and thought it was at least neck and neck with the Elf Bar, if not actually a bit better.
The new DRAGBAR B5000 Cosmic Edition is a stunning new disposable that I was excited to receive. It is not just new colors. It has an upgraded mesh coil, new “cosmic” colors with a glossy exterior, a mouthpiece made of crystal, and ten new tantalizing-sounding flavors like peach mango watermelon and blueberry slushie (one I was itching to try!).
If you’re new to the DRAGBAR B5000, it’s similar to the Elf Bar but with a more solid hand-feel and a symmetrical body. Both are marketed for having up to 5000 puffs, and are of similar size, though the DRAGBAR is slightly larger and holds a 500 mAh battery. The DRAGBAR B5000 contains 13 mL of either 20 mg/mL or 50 mg/mL.
With all the upgrades, it was impossible not to expect another winner. Keep reading to see if that expectation was met.
Price: $17.95 (at Direct Vapor)
Flavors: Blueberry smoothie, peach mango watermelon, tropical rainbow blast, pineapple coconut, strawberry kiwi, root beer, wildberry mojito, grape ice, raspberry lemon, strawberry banana
- Nicotine: 20 mg/mL or 50 mg/mL
- Battery capacity: 500 mAh
- Resistance: 1.1-1.3 ohm
- Upgraded mesh coil
- Dimensions: 79.6 mm x 44 mm x 22.6 mm
Size, look, and feel
The ZOVOO DRAGBAR B5000 looks like the design team had some fun. From a pure product design perspective, I think they did a great job with the Cosmic Edition. I'm not sure if it actually captures the whole “cosmic” vibe, but it's still aesthetically pleasing with the vibrant color gradients and an extra glossy look.
The original B5000 has a matte finish that feels good but can be a little slippery—similar to the Elf Bar. Now the B5000 Cosmic Edition’s glossy exterior makes it more secure in the hand.
The mouthpiece is wider than the Elf Bar and just generally better conceived, placed, and executed. The new tip is still designed in the same style as the previous one, but the plastic has been replaced by crystal. I was already a fan of the mouthpiece, but now I like it more. It’s a subtle element that elevates the look and feel of the device.
I do like the colorful gradients and the glossy exterior for both touch and visual appeal, but I prefer the simplicity and the solid colors of the first B5000. The original B5000 has a little more class and less pizzazz, which is something I prefer for something I pull out of my pocket.
Getting started
The DRAGBAR B5000 Cosmic Edition is ready to be vaped upon opening the package. The only thing of note is that it’s a charge port on the bottom of the device. It is charged via a USB-C cord. One is not included in the box.
How does it hit?
As stated, the B5000 has an upgraded mesh coil. The original B5000 has an MTL draw that I thought was perfect. Tight, but not too tight. Loose if you hit it harder, but smooth all the way through. The B5000 Cosmic Edition has the same draw. It hits smoothly, quickly, and quietly due to them both using a mesh coil which produces a satisfactory hit almost immediately.
The previously stated is purely about the draw and coil activation of the Cosmic Edition B5000. As for the pleasure of the hit, this is where things turn south.
Although the draw of the Cosmic Edition is just as good as that of the original, something is off with the upgraded coils. Both mesh coils are rated at 1.1 ohm to 1.3 ohm, but the performance is not right.
It vapes as if the mesh has a small hot spot, or like the device is overpowered. Maybe it's something else? There's no way for me to tell what the issue is, just how it performs. In a nutshell, the performance is unpleasant. They all performed the same way, unfortunately.
Are the flavors any good?
When I first received the device, the flavors and the designs all looked appealing to me (besides the root beer, a flavor I don't want to vape).
With names and flavors like wildberry mojito, peach mango watermelon, and blueberry smoothie, I was certain I was going to have several I loved. The first DRAGBAR B5000 had flavors I raved about, particularly their strawberry milk flavor.
Unfortunately, there wasn't one flavor that I tried that I wanted to vape again—nor could I, considering all my devices tasted off. As much as I want to fault the bad hits for obstructing the flavor, the flavors themselves didn't taste very good to me. Of course this could all be just subjective or maybe something was wrong with my batch. For the coils, maybe it was a batch issue. For the flavors, I don't think so. These flavors don't taste like they were made by the same people as the first edition DRAGBAR B5000.
How long do they last?
I wasn't willing to vape on these long enough to drain a battery. But assuming everything is the same as the original B5000, which it should be since the battery hasn't been changed, the devices probably last a long time.
In my first review, I said, "if you vape moderately, you can probably get several days out of one [before it's empty]. I’d go so far as to say they last a bit longer even than the Elf Bar BC5000. Of course, I didn’t count to see if they have 5000 puffs, but I’ve charged a few of them twice and they’re still going. The longevity of the B5000 is impressive."
Presumably, the charge still takes about an hour, and there's still no pass-thru charging.
Pros / Cons
Gallery
Verdict
I was so ready to enjoy these devices! I was certain the ZOVOO DRAGBAR Cosmic Edition was going to satisfy me.
The Cosmic Edition B5000s have all the visual appeal you could ask for, with a high-quality construction that speaks positively about the manufacturing and design team. But disposables are not mechanical mods. The device is not just a shell. The performance and enjoyment of a disposable are dependent on the coil and the prefilled flavors; and both of those elements in the Cosmic Edition are far below industry standards, let alone standards already set by the previous edition.
At least the ZOVOO DRAGBAR original is still available. I strongly recommended it. As for the Cosmic Edition, I strongly recommend against it.
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