Product Intro and Specs
VOOPOO has unveiled its latest box mods, the ARGUS MT and XT. VOOPOO, known for its instant rise to fame with the DRAG mod, has a history of introducing a range of products with varying results. In this review, we’ll explore these two similar kits, each offering its unique features.
The key distinction between the two devices is that the MT boasts a built-in 3000mAh battery, while the XT doesn’t include a battery, allowing compatibility with 21700, 20700, and 18650 batteries (the latter with an included adapter).
Both mods have a 100-watt rating, offering a variety of power modes, including TC mode. These mods are IP68-rated, positioning them as direct competitors to the Geekvape S100, which was recently reviewed. Both kits include the MAAT TANK NEW, an updated version of the MAAT sub-ohm tank released in 2019.
These kits are available in a variety of colors, including graphite, dark blue, lime green, carbon fiber for both, pearl white for the MT, and silver gray for the XT.
Specifications
Dimensions (XT): 148 mm x 34.5 mm x 37 mm
Dimensions (MT): 145 mm x 40 mm x 30 mm
Material: Leather/Zinc alloy
Output Power: 5-100 watts
Output Voltage: 0-8.5 volts
Resistance Range: 0.05-3.0 ohm
Charging Voltage: Type-C 5V/3A
Battery (XT): 1 x 21700/18650
Battery (MT): 3000 mAh (Built-In)
First Impressions
Upon initial inspection, the ARGUS MT and XT mods evoke a sense of familiarity with IP-rated mods like those in the Geekvape Aegis series. This immediate association is a positive note, given the Aegis line’s fantastic reputation for durability and performance.
One notable distinction is that these VOOPOO mods don’t feature a rubber-coated body like the Aegis mods. Instead, the pearl white MT model offers a clean and eye-catching appearance. Depending on the lighting, it even exhibits a chameleon-like sparkle on its paint.
These mods feel lightweight, yet they exhibit excellent build quality. The leather covering is substantial, conveying both a quality feel and a soft texture. The MT variant is equipped with rubberized bottoms to prevent tipping, while the XT incorporates a metal bottom for the battery door. All in all, the initial impressions are highly positive, and it’s time to delve into how these devices perform.
Build Quality and Design
If you’ve used an Aegis mod before, the ARGUS MT and XT will feel quite familiar. These mods, despite their rugged IP68 ratings, are surprisingly lightweight and not excessively bulky, with the XT being slightly larger. Positioned above the screen is the fire button, a rectangular shape with an indented center. While there’s a slight rattle in the XT’s fire button, the MT’s button feels more secure.
Beneath the screen, you’ll find the up and down buttons, and further below, the Type-C charging port. Both mods are equipped with a locking switch. The XT boasts a larger switch located above the fire button, featuring three stages (right locks the adjustment buttons but allows firing, left locks the entire device, and middle offers no lock function). In contrast, the MT includes a smaller switch positioned under the screen with two positions (lock with no firing and no lock). It would have been ideal to have the three-step switch on both models.
Both devices sport bright rectangular screens, approximately one inch in size. The color of the screen cannot be customized, and they appear to stay permanently lit when the device is on. Adjusting the display time did not change this behavior in our experience, causing a slight drain on the battery life.
It’s worth noting that VOOPOO has confirmed that our devices feature an earlier software version with a special setting for the screen to remain illuminated. Retail products should offer the option to turn off the screen.
Many color options are consistent across both devices, with the MT introducing a pearl white option and the XT featuring silver gray. Our MT model, in particular, is pearl white, delivering a fantastic appearance. The tank, however, is silver, and having a pearl white tank to match the MT’s color would have been a sleek addition. The mod itself is entirely white with a sparkling effect that catches the light just right. It features white leather that, while stylish, may be prone to staining. Nevertheless, the overall look is stunning, and there’s a clear desire for more mods of this caliber.
As for the XT, our review model arrived in silver gray, presenting a blend of matte and shiny silver on the body and gray leather on the sides, transitioning into an army green hue on the back. The design is appealing, although it doesn’t stand out as much as the pearl white version. These mods lack the silicon or rubber external covers common in many rugged mods, which provides more unique color options.
The branding on both mods is simple and tasteful. The metal frame features a small GENE.TT logo, while the leather on the back boasts an engraved ARGUS logo. This approach differs from some of VOOPOO’s previous DRAG mods, which were more elaborate in their branding. Overall, both mods look impressive, but the pearl white MT stands out as a particularly striking option.
Using the ARGUS MT & XT
Navigating the menu and utilizing the ARGUS MT and XT is a fairly straightforward process. Here’s a quick guide to their usage:
- To turn the device on or off, simply click the fire button five times.
- Access the menu mode by pressing both the up and down buttons simultaneously.
- Within the menu mode, use the up and down buttons to cycle through different modes, and press the fire button to confirm your selection.
- After choosing a specific mode, you can adjust settings within that mode by using the up and down buttons, with the fire button confirming your adjustments.
- To exit the menu mode, press and hold the fire button.
- Reset the puff counter by pressing both the fire and down buttons simultaneously.
- Utilize the switch located on the front of the device to lock the mod (refer to the previous section for a detailed explanation of the locking function).
Battery and IP68 Testing
The battery performance was tested on the ARGUS MT, which comes with an internal 3000mAh battery. VOOPOO lists the charge rate at 3A. During testing, a maximum charge rate of 2.34A was achieved using a standard cell phone charger, which is typically rated at 2-2.5A. While hitting the full 3A charge rate might require a specialized charger, achieving 2.34A is impressive and one of the fastest charge rates observed.
The charge time for the ARGUS MT was approximately 80 minutes, a commendable result considering the battery’s capacity. The usable battery capacity measured around 2700mAh, a relatively small deviation from the manufacturer’s rating, with most devices overrating capacity by around 20%. This 15% deviation indicates that the manufacturer’s capacity rating is quite accurate. It’s worth noting that the device lacks passthrough vaping capability.
In terms of its IP68 rating, both the ARGUS MT and XT passed the test with flying colors. Immersion underwater for 30 minutes or accidental drops didn’t result in any issues. Only the XT underwent the drop test, as preserving the appearance of the pearl white MT was a priority. Both models proved to be exceptionally durable and rugged, meeting the high standards of their IP68 rating.
MAAT TANK NEW Tank Rundown
The MAAT TANK NEW sub-ohm tank is included in both the ARGUS MT and XT kits and represents an updated version of the original MAAT tank from 2019. This tank utilizes TPP coils, which are compatible with various tanks and pod tanks, offering a degree of familiarity to some users.
The tank is fairly straightforward, featuring bottom airflow and a substantial 6.5 mL e-liquid capacity. It is equipped with a quarter-twist top cap for convenient filling. The coils are of the plug-and-play variety, and the tank comes with a standard Delrin 810 drip tip with an O-ring. Notably, the airflow adjustment is not handled through the traditional ring at the base of the tank but rather via a slider, which functions effectively.
Replacing the coils involves unscrewing the base of the tank and easily popping out the old coil. The coil’s design, which allows for a good grip and ample protrusion, facilitates manual replacement. The quarter-twist filling mechanism is another highlight, offering two large fill holes with reliable flaps, ensuring easy and mess-free refilling.
Four mesh coil options are available for the MAAT TANK NEW:
- TPP-DM1 0.15-ohm (60-80 watts)
- TPP-DM2 0.2-ohm (40-60 watts)
- TPP-DM3 0.15-ohm (80-100 watts)
- TPP-DM4 0.3-ohm (32-40 watts)
The ARGUS MT kit includes the DM2 and DM4 coils, while the XT kit comes with the DM1 and DM2 coils. During testing, three of the four coils seemed to be slightly overrated and performed best at the lower end of their recommended wattage range.
The DM4 coil appeared somewhat underpowered for the tank’s airflow and size, resulting in average flavor and below-average coil life. The DM2 coil offered improved flavor compared to the DM4 but still fell short of the performance of many quality sub-ohm coils currently available. Its coil life also landed around the industry average.
The DM1 coil included in the XT kit performed optimally at approximately 75 watts, providing decent flavor and average coil life. Among the three tested coils, the DM1 showed the best performance, though it still lagged behind the quality of coils found in superior tanks.
Pros / Cons
Pros:
- Outstanding build quality
- Gorgeous pearl white color option
- Some color choices stand out
- Attractive leather backing
- Solid power output ratings for both watts and volts
- Equipped with a boost circuit
- Offers a good amp limit
- Impressive power mode performance
- Features a large, clear, and bright color screen
- The lock slider is a convenient feature
- User-friendly menu system
- Fast charging rate (2.34A+)
- Boasts IP68-rated ruggedness and water resistance
Cons:
- Included tank and coils provide average performance
- A three-stage lock slider on both devices would have been preferred
- Lack of passthrough vaping capability (as of 2022)
- Tends to overheat at 100 watts during testing (although operating single mods at 100 watts regularly is not recommended)
- Unusual names for wattage mode settings could be confusing
Verdict:
In conclusion, both the VOOPOO ARGUS MT and XT are formidable contenders in the realm of rugged mods and present an excellent choice for those seeking durable devices. Deciding between the two largely depends on your preference for internal versus external batteries. The internal battery in the MT demonstrated exceptional performance in testing and aligns with VOOPOO’s rating.
On the other hand, while the MAAT TANK NEW included in the kit doesn’t stand out, it’s worth noting that most bundled tanks in kits tend to be average at best. Therefore, you might be better off purchasing the mod separately and opting for a different tank, or simply keeping the included tank as a backup if the kit offers competitive pricing. If you’re in the market for a rugged and reliable mod, definitely consider either the ARGUS MT or XT.
Buy Now ejuiceconnects
Leave a reply