Vaporesso Target 100 kit review and it looks like the Shenzen based manufacturer is targeting the sub-ohm vaper with this release.
We can go back to when Vaporesso released the Target Mini to get an idea of what to expect with future iterations within the range.
That also came in kit form with the Guardian tank sitting on top of the 40W internally powered Mod.
The Target Mini II saw a minor step up in power using the VM Tank 22. We caught an early glimpse of the rubberised coating that features heavily with the Vaporesso Target 100 kit.
Pod systems also crop up within the Target range with GTX coils being used with the Target PM30, Target PM80 and Target 80 kits.
So it seemed inevitable an increase in wattage would call on the big guns in the form of external batteries.
Step forward to the Vaporesso Target 100 kit, today you’re in our sights!
What Can We Expect From The Vaporesso Target 100 Kit?
Of course, throughout the evolution of the Target range, one thing has remained prominent.
Vaporesso’s choice of wicking medium.
Flax cotton and non woven fabric. I do tend to shout its praise but that’s because it works so effectively with retaining the true flavour notes of e-liquid – for longer.
Expect to find it wrapped around the included GTi mesh coils.
The coils appear to be new so fingers crossed for the same great performance.
With the increase from 80 to 100W how will a 18650 or 21700 external battery hold up under regular use?
We’ll be finding out soon enough.
The new Vaporesso iTank and associated GTi mesh coils are also being used for the first time. At the time of writing, there are only two coils available but a 0.15ohm mesh is in the works.
So can we expect a change to the vaping experience previously garnered through tanks such as the NRG or GTX ranges?
Again, we’ll be taking a closer look.
Vaporesso Target 100 Kit – Inside the Box
This is where things get a little tricky.
I’ve received a very early sample version and there appear to be a few things missing, the spare glass tube, O rings and GTi 0.4ohm mesh coil as well as the instruction manual.
You’ll get the extra coil, spare glass, O rings and instructions in the final release.
l Vaporesso Target 100 MOD
l Vaporesso iTank (5ml)
l GTi 0.2ohm mesh coil
l GTi 0.4ohm mesh coil
l Extra glass tube
l 3 x O ring
l Type C charging cable
l User manual
l Warranty card
Vaporesso Target 100 Kit – Key Features
The information I have is sketchy at best.
At the time of writing, there’s no information on the official Vaporesso website. This is a very early sample release so whatever information I’ve gleaned has been shared here.
I’ve no way of ascertaining whether there’s a 2ml TPD version although I’m sure it’s on the way. If anything the Vaporesso iTank (also available separately) can have its capacity increased to 8ml.
The iTank features three fully adjustable airflow slots to provide a very open and airy direct lung vape. The filling is achieved via the push top cap mechanism that will be familiar to any self-respecting sub-ohm vaper.
Plug and play coils are used in the form of the Vaporesso GTi range and appear to be specific to the iTank and its sub-ohm capabilities.
The Vaporesso Target 100 Mod is available separately if using other tanks is your preference and battery life can be extended using a 21700 external.
The Mod is powered by the latest Axon 2.1 chip using an intelligent UI interface to make menu functions easy to operate. Pulse, F(t), variable voltage and DIY mode all make it across from the Target 80 Mod Pod.
So does Smart Mode which offers a guiding hand to those new with coil resistances and wattage settings.
The Vaporesso Target 80 Mod Pod on the right
There are five colour schemes to choose from, these being Sunset Red (under review), Slate Grey, Carbon Black, Forest Green and Navy Blue.
Vaporesso Target 100 Kit – Specifications
l Dimensions 140.3 x 28.6 x 35.1mm
l Tank capacity 5ml /8ml
l Coil resistance GTi 0.2ohm mesh coil / GTi 0.4ohm mesh coil
l Battery capacity 21700 / 18650 (neither included)
l Output power 5-100W
l Charging current DC 5V/2A Type C
l Display 0.96in TFT colour screen
Vaporesso Target 100 Kit – Design and Build Quality
Vaporesso Target 100 Mod
Feeling very lightweight in the hand would suggest the Mod is designed from aluminium alloy. On its own, it measures 88mm in height with a width of 29mm and a depth of 35mm.
At the top, the gold plated spring loaded the 510 connector is off centred and won’t accommodate tank sizes of over 25mm without overhang. However, the raised 510 plate takes away some of the usual unsightly appearance generally associated.
A Vaporesso logo runs vertically down the spine of the frame and brings us to the hinged battery door beneath. It’s very loose on the sample version and rattles quite significantly in the absence of an external battery.
At a mere 3mm thick it also feels quite fragile. So take extra care when adding or removing a battery. There’s a little bit of side to side play but nothing to get alarmed about.
An adaptor has been included for owners of 18650 batteries while markings on the hinge and inner sledge indicate their polarity.
Rattling ceases to be an issue once a battery is installed with everything feeling solid and compact – and of course, increases the overall weight.
Hats off to Vaporesso for some fantastic aesthetics on the Target 100 Mod. The rubber micro braiding not only looks great but provides another level of grip.
Indeed the Mod feels very comfortable in the hand. Good ergonomics, methinks.
My only concern is one of practicality. Early doors the braiding attracted dust particles. For this reason, it may only take days to attract skin oil, dirt and grease.
I guess only time will tell.
Vaporesso Target 100 Kit – Menu Functions
As stated earlier there were no instructions included so I’m going to make further comparisons with the recent Vaporesso Target 80 Mod Pod.
For a start, the 18650 laden Target 100 Mod is heavier than its internal battery predecessor, that’s pretty much to be expected.
I tested their functionality and menu settings side by side.
Fire button at the top with – and + buttons under the screen. Beneath these is the mode select button
l Five clicks of the power button will switch the device on or off
l Press the fire button three times to lock/unlock the device
l Hold the mode button to adjust the current mode
l Use the + or – buttons to activate F(t), Pulse or Variable Wattage modes
l Press the mode button three times to access the above modes, DIY mode, system settings and to exit the current screen
l Selecting DIY mode will allow variable voltage, variable wattage and bypass modes
l Holding the fire and mode select buttons will display the current version of the Axon chip
So you’re getting everything the Target 80 Mod Pod has as far as functionality goes.
..and yes! The device will still fire even when locked.
Vaporesso Target 100 Kit – 5ml iTank
Measuring 41.7mm without the drip tip and with a diameter of 25mm, the iTank isn’t big on weight.
Considering it’s described as metal that’s good because it keeps the combined weight of the kit to a minimum.
Vaporesso Target 100 Drip Tip, Top Cap and Fill Port
The catch cup of the top cap doesn’t incorporate O rings so you may be limited when replacing drip tips.
The included 510 tip has a good fit and has a wide bore for cloud chucking moments of pleasure.
The top cap can be unscrewed clockwise for maintenance.
To fill the tank push the top cap forwards at the position of the arrow.
As is often the case, space is a little restricted when using wider bottle nozzles. You’ll have no trouble in the majority of cases.
Vaporesso Target 100 Adjustable Airflow
Moving to the base of the iTank and there are three fully adjustable cycloptic airflow slots each measuring around 10mm. The airflow control ring includes a stopper. Whatever adjustment is made to one is reflected on the others.
The turning tolerances are very good which allows for some fine-tuning.
Three sizeable and fully adjustable airflow slots on the Vaporesso 5ml iTank
It’s All About Plug ‘n Play
Unscrewing the deck completely (clockwise) reveals the pre-installed 0.2ohm GTi mesh plug and play coil. This method of plug and play is foolproof – just push the coil up inside the chimney and the job is done.
Three O rings are strategically placed around the coil and should ensure leak-free performance.
There isn’t a great deal of doming within the inner chimney of the iTank but that’s because the rather sizeable GTi coil takes up all real estate.
Less distance for the vapour to travel the better the flavour.
Finally, at the base of the tank, there’s a protruding gold plated 510 pin. So you can use it with a hybrid mech Mod if that’s your bag.
Vaporesso Target 100 Kit – How Does It Perform?
I began by carrying out performance checks using a standard 18650 battery.
Given the relatively low resistance of the coil, I wasn’t expecting miracles as far as lifespan was concerned.
GTi 0.2ohm mesh coil (Rated 60-75W)
These coils are newly designed with the Vaporesso iTank in mind.
At the time of writing, I have no idea as to their material but would imagine they retain the flax cotton wicking of the GTX range.
The 5ml tank was filled with Medusa Juice Sour Strawberry Splash, it’s an 80VG/20PG ratio including 3mg of freebase nicotine.
I opted to run the coil at 70W to gauge the power and efficiency of the coil and used variable wattage mode on the “normal” setting (VWN).
After only a few tugs the battery started showing signs of exhaustion. The voltage was dropping like a stone from 3.7V to 1.7V – faster than I could even vape.
To compound issues the on-screen battery icon was responding in a very erratic way, jumping back and forth in response to every vape.
So to conclude, my Samsung 25R (2500mAh) battery does not respond to the demands of this mesh coil. Even at the lowest recommended output of 60W.
Vaporesso Target 100 – Testing With An Alternative Tank
It’s important to remember that the Mod section is available as a standalone product, some vapers may decide to use their tanks.
Therefore I tested further by using my OXVA Arbiter 2 RTA. A single fused 0.36ohm Clapton coil was used running at 52W or 4.3V.
Low and behold there were no issues encountered. Voltage output remained stable and the Wotofo coil was its usual feisty self.
I managed around 4 hours of continuous use, 120 puffs and around 2 tank refills.
Regardless of the wattage used the voltage remained constant even as the battery faded.
Vaporesso Target 100 – Using a Molicel P42A 21700 Battery – How Does It Vape?
This time I used variable voltage mode with the iTank and encountered no problems at all.
The chip held the 3.7V applied and the GTi coil jumped to attention at the first time of asking.
There’s just the very slightest of restriction with airflow set wide open and a very hefty, hearty direct lung vape can be had to boot.
I didn’t notice any turbulence and although the coil isn’t the quietest on the market, a nice smooth inhale was appreciated from the very first vape.
What about the flavour?
It’s spanking! The sweetness from the strawberry is more prominent from the iTank than many of my other sub-ohm tanks. The sourness is also toned down and less obtrusive.
There was a minor degree of wetness to the exhale but did nothing to spoil the overall experience.
It remained a cool vape and one that suits this particularly fruity profile.
Cloud production was as dense as any respectable sub-ohm tank out there. It didn’t take long before windows had to be thrown open!
The Vaporesso iTank is capable of creating a veritable sauna in your living room.
Vaporesso Target 100 – Airflow Restrictions and Effectiveness
There’s no doubting the power and effectiveness of the coil at reproducing what I expect from a sub-ohm vape.
How did it respond when tinkering with the airflow?
Reducing airflow by fifty per cent gave me exactly what I was looking for, a semi restrictive lung hit – and that flavour! The suppression had cranked things up considerably.
I noticed it also had the effect of removing any wet aftertaste. So it seems the coil is more than happy with this level of restriction.
Given my penchant for chain vaping it certainly isn’t phased by the thicker juice ratio either. It hits well and delivers flavour by the vape load.
The coil continued to perform to a high standard even under the tightest of airflow restrictions. I’ve not been able to write that about many sub-ohm coils let alone PnP varieties.
The 0.2ohm GTi mesh coil is extremely impressive. The flavour oozes throughout the entire exhale and has that “longer ability” I so often look for.
PnP coils can also be notoriously dry when vaping but that’s simply not the case with this coil. After my experience with it, I’m prone to suggest the same great cotton combo and Ni80 material has been used.
Pros
l Comfortable in the hand
l Easy to navigate menu functions
l Large, clear display
l iTank design and build quality
l Amazing flavour and cloud production from the GTi 0.2ohm mesh coil
l Leak-free
l Good chip performance when using an external 21700
Cons
l Poor performance using a 18650 battery (GTi 0.2ohm mesh coil)
l Build quality of hinged battery door could be improved
l Limited to 25mm diameter tanks without overhang (subjective)
l Guzzles the e juice (subjective)
Final Review Verdict
There’s every chance a 18650 battery will perform adequately when using the GTi 0.4ohm mesh coil given the lower wattage demands.
Yet even when testing successfully with another tank it still lacks enough clout for me. Some of the enjoyment is lost and of course, the battery inevitably suffers.
The best bet is to stick with the larger capacity 21700.
There’s no disputing the Vaporesso Target 100 kit is very comfortable in the hand. The rubber braiding is waterproof, so not only does it provide additional grip but can be cleaned of any natural grease and oils.
..My previous concerns have been allayed! Yay.
The screen is bright and clear. OK, it’s not fantastic in direct sunlight but the size of the characters and numerals make it easy on the eye.
The menu functions take very little time to get used to and jumping from mode to mode soon becomes second nature.
What Do I Think?
As for the iTank? It’s a winner in my eyes. Constructed from tough stainless steel, the gunmetal finish gives it a very clean and tidy appearance.
A simple push with the thumb and the fill port is open, ready to be filled. In a real-world scenario that’s very much appreciated especially when in a hurry.
Airflow adjustability is silky smooth and does make for radical differences to the resulting vape.
I think established sub-ohm vapers will appreciate the capabilities of the tank.
What about the 0.2ohm GTi mesh coil?
Well, Vaporesso continues to go from strength to strength. I feel the GTi mesh coil nudges GTX equivalents for flavour.
Go Compare
The internally charged Target 80 pod Mod is slightly wider and the position of the buttons differ slightly but the same smiley face is on show.
Yes, it’s a little heavier and less pocket friendly but the rubber braiding is an improvement in terms of grip, comfort and ergonomics.
Left Vaporesso Target 100 Kit. Right Vaporesso Target 80 pod mod
The same version of the Axon chip is inside (updated to V2.1) and menu functionality is identical. That also applies to the built-in safety measures.
Smart mode is always a welcome bonus, especially with those new to Ohms Law.
Vaporesso Target 100 Kit – Worth the Upgrade?
Under moderate use, a 21700 battery will last the day, no problem. Chain vaping will reduce that to around 5-6 hours. During a full day of testing, the iTank guzzled 25ml of e juice.
The new GTi mesh coil was fantastic and the iTank is very well engineered. An improved turbo airflow configuration makes a difference.
The vape experience is very smooth and the flavour received is both clean and tasty throughout the exhale. I can’t ask for more than that.
What it all comes down to is an additional 20W of power. That’s certainly no reason to upgrade but here’s the logic behind my thinking.
Vaporesso is supplying a new sub-ohm tank and new PnP coils to suit.
The only blot on the vaping landscape is the apparent inability of a 18650 battery to cope with the GTi 0.2ohm mesh coil when tested.
At this point and for fear of repeating myself, this is a very early sample model. Issues tend to get resolved before the official release.
