Uwell Caliburn A3S Review: What’s New?

Uwell, a popular vape manufacturer, is highly respected in the community for their pod vapes. Their products are known for their sleek design, exceptional build quality, and outstanding performance. Classics, such as the Caliburn A2 and the Caliburn G series, have drawn in vapers internationally, but they caused a bit of a stir with the Caliburn A3.

Many vapers had already invested in the A2 model and were expecting their beloved pods to work like a charm with the shiny new A3, but unfortunately, that wasn’t the case. Users looking to switch to the A3 would have to leave their A2 pods behind, as the A3 only supported a new line of pods. 

Here’s the burning question: did Uwell learn from this debacle and fix things with the newly launched A3S? You bet they did.

They heard the cries of their customers and came back swinging with a device that addresses those compatibility issues head-on.

Today, we will dig deep into some of the standout features of the Caliburn A3S. We’ll be exploring battery life, checking out the vapor production to ensure you’re blowing clouds to your heart’s content, and, of course, focusing on flavor satisfaction because we all know that’s what it’s all about.

Box Contents

• 1x Caliburn A3s Device
• 1x FeCrAl Meshed 0.8 Ω A3S Refillable Pod (pre-installed)
• 1x FeCrAl Meshed 1.0 Ω A3S Refillable Pod (spare)
• 1x User Manual

Specifications

• Materials: Aluminum Alloy
• Dimensions: 109.8 mm × 21.3 mm × 11.7 mm 
• Net Weight: 32.6 g
• E-liquid Capacity: 2 ml
• Output Power: Maximum 16 W
• Battery Capacity: 520 mAh

Design & Build Quality

The Caliburn A3S’s body is crafted from durable aluminum alloy, giving it a solid feel. The matte finish adds a touch of understated class, and the attention to detail is evident in every curve and contour. Take the Caliburn logo located on the body of the A3S as an example. Not only does it light up when in use, but it also flashes different colors based on the percentage of battery power the device has (more on this later).

What struck me immediately was its compactness. The dimensions of this device — 109.8 mm in height, 21.3 mm in width, and 11.7 mm in thickness— make it incredibly portable and perfect for discreet vaping on the go. It effortlessly slips into my pocket and is barely noticeable due to its slim profile. It started to become my trusty companion during spontaneous adventures.

Picking it up, I was pleasantly surprised by its weight— or rather, the lack thereof. At just 32.6 grams, it feels incredibly light in my hand. This is a huge plus, as I prefer vaping devices that don’t burden my pockets or tire out my grip.

The A3s doesn’t have a traditional fire button; instead, it utilizes an auto-draw mechanism, adding an extra touch of convenience to the vaping experience.

When I first encountered this auto-draw feature, I was a bit skeptical. It gave the device the first initial feel of a disposable vape, but I’ve grown to appreciate it after using the A3s for a while. It offers a seamless vaping experience that feels natural and effortless. It’s as simple as taking a breath, and the device does the rest.

The auto-draw functionality also adds an element of stealthiness to the device. Since there’s no physical button to press, vaping becomes more discreet. It’s perfect for situations where you want to enjoy your vape without drawing unnecessary attention. Plus, the lack of a fire button means one less thing to worry about—no accidental misfires or pocket activations to be concerned about.

Pods

I will go right out and say it; the pods felt a little cheap. If we compare the A3s pods to its older brother, the A3, we instantly notice that the fill location has changed. We now have a side-fill from what once was a solid, top-fill pod. 

Now, this is just my own personal preference, but side-fill pods and devices bug me. I always feel they’re going to leak, especially when filling. I feel that one mistake will result in a sea of e-juice pooling at my feet, and you know what? I don’t need that kind of unnecessary anxiety.

Jokes aside, the side fill comes with a rubber stopper, which is supposed to lower the chances of leakage. I didn’t really have leakage issues, only when I charged the device in a sideways position due to the bottom USB charge port. 

I am certainly a fan of the magnetic pod connection. The magnetic force effortlessly secures the pod, ensuring a reliable connection every time. It’s a seamless and satisfying experience that enhances the overall usability of the A3S.

Uwell has generously enabled the A3 pods to be compatible with the A3S, meaning you can effortlessly switch between the two. 

They’ve also kept the same ‘windowed’ design, allowing you to see how much e-juice is left while keeping an eye on the coil’s performance.

The replaceable pods are available in only 2 resistances, the 0.8Ω and 1.0Ω, but I would have liked to see a wider range. More on the performance of those later.

Battery & Charging

The battery capacity of 520 mAh is another aspect that impressed me. Despite its diminutive size, it packs enough battery life to last me throughout the day, allowing for worry-free vaping. Its 2A, fast-charging, type C technology enabled me to charge 100% in 20 minutes, proving to be a real contender for on-the-go vaping. 

The only drawback is the bottom-located Type C charger. Without a specialized stand, the device will have to be charged lying on its side, so make sure to disconnect the pod when you do this to minimize the chance of potential leakage.

As mentioned previously, the A3s’ battery power is determined by which color the Caliburn logo lights up. Here are the colors that match the percentage battery of the device;

• Green: 60-100%
• Blue: 30-60%
• Red: <30%

In my experience, after a full charge, the device would stay in the ‘green’ section of power for several hours, depending on how much you use it. 

The drop-off really came when the A3s hit the ‘blue’ color. Once the device reaches 30-60%, it’s time to stop what you’re doing and locate a means of charging it. 

The device reaches ‘red’ in no time, with the inevitable dead-battery stage incoming quicker than you can enjoy your 4 pm coffee break. This slightly dulled the whole experience, making the device feel cheap and unpredictable.

Performance

Now, let’s dive into the performance specs that this device boasts. With a 2 ml e-liquid capacity, it struck a nice balance between accommodating enough eliquid for a satisfying MTL vaping session without being overly bulky. I appreciated not having to refill it constantly, especially during extended outings.

Moving on to power performance, this vaping device proved that size only sometimes correlates with performance. With a maximum output power of 16W, it delivered a surprisingly punchy hit, producing ample vapor clouds while maintaining a smooth and consistent flavor. Whether I craved a mellow vape or a more intense experience, it effortlessly adapted to my preferences.

Although this device was marketed for MTL vaping, it does have the capability of a decent DTL hit. Granted, it’s not going to be the same as a DTL hit from a specialized tank, but for those moments when you crave the smooth, full-bodied vapor of DTL, the A3S can provide it. Ensure you don’t attempt a DTL hit when your tank contains high-level nicotine salt e-juice!

The 0.8Ω pod has shown no signs of slowing down, and every vape has been a simple breeze. One notable aspect was the mouth-to-lung draw it delivered. When I took a puff, I found the draw was somewhat tighter than lower-resistance pods. This MTL draw mimicked the sensation of drawing on a traditional cigarette, making it an appealing choice for vapers transitioning from smoking. 

I was able to DTL this pod by keeping my lips loose when I drawed and found it to be a decent experience. It delivers a cool vapor hit and an average amount of clouds, but what do you expect for a 16W max device?

The flavor delivery of the 1.0Ω resistance pod was impressive. The higher resistance allowed for enhanced flavor retention and clarity, ensuring that each puff carried the full essence of the e-liquid I was using. Whether a menthol fruit or a bold dessert flavor, the 1.0Ω pod brought out the best in the e-liquid.

The MTL hit was very similar to the 0.8Ω pod and the change in resistance wasn’t noticeable on the throat hit. 

Verdict

The Caliburn A3S is a sleek, reliable vaping device with impressive features. Its durable aluminum alloy construction ensures both durability and a lightweight feel, perfect for vaping on the go. The auto-draw mechanism adds convenience and discreetness, eliminating the need for a fire button.

Although the pods may feel cheap compared to the A3 model, the magnetic pod connection provides a secure and hassle-free attachment. The A3 pods are compatible with the A3S, allowing for easy interchangeability between the two devices.

With its 520mAh battery, the A3S offers impressive longevity for light-use vapers, lasting throughout the day. The fast-charging technology is a convenient feature for those who are always on the move. The battery indicator, based on the color of the Caliburn logo, provides a clear visual cue for monitoring battery life.

In terms of performance, the A3S delivers a satisfying vaping experience. It strikes a good balance between e-liquid capacity and portability, with a 2ml capacity and a maximum output power of 16W. The 0.8Ω pod offers a tighter mouth-to-lung draw, while the 1.0Ω pod enhances flavor retention and clarity. The A3S also has some capability for a decent direct-to-lung hit, but avoiding high-nicotine salt e-juice for this type of vaping is recommended.

Overall, the Caliburn A3S is a reliable and versatile vaping device, excelling in portability, performance, and battery life. Despite minor drawbacks with the pods and some elements of battery performance, it is a solid option for MTL and compact DTL vaping. If you’re searching for a user-friendly and stylish vape, the Caliburn A3S is worth considering.

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