Voopoo Argus & Argus Pro Introduction

The Argus and Argus Pro are two of the latest pod systems from Voopoo.

While they are very similar in design, they have slightly different specs.

The Voopoo Argus Pro is powered by a 3000mAh battery, with an 80W max output, and is tailored towards intermediate to advanced users.

While the Argus has a more compact design with only a 1500mAh battery and 40W maximum output, aimed towards higher ohm vapers.

Both Argus devices use the GENE.TT chipset and Voopoo’s PnP pods and coil range – with different coils included in each kit.

The Argus Pro also comes with a 0.96″ Color OLED Display and 5V/2A USB Type-C charging, while the Argus settles for a basic display and 1A charging.

The Voopoo Argus and Argus Pro are available in 5 trims: Black Carbon Fiber, Denim & Silver, Litchi Leather Blue, Litchi Leather Red & Vintage Grey & Silver.

Design & Style

First impressions of both the Argus and Argus Pro mods by Voopoo looked like slightly more rugged versions of the Drag X/S. They are also equipped with the same style airflow, utilize the same pods/coils, and have a similar chip powering them.

So is it a case of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t try to fix it,’ or do they really bring something new to the table?

Stylistically, they follow on from the popular and excellent Argus GT (of course, sharing the same name is a giveaway). They have that leather (or denim) back panel, outlined by a metal frame and a full dark black matt zinc-alloy body, which is nice. The overall aesthetic is definitely more rugged than the Drag series.

Two other design elements make these mods a little unique. One is the very subtle splatter pattern that goes around the whole device. It’s also in black paint, so it is not too obtrusive, and I guess they’ve done it to give it that air of ruggedness or waterproof style (more on this later). I don’t dislike it, but there have been times I’ve looked at the device and thought it was dirty or had liquid on it.

One thing I do dislike is the little metal lanyard or chain connector on the front. Again I get why they have included it to appeal to the more outdoorsy type, but they should’ve made it removable, as it just sits in the way and rattles around with every movement. I guess you could always take a pair of pliers to it if you really wanted it gone.

Both devices have the same form factor, with the Argus Pro being the larger device with a larger internal battery. That’s right, both mods have an internal battery, despite the design accent at the bottom, which looks like a removable battery cap. I’ll cover the batteries and performance a little later. 

Both the Argus mods feel incredibly solid in the hand, and I’m not sure why but they feel possibly a little more comfortable than the Drag X and S; perhaps it’s the material back panel.

There are no rattles from any of the buttons, and they are all perfectly responsive and clicky. There is a cover over the USB-C port, which makes you feel like they should come with some form of IP rating, but frustratingly it’s not advertised with any. However, that added bit of protection is welcome.

Features

The Argus Pro comes with a 3000mAh internal battery, while the standard Argus has half of that at 1500mAh.

They are both powered by the impressive GENE.TT chipset, so there are no qualms with the speed of firing.

One extra feature the Argus’ have over the Drag mods is that they also feature Draw Activation along with the typical button firing.

When it comes to features, the Argus Pro has ‘Smart Mode’ and ‘RBA Mode,’ with the ability to set either Draw activation and Button firing in both modes. The ‘Smart’ mode will detect the coil, select the recommended wattage, and restrict you from going above the range for that coil. Whereas the RBA mode will allow you to set your own power level. The Argus Pro maxes out at 80W.

The regular Argus does not have an RBA mode; it’s just the Smart setting mode, which maxes out at 40W. You can set draw activation and button firing on this device also.

There are no TC or Bypass settings included, which is a little strange considering you can get Voopoo’s RTA pod to work with the device. Like the Drag Max, I have been informed that you can update the firmware of the device, and TC features will be available.

The other substantial difference in features between the two Argus devices is the Pro comes with a 0.96″ Color OLED Display, which displays all the necessary info clear and bright. While the Argus has a somewhat dated screen standard LED screen, that is a little cramped but does the job.

As for using either Argus device, the controls are relatively simple. 

• 5 clicks fire button = On/off
• 3 clicks = switch modes S/R
• – and fire button clears puff counter
• + and fire button to lock the device.

Unfortunately, locking the device also locks the firing button, not just the adjustment buttons, which always frustrates me about Voopoo mods.

Both Argus mods feature a USB type C port for charging. However, the Argus can only charge at 1Amp, while the Argus Pro features 5V / 2A fast charging.

Pods/RTA

One great thing about all of the latest Voopoo devices, irrelevant of whether they are in the Drag or Argus series, is that they are all cross-compatible and utilize the same PnP pods and coils.

The Argus Pro comes with just one PnP pod at 4.5ml (2ml in EU). Whereas the Argus comes with both the standard PnP pod (4.5ml or 2ml EU) and the specific 2ml MTL PnP pod, which features an MTL drip tip.

The PnP pods are obviously compatible with all of the PnP coils. Voopoo has a plethora available; check out our VooPoo Drag Max review for details on each and for more information on the RTA pod that’s also available.

The coils that come included with the two different Argus kits are as below: 

Argus Pro

• 1 x PnP-VM1 0.3Ω
• 1 x PnP-VM6 0.15Ω

Argus

• 1 x PnP-TR 1.2Ω – for MTL
• 1 x PnP-VM1 0.3Ω

All PnP pods have the same fill method, which is a rubber plug on the base. They are easy to use, and while being placed on the bottom, keeps the aesthetics tidy. However, it does mean you need to remove the pod to fill it.

In keeping with the overall rugged design trait, the Argus Pro kit also comes with a rubber sleeve for the larger pod.

Performance

There’s not too much to write about when it comes to the Argus kits’ performance. 

As you’d expect, they deliver the same quality vape that we have come to expect from Voopoo with the PnP pods and coils. There’s really nothing new here when it comes to the overall vape experience.

There’s nothing bad about that. In fact, it’s a good thing as Voopoo’s PnP coils are some of the best on the market, delivering great flavor and clouds across the board. There’s pretty much a coil variety to suit everyone in the PnP selection, along with an RBA coil head and an RTA pod – so it’s a great ecosystem to get into, which I’m sure is what Voopoo is aiming for with all these similar cross-compatible devices.

That being said, it is the same story with the MTL pod and MTL coils from my perspective, which is that even with the airflow shut entirely off on the Argus, it’s still a very loose MTL draw and a little too open for traditionalists.

Another thing to note with the new Argus series is the draw activation, in my opinion, isn’t the greatest. It takes quite a draw to activate it if you are using a DTL style coil. It’s ok with the tighter MTL coil and pod, but I think most people will settle with just using the fire button.

The standard Argus only having a 1500mh battery and 40W maximum output also means it feels a little underpowered when using the 0.3ohm coil. I know this is expected, and most that would plump for this smaller device would typically go with higher ohm coils, but it’s worth mentioning.

As for overall battery life, the 3000mAh of the Pro is plenty and does an excellent job at being efficient enough to get through a day of conservative use at low ohms. The 2A USB-C fast charge is also an excellent backup to have.

Verdict

The Argus and Argus pro are very good performing pod-mods from VooPoo.

The Argus Pro, as you’d expect, is the better device of the two with a more modern screen, double the battery capacity, and higher wattage output.

However, both do an excellent job of delivering a quality vape experience, much like other recent Voopoo kits.

I’d still like to see a tighter MTL draw from the Voopoo PnP coils, and a removable 18650/21700 in this style would be good to see as well. I’m sure knowing Voopoo, we’ll see one soon.

Overall for anyone interested in the Argus series compared to the Drag series, it’s really just going to be a question of personal taste on the kits’ design. You’ll get the same excellent performance from both.