As a vaping enthusiast, I've heard the reverent murmurs surrounding UWell's fabled Caliburn pod systems for years. Apparently they've achieved an almost legendary status among vapers. So when the chance came up to finally try the new Caliburn GK3, I leapt at it eagerly.
And I'm happy to report that the hype holds up. This diminutive little pod mod utterly exceeded my expectations.
Unboxing: Packaging as Thoughtful as the Device Itself
Right out the gate, UWell makes an impression with the GK3's packaging. Inside the small box, you'll uncover the usual assortment of user manuals and chargers. But they also hook you up with a couple of their new Caliburn G3 pods and a handy lanyard.
Color options include subdued tones like black and silver. But lucky me - I scored the vibrant red version. It grabbed my attention instantly.
Weighing just 52 grams, the Caliburn GK3 oozes portable potential. I'll admit I assumed the plastic build would feel chintzy. Yet the construction quality defies expectations for the price point. No cracks or creaks despite lots of handling.
Design That Belies Its Lightweight Frame
UWell seems to have fused design cues from the classic pen-style Caliburn line with the signature box-frame KoKo series. Slim yet grippy ABS plastic forms the chassis, surrounded by smooth polycarbonate panelling on each side.
It's an undeniably pocket-friendly shape. But the allure goes beyond basic portability. Little refinements catch your attention, like the soft rounded edges and colorful accents.
Even the metal lanyard clip on the corner demonstrates careful attention to detail. It's one of countless minor touches adding up to a premium feel belying the GK3's ultra-budget-friendly price tag.
An Advanced Display That Won't Drain Your Battery
Front and center sits a segmented LCD for power level monitoring. UWell leveraged some clever engineering to keep juice consumption minimal. They claim the screen only utilizes 1% of the energy eaten up by a standard color display.
And get this - with the screen perpetually on, UWell says the GK3 could theoretically last two years on a single charge if left on a shelf! Wild.
Naturally, I didn't have two years to test it. But even with heavy use, I only had to recharge once a day. When I did plug in, the side firing button's backlighting illuminated on cue. Which brings me to the GK3's tactile feedback capabilities...
Haptic Feedback Adds Interactivity
Each click of the side button triggers a buzzing haptic response - the GK3's way of confirming your input. So satisfying! The same vibration occurs when inserting a pod or connecting the USB-C charging cable.
It's a negligible add-on, but injects a playful spirit I appreciate. And echoes the overall attention to detail that pervades every aspect of this petite pod mod.
New G3 Pods Demonstrate Engineering Mastery
The Caliburn GK3 may represent UWell's budget-friendly line, but they cut no corners with the pods. And it shows. The new Caliburn G3 pods provide a masterclass in clever engineering.
We're talking a durable ultrasonically welded chassis resistant to cracking or leakage. Intuitive side fill ports make refills mess-free. Clear markings indicate the ideal wattage range for each coil. And the 2.5ml capacity beats many pricier pods.
Out the box, you'll find a 0.6ohm pod installed. Plus an additional 0.9ohm pod. Both utilize UWell's signature organic cotton and FeCrAl alloy coils. So metal allergies shouldn't pose an issue either.
Unrivaled Flavor Production and Customization
But it gets even better. The pods feature an adjustable airflow design with settings for both loose modern MTL and tighter traditional MTL draws. Just flip the pod to toggle between them.
After sampling both, I have to give UWell props here too. Each coil delivered outstanding flavor rivaling much costlier pod systems. And having options to fine tune airflow and coil resistance to my exact preference proved invaluable.
No leaks, no duds, no fuss. The Caliburn G3 pods deliver peak performance regardless of your vaping style.
Stellar All-Around Experience
With flawless firing, robust battery stamina, and brilliant pods, the UWell Caliburn GK3 provided one of my best pod vaping experiences yet. And I wasn't exactly lacking in options before picking this up!
It hits all the right notes:
Portability - At just 52 grams, the size doesn't interfere with everyday carry at all. Toss it in a pocket and barely notice it's there.
Hand Feel - From the grippy chassis to the rounded edges and edges, it nestles into your hand with natural ergonomic grace.
Battery Life - I worried the 900 mAh battery might limit mobility. Yet it consistently got me through normal daily use without issue.
Performance - Reliable auto-draw activation, adjustable airflow, leakproof pods, and two stellar coil options...what more could I want?
Flavor - I saved the best for last. The flavor competes with pods costing nearly double.
Value - Taking everything into account, the overall bang-for-buck ratio blows my mind. UWell didn't cut corners anywhere.
Cons
Wow, grasping at straws trying to pinpoint a con here! I guess the ABS plastic body could feel a bit toysih for some? But it's a stretch...
The Million Dollar Question - Is This a Legit Smoking Alternative?
While testing the UWell Caliburn GK3, a colleague saw it and commented that she's trying once again to ditch the cigs. I sent her home that day with my test unit and a few extra pods.
A week later, I caught a glimpse of the Caliburn peeking out her bag - still going strong and the cigarette pack nowhere in sight.
Seeing firsthand that yes, this little pod system CAN effectively help transition from smoking, meant a lot. Especially knowing UWell designed it exactly for that purpose as an accessible entry-level vape option.
So if you've considered vaping to cut back on smoking, do yourself a favor and grab the Caliburn GK3. You won't do better for a starter device in terms of performance, quality, reliability, and affordability combined.