How to use the Voopoo Drag 5: batteries, modes and the lock switch

The Voopoo Drag 5 mod comes with the Drag 5 box mod, a USB Type-C charging cable and a user manual. You add two 18650 batteries and a 510 tank.

Output runs from 5 to 177W, powered by the GENE.FAN 3.0 chipset, which gives a fast ramp-up and consistent output. The mod weighs 157g and has an LCD screen showing wattage, puff count and battery life.

Voopoo pitches it as ideal for a first sub ohm device or an upgrade, and the simple controls back that up.

Insert two matching 18650 cells, following the polarity markings in the battery bay. Use a married pair of the same make and model, and check the wraps for damage each time.

The locking switch turns the device on and off, which is handy in a bag. The two buttons underneath the screen switch modes and power levels.

To charge, use the included USB-C cable with 2A fast charging, or use an external battery charger, which lets you charge one set of batteries while using another. External charging is also kinder to cells over time.

Smart Mode automatically selects the best power level for your coil. It is the place to start if you are new to mods.

RBA Mode lets you fine-tune the wattage yourself, whether you are running a store-bought coil or a rebuildable. Set it inside the coil's printed range.

Temperature Control Mode pairs the Drag 5 with nickel, titanium and stainless steel coils. TC needs one of those wire types to read correctly, so most standard mesh coils belong in Smart or RBA instead.

Whether you get a big DTL cloud or a discreet MTL draw depends on the tank and coil you fit.

The 510 connection fits most tanks. A good pairing is the Voopoo Uforce-X tank, which takes Voopoo's PnP X coils and comes with 0.15 ohm and 0.3 ohm mesh coils.

Voopoo recommends 70% VG e-liquid with those low resistance coils for a loose DTL vape. Higher resistance PnP X coils, sold separately, can run 50% VG or high PG for an MTL inhale.

For DTL, a shortfill at 3mg or 6mg is the usual choice. Nicotine is addictive, and sub ohm vaping delivers far more vapour per puff than a pod kit, so keep the strength low.

• Will not fire: the locking switch is off, or a battery is reversed. Check the switch and the polarity.
• Strange readings in Temperature Control: your coil is not nickel, titanium or stainless steel. Switch to Smart or RBA.
• Burnt hits: wattage above the coil's range, or a new coil not primed. Drop the power and prime properly.

For battery health, do not run cells completely flat, keep the mod away from heat, and store spare batteries in a case rather than loose in a pocket. Swap any cell with a split wrap straight away.

The Drag 5 suits vapers making the jump to a proper sub ohm mod, and experienced users who want a reliable dual-battery device with a simple lock switch and fast USB-C charging.

If you want even more power and a rugged waterproof body, the Geekvape Aegis Legend 5 goes to 200W. If you would rather skip removable batteries entirely, the Eleaf iStick T80 has a built-in 3000mAh cell.

Fit a good tank, keep nicotine low, and it is an easy mod to live with, whether you vape MTL at 15W or DTL at 80W.