Hi Ecigssa members, In this review i take a look at the Bravo Pod Starter Kit 1000mAh from Starss. The Starss Bravo Pod Starter Kit 1000mAh was supplied for the purpose of this review by Vera from Heaven Gifts.
https://www.heavengifts.com/product/Star...o-Kit.html
Introduction
Starrs entered the vape game not long ago to the best of my knowledge as pod systems were taking off so have concentrated on that area of the market. The Bravo is Starrs latest pod device which is draw activated but does have a physical button for changing power settings and also allows you to turn the device off. The Bravo has a large 1000mAh battery and has 2 different 2ml capacity pods available for it which are the included 1.4ohm ceramic coil pod and the 0.8ohm mesh pod which sadly needs to be bought separately. Made from Zinc Alloy and coming in 12 colour options, let's give the Bravo a look!
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In The Box
Contents:
1x Starss Bravo Device
1x Refillable Cartridge
1x USB Cable
1x User Manual
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Aesthetics and ergonomics
The Bravo comes in flat cardboard box packaging which is sparsely packed with device with attached pod, USB cable and user manual. I received the White version which relates to the side accents, it's also available in Yellow, Silver, Golden, Green, Black, Rainbow, Blue, Stainless Steel, Red, Gun Grey and Bronze. As mentioned the colour relates to the side accents and the device has a "T" shaped centre section which on 9 of the versions including the one i received is carbon fibre effect with the Yellow version having a solid Black centre section, the Golden a Red and the Bronze a wood effect.
The device is very well made and being made from Zinc alloy and accommodating a large battery is quite weighty. The face of the device has "BRAVO" printed and at the bottom a vertical pill shaped button with LED top and bottom. The back of the device has "STARSS" printed and the micro USB port can be found on the base. The device is very curvy and comfortable to hold likewise the mouthpiece of the pod is slanted inwards both sides giving it a sought of duckbill shape which feels comfortable between the lips. The pod is very darkly tinted giving it a Black appearance and where the pod meets the battery we have a rim in the same colour as the side accents.
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Bravo Specs and Features:
Dimension: 39.3 x 16.9 x 86.8mm
POD Capacity: 2ml
Coil: 1.4ohm Ceramic Coil
Battery: Built-in 1000mAh
Power: 7-15W
Output Voltage: 3-3.5V
Charging Current: 1A
Material: Zinc Alloy/PCTG/RGB LED
Ultra-portable slim size
3-level power adjustment
Colours: Yellow, Silver, Golden, Green, Black, Rainbow, White, Blue, Stainless Steel, Red, Gun Grey, Bronze
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The Pod
The pod is very darkly tinted and has a comfortable sought of duckbill mouthpiece. Moving to the base of the pod we can see the contacts and opening to lead to the membrane switch which is positioned centrally. To one side on the base we have a Green bung with a loose flap to the outer edge for easy removal. Removing the bung reveals both the bung sits very deep for a good secure tight seal and the fill port must be the largest i have seen on a pod which will accommodate glass droppers no problem.
My only issue with the fill method is the bung doesn't stay attached to the pod and no spare bung is provided so if you drop it and can't find it you are stuffed. On the lower section of the pod on both sides we have a protruding notch which will secure the pod in the device when fitted. The included pod houses a 1.4ohm Ceramic coil and is the only pod you receive which is not acceptable, there is also a pod available which houses a 0.8ohm mesh coil which in my opinion should of also been included in the kit, the pods hold 2ml of e-liquid which for a low powered device is perfectly good capacity.
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Fitting The Pod
Looking inside the pods bay inside the device we can see it's very neat and tidy. We have the spring loaded contacts and also you can clearly see where the opening on the base of the pod will activate the membrane switch. On the front and back sides of the bay we can see indented sections which the protruding notches on the pod will lock into when it is press fitted into place giving a satisfying secure snap when fitted.
There is absolutely no movement with the pod when fitted and i never thought i would ever say this but the pod actually fits too well and because the mouthpiece has a smooth slippery service and nothing for grip trying to remove the pod is a pain especially as i will explain in the next section the pod needs removing and reinserting to check the battery status.
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Using The Bravo
The Bravo is a draw activated device but does have a physical button which allows the device to be turned on and off which is the usual 5 clicks, both actions are confirmed by the led's (top and bottom of the button) flashing White 3 times. To vape you simply take a draw on the device which activates the switch but you do have the choice of 3 different constant output settings. To change settings you need to click the button 3 times, each 3 clicks takes you to the next setting. The setting you are on is indicated by what colour the 2 led's light up, Green is 3.0V (7W), Blue is 3.3V (8W) and finally Red is 3.5V (10W), the watts are in relation to the supplied 1.4ohm ceramic coil and will be higher with the mesh pod giving a maximum of 15W. When you take a vape the led's light up in the colour of the current setting and you can also check which setting you are on by just pressing the button
The Bravo also gives battery status indication but could be improved on greatly as it's not done well. To check the battery status you need to pull out the pod and reinsert it and the led's flash 3 times in the status indication colour (this can be done with the device switched on or off), if they flash Blue the battery is above 30% and if they flash Red the battery is lower than 30%. Two stages of battery indication in my opinion isn't enough and having to remove and reinsert the pod to check the status is a pain especially how hard it is to remove the pod. As you would expect the Bravo also has built in safety features which are indicated by various flashes of the led's.
The Bravo has a 1000mAh battery which charged in about 1.5hours which is very good, while charging the led's light Red and once fully charged the led's turn Blue.
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Protections
Overtime Protection 7s
Short Circuit Protection
Over Current Protection
Over Charging Protection
Low Voltage Protection
In the manual there is a mistake as it gives the parameters 1ohm-2ohm, outside of this the Over Current Protection kicks in which must be a mistake as the other available pod is outside these parameters having a 0.8ohm coil.
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My Experience Using The Bravo
While there is nothing innovative about the Bravo or any standout features i would rate it above average compared to the many pod systems out there based on the flavour i got, battery capacity, sensitivity of the switch, nice draw, build quality and aesthetics. While that's a long list of pro's it would be up there with the very best pod systems if it wasn't let down by quite a list of cons. The flavour i have been getting was from the off with next to no break-in time and is a very clean flavour. the airflow is a mid to loose MTL and tighter than most pod systems and not really suitable for DL although an extremely restricted DL vape is possible. The battery life was very good and i was more than happy with the 1.5 hours charge time. As mentioned the pod fits remarkably securely which is a pro in normal use but with no notch to help with removal is a pain when removing it for refilling or checking battery status. Needing to pull the pod out and reinserting it to check battery status is another con along with only 2 stages of indication. The pod has the biggest fill port i have come across on a pod and i found filling to be mess free but you do need good lighting to see the juice level as the pod is very darkly tinted. The biggest con is yet again a pod system kit with only one pod supplied which is unacceptable, it would of made a lot of sense also supplying the 0.8ohm mesh pod which would of benefited both the vaper and Starss as it allows people to fully experience what the bravo has to offer.
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Likes
Very good build quality
Aesthetically pleasing (in my opinion)
12 Colour options
Pocket friendly
Comfortable in the hand
Mouthpiece comfortable between lips
Pod fits very securely (unfortunately nothing to grip to help it's removal)
Very large fill port
2ml Capacity
1.4ohm Ceramic coil pod (very good flavour)
0.8 mesh coil pod also available (should of been included in the kit)
Very nice mid-loose MTL draw
3 Constant voltage settings
Sensitive switch
Can turn the device off
Battery status indication (although not done well)
1000mAh battery
Charges in 1.5 hours
Cons
Comes with only one pod
Hard to remove pod
Poor battery status indication
Need to remove pod to check battery status
Fill Bung could be lost (no spare)
Tinted pod (need good lighting to see juice level)
I would once again like to thank Vera from Heaven Gifts for supplying the Starss Bravo Pod Starter Kit 1000mAh for the purpose of this review.
https://www.heavengifts.com/product/Star...o-Kit.html
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https://www.heavengifts.com/product/Star...o-Kit.html
Introduction
Starrs entered the vape game not long ago to the best of my knowledge as pod systems were taking off so have concentrated on that area of the market. The Bravo is Starrs latest pod device which is draw activated but does have a physical button for changing power settings and also allows you to turn the device off. The Bravo has a large 1000mAh battery and has 2 different 2ml capacity pods available for it which are the included 1.4ohm ceramic coil pod and the 0.8ohm mesh pod which sadly needs to be bought separately. Made from Zinc Alloy and coming in 12 colour options, let's give the Bravo a look!
___________________________________________________________________
In The Box
Contents:
1x Starss Bravo Device
1x Refillable Cartridge
1x USB Cable
1x User Manual
___________________________________________________________________
Aesthetics and ergonomics
The Bravo comes in flat cardboard box packaging which is sparsely packed with device with attached pod, USB cable and user manual. I received the White version which relates to the side accents, it's also available in Yellow, Silver, Golden, Green, Black, Rainbow, Blue, Stainless Steel, Red, Gun Grey and Bronze. As mentioned the colour relates to the side accents and the device has a "T" shaped centre section which on 9 of the versions including the one i received is carbon fibre effect with the Yellow version having a solid Black centre section, the Golden a Red and the Bronze a wood effect.
The device is very well made and being made from Zinc alloy and accommodating a large battery is quite weighty. The face of the device has "BRAVO" printed and at the bottom a vertical pill shaped button with LED top and bottom. The back of the device has "STARSS" printed and the micro USB port can be found on the base. The device is very curvy and comfortable to hold likewise the mouthpiece of the pod is slanted inwards both sides giving it a sought of duckbill shape which feels comfortable between the lips. The pod is very darkly tinted giving it a Black appearance and where the pod meets the battery we have a rim in the same colour as the side accents.
___________________________________________________________________
Bravo Specs and Features:
Dimension: 39.3 x 16.9 x 86.8mm
POD Capacity: 2ml
Coil: 1.4ohm Ceramic Coil
Battery: Built-in 1000mAh
Power: 7-15W
Output Voltage: 3-3.5V
Charging Current: 1A
Material: Zinc Alloy/PCTG/RGB LED
Ultra-portable slim size
3-level power adjustment
Colours: Yellow, Silver, Golden, Green, Black, Rainbow, White, Blue, Stainless Steel, Red, Gun Grey, Bronze
___________________________________________________________________
The Pod
The pod is very darkly tinted and has a comfortable sought of duckbill mouthpiece. Moving to the base of the pod we can see the contacts and opening to lead to the membrane switch which is positioned centrally. To one side on the base we have a Green bung with a loose flap to the outer edge for easy removal. Removing the bung reveals both the bung sits very deep for a good secure tight seal and the fill port must be the largest i have seen on a pod which will accommodate glass droppers no problem.
My only issue with the fill method is the bung doesn't stay attached to the pod and no spare bung is provided so if you drop it and can't find it you are stuffed. On the lower section of the pod on both sides we have a protruding notch which will secure the pod in the device when fitted. The included pod houses a 1.4ohm Ceramic coil and is the only pod you receive which is not acceptable, there is also a pod available which houses a 0.8ohm mesh coil which in my opinion should of also been included in the kit, the pods hold 2ml of e-liquid which for a low powered device is perfectly good capacity.
___________________________________________________________________
Fitting The Pod
Looking inside the pods bay inside the device we can see it's very neat and tidy. We have the spring loaded contacts and also you can clearly see where the opening on the base of the pod will activate the membrane switch. On the front and back sides of the bay we can see indented sections which the protruding notches on the pod will lock into when it is press fitted into place giving a satisfying secure snap when fitted.
There is absolutely no movement with the pod when fitted and i never thought i would ever say this but the pod actually fits too well and because the mouthpiece has a smooth slippery service and nothing for grip trying to remove the pod is a pain especially as i will explain in the next section the pod needs removing and reinserting to check the battery status.
___________________________________________________________________
Using The Bravo
The Bravo is a draw activated device but does have a physical button which allows the device to be turned on and off which is the usual 5 clicks, both actions are confirmed by the led's (top and bottom of the button) flashing White 3 times. To vape you simply take a draw on the device which activates the switch but you do have the choice of 3 different constant output settings. To change settings you need to click the button 3 times, each 3 clicks takes you to the next setting. The setting you are on is indicated by what colour the 2 led's light up, Green is 3.0V (7W), Blue is 3.3V (8W) and finally Red is 3.5V (10W), the watts are in relation to the supplied 1.4ohm ceramic coil and will be higher with the mesh pod giving a maximum of 15W. When you take a vape the led's light up in the colour of the current setting and you can also check which setting you are on by just pressing the button
The Bravo also gives battery status indication but could be improved on greatly as it's not done well. To check the battery status you need to pull out the pod and reinsert it and the led's flash 3 times in the status indication colour (this can be done with the device switched on or off), if they flash Blue the battery is above 30% and if they flash Red the battery is lower than 30%. Two stages of battery indication in my opinion isn't enough and having to remove and reinsert the pod to check the status is a pain especially how hard it is to remove the pod. As you would expect the Bravo also has built in safety features which are indicated by various flashes of the led's.
The Bravo has a 1000mAh battery which charged in about 1.5hours which is very good, while charging the led's light Red and once fully charged the led's turn Blue.
___________________________________________________________________
Protections
Overtime Protection 7s
Short Circuit Protection
Over Current Protection
Over Charging Protection
Low Voltage Protection
In the manual there is a mistake as it gives the parameters 1ohm-2ohm, outside of this the Over Current Protection kicks in which must be a mistake as the other available pod is outside these parameters having a 0.8ohm coil.
___________________________________________________________________
My Experience Using The Bravo
While there is nothing innovative about the Bravo or any standout features i would rate it above average compared to the many pod systems out there based on the flavour i got, battery capacity, sensitivity of the switch, nice draw, build quality and aesthetics. While that's a long list of pro's it would be up there with the very best pod systems if it wasn't let down by quite a list of cons. The flavour i have been getting was from the off with next to no break-in time and is a very clean flavour. the airflow is a mid to loose MTL and tighter than most pod systems and not really suitable for DL although an extremely restricted DL vape is possible. The battery life was very good and i was more than happy with the 1.5 hours charge time. As mentioned the pod fits remarkably securely which is a pro in normal use but with no notch to help with removal is a pain when removing it for refilling or checking battery status. Needing to pull the pod out and reinserting it to check battery status is another con along with only 2 stages of indication. The pod has the biggest fill port i have come across on a pod and i found filling to be mess free but you do need good lighting to see the juice level as the pod is very darkly tinted. The biggest con is yet again a pod system kit with only one pod supplied which is unacceptable, it would of made a lot of sense also supplying the 0.8ohm mesh pod which would of benefited both the vaper and Starss as it allows people to fully experience what the bravo has to offer.
___________________________________________________________________
Likes
Very good build quality
Aesthetically pleasing (in my opinion)
12 Colour options
Pocket friendly
Comfortable in the hand
Mouthpiece comfortable between lips
Pod fits very securely (unfortunately nothing to grip to help it's removal)
Very large fill port
2ml Capacity
1.4ohm Ceramic coil pod (very good flavour)
0.8 mesh coil pod also available (should of been included in the kit)
Very nice mid-loose MTL draw
3 Constant voltage settings
Sensitive switch
Can turn the device off
Battery status indication (although not done well)
1000mAh battery
Charges in 1.5 hours
Cons
Comes with only one pod
Hard to remove pod
Poor battery status indication
Need to remove pod to check battery status
Fill Bung could be lost (no spare)
Tinted pod (need good lighting to see juice level)
I would once again like to thank Vera from Heaven Gifts for supplying the Starss Bravo Pod Starter Kit 1000mAh for the purpose of this review.
https://www.heavengifts.com/product/Star...o-Kit.html
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