UWell Caliburn G5 Lite and G5 Lite Koko Review

Summary

The Caliburn G5 Lite and G5 Lite Koko by UWell are draw-activated refillable pod systems that can deliver up to 35W of power from a 1600 mAh battery. Both offer USB-C fast charging, have an adjustable airflow, and are compatible with UWell's full line of GPP pods.

UWell G5 Lite and G5 Lite Koko Review

UWell's Caliburn G5 Lite and G5 Lite Koko didn't seem all that remarkable at first glance. The only thing setting them apart visually was the fact that one was tall and the other was square, but other than that, they're about as simple in both form and function as you can get.

This was intentional. The vape manufacturer's primary goal was to reduce the learning curve typically associated with moving from cigarettes or disposables to a full refillable system. Like putting training wheels on a bike, they let you step into the world of customization without overwhelming you on day one.

It's a sensible theory, but do low-barrier vapes like these still perform as well as the competition? We pulled both into the lab for a little testing to find out.

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Pros:

• Compatible with Caliburn's 2ml and 3ml GPP/G3 replacement pods
• Use your own pre-mixed or custom e-juice flavour recipes
• Both are small enough to fit into a pocket or bag
• Choose the shape that best fits your needs (pen or box)

Cons:

• No charging cable included with either vape
• Battery may run out faster than your juice
• 2mL pods need to be refilled more often
• Refills can be messy until you get the hang of them

Ratings

Build Quality and Design: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Value: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Battery and Charging: ★★★★★ (5/5)

Usability: ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Key Features:

First Impressions

Both devices made it to the shop safe and sound in UWell's signature green-and-gold cardboard boxes. The pod itself is pre-installed, but if you don't have any experience filling your own reservoir, we recommend popping it off to fill it and then popping it back into place afterward.

The Koko is genuinely small in hand and feels more like a flat poker chip than a true pod system. The G5 Lite is taller and much more pen-like. Both are more than small enough to slide into a pocket, purse, or bag between uses, which is especially nice if you vape daily.

In the Box (Both):

• 1 x Caliburn G5 Lite OR G5 Lite Koko Device
• 1 x 0.6Ω GPP Pod (2 mL, side-fill, pre-installed)
• 1 x User Manual

Using the Device

Charging and Setup

Setup is about as simple as it gets. Pull the pod out, peel the sticker off the bottom to expose the contacts, then pop the plug out with your fingernail and add your e-liquid. Once it's full, wait a few minutes for the coil to saturate and you're good to go.

Both devices have the same built-in 1600 mAh battery, which is nice because it means you aren't forced to sacrifice capacity just because you like one shape more than the other. In our tests, we were able to charge it from almost empty to full in a little under an hour.

You'll need to pick up a USB-C cable separately to charge it if you don't have one already.

Draw Quality and Taste

The Koko and the G5 Lite both fire up instantly when you take a draw, producing a clean, satisfying MTL pull with loose, airy clouds. Clamping down on the airflow tightens the draw into something much more cigarette-like, which leaves a real tingle in the throat with ice or menthol flavours.

UWell's GPP pods are still some of the best in the business, so the fact that both devices run them is a real win. We tested a couple with a 50/50 mix of nic salt and got rich, accurate flavours every time.

Performance

The 0.6Ω pod included in the kit fires at around 25W of the device's 35W max. To get the full 35W, you'd need to swap to a 0.4Ω GPP pod, which is sold separately. For everyday MTL vaping with nic salts, the 25W is more than enough.

The 1600 mAh battery is the real workhorse here. UWell claims you can get up to six days of use on a full charge, and that will likely hold true if you're a light to moderate vaper. Your mileage may vary if you're regularly chain vaping or indulging in cloud-chaser sessions on the regular.

Controls

The neat part about UWell's Lite and Lite Koko is there's really nothing to learn, other than maybe how to load your e-liquid, and most people ace that on the first try. There's no screen to watch, no menu to navigate, and really nothing else to "do" other than just relax and enjoy the experience.

The Koko does have haptic vibration feedback to let you know when the device is in action. It's a nice touch for people coming from disposables, which often don't give you any feedback at all.

Pro Tips for Vapers

• Priming: Wait at least 5 minutes after refills to avoid dry hits.
• E-Liquid: Use a 50/50 nic salt e-liquid for the best flavour and longest coil life.
• Pod Sticker: Peel the sticker off the bottom of the pod before installing it or the device won't fire.
• Airflow: Start with the airflow closed for an MTL draw, then open it up for DTL or RDL hits.
• Storage: Store your pen or box vape upright and away from heat or direct sunlight.

Should You Buy It?

Both the G5 Lite and Lite Koko are excellent picks for vapers who want a refillable device that works as easily as a disposable. You don't have to learn anything new, you don't have to fuss with settings, and you get the cost savings of using your own e-liquid.

Pick the G5 Lite if you prefer the traditional slim pod system shape and want something that looks like a vape pen. Go with the Koko if you want the most compact option for pocket carry and like the idea of vibration feedback on every draw.

Buy It If:

• You're stepping up from disposables and want a smoother transition
• You prefer a simple device without too many bells or whistles
• You want to re-use your existing cross-compatible UWell pods
• You appreciate being able to tweak your flavour at home

Main Use Cases

• All-Day Vaping
• MTL and RDL Vaping
• Travel & Portability

Price and Value

You can expect to pay around $24.99 for the G5 Lite and $22.99 for the Lite Koko, which makes them some of the most affordable refillable pod systems on the market right now. Just not having to invest in disposables every single week can save you hundreds or more over time.

G5 Lite Vs. G5 Lite Koko: Which is Best?

Overall, we came away impressed with both the G5 Lite and the G5 Lite Koko, so there's no real right or wrong answer here. They both strip the Caliburn formula down to its essentials and deliver a vaping experience that lets people feel more in control without having to study the process for years first.

Start with one, or order them both so you always have one on you no matter where you go. Explore our full range of pod-based systems today to find your perfect match!

Frequently Asked Questions About the G5 Lite and Lite Koko

How many puffs can I expect from a single 2 mL pod?

A 2 mL pod will typically last around 300 to 400 puffs depending on draw length and how often you fire it. That works out to roughly a day or two of moderate use before you'll need to refill.

How long do the GPP pods last before needing to be replaced?

Most users get between 5 and 10 refills out of a single pod before the flavour starts to fade or the coil begins to burn. Sticking to a 50/50 nic salt and avoiding sweet, high-VG juices will help stretch that further.

Is there a wattage difference between the 0.6Ω and 0.4Ω GPP pods?

Yes. The 0.6Ω pod that comes pre-installed fires at around 25W, which suits MTL vaping with nic salts. The 0.4Ω pod, sold separately, unlocks the full 35W for a warmer, more open draw with bigger clouds.

Do the G5 and G5 Lite Koko pods leak?

Not if you care for them properly. Side-fill pods can sometimes leak if they're stored lying down for too long or if the silicone plug isn't fully seated after you refill the pod. Storing the device upright and making sure the fill plug is fully closed should prevent most issues.

Can I use freebase nicotine in these devices?

Technically yes, but freebase is generally stronger on the throat at the same nicotine strength. Most vapers find 3 mg or 6 mg freebase more comfortable than the 20 mg standard you'll find in most disposables here in Canada.

What's the warranty on the G5 Lite and Lite Koko?

UWell offers a limited manufacturer's warranty on the device itself, typically covering defects but not normal wear, water damage, or coil/pod issues. Check with your retailer for the exact terms, since coverage can vary by region.

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