The Uwell Caliburn GK2 – also known as the Caliburn Koko GK2 – is one of the latest devices in one of the vaping industry’s most storied and most beloved series of vapes. Uwell Caliburn vapes were some of the first refillable pod vapes to hit the market, and they continue to resonate with users today because they’ve always delivered a winning combination of style, portability, flavor quality and ease of use.
The first Caliburn vapes were stick-shaped vape pens, but the Caliburn series reached a whole new level of fame when the first Caliburn Koko was released. The Caliburn Koko compressed the innards of the Caliburn into a compact “mini box” shape, creating a device so tiny and light that you could attach a lanyard to it and wear it on your neck. People absolutely loved the shape, which has been copied by many other pod systems and disposable vapes.
The Caliburn GK2 continues Uwell’s tradition of simplicity and reliable performance while adding a new feature – replaceable coils – that you’re going to love if you’re currently using a pod system with built-in coils and wish that you could spend a bit less on replacement parts. If you’re in the market for a new pod vape, this review will explain why the Caliburn GK2 should be at the top of your list of candidates.
View the Uwell Caliburn GK2 now. If you want to see everything that’s available from this brand, see our full collection of Uwell vapes. You may also want to consult our list and comparison of all Uwell Caliburn vapes.
How Much Does the Uwell Calburn GK2 Cost?
The Uwell Caliburn GK2 costs just $21.95 at the time of writing and includes the Caliburn GK2 device along with one pod, two coils, a charging cable and an instruction manual. Because the Caliburn GK2 has a replaceable coil, it may be a while before you need to buy a new pod unless you plan to change flavors frequently. You’ll almost definitely want to add an extra box of pods to your order, though, and we’ll discuss the pod and coil compatibility for the Caliburn GK2 next.
What Pods and Coils Work with the Caliburn GK2?
The Uwell Caliburn GK2 uses Caliburn G2 pods, which cost $4.75 for a pack of two. Since this device has a replaceable coil, there’s no reason why you can’t continue using the same pod indefinitely as long as you give it a rinse once in a while to keep it clean. You may find it helpful to have a box of replacement pods available to prevent flavor ghosting, though, if you’re the type of person who enjoys switching between different flavors.
You can usually expect the coils in your Caliburn GK2 to last about a week each, although coils do burn out unexpectedly from time to time. Because of the possibility of coil burnout, we suggest grabbing an extra box of coils when you buy this device. The Caliburn GK2 works with Caliburn G coils and Caliburn G2 coils, which are sold in packs of four costing $8.95 and $9.95 respectively. The kit includes one coil from each series, so you can experience everything that’s available and decide what you prefer.
The Caliburn GK2 doesn’t have adjustable settings and determines its output power based on the resistance of the installed coil. If you install a coil with a lower resistance, the device’s wattage will be higher; you’ll get bigger and warmer clouds. If you use a higher-resistance coil, you’ll enjoy a smoother experience. Generally, a nicotine salt e-liquid with a higher strength will pair best with a higher-resistance coil.
Uwell Caliburn GK2 Specifications
- Device Type: Refillable pod system with replaceable coils
- Battery Capacity: 690 mAh; battery charges in a little under an hour
- Pod Capacity: 2 ml
- Coil Resistance: 0.8, 1.0 and 1.2 ohm (0.8- and 1.2-ohm coils included in kit)
- Maximum Power: Up to 18 watts
- Vaping Modes Supported: Device configures its own output based on the resistance of the installed coil
- Firing Style: Automatic puff-based firing only
- Smart Display: No; device uses lights and vibrations to communicate its status
- Adjustable Airflow: Yes; you can adjust the airflow by turning the red dial on the bottom of the pod
Uwell Caliburn GK2 Features
Replaceable Coils
The biggest feature of the Uwell Caliburn GK2 compared to previous Caliburn Koko devices is the fact that it uses the new Caliburn G2 pod, which has a replaceable coil. Using a pod system with a replaceable coil has benefits and drawbacks, but we think you’re going to love it if you have a pod system with built-in coils and find that you spend too much on replacement parts.
When you replace your pod with a traditional pod system, it’s not because there’s anything wrong with the pod – it’s because the coil is burnt out and isn’t producing a good flavor anymore. With the Caliburn GK2, you can replace the coil and keep the pod. That can easily cut your expenses in half.
Using a pod system with replaceable coils does have two potential drawbacks.
- Pulling the old coil out of your pod and replacing it with a new one can be a little messy and isn’t as convenient as just throwing the entire pod away.
- You have to make sure that the new coil is installed properly, or the pod can leak. Uwell Caliburn G and G2 coils have flat edges on their bases to ensure that they’re aligned properly, making installation easier.
If convenience is your top priority, it might make sense to use a pod system with built-in coils. Almost everyone else, though, is going to love the reduced long-term cost of using a device like the Caliburn GK2.
Small, Light and Very Durable
Have you ever used a vaping device that was small and light enough to wear around your neck? That’s what the loop at the top of the Caliburn GK2 is for – so you can attach the device to a lanyard and wear it instead of carrying it in your pocket. It’s incredible how far miniaturization has taken us – and despite its small size, the Caliburn GK2 uses the same type of full-sized coil that you’d find in a traditional vape tank. The flavor quality is absolutely spectacular.
The fact that the Caliburn GK2 is so small doesn’t mean that you’ll have to worry about the device’s durability. The Caliburn GK2 is built from a combination of zinc alloy, high-impact plastic and silicate glass, which means that it can tolerate life’s everyday bumps and scrapes without missing a beat. The people at Uwell have really created a masterpiece with this device, and it’s designed so that you can count on it for a long time.
Loaded with Convenience Features
The engineers at Uwell have been creating pod vapes for a long time, which means that they’ve been able to iterate on their designs with a constant stream of user feedback. The Caliburn GK2 is loaded with convenience features, and you’re going to wonder how you ever did without them. Here are just a few examples.
- The airflow control is built into the pod rather than the device. This shortens the airflow path and gives you more direct control over the tightness or looseness of the draw. It also means that you won’t change the airflow if you inadvertently bump the device. To adjust the airflow, just turn the dial on the bottom of the pod.
- There’s an e-liquid window integrated into the side of the Caliburn GK2, making it easy for you to see when you’re getting low. Always add vape juice when the level is below the “MIN” line to avoid burnt hits and ensure that the wick works efficiently.
- The Caliburn GK2 uses a top-filling pod, which means that you can add e-liquid to the pod without removing it from the device. Having a top-filling pod isn’t just convenient; it also helps to prevent leaks. The Caliburn GK2 is much less likely to leak compared to a device with a side- or bottom-filling pod.
- The Caliburn GK2 uses a simple system of lights and vibrations to communicate its status. If you take an overly long puff that causes the device to cut off, for instance, it’ll vibrate to remind you to take shorter puffs.
Uwell Caliburn GK2 Review: Our Expert Perspective
Are you tired of spending a fortune on replacement pods for your current vape? Do you want a device that’s more affordable to use but doesn’t force you to compromise on your expectations for flavor quality and satisfaction? Would it be a nice added bonus if that device also happened to look great? If you answered “yes” to those questions, the Uwell Caliburn GK2 is probably the perfect vape for you. With its winning combination of style, performance, convenience and functionality, it’s no surprise that the Caliburn GK2 is one of the vaping industry’s biggest hits in quite a while.
Best Points
- Replaceable coil keeps long-term ownership costs down compared to pod systems with built-in coils
- Very small, light and stylish at a surprisingly low price
- Easy to use but allows some room for customization and flexibility
Could Be Improved
- Some people might have appreciated the ability to change power levels manually