Duel Identity
ALD’s new XPLLO offers a quality vaping experience for a large segment of the vapor market.
By Mike Huml
The ALD XPLLO is a straightforward pod system device from ALD. It uses both disposable and refillable pods, leaving either option open according to user preference. For anyone looking for something a little more robust than a disposable without sacrificing ease of use, the XPLLO fits the bill perfectly.
The XPLLO is about average in terms of size compared to similar devices while being slightly heavier than a disposable. This is likely due to higher quality materials and a larger battery that clocks in at 580 mAh. The XPLLO fires a 1.7 ohm heating element at 7.5 watts, so the 580 mAh battery goes a long way due to low current draw. That’s not to say that the vapor is weak—far from it, and without being told the specifications prior, you would never guess it’s only firing at 7.5 watts.
The pod itself holds 2 mL of e-liquid, and the coil cannot be replaced. Once the coil or the pod is used up, the entire pod gets replaced. It’s held in place with relatively strong magnets that yield a slight amount of play but without feeling janky. Pods are secure once installed, and that can be demonstrated by lifting up the XPLLO while gripping only the pod and shaking it a bit. It stays assembled with no issues. Each mod is made out of translucent plastic, so it’s comfortable between the lips or teeth, and remaining e-liquid can be viewed with ease.
The XPLLO has a single button that can be used to fire the device or turn it on or off with five successive clicks. However, the XPLLO is also draw activated, making it a good fit for fans of both types of activation. The body is aluminum, contributing nearly completely to the quality difference between two-piece pod systems like the XPLLO and single-piece plastic disposables. The obligatory LED is included here as well, illuminating when a drag is taken or when the device is powered on or off. The color acts as an indicator as to the remaining battery charge.
Speaking of the battery, at 580 mAh, it can last upward of four hours of use depending on the user’s vaping habits. A USB-C port is located on the tip of the XPLLO, and a full charge can be achieved in under 30 minutes with the right charger or adapter. Thankfully, USB-C ports are becoming more and more common on vapor devices, which not only leads to faster charging and a higher level of compatibility (mobile devices have used USB-C for years) but also alleviates the annoyance of fiddling with the charging cable, flipping it over to make sure it’s oriented correctly.
When it comes to performance, the XPLLO can compete with the best of them. Flavor is crisp and clean, and vapor production is surprisingly robust given the relatively high resistance of the heating element and low power output. No sacrifices were made in the vapor department, but there are huge gains when it comes to battery life. Like other ALD products, vapor is produced effortlessly with no spitback or gurgling. The airflow is perfect for mouth-to-lung vaping, and few people will miss the ability to tweak the airflow.
It can be difficult to stand out in the vapor industry now that pod systems and disposables have saturated the market. At a glance, they can all look very similar to one another. Performance is where the standouts can be seen, and the XPLLO certainly stands out. It offers several options not generally available on disposables, such as the dual-activated switch and power toggle functionality, but remains simple enough that anyone can pick it up and get a fantastic vaping experience with no learning curve.
The XPLLO from ALD represents everything that a pod system should be—simple, reliable and hassle-free. It doesn’t sacrifice an iota of performance or quality to achieve these things. It acts as both a perfect entry point for new vapers and an upgrade for those coming from disposables. It’s also a formidable option for more advanced users who want something quick and easy to carry around when large mods become too cumbersome. It’s a wide and diverse market, and the XPLLO checks many boxes that will appeal to said market.
All in all, the XPLLO represents great value for anyone looking to pick up a pod system. It pulls no punches and sacrifices nearly nothing to provide a convenient, quality and reliable vaping experience for a large segment of the vapor market.