Uwell Caliburn GK2 Review: Portable Pod System Breakdown

The Caliburn GK2 is one of Uwell’s most popular pocket-friendly pod vapes. Sitting in the KOKO-style square form factor, the GK2 blends replaceable G-series coils with a handy top-fill pod, precise airflow, and eye-catching LED feedback. I have spent a solid week using the GK2 daily, swapping coils, testing different e-liquids, and seeing how it handles in real-life situations. In this review I will take you through what you actually get inside the box, how it feels in hand, the way it performs across different coils, and whether it is worth adding to your collection. By the end you will have a clear picture of what the GK2 does well, where it falls short, and who it is best suited for.

Unboxing and First Impressions

When I opened the GK2 box I was greeted with a neat and compact kit. Inside was the device itself, a Caliburn G2 pod already installed, two coils, a USB-C charging cable, the lanyard, and the usual paperwork. I always appreciate when a kit comes with two coil options because it gives you the chance to decide which style suits your preference without having to order extras right away.

The first thing I noticed was how lightweight the GK2 felt. Even with the pod filled it did not feel like it would drag down a pocket or tug on a lanyard. The LED front panel had a modern look that immediately stood out compared to some of the plainer pod kits I have used. It felt playful without being cheap.

Specs and Features at a Glance

Here are the key numbers and features I had in mind before I started testing:

690 mAh internal battery
Up to 18 watts of output
2 ml refillable pod
Top fill system under the mouthpiece
Caliburn G series coil compatibility
Adjustable airflow wheel on the base of the pod
USB-C charging
LED side panel with vibration feedback

On paper this looked like a good balance between portability and performance. The real test was whether the coils and battery could keep up with daily use.

Design, Build and Aesthetics

In the hand the GK2 has a reassuring sturdiness despite being extremely light. The zinc alloy frame gives it a solid body while the front panel catches the light with different colours as you vape. Some might find the LED a bit flashy, but I liked it as a fun detail and it also helped me keep track of battery level at a glance.

The square design is classic KOKO. It sits flat on a desk and the lanyard attachment means it is easy to carry around. I wore it around my neck on a couple of days when I was out and about and barely noticed the weight. The mouthpiece is comfortable and shaped well for MTL inhales.

I dropped it once onto a hard floor during testing and it survived without even a scratch on the screen, which gave me confidence in its durability.

Battery Life and Charging Experience

With a 690 mAh battery I was not expecting miracles, but I was pleasantly surprised. On lighter days of use the GK2 lasted me from morning through to the evening without needing a top-up. On heavier vaping days it ran out by late afternoon, but the saving grace was the USB-C charging.

I was able to fully recharge the device in about 30 minutes using a standard wall plug, which made it easy to slot charging into my day. The LED panel changes colour depending on charge level and the vibration feedback when fully charged was actually quite handy. I never had to guess whether it was ready to go.

For a pod kit of this size the battery life felt balanced. It is not an all-day powerhouse, but it charges fast enough to keep up with most routines.

Pod and Coil System

The GK2 uses the Caliburn G2 pod, which is a top-fill design. You remove the mouthpiece and refill through the red-marked port. I found it easy and mess-free even when using thicker 70/30 liquids. The pod has a small juice window so you can keep an eye on levels, although in bright sunlight it can be hard to see clearly.

The airflow wheel at the base of the pod is small but effective. I could dial it down for a tight MTL draw that mimicked a cigarette or open it slightly for a looser restricted direct lung style. The flexibility here is excellent for such a compact kit.

Coil Performance and Flavour

I spent most of my time with the 0.8 ohm mesh coil because it quickly became my favourite. The flavour was punchy, clear, and consistent across fruit and dessert liquids. Vapour production was modest but satisfying, perfect for stealthier vaping without sacrificing taste.

The 1.2 ohm coil gave a tighter draw and worked well with nic salts. The flavour was good but not quite as vibrant as the 0.8 ohm option. I can see this coil appealing to those who prefer stronger nicotine hits with less vapour.

Coil life was respectable. I pushed around 20 ml of liquid through the 0.8 ohm coil before noticing any dip in flavour. Wicking kept up even with slightly higher VG blends.

Ease of Use and Portability

The GK2 is buttonless and works with auto-draw. This makes it extremely easy for beginners since you simply inhale to vape. The auto-draw responded quickly every time during my week of testing and never missed a puff.

Portability is one of the strongest points of this kit. It is small enough to disappear into a pocket and the lanyard makes it even more convenient for travel or nights out. The lack of buttons means there is nothing to accidentally fire in a bag.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Lightweight and pocket-friendly
Strong flavour from 0.8 ohm coil
USB-C fast charging in about 30 minutes
Easy top-fill design
Adjustable airflow for MTL or RDL
Vibration and LED feedback add convenience
Durable body despite compact size

Cons

Battery will not last heavy vapers all day
Juice window can be hard to see in bright light
1.2 ohm coil flavour is a little muted compared to 0.8 ohm
LED design may be too flashy for some

Real World Daily Use

I used the GK2 as my main device for several days, both at home and while out. At home it sat neatly on my desk without taking up space, and the flat base meant it never toppled over. When I took it out, the lanyard carried it without effort.

I found myself reaching for it more often than bulkier devices because of its simplicity. Filling was quick and charging was painless. The biggest limitation was the battery, which did need topping up during longer days. Still, the quick charge turnaround meant it was back in action by the time I finished a coffee break.

GK2 vs Other Caliburn Devices

I have used the Caliburn AK2 before, which shares the same square design language. The GK2 feels like a step up with the airflow wheel and LED feedback. The AK2 has a slightly simpler look, but the GK2 wins on customisation and features.

Compared to the Caliburn G2, the GK2 is more portable and stylish, though the G2’s larger battery makes it a better choice for heavy users. If you want a balance of looks, features, and portability, the GK2 sits nicely in the middle.

Safety Features

The GK2 has built-in protections such as short-circuit protection, low voltage cut-off, and 8-second cut-off for long puffs. During my use I never triggered any of these, but it gave me peace of mind knowing they were there. The device also vibrates for certain alerts, which makes it harder to miss a warning.

Value for Money

For the price point the GK2 represents good value. Replacement coils are widely available and affordable. The pod design means you are not locked into a sealed system, which saves money in the long run. Given the build quality and performance, I felt it was well worth the cost.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of the GK2

Stick with 50/50 liquids for best performance and coil longevity
Use the 0.8 ohm coil for fuller flavour and the 1.2 ohm for higher nicotine
Keep an eye on the juice level to avoid dry hits
Charge during short breaks rather than waiting for the battery to drain completely
Experiment with the airflow wheel to find your preferred draw

Frequently Asked Questions

What e-liquids work best with the GK2?
I found 50/50 blends gave the smoothest performance, but the 0.8 ohm coil also handled 70/30 liquids without dry hits.

How long does the battery last?
Light to moderate vapers can get most of a day, but heavier users will need to recharge by mid to late afternoon.

Are the coils easy to replace?
Yes, they are plug-and-play style. Simply pull out the old coil and push in a new one.

Can the LED lights be turned off?
No, the LED panel is always active, but it is not overly distracting in normal use.

Conclusion and Final Verdict

After a solid week of daily testing, I can confidently say the Uwell Caliburn GK2 is a very capable pod kit. It delivers consistently good flavour, especially on the 0.8 ohm coil, while staying compact and stylish. The fast charging offsets the smaller battery, and the simple top-fill system makes it a true everyday carry.

It is not the perfect device for everyone. If you are a heavy vaper who wants all-day endurance without recharging, the GK2 might leave you wanting more. If you prefer ultra-minimal design without flashing lights, you may not enjoy the LED panel. But for vapers who want something small, reliable, and fun to use, the GK2 is an excellent choice.

I enjoyed using it and will continue to keep it in my rotation for days when I want something lightweight and easy to carry. For beginners it is a friendly introduction, and for experienced vapers it is a solid backup or travel kit. Overall, the GK2 impressed me more than I expected.