Overview
The Yocan Kodo Plus represents a significant upgrade to Yocan's popular Kodo line of compact 510 batteries. Building on the success of the original Kodo, the Plus version addresses user feedback with a substantially larger 900mAh battery, five voltage presets instead of three, and an innovative dual-button system that separates power and voltage controls. The result is a pocket-sized powerhouse that delivers impressive versatility at an unbeatable price point.
Yocan has built its reputation on creating accessible, user-friendly vaporizers, and the Kodo Plus exemplifies this philosophy. At just $19.99, it offers features typically found in devices costing twice as much, making it an excellent entry point for newcomers or a reliable backup for experienced users.
Design & Build Quality
The Kodo Plus maintains the compact form factor that made the original Kodo popular while incorporating meaningful design improvements. Measuring just over two inches in length, this is a device built for true portability.
Materials and Construction
The outer shell is constructed from aluminum alloy with a premium finish that resists fingerprints and wear. The metal construction provides a more substantial feel than plastic alternatives while keeping the weight manageable for pocket carry. The build quality is impressive for the price point, with tight seams and no rattling components.
Dual-Button System
The most notable design improvement is the dual-button configuration. The power button sits on top of the device, while the voltage adjustment button is positioned on the front face. This separation serves a practical purpose: it prevents accidental voltage changes when firing and reduces the likelihood of pocket activation. The buttons provide satisfying tactile feedback and are sized appropriately for easy operation.
Cartridge Connection
The Kodo Plus uses a standard 510-threaded connection that accommodates the vast majority of oil cartridges on the market. The recessed connection point provides some protection for your cartridge while maintaining a low-profile appearance. The connection is solid without being overly tight, making cartridge changes quick and easy.
Lanyard Hole
A thoughtful addition is the integrated lanyard hole, allowing users to attach a neck strap or lanyard for conventions, concerts, or situations where pocket access is inconvenient. This small feature demonstrates Yocan's attention to real-world usage patterns.
Available Colors
The Kodo Plus is available in a variety of finishes to suit personal preferences, including Black, Silver, Green, Red, Light Purple, and Teal. The color options are tasteful and relatively subdued, maintaining a discreet appearance regardless of your choice.
Features
Five Voltage Presets
Unlike many budget batteries that offer only three settings, the Kodo Plus provides five distinct voltage levels:
- 2.4V (Green LED): Lowest setting for maximum flavor preservation
- 2.8V (Cyan LED): Light vapor with excellent flavor
- 3.2V (Blue LED): Balanced performance for everyday use
- 3.6V (Purple LED): Increased vapor production
- 4.0V (White LED): Maximum output for thick oils and heavy clouds
This expanded range allows for finer control over your experience, accommodating everything from delicate terpene-rich cartridges to thick distillates that require more power.
Preheat Function
The Kodo Plus includes a preheat mode that gently warms your cartridge at a lower power level. This is particularly useful for thick oils that may have settled or become viscous in cold conditions. The preheat function helps ensure consistent vapor production from the first draw.
15-Second Auto Shutoff
As a safety measure, the device automatically cuts power after 15 seconds of continuous activation. This prevents overheating and protects your cartridge from damage due to prolonged heating. The extended 15-second window is generous compared to the typical 10-second cutoff found in many competitors.
USB-C Charging
The Kodo Plus uses modern USB-C charging, providing faster charge times and more convenient cable orientation than older micro-USB devices. The charging port is well-positioned and easily accessible.
Performance
Vapor Production
The Kodo Plus delivers consistent, reliable performance across all five voltage settings. The power delivery is stable, with no noticeable drop-off as the battery depletes. Testing across various cartridge types:
- Ceramic cartridges perform excellently at 2.4V to 3.2V, preserving flavor while producing satisfying vapor
- Wick-based cartridges typically work best at 2.8V to 3.6V, depending on oil viscosity
- Thick distillates may require 3.6V or 4.0V for proper vaporization
The five preset options provide enough flexibility to optimize settings for virtually any cartridge, though users accustomed to 0.1V adjustments may find the presets slightly limiting.
Battery Life
The 900mAh battery is the Kodo Plus's standout specification. In practical use:
- Light users (10-20 puffs daily): 4-5 days per charge
- Moderate users (30-50 puffs daily): 2-3 days per charge
- Heavy users (50+ puffs daily): 1-2 days per charge
This represents a significant improvement over the original Kodo's ~400mAh battery, effectively doubling the usage between charges. For most users, this means multi-day battery life without anxiety about finding a charger.
USB-C charging is reasonably quick, with a full charge typically completing in 90-120 minutes. The device does not support pass-through charging.
Real-World Usage
In daily use, the Kodo Plus excels as a no-fuss cartridge battery. The dual-button system becomes intuitive after a brief learning period, and the separation of controls genuinely reduces accidental activation. The compact size disappears in a pocket, and the aluminum construction holds up well to daily wear.
The LED color system works well once you memorize the voltage associations, though users who frequently adjust settings may miss having a digital display. For set-and-forget users who find their preferred voltage and stick with it, the LED system is perfectly adequate.
Pros & Cons
Strengths:
The 900mAh battery is genuinely impressive for a device this compact. Multi-day battery life means less time tethered to chargers and more time enjoying your cartridges. The five voltage presets offer meaningful customization without overwhelming complexity. The dual-button design is a practical improvement that solves real usability issues. At $19.99, the value proposition is exceptional.
Weaknesses:
The lack of a display screen means relying on LED colors to identify settings, which requires memorization. Users who want precise voltage control in 0.1V increments will need to look at higher-end options like the UNI Pro 2.0. The plastic and aluminum construction is functional but doesn't convey premium aesthetics.
Verdict
The Yocan Kodo Plus represents the sweet spot between simplicity and functionality in the 510 battery market. It improves upon its predecessor in all the ways that matter: bigger battery, more voltage options, and smarter button layout. While it lacks the OLED display and granular voltage control of premium options, it delivers everything most cartridge users actually need at a fraction of the price.
For budget-conscious users, first-time buyers, or anyone seeking a reliable backup battery, the Kodo Plus is an easy recommendation. It proves that you don't need to spend big to get quality performance. If you value simplicity, portability, and all-day battery life over feature-packed complexity, the Yocan Kodo Plus deserves serious consideration.
Related: Yocan Kodo Plus Manual