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When UWELL released the original Caliburn back in 2019, it quickly became one of my favourite pod vapes. I liked it so much that years later I still found myself writing an extensive troubleshooting guide for it. It wasn’t flashy. It didn’t have a giant screen, RGB lighting, or enough settings to launch a spaceship.
What it did have was fantastic flavour, excellent coil life, and a simple design that just worked.
Fast forward several years and the Caliburn has become one of the most recognized pod vape families in the world. Millions of vapers have used one, and UWELL’s coil technology has become the benchmark many manufacturers try to chase.
Then along comes the STLTH Open.
At first glance, it almost feels like STLTH looked at the Caliburn formula and said:
“What if we made it even simpler?”
In fact, after spending time with the device, I’d go as far as calling the STLTH Open the Canadian Caliburn.
That’s a bold statement, so let’s see if it lives up to it.
First Impressions
STLTH Open
When it comes to sleek, convenient, and accessible vaping products, STLTH hardly needs an introduction.
The company built its reputation on closed pod systems and pre-filled vape pods that remain incredibly popular across Canada to this day.
What’s interesting is that STLTH has never really played in the refillable pod market before.
In fact, demand became so strong that third-party manufacturers started producing refillable pods compatible with STLTH devices. Eventually STLTH decided to build a dedicated open-pod system of their own.
The result is the STLTH Open.
At first glance it almost seems too simple. No buttons, no screen, no wattage adjustments Just a refillable pod, an airflow slider, and a stylish illuminated STLTH logo that doubles as a battery indicator.
Don’t let the simplicity fool you though. STLTH has been building vape hardware for a very long time, and that experience shows.
UWELL Caliburn G5
Ah, the Caliburn.
If you’ve been vaping for more than a few years, chances are you’ve owned one, considered buying one, or at least heard somebody tell you to buy one.
UWELL’s original Caliburn became one of the most successful pod systems ever released. What started as a compact pen-style vape eventually evolved into an entire family of products.
Now we’re on the sixth generation.
The Caliburn G5 takes everything UWELL has learned over the years and packages it into a modern pod system with adjustable wattage, multiple coil options, airflow control, and a surprisingly large battery.
It’s clear that UWELL isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel here.
They’re simply trying to make a very good wheel even better.
Handling & Everyday Carry
Neither of these devices is trying to be a giant cloud-chucking monster, they’re designed for everyday vaping.
Both fit comfortably in a pocket, both are lightweight, and both are easy to carry around all day. That said, there are some noticeable differences.
The Caliburn G5 is slightly taller and noticeably chunkier. That’s largely due to the larger battery and the inclusion of a display screen.It weighs approximately 66 grams.
The STLTH Open weighs only 42 grams. Part of that comes from STLTH’s minimalist approach. No screen. No buttons. No unnecessary extras. Just the essentials.
If you’re the type of person who forgets a vape is even in their pocket, the STLTH Open definitely has the advantage here.
Winner: STLTH Open
User Experience
This is where the two devices start taking very different approaches.
The STLTH Open is arguably one of the simplest refillable pod systems currently available. Fill the pod. Adjust the airflow. Inhale. That’s it. No menus. No wattage settings. No button combinations that require a user manual.
The Caliburn G5 isn’t difficult by any means, but there’s definitely more going on.
You can adjust wattage, navigate settings, lock and unlock features, and monitor everything through the screen. Some users will love that. Others just want to fill their pod and move on with their day.
One small complaint: the protective cap on the Caliburn pod can be surprisingly stubborn.
If you’ve ever tried removing it with the pod detached from the device, you know exactly what I’m talking about. The easiest method is to remove it while the pod is installed.
Think of it like breaking off a piece of a Snickers bar. A little twist to the side usually does the trick.
Who Wins?
If you want the simplest possible vaping experience, STLTH Open wins.
If you enjoy adjusting settings and tailoring your vape exactly how you like it, the Caliburn G5 takes the crown.
Tip:Â UWELL also offers the Caliburn G5 Koko if you prefer a smaller square design with fewer features and a lower price point.
Performance & Flavour
This is the category everybody actually cares about. I’ve been using both devices over the last couple of weeks with the same Blue Raspberry Flavour Drop e-liquid. Not at the same time, of course. I only have one mouth.
STLTH Open
I’ll admit it. I was a little skeptical.
The STLTH Open doesn’t allow wattage adjustment and ships with a 0.4Ω pod. That means you’re getting fairly strong vapor production right from the first puff.
There’s no option to dial the power down. The only adjustment available is airflow, but what surprised me was the flavour. It’s punchy.
Every note of the Blue Raspberry came through clearly, including the tartness and sour finish that often gets muted on weaker devices. The vape is warm, flavourful, and satisfying.
The only thing to keep in mind is that because power isn’t adjustable, some e-liquids may deliver a stronger throat hit than expected. We’ve discussed the various causes of throat hit in a separate guide, and power level is definitely one of them.
One small detail I really appreciate is that STLTH clearly marks the minimum fill line on the pod. It sounds like a minor thing, but it takes the guesswork out of refilling, especially if you’re new to refillable devices.
The STLTH Open pod includes a clearly marked minimum fill line to help prevent burnt coils.
Pros
- Excellent flavour
- Strong vapor production
- Extremely simple operation
- Slim and lightweight
Cons
- No wattage adjustment
UWELL Caliburn G5
The Caliburn reminds me why UWELL has such a strong reputation.
I’ve been running the same pod for two weeks and it’s still performing impressively well. I have noticed a slight bit of browning in the e-liquid, but that’s partially my fault. This thing is a bit of a juice guzzler and sometimes I forget to refill it.
Pro Tip: Refill Before You Reach This Point
One of the easiest ways to extend pod life is simply keeping enough e-liquid in the pod.
The e-liquid should always remain above the wicking ports shown above.
Once the e-liquid level drops below the wicking ports, the cotton can struggle to stay fully saturated during longer vaping sessions. The result can be reduced flavour, premature coil wear, and eventually a burnt hit.
As a general rule, refill the pod before the e-liquid reaches the level shown above. Your coil will thank you for it.
The flavour profile is very similar to the STLTH Open, but the Caliburn feels a little more refined. Honestly, I’d expect nothing less. UWELL’s Pro-FOCS flavour technology has been evolving for years, and it shows.
The biggest advantage is flexibility.
If I want a smoother vape, I lower the wattage.
If I want a warmer vape with a stronger throat hit, I increase it.
Having that control allows the Caliburn to adapt to different e-liquids much more effectively.
Tip: Running higher wattage settings will increase e-liquid consumption and shorten pod lifespan.
Pros
- Adjustable wattage
- Excellent flavour
- Multiple pod options
- Screen with battery information
- Rubberized mouth piece
Cons
- Pod cap can be frustrating to remove
Battery Life
Battery life is one of the easiest categories to score. The STLTH Open features a 1000mAh battery, while the Caliburn G5 packs a considerably larger 1600mAh battery. That’s a pretty substantial gap. Add in the ability to use higher resistance pods and lower wattage settings, and the Caliburn can stretch that battery even further.
If you’re the type of person who forgets to charge their vape until the battery icon starts looking a little sad, the Caliburn G5 is the clear winner.
Winner: Caliburn G5
Pod Options & Ecosystem
One area where the Caliburn G5 currently has a noticeable advantage is ecosystem maturity.
The STLTH Open keeps things simple. At the time of writing, the device uses STLTH Open refillable pods and focuses on delivering a straightforward vaping experience without overwhelming users with options.
The Caliburn G5, on the other hand, benefits from UWELL’s extensive GPP pod lineup. Whether you prefer a warmer vape, a smoother draw, stronger flavour, or better battery efficiency, there’s a good chance UWELL has a pod option that fits your preferences.
For some users, having fewer choices is actually a good thing.
For others, flexibility is part of the appeal.
Winner: Caliburn G5
E-Liquid Consumption
Neither of these devices would be considered particularly conservative when paired with their 0.4Ω pods.
The STLTH Open delivers a warm and flavourful vape right out of the box, which naturally means it goes through e-liquid at a decent pace.
The Caliburn G5 isn’t exactly sipping e-liquid either, especially if you’re running higher wattage settings. However, the ability to adjust power and use different pod resistances gives you more control over consumption.
If you’re the type of person who occasionally forgets to refill their pod until it’s hanging on for dear life (guilty), the Caliburn’s flexibility may help stretch your e-liquid a little further.
Winner: Caliburn G5
Price & Value
This is where things get interesting.
The STLTH Open Device Kit comes in at approximately $9.95 CAD.
The UWELL Caliburn G5 is approximately $39.95 CAD.
Even the more budget-friendly Caliburn G5 Koko comes in around $21.50 CAD.
That’s a significant difference.
The STLTH Open is one of the most affordable refillable pod systems currently available. For less than the price of many disposable vapes, you’re getting a rechargeable device that allows you to use virtually any e-liquid you want.
The Caliburn G5 is more expensive, but you’re also getting adjustable wattage, a larger battery, a display, and access to UWELL’s mature pod ecosystem.
The question isn’t necessarily which device is cheaper.
The real question is whether you’ll actually use the extra features.
Winner: STLTH Open
Who Should Buy the STLTH Open?
The STLTH Open is perfect if:
- You’re transitioning from disposable vapes.
- You want something simple and straightforward.
- You don’t care about adjusting wattage.
- You want a slim, lightweight device.
- You prefer filling your pod and getting on with your day.
This is one of the easiest refillable devices to recommend to someone who has never used an open-pod system before.
Who Should Buy the Caliburn G5?
The Caliburn G5 is a better fit if:
- You already prefer refillable pod systems.
- You enjoy adjusting settings.
- Battery life is important to you.
- You frequently experiment with different e-liquids.
- You want access to multiple pod and coil options.
If you enjoy fine-tuning your vaping experience, the Caliburn G5 gives you considerably more room to play.
- Extremely easy to use
- Compact and lightweight
- Strong flavour
- $9.95 CAD
- Adjustable wattage
- Larger 1600mAh battery
- Multiple pod options
- $39.95 CAD
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Portability | STLTH Open |
| Ease of Use | STLTH Open |
| Flavour | Caliburn G5 |
| Battery Life | Caliburn G5 |
| Pod Options | Caliburn G5 |
| E-Liquid Efficiency | Caliburn G5 |
| Value | STLTH Open |
Final Verdict
I think STLTH did an amazing job with the Open, especially considering this is their first dedicated refillable pod device.
I’ll be honest, I usually vape disposables. Between work, family, and everything else life throws at me, they’re simply more convenient. But since the STLTH Open launched, I’ve been using it extensively and it’s reminded me why refillable devices became popular in the first place.
Being able to fill your device with any e-liquid you want is refreshing. There’s also something satisfying about not ending up with a growing mountain of disposable vapes waiting to be recycled.
The STLTH Open succeeds because it removes almost all of the complexity that sometimes scares people away from refillable devices. It’s simple, affordable, compact, and surprisingly flavourful.
That said, the Caliburn G5 is still the more capable device overall.
UWELL’s years of coil development, adjustable wattage, larger battery, and extensive pod ecosystem make it an excellent choice for experienced users who already know they prefer refillable systems over disposables.
The good news is that both devices deliver excellent flavour, and whichever route you choose, you’ll be getting one of the better pod systems currently available in Canada.
