SMOK: A Complete Review
Top 4 bestselling devices in 2023-2024; affordability, durability, loved features and more!
SMOK – a Legend in the vape market; trustworthy a highly reputable, impressing consumers since as early as 2010. Through many years of competitive and often pioneering durability, affordability and quality, SMOK has rightfully earned its place among the best vape brands in the world.
Serving tens of millions of consumers globally, SMOK has acquired an army of loyal consumers who trust in the brand to consistently deliver the excellence it’s reputable for.
SMOK devices have been around seemingly forever. They keep core values, are always on the rise and are always improving in some way or another. They can be pretty hard to forget or replace, simply because they keep on getting better and better as time passes. Make no mistake, SMOK has a dominant presence in the vaping industry.
In this article, we’ll discuss what makes SMOK devices so great; we’ll discuss the following key areas of performance:
- Durability, aesthetics & weight
- Affordability
- Leak-proof
- Coils, airflow & flavour delivery
- Battery-life
- User-friendliness
- Keeping up with the trends
Key Features
Durability
One of SMOK’s true charms – their absolute solid frames. Holding almost any SMOK device simply feels great in your hand – from weight to handheld comfort; it has it all.
From one fo their first designs in 2010 to their latest device; the Tech 247 released in late 2023, consumers could count on the fact that SMOK devices are designed with empathy in mind. Let’s not beat around the bush – vape devices are some of the objects we drop most, next to cellphones and car keys. If you’ve ever owned an electronic device that simply ceases to work after a lousy drop, you should be familiar with the disappointment.
Luckily, SMOK devices’ rather bulky bodies are manufactured either with stainless steel, hardened plastic and/or durable rubber edges, allowing an impressive level of “negligence” to go unnoticed.
They’re simply strong and sturdy, and radiate a feeling of quality when in operation.
Affordability
Another one of the qualities that have arguably caused the success of SMOK is their extremely well-priced devices that still dominantly compete with their often pricey competitors.
SMOK has built its reputation in such a way that users trust paying quite a bit less than what its competitors charge for similar-performing devices, without having to worry about quality degradation.
Leak-Proof Design
Earlier SMOK devices, as with most vaping devices in their first few years, had experienced leaking issues with excessive use, improper storage or simply leaving the device lying on its side or upside down.
Today, these issues have been resolved, however, shoving a vape into your pocket upside down is never a good idea.
In addition, dropping your vape a few years back meant detrimental damage to a sealed e-liquid tank, and could easily result in cracks, shattering or even complete disassembly.
Rest assured, today’s SMOK devices are incredibly sturdy and, while rarely any vape is completely “shockproof”, they certainly have improved their durability by a substantial degree.
We’re not advising you to drop your vape to test it out, but you’re generally much safe in terms of shock-proof durability.
In addition, SMOK employs extreme user-friendliness. Disposables come with draw-activated coils, meaning you don’t need to activate the coil manually by the push of a button, as with older models.
This also ensures that the coil won’t accidentally burn out while in your pocket, and comes with an added 10-second cutoff to further prevent overtime coil burning.
10 Seconds are more than enough time per drag, especially with nicotine salts.
Keeping up with the trends
SMOK delivers excellence for all kinds of vapers – from high-quality disposables to pod systems and advanced pod mods to pen-style vapes and basic vape kits. Whether you’re an experienced vaper or new to the scene, there’s something for you.
Top 4 Best SMOK Vapes
For easy navigation, we’ve compartmentalized this article as follows:
- Pod mods
- Box Mods
- Advanced Box Mods
Box Mods
Box Mods are, as the name suggests, box-shaped or often rectangular-shaped devices that support detailed customization and mostly caters for DTL (direct to lung) vaping.
In normal circumstances, box mods don’t include e-liquid tanks or mouthpieces which has to be purchased separately, adding to its highly sought-after level of customization.
Mag solo kit
The Mag Solo Kit is the perfect middle point between entry-level (or beginner) vape devices and advanced mechanisms enjoyed by vaping connoisseurs.
It doesn’t have the often confusing amount of advanced features one could expect with flagship box mods but still has more than enough capability to create a personalized vaping experience.
Mag Solo Kit – Key Features:
- Top airflow (T-air) system
- TA series mesh coil
- Leak-proof top-fill system
- 5 ml e-liquid tank
- 100w max power output
- 21 700 / 18 650 batteries compatible
On top of all that, the design is absolutely beautiful at a glance and stands on the brink of minimalism as far as box mods go.
Combining glossy zinc alloy and premium scratch-resistant leather, the Mag Solo Kit is a perfect combination of elegance and toughness.
Some prominent colour profiles of the 17 total available are:
- Pink Gold
- Purple Pink
- Blue Green
- Prism Rainbow
- Matte Black
- Cherry Red
- Navy Blue
The TPU series include:
- Black Gun Metal
- Gun Metal
- Pale Green
With a battery output of up to 100W compatible with TA series mesh coils, the Mag Solo Kit can accommodate almost any flavour while delivering impeccable taste. The T-airflow tank (simply twist the airflow ring) combined with adjustable power output allows you to create massive clouds with ease.
“Savour the flavour for longer” with options to either work with standard AA batteries which can simply be disposed of, or use the rechargeable type-C fast charging battery.
Enjoy a customizable LED display menu with colour styles to choose from, as well as a sleek and satisfying firing button.
Top-notch protection:
- Atomizer recognition
- Puff monitoring system
- 8 seconds cutoff
- Short circuit protection
- Over-heating protection
- Low battery warning
- 5 rubber-ring leak-proof design
- Top filling system
- Replaceable 810 drip tip
Pod System
Pod system vapes consist mainly of two compartments; the battery and the pod (which contains your coil and e-liquid)
Closed pod systems are not refillable – the pods are replaced as a whole (including coil and pre-filled e-liquid.) Open pod systems allow for e-liquid refills and replaceable coils under multiple resistances.
Nord 5
About as advanced as pod system vapes can get – the Nord 5 is a very well-reputed pod device loved by vapers across the globe. I might stand on the brink of being biased, but ironically enough, I’m enjoying my Nord 5 as I’m writing this review.
If you’re looking for a pod system vape that truly lies on the border of pod vaping and box mods, this device is for you. The Nord 5 allows you to “go beyond” with steeples airflow control, a massive 5 ml e-liquid capacity, an ingenious coil-lock design to prevent leaking and increased child safety, its compatible with RPM3 coils, has 80W max power output and an impressive 2000 mAh battery – effectively removing the worry of running out of power on any day or night out.
There is a look for every style with the Nord 5 – made in 12 electrifying colours and 4 leather options.
No SMOK Nord 5 review is complete without mentioning what sets it apart.
What makes the Nord 5 so special? It’s a pod system with adjustable wattage (5W – 80W) accessible with user-friendly “up and down” buttons and a dual side airflow system – allowing you to create a drag feel and flavour intensity of your choice.
In addition, it is totally leakproof – making use of an ingenious coil-lock design on the pod to secure the coil in place. This ensures improved child safety by preventing the pod to be released accidentally; perfect to keep dangerous parts from being exposed to children and prevents the one thing vapers hate more than a burnt coil – a leaking device.
Hand-held power has never been so portable.
STEPLESS AIRFLOW CONTROL
One thing is for sure – the Nord 5 is a DTL device. Even though it can technically be used for MTL vaping, it’s not the tightest draw one can expect.
The airflow system can be adjusted by dragging the slider – enabling either fuller atomization and balanced heat dissipation, or a tighter drag providing plump tastes for MTL enthusiasts.
The customization doesn’t stop there – whether you’re a delicate vaper or one who enjoys powerful drags – the adjustable wattage can suit any need.
To add, you’ll never have to guess how your vape is feeling operationally – just have a quick glance at your OLED display for an overview of battery life and wattage, having your LED indicator as a backup for short-circuit notification.
Enjoy fast charging with a modern max 1.5A type-C charger – taking about 1 and a half hours to fully charge from a depleted battery; the 2000mAh battery can last for days.
Extra safety features:
- 8 second cut-off
- Pod detection
- Low voltage protection
- Short circuit protection
Enjoy DL (direct lung) vaping with a wide mouthpiece and an option of either 0.15ohm (fast ramp up time) or 0.23ohm (more even heat surface) mesh coils – a lot of power for such a compact device.
Nord Pro
One of the many reasons SMOK is an industry leader – improving on already seemingly perfect devices are done effortlessly. Innovation really is at the heart of SMOK devices.
The Nord Pro boasts all the impressive features and specs of the Nord 5, but is built with premium lightweight materials; intertwined with Nord’s classic artistic design, remarkable elegance and superior performance.
Don’t like the firing button presented in the previous version? You don’t have to use it with Nord Pro – simply switch back and forth between the auto-draw function and the standard, more “hands-on” approach of button-activated coil ignition. Even better, with auto-draw activated – you can easily slip it into your pocket or bag without having to worry about it heating up by accident.
The Nord Pro is built for pro taste – with a 1100 mAh battery and up to 25W of power output, it guarantees the most flavourful drags a pod device can produce. If you’re a flavour explorer – Nord Pro will have you flying through e-liquid like its candy.
It’s compatible with bothv with 0.6ohm coils (providing excellent flavour and dense clouds, suited for freebase nicotine liquids) and 0.9ohm coils (more even heat distribution, suited for nic salts and more delicate flavour delivery)
DTL (direct to lung) and MTL (mouth to lung) vapers are both supported – simply switch the direction of the pod installation by 180 degrees and enjoy the adjusted airflow.
If you want to make a statement, you have the option of 10 ecstatic colours and art designs to choose from.
Advanced Box Mod
As previously mentioned; box mods are built to be customized. However, some more than others. Advanced box mods offer an extremely wide variety of features and adjustable operational workings.
They’re truly for the connoisseurs of the vaping community – here’s why.
Morph 3 Kit
Entering the world of advanced box mods – the Morph 3 kit is equipped with everything a seasoned vaper could dream of.
From powerful wattage output to adjusted airflow, a top-fill tank system and top-airflow design, an advanced LED display and ample safety measures. The comfortable shape and grip materials make vaping an even greater pleasure – holding the Morph 3 feels like quality, with quite a hefty weight and solid compartments. Right off the bat, the device looks sturdy yet sophisticated.
Available in an impressive array of colour profiles – here is a breakdown of the SMOK morph 3’s features:
- Available in an impressive array of colours.
- 0A type C-charging
- Leakproof
- Replaceable 810 drip tip
- TA series mesh coil
- Drip tip
- Glass tube / tank
- 96 inch TFT display
- Up down buttons
- 2ml / 5ml T-air subtank
- 10 – 2.5 resistance range
- Temp range 100 – 350 degrees celcius
With its extreme customization capabilities, the Morph 3 allows for excellent DTL vaping, cloud chasing and flavour delivery.
Enjoy enhanced flavour and vapour thickness with a top airflow system that incorporates honeycomb airflow; effectively shortening the airway and reducing air loss.
The advanced TFT display entices it’s owner with all the advanced operating data that vaping connoisseurs need for an optimal experience; from puff count to wattage, ohm indication to battery life – it couples to make quick work of your demands.
When we say the Nord 5 is built to provide stabilized performance, inside and out, we really mean it. Here’s why:
- Reverse polarity protection
- Over-discharge protection
- Reverse battery charge protection
- Intelligent atomizer recognition
- Over-heating protection
- 8-second cut off
- Short circuit protection
- Low-battery warning
These high-performance features are fueled by an upgraded chip-set to provide peace of mind and truly elite vaping experiences.