In for review is the brand new SMOANT KNIGHT 40 pod kit.
SMOANT are no stranger when it comes to pod kits. The Pasito, Battlestar and Charon ranges instantly spring to mind. I was blissfully unaware there’s already been a KNIGHT 80 pod kit released.
The SMOANT KNIGHT 40 treads a completely different path in terms of power and design.
I’ve already mentioned this in recent reviews – the trend these days is for futuristic, high tech transparency. We’ve seen it with the Voopoo P1 pod kit and the Vaporesso LUXE XR.
.. We’re seeing it again with the KNIGHT 40 pod kit.
SMOANT are based in Shenzhen, China. Their continuous goal is to satisfy all types of vapers. Yes, that does include tootle puffers and Mod wompers!
They’re also open to any possible improvements to their products. I’m hoping that’s not necessary with the KNIGHT 40 pod kit. Seems SMOANT aren’t happy until we are.
What Can We Expect From the SMOANT KNIGHT 40 Pod Kit?
Gone is the single 18650 battery of the KNIGHT 80 pod kit, ditched in favour of an integrated 1500mAh alternative.
The screen is now front mounted and the box style design wouldn’t look out of place in an upcoming Robocop flick.
We now only have 40W to play about with. To work around the coil configurations of its more powerful sibling, three of the plug and play S series mesh coils have been upgraded.
A coil adaptor is included to ensure full compatibility with the rest of the S-Series coils.
Thanks to top adjustable airflow, the SMOANT KNIGHT 40 is able to capitalise on the upgraded coils to provide either a DL (Direct Lung), RDL (Restrictive Direct Lung) or MTL (Mouth To Lung) vape. We tell you what these terms mean in our Guide To Vape Styles.
There’s also an RBA section available that can handle a resistance range of between 0.2 – 3.0ohm. So every style of vaping is possible to the budding coil builder.
The SMOANT ANT chip of the KNIGHT 80 makes it across so we can expect the same intelligent and reassuring vape experience.
Because some of the coils push the wattage limits of the device, a dual PCB chip structure has been employed to make efficient use of available power.
It’s not looking like there’s a TPD compliant edition since the pod has an e-liquid capacity of 3.5ml.
Expect to see the SMOANT KNIGHT 40 in four colour schemes. Gunmetal, Stainless Steel, Black and Rainbow (under review).
What’s In the Box?
- KNIGHT 40 device
- S6 mesh 1.1ohm coil
- Cartridge (coil adaptor and S4 mesh 0.35ohm coil installed)
- Type C USB charging cable
- Instruction manual
- Warranty card
- Certificated card
SMOANT KNIGHT 40 Pod Kit – Specifications
Device
- Dimensions: 84.5 x 42 x 23mm
- Weight: 33g
- Material: Zinc alloy + PCTG
- Battery: 1500mAh integrated
- Power output: 40W
- Screen: 0.42″ OLED
- Output mode: VW / DVW (best 0.3 – 3.0ohm)
- Voltage range: 3.2 – 4.2V
- Charging port: Type C
- Charging: 5V/1A
- Conversion rate: 95%
Pod
- Material: PCTG / Zinc alloy / Silicone
- Capacity: 3.5ml
- Coil: S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6, S-RBA
SMOANT KNIGHT 40 Pod Kit – Design and Build Quality
The Battery Section
Being made of Zinc Alloy the device is very light and surprisingly comfortable in the hand given the design. However, the fire button is located below the half way point so finger firing will be the most natural method.
However, finger firing will block the tiny 0.42″ screen. Something to consider, maybe.
One side of the battery section is tubular in design with the SMOANT logo running vertically down the spine.
No doubt this is the housing for the 1500mAh integrated battery.
The majority of the frame is comprised of clear PCTG and doesn’t match the frosted finish of the pod.
Leads, wires and circuitry are all clearly visible. I guess it looks kind of neat but at the same time has an unfinished quality about it.
I’m pleased that the Type C USB charging port has been side mounted. There’s enough width on the base of the battery section to allow the KNIGHT 40 to stand freely. It’s not going to tip over very easily.
The exterior of the pod housing is Zinc Alloy and spray coated with the colour scheme of choice. This also extends to the base of the device.
Speaking of the base it’s cool that SMOANT have included adequate battery venting.
The oval front panel is made from a glossy black PTCG. This is the business end of the device. Let’s take a look at functionality.
Quick Start Guide
How To Use the SMOANT KNIGHT 40 Pod Kit
- Press the fire button five times to turn the device on or off
- Press the fire button three times to select mode. Use the menu button to select mode.
- Modes are VW (variable Wattage), DVW and colour. Choose White, Red, Orange, Green or Blue. Press and hold the fire button to confirm selection
- Press the fire button and select button together to reset the puff counter
NB: The ANT chip will automatically detect the best wattage setting for the installed coil. I particularly like how coil parameters are briefly displayed on the screen when the pod is inserted.
Nice touch, SMOANT!
- While in standby, press the left or right side of the menu button to alter wattage
- Press the left and right side of the menu button to lock/unlock the device
While vaping, the display switches to vape duration in 0.1 second intervals.
Using DVW Mode
- When in DVW mode press the fire button and right side of menu button to enter the VW curve interface
- Press the left or right side of the menu button to alter vape duration between 0.5 – 2.0 seconds. Hold the fire button to move to the next curve setting.
This is SMOANT’S version of Variable Power Curve (VPC) in that the vape can have various stages of power. A soft to hard vape, a hard vape that tapers off or a vape that’s consistent throughout.
The Pod Section
It’s a bit different from the run of the mill pod and dare I say, a little on the ugly side. But that’s for good reason. Airflow adjustability has been built into the top.
Airflow skips across and down a sealed channel in the pod then hits the heated coil from beneath.
The 3.5ml pod is made from the same tough PCTG as part of the battery section and although frosted, e-liquid is clearly visible within.
Unfortunately that’s not the case when inserted into the battery section.
The mouthpiece is fixed and measures around 7mm in diameter. Not exactly conducive to a MTL vape, in my opinion. We shall see..
The airflow slider is workable enough, especially when using a finger nail for finer adjustments.
I did find the silicone stopper rather thin and awkward to remove, sitting directly beneath the airflow structure.
Fat fingers – does it every time! lol
The underside of the pod is entirely magnetic, making for excellent connectivity with the battery section.
How To Change A Coil and Fill The Pod
It’s important to note that the SMOANT S4 coil comes installed – with the coil adaptor already fitted.
You will need to remove this for use with all replacement coils. Follow the steps below..
- Remove the pod from the battery section
- Push the coil up inside the pod chamber ensuring a firm seal
- Lift the silicone fill tab from the side of the pod
- Gently pour e-liquid into the fill chamber making sure the level is above the cotton wicks
Replace the silicone fill tab ensuring a snug seal- Drop the pod back into the battery section
Replace the silicone fill tab ensuring a snug sealLet the E-liquid soak into the wicking ports for around five minutes prior to vaping.
How Does The SMOANT KNIGHT 40 Pod Kit Perform?
S4 0.35ohm mesh coil (Rated 30-35W)
The SMOANT ANT chip recognised the optimal setting as being 30W so that’s what I went with.
The e-liquid of choice was Black Rose Elixirs Carmilla, a Coffee beverage flavour set around a 50VG/50PG juice ratio with 20mg salt nicotine content.
Beginning with the airflow slot wide open I got a surprisingly powerful vape from the mesh coil and ramp up time was superb. The flavour pumped through as soon as the fire button was depressed.
This airflow setting created a semi restrictive lung hit and one I always favour. For a 50VG/50PG ratio, vapour production was around what I would expect. That’s to say I don’t recommend attempting to stealth vape with airflow wide open!
It’s by no means the quietest vape I’ve had from a pod kit but it’s still smooth and turbulence free.
The flavour was great. All the Coffee Liqueur notes were spilling from the exhale. There wasn’t quite enough power to do the spongey bakery elements enough justice and the cream was presented at around 50% its usual effectiveness.
But at this wattage I was more than satisfied with the resulting vape.
Further Airflow Restrictions
Adjusting the slider to mid position created that restrictive lung hit. It impressed me how little adjustment could make such a difference.
I did feel that the flavour was becoming a little muted, there being more sweetness to the beverage and less of the Coffee pulling through.
And a MTL vape is possible with even further restriction to the airflow. I don’t suggest closing it off entirely (although you can still vape) but allowing just a tickle of airflow.
You’ll need to be precise and patient but once found the option is there and it’s a decent vape. I got a good balance between flavour intensity and the sweeter aspect of the e-liquid.
70VG/30PG Blend
As much as I proved a 50VG/50PG ratio will work fine with the coil, it’s really better suited to thicker e-liquids because of the increased size of the wicking ports.
A 70VG/30PG blend is ideal. I wouldn’t suggest anything above this thickness, though.
When testing this ratio the flavour was just as good and you’ll obviously get more vapour production.
Extended inhales aren’t a problem for the coil and the additional heat (albeit limited) is most welcome, especially with bakery, spice or dessert based profiles.
S6 1.1ohm mesh coil (Rated 6-11W)
I used TEN TEN Red Berry Ice to test the MTL coil. It’s a 50VG/50PG juice ratio with 20mg salt nicotine already included. The SMOANT ANT chip suggested 10W as the optimal setting. Who am I to argue?
This may be a low powered coil but it still delivers a clout using the ANT chip recommended setting of 10W.
But with airflow wide open, you won’t get a very reliable MTL vape. It’s workable but it’s very loose.
Certainly not a comfortable experience and I found it more effective as a RDL vape.
The flavour was very good. The Menthol, Eucalyptus and Aniseed all pulled through nicely. Ok, not as intensely as the S4 coil for reasons of wattage constraints but I still thought this humble little chap was doing its utmost to please!
Further Airflow Restrictions
Adjusting the airflow slider to mid position made enough difference to push the inhale towards a half decent MTL vape. Still not exactly to my own preference but the Eucalyptus and Aniseed was beginning to leave more of a mark on the taste buds and lips.
The red berries were also more pronounced on this setting. Vapour production was good for that stealthy vape or four..
I closed the airflow right down to almost closed because the pod allows for such precise tuning. That’s where you’re going to find the best MTL vape. Because of the relatively wide bore of the mouthpiece I didn’t suffer the ‘stinging lips’ syndrome.
This left me to enjoy long, protracted vapes with plenty of flavour. It was a smooth, turbulence free draw and quiet enough for a few of those ‘bus stop’ moments.
Battery Performance and Charging
Using the 0.35ohm S4 coil I got 10.5 hours from a single battery charge. During this time I vaped around 7.5ml of E-liquid and notched up a total of 125 puffs.
The 1.1ohm S6 coil fared considerably better. I managed 27 hours of use, vaped 9ml of E-liquid and the number of puffs was 570.
However, fast Type C charging was a bit of a let down. It took 1 hour 45 minutes to revive an exhausted battery. The saving grace is that it’s possible to vape while charging.
I can’t say I noticed any degradation in performance as the battery level dropped. The flavour and vapour production was consistent throughout the life span of a charge.
Pros
- Fast ramp up time with either coil
- Great flavour from both coils
- Smooth turbulence free vape
- Versatile and effective airflow slider
- Charging in a vertical position
- Decent battery venting
- No leaking
- Light weight, slim and pocket friendly
Cons
- The small screen may be difficult to read (subjective)
- Unable to change screen colour (subjective to sample model)
- Ineffective DVW mode.
- Position of fire button (subjective)
- Unable to view remaining juice levels
- Silicone stopper can be difficult to use (subjective)
- Type C charging isn’t very fast
Final Review Verdict
I think I’m more impressed with the S6 MTL coil. The reason I say that is primarily down to economy of use. I got a whacking 27 hours use from a single charge. With airflow wide open, I was still able to pull a RDL vape.
Not its true role, granted but a welcome bonus nonetheless..
But that was the beauty of the airflow slider. Although quite small and limited, any adjustment was instantly noticeable. Given the distance is has to travel I found that quite impressive.
SMOANT have pretty much nailed airflow adjustability with the Knight 40 pod kit.
The speed of ramp up particularly impressed me with these mesh coils. Power was instant and power was consistent throughout use. I put that down to the efficiency of the ANT chip.
DVW mode seemed like a wasted opportunity. Whenever I made adjustments to test it, the bar chart would simply reset itself every time.
Not sure what that’s all about but it may be an issue with the sample. As a consequence I didn’t notice any difference with the power of the vape.
It’s also mentioned in the instructions that a choice of five screen colours are available. The option appears to have been omitted with the review sample.
When all’s said and done, the SMOANT KNIGHT 40 pod kit delivers the goods on flavour and vapour production. It’s reliable, light weight and pocket friendly and the coils were much more efficient than I was expecting.
Just before I sign off. I can confirm that the SMOANT Santi coils are compatible.
..I’m using the S2 0.6ohm RDL coil right now!
So one for the Christmas list? It’s certainly worthy of consideration.
