The SMOK Acro kit is from a brand that I’d say have pretty much got the Pod world covered in every aspect right? The RPM range is vast and varies from high powered dual 18650 all the way down to small pocket friendly 40 watt kits.
Their smaller, more starter kit style systems are also very well covered, the Nord Pod Systems are extremely popular and after recently releasing the Smok Nord 4, I really thought Smok may move onto something new!
So is the Acro pod the new Segway into another range? Or is the Acro just a more budget version of the Nord kits to compete with things like the Voopoo Vthru?
What Can We Expect From the Smok Acro Pod Kit ?
The Smok Acro Pod kit is a 1000mAh device and a 25w maximum output which comes amazingly with two pods in the kit.
The Mesh pods have an 0.8Ω resistance and a 2ml capacity
Where Smok have really used their brains, is by adding a display that allows you to adjust the wattage, and also a small cheeky airflow slider on the back.
Add to that a USB Type-C port on the base, and surely Smok have nailed it right?
So let’s crack on with the review and see what this kit is all about.
This kit was sent to me free of charge for the purpose of review.
All views and opinions are solely those of my own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of others.
Inside the Box
- 1 x ACRO Device
- 2 x ACRO Pods
- 1 x User Manual
- 1 x USB-C Cable
Smok Acro Specs and Features
- Size: 30.2 x 11.2 x 103mm
- Battery: 1000mAh Built-In
- E-Liquid Capacity: 2ml
- Pod Coil Resistance: 0.8Ω Mesh
- Output Wattage: 5-25w
- Airflow – Airflow slider on back
- Charging: Via USB-C Port
- Available colours: Black | Grey | Coffee | Silver | Blue Purple | Cyan Pink | Red Gold
Design and Build Quality
The Smok Acro is aimed for those either on a budget, or just looking to get off the smokes as cheaply as possible. With that in mind, Smok haven’t done a bad job with the construction of the Acro Pod Device.
As much as it isn’t plastic, it feels like it. Weird right? But just because it ‘feels’ a bit on the plastic side, it still feels quite well made.
I received the black variant of the Smok Acro and I’m quite pleased with the paint finish and quality, its not exactly scratch and scuff-proof but its not going to peel off that easily.
With regards to design, it’s almost as simple as they come. Featuring a large clicky fire-button along with the option to vape it with the Automatic Draw makes this device extremely easy to use.
However Smok have kept my favourite word in the mix ‘Versatility’.
With the addition of an Airflow adjustment slider and the option to adjust your wattage means this device becomes much more versatile than the usual run of the mill pod kit.
On the side of the device is a fairly small, but simple and clear display which shows your battery capacity, including percentage, Coil resistance, Puff time and wattage.
This is a wattage only device so its extremely easy to adjust. As much as the display is small, its fairly clear and I’ve had no issues in direct sunlight either.
The airflow slider at the back of the device is also small, but its easy to adjust if not a little on the loose side, so even a gentle push with a finger, or rolling around in your pocket may adjust the airflow to how you like it.
The Acro Pods
The two Mesh pods that come with the kit are exactly the same 0.8 Ohm pods, with a 2ml capacity. They’re slightly smoked in colour but its fairly easy to see your e-liquid level.
The fill port located on the side is small, but if you’re using the usual 10ml Nic-Salt bottles, you’ll have no problem filling, however you do have to battle with air-locks due to the size of the coil inside, and the width of the pod.
Filling can take a bit of time as the e-liquid filters from one side to the other.
The pods connect nicely into the device itself thanks to two large magnets and there is barely any side to side movement, a nice solid connection
Unfortunately however, the Pods have Non-Replaceable coils.
Meaning once the coil is burning out its time to bin the whole pod. Which is a shame and a waste of a perfect good pod. It’s always a shame when manufacturers make devices like this with non-replaceable coils. Why! Just why?
Smok Acro In the Hand
The SMOK Acro pod system is light and very portable meaning its really no bother in the hand. I have barely used the fire button either as the automatic switch system is very responsive.
How To fit the Coils and Fill the Smok Acro Pods
Here’s how to fill the pod with e-liquid:
- Remove the pod from the device
- Open the red silicon bung on the side
- Fill with your desired e-liquid
- Re-fit the silicone bung
- Leave the pod to saturate the cotton for 5mins
- Re-fit the pod into the device.
Smok Acro Display Functions
The Smok Acro features a neat little display with very limited functions, but still handy to tailor your vape. Here’s what you can do with it:
Quick Start Guide
Here’s how to operate the Device:
- Device On/Off – 5 Clicks fire button
- Swap between Auto & Manual Draw – 3 Clicks Fire Button
- Lock/Unlock Wattage – Press + & – Buttons
- Adjust wattage – + or – Button
How Does the Smok Acro Perform?
I dumped a load of ULTD Salts – Citrus Seven into the Acro Pod, a 20mg Nic-Salt which is like it says it is. A citrusy cool vape that really hits fairly hard with lemon and lime and a nice amount of sweetness on the tongue.
Smok Acro Pod Kit- the 0.8Ω Mesh Pod
Recommended between 12 and 15 watts, I’ve been quote happy anywhere in this range, however 13 watts seemed to be where I left it most of the time.
With the airflow slider adjusted to almost the minimum open, the flavour is very good. It’s up there with all its competitors who manufacture small, simple style pod systems like this. I really cant fault the flavour.
I really like the restriction set like this, its a tight MTL draw that I really enjoy, similar to a cigarette but obviously due to the mouthpiece shape, its a little different but still comfortable and enjoyable.
With the airflow slider set almost to the minimum, its a slightly warm smooth vape and there is very little noise from the airflow inlet.
Opening the airflow up to its maximum, the restriction is still ideal for MTL, I struggle to get a restricted Direct-Lung vape from this, for me its almost impossible.
Flavour is still good, so if you enjoy a loose MTL vape, you’ll get on fine with this.
Airflow
Thanks to the airflow slider, the device will please a lot of vapers. I really cant stress enough how much airflow plays a part in helping people quit smoking. The fact the Acro has a very simple slider on the back just broadens this devices scope.
With regards to noise, the Acro doesn’t whistle at you, nor does it feel rough. The vape is smooth and fairly quiet across the airflow range.
Battery Life & Charging
The Smok Acro has a 1000mAh battery which is pretty much bang on for a device of this style. With he recommended wattage being 12-15w I’ve easily enjoyed 2 days vaping, all day for two days without the need to charge.
The USB-Type C port at the base is an added bonus, however its limited to a 0.85A charge, meaning its taken me over an hour to charge.
If I’m honest, I haven’t timed it but I know that after 2 hours its fully charged. I imagine it takes approx 1.5hrs to charge from completely empty.
Does the Pod Mod Leak?
In a few words. A little bit.
These aren’t the worse when it comes to leaking, but they do weep slightly so if you decide to leave the Acro system for a few days, be sure to either empty the pod, or remove the pod from the device altogether.
If you experience any leaking from the pod, be sure to clean it thoroughly along with inside the device to make sure the contacts remain clean and dry.
Pros
- Very respectable flavour
- Simple to use
- Responsive Automatic Switch
- Clear simple display
- Airflow Slider actually makes a difference
- Pods last very well
- Decent battery life
Cons
- Feels a little cheap
- Slightly leaky pods
- Air locks in pod when filling and using
- Charge time is a little slow
- Average build quality of the device
- Non-Replaceable coils
Final Review Verdict
I haven’t really answered my own question:
Is the Acro just a more budget version of the Nord kits to compete with things like the Voopoo Vthru?
In essence, yes that’s exactly what the Smok Acro kit is. Its basically a simplified Nord with non replaceable coils but still featuring adjustable wattage and airflow.
As usual there are always a small cons to these kind of devices, the main issue for me is that you cant replace the coils. So if that bothers you, I recommend the Nord 4.
Other than that, everything else is minor and the Smok Acro Pod system is simple, portable and performs excellently. Definitely up there with the likes of the Voopoo Vthru and the Aspire Minican which are two of my favourite Budget Pod kits that i use quite often.
Would this device be long lasting and still work 3, 6 or even 12 months from now?
I have my doubts with the build quality as it does feel slightly cheap, however its 1000mAh battery capacity means that even as that battery starts to die out over the months, I’m pretty confident the device will keep you going into 2022 as long as you keep it dry, and charge it correctly.
Does this device deliver the flavour, vapour and general experience I require, in order to be enjoyed?
I’m really impressed with the performance. Both for flavour and as a general vape experience it performs excellently. The fact the Smok Acro has adjustable airflow and wattage means you can really dial in the vape to how you like it.
Is this device versatile to suit a new vaper, and an experienced one a like?
This one is certainly for the smoker looking for a budget vape that might actually work! It’s possible however it might be slightly too much for a new vaper. Some folks want super simplicity but the Smok Acro is just one step above that.
For the longer term vaper – This may not be what they’re after, but that still doesn’t mean the Acro doesn’t perform well, because it does. It’s just a little bit cheap in feel and the non-replaceable coils may put people off.
Have you bought the Smok Acro Pod kit?
Or have you given it a try?
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below.
Mine keeps tasting burnt I’ve always used very low wattage I think between five and seven I have change the pods and it either leaks profusely or taste burnt
Bought this but the filling was terrible could never get it anywhere near full without shaking the pod 5-6 times shame because except for that really liked it 😰
I had the same problem with the 2 pods that came with the device. However the replacement pods from the 3 packs fill a lot easier and they aren’t so tight in the device