The Smok IPX80 pod kit review and as the name suggests this is a device that’s capable of powering up to 80W.
It’s also IP67 rated meaning it’s able to withstand the ingress of water to a depth of anything approaching one metre.
Most folk familiar with their pod based systems will be aware of the Smok Nord series, the latest of which being the Smok Nord 4 which for the first time features an externally adjustable airflow ring or dial.
Of course this isn’t the first time a rotary airflow design has been used on a pod system. GeekVape got there first with their Aegis Boost range albeit with a single dial mounted on the pod itself.
Smok has taken the idea one step further by introducing dual adjustable airflow dials while increasing the battery capacity of the Smok Nord 4 pod kit.
So what’s it like to vape and how’s the Smok IPX80 pod kit for flavour?
Let’s find out.
Please note the views and opinions expressed below are gathered from my own experiences while using the device. They may/will differ from yours should you decide to participate.
..and No! I’m not going to be dunking the device in a bath tub of water!
In the real world it should be considered to withstand the elemental forces of Mother Nature. Just saying lol.
What Can We Expect From the Smok IPX80 Pod Kit?
The Smok IPX80 pod kit uses the very same RPM2 coils of the Smok Scar P3 pod kit, RPM2 pod kit as well as the Smok Nord X and Smok Nord 4 pod kit.
There are just two coil variations included with the kit, one of which is designed for a direct lung vape and the other for a MTL style.
It’s important to note that the Smok IPX80 RPM2 pod will also accept original RPM coils thus giving an extended array of options to suit your vaping needs.
So it’s the usual cross compatibility confusion! Happy days lol.
..I think I’d better move on before compatibility chaos ensues and I develop the inevitable headache from hell! lol
The Smok IPX80 pod kit features a trio of “proofing” which safeguards the device from not only water immersion but knocks, bumps and the obligatory drop. It’s capable of withstanding the ingress of dust and foreign matter too.
It’s also the first time Smok have utilized a dual rotary adjustable airflow control mechanic together with a new re-shaped IPX80 RPM2 pod to suit. So hopefully we can expect diversity from a multitude of airflow options.
Finally, with a whacking great 3000mah integrated battery we should expect to get at least a full day of use before recharging.
Inside the Box
I received an early sample edition of the Smok IPX80 pod kit and judging from the sleeve, Smok is putting a lot of emphasis on the pods waterproofing abilities.
The main features of the device are also clearly illustrated.
It’s nice to have a sleeve that also pulls away easily, instantly exposing the included contents which are:
- IPX80 device (3000mAh)
- IPX80 RPM 2 pod (5.5ml capacity)
- RPM2 mesh 0.16ohm coil
- RPM2 DC 0.6ohm MTL coil
- Type C USB cable
- User manual
There’s also a QC card and a safety card that suggests using 5V/1A charging units.
Smok IPX80 Pod Kit – Features
I’ve already mentioned the IP67 rating included as part of the external protections of the device. What else does the IPX80 offer us?
Well, it’s been ergonomically designed and is comfortable in the hand. It’s also lightweight and pocket friendly.
The internal battery includes all the usual protections you would expect to find and it’s said to have a very rapid firing response time of 0.001 seconds.
..I’m still scratching my head over that “precision” timing! lol
I received the Fluid Black Grey rendition for the purposes of review and very nice it is too!
It comes in 7 colour schemes: Grey, Blue, Black Carbon Fibre, Brown, Red, Fluid 7 colour and Fluid Black Grey.
There’s also a 2ml TPD compliant pod version available.
The Smok IPX80 pod kit has an adjustable wattage mode as you would expect and the very welcome inclusion of fast type C charging.
As previously stated the 3000mAh internal battery will hold its own for an extended period of time. That’s something we’ll be looking at later in the review.
The dual rotary airflow dials are able to spin 180 degrees to cater for either coil and adaptable to your style of vaping, be-it direct lung or mouth to lung.
Finally, the Smok IPX80 features a clear 0.96in colour TFT screen to display all the information needed from wattage output to battery strength.
Smok IPX80 Pod Kit – Specifications
- Size 107×34.8×34.5mm
- Weight 115g
- Battery capacity 3000mAh
- Pod capacity 5.5ml / 2ml
- Output range 1-80W
- Resistance range 0.15ohm – 3.0ohm
- Input voltage 3.3 – 4.2V
- Charging DC5V/1.4A
- IP67 rated
- 0.96in TFT colour screen
- 8 second cut off
Design and Build Quality
Smok IPX80 Pod Kit – Mod Section
Although it has a weight of 115g the device doesn’t feel very heavy in the hand.
There’s a natural tendency to wrap the fingers around which in turn blocks the TFT screen but that’s really only a minor gripe.
A significant amount of the main body is comprised of a rubberised coating and this extends to the base of the Smok IPX80 pod kit. It’s here that the USB port has been placed.
Again it’s been IP67 protected by means of a rubber cap. I didn’t find it the easiest to remove and actually caused me some frustration during multiple attempts to prise it open. I’m a nail biter so that obviously doesn’t help.
The USB port isn’t in the most ideal of places either.
I always prefer to charge devices in a vertical position. Otherwise I’m removing the pods for fear of potential leakage.
The leather look and feel of the back padding is pretty cool and I like this particular colour scheme, it’s a bit different.
What isn’t different is the zinc alloy “C” frame that’s holding it in place.
We’ve been here before without naming names…
Yet it always adds to the overall aesthetics and ergonomics with pod kits so it’s one of those “if it ain’t broke don’t try to fix it” moments, I guess.
Situated at the top on either side of the battery section are the rotary airflow dials.
Rotating or spinning the rather stiff dials to the left will open the airflow as indicated and turning them right reduces it. You’re not given much to grip when making precise adjustments, something of a pain when making a 180 degree turn.
Having said that, you’re not likely to fiddle about with it too much once the sweet spot has been found.
.. and no matter which way I view the adjustable airflow structure I’m constantly reminded of a pair of frog eyes lol!
I’m afraid it takes away some of the overall appeal in terms of aesthetics.
Smok IPX80 Pod Kit – The Display and Functionality
The clear, TFT colour screen displays the battery remaining as an icon as well as a percentage.
Current wattage is displayed in large white numerals and to the side of this a small lock/unlock icon.
Categorized underneath are the resistance of the coil, voltage (only displayed while vaping), a puff counter and at the lowest point of the screen, the time spent on the last vape.
- Five clicks of the fire button will either power the device on or off
- Three clicks of the fire button will lock/unlock the device
- Press the left or right menu button (beneath the screen) to increase/decrease wattage
- Hold the left and right menu buttons together to lock/unlock the wattage
- Press the fire and left menu button to reset the puff counter
- Hold the fire and right menu button to change the colour scheme
Smok IPX80 Pod Kit – Pod Section
It’s the industry standard with the pod comprised of a toughened PTCG plastic material.
This makes it quite shock proof even without the need for any IP67 rating. Always a good thing.
The shape of the mouthpiece is in the style of a ducks bill and doesn’t really feel natural or comfortable around the lips.
It’s large and the opening certainly doesn’t lend itself to a mouth to lung vape.
We’re going to be relying entirely on the effectiveness of the dual rotary dials with the Smok IPX80 pod kit.
The window is translucent so viewing juice levels isn’t going to be a major problem but the RPM2 pod falls into the same trap as many others, namely being heavily recessed into the battery section.
This effectively means you’ll only see half of the contents at any given time while in use. I’ve never been a fan of having to remove a pod in order to see what’s left inside, it is what it is…
On the plus side, the RPM2 pod isn’t going to accidentally fall out either. It may be heavily recessed but four strong magnets align with those of the inner battery, securing it into place.
There’s no rattling when shook and it takes a fair degree of force to remove it once connected. Impressive stuff. Just bare in mind the pod will only fit one way..
The silicone stopper of the RPM2 pod works a treat because it’s easy to pull away using the lift tab. What a refreshing change lol!
The opening is also wide enough to accommodate most bottle nibs too.
Smok IPX80 Pod Kit – How To Fill the Pod
- Remove the RPM2 pod from the battery section
- (With a coil already installed) lift the tab on the silicone stopper to open fill port
- Carefully pour E liquid into the pod chamber taking care not to overfill
- Replace the silicone stopper ensuring a snug seal
- Return the RPM2 pod to the battery section
Before vaping, a new coil should spend around five minutes in the company of the filled pod in order for the juice to fully saturate the cotton – known as priming your coil.
This will prevent any chance of a dry hit. You don’t want them! Unless you’re into gurning…
The RPM2 pod uses plug and play coils so it’s just a case of aligning the flat sides up and pushing them in – quite simple.
How Does the Smok IPX80 Pod Kit Perform?
Smok recommend juice ratios of 70VG/30PG when using the device. Who am I to argue! lol
.. I won’t be using that ratio on the MTL coil though.
I started by using the 0.16ohm mesh coil with Zeus Juice Black Reloaded with a freebase nicotine content.
RPM2 0.16ohm mesh coil rated 25-50W (Best 40W)
The recommended power output of 40W was used to test the 0.16ohm mesh coil and with both airflow dials fully open I got a very pleasant shock!
The flavour was punching good and hard from the word go.
By shocked I mean there was an unbelievably strong and concentrated flavour. There’s usually a broader and somewhat muted flavour with airflow wide open. At least that’s what I’ve found generally speaking with pod based systems.
There’s a very minimum amount of airflow restriction and the vape although a little noisy offered up no turbulence. A very smooth inhale all around in fact.
The combination of Blackcurrant and menthol are able to shine in equal measure, neither one jostling for attention. The reproduction was exactly as I liked it.
Cloud production was very satisfying and definitely to the levels found in your average sub ohm tank.
RPM2 0.16ohm mesh coil – Mid Restriction
When spinning both airflow dials down to mid way I would say I gained a further increase to restriction of about 20%. That’s actually less than I was expecting but the flavour intensified further and was certainly more concentrated.
As a consequence the menthol leaves more of an impression after the exhale than on the rear of the throat.
I started to notice a warming of the lips after around 3-4 seconds so I would suggest reducing the amount of power when using the device under this (or further) restriction to counter balance the added warmth.
RPM2 0.16ohm mesh coil – Highly Restricted
I actually discovered that even with airflow dials completely closed there was the possibility of a semi restrictive direct lung hit! It’s not even restricted to the point of becoming an airy MTL vape.
Not that this mesh coil is designed for that purpose, but there’s still only around a 50% restriction. Head scratching stuff for me, at least..
By reducing the power down to 30W I still got a comfortable vape and both flavour and cloud production remained superb.
To sum it up, this has got to be one of the best vaping experiences I’ve encountered so far on a pod based system.
Yes, there are only subtle airflow differences when vaping between fully open/closed dial settings but the flavour and cloud production is quite remarkable on any airflow arrangement.
I’m highly impressed by the consistent performance of the 0.16ohm mesh coil in the Smok IPX80 RPM2 pod. Every vape was a flavoursome winner!
RPM2 0.6ohm DC Coil rated 12-25W
I used 88 Vape Rainbow Burst, freebase nicotine with a 50VG/50PG ratio. It should be ideally suited to this low powered narrow bore MTL coil.
The first test was carried out with the airflow dials fully open and with a power setting of 22W (used across all airflow settings).
From the very first inhale I could tell this was going to be a very airy MTL vape. Far too much to even class as anything other than a restrictive DTL experience.
The inhale is a much quieter affair than witnessed with the 0.16ohm mesh coil and remains as smooth and turbulent free too.
The coil simply oozes flavour! As with the mesh coil I was pleasantly surprised at how well it could handle flavour notes.
Providing a concentrated flavour on the exhale, I had no difficulty in picking out oranges, lemons as well as the occasional back note of banana from this tropical inspired E liquid.
Vapour production is drastically reduced over the DTL coil as is expected but perfect for the new vaper.
RPM2 0.6ohm DC coil – Mid Restriction
The slight reduction to airflow is noticeable but still not enough to consider this your classic MTL vape. Again I was able to directly pull on the coil with no loss to flavour quality.
I would hazard a guess at there being around 70% airflow restriction, still more than I would associate with my favoured restrictive lung hit but less than needed for an adequate MTL – which the coil is designed for.
All the flavour notes remain perfectly intact but I would consider this a less saturated vape than that demonstrated with airflow wide open.
RPM2 0.6ohm DC Coil – Highly Restricted
With both airflow dials fully shut I approach what I would describe as a meaningful MTL vape.
Incredibly there’s still enough airflow for a very restrictive direct lung pull but it’s an uncomfortable experience – the coil is finally showing it’s true intent.
Does it work as a MTL vape? Yes, but only just and may not be satisfactory enough to convince an ex smoker they’ve made the right decision.
There’s also a compromise in flavour property. The increased warmth generated by the coil seems to nullify clarity and presence of the fruits while vapour production is as consistent as ever.
I have to be completely honest. This coil performs much better as a very restricted DTL vape.
Pros
- Fantastic flavour from both DTL and MTL coils
- Great vapour production from the DTL coil
- Silicone fill stopper is easy to use
- Strong, rugged and durable build
- Lightweight and portable (pocket friendly)
- Large, clear 0.96in TFT screen
Cons
- Fast type C charging isn’t really that fast
- USB port mounted on bottom of device
- Only 50% of the juice capacity is visible
- Adjustable airflow dials can be a bit awkward to use
- Too much airflow for a decent MTL vape
Final Review Verdict
Smok IPX80 Pod Kit – Coil Performance
When it comes to performance both coils are excellent. They provided fantastic flavour quality fast approaching that of a half decent sub ohm tank in my opinion.
When using the direct lung (0.16ohn mesh) coil the amount of airflow and vapour production was on point.
As a direct lung vaper it’s always nice to take long pulls without fear of dry hitting – that didn’t occur once.
The problems arise when it comes to the 0.6ohm MTL coil. The dual adjustable airflow dials just aren’t rigged to accommodate the restriction required. So the audience is also going to be restricted (like what I did there? lol).
As a consequence I found myself using the coil for a heavily restrictive lung hit and not as intended.
The coils did show signs of condensation (expected) but the only time they leaked was when I extended vape time to 8 seconds – to test that particular protection (which work fine, by the way).
I would recommend juice ratios of 70/30 – 80/20 with the RPM2 mesh coil and ratios no higher than 60/40 with the 0.6ohm DC MTL coil.
Smok IPX80 Pod Kit – Battery Performance
Using the RPM2 0.16ohm mesh coil at 40W I was able to get 9 hours continuous use from the 3000mAh internal battery. During which time I vaped around 10ml of juice with the puff counter hitting a grand total of 226.
The RPM2 0.6ohm DC coil powered to 22W gave me a considerably longer vaping period between charges.
I gleaned 20 hours from the battery having vaped approximately 12ml of juice with the puff counter reading 530.
As much as this is a very powerful integrated battery, it could easily have been replaced with an 18650. Judging by the 34mm width of the mod it’s a viable option.
I’m not used to fast type C charging taking this long either. Two hours seems quite a time period when compared to batteries with less capacity using the feature.
Smok IPX80 Pod Kit – Everyday Use
I mentioned the weight of the device earlier and true enough I was never really conscious of it when in a pocket.
The TFT screen is large and bright although it’s difficult to read some of the smaller numerals in direct sunlight.
The response time from the fire button is indeed very impressive. To the point of firing when making those quick presses for wattage/device lock.
Both raised and tactile, I never had an issue locating it and overall the device feels very comfortable in the hand while vaping. The contours and leather like padding really does make a difference.
Filling can be achieved on the fly thanks to the design of the lift tab and the pod makes a very secure connection with the battery section.
I do feel the dual rotary dials are a bit stiff and tricky to spin when altering airflow but over time and with additional use this probably won’t be a niggle.
I struggle to recommend the Smok IPX80 Pod Kit to anyone that’s looking for a true MTL vape. It just won’t provide that regardless of the included MTL coil. It may have been a totally different opinion had there only been a single adjustable dial.
So the diversity of the airflow system is most effective for those already familiar with the various restrictions available for direct lung vaping.
Coupled with some really excellent flavour and vapour production, this is where the Smok IPX80 Pod Kit really shines.
