Smok Novo 2C Pod Kit Review – Novo Number Nine!

I’ve just got my sausage fingers on the new Smok Novo 2C Pod kit.

Taking into account this one, there are now nine Smok Novo pod kits in the series.

I guess the Smok mentality is that if it ain’t broke don’t try to fix it.

The series has undergone a few tweaks here and there but predominantly these pod kits are geared more towards the newer or casual vaper.

An elegant simplicity runs throughout the series.

From the OG Novo pod kit with its 450mAh integrated battery, 1.2ohm MTL pod and auto draw functionality to the Novo 5 pod kit which literally doubles battery capacity, features adjustable power and has a dedicated 0.69in OLED screen.

We’ve yet to see a Novo 3 pod kit so I’m wondering if this latest version is bridging the gap. It feels a little odd – why would Smok back track in this manner?

It also begs another question. Is the Smok Novo 2C a worthy addition or has the series seen its finest vape hour?

We’ll find out soon enough.

What Can We Expect From the Smok Novo 2C Pod Kit?

The Smok Novo 2C pod kit has been designed for MTL vaping. That much is evident by the included 0.8ohm sealed mesh pod.

We tell you all about MTL (Mouth To Lung) vaping in our Guide To Vape Styles.

Be aware that the coils are non replaceable and that once the pod begins to taste funky it will need to be replaced.

That’s a small price to pay given they won’t leak a drop thanks to double sealed silicone rings.

Although only one pod is included with the kit, fans of the series will be pleased to know the Novo 2C is compatible with a much wider selection.

The Novo, Novo 2 and Novo 2X pods can all be used with this latest offering.

Some of which adopt an easy top filling system which negates the need to ever remove the pod from the battery section. Other pods feature a side fill port so if you struggle with mouthpiece removal take a look at those.

The Novo 2C is powered by an integrated 800mAh integrated battery that should last the casual vaper anything up to a full day before needing to be recharged via the type C USB port fixed into the side of the device.

It uses auto draw to function – there’s no need to locate a fire button, simply inhale on the mouthpiece to vape to your hearts content.

The airflow is also fixed so there’s no need to fiddle around with adjustable sliders to find the right restriction. It’s ready to go straight out of the box.

The simplicity of the OG Novo pod kit remains. There’s no screen to rely on and the battery voltage drops over a period of use.

So how do we know how much life the battery has left?

That’s where the single front mounted 4 colour LED comes into effect. It alerts the user of current battery status as well as any safety issues that may arise during use.

The Smok Novo 2C pod kit comes in standard and TPD editions, both featuring a 2ml pod capacity.

A handy lanyard strap has been included for those prone to losing or dropping their vape devices.

.. That does include me!

You can pick the device up in a range of different colour schemes. Choose from Rose Gold, Orange, Pale green (under review), Silver, Grey or Black.

Inside the Box

• Novo 2C device (800mAh)
• Novo 2X mesh 0.8ohm MTL pod (2ml)
• Lanyard
• Type C USB charging cable
• User manual
• Warranty card
• Safety card

Smok Novo 2C Pod Kit – Specifications

• Dimensions: 95.5×24.5×14.5mm
• Battery: 800mAh (internal)
• Display: 4 colour LED indicator
• Resistance range: 0.6-2.5ohm
• Charging: USB Type C port – 0.7A charge rate
• Pods: Refillable, fixed/sealed coils
• Capacity: 2ml
• Compatible with Novo, Novo 2 and Novo 2X pods
• Filling: Top fill
• Activation: Auto draw

Design and Build Quality

Battery Section

The main body is comprised of durable metal and plastic and it feels capable of taking a few knocks. The width, depth and overall height makes it very comfortable when held and curved edges are the icing on this vape cake.

The colour injection process is highly consistent while the dot matrix pattern very much reminds me of the Vaporesso Gen 200 Mod. It has a rubberised texture, providing additional grip.

Something that’s always welcome.

A heavily recessed type C USB charging port has been built into the side of the battery. That’s mega cool since the device is more than capable of standing in a vertical position.

It’s a shame that battery venting hasn’t been included because it’s always a safeguard but the internal chip should be more than capable of dealing with potential issues.

Two small notches have been cut out either side where pod meets battery so we can assume a consistent MTL (Mouth To Lung) vape at all times.

Two gold plated contacts reside deep inside the battery alongside a single micro airflow ingress slot to feed the sealed mesh coil.

There are no magnetic contacts. The Novo 2X pod simply slots into place either way round.

Smok Novo 2X Pod

The pod is reversible as demonstrated by dual airflow ingress slots on the base.

That’s because the pod is filled from the top. Simply snap off the mouthpiece while it’s still attached to the battery and away you go!

It’s a very quick and easy way of refilling and doesn’t even rely on a silicone lift tab.

The Novo 2X pod variant employs a simple one way gravity fed valve system, designed to be child proof. It also drastically reduces the likelihood of overfilling thanks to the inclusion of an air release valve.

I must admit, this is the best way to fill pods.

So the pod is comprised of the usual tough PCTG material and perfectly clear. However, two thirds of the viewing area is lost when connected to the battery section.

The mouthpiece is the classic duck bill shape and feels quite comfortable when held to the lips. The opening is around 3mm to facilitate with that MTL tug.

Smok Novo 2C Pod Kit – Quick Start Guide

How To Fill the Pod

• Pull the pod out of the battery section
• Snap the mouthpiece off the pod
• Locate the RED fill port opening on the top of the pod
• Push the E-liquid bottle nozzle into the fill port opening

• Squeeze E-liquid into the fill chamber of the pod
• Snap the mouthpiece back onto the pod
• Take two or three puffs on the pod to prime the coil
• Push the pod back into the battery section

Smok advise that the bottle nozzle be no wider than 3mm and with a length no less than 9mm. I recommend using small 10ml E-liquid bottles to suit these parameters.

Remember to let the E-liquid soak into the cotton for around 2-3 minutes before vaping.

Do not attempt to pour E-liquid down the centre hole. You’ll flood the coil and be left with a funny gurgling sound and spitting when you vape!

How To Operate

The Smok Novo 2C pod kit relies entirely on auto draw to function. The single LED is your only form of communication with the current health of the battery.

During use the LED will illuminate Green, Orange or Red depending on current battery strength.

It will also notify of any safety issues.

• LED flashes once – Pod inserted
• LED flashes five times – Vaping has exceeded 7 seconds / short circuit detected
• LED flashes four times – Pod removed / No atomiser detected / pod resistance is lower than 0.6ohm / pod resistance is greater than 2.5ohm
• LED flashes fifteen times – Battery voltage < 2.9V – get it on charge

How To Charge the Smok Novo 2C Pod Kit

The charging rate is 0.7A.

• Connect the smaller end of the supplied type C USB cable into the side of the battery section

• Connect the larger end of the cable into a suitable USB outlet
• The LED will illuminate Red, Orange and finally Green as it passes through various stages of charge.
• The LED will switch off when the device is fully charged

It takes around 90 minutes to fully recharge the device. If that seems like a long time it’s still possible to vape with the cable plugged in.

How Does the Smok Novo 2C Pod Kit Perform?

I used IVG Cinnamon Blaze Chew to test the Novo 2X pod. It’s a 50VG/50PG juice ratio with 3mg freebase nicotine content.

The MTL vape experience is damn near perfect. The restriction is set so that it’s not too tight but not too loose and that results in a very comfortable inhale.

The inhale itself is very quiet with just the faintest of crackling from the mesh coil and there’s no turbulence whatsoever.

As for the flavour – it’s stonkingly good! The Cinnamon tastes strong and the Bubblegum has all the pop I’m looking for.

There’s just a smidgeon of cooling on the way in which sticks to the lips long after the vape has finished.

The sweetness of the vape is up there with any self respecting disposable vape and adds a flavoursome wetness to the exhale.

The fact flavour lingers on the palate so long is indication enough of how well the 0.8ohm mesh coil is responding.

RDL vaping

The fixed airflow slots work an absolute treat in bringing out a classic MTL vape but the Novo 2C can also be vaped RDL (Restrictive Direct Lung).

The mesh coil has no problem handling extended inhales and a 50VG/50PG juice ratio is definitely the way to go when using this pod.

What’s impressive is that the pod delivers excellent flavour properties whether used as a MTL or RDL vape.

Vapour production goes from being discreet to delivering a mini whirlwind of cloudage.

Personally, the RDL vape is as effective as a MTL vape. I’ve zero complaints.

Battery Performance

I got 90 minutes worth of vaping in before the Green LED switched to Orange.

It took another 2.5 hours for it to turn Red. This usually means the battery is almost empty but the Novo 2C lasted another 2.5 hours.

So in total I managed 6.5 hours. Not bad but not that great either.

The 2ml pod was lasting on average 2.5 hours too. I refilled it twice and estimate vaping around 5ml of E-liquid.

It’s also important to note that the battery held up well throughout charge. I didn’t notice much (if any) flavour degradation as it depleted.

Good stuff.

Pros

• Lightweight and pocket friendly
• Excellent flavour and decent vapour production
• Awesome MTL or RDL vape
• Easy to use top filling system
• Vertical charging
• No leaking
• Strong connection between pod and battery

Cons

• Unable to view entire contents of pod (subjective)
• Average battery life

Final Review Verdict

This is one of those rare occasions where I feel comfortable vaping either MTL or RDL. Usually I will opt for the latter every time.

It’s become habit since there are many supposed MTL devices that are just far too loose on the draw.

With the Smok Novo 2C pod kit I found myself mixing things up. Sometimes I’d choose a tight cigarette style draw, others a slightly more airy pull.

The Novo 2X pod allows that kind of versatility because there’s such a finely balanced airflow structure.

Full marks to Smok for achieving this without any kind of adjustability.

I can’t really fault the device.

It doesn’t come any easier to use and Smok have even provided additional details in their instruction manual – clearly aimed at the new vaper.

Full kudos to them. It’s often overlooked.

The Smok Novo 2C pod kit is the perfect introduction to any would be vaper keen to ditch the cigs.

The flavour is as concentrated as a disposable vape and just as easy to use after a little practise with filling.

So yeah, to conclude I’d say it’s more than a worthy addition to the current series.