It seems every time I turn around the popular vape manufacture Smok releases another mod or tank under the umbrella of the TFV8 or the PRIV ranges! Not that I’m disappointed about that at all… Smok is a great manufacture with some great ideas I always look forward to seeing their new releases!
SMOK are responsible for bring us the T-Priv and H-Priv, both accompanied with one of the TFV8 range of tanks, of which I had the pleasure of reviewing the brother of the Baby Beast, the X-Baby not so long back.
This time I have the pleasure of introducing you all to the SMOK Priv V8 Kit, a wonderful compact, single 18650 battery starter sub ohm kit that includes the world famous TFV8 Baby Beast.
Make no mistake when I say starters sub ohm kit this is a beast in training and will knock the sock off even the hardiest of vapers.
In The Box
- Priv V8 Mod
- TFV8 Baby Beast Tank
- V8 Baby-M2(0.25ohm Dual Coils)(Pre-installed)
- V8 Baby-M2(0.25ohm Dual Coils)
- Replacement Glass Tube
- USB Charging Cable
- User Manual
- Spares baggy
Main Specs/Features
Priv V8 Mod
- Material:zinc alloy
- Colors: gold, red, purple, white, black, silver, black & red
- Size:80*34*24.5mm
- Max output:60W
- Min support resistance:0.15ohm
- Battery:1pc 18650
- Standby current:<200uA
- Input voltage:3.4-4.2V
- Charging current:600-700mA
- Dual LED indicators
- Large fire key
- Micro USB port Charging function
- Impedance protection
- Short circuit protection
- Low battery warning
- Reverse battery protection
- Overshoot protection
- 8 Seconds cut-off
TFV8 Baby Beast Tank
- Material:stainless steel + pyrex glass
- Colors:gold,red,purple,rainbow,silver,black
- Size:53*22mm
- Capacity:3ml (2ml tpd)
- Thread:510
- Wide bore delrin drip tip
- Bottom airflow adjustable design
- Top refill system
- V8 BABY-M2 0.25ohm coil head
- RBA core supported
Design and Build Quality
When I opened the box the first thing that struck me was the colour, a gorgeous purple glossy finish.
As always with Smok products the Priv V8 Kit is very well built (zinc alloy) and the design is sleek. The Baby Beast Tank is made of stainless steel and Pyrex glass, combining the two makes for a very pocket or purse friendly set up.
The Priv V8 Mod
A very simple piece of kit that has a stainless steel 510 connection with a gold plated 510 pin which is spring loaded.
Along one side of the mod is the large fire button, on the front the words Priv V8 is printed, a USB charge port at the bottom that has been recessed in the body of the mod along with an led light.
The bottom of the mod you will find a hinged lockable battery door along with the normal CE mark and non recyclable bin the words designed by Smok are also printed here.
Inside the battery compartment you have a printed battery orientation mark assigned with a big cross for positive on the inside of the door is the negative connection.
To turn the mod on click the fire button 5 times and you are ready to start vaping!
The Priv V8 will fire at the starting wattage of 60w and has all the normal protections including one might expect from a high quality mod including; minimum coil resistance of 0.15, short circuit protection, low battery warning, reverse battery protection and an 8 second toke count.
The TFV8 Baby Beast Tank components
The Baby Beast breaks down into 5 Pieces for easy cleaning
- Wide bore driptip
- Top cap with chimney and liquid intake
- Pre installed coil
- Pyrex tank
- 510 Base with bottom airflow
The Base/Coil/Airflow
The Coil screws into the base which has a 510 threaded connection with a silver plated stainless steel connection pin. The airflow is can be adjusted by twisting the cylon type ring at the bottom of the base.
Top cap/chimney/liquid intake port
The top cap/chimney screws into the coil. Look for the arrow with the word “open” by using your thumb push open the liquid intake inside is a white gasket which has a kidney shaped slot.
O rings
The various O rings fit well and I’ve not experienced any leaks with the TFV8 Baby Beast in the time I have used it.
Driptip
The wide bore driptip is made from Delrin with two small O rings for a tight fit.
A quick guide to changing the coils and replacing the battery
*I recommended that you empty any E-Liquid in the Baby Beast Tank before changing coils.
- Turn your Baby Beast upside down and remove the base, (the coil will come away with the base)
- Remove the old coil and switch out for a new one! Please make sure you screw the new coil in firmly into the base!
- You will need to prime any new coil to avoid burning, do this by dripping liquid on to the cotton and in through the liquid intake slots on the side of the coil.
- Then re-attach the base to the tank section.
- To fill your tank turn the tank right side up and look for the word “Open” around the top of the tank
- With your thumb push the fill port open and with a needle nose bottle fill the tank with your favourite liquid
- Close and leave the tank for a few minutes so the coil can soak up more e-liquid.
The battery is easily switched out. Simply Turn your Priv V8 mod upside down and open the battery cover by sliding it out the hinged door. Place your 18650 battery positive down into the mod and close the door. Attach your Baby Beast Tank and click the fire button 5 times your ready now to vape.
How does The Priv V8 Kit Perform?
The Priv V8 Kit in use
I felt that I had to use a special liquid with the Priv V8 Kit so I filled the Baby Beast up with one of my favourite liquids Cherry Cola from V-Juice, I normally reserve this liquid for dripping only lol
The Baby Beast was no surprise to me being just as thirsty for liquid as I remember it being. The vapour I experienced was, as always, very thick.
With the SMOK Priv V8 only being 60w I found the flavour to be very acceptable, the coils that come with the kit are both 0.25 ohms. After a while of tooting with the kit and as the battery weakened the amount of vapour decreased very quickly… along with my liquid it has to be said lol.
The tank size I have is 3ml (the UK have a TPD version 2ml only available) I managed 4 tanks of e-liquid in just under 3 hrs before I had to change the battery.
That is with the air flow wide open and direct to lung style of vaping, it’s just about possible to experience a restrictive straight to lung draw by cutting the airflow down, however, it’s a sub ohm tank and as such designed for direct to lung not MTL.
See The Priv V8 Kit In Action
What I Like
The colour of the Priv V8 Kit is wonderful; I have never owned a purple mod unless I borrowed one like I did with the Minikin V2.
I was able to chain vape at 60W with Priv V8 Kit, neither the Baby Beast Tank or the Priv V8 Mod broke a sweat and I didn’t experience much, if any, heat from the tank.
The airflow is plenty for the supplied coils.
What I Didn’t Like
I was only disappointed by a couple of things with the Priv V8 Kit.
When I first disassembled the Baby Beast, I found when it was assembled at the factory it was done so extremely tightly. I had to use cushioned pliers to remove the base and the same with the coil.
While I love the look and feel of the Priv V8 Kit! The amount of liquid I can get through reminds me why I don’t use any of the TFV8 Tanks much, I will use the Priv V8 mod in the future but I will replace the tank.
Final Review Verdict
While I think this kit would be a good starting point for those that want a no nonsense introduction to sub ohm’ing I couldn’t recommend this as a starter kit for those coming off cigarettes.
For the more seasoned vapers that are after a pocket/purse kit or a travel mod I can’t recommend it highly enough.
Would I buy the Smok Priv V8 Kit again should I lose it or have it stolen –Yes I’d buy the Kit but the tank would go un used.
Pros
- Flavour and vapour was good
- No leaking in the time I was testing
- Very Good build quality
- Extremely easy to use kit
Cons
- The TFV8 Baby Beast is very thirsty
The smok priv v8 is to put it simply a piece of crap .I had three brake on me before I stopped using there products.. The insert were the 510 pin screwed into the base kept breaking off.
They also constantly leaked.
I would never recommend this product to any body.
Looks like i will give this a miss judging by the comments, but thanks for the review
Hi Kevin thank you for your review.
Have you had any exp,with a Smok stick AIO and if so what oils would you say work ok with this device as i have tried several, 6mg and 3mg and dosnt agree with it-IE: spit back,flooding,leaking etc and because its a sub, i only use 70/30vg.
I think Smok are a poor design personally as this is the second Smok and both ive had problems with and both have leaked. My other was the Smok vape 22.
Thanks in advance.
Smok are bad for leaking
How long does it take to charge using the USB cable that comes with the kit? Can the battery be over – charged?
Hey Vickie, depending on the condition of your battery about 3hrs, if your charging through the usb port it cant over charge as the mod I believe has a cutout, personally I always recommend charging all batteries via a dedicated external charger, a 2 gang charger can be picked up fairly cheaply online or at a B&M store cheers
I totally agree that this is a very thirsty tank. On top of that, I keep the vent about 90 percent closed, it is a very bad leaker. I will definitely be looking for a different tank. I do however like the size and fit. The guys at my local vape shop recommended GT Cores Vaporesso coils. Will see if they work a little better than the original ones.
I just ordered mine, but having a little trouble choosing batteries. I know I need the flat top ones, but the specs (wattage, mah, etc) mess me up Could you list it link which ones will work?
Hi Tony, I would suggest Samsung 25R will be fine to run this kit or even Sony vtc 5A, if you have facebook look up Mooch or Torchy the battery guys
It’s it impossible to adjust the wattage?
Hi Bardy,
afraid not its a standard 60w device, the wattage drop is dictated by your battery – so as your battery weakens so does the wattage out put.
I am having issues with having to change the coils after only a day or two. I have primed well and poked holes in the cotton after reading that it could help. I don’t chain vape and I’m at a loss. It’s ridiculous considering that I pay $30 for a pack of coils. Also, the extra coil included in the kit doesn’t seem to fit. It’s too small and doesn’t screw in. Any tips?
Hi Ang,
I really don’t know what to tell you as all the Smok coils I have used in this tank have functioned and lasted me about 2 weeks, yes I have also heard of poking holes in the cotton I’ve never done it! The Joyetech ProC coils do fit and work well with this tank just thought I’d mention that in case you want to give them a go, as for the extra coil not fitting that might have been a mistake when the unit was packed at the factory – sorry I cant be more help.
Thank you so much for trying to help. The problem is solved. Unfortunately there’s only one vape shop in our small city and they recommended the wrong coils. A shop in another city helped me out. I was pissed! I bought the priv 8 locally along with extra coils. I went back several times for recommendations on solving the problem. They couldn’t help. I was assured that the coils were correct. They were not. They had been selling me t8 coils. And being new to this mod assumed they knew what they were doing. I’ll be taking the hour drive from now on to a more educated shop.
I’m having trouble with my priv v8. When I press the button it blinks probably about 15 times and acts like the battery is dead. I know for a fact the batteries are good. The only way I can get it to work is if I press hard on the battery door. Like there is a poor connection ??
It sounds like the battery connection points are either dirty or the one inside the mod needs to be re-soldered
try cleaning first use an alcohol wipe to clean them both (it might be a simply that liquid has gotten in via the 510)
if this doesn’t work take it back to where you bought it sorry dude there is nothing else I can suggest.
Hi,Kevin
I just bought a priv v8 three days ago and noticed that some leakage
Comes out of the air slots below the tank, is this normal?
If not how can I stop this.
Thank you.
Steve.
Hi Steve,
its not unusual to experience some condensation leakage from the airflow with this tank sadly there is nothing that can be done for that.
When you fill the tank close off the airflow and open it again just prior to firing, this should stop e-liquid leaking out airflow. cheers
In the beginning of December, I purchased a Smok Priv v8. At first, I was ecstatic! I then found that not only was it very thirsty, but not made very well. The large button that originally attracted me to it, literally fell off in my hands! Not to mention, every time I change the coils, which for the ones they recommend as replacements, I was going through every 2-3 days. Usually my coils last at least one week. Aside from being held together by a rubber band now, the top is becoming more and more tilted. At my local vape store, they told me it was looking very “Janky”. I am not impressed…. I do not recommend this if you are in the market.
Hi Jennifer,
I’m sorry you have had a horrible experience with the Smok Priv V8, while I can only speak for myself I’ve had this mod now a considerable amount of time mine is still in great condition, I use it most days as a travel mod apart from a few dings and scratches mine hasn’t fallen apart yet! as for the coils yes like all Smok coils they are thirsty I have found that the proC coils from Joyetech which are compatible are less thirsty not by much mind you.
again I’m sorry for your experience with this mod have you spoken to the dealer you purchased it from after nearly 2 months i doubt they will give you your money back but they might give you a replacement.
Hi Kevin, Please could you recommend what other Tank would be a Good replacement for The TFV8 Baby Beast ….Many Thanks :))
Hi, I’d have to suggest the NRG Tank from Vaporesso, while similar to the baby beast I found it not quite as thirsty! the crown mini is also a good fit for the Smok Priv v8 cheers.
Many Thanks…Great review appreciate your time and effort…xx
Hi Kevin, Thank you for your review. I was given a gift card for my favorite vape store and while in there today was checking out the V8’s. I’ve been vaping for 5 years after smoking for 42! I prefer the mini mods that fit easily in to my pocket/purse. I have a $20 credit and this gift card for my store, and after reading your review I think I will pick up one of these V8 kits. I can’t tell you how much money I’ve spent on hardware in the last 5 years only to be disappointed with the product after use. Now I always want to know what other people are saying before I buy!
Your most welcome Jan, this is a very friendly pocket/purse kit I hope you enjoy it happy new year