The new Smok RPM2 vape kit review and it will be interesting to see what changes have been made.
I know it can get very painful, looking at another pod system, and this time its another pod system from Smok.
But having said that, since the birth of the RPM40, Smok’s first ‘pod mod’ – it has to be said that Smok actually hasn’t done a bad job in the past 12 months.
And yes, believe it or not, its actually been almost 12 months since I reviewed the Smok RPM40 Pod Mod. So leaving it a year before releasing its bigger brother is acceptable in my opinion (If you ignore the other 6 pod mods they’ve released)
Most notably, the Smok RPM160 is a flavour banging cloud chucker, not a looker, but certainly performs excellently and even though their Smok Scar-18 Mod is a bit of a copy and paste jobby, its still decent and well made.
What Can We Expect From the SMOK RPM2?
I suppose it was inevitable that Smok would release an updated version of the RPM40, the RPM2 will actually come in 2 versions, an internal 2000mAh version, and one which uses a Single 18650 battery called the RPM2-S.
I thought Smok covered that base with the RPM80 Pro?
But well… I guess they changed their mind and went back to the RPM40 scrapbook to create these two 80 watt versions.
The RPM2 kit comes with 2 pods, 2 coils, a USB-C port for charging and a massive 7ml capacity in Non-TPD format.
So let’s crack on with the review and see what this Kit is all about…
The SMOK RPM2 Kit was sent to me 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 Smok RPM2 Device
- 2 x RPM2 Pod – 7.0ml (Non-TPD)
- 1 x RPM2 0.16Ω Mesh Coil (Recommended 25-50w)
- 1 x RPM2 0.4Ω Mesh Coil (Recommended 25w)
- 1 x User Manual
- 1 x Warning Card
- 1 x USB-C Cable
Smok RPM2 Specs
- Size: 28.5 x 31 x 108.5mm
- Weight: 132g
- Battery: Internal 2000mAh
- E-Liquid Capacity: 7.0ml Non TPD | 2ml TPD
- Wattage Range: 1-80w
- Suitable Resistance: 0.15Ω-3.0Ω
- Screen: Full TFT Colour Display
- Charging: Via USB-C Port
- Available colours: Bright Black | Red | Prism Gold | Prism Rainbow |Prism Blue | Prism Deep Tarnish
Design and Build Quality
If you own or have tried the original RPM40 Pod Mod, then the RPM2 will feel not much different.
Yeah its a little taller, a little wider but apart from that its designed pretty much the same, so a lot of the following details will sound very familiar.
Pod Housing
At the top of the RPM2 device is where the pod sits and it includes 4 nice magnets so the pod clicks in with some force into the device.
Smok RPM2 Buttons & Display
At the front is a large fire button up top, a bright colour display and a left and right button for wattage adjustment, along with locking features and the option to rest the puff count.
The display itself is very clear, with the wattage setting being the predominant image on the screen, the display also shows battery level, voltage, resistance of the coil, puff time and puff counter.
Smok RPM2 Charge Port
On the side of the device is the USB Type-C port for charging, which for me is ideal.
I’m not a fan of charge ports on the base as this means laying your device on its side, which can lead to leaking. Having the Device upright is always a better option.
Smok RPM2 Aesthetics
I received the Prism Rainbow colour variation of the Smok RPM2.
Now historically I’ve not been a fan of Rainbow, however, I like this one!
The paint finish is really bright and vibrant, now the back may be a little garish with a rainbow design but the frame of the device itself is very bright.
Loud? Yes, but its a nice finish regardless.
Form factor may not be the Smok RPM2’s greatest attribute but I wouldn’t say the RPM2 is ugly, it just looks functional.
Its larger than the original RPM40 but that doesn’t mean its lost its portability as its still a fairly small device.
Generally speaking, The RPM2 is a well built device which ticks all the right boxes.
Smok RPM2 the Pod
The RPM2 has a massive pod – 7 Millimetres to be precise.
Of course if you’re purchasing this device within the TPD regions, you will probably notice the pod has a large bung inside, which we can only hope is easily removable.
Like the RPM40, the mouthpiece is the same, which is fairly comfortable, if not a little large for some. But I’ve got no real gripes with this style mouthpiece.
Style wise, the RPM2 pod is exactly like the original RPM40 pod, only larger.
Just a note on compatibility, the RPM40 and RPM80 pods are different in size, but similar in style. But this does mean they are not cross-compatible with each other. And the same applies to the coils.
Like the original, the RPM2 pod has no airflow adjustment. What you see is what you get so I would imagine this device is purely for a Direct Lung vape.
- Read more about mouth to lung and direct to lung vaping.
Smok RPM2 In the Hand
For a small-ish pod mod, the RPM2 feels… fine.
It has smoothed edges and is fairly lightweight. The fire button is ideal for thumb firing as your pinkie nestles nicely at the base, but having said that, finger firing is OK too.
Going back to the finish, expect finger prints everywhere, especially in the glossy finishes, but this is to be expected.
How To Fill the SMOK RPM40 Pod
To fill the pod with e-liquid you first remove the pod from the battery part of the device, then:
- Lift open the rubber plug
- Fill with desired e-liquid
- Close the rubber plug and re-fit into the device
Once you fit the pod back into the device, the device will display the resistance of the coil so make sure you adjust the wattage accordingly before firing.
Also make sure you Give it 5 or 10 minutes though to allow your vape juice to soak into the coil.
Smok RPM2 Display & Functions
The Smok RPM2 comes with limited functions, but its very easy to navigate.
Here’s the basics:
- Fire Button – 5 Clicks on & Off
- Left Button – Wattage Down
- Right Button – Wattage Up
- Left & Right Button – Wattage Lock/Unlock
- Fire & Left Button – Reset Puff Count
Lastly, a very clever feature.
Pressing FIRE and RIGHT button will display the current battery capacity, and estimated number of puffs before the battery is dead.
This is super clever and very handy, and I think this is the first time I’ve seen this! Nice touch.
SMOK RPM40 Performance
Seeing as I have already made the assumption this is purely a Direct-Lung device, I stuck in 7ml of a Max VG (80VG/20PG) e-liquid, Code Red by Darkstar.
Smok RPM2 Flavour & Cloud
The 0.16Ω Mesh Coil
Recommended at 25-50 watts, I found 45w was my sweet spot.
First off, the RPM2, with the 0.16Ω Mesh coil is a serious cloud chucker, you can feel a thick vapour as you inhale and a nice warmth too.
Flavour wise, the 0.16Ω RPM2 coil is very good.
Certainly feels a little improvement over the original RPM40 coils. Its a little larger and a lower resistance than the originals so I’m pleased. Good flavour
The 0.4Ω Coil
Recommended at 25 watts, I found 20 watts was more than enough for this coil.
In fact, at times I got a hint of burnt cotton if I vaped this coil at 25 watts, a little annoying.
However, the flavour and vapour production is still good, not quite as mouth-filling as the 0.16Ω coil, but still good enough.
I also found the 0.4Ω coil struggles with higher VG based e-liquids. Sticking in a 50VG 50PG e-liquid, I found the coil was better, however still with the random slightly burnt hits from time to time.
Maybe I got unlucky with this coil, or maybe that’s just how they are.
Its a shame because the flavour is quite good and the 0.4Ω Mesh coil would also be a battery saver, so its a bit of a shame.
Smok RPM2 Airflow
With no option to adjust the airflow you’ll have to stick with what you get, and what you get is a very open Direct Lung draw.
Now its not super loose, in fact tsd about spot on for a Direct Lung his with minimal restriction, but for some, this may be a drawback.
Battery Life
Another clever touch by Smok, when charging the 2000mAh battery via the USB Type-C port, the device will tell you how long until the device is fully charged, and I don’t really even need to tell you about the battery life, because the device tells you that too!
Pressing the Fire and Right button will display battery life and how many puffs until the battery is dead.
Now this is an estimated number, however its fairly accurate. Some times I’ve had an extra 20 or 30 puffs, sometimes a little less.
Overall I haven’t had to charge this device during the day apart from one stressful day where the RPM2 needed a quick boost early evening on the 0.16Ω coil.
With the 0.4Ω coil installed I only had to charge it for an hour in the evening for it to last the next day.
Pros:
- Decent build quality
- Nice finish
- Large Pod capacity
- Coils last well
- Decent Flavour
- Cloud Chucker
- Fair battery life
- Clear display and functions
Cons:
- 0.4 Coil a little lack lustre on flavour
- Other issues with 0.4 coil
- No airflow adjustment
Final Review Verdict
I’m fairly impressed with what you could call an RPM40 Version 2.
The added benefit of 80 watts as opposed to the original 40 watts.
However, there really isn’t much difference when it comes to aesthetics, build quality, fit and finish, it’s pretty much the same, just a little updated.
The extra little touches with the functions like the remaining charge time and estimated puffs left are very nice little features which help make this more of a complete pod mod.
But, with the lack of including the option to adjust the airflow, the Smok RPM2 Pod Mod doesn’t quite finish the job, lets see if we see an RPM3 is 12 months time…
There’s a number of features that I look at when trying out a device, and for something to score highly, it needs to meet certain demands.
‘Would this device be long lasting and still work 3, 6 or even 12 months from now?’
With regards to the device, its pocket friendly and well made so I imagine the device will last well.
2000mAh is a decent capacity and you also have the bonus of opting for the external 18650 battery version if you prefer to swap batteries out. This may also extend the life of the device as you can just switch batteries when one goes bad.
Does this device deliver the flavour, vapour and general experience I require, in order to be enjoyed?
Overall the Smok RPM2 does a good job with regards to flavour and vapour production.
Some will be happy with the airflow, some would prefer a bit more restriction. But for an open Direct-Lung vape, it’s enjoyable especially with the 0.16 Mesh Coil. A little less with the 0.4 Mesh Coil.
Is this device versatile to suit a new vaper, and an experienced one alike?
The Smok RPM2 isnt really suited for someone trying to quit cigarettes, but may possibly be their next step once they break the initial habit.
For a fairly simple device, with a large capacity and a decent vape, the RPM2 does a good job.
Did you buy the Smok RPM2 kit? Or have you given it a try? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
My nord 4 now has a message again of “time over” it went away then came back for good. My nord 4 purchased on 21.3.21 and its now 5.2.22 so less than 11 months of constant use. Nord 4 got air flow restriction so why buy nord 50w?
Do they make an rba for the rpm2/s?
The kit comes with 2 rubber grommets(at least mine did) that offer about a 40% restriction on the airflow which gives a little richer flavor.
I don’t really understand why people think this device isn’t suitable for mtl. I don’t have a problem with it and find it produces good flavor and potent hits from my favorite salts.
How can I change the battery ?
These vapes suck, mine leaks so much and spits and same goes for my friends that have the RPM 2, I have to keep it in a sock so it doesn’t spill juice anywhere or spit and it’s too big to put in your pockets. I find that nord’s or novo’s are better.
I’m in the same boat and I’m really a fan of it besides the leaking. My rpm pod doesn’t leak. Only the rpm 2 and that’s the one i prefer. Has anyone found the resolution to this issue?
Yes you are putting the coil in 180 degree the wrong way, you should notice the RPM2 coils have lines, make sure those lines are over to the left with the red rubber filler stop to your bottom, this way it won’t leak, ppl say it can go in both ways and sure it can but for some reason if it’s in the other way it leaks
I have found that both my tanks leak. Anyone else had this problem?
Which do you like better?… the RPM2 or Nord X? I’m having trouble deciding. I’ve used a Stick Prince for years but they seem to be harder and harder to find… and maybe even being replaced by pod mod systems? I prefer internal batteries only… and something small/small-ish. I’m a nurse and it’s just easier to deal with than a box mod. Any suggestions?! Please help! Thanks so much!!
I really wish smok would think about doing adjustable airflow on their rpm kits, it would make them so much more versatile