Well look what we have here the Smok Scar-18, yet another Smok Product!
But don’t let me be too mean, I recently reviewed the Smok RPM160 pod mod.
Not much of a looker, but performed excellently and the RPM160 has made its way in to my rotation which is no easy task!
But hold on a second – this one features a few words that I have never, EVER been able to associate with Smok devices….
‘Shock-proof, Dust-proof, Water-proof’
Smok devices I have used or purchased in the past usually break if I look at them funny, let alone dropping them or dunking them in water.
So an IP67 rating from a Smok device is unusual to say the least!
So instantly I’m interested to see what the Smok Scar-18 has in store for me!
What Can We Expect From The Smok Scar-18 Kit?
The ‘indestructible’ range of devices is now not Limited to Geekvape and their Geekvape Aegis Legend or any of the Aegis off-spring.
There has been a number of devices claiming an IP67 Rating:
The Vandy Vape Jackaroo, Wismec Tinker 2 kit, the Innokin Adept kit even boasted an IP67 rating. Very recently Wotofo have snuck a nexMod Dura device for UK sales only which in my opinion is the toughest of them all.
So the Scar-18 has a hell of a lot of competition in this category, not to mention something which I just cant get out of my head.
Just how clearly similar it is to the Geekvape Aegis Legend.
Nonetheless, it’s nice to see another ‘indestructible’ enter the market.
And with a 230w output, bright colour screen and the new TFV9 tank on top, I’m expecting the Smok Scar-18 Kit to perform well and take a little bit of abuse in the process.
So let’s crack on and see what the Smok Scar-18 Kit is all about…
Inside the Box
- 1 x Smok Scar-18 Device
- 1 x TFV-9 Tank
- 2 x V9 0.15Ω Mesh Coil
- 1 x Glass Tube
- 1 x Micro USB Cable
- 1 x User Manual
Features
Smok Scar-18 Kit
- Product Size: 54 x 30.6 x 88mm
- Weight: 183.5g (without batteries)
- IP67 Waterproof/Dust Proof, Shockproof
- Output Wattage: 1.0 -230 Watts
- Output Modes: VW/TC-Ni/TC-Ti/TC-SS
- Output Voltage: 0.5 – 8V
- Resistance range: 0.1-2.5ohm for VW
- Display 0.96” colour display
- Battery:Dual 18650 (Not Included)
Smok TFV-9 Tank
- Height: 56mm
- Diameter: 28mm
- V9 0.15Ω Single Mesh Coil
- 6.5ml Tank Capacity (2ml TPD)
- Adjustable Bottom Airflow
- Lift and twist Top-Fill
Smok Scar-18 Colours
The Scar-18 Kit comes in 8 different colours listed below, including some with unusual stabilized wood effects.
The tanks are mostly black but complimented with matching colour O-rings – nice touch.
Design and Build Quality
I received the’Fluid Blue’ colour variation of the Smok Scar-18 Kit which comes with a black tank, with blue o-rings.
The Smok TFV9 Tank
Smok Scar-18 Drip Tip & Top Cap
The 810 resin drip-tip fits snugly into the top-cap thanks to the inner o-ring, and most 810 drip tips fit really well in this tank.
Top Fill Port
The top-cap has an unusual method to open and close.
First off you have to lift the top-cap, then switch it anti-clockwise which is both stiff and feels a little rough.
Closing the top-cap is even more difficult as you have to force the 2 small ends to slide one under the other.
Overall a very difficult, over engineered Top-Cap for filling that doesn’t even loosen over time.
Smok Scar-18 Airflow Control
The AFC ring is located at the bottom of the tank and is nicely knurled for decent grip, along with having a stopper at fully open and fully closed, and the restriction when turning the AFC is lovely.
The Base
The base has the usual warning marks and a very clear ‘DESIGNED BY SMOK’ engraving
TFV9 Tank – Overall
Overall the tank feels well built and certainly similar in build quality to the likes of the Geekvape Cerberus, Vandy Vape Jackaroo tank and even the Vaporesso NRG tank.
It’s in on the same level as those for sure, however, what lets it down is the over-complicated filling method.
The Smok Scar-18 Mod
510 Connector:
Located in the centre-top of the device, the Scar-18 will allow you to fit a 28mm atomizer without any overhang.
You might even get away with a 30mm but unfortunately I don’t have one to test.
Measuring 2mm is very tricky too.
Smok Scar-18 Micro USB Port
Just on the left side from the screen is a tidy rubber bung, once opened you expose the Micro USB port for firmware upgrades.
The rubber bung itself plugs in nice and snug but isn’t too difficult to remove.
The Front of the Smok Scar-18
The Smok Scar-18 has a nice flat, protruding square fire button, below that is a nice, fairly bright colour screen that you can change colour on.
Below that is the Left and right buttons for wattage adjustment and other options.
Smok Scar-18 Battery Door
I really don’t have much faith in Smok battery doors from my previous experience.
But Hold The Phone…The Smok Scar-18 has a wonderful spring-loaded battery door that latches very nicely and also creates a very good seal with the device when closed to stop water from sneaking in.
Externals
Around the body of the device is a shiny metallic frame which also features a nice squidgy leather and a fancy resin-style print.
The rest of the device is covered in a thick rubber to protect it and also to help with its water resistance.
Even though the Smok Scar-18 is very similar to the Aegis Legend, it’s still quite an attractive device for a dual 18650 mod.
The Smok Scar-18 Mod – Overall:
A solid looking device that ticks all the right boxes when it comes to design, I really cant fault it for its looks apart from the obvious Aegis Legend similarities.
Top Top marks Smok for creating a solid battery door for once.
In The Hand
The Smok Scar-18 mod feels really good in the hand, mostly thanks to the soft cushioning of the leather effect around the rear of the device.
Whether you thumb or finger fire, the device fits snug in the hand and also with the coating of rubber you get a little extra grip from this device.
How To Fill The Smok TFV9 Tank
- Lift the top cap up and twist Anti-Clockwise to expose the kidney shaped fill-port
- Fill with your desired e-liquid
- Slide shut the top-cap back in place and let the top cap drop vertically down back into place
LEAKING!
Unfortunately at this point, I need to address the vast amount of leaking I have experienced from this tank, and it started with my first fill-up.
After filling, I left the tank for a few minutes for the e-liquid to saturate.
After a few minutes I looked over and the tank had dumped the entire tank of e-liquid, covering the device.
Stripping the tank down, I couldn’t really see an issue. So I re-threaded everything back together, double checking everything was tight – but unfortunately, the tank mostly emptied itself again.
I reverted to the second coil to see if there was possibly just an issue with one of the coils.
The second coil has done a better job, however I still have experienced leaking issues.
It may not even be the coils, but I can’t see to tell what the problem is that’s causing the massive amount of leaking through the airflow.
Unfortunately this problem has had a major effect on the amount of time I have spent with the tank.
The majority of my testing has been done with the mod, and only maybe 200 puffs on the tank.
Neil C also tested this tank with another kit and didn’t have the same issues, so be sure to check out the SMOK Rigel kit review for another opinion.
Smok Scar-18 Coils
The Smok Scar-18 comes with two of the same coils.
The V9 0.15Ω Mesh Coil is a single mesh which allows for plenty of airflow.
How Does the Smok Scar-18 Kit Perform?
Basic Operation
The Scar-18 device doesn’t have a separate menu screen as such, clicking the fire button 3 times will allow you to scroll between power options.
Of course when out of these menu functions, the left and right buttons will adjust your power settings as we’re all accustomed to.
Smok Scar-18 Menu
There are a small number of button sequences to remember to operate this device:
- 5 clicks of the fire button will turn the device on and off. (However click slowly otherwise the menu options will be activated!)
- 3 clicks of the fire button will open the options to change settings
- Once you’re done changing settings, long pressing the fire button will exit menu.
- Press and hold Left/Right buttons to lock/unlock device
- Fire and Right button will change screen colour
Smok Scar-18 Flavour & Clouds
For the duration of my testing, I was vaping on Code Red by Darkstar because I have loads of it and I don’t want to waste anything else on a tank that drains 5ml out of the 6.5ml every time you fill it.
The mix I used is an 80VG 20PG e-Liquid.
The 0.15Ω V9 Mesh Coil
The 0.15Ω V9 coil is rated at 40-90w which is a little ambiguous. Technically you could vape this as 5w if you wanted to.
So why not give us a recommended wattage?
I found at 80w I was getting the best balance of flavour, vapour and battery saving.
Generally the flavour is good. Not the best. But more than acceptable for a Sub-Ohm tank as part of this kit.
I really wouldn’t advise you push this coil over 90w as the mesh, and the cotton really cant keep up with the 100w blasts I pushed it to.
With regards to vapour production, yeah of course it does punch out a nice cloud, but certainly not over the top.
I really could compare this tank to the Geekvape Cerberus tank for flavour and vapour production.
Its just a shame it keeps dumping the e-liquid.
Smok Scar-18 Airflow
Surprisingly with the airflow all the way open, the draw isn’t quite as loose as you might expect from a Smok tank.
Yes it’s airy but its not way too much! For me personally, half way open was sufficient for a slightly restrictive vape.
Noise from this tank is minimal. At all the way open, yes its slightly loud, but no whistle, maybe a little turbulent however.
Smok Scar-18 Battery Life
Like any dual 18650 device, I always seem to get just about a days life when vaping at 65-75w.
Anything above that and I end up changing batteries early evening. So for you this may vary, it all really depends how much you vape and at what wattage.
But for the record, this device doesn’t perform any worse or any better than other dual battery devices I use. So the battery economy from this device is as the expected standard.
Of course you can make use of the USB port for charging and firmware upgrades, however I strongly suggest as always to use an external charger for your vape batteries.
Durability – Can the Smok Scar-18 take a beating?
Last year, I pretty much completely destroyed the Geekvape Aegis X.
And if I’m honest, as much as some may feel I should be doing this with all devices that claim an IP67 rating, I really don’t see as being the case.
Being an electrician day to day, I found the purpose of these kind of devices is to see if they can survive the usual day to day abuse.
So yes, the device did get genuinely accidentally dropped, thrown around in the van and placed on the floor whilst breaking a brick wall to smithereens.
Along with dunking in a large glass of water, but no, I didn’t intentionally try to destroy it.
Durability – Is the Smok Scar-18 Waterproof?
In simple terms, yes.
An IP67 rating generally means a device can be submerged in water to approx 1m for up to 30 minutes.
I have quite a bit of confidence the Smok Scar-18 will cope with this thanks to the battery door seal, and a very good rubber bung to protect the Micro USB port. Both of which showed no ingress of water after being left submerged for a while.
Let’s not forget the tank practically submerged the device into liquid itself so I really didn’t even need to bother dunking it in water.
Durability – Is the Smok Scar-18 Shockproof?
Day to day, thanks to the rubber surround and metal frame, I have every confidence in this device.
Dropping it may make the battery door pop open which has happened once or twice for me, but apart from that the Scar-18 is fairly tough and doesn’t even mind getting a little dirty.
Pros
Mod
- A nice solid comfortable feel in the hand
- Simple, clear display and menu
- Hard wearing and good protective measures
- Power output is good.
- Decent battery door
Tank
- Good flavour and vapour production
- Airflow isn’t too loud
- Decent capacity with bubble glass
- Good build quality
Cons
Mod
- Screen could maybe be a little brighter
- A Dual 21700 version would be ideal.
Tank
- Dumped e-liquid every time.
Final Review Verdict
Putting the massive issue of the tank leaking constantly aside, I’m genuinely impressed with the Smok Scar-18 Kit, and mostly thanks to the device.
It’s fairly good looking, solid feeling and certainly feels better quality than a lot of Smok devices.
But lets be clear, I still cant shake the fact this is practically an Aegis Legend.
And If I had to choose between the two, the Aegis Legend and the Scar-18 Mod, personally I would say original is best and stick to the Aegis Legend, however putting my reviewer head back on, I really couldn’t say one is better than the other.
Would this device be long lasting and still work 3, 6 or even 12 months from now?
As far as durability goes, the Scar-18 device does as well as many of the other IP67 rated devices so I have no doubt this will last a good 12 months with a little bit of care and maintenance.
Certainly in comparison to other Smok dual battery mods, the Scar-18 is head and shoulders above them with regards to toughness and durability.
Does this device deliver the flavour, vapour and general experience I require, in order to be enjoyed?
Ignoring my leaking issues, the TFV-9 tank produces fair flavour and a nice cloud.
The airflow adjustment makes a difference to the flavour and half way closed I enjoyed vaping on this tank.
Just a shame about the constant leaks.
Is the Smok Scar-18 Kit be versatile enough to suit a new and experienced vapers?
The Scar-18 may be useful for someone who’s starting out, certainly not going to be their first device but its one I would recommend for a vaper who works in an industry where their device may ensure a little abuse.
The TFV-9 tank is a Direct to Lung cloud chucker so I doubt this would have much use trying to get a smoker to quit.
Did you buy the Smok Scar-18 kit?
Or have you tried it?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
I bought my scar 18 3 years ago at a Vape Shop in Rivhmknd Virginia. It has been amazing. I have dropped it from forklifts, getting out of my car and we’ll you get the idea. It’s still perfect. I did get rid of the tank and I use a smok tfv16 tank. It is the perfect blend of flavor and battery life. The cloud production is good as well.
Mine hasn’t leaked once .
In fact it’s my fav device atmo due to the fact it stays so dry around the tank platform.
It’s comfortable to hold ,not too bulky.
Smaller screen means power isn’t wasted on huge bright real-estate.
Only thing i would agree with is the battery door can be hard to close sometimes but not a big deal as it does eventfully close tight.
I have been using a Scar-18 for about a year now and I have come to the conclusion I hate this thing and smok products. They make me want to quit vaping entirely, so I guess that’s a plus.
It’s been a frustrating year with this thing mainly due to the constant leakage. It just never stops leaking no matter what I do. I have tried everything from replacing coils and o-rings (even after brand new smok tanks have failed) to buying new tanks for it. I even went on reddit to see if others had the same issue and found heavily updated ridiculous posts relying on voodoo magic (turn it upside down, spin in a circle, close the air flow ring, say a prayer to the god of tobacco, sacrifice a lamb and then flip it over and open the air flow ring – I SWEAR BY THIS!) in order to get these smok products to stop leaking.
After a year I have just decided this thing is garbage and I’ve given it so much of a chance. Time to move on entirely from anything Smok related. Worst vape brand ever.
Hi, I’ve had same issues with the leaking part, same experience with the reddit (solved) lol – solutions.
BUT – I found my own solution which is replacing the TVF9 tank with another tank “Ello Pop” which is leak free and matches the mod perfectly.
I Bought 2 mods, because I sometimes travels a couple of days, and have been using smok scar-18 with ello pop for 7 months at his time. 🙂
There is a compatible geekvape coil. It knocked out the leaking completely but i dont remember the exact coil sorry
So if TFV8 Baby coils will fit your tank, then the Geekvape Supermesh, Eleaf HW and Vaporesso GT coils should be compatible.
I am not 100% sure if the TFV 9 is different. According to Google the TFV9 is compatible with TFV8 Baby coils which should make it suitable?
I bought this kit last September (2020) and it has consistently delivered good performance, flavor, vapor volume, and battery life. I didn’t have a leak problem with my TFV-9 tank, so I suspect you got one with a bad cap seal. However, I did have an issue with the little seal flaps getting in the way of filling the device, so I gently tore them out after they began to tear on the side that I usually fill from, only a couple of weeks after receiving the unit. Problem solved.
The TFV-9 leaves something to be desired in terms of coil life (5-7 days on mint/menthol mixes, as little as 3 days on dessert-type flavors) and the coils are a little fidgety to replace, so I bought a Nunchaku-2 tank from UWELL. It was a good investment. The UWELL coils last much longer (up to 12 days on mint/menthol mixes) when used in their recommended wattage range, and I can’t even guess why. They are also much easier to change. I still use the SMOK tank when I run out of UWELL coils, as I had bought a lot of replacement coils for it. Both tanks provide good service.
I’m still using the first set of batteries I got when I bought the mod (Samsung) and they’re holding up well. I’ll add that I only charge through the firmware port (a habit I picked up from my first mod, the Voopoo Drag Mini) and the port is very durable and soldered in place well.
After my aegis legend fell off my mower and the 5200RPM blades got to it no more Legend and I guess after 3 years I could not complain at least 50 ten foot drops and constant vibration it was time to get a new device and the scar 18 it is.This device has a lot to live up to and the battery door is waterproof and it seams to take abuse but time will tell.
Ask me in a year if the 106 bucks I paid for it in store was worth it.This device is going to get the torture treatment of constant vibration, bumping, shaking, dropping and lot of rain.
I will update at the end of summer but in my experience smok products are short lived and over rated.Had to buy it because I needed something while waiting for my new aegis legend and the slow boat from China.
I came across a video on YouTube years ago on how to prevent a leaking tank. What the guy did was screw the atomizer to the top first and then put the tank on and then screw the bottom on. I’ve tried it and none of my tanks ever leaked again.
My wife has the scar 18, got it about 2 weeks ago and I am often reaching for hers, particularly when my nord 4 is charging or just when I feel like it, and I’m a big fan. Agree for the most part with the review but just wanted to put in my two cents- crazy to me that you have to charge the batteries every night! A full charge lasts my wife 3-4 days if not a little more and she too uses it around 70watts. Also have not had any leaking issues with the tank whatsoever. The battery door can be pretty tricky to close, especially before you find the hang of it but in regards to opening/filling the tank- we were told when we bought it that it was made that way because it is child-proofed! To prevent kids from drinking or getting into the liquid in the tank. So kinda makes sense why it’s so overly complicated to open.
Not my wife’s first vape but any means but two weeks ago was when I got my first one and I haven’t smoked a single cigarette since the day I got it and have used this Scar18 and (mostly) my Nord4 to accomplish that. Thanks, SMOK and thanks FlatCap for the reviews on both!
I’m disappointed in the fact that your review as well as a salesman at a vape shop said “press and hold the left and right buttons to lock the device”. The only reason I ordered this is because I was told it had a “fire” lock button. Pressing left and right only locks the wattage adjustment. I am now stuck with a mod I can’t put in my pocket!
Sorry I didn’t expand on that Darrel. However you could just 5 click the fire button and turn the device off If you plan on putting it in your pocket. It’s probably safer too.
The battery door is my only complaint. I can’t close it with (any) batteries, without batteries – no problem. I’ve had to wake my husband at 3 in the morning, just to close the darn thing!
Otherwise, so far it is my favorite piece of machinery yet.
Came from a Smok Species to the Scar-18. Build quality is great and I like the styling, but there are a few let downs. Firstly the tank is unremarkable. I didn’t experience any obvious leaking but it does get sticky from time to time. I agree it’s over-engineered. More noteworthy for me is the tight battery compartment. On my device at least I have to push pretty hard on the battery door for it to close (without a reassuring click, I might add). The rubber casing – although nice in the hand – also makes placing the Scar-18 in your pocket more difficult than it needs to be. I couldn’t find a way to lock the fire button also, besides turning the device off. Press and hold to lock and unlock would be a nice addition – I’ve burnt my leg a couple of times when the device has gone off in my pocket! I loved the species, and was excited to receive the Scar-18, but I would say (with the build quality aside) that this is a minor step back for Smok.
I had same issue with the leaks, literally changed everything and still same leaks through the airflow. sticky juice on your clothes, in your pocket etc, got a Vaporesso Luxe 2 and it has caused not one issue, Smok is the problem they don’t respond to emails either. Clearly this was made as a quick knock off of the aegis and they don’t care about putting a faulty leaky product on the market. buyer beware
I was given this kit as a gift and has worked flawlessly from day one. I can appreciate the disappointment in getting a defective piece of equipment but to basically throw the entire review because of that is unbecoming of a reviewer. Get all the moving parts working before you review. You wouldn’t review an automobile with 2 flat tires and say its junk. So your incessant droning on about a leaky tank really drew down your entire review, invalidates it in my opinion; you didn’t convince me Smok deliberately designed their new V9 tank to leak and piss off thousands of vapers. Or maybe you were upset because it looked like another brand and Smok can take the licks so use a defective tank to run this mod in the ground. No worries, I like mine just fine Legend or not.