Smok Solus G Pod Kit Review – Flipping Pods Again

It’s time to take a closer look at the new Smok Solus G pod kit.

Smok hasn’t exactly rested on their laurels when it comes to releasing a range of disposable vapes. Let’s face it, they continue to be the most accessible way of tackling tobacco addiction.

So products such as the MBAR, VVOW and CLUB bar have undoubtedly played their part.

I haven’t actually tried any of the above but coming from such a prestigious manufacturer, it would certainly be interesting.

But it’s pod devices such as the NOVO range that Smok are probably better known for.

Again, earlier models provided the user with instant accessibility, generally without the need to install or change coils.

The dictionary defines the word Solus as being alone, unaccompanied. In this case by replaceable coils.

So forget Plug and Play. Think Pick Up and Play.

The question is, have Smok bridged the gap between disposable vapes and pod starter kits with their latest Solus G kit?

Let’s find out.

What Can We Expect From the Smok Solus G Pod Kit?

Expect to save a fair few pennies over disposable vapes. The Smok Solus G makes use of sealed pods but they’re refillable – with E-liquid flavours of your choice.

Once you’ve filled it there’s no need to worry about thumb placement. The Solus G relies entirely on auto inhale to function so no chance of knocking a fire button by accident.

Very much like smoking a cigarette – only 95% safer!

The included coil is of mesh material and has a resistance of 0.9ohm, making it best suited to E-liquid ratios of 50VG/50PG.

The device is predominantly designed for MTL (Mouth To Lung) use but the pod is reversible should you decide upon a cheeky RDL (Restrictive Direct Lung) tug or three. We tell you what these terms mean in our Guide To Vape Styles.

It’s powered by a 700mAh integrated battery that should last the casual vaper around two days of use.

Recharge the battery via the included type C USB charging cable.

If you’ve got a few spare Solus or Solus 2 pods knocking around you’ll be pleased to know they’re compatible. Waste not, want not – that’s always been my thinking!

So aside from an additional style of vaping what else can we expect?

A rather groovy 5 LED light show and a choice of seven imaginative colour schemes.

The Solus G is available for purchase in the UK and EU zones with a TPD compliant pod. Elsewhere it can be picked up as 2.5ml standard.

Oh! And if you’re worried about dropping or losing your vape, Smok have included a free lanyard. That’s pretty groovy too!

Inside the Box

• Solus G device (700mAh)
• Solus 2 mesh 0.9ohm pod (2ml)
• Lanyard
• Type C charging cable
• User manual

Specifications

• Dimensions: 110(H) x 23(W) x 15mm(D)
• Material: Transparent PCTG
• Weight: 37.5g
• Display: 5 LED light effects – adjustable
• Capacity: 2ml (TPD) / 2.5ml (Standard)
• Coil: 0.9ohm mesh (Solus 2)
• Filling: Side fill
• Battery: Integrated 700mAh
• Output: Up to 18W
• Charging: Type C USB – charging rate unknown
• Activation: Auto draw
• Compatible with Smok Solus and Solus 2 pods

Design and Build Quality

Mod/Battery Section

Groovy, baby!

I do like the artwork of the sample I received. Not that I have any, but I’m instantly reminded of body art – tattoos.

It certainly gives the device character because the colour of the artwork has been injected into the clear PCTG material on the rear. So there’s some nice blending going on.

Complete transparency is the name of the game and the internals are clearly visible.

It’s not often I see both battery and contacts together!

It’s cool when the pod connects with those contacts for the first time – both brought to life with the flash of an LED.

So the slim design does remind me of a disposable E-cig and the Solus G is certainly as lightweight and pocket friendly.

What separates the two is a power button located at the bottom. Smok has done well to position it here instead of further up.

It’s not to be confused with a fire button.

Instead its function is to alter lighting effects that surround the internal battery housing.

The LED is bright and powerful so if light shows ain’t your bag you’ll be pleased to know it can be switched off.

Since the device relies solely on auto draw that’s about it in terms of how the power button works.

Fast type C USB charging is incorporated into the base of the battery section. As a consequence, don’t expect the device to stand confidently on any surface.

Solus 2 Pod

It’s a big one in terms of height!

It comes in at 50mm, half of which is recessed within the battery section.

That would be a concern were it not for the transparent nature of the device. So E-liquid levels remain clearly visible throughout use.

It also means you’ll be lucky if you manage to separate the pod from battery if dropped.

In keeping with everything else, the pod is perfectly clear and makes use of the traditional “Duck Bill” form factor. It always works for me and is one of the most comfortable mouthpiece’s to vape from.

I can’t say the same for the way the pod sits inside the battery section.

It tapers instead of sitting flush with the sides. It looks much more at home when paired with the Solus 2 pod kit. Maybe this is the price we pay for a flashing light show?

The fill port opening screams 10ml bottle nozzle and isn’t really designed for anything else.

Don’t be rushing when filling, either since there’s no air escape outlet.

The silicone bung is big and beefy enough but there’s no marking to indicate which end to pull out. A surprise omission given the Solus G will be eyed by many a newer vaper.

Two large magnets are built into the base of the pod, providing a very firm connection with the battery section.

Quick Start Guide – Smok Solus G Pod Kit

How To Refill The Solus 2 Pod

• Pull the pod out of the battery section
• Locate the silicone stopper on the side of the pod and gently lift it open
• Push the E-liquid bottle nozzle into the exposed fill port opening

• Squeeze E-liquid into the fill chamber of the pod
• Replace the silicone stopper ensuring a firm seal

Once the pod has been filled, let E-liquid soak into the wicking ports of the coil for around 5 minutes before vaping.

There is a minimum fill level stamped on to the side of the pod. Make sure you’ve filled to (or above) this level.

How to Install the Pod

The Solus G offers two types of vaping, mouth to lung and restrictive lung.

With the battery artwork (front of the device) facing you:

Drop the pod into the battery section with the silicone stopper on the right for a MTL vape.

Drop the pod into the battery section with the silicone stopper on the left for a RDL vape.

How To Operate the Smok Solus G Pod Kit

• Press the power button five times to turn the device on or off

While auto drawing the LED can function in various way, depending on how you’ve programmed it.

Pressing the power button twice has five different outcomes.

• No LED
• Solid White LED
• Pulsing White LED
• Blinking White LED
• Pulsing Red, Green, Blue LED

The LED’s will also respond to any potential battery issues.

• LED flashes White 5 times – Vaping time has exceeded 8 seconds / short circuit detected
• LED flashes White 15 times – Low battery voltage
• LED flashes White 4 times – No atomiser detected

The LED will also flash White 4 times when the pod is removed.

The LED will pulse Green, Red or Blue when the device is switched off, depending on current battery strength.

How To Charge the Smok Solus G Pod Kit

The charging rate is unknown at the time of writing.

• Use the supplied type C USB charging cable and connect the smaller end into the USB port on the battery section

• Connect the larger end of the cable into a suitable USB outlet
• The LED will pulse through Red, Blue and Green as the device charges
• When fully charged the LED will continue to pulse Green

It takes around 60 minutes to recharge the battery. As long as the device is switched on it’s possible to continue vaping.

How Does the Smok Solus G Pod Kit Perform?

First things first. Only use E-liquid with a juice ratio of 50VG/50PG with this low powered starter pod kit. I’ve opted for IVG’s Fizzy Cherry with a 10mg salt nicotine strength.

If you’re a new vaper you may find 20mg salt nicotine to be more beneficial while overcoming your cravings for a cigarette.

MTL Vaping

The inhale is quite smooth and quiet, always a bonus. Auto draw is responsive to even the lightest of draws.

I’d say the MTL effect is pretty good. It’s maybe a bit on the loose side for my personal liking but feels comfortable enough.

I get as much sweetness from the exhale as I do flavour. If anything, the Cherry could do with being brought forward and the sweetness lowered.

The fizziness of the E-liquid certainly pulls through and the Koolada isn’t over powering.

Vapour production is surprisingly good primarily due to the looseness of the inhale. Long MTL pulls are possible so this definitely helps.

However, a degree of wetness will cling to the roof of the mouth – something I wasn’t over keen on. And it’s a constant throughout use.

RDL Vaping

Not bad at all. There’s enough restriction to cause the neck muscles to twitch but not enough to give them an “Iron Man” workout.

The mesh coil is easily able to deal with longer inhales and the cooling properties of the vape are brought very much into focus. It certainly stings more!

Again it’s a quiet and turbulence free vape and the sweeter properties ride directly on the back of the Cherry, which pops much more now the pod has been flipped.

Vapour production remains impressive and at the volume I’ve come to expect from a restrictive lung hit.

Battery Performance

I got 7.5 hours use from the Solus G pod kit. Not too bad considering I was regularly vaping in both MTL and RDL styles.

It felt like the device was delivering a steady wattage at all times.

The pod was filled just once and I estimate vaping around 3.5ml of E-liquid.

Pros

• Lightweight and pocket friendly
• Eye appealing artwork
• Sealed Solus 2 pod doesn’t leak
• A good MTL vape but even better as a RDL
• Sensitive auto draw

Cons

• Flashing, pulsing LED’s may be an annoyance to some
• Horizontal charging (subjective)
• Having to remove/switch the pod off to establish current battery strength
• Solus 2 Pod doesn’t sit flush with the battery (subjective)

Final Review Verdict

I turned the light show off.

Before you cry ‘kill joy’ I did it to prevent any unnecessary attention. I like using vape products in the most discreet way possible. Especially if I’m MTL vaping.

Talking of that light show, I would have preferred the auto draw LED’s to reflect current battery status. Instead of the White or multi coloured lights displayed.

Of course it’s still possible to establish battery strength but do I want to keep pulling the pod out all the time?

Auto draw works effortlessly and the device does feel comfortable in the hand. In fact, fans of disposable vapes are likely to feel very much at home.

As a MTL/RDL product, the Smok Solus G pod kit gets the job done. I don’t personally need a light show when I’m vaping but the overall form factor and functionality of the device is solid as a rock.

With decent flavour and vapour production it’s one to seek out if you’re tired of shelling out on disposable vapes.

Did you buy the SMOK Solus G pod? Let us know what you thought in the comments below.