Smoant generously sent me this device for
free, with no payment involved for writing this text. Although it's been on the market for a few years, it immediately caught my interest when I discovered it.
The Knight 80 Kit could be described as a simple flavor-focused MTL pod with a removable 18650 battery, but that wouldn't do justice to the many small details Smoant included to help it stand the test of time.
The packaging is a plastic sleeve, a choice in line with other manufacturers, but it already hints at the attention to detail for a product that, despite its entry-level price, can satisfy even more experienced vapers. Made of rigid black cardboard, it features the Smoant logo. Inside, you'll find the Smoant Knight 80, a USB Type-C cable, a rigid black cardboard pouch containing the manual and warranty. Already installed and included in the package is the Knight 80 base, along with one K-Coil and a second one packed in a plastic bag.
Dimensions of 90*45*27mm, made (almost) entirely of zinc alloy, and weighing 149 grams. Not too much, not too little, considering that compared to an atomizer + mod combo, you save quite a few millimeters. It delivers from 1 to 80 watts with a circuit. It’s possible to use pre-made coils, but also choose from two RBA options, similar to those commonly used in AIO BB-style devices today.
A sign of the times, the "pod" from Smoant was simply called a Cartridge, a term that didn’t carry the meaning it does today—referring to pods with integrated coils. In this case, nothing goes to waste, with replaceable coils (and RBAs). The 510-like adapter, which allows for the installation of any drip tip, also serves the function of adjusting the airflow by rotating it, as it has two holes that partially restrict the air coming from the Cartridge. Rather than rotating it to adjust airflow, you need to pull it out and reposition it as desired. It's not as convenient as an airflow ring on an atomizer, but it's a hundred times better than having to open panels, adjust airflow, and close everything again.
Be mindful of the 4ml capacity—there's also a TPD version with just 2ml, which really limits the potential of the Knight 80. The Cartridge is made of thick, opaque PCTG, far from the thin, flimsy cartridges of today's pods. I've noticed that some stores still have them available. The refill process will be shown in a later photo, and it’s done via a black cap, slightly thinner than today's standard.
The coil section reveals a device designed for RDL, though adaptable for MTL through the purchase of specific adapters and/or RBAs.
- K-1 Mesh Coil 0.3Ω (50-65W) (included in the package)
- K-2 Dual Mesh Coil 0.4Ω (35-50W) (included in the package)
- K-3 Half-DTL Mesh Coil 0.6Ω (20-25W)
- K-RBA Coil (0.3Ω-2.0Ω, rebuildable)
- Pasito Mesh Coil 0.6Ω (20-35W, requires Pasito adapter)
- Pasito Ni80 Coil 1.4Ω (10-13W, requires Pasito adapter)
- Pasito RBA Coil (0.5Ω-1.0Ω, rebuildable, requires Pasito adapter)
First observation, the Pasito adapter/base is different from the one used on the Pasito Pro that I own, and it doesn't fit.
It's something you buy separately, just a few euros to use MTL coils and RBA. In the picture, you can see the Knight 80 base/adapter, which is included in the package. You simply screw the coil on top, then press it into the Cartridge. If you’re not fond of aftermarket accessories, considering that the price of the Knight 80 is already at the entry level, adding few bucks to make the device more versatile isn’t too much.
Here is the cap visible on the back of the Cartridge for refilling, along with the coil and adapter inserted, showing how much they need to protrude. What sets this device apart from other pods, bringing it closer to the BB/Aio world, is the fact that it includes an RBA made of only two pieces, as the "chimney" is already installed inside the pod. The K-RBA has an airflow that ranges from an open MTL to a flavour-oriented draw. In its packaging, you’ll also find the base with a 510 connection to set the coil on a box mod, along with a small pad of Muji cotton, a screwdriver for the screws, and a piece of wire.
Parallel posts, with the legs tightening not under the screw heads but in the posts themselves, making rebuilding much easier. Generous under-coil airflow, but with the option to close it. No JFC present, as the cotton does all the work, with notches to place the wicking tail, which requires at least a 2.25mm tip, and no need to thin it out.
The Cartridge attachment is done not only with magnets but also via a small tab on the Cartridge itself, which fits into the body of the Knight 80. So, despite the open design that allows the Cartridge to breathe and prevent condensation build-up, you can rest assured that it won't come out easily.
Just below the pod compartment, there's the USB Type-C port along with the Smoant-branded USB cable. It's impossible to operate on what are spoilers, the profiles of materials for temperature control vaping. The supported charging, although it's always better to use external chargers, is 5V/1A.
On the side opposite to the USB Type-C, there's the slightly rectangular fire button. It's convenient for firing in terms of position, but a bit less so when it comes to turning the device on or adjusting the vaping modes. Nothing insurmountable though, as the menu is quite simple and easy to navigate.
On one side, the panel can be removed to reveal the battery compartment. It only supports 18650 batteries, and while the 21700 format is becoming popular, this remains a pod/AIO. This means that unlike devices with integrated batteries, you won't face the "dead time" during recharging. When the 18650 battery runs out, just replace it, and there's no need to worry about the normal degradation of integrated batteries. There is no lanyard, but there is a small gap between the shell and the battery. By lifting the cell towards the mobile pin, it allows for easy extraction without damaging the wrap.
The large base allows the Knight 80 to stand upright. As proof that this is an "older" model, it features vent holes, which many manufacturers now consider optional due to the additional engineering involved. The CE logo and disposal markings are engraved.
On the front, the 0.96-inch OLED screen, which unfortunately isn't visible due to the strong lights I use, but under normal conditions, it's bright enough both outdoors in the spring sun and indoors under regular lighting. Just below, the up and down buttons, or + and - as I call them. They're slightly small, but they click well. However, it takes a bit of practice to locate them easily when also using the fire button while navigating through the menu.
The Knight 80 is equipped with a version of the Ant-Chip, offering various features, whether you consider it as an AIO or remember that it is essentially just a pod. On the screen, you'll find a puff counter and timer, along with the voltage display. With pre-made coils, it periodically suggests the recommended wattage.
Navigation:
- 5 clicks of the fire button to turn on/off
- 3 clicks of the fire button to enter the mode selection menu
- + and - buttons to lock the controls, fire button will not fire
- Fire, +, and - buttons pressed together to reset the puff counter
Vape Modes:
- VW
- TCR – to set TCR manually
- SS, TI, NI – preset profiles
- Bypass – delivery based on the measured resistance in ohms
- DVW – power curve, navigation:
- + and Fire: Adjust the wattage for the level
- - and Fire: Adjust the duration in tenths of a second for the level
- To scroll between levels: Press the fire button quickly
- To confirm the selection: Hold the fire button for one second
Attention to the DVW mode, which by default has a curve set up to 30 watts. Otherwise, it's similar to what I had already used on the Pasito Pro. This mode, along with its RBA, offers a lot, from a preheat for complex coils to an eco mode.
Other performance aspects of the circuit, since this is the first time I'm trying the Ant-Chip with an external battery: the activation, or "missfire" is non-existent,. The performance is on par with other commercial circuits, no miracles, but no battery drain when the Knight 80 is idle either. Smoant itself, I noticed, made box mods for a period, with dual batteries, so they know a thing or two.
Smoant Knight 80 teaches us that sometimes, when it comes to new things, we need to look to the past. Many choices that were once standard are no longer considered by manufacturers today. The build quality of the Knight 80 battery body and the Cartridge is very good and meets modern standards.
Ant Chip circuit is excellent, just like the one on the Pasito Pro. It does offer bypass mode, a power curve, and variable wattage, which are features you don't even find all together on regular box mods anymore. For more info:
https://smoant.com/pod-systems/knight-80-kit-smart-ant-chip-starter-kit/
I thank e-cigarette-forum, the community, and its staff for the space, and Smoant for the free gift.