SMOK alternatives?

[Torch100]

Hi All,

I have been using the smok stick P25 for a while (used other smok kits) before that. The last three kits I purchased are shooting sparks out the charging port and burned my finger one time. The company won't make good and I got a $50 tax bill in the mail that FedEx says I am responsible for so now I need to find an alternative. I would love to buy a new kit made in the USA but the only one I found was a little expensive and I wasn't familiar with the company. I originally purchased smok because I liked the really big clouds but now I am a bit embarrassed that the clouds are so big (lol). I like the size of the SMOK stick prince and the 3000 battery but I am going through 3 battery charges a day so maybe this battery isn't so good. I would like a new kit that has decent clouds, long battery life, coils and replacement parts that are easy to procure (the SMOK coils are sold out everywhere). Can anyone recommend an alternative?

Thank you in advance.
M

 

[Hawise]

I'm afraid I can't give you a specific recommendation since my vaping preferences are quite different, but I'm sure someone else will before too long. The board's awfully quiet today.

You're not the only person to have issues with SMOK. They're well known and well marketed, but appear to have some weaknesses in the areas of product quality and support. Sparking products are decidedly disturbing. Fortunately, there are more reliable alternatives.

To help narrow things down, could you answer a few questions:

• What coils are you using?
• How much do you like the size of the P25? A dual battery mod would give you better battery life, but it would be a bit bigger and heavier.
• Do you prefer internal batteries or would you mind switching to a replaceable battery mod? With them, you usually take the batteries out to recharge them (although you can charge by USB as well), and you don't have to replace the whole mod when the batteries die.

 

[BrotherBob]

Can anyone recommend an alternative?

Welcome and glad you joined
It's looks like you have two questions here.
1. I need a mod replacement for the .......
2. I need a tank replacement for the ......
In the future, you might want to post in the ECF forum most closely representing your subject/question. Suggest re posting in :General vaping discussion and chat:
General Vaping Discussion
Often times,you may receive more knowledgeable/germane/extensive information from the membership in the above/appropriate forum.

 

[Torch100]

Hi,

Thank you for your reply and thoughtful questions.

-Coils: V12 Price-Q4
-I like the size but could go a little bigger/heaver but not a really large box mod. I am not opposed to a small or medium box mod
-I switch batteries all day long, usually I go through 3 since I've been working from home, but when I couldn't vape at work 1- 2 got me by.

I usually pay about $35 for the kit/ 12 for 3 pack of coils. I have been vaping exclusively for three years and started diy mixing about a year ago so maybe it is time for an upgrade to a better kit but I wouldn't want to pay over say $90.

Any guidance you can offer is appreciated. Thank you again.
Best,
M

I'm afraid I can't give you a specific recommendation since my vaping preferences are quite different, but I'm sure someone else will before too long. The board's awfully quiet today.

 

[Coyote628]

I personally like the voopoo drag 2. Its not really big and bulky, or at least I don't think it is. It takes two 18650 batteries and I keep fully charged spares on hand at all times but a fully charged pair will last me all day. I have a collection of different tanks. Currently I'm using a fireluke 2 with .21ohm mesh coils at 55watts. I also use a vaporesso NRG, wotofo bravo RTA and a limitless plus RTDA. I also have a dead rabbit and geekvape tsunami, both RDA's. I also have a vaporesso switcher mod and the geekvape tsunami mech mod. Any and all of these are hands down better than anything made by smok. The 18650 batteries require an external charger which is a must have. Charging these batteries through the USB port is possible in a pinch but not recommended so avoid this by having a spare set of batteries. There are other choices out there as well but I've not used them so I cant speak for them. But as far as a device that shoots sparks out the charging port, that is an explosion waiting to happen. Go outside, dig a deep hole and bury that thing and give it a decent funeral.

 

[JCinFLA]

I would like a new kit that has decent clouds, long battery life, coils and replacement parts that are easy to procure (the SMOK coils are sold out everywhere). Can anyone recommend an alternative?

How about a Geek Vape Aegis Solo 100W Full Kit that comes with the Cerberus tank? I have several of the kits and a bunch of just the mods...in my vape "stash" for the future. The Geek Vape Aegis mods are tough as nails, they have a super reputation, and even the Full Kit can be had on sale or with a coupon code for about $39.00! The Cerberus tank is a favorite of several friends of mine, and there are quite a few different coils (not just the Geek Vape ones) that are also compatible with the tank and work well in it. They average about $7-9 per box of 5 when on sale or with a discount code. Those same friends use 3 different coils in their tanks and like them all.

Or, if you still want to use your SMOK tank...get just the Geek Vape Aegis Solo 100W mod.

If you're located in the US, I'd go to Ejuices.com and take a look at the kit there. They have Free S/H, too! They're $49.99 before any discount, and they're running a 25% off sale sitewide right now, using the coupon code PRE4TH. Your order has to be for $50 or more though, to use the code. So just add something dirt cheap to your cart to hit slightly above the $50 total. Then, the Aegis Solo 100W Full Kit itself...would be just $37.49 with Free S/H! They have them left in Black w/Orange, Black w/Blue, Black w/Red, and Stealth Black! The sale ends Monday night at midnight.

GeekVape Aegis Solo 100W Full Kit

 

[Katya]

I have been using the SMOK stick P25 for a while (used other SMOK kits) before that. The last three kits I purchased are shooting sparks out the charging port and burned my finger one time.

So sorry. Smok batteries have a (deservedly so) very bad reputation here. Demand a refund if you can get it. If you can't, get rid of (safely) those malfunctioning batteries and don't use them! They are dangerous!!!!!

I would love to buy a new kit made in the USA but the only one I found was a little expensive and I wasn't familiar with the company.

AFAIK, pretty much all e-cigs are made in China or in Europe nowadays. And most (many) are very good, often combining American engineering and designing and Chinese manufacturing, not unlike Apple and other electronics.

If you don't need huge clouds, I can recommend Innokin Kroma and (4 ml) Zlide tank. The best tank with premade coils I've ever used. And widely available.

Innokin Kroma-R Zlide Kit Review: A Classy and Reliable MTL Kit - Vaping360

If you want the best price, search for a kit (just make sure it comes with a 4 ml Zlide tank, it's much better than the 2 ml version. Like this one:

Innokin Kroma R Kit with MTL Zlide Tank single 18650 80W 4ml

I've seen some complaints about Kroma's wonky 510 connection--I don't own the mod, so I can't vouch for it. But I can vouch for Innokin brand--they make excellent products.

You can also buy the tank separately and get a different mod; the Aegis Solo recommended above is a great choice. I own one and I like it a lot.

Zenith/Zlide tanks have their own thread here if you want more information:

Innokin Zenith MTL tank--Phil Busardo

Good luck!

 

[Torch100]

Thank you everyone for your reply. I really appreciated it. I decided give the Geek Vape Aegis Solo a try which will hopefully come in the mail soon. Thanks again and best wishes.

 

[Shrike]

The new Voopoo Drag X is also an excellent 'pod' device it uses a single 18650 and the coils are cheap as chips. I say pod with air quotes as you can get a 510 adaptor for a few quid to use any tank also a PnP tank that runs on any mod and uses the PnP pod coils its a bit of a lego device i.e can turn into multiple things.

 

[stols001]

Glad you are trying out the Solo, hope you like it.

I was going to ah, suggest LITERALLY anything else. Besides IJOY. IJOY is worse/better than smok, only because their mods either don't work ever, or die before they can blow up.

Good luck with your new setup.

Anna

 

[Mordacai]

Hello @Torch100, the Vandy Vape Jackaroo or some other single 21700 cell/battery mod may well fit your needs.

Found the Jackaroo as a kit here at a reasonable price.
Vandy Vape Jackaroo 100W Kit

At some point in the future you may be interested in looking at the Freemax Mesh Pro of Horizontech Falcon 2 tanks, both are well renowned for flavour and clouds. But you'll still be able to run your coils down with the SMOK tank in the meanwhile, after all you've got to save money where you can.

And if rebuldable atomisers interest you, I'm trying to get hold of a few Taifun GX RDTA clones which I'll be able to give an opinion on. As RDTA's (Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomisers) are amongst the easiest types to use and would save you money in the long run and allow you to keep on vaping in the event of a vapocalypse, as all you'll need is wire and something to use as wicking material.

 

[Mordacai]

Forgot to mention that you need a battery charger with the Jackaroo, the USB port is hidden behind the fascia plate and is only for firmware updates.

 

[MyMagicMist]

It's looks like you have two questions here.
1. I need a mod replacement for the .......
2. I need a tank replacement for the ......

3. I need suggestions to replace brand X gear, ...

Some quick general suggestions here for you.

Innokin has seemingly remained at a consistent level of quality, and their customer service is fine from my limited understanding of it, I would not feel terrible suggesting anyone buy their mods or RDAs. RDTAs with the exception you not buy any of their poly-carbonate plastic tanks.

I would not suggest any buy poly-carbonate plastic tanks in general though, so that isn't a strictly Innokin negative. Again, do not buy poly0carbonate plastic tanks. These kind of tanks are known to be bad choices.

I can also suggest Eleaf as another good brand of products. They created the Pico Squeeze squonking mod. It's alright and does well nearly two years later for me.

GeekVape also seems to do well creating mods. I've an Athena mechanical squonk from them which seems to be doing well.

RDA companies, Oumier makes nice RDA, RDTAs. Advken makes some nice atomizers too. trinity Glass Works does good RDAs. Innokin again, makes some nice tanks as well as their mod offerings. You might want to look at Uwell,, too. FastTech lists some "styled" or clone RDA, RDTAs which sell below normal retail but are not all junk.

You need to comparatively shop. for example I try to not not go below $5 for an RDA, I feel that's a cut off point that an RDA risks being junk. I don't try to pay over $25 to $30 for an RDA/RDTA either because to me at least, there's no need of fashionably expensive.

Ordering from China please understand it is good practice to not order during or near the month of February. February is China's national Holiday month and no one really works during that month. they run skeleton crews to do light cleaning, administrative stuff but no real working, work. After February though, order away until middle of January the next year. This applies for Fast Tech and any business based in China.

Hope you locate what you seek.