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Last Updated on January 9, 2020 by Team Spinfuel
Oh, how we’ve been waiting for this one. We can’t lie – we have seen literally thousands of vape products over the years, and yeah, we keep them all. So, very few mods get truly long-term use. The SMOK G-PRIV 2 is the exception. Which is why we couldn’t wait to get our mitts on SMOK’s G-PRIV 3.
Only time will tell if the G-PRIV 3 has the same staying power as its predecessor, but it certainly does a lot of the same things right. The question is: Does it do enough differently to stand out? Let’s find out, beginning with the specs.
The SMOK Official Product Description
The new SMOK G PRIV 3 Starter Kit is a versatile vaping system. Using the integrating dual 18650 battery layout, plus various coil options for different vaping styles and preferences, the G-PRIV 3 is major upgrade to the previous model.
Paired with the new SMOK TFV16 Lite Sub-Ohm Tank for a cloud-kicking competition vape combination that will leave other vaper’s befuddled from the decadent billowy clouds.
Construction/Chip
Constructed from durable zinc-alloy, the chassis of the SMOK G-PRIV 3 features a magnetic body panel. Hiding the pair of high-amp 18650 batteries (that are sold separately) – within the box mod. In addition, the G-PRIV 3 box mod is equipped with the IQ-G Chipset. This chip is an intelligent chipset that allows for ultra-fast firing, clocking in at 0.001s to deliver precious clouds of vapor.
Coils and Coils
Affixing a SMOK TFV16 Lite Tank on the threaded 510 connection, the G-PRIV 3 Starter Kit can utilize a myriad of coils from the SMOK TFV16 Coil Series to create delicious clouds of vapor with the simple press of a button.
Above the firing bar resides a single secondary button, used to lock and unlock the box mod, preventing adolescent or underage usage.
Equipped with a swivel top refill system, the TFV16 Lite can hold up to 5mL of today’s favorite e-juice with ease, accommodating refills by pressing a single locking button to open the single fill port refill system.
SMOK G-PRIV 3 230W Box Mod Features:
- IQ-G Chipset – 32-bit Processor
- Dimensions – 85mm by 54mm by 28mm
- Dual High-Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
- Wattage Output Range – VW Mode: 1-230W
- Wattage Output Range – TC Mode: 10-230W
- Voltage Output Range – TC Mode: 0.5-8.2V
- Resistance Range – VW Mode: 0.1-2.5ohms
- Resistance Range – TC Mode: 0.05-2.0ohms
- Temperature Range: 200°-600°F / 100°-315°C
- VW Mode
- 4 Power Levels – Soft, Norm, Hard, Max
- TC Mode
- My Mode – 4 Memory Mode
- Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
- Side Firing Bar
- Secondary Key – Lock/Unlock Functionality
- Touchscreen Operation
- 4″ Touch Screen Display
- Password Protection
- Intelligent Atomizer Recognition
- Puff Monitoring System
- 10 Seconds Cut-Off
- Short Circuit Protection
- Over-Heating Protection
- Low-Battery Warning
- USB Type-C Port
- Available in Black, Prism Gold, Purple Red, Prism Chrome
SMOK TFV16 Lite Tank Features:
- 28mm Diameter
- 5mL Bubble Glass Capacity
- Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
- 304 Stainless Steel Tank Construction
- Swivel Top Fill System – Locking Button
- SMOK TFV16 Lite Coil Series
- 2ohm TFV16 Lite Conical Mesh Coil – rated for 60-85W
- 15ohm TFV16 Lite Dual Mesh Coil – rated for 60-90W
- Plug ‘n’ Play Coil Installation
- Dual Slotted Bottom Airflow Control Ring – 12.7mm by 2.7mm Slots
- Wide Bore 810 Resin Drip Tip
- Gold-Plated 510 Connection
- Available in Black
Includes:
- G-PRIV 3 Box Mod
- TFV16 Lite Tank
- 0.2ohm TFV16 Lite Conical Mesh Coil
- 0.15ohm TFV Lite Dual Mesh Coil
- Glass Tube Replacement
- USB Cable
Aesthetics
If you get the standard black version of the G-PRIV 3, you’ll be forgiven for mistaking it for the older model, since the general shape and format of the series remains intact. However, SMOK definitely upped their color game this time around, offering the G-PRIV 3 in four loud and proud schemes. Personally? I’ll stick to something subtle… but if you’re seeking some prism gold in your collection, look no further.
The rear of the device is also a lot bolder than previous editions, with a bright resin-like rear panel flanked by a GIANT “G-PRIV 3” logo. Considering one of the best features of the more-subtle G PRIV 2 was its ability to choose from a series of color schemes, this is a tremendous leap of faith decision for SMOK — and frankly, it’s going to be a polarizing one.
Touchscreen Unlike the Mag P3
The bright, full-color touchscreen display is going to be a divisive topic, as well. While the G PRIV 3 screen certainly works well, and is easy to read/decipher, the overdone “speedometer” design and limited color scheme selection is so garish and over the top, we sorta wished we could side-load the old design back in there, or perhaps copy over the well-designed MAG P3 Touchscreen
Dual 18650 Setup
I DID like the dual battery meter setup, which gives shockingly accurate readings about charge levels and cell health. This coupled with the 2-amp, USB-C onboard charging, might be the best reason yet to pass on an external charger. (Obviously, we still recommend external chargers for safety, but consider this the first improvement in onboard charging in many, many moons.)
The screen itself works well and is extremely responsive to even the gentlest touches. But the child safety protection and screen lock controls are excellent, keeping the device from ever being used when you’re not around.
Thankfully, the extremely responsive fire bar and operations remain intact, so those familiar with the G-PRIV series will feel right at home from the moment they fire up the mod. In fact, I might just like this fire bar more than most, so if color schemes don’t matter to you, lean toward the G-PRIV 3.
The SMOK TFV16 Lite Tank
There are few things more consistent in vaping than SMOK tanks. And the TFV16 Lite is no exception. First off, not only is this arguably the most-frugal coil series they’ve introduced to date, but they also seem to perform better at more moderate wattages. Why vape at 100 watts when 60 will do? Yeah, we agree.
Unfortunately, the other area that SMOK remains all too consistent with is creating proprietary coil systems. The TFV16 Lite — despite the name and lineage — is not compatible with standard TFV16 heads. And since the 5mL capacity TFV16 Lite might be a little limited by modern sub-ohm standards, it’s going to come down to personal preference.
First Small-Thirst Coils from SMOK
That said, the new coils that are first seen with the G-PRIV 3 TFV16 Lite, are among the least-thirsty heads the company has ever released. We don’t know if it’s the reduced wattage requirements, or a better mesh coil arrangement, but no matter the juice thickness or how hard we chain vaped, the TFV16 Lite was a good partner for a night out, with limited refilling.
It doesn’t hurt that the coils are also extremely flavorful and long-lasting. Not “leaps and bounds” ahead of other current SMOK offerings, but again — consistent. These heads don’t quite compete with the HorizonTech Falcons and Ehpro Raptors of the world… but the gap is narrowing.
Taken independently from other SMOK tanks, the Lite is rock solid, attractive and high performing. But if you own other recent releases from the company, know that this is its own entity, which might make you think twice about investing.
SMOK TFV16 LITE Replacement Coils Features:
SMOK TFV16 LITE Coil Series
0.2ohm Conical Mesh Coil – rated for 60-85W
0.15ohm Dual Mesh Coil – rated for 60-90W
Plug ‘n’ Play Coil Installation
Vaping the SMOK G-PRIV 3 Kit
Thanks to the IQ-G chipset, the G-PRIV 3 is one of SMOK’s most-efficient, fastest-firing devices to date. Like “instant mouthfuls of flavorful vapor” fast, with near-all-day battery life, to boot. The previous G-PRIV was no slouch on battery efficiency, but the 3 manages to outclass it time and time again.
The mod’s coil detection and resistance readings are, once again, extremely accurate, showing how “everyday chipsets” like the IQ-G are slowly bridging the divide between accessible vape devices and the DNA/YiHi class of ultra-precise technology. We’re still not there yet, but I’m curious to see where SMOK takes this board next.
Using the mod is fun. While it’s a little hefty and bulky, the G-PRIV 3 feels good in the hand and isn’t “too much” to handle for extended periods of time. The touchscreen controls are responsive and easily accessible via the branching menus — if you don’t go blind when operating them, that is.
One complaint — the rear battery door comes off a little easily, and never seems to sit perfectly on the back of the mod. The same problems existed on the last G-PRIV, so maybe it’s time for SMOK to rethink using a hinged door the next time around.
Pros:
- Great battery performance
- Ultra-efficient power
- Solid tank in the box
Cons:
- Colors are garish
- Screen is a step down from the G-PRIV 2
- Battery door is loose
Bottom Line
While the G-PRIV 3 might not have the staying power as its predecessor, it still maintains the series’ design and functionality, while making several key improvements where it counts. Maybe the colors and speedometer screen aren’t for every vaper, but top-tier power performance certainly is.
