By Spinfuel Editorial • Nashua, NH • June 15, 2024
The SCAR-18 Mod was, and still is, one of my favorite vaping devices, which makes this SMOK SCAR-MINI 80W Mod Kit Review so much fun. While the SCAR-18 Mod was not a perfect Mod, it was, at the time of its release, the first truly rugged, IP67-rated water, dust, and shockproof vaping device that performed like a flagship device. I think SMOK nailed it with the SCAR-18. And now, almost exactly one year later, SMOK has released the SCAR-MINI Kit. For some reason, Spinfuel was left off the review list, but a good friend sent me a SCAR-MINI 80W Kit for review.
If you have read my SMOK SCAR-18 Review, then you know that I really enjoy using the SMOK SCAR-18. It’s a dual 18650-powered 230W Mod that has some good features and a lot of power. The SMOK SCAR-MINI is designed to be very similar to the SCAR-18, only smaller, single 18650, and 80W max output.
I’ve used the SCAR-MINI for more than three weeks and have some definite opinions about it. Is it as good as the SCAR-18, just smaller? Let’s find out.
The SMOK SCAR-MINI is a small, compact Mod that is also IP67-rated. While the SCAR-18 has a military-grade leather trim, the SCAR-MINI has a beautiful, comfortable, silicone rubber trim that feels fantastic in the hand. The Mod takes a single 18650 battery (not included), but it comes with a Type-C USB charging cable, meaning it charges faster than a micro-USB cable.
I want to put it out there that the SCAR-MINI Mod is not an advanced vaping device. It doesn’t have Temperature Control, or custom TCR, or any of the usual bells and whistles you might find in a high-end Mod. It’s a wattage-only Mod, with a Resistance Range of 0.15 to 2.5 ohms, and Variable Wattage from 1 to 80W.
There are no bypass mode, or curve mode (like the SCAR-18 has), or preheat options. Just a straight wattage Mod. The SCAR-MINI is for vapers that simply want to choose a wattage and vape.
Because the SMOK SCAR-MINI is a simple device, it’s a perfect starter Mod, or for the Vaper that owns 20 devices and just wants something rugged and simple for the road. The simplicity, however, is not the SCAR-MINI’s only charm. It comes with the fantastic TFV9 Mini Tank.
What’s in the Box?
1 x SCAR-MINI Mod
1 x TFV9 MINI Tank (3ml)
1 x V9 Meshed Coil (Pre-installed)
1 x V9 Meshed Coil (Spare)
1 x Type-C Cable
1 x User Manual
Design and Build Quality
The SMOK SCAR-MINI is a compact, rectangular shape. The front is made of metal, while the rest of the Mod is silicone rubber. The top and bottom are also metal plates. The USB-C port is located on the front of the Mod (under the screen), and it’s protected by a silicone plug. There are two adjustment buttons just below the screen. The fire button is located on the right side of the Mod.
The battery is loaded from the top of the Mod, via a screw-on battery cap. This is a secure and waterproof way to protect the battery, which is vital for the IP67 rating. The cap is easy to unscrew, but it needs to be screwed down properly to ensure it’s airtight and watertight.
The Mod comes in several colors: Black, Fluid Black, Fluid Red, Fluid Blue, Fluid Gold, Fluid 7-Color, Red, and Blue. My review unit is black.
A Mod for a Vaping Lifestyle
The SMOK SCAR-MINI Mod is IP67 rated, meaning it’s protected against water, dust, and shock. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or going to the beach. I used the SCAR-MINI Mod at the beach and had no issues with sand or water. I even dropped it a few times on the asphalt with no issues.
When using the SMOK SCAR-MINI, it feels comfortable in the hand. The size and shape fit my hand well, and the silicone rubber is comfortable. While vaping, the SCAR-MINI does feel solid, it doesn’t rattle or make any weird noises.
The small screen shows all the essential info, including wattage, battery life, resistance, and puff counter. The screen is a little small, but for a simple device like the SCAR-MINI, it’s sufficient. The text is bright white and easy to read.
The SMOK TFV9 MINI Tank
The TFV9 Mini Tank is an excellent choice for the SCAR-MINI Mod. It’s a smaller version of the TFV9 Tank, which I reviewed in September. The TFV9 Mini Tank holds 3ml of e-liquid (TPD version has a 2ml capacity), and it uses the same V9 Meshed coils as the full-size TFV9 Tank. The tank has a 510 connection, so it can be used with any Mod, and it has a wide bore 810 drip tip. The airflow control is a dual slotted bottom AFC ring. Airflow control is smooth but a little stiff.
Filling the TFV9 Mini Tank
The TFV9 Mini Tank has a top-fill design. To fill the tank, simply lift and turn the top cap counterclockwise. The fill port is large and easy to access. I had no issues with leakage or spilling when filling the tank. The tank also has a locking mechanism that prevents the top cap from accidentally opening, which is a nice safety feature.
The V9 Meshed Coils
The SMOK SCAR-MINI Kit comes with two V9 Meshed coils. Both are 0.15-ohm coils, rated for 40-90W. The coils are made of Kanthal, and they have a large heating surface that provides excellent flavor and vapor production. I found that the coils performed best between 60-70W. I preferred the coils at 65W.
Flavor and Vapor
The flavor and vapor production of the TFV9 Mini Tank are excellent. The meshed coils provide a smooth, consistent vape with plenty of flavor. The vapor production is also impressive, especially for a smaller tank. I used several different e-liquids with the TFV9 Mini Tank, and all of them tasted great. The coils lasted about two weeks of moderate use before I noticed a drop in flavor.
Performance of the SCAR-MINI Kit
The SMOK SCAR-MINI Kit performs exactly as expected. It’s a simple, reliable device that provides a consistent vape. The Mod fires instantly, and the wattage output is accurate. I tested the Mod with a few different atomizers, and it performed well with all of them. The buttons are clicky and responsive, and the screen is easy to read.
I found the SCAR-MINI to be a great everyday carry device. It’s small enough to fit in my pocket, and it’s durable enough to withstand daily use. I appreciate the simplicity of the Mod, as it allows me to focus on vaping without worrying about complex settings.
Battery Life
The SCAR-MINI takes a single 18650 battery, and at 65W, the battery life is decent, but not outstanding. I got about 4-5 hours of moderate use before needing to recharge the battery. If you’re a heavy vaper, you’ll likely need to carry a spare battery or recharge halfway through the day. The Type-C USB charging is a nice touch, as it allows for faster charging.
Final Thoughts
The SMOK SCAR-MINI Kit is a great little Mod for vapers who want a simple, durable, and reliable device. It’s not for advanced vapers who need all the bells and whistles, but for those who just want to set their wattage and vape, it’s perfect. The TFV9 Mini Tank is a solid performer, providing excellent flavor and vapor.
I really like the SMOK SCAR-MINI. While it doesn’t quite rise to the level of the SMOK SCAR-18 Mod Kit, it does come in a very close second, mostly because I like the heft and dual battery power of the SCAR-18. If you want a small, light, single 18650 Mod that is super rugged, the SCAR-MINI is a great option.
If you’re ready to buy the SCAR-MINI, VapeFatale.com has it in stock. I give the SMOK SCAR-MINI Kit a B+ and highly recommend it. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for a rugged, dependable, and easy-to-use vaping device.
