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After this sudden resurgence in high-wattage mod and sub-ohm tank reviews, we were surprised by the relative lack of pod mods coming out. We’re not talking about those high-wattage AIO/pod hybrids (which have been awesome of late) but rather the low-wattage, true mouth-to-lung (MTL) devices that dominated the headlines before COVID hit the land.
Well, leave it to the reigning leaders of MTL, Innokin, to quell our concerns with the all-new Sceptre kit. While this is still technically a “hybrid” AIO vape device (with replaceable coils rather than disposable pods) its form factor is much closer to the traditional pod mods that caught the world’s attention a few years back.
Let’s dive in and take a look to see if the Sceptre hits the right notes for your needs.
Official Description
The Innokin SCEPTRE Pod System, featuring a 1400mAh battery, intelligent coil identification, and can use restricted DL or MTL vaping coils. Featuring a nifty Boost mode to ramp up vapor delivery and heat, the Innokin SCEPTRE can deliver large clouds of vapor with the 0.5ohm restricted direct lung coil or switch to the 1.2ohm MTL Coil for intensely flavored vapor. Featuring a 1400mAh rechargeable battery, the Innokin SCEPTRE Pod System can deliver plenty of vapor throughout the day. Utilizing a refillable pod, the Sceptre Pod System can change coils by removing the bottom of the magnetized pod.
Innokin SCEPTRE Pod System Features:
- Dimensions – 106.8mm by 29mm by 18mm
- Integrated 1400mAh Rechargeable Battery
- Normal Mode
- Boost Mode
- Intelligent Coil Identification
- Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
- Single Firing Button
- LED Battery Life Indicator Light
- Refillable Pod Capacity
- Innokin Coil Series
- 5ohm RDL Coil
- 2ohm MTL Coil
- Bottom Coil Installation
- Magnetic Pod Connection
- Innokin Full Protections
- Available in Black, Blue, White, Grey, and Pink
Aesthetics of the Innokin Sceptre Pod Mod
Innokin has been on a roll for a while, not only by making our favorite mod of 2019, the integrated battery MVP5, but also for reinvigorating the long-dormant MTL marketplace (with the help of some noted vaping celebrities). The Sceptre seems like a natural extension of the sleek, mature design aesthetic Innokin has introduced these past few years, and definitely stands out against a wall of plasticky, low-budget pod vapes.
Instead of the usual budget materials, the Sceptre is built with durable zinc alloy, and feels suitably hefty in the hand. In other words, it doesn’t feel cheap or disposable — long considered the worst feature of these devices.
The Sceptre still wants to keep things simple, though. Rather than employing unnecessary controls and displays to the equation, Innokin opted for the old-school LED indicator setup, letting the device control the proper wattage output, and preventing unwanted dry hits.
While we’ve struggled with colored LED systems in the past, the Sceptre’s setup is legible and clear, leaving little doubt about the device status. In short, they want users to fill and vape, without worrying about any advanced vaping minutiae.
Finally, the pod tank/mouthpiece unit is a step-above standard fare for the category. While the usual small rubber gasket sits on the side of the tank for filling, there’s also a nifty airflow control ring that lets users decide between MTL and RDL (restricted direct lung) vaping.
It doesn’t make a HUGE difference in vape quality, there’s a slight boost in flavor when staying in the MTL zone.
Our only complaint is the flat, narrow mouthpiece, which isn’t bad, but limits the quality of the RDL vape, due to its cocktail straw-like diameter.
Vaping the Innokin Sceptre
Given the simplified format and lack of moving parts, there really wasn’t much for us to do but prime the coil, fill the tank and vape. And overall, we were happy with the results. Though most of our office is filled with higher-wattage vapers, some of us occasionally enjoy some higher-nic stealth vaping with salt liquids, and the Sceptre fills that need well.
There are two coils included in the box — one for restricted lung use, and a higher-resistance head for dedicated MTL vaping. But you know what? Both coils were more flavorful, long-lasting and enjoyable with the MTL airflow setting. So, while the RDL option is nice, it’s pretty clear what the Sceptre’s true calling is, and you’re better off following its lead.
The 1,400mAh integrated battery does a decent job of keeping you vaping moderately through most of a workday, but it’s not designed to be a steady workhorse. Under our testing conditions, the cell lasted just under two hours. Of course, these aren’t normal use cases, so take these numbers with a grain of salt.
Battery Charges FAST
Thankfully, the battery recharges very quickly via the micro-USB connection. Perhaps a USB-C would speed things up even further, but overall, there are no complaints in this department.
The vape quality is strong when using the right e-liquids. Thinner (50/50 or higher PG) traditional liquids work well, but nic salt liquids are far and away the best option here, with ridiculously clean, rich flavor throughout.
Our only complaints came from the relatively short lifespan of the sceptre coils. We’ve seen MTL-focused pod mod coils last weeks or longer, yet we were only able to garner a week of great vaping before flavors became a little muted. They were still producing ample vapor afterwards, but weaker flavor made us swap out the heads more quickly than expected.
Pros:
- Gorgeous, mature design
- Outstanding heft and build quality
- Rich, nuanced flavor quality
Cons:
- Middling coil longevity
- Older USB type
- Battery life could be better
INNOKIN SCEPTRE Bottom Line
While not a “true” pod mod, the slender, simplified Sceptre is certainly aiming for that audience. But this is no JUUL clone. Instead, the Sceptre represents the best of that type of vaping, without adding complexity or unnecessary features to the mix.
If you’re new to vaping, or just want a rock-solid device for nic salts and MTL vaping, give the Sceptre a long look when you shop. Despite a few flaws, it checks off all the boxes pod vapers need, and then some.
