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Like we’ve said before, 80-watt cloud chucking devices barely qualify as “pod mods,” but that narrative is tired. Instead, let’s just review the Pro on its own merits and see if the battery upgrade is worth your hard-earned cash. Let’s discuss specs and details, and we’ll see you after the jump.
The Official Description
Discover the new SMOK RPM80 PRO Pod Mod Kit, featuring an 80W Max IQ-80 Chipset powered by a single 18650 battery (sold separately) to accommodate the popular RPM Coil Series while introducing the new RGC Coil Technology with Conical Mesh option for a cloud-chasing vape experience despite the compact size.
IQ-80 chipset
Implementing the new IQ-80 chipset, the SMOK RPM80 Pro can achieve wattages between 1-80W, while still offering an ultra fast firing speed clocking in at an impressive 0.0015s. Constructed from durable zinc-alloy, the chassis of the RPM80 Pro can accommodate a single high amp 18650 battery, facilitating changes and installation via bottom hinged battery door.
Two Pods
In addition, of the two pods available, the RPM80 RGC Pod features a bottom coil, pod-based airflow control ring (RGC Pods only) with dual slots to allow for minute adjustments to carefully control the amount of airflow rushing through the central point of the coil.
SMOK RPM80 PRO Pod Mod Kit Features:
- Dimensions – 118mm by 31.9mm by 26mm
- Single High-Amp 18650 Battery
- Wattage Output Range: 1-80W
- Voltage Output Range: 0.5-4.0V
- Resistance Range: 0.1-2.5ohm
- Wattage Mode
- Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
- Intuitive Firing Button
- 96″ OLED Display Screen
- Two Adjustment Buttons
- Bottom Hinged Battery Door
- SMOK RPM and RGC Pod & Coil Series
- Side Refill System – Silicone Stoppered
- 5mL Refillable RPM80 Pod
- 4ohm RPM Mesh Coil
- 5mL RPM80 RGC Pod
- 17ohm RGC Conical Mesh Coil – rated for
- 5-1.0ohm RGC RBA Coil – Coming Soon
- Plug ‘n’ Play Coil Installation
- Adjustable Airflow Control
- Magnetic Pod Connection
- Low Battery Protection
- Short-Circuit Protection
- 10S Cut-Off Protection
- Overheating Protection
- Intelligent Atomizer Recognition
- Puff Monitoring System
- Bottom MicroUSB Type-C Port
- Available in Black Stabwood, Red Stabwood, Fluid Gold, Fluid Blue, Black and White Resin, 7 Color, and Black Carbon Fiber
The RPM80 Includes:
- The RPM80 Pro Device
- One RPM80 RPM Pod
- One RPM80 RGC Pod
- A 0.4ohm Mesh Coil
- A 0.17ohm Conical Mesh Coil
- Also, a MicroUSB Cable
- And the User Manual
Aesthetics of the RPM80
Like the previous RPM80 mods, you have the option of stabwood, resin, or carbon fiber finishes. If there’s a luxury material used to make vape mods, it’s available for the SMOK RPM80. And they’re all absolutely flippin gorgeous. I might lean toward the stabwood options, but make no mistake, SMOK is positioning the RPM series toward more mature sensibilities.
Between the bold colors, flawless build quality and effortless operation, the RPM80 Pro might just be the most attractive pod/AIO device on the market — a bold statement in a market with so many products. But it’s a fair call, and no matter which RPM80 Pro you choose, you’re guaranteed to enjoy something distinctive, tasteful and attention-getting.
One of the nice carryovers from the previous editions is the fantastic TFT color screen, which is vertically oriented and crams a ton of information and control options in full view, without ever feeling cluttered or overdone.
The simplified menu system keeps power control front and center. By keeping wattage as the only option, the developers were allowed to focus on smart coil recognition and all the safety precautions we’ve come to expect from a modern device.
Vaping the SMOK RPM80 Pro
Once you investigate the coils provided in the kit, you’ll quickly realize that SMOK intended the RPM80 Pro as a full-on, mid-wattage vape mod, leaving behind any trappings of lower-power pod mods. And once you first inhale from the round drip tip, you’ll know it. While the RPM80 Pro isn’t going to make you forget true sub-ohm vape mods, most users will find something to like in this genre-bending pod rig.
The included RPM and RGC mesh coils are plug and play within their respective pod designs, both of which are also in the kit. So, you can swap them for fresh heads in a matter of seconds, and without an ounce of mess. But the good thing is that you won’t need to do this that often, since the included heads both lasted roughly two weeks of heavy use before needing to be swapped.
Thankfully, SMOK didn’t cut corners in the flavor department. Though the original 0.4-ohm RPM coil was more impressive, while also using less power to achieve the right balance of flavor and vapor production, both heads were standouts in this often lackluster category.
Our major complaint — and you knew it was coming — was battery life. Even with an 18650 cell that SHOULD be more capable than the integrated batteries on past models, we only averaged a few hours of performance under moderate power. When cranked to the 80-watt maximum, there wasn’t much life to be had after an hour or so of testing. The onboard charging is pretty good, though, so you shouldn’t ever find yourself without some power.
Pros:
- Gorgeous finish and design
- Outstanding flavor and vapor for a pod
- Solid, durable coils
Cons:
- 18650 showed no improvement over integrated cells
- RGC coils still aren’t very good
- Why stop at 80? Or one battery? Or… nevermind.
The RPM80 Pr0 Bottom Line
You’re probably wondering why this isn’t an A review. As good as the RPM80 Pro has performed — it’s simply not necessary, unless you’re adamantly against 18650 batteries. There was no performance improvement from moving to the external cells, and nothing really different from what the previous RPM80 already offered. However, for best results in this type of pod mod, we always use The Plume Room 50:50 e-liquids, like Citrus Creme or even Banana Pudding.
If you’re new to the series, the RPM80 Pro is a solid option and one that will deliver tons of flavor and vapor. But if you’re a RPM veteran, the Pro is an upgrade in name only.
