Table of Contents
Last Updated on July 1, 2020 by Team Spinfuel
The SMOK ALIKE 40W Pod Mod Review – I just had a thought — my pod mod collection suddenly has more fake leather than a 1970s living room. A weird way to start a review, for sure. But when so many new devices look, feel and perform the same, it gets difficult to be creative.
That said, the all-new 40-watt SMOK Alike pod system has a few nifty features to set it apart from an increasingly similar pack — and no, we’re not talking about the naugahyde grip. Let’s get to the specs and see where it takes us…
Check out the new SMOK ALIKE Pod System, featuring a 1600mAh rechargeable battery, compatibility with RPM Coils, and can hold up to 5.5mL of eJuice within the pod. Constructed from durable zinc-alloy and leather, the chassis of the ALIKE Pod System is neutrally luxurious making it ideal for any setting.
Maintaining a clean form factor, the ALIKE fits neatly into the palm of the hand, encasing up to 5.5mL of eJuice or nicotine salts within the side fill pod. Accepting replacement coils from the bottom in a press-fit manner, the ALIKE Pod can utilize coils from the SMOK RPM Coil Series, delivering clouds of vapor at the press of a button. Clocking in at 0.001s for the firing speed, the ALIKE is great for those beginning the journey of vaping or is a great pocket, purse, or backpack vape for those on the go.
SMOK ALIKE Pod System Features:
- Dimensions – 77mm by 43mm by 23mm
- Integrated 1600mAh Rechargeable Battery
- Wattage Output Range: 1-40W
- Voltage Output Range: 0.5-4.0V
- Resistance Range: 0.2-2.5ohms
- 001s Firing Speed
- IPX7 Rated Protection
- Zinc-Alloy and Leather Construction
- Intuitive Firing Button
- Two Adjustment Buttons
- 96″ OLED Color Screen
- 5mL Refillable Pod Capacity
- Side Fill System – Silicone Stoppered
- SMOK RPM Coil Series
- 4ohm RPM Mesh Coil
- 8ohm DC MTL Coil
- Bottom Press-Fit Coil Installation
- Magnetic Pod Connection
- MicroUSB Port
- 510 Drip Tip
- Available in Matte Green, Matte Gold, Matte Red, Matte Blue, Matte Gunmetal
Includes:
- ALIKE Device
- ALIKE Empty Pod
- 0.4ohm RPM Mesh Coil
- 0.8ohm RPM DC MTL Coil
- MicroUSB Cable
- User Manual
The SMOK ALIKE Aesthetics
Maybe we started off too negatively, because visually, SMOK is at the top of their game with the Alike. They might not be the first company to incorporate leather grips around a durable alloy frame, but the Alike makes a strong first impression. With a textured leather-like grip and rock-solid construction, modest color options, and a general maturity about it, the SMOK design team has clearly been doing its homework before releasing this device.
Like so many similar pod/AIOs, the Alike does a good job bridging the gap between pod mod portability and standard mod design. It’s compact, feels good in the hand, and can easily slide into a front pocket without concern. But the solid frame and panels give it a reassuring heft you won’t get from cheaper vapes.
One really nice feature that isn’t on competing devices in this category is the press-fit coil system for the 5.5mL pod/tank, which makes things a hell of a lot nicer for vapers used to all-in-one pod tanks. Not only do you have the ability to top off your fill or check your coils whenever needed.
Our only complaint is going to sound DAMN familiar — the rubber-stoppered side fill port on the pod. Not only was this one near-impossible to open when sealed, but also was maddening to fill with any normal e-liquid bottle. The opening LOOKED large enough, but the port’s placement and angle seemed to reject anything but needle tips. On a smaller pod, it’s almost forgivable. But on a tank this spacious, I can’t let this off the hook. A word to the wise; Use Unicorn Bottles for eJuice, and always remove the rubber cap completely for an easier fill time.
Vaping the SMOK Alike
Despite the fill problems, I genuinely enjoyed using the Alike. Mostly because it ISN’T a pod mod system. We’re obviously not HUGE fans of the format, but we are changing our tune a bit lately thanks to some standout devices like the… well… Alike.
That’s because we’re starting to see the value in a hybrid pod/advanced vaping device. Maybe users don’t want a full vape mod setup, but also don’t want to be relegated to single-use devices or low-quality prefills. Mods like the SMOK Alike are the bridge to that gap, and a much better alternative than dumping money into cheap plastic alternatives.
The 40-watt output isn’t the largest in the category, but as a complete kit, it’s more than enough to provide a quality, no nonsense vape. This is thanks in large part to the cross-compatible RPM coils, which are perfect for this format.
Both the included coils are strong performers. Both heads are long-lasting, and maintain their rich, nuanced flavor for a lot longer than most pod and AIO heads usually do. Even my most viscous juices seemed to flow through the pod to the RPM coils without any concerns or dry hits. Maybe chain vaping or extended draws might deliver different results, but casual puffs (like the Alike’s target audience would lean towards) gave me nothing but flavor.
One thing I would have enjoyed was a little control over airflow. Though the different coils lead to dramatically different puffs, every now and then I found myself wishing I could open things up a little – even the 0.4-ohm head needed a little less snugness on successive draws.
Pros:
- Great compact look and feel
- Fantastic coil system
- Strong battery life
Cons:
- No airflow control
- Horrendous pod fill port
- A little difficult to see e-liquid levels
Bottom Line
Despite a few pesky problems, the SMOK Alike is excellent. Thick vapor, rich flavor and a strong internal battery make for an experience that outshines most devices in this category. Not only is it well-made and comfortable to use, but the flavor and vapor is way better than any cheap pod mod could dream of providing.
Score: A-
A Note from the Managing Editor:
When I got my own SMOK Alike 40W pod mod I really didn’t expect much. But, I liked the design enough to give it a try. I kept thinking about how this mod that fits in the palm of my hand, with room left over, would provided any kind of satisfying vape. After vaping with it, I decided that whoever wound up on our review whiteboard to write the review, I would speak up.
The truth about the ALIKE is that like a handful of other very recent pod mods, the world of pod vaping has changed overnight. The ALIKE provides truly remarkable flavor (I use The Plume Room e-liquids only, 50:50 or 60:40 VG/PG) and much more vapor than I believed possible. Along with it’s 5.5mL pod tank, I always keep it with me wherever I go. I’ve even set up a charging station on my bedside to keep it ready to go. – Dave
