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Usually, when we hear about a tank with cross-compatible coils, we love the idea. But in the case of the all-new SMOK TFV9 sub-ohm tank, we’re completely nonplussed by how entirely unnecessary this package really is.
Does the tank work and vape okay? Sure. But it’s all been done before (and years earlier, to boot). I can’t believe I’m writing this, but other than a brand new way to fill it, SMOK kind of dropped the ball here.
Let’s see why…
The Official Word From SMOK
Check out the SMOK TFV9 Sub-Ohm Tank. A 5mL capacity tank, featuring 0.15ohm mesh coil, dual slotted airflow control ring, and 510 connection. Constructed from superior 304 stainless steel, the chassis of the SMOK TFV9 Tank is impervious to light falls and drops.
Holding up to 5mL of eJuice within the tank, the TFV9 Tank can accommodate coils from the TFV9 Coil series, offering a mesh system to divulge the best flavor and vapor from the filled eJuice. Equipped with a dual slotted bottom airflow control ring, the SMOK TFV9 can meter airflow carefully to grant the user the desired amount of airflow.
SMOK TFV9 Sub-Ohm Tank Features:
- 28mm Diameter
- 5mL Tank Capacity
- Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
- Superior 304 Stainless Steel Chassis Construction
- Sliding Top Fill System – Single Fill Port
- SMOK TFV9 Coil Series
- 15ohm V9 Meshed Coil – rated for 40-90W
- Press Fit Coil Installation
- Dual Slotted Airflow Control Ring
- 510 Connection
SMOK TFV9 Tank Kit Includes:
- 1 TFV9 Sub-Ohm Tank
- 2x 0.15ohm V9 Meshed Coil
- Replacement Glass
- User Manual
Coil Links:
SMOK TFV9 Replacement Coils
SMOK TFV8 Baby Coils
Aesthetics of the SMOK TFV9 Sub-Ohm
The SMOK TFV9 makes a commanding first impression… because it’s nearly identical to the TFV8 Baby Beast. And, while that was a game changing tank a few years ago, it’s really hard to get excited by the design at the end of 2020.
That said, the tank design is proven and popular, and my cherry red test model hits all of the usual notes in terms of height, diameter and capacity.
Please note that the description claims this is a 28mm tank, but that’s the measurement of the bubble glass, not the base. Instead, you have a standard 25-26mm tank with the requisite extended glass section..
The final item you’ll notice from the outset is the TFV9’s new lift-and-release childproof mechanism on the standard swivel top-cap. While I wouldn’t go as far as to call it “childproof” this feature helps add a little extra security by effectively creating a two-step locking system. It’s unobtrusive and doesn’t hinder the experience.
Speaking of the top-cap, the kidney-shaped juice port is finally (and mercifully) wider than usual, eliminating much of the pooling and spillage that happened with many of SMOK’s “Baby” line models. All of my bottles and droppers allowed me to fill with ease, nearly to the top of its capacity.
Otherwise, you’ve seen this before from SMOK, countless times over.
Vaping the SMOK TFV9 tank
If you’ve ever vaped a SMOK coil, you know what to expect here. After priming, the TFV9’s included 0.15-ohm coils break in quickly and offer clean, predictable flavor and vapor production.
In an industry that still suffers from inconsistent coil performance and build quality, SMOK’s commitment is evident here, with coils that work exactly as expected, right out of the box. But this industry has also seen dozens of more flavorful, longer-lasting options, rendering SMOK’s “all-new” coil series a bit of a letdown.
We were disappointed by the coil longevity, too, working through both of the 0.15-ohm mesh heads in roughly eight days. Total. Perhaps more casual users will get some extra lifespan, but we noticed muted flavor and vapor production within 48 hours of installing the heads. Unexpected and confusing from a company like SMOK.
Plus, after years of improving e-liquid flow and consumption, the TFV9 coils take a major step back, guzzling juice in an obscene fashion. We found ourselves refilling constantly, even though the juice consumption wasn’t aligned with the weak flavor and vapor.
Cross Compatible
Because the TFV9 is cross-compatible with the classic TFV8 Baby Beast series, we decided to compare performance between the heads. It wasn’t even close, with the dusty old coils outperforming these supposed “new” heads by a country mile. If you’re sitting on a stack of old Baby Beast coils and need a new tank for them, look no further.
On the positive end of things, the TFV9 handles heat well, never getting too hot, even when pushing the limits of each coil. The stock looking mouthpiece isn’t going to win any beauty awards, but in terms of keeping things cool at higher wattages, we have no complaints here.
Pros:
- Compatible with TFV8 Baby Beast coils
- Good heat distribution
- Predictable flavor and vapor production
Cons:
- New TFV9 coils are weak performers
- Absolutely SWALLOWS e-liquid
- More of the same, with no innovation
Bottom Line
SMOK has had a very good 2020, so we’re going to write off the disappointing TFV9 tank as a misstep, rather than an outright mistake. Because if you need a new, unassuming new sub-ohm atomizer, the TFV9 is fine. Plus, the cross-compatibility with the older Baby Beast coils gives this offering some versatility.
But that doesn’t change the fact that the TFV9’s performance is subpar by modern standards, with excessive juice consumption and poor coil longevity users simply don’t want to deal with today.
Score: B-
