SMOK Trinity Alpha AIO Kit Review

Okay, right from the outset, let’s be clear – the SMOK Trinity Alpha is not a pod mod, so I won’t be using that term very often in this review. Sure, it looks like an advanced pod system, similar to Lost Vape’s Orion series. But the inclusion of the versatile and replaceable NORD coil system, makes this a clear all-in-one (AIO) device for a broader scope of vapers than pod mods usually reach.

Our take? Well, since Game of Thrones and Avengers: Endgame are already old news, here’s another spoiler – the 25-watt Trinity Alpha is a good AIO device that we recommend to anyone seeking flavor and subtlety. It’s not perfect, so even the biggest SMOK fans might want to read on. But it’s a hell of a lot better than most pod/AIO setups in this price range.

Let’s start with the official line from SMOK…

The SMOK TRINITY ALPHA 25W Pod System is a representation of the ultimate all-in-one vape pod kit, deploying creative design elements combined with advanced chipset with three output modes, 1000mAh battery, and the NORD Coil System for a momentous creation. The SMOKTech Trinity Alpha is fully constructed with high-level of craftsmanship, illustrating a quality alloy shell with beautiful unique resin panels for a luxurious all-in-one, or AIO, pod system. The built-in 1000mAh rechargeable battery provides ample power to use throughout the day.

Like we mentioned in our little SMOK preview a few months back, the SMOK Trinity Alpha AIO system follows the same design cues as the Lost Vape Orion series, but make no mistake, this isn’t just a carbon copy. Using a proprietary chipset, SMOK actually wanted to expand upon its NORD pod/AIO setup by making it cross-compatible with those coils. This means the Trinity Alpha will be able to work for both MTL and direct lung vapers, thanks to a lineup of sub-ohm coils, ready for use with a wide range of e-liquids.

Visually, SMOK is definitely at the top of their game with the Trinity Alpha. They might not be the first company to incorporate resin panels and a durable alloy frame, but the Trinity Alpha’s a looker. With bold, swirling resin patterns, bright and subdued color options, and a general sense of professionalism about the presentation, the SMOK design team has clearly been doing its homework before releasing this device.

Like the Orion, the Trinity Alpha 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 a typical pod device.

One really nice feature that isn’t on competing devices in this category is the slide-to-open fill system for the 2.8mL pod/tank, which makes things a hell of a lot nicer for vapers used to snug, unwieldy tanks. Not only do you have the ability to top off your fill whenever needed, but you also have the ability to get more coil life than the standard setups. We always talk about “innovation” in devices. Well, here’s proof that innovation can come from the simplest changes.

Standout Features

There are actually two standout features on the SMOK Trinity Alpha – the selectable power output that lets you choose a preferred draw strength, and the Nord mesh coils that we’ve grown to love since that system launched late last year.

While the power output isn’t anything new to direct-wattage mod vapers, it’s pretty unique on an AIO system like this. And it’s even more unique in that it works really well, with distinct power output differences on each level. Personally, I liked the “normal” setting, because I’m a boring guy. But those who want a little more “oomph” in each pull will definitely enjoy the “hard” mode. While this DOES take its toll on the integrated 1,000mAh battery, the rapid onboard charging doesn’t make this a tremendous problem for more-active vapers.

But those coils… oh man. Using the Nord mesh heads we mentioned earlier, the Trinity Alpha can be put to work as a serviceable sub-ohm vape, in addition to the more MTL-focused use devices like this typically lean towards. In fact, SMOK is so convinced their “pod” coils are more versatile than most, they only included two sub-ohm heads in the box.

That’s right – both the 0.6-ohm (25-watt max) and 0.8-ohm (16-watt max) heads are well below resistances most “pod mod” setups would even consider using. Don’t get me wrong – you’re not going to be entering cloud competitions with the Trinity Alpha, but it’s really easy to get a thick, flavorful plume of vapor from a basic draw on this mod.

Note: The 0.8-ohm head is a little snugger than the resistance suggests, and is technically capable of nic salt vaping. But, we do NOT recommend trying it with the included heads. If you want to use the Trinity Alpha for higher-nic exploits, please find and use a higher-resistance 1.4-ohm traditional or ceramic Nord coils before proceeding. Trust us – this isn’t going to end well otherwise.

But 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 Nord coils without any concerns or dry hits. Maybe chain vaping or extended draws might deliver different results, but casual puffs (like the Trinity Alpha’s target audience would do) gave me nothing but flavor, puff after puff.

One thing I would have enjoyed was a little control over airflow. Though the different power settings lead to dramatically different puffs, every now and then I found myself wishing I could open things up a little – even the 0.6-ohm head needed a little less tightness on repeated draws.

Vaping the SMOK Trinity Alpha

Though we covered it in the previous section, I genuinely enjoyed using the Trinity Alpha. Mostly because it ISN’T a pod mod system. It’s no secret we’re not HUGE fans of the format, save for a few standout devices. But we feel the design and structure of these ultra-portable, cost-effective mods don’t lend themselves to strong long-term performance. And we feel that their generally cheap construction and poor coil longevity only hurt users in the long run.

However, more fleshed-out AIO systems can deliver the same experience to users, with better coil systems, more value and better-quality devices. 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 Trinity Alpha are the bridge to that gap, and a much better alternative than dumping money into cheap plastic alternatives.

Spinfuel VAPE Recommendation and Score

It’s simple – the vape quality of the Trinity Alpha is excellent. Thick vapor, deep flavor and a strong internal battery make for an experience that outshines most any device 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 could dream of offering. Lost Vape may have beat SMOK to the market with this mod design, but there’s a lot to like here, and we think you’ll agree.