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Last Updated on July 24, 2020 by Team Spinfuel
The new SMOK RPM160 device, which should be considered a genuine pod mod, is one of the best devices I’ve used in this miserable year of the pandemic. But it is difficult for me to call the RPM160 a pod mod. This device puts every other pod mod I’ve used in the past to shame, and that is a good sign for the future of vaping.Available in several colors, this sleek, sexy, and affordable device provides a fantastic amount of flavor from any of its coil configurations, and wicked amounts of vapor clouds.
The SMOK RPM160 is Truly Innovative
“Innovative” for a vape device is not something we like to throw around here. That word is used all the time, by manufacturers and paid reviewers. Most of the time innovation means nothing. With this RPM160 we’re talking about real innovation. Combining the best of the pod mod with the best of the mid-wattage and sub-ohm resistance devices we usually use. The SMOK RPM160 is not only innovative, it’s downright ahead of its time (for a little while anyway).
Power and Chipset
The RPM 160 is powered by dual 18650 batteries for a massive 160 watts in a small footprint. The “pod” has a 7.5mL capacity using the RPM & RGC pods.
RPM160 Construction
The RPM160 is constructed from zinc-alloy and carbon fiber. The chassis is incredibly lightweight and portable. Using 60:40 or 50:50 e-liquid from the Plume Room delivers huge clouds of vapor as soon as the fire button is pressed.
The IQ-160 chipset
The RPM160 is equipped with the IQ-160 chipset, which can intelligently detect the RPM and RGC coils that it is compatible with. (when used in their respective pods.) That said, it doesn’t choose the optimum wattage or anything, but that’s just fine.
Pod Capacity of the RPM 160
Holding 7.5mL of e-Liquid of your choice, the pods are side filled for easy filling. While, like the usual pod mod “pods”, the filling port is covered with a rubber stopper which can be a pain to remove. I do have doubts that rubber port covers will last forever. I suspect I’ll be picking up new pods every 4 or 5 months.
Speed of the RPM160 Firing
Firing at a near-instantaneous 0.0015s, the SMOK RPM160 can operate in wattage mode (who needs Temp Control in 2020?) and displays relevant information via Color 0.96″ TFT Screen. Tons of safety protections are built in so the vaper can vape with confidence and safety. I’m telling you right now, if the SMOK RPM160 appeals to you visually, it will astound you in flavor and vapor performance.
SMOK RPM160 Pod Mod Kit Features:
IQ-160 Chipset
Dimensions – 125mm by 45mm by 28.2mm
Dual High Amp 18650 Batteries – Not Included
Wattage Output Range: 5-160W
Voltage Output Range: 0.5-8.0V
Resistance Range: 0.1-2.5ohm
Firing Speed – 0.001s
Intelligent Atomizer Recognition
VW Mode
Zinc-Alloy & Carbon Fiber Chassis Construction
Intuitive Firing Button
Two Adjustment Buttons
0.96″ TFT Display Screen
Bottom Hinged Battery Bay
7.5mL Pod Capacity – RPM & RGC
RGC Pod – Adjustable Airflow Control
Top Fill System – Silicone Stoppered
0.15ohm RPM160 NiCr Mesh Coil – rated for
Compatible with RPM and RGC Coils
Press Fit Coil Installation
Magnetic Pod Connection
Low Voltage Protection
Short-Circuit Protection
8S Cut-Off Protection
Temperature Protection
MicroUSB Port
Available in 7-Color Carbon Fiber, Black Carbon Fiber, Blue Carbon Fiber, Gold Carbon Fiber, Red Carbon Fiber, Silver Carbon Fiber.
1 – SMOK RPM Coil Series
2 -SMOK RGC Coil Series
3 -SMOK RPM160 Pods
4 -SMOK RPM160 Coils
Why Would You Want the SMOK RPM160
The reasons most people in my vape community avoid pod mods are many. From their flimsy construction to their miserable attempt at flavor production. Others complain about very little vapor, which was completely true in 2018 but has gotten better recently. This year SMOK has made incredible improvements to both flavor and vapor production with its RPM series.
SMOK isn’t the only one to make big strides in pod mod flavor and vapor. The Voopoo Drag X or Drag S, and others, deliver in spades. But the new RPM160 makes that magic leap from pod mod to a new category. A category I have no name for, but it is neither a traditional pod mod, nor a box mod and sub-ohm tank. It’s a combination of both.
Like other SMOK RPM devices, the RPM160 uses the same, strong magnetic connection that grips the pod to the “mod” part of the device. The pod sits tightly enough that at first you might think there must be another way to remove it.
Operating the RPM160
Getting the SMOK RPM160 into play is quite easy. While I think new vapers should always read the manual, just to play it safe, getting it set up is simple.
- Remove the mod part of the RPM160.
- Insert two 18650 batteries (look for the + and – signs)
- Close the bottom battery hatch.
- The RPM160 will cycle through quickly, then shut down. Click 5 times quickly and it starts up for real.
- Choose one of the two coils that comes with the kit.
- Insert the coil through the bottom of the pod. It fits snugly.
- Open the rubber stop (can be a pain in the butt) and fill with your favorite e-juice. We use The Plume Room for real flavor without a hint of chemicals.
- Place the rubber stopper back in the pod.
- Let sit for 5 full minutes
- Take 5 or more huge drags from the drip tip without pressing the fire button.
- The adjustment buttons sit directly below the color TFT display. Adjust up or down to suit your needs.
- Begin to vape at 50W, rising up in order to reach your best vape. For me, my coil is the RPM160 MESH 0.15 at 75-80W. The wattage can go a lot higher for a warmer vape, but in the middle of the summer, 75-80W gives me plenty of cooler vapor.
- To turn the device off, click the fire button 5 times quickly.
- Refill as needed of course.
Prior Pod Mod Users Beware
If you have any experience with older pod mods, we advise you to keep your cool when you take your first hit from the drip tip. The burst of flavor and the enormous vapor will shock you. You’ll believe you’re vaping a sub-ohm tank at high wattage.
Conclusion
The SMOK RPM160 is definitely a A+ pod mod device. The day I got it from Element Vape ($45.99), I haven’t used anything else. That is very unusual for me. I keep half a dozen mods and tanks next to me at my desk, yet these past 6 days I’ve stuck with the RPM160. It might be The Plume Room’s Strawberries and Cream e-liquid I vaped for the first time, or it could be the wonderful flavor and vapor production from this amazing device.
If you like what you see, then spring for the $45, you won’t be disappointed. The battery life is excellent, and in 6 days of heavy use the coil I’m using is still at 100% efficiency.
Yes, we fully expect every manufacturer to copy the RPM160. And who knows, maybe a better device will come about later this year or next. But for right now, the SMOK RPM160 is the best value, the best performer, and the best device to hit the market in quite a while.
