Do pod mods need more innovation and hybrid design? We’ve argued against it for a while, then keep getting healthy servings of crow right after, because some of the most recent innovations make sense. Today’s hybrid generation of high-powered, adjustable pod systems (like the SMOK RPM series) takes the pod format a little further than expected, with good results.

 

But when we see standard, pocket-sized stick pods starting to feature somewhat meaningless wattage adjustments, our BS meters start to tick again. Let’s see if the star of today’s show – the SMOK NFIX Pod Mod Kit – can serve up another ample serving of blackbird on our plates.

Official Words

SMOK NFIX Pod Shop the SMOK NFIX 25W Pod System, featuring a 700mAh battery, 1-25W range, and operates off a draw-activated firing mechanism to fire the 0.8ohm MTL Pod. Constructed from durable zinc-alloy, the SMOK NFIX Pod System is lightweight and resistant to light falls and drops. Integrated into the chassis is a proprietary chipset powered by the 700mAh rechargeable battery, rapidly rechargeable via bottom MicroUSB Type-C port.

Firing between the range of 1-25W, the SMOK NFIX possesses adjustable wattage and a nifty power button to conserve battery. Displaying the wattage and relevant vaping data on a 0.69″ OLED Screen, the NFIX is minimalist with features to keep it modern. At the top, a magnetic pod can hold up to 3mL of eJuice or nicotine salts within its side-filled capacity, and will deliver tasty clouds of vapor in MTL fashion thanks to its 0.8ohm integrated dual coil.

 

SMOK NFIX 25W Pod System Features:

  • Proprietary Chipset
  • Dimensions – 110.5mm by 21.5mm by 13mm
  • Integrated 700mAh Rechargeable Battery
  • Wattage Output Range: 1-25W
  • Voltage Output Range: 0.5-4.0V
  • Resistance Range: 0.6-3.0ohm
  • Zinc-Alloy Chassis Construction
  • Draw-Activated Firing Mechanism
  • 69″ OLED Display Screen
  • Power Button
  • 3mL Refillable Pod
  • Side Fill System – Silicone Stoppered
  • 8ohm DC MTL Pod
  • Magnetic Pod Connection
  • Intelligent Atomizer Recognition
  • 8s Cut-Off Protection
  • Short-Circuit Protection
  • Low Battery Warning
  • Type-C USB Port
  • Available in Silver, Blue Purple, Green, Gunmetal Green, Red, Black, 7-Color, Champagne Gold

Includes:

  • 1 NFIX Device
  • 2 3mL 0.8ohm NFIX DC MTL Pod
  •  Type-C Cable
  •  User Manual

Aesthetics of the SMOK NFIX

The NFIX is a fairly stock-looking, angular tube structure, small glass window for monitor pod liquid levels, and a tiny OLED display to indicate wattage level and battery power. Simple, unadorned, stealthy and sleek, the NFIX is about as standard as things get these days.

The 3mL pods (there are two included in the kit) follow a standard protocol, as well. Using a tiny rubber gasket on the side of the pod, users can fill the narrow slot with their preferred e-liquid. It’s pretty obvious you don’t want to put your favorite drip liquids in here — nic salts are your friend here.

 

Colors - SMOK NFIX Pod As we mentioned, the OLED display isn’t there to win your heart, just to relay information. But the NFIX is indeed an adjustable wattage device, up to 25 watts of reserved output. It was odd using an adjustment system on a draw-activated mod that recognizes coil resistance, but since the device barely needed more than 15 watts to satisfy, it was kind of a non-factor during testing.

 

The lightweight body is smoothly produced and comfortable to vape. If anything, it might be a little TOO light, since I forgot it was in my pocket on more than one occasion. If possible, consider keeping it stowed in a shirt pocket, or somewhere just as secure, since I can imagine these snapping in crowded purses, or simply falling out of less-secure places.

 

Vaping the SMOK NFIX

With 700mAh of onboard battery capacity, the NFIX isn’t likely to be an all-day option for heavy vapers. But the battery works well, making this an ideal transition device for smokers looking to quit cigarettes, or those who want a stealthy vape on hand, when using a more advanced mod isn’t an option.

 

On the flip side of that coin is the ease of use. The draw-activated system is responsive, and operates quickly, with a sensation that will appeal to those craving a traditional smoking experience. On even a light draw, the NFIX ramped quickly and delivered surprisingly decent flavor and vapor in each puff.

Tiny Pod and Flavor

Pod - SMOK NFIX Pod Flavor is pretty good for a tiny pod device. Though this is mostly designed as a snug, MTL draw, heavier vapers might be able to do some restricted lung vaping with the right liquids. And when they do, they might be surprised with how much vapor the NFIX can produce. Again, this isn’t going to make you forget your favorite RDA, but in terms of flavorful nicotine delivery, the NFIX offered good results.

 

Though our initial draws from a freshly filled pod were strong, over time we noticed rapid depletion of flavor, and diminished vapor quality. Because most pod vapers aren’t looking to fog a room, I imagine this isn’t a tremendous drawback. But, for ex-smokers who’ve ever tried to inhale a half-lit cigarette, the diminished performance is noticeable… and frustrating.

Switching Flavors

Switching flavors seemed to rejuvenate the pod coils a bit, but these experiences were also fleeting. Overall, I got just 3-4 days per pod before the experience was no longer enjoyable. Now, keep in mind this was through using the NFIX in a testing scenario, rather than how its target audience will likely put it to work.

Though the NFIX has a 25-watt max output, the device seems to perform best when not being pushed to its limits. When treated as a smoking device, rather than a cloud-producing vape rig, the NFIX performs admirably. Any more than that goes against the intention of the mod.

Purple - SMOK NFIX Pod Indeed, light draws are what the NFIX is designed for. Those seeking lung-filling hits might find themselves frustrated. Not only will prolonged draws decimate your battery life, but will also activate the eight-second cutoff protection … which honestly feels more like six.

 

Overall, we enjoyed using the NFIX, even if we weren’t overly impressed by the way the adjustments were implemented. It was just another pod device, in a market that doesn’t necessarily need one.

Pros:

  • Strong flavor and vapor production
  • Fast recharging battery
  • Good capacity for a slender pod system

Cons:

  • Short pod longevity
  • Weird having an adjustment system on this type of pod mod
  • Unsure where the NFIX fits in the current vaping landscape

Bottom Line

When used as a backup device, a stealth vape, or a first step toward a smoke-free future, the SMOK NFIX offers flavorful draws, ample vapor (for a pod mod) and easy operation. But so do many other pod mods on the market – and in packages that do some of these things even better. In the end, SMOK might have been trying to further meld the vaping universe, but there’s nothing here we haven’t seen before, and in better formats.

Score: B-