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Last Updated on January 31, 2018 by Team Spinfuel
Back in July, we had the privilege of reviewing the SMOK T-PRIV, (reviewed here) which had a striking, jagged series of LED cutouts that more-than-resembled a Transformer robot. Well, SMOK is embracing this feedback and have molded the Transformer-like SMOK T-Priv 3 Mod to perfectly resemble Optimus Prime.
Even in that review, we asked the following: “In a vaping world full of Aliens, Predators and Revengers, why didn’t SMOK name this sharp-edged device something more robotic, like “Transformer,” or “Cyborg?”
Looks like we got our answer. But beyond the Transformer-like appearance, what else does the triple-battery T-Priv 3 have to offer? Let’s take a quick look…
Enough Power for the Autobots
The original T-Priv was no slouch in the power department, with a smooth and steady 220 watts coming from its bold, illuminated frame. But the triple-18650 T-Priv 3 aims to take the series to new heights of output.
The extra battery should allow this Mod to reach 300 watts, should your vaping needs ever get that extreme. And it does it within a frame that seems to be compact and palm-friendly, even with the jagged LED cutaways throughout the Mod. But the question is “can the T-Priv 3 do all this on 18650 batteries?”
At 86mm tall, the T-Priv 3 isn’t “small,” by any means, but it’s certainly more compact than similarly spec-ed offerings from other companies, and with considerably more wattage capability. And one of those competitors – the iJOY Captain X3 – requires a trio of 20700 cells to cross the elusive 300-watt barrier.
Indeed, SMOK is certainly boasting a lot of potential with the T-Priv 3 – but as we’ve seen on these pages, there is often a huge gap between marketing and reality, and we’ll be testing every aspect of the SMOK T-Priv 3 to ensure it hits its marks.
Enough light for a Runway…
Just like its predecessor, the T-Priv 3 has a litany of jagged cutouts throughout the two-toned, zinc alloy Mod frame, but this time, they’re much more organized and structured – seemingly in the shape of a face. And, like we mentioned at the top of the piece, this face strongly resembles Transformers icon Optimus Prime.
Heck, even the SMOK website’s promo banners have a definite Transformers vibe. Though it might not cross copyright infringement lines, there’s no mistaking SMOK’s influences here.
Those cutouts all serve a purpose, of course – to shine bright, often gaudy LED lighting that illuminates the entire Mod, if not an entire room. Of course, there is the option to turn it off, but chances are if you’re using a triple-battery Mod with 300-watt power and the face of a cartoon icon on the side, there’s a good chance discretion wasn’t your top priority when buying the T-Priv 3.
The light capabilities have been enhanced alongside the rest of the T-Priv firmware. Though the tiny screen doesn’t have quite the same flexibility as the ProColor/Majesty/S-Priv line, it seems to be well-organized and out of the way.
This firmware also purports to allow for color customization, though it’s not clear if these are pre-set values, or if RGB tweaking will be available for making the “perfect match” for your preferences.
Return of the Prince
In a welcome move, the SMOK T-Priv 3 Mod Kit will come with the amazing TFV12 Prince (reviewed here) tank and two coils. I say “welcome” because I think we’re all ready to move on from the Big Baby line of atomizers, but also because a Mod of this size needs a substantial tank to match. And there are few – if any – better tanks available today than the Prince.
We reviewed the Prince a few months back, and alongside the Uwell Valyrian (reviewed here), the Prince sits atop the sub-ohm tank market, with strong performance and outrageous flavor that sets it apart from so many other contenders.
We just learned about this exciting new Kit a few days ago and were thrilled to learn it would be arriving in our offices very soon. Though SMOK seems to be asking an awful lot from the T-Priv 3, especially from a trio of 18650 batteries, we’re confident the company can hit its mark.
More importantly, we’re excited to see SMOK branching beyond its usual limits to offer something a little more daring and atypical for the brand. While there may be nothing new about a three-battery Mod or uber-high wattages, the T-Priv 3 Kit might just offer that level of performance, in a more compact, attractive, distinctive package than its competitors.
As soon as the T-Priv 3 Kit arrives at our desks, we’ll start putting it through our extensive testing, to see if SMOK hit its marks, or if the T-Priv 3 is a little too ambitious for its own good.
Check back soon for a full review!
SMOK T-Priv 3 Mod Kit Specs and Contents
SMOK T-Priv 3 Mod Kit Specs:
- Size: 86mm by 57mm by 47mm
- Weight: 258g
- Power output: 6-300W
- Voltage output: 0.5 to 9.5V
- Atomizer Resistance Range: 0.1 to 2.5 ohm (VW) / 0.05-2ohm (TC)
- Firmware Upgradeable
- 9-color Modes customization LED
- Temperature Control Output 200-600° F /100℃-315℃
- Easy to read OLED screen
- Batteries: 3 x18650 (not included)
- Zinc Alloy Chassis
SMOK TFV12 Prince tank Specs:
- Capacity: 2ml (EU) or 3.6ml (Outside EU)
- Size: 63×25.5mm (2ml tank), 63x28mm (8ml tank)
- Stainless steel body
- 510 thread
- Optional bubble glass tube
- Bottom adjustable airflow
- Top refill system
SMOK T-Priv 3 Mod Kit Contents:
- SMOK T-Priv 3 Mod
- TFV12 Prince Tank – 8ml
- V12 Prince-Q4 0.4Ω Quadruple Coils (Pre-installed)
- V12 Prince-T10 0.12Ω Decuple Coils
- Replacement Glass Tube (2ml)
- USB Cable
- User Manual
- Spare Parts
