SMOK Propod Review: Pod Vape for the Rest of Us

As pod vapes have become more and more popular over the last several years, the manufacturers have worked to differentiate their devices by giving them longer lists of features. Although it certainly means that the best pod vapes of today are more capable than ever, it also means that many modern pod systems have moved further and further away from their original ideal of being small, simple, satisfying and beginner friendly.

The SMOK Propod is a new pod system that’s intended to bring the pod vaping paradigm back to its roots. Although it’s a completely modern sub-ohm device that produces more than enough vapour to satisfy those with higher nicotine requirements, it’s also a pod system that’s completely simple to use and should make you very happy if you want a device that you can just pick up and enjoy.

Are you looking for a new pod vape that’s straightforward and satisfying? The SMOK Propod might be for you. In this review, we’ll break this device down and help you understand what makes it special.

How Much Does the SMOK Propod Cost?

The SMOK Propod kit costs just £19.95 and includes the device, two pods, a USB-C charging cable and an instruction manual. If you buy through our link, you’ll enjoy same-day shipping if you complete your purchase before 4 PM on a business day. Free shipping is available for orders over £39.99, and next-day delivery is also available for an additional charge of £3.75.

SMOK Novo 2X pods cost £8.95 for a pack of three. We suggest adding a box of pods to your order to ensure that you’ll have some extra supplies in the event that a pod burns out unexpectedly. If this is your first vaping device, you’ll also want to add at least one bottle of vape juice to your order. We suggest using nicotine salt e-liquid with the SMOK Propod.

SMOK Propod: Specifications and Features

Let’s begin with a basic overview of what the SMOK Propod is and what it can do. Here are this device’s specifications and features.

Specifications

• Device Type: Pod system with refillable pods and built-in coils
• Battery Capacity: 800 mAh
• Charging Port: USB-C
• Power Range: Up to 22 watts
• Pod Capacity:0 ml
• Coil Resistance: Supports coil resistances ranging from 0.6-2.5 ohm; pods available at the time of writing range in resistance from 0.8-1.5 ohm
• Firing Style: Automatic puff-based or manual button-based firing
• Supported Vaping Modes: Device automatically determines the appropriate wattage based on the coil resistance of the installed pod

Features

• The Propod has a very large pod selection. It works with SMOK Novo, Novo 2 and Novo 2X pods, giving you 13 pod options in all at the time of writing.
• It has a battery life of 800 mAh, which is excellent for a device of its size.
• It offers both button-activated and puff-activated firing, which is particularly valuable if you’re new to vaping because you may not know your preferred vaping style yet.
• It has a stylish design that features a sandblasted metal upper half and a grippy silicone lower half.
• It allows you to lock the fire button, preventing accidental firing when you carry the device in your pocket.

What Pods Work with the SMOK Propod?

The SMOK Propod is designed specifically to work with the new SMOK Novo 2X pods, which offer convenient top filling and are outfitted with sub-ohm mesh coils for excellent vapour production. For those who enjoy variety, though, the Propod also works with SMOK Novo and Novo 2 coils. Here’s a brief overview of the pods that work with the SMOK Propod.

• SMOK Novo 2X 0.8-ohm mesh coil pod
• SMOK Novo 2X 0.9-ohm mesh coil pod
• SMOK Novo 1.4-ohm ceramic pod
• SMOK Novo 0.8-ohm mesh coil pod
• SMOK Novo 1.2-ohm pod
• SMOK Novo 1.5-ohm pod
• SMOK Novo 2 1.0-ohm mesh coil pod
• SMOK Novo 2 1.4-ohm dual-coil pod
• SMOK Novo 2 quartz coil pod
• SMOK Novo 2 0.8-ohm dual-coil pod
• SMOK Novo 2 0.8-ohm dual-coil clear pod
• SMOK Novo 2 0.8-ohm mesh coil clear pod
• SMOK Novo 2 0.9-ohm mesh coil clear pod

What Are the Differences Between the SMOK Propod and Propod GT?

You may have noticed that SMOK’s Propod range consists of two devices: the Propod and the Propod GT. Compared to the original Propod, the Propod GT has a design that’s substantially less subtle. The Propod GT also features a multi-colour light show and has an adjustable airflow tab; the original Propod lacks both of these features. However, the original Propod offers both button-based and inhale-based firing. The Propod GT, on the other hand, uses inhale-based firing only.

How to Use the SMOK Propod

Now that you know everything you need to know about what the SMOK Propod is and what it can do, it’s time to learn how to use SMOK’s new ultra-portable pod system. We’ll begin with charging the device.

How to Charge the SMOK Propod

The SMOK Propod has a built-in LED that changes colour to show the device’s remaining battery life. The light is green when the battery is nearly full. As you use the device, the light changes to orange and red as the battery’s charge is depleted. To charge the SMOK Propod, connect it to your computer with the charging cable included in the box. Watch the indicator light to see when the device is finished charging.

How to Fill the SMOK Propod

The SMOK Propod comes with two SMOK Novo 2X pods, which both offer the convenience of top filling. Simply wiggle the pod’s mouthpiece until it comes off and add your e-liquid through the pod’s red filling port. When the pod is almost full, replace the mouthpiece and wait a few minutes before vaping.

The Propod is also compatible with SMOK Novo and Novo 2 pods, and both of those pods have side filling ports. To access the filling port with one of these pods, you’ll need to remove the pod from the device.

How to Vape with the SMOK Propod

The SMOK Propod ships with one pod installed in the device, and the pod has a sticker on the bottom to prevent unwanted activation during shipping. Before you use the Propod, you’ll need to remove the pod from the device and discard the sticker.

Vaping with the SMOK Propod is extremely simple since the device doesn’t require you to bother with any settings or configuration options. You can vape either by puffing on the device or by holding the fire button while inhaling. You can enable or disable the Propod’s button-based firing mode by pressing the fire button three times. When the fire button is locked, you can still use the puff-based firing mode.

How to Fix Problems with the SMOK Propod

We’ll conclude our SMOK Propod review with some advice that you’ll find useful if your device ever doesn’t work properly. Although the Propod is an extremely simple pod system, it’s still possible to encounter an unexpected situation. Here’s what you should do if your SMOK Propod has a problem.

SMOK Propod Blinking Blue and Not Hitting

If your SMOK Propod is blinking blue when you press the fire button, it means that the fire button is locked. In this situation, the device should still work when you puff on it. Press the fire button three times to unlock it.

SMOK Propod Blinking Red and Not Hitting

If your SMOK Propod is blinking red and not hitting when you try to use it, the most likely cause of the problem is a dead battery. Try charging the device and see if you’re able to vape. You should also confirm that you’ve removed the sticker from the bottom of the pod.

If your device still isn’t hitting, remove the pod and check for a leak. If e-liquid has leaked from the pod, use a paper towel to dry the device and pod thoroughly. Try vaping again. If you’re still unable to vape – or your pod hasn’t leaked – try replacing the pod.

SMOK Propod Not Charging

If your SMOK Propod isn’t charging, it’s likely that the charging cable has a problem. Before you do anything else, try replacing the cable because this resolves the vast majority of vape charging issues. You should also try charging the Propod with a different computer or a different USB port on the same computer. If your device still isn’t charging, make sure that the cable and charging port are free of dust and lint.

SMOK Propod Review: Final Thoughts

The SMOK Propod might be a simple pod system, but it’s one that fills a specific niche and does it well. Pod systems were originally conceived as devices that would be extremely simple and user friendly – devices that allowed you to charge, fill and go. Modern pod mods, however, have become much more than that with features like adjustable wattage, removable batteries and replaceable coils. If that’s not the kind of vaping experience you’re looking for, the SMOK Propod might be exactly what you want. It’s extremely easy to use, but the fact that it uses a sub-ohm mesh coil means that it produces much larger and more satisfying clouds than the pod vapes of the past.

 

Pros

• Pairs modern performance with simple, straightforward operation
• Excellent vapour production and battery life for its size
• Very wide selection of pods
• Offers both button-activated and air-activated firing
• Stylish but tasteful design

Cons

• Lacks advanced features such as adjustable wattage