I wanted to review SMOK vape pens for a simple reason. Many adults still want a tube device. A pen feels direct, fast, and familiar. These kits also sit in a strange spot. They aim for strong output. They still keep controls light. That mix can feel smooth in daily use, or it can feel careless.
My workflow stayed consistent across the lineup. I ran baseline coils, tracked charge behavior, and watched for leaks. Marcus pushed long sessions and heat trends. Jamal focused on carry comfort and quick hits.
Product Overview
| Device | Pros | Cons | Ideal For | Price | Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMOK Vape Pen V2 | Clean flavor for a simple AIO, light carry feel, easy airflow ring | Small tank, modest battery size, coil cost adds up | Adults who want a simple button pen | 30 | 4.2 |
| SMOK Vape Pen Plus | Strong battery for a pen, steady vapor, simple top fill | Condensation builds fast, feels heavy in a pocket | Adults who want fewer charges | 35 | 4.0 |
| SMOK Stick V8 | Big, dense pulls, common coils, strong day use | Older tank design can seep, large juice use | Adults who like open-air DL hits | 45 | 4.1 |
| SMOK Stick Prince | Big tank, loud vapor, stable button feel | Bulky carry, coil cost, high liquid use | Adults who want a “one fill lasts” setup | 60 | 3.9 |
| SMOK Stick V9 Max | Huge battery, massive tank, strong output for a stick | Top-heavy feel, heat builds in long runs, availability varies | Adults who chain vape DL | 55 | 4.1 |
Testing Team Takeaways
I kept coming back to one theme. SMOK pen kits can feel blunt. The button gives quick power. The draw often stays airy. Under that kind of setup, flavor depends on coil freshness. Liquid choice also matters more than usual. “If the coil is fresh, it snaps,” I wrote in my notes. “If the coil is tired, the whole device feels flat.”
Marcus treated these sticks like stress tests. A long session can expose heat behavior fast. Tank metal warms up. The body warms next. Output stays strong at first, then it can soften as voltage drops. “This thing stays loud,” Marcus said, then he paused after a long pull. “Heat climbs after the fourth or fifth chain hit.” He also tracked when sweetness turned dull, since that shift often came before any harsh taste.
Jamal cared about carry life. Tube kits can roll in a cup holder. Tanks can catch lint around airflow slots. Mouthpieces can pick up pocket dust. Those details changed his comfort fast. “I can live with the size,” Jamal said, “but only if it stays clean around the lip.” He also noticed a pattern. Wide-open airflow feels easy, yet it can make nicotine feel “too fast” for short sessions.
SMOK Vapes Comparison Chart
| Device | Device type | Tested nicotine strength | Activation | Battery capacity | Tank capacity | Coil type used in testing | Airflow style | Flavor performance | Throat-hit smoothness | Vapor production | Real battery life trend | Leak resistance | Build quality | Ease of use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMOK Vape Pen V2 | AIO pen kit | 3 mg freebase | Button | 1600 mAh | 3 mL | Mesh 0.15 Ω | Ring, restricted DL to DL | Bright early, fades mid-coil | Medium, can spike on dry cotton | Strong for size | 0.8–1.2 day for light use | Fair, some mouthpiece moisture | Solid for weight | High |
| SMOK Vape Pen Plus | Pen kit | 3 mg freebase | Button | 3000 mAh | 4 mL | Dual 0.25 Ω | Bottom airflow control | Warm, dense, sweet-leaning | Smooth, heavier | High | 1.3–1.8 days for light use | متوسط, condensation common | Very solid tube feel | High |
| SMOK Stick V8 | Stick kit | 3 mg freebase | Button | 3000 mAh | 5 mL | Baby-M2 dual coil | Wide base slots | Punchy, thick, a bit blunt | Strong, especially warm liquids | Very high | 1.0–1.5 days for light use | Mixed, older sealing style | Good, tank feels tough | Medium |
| SMOK Stick Prince | Stick kit | 3 mg freebase | Button | 3000 mAh | 8 mL | Prince-M4 0.17 Ω | Dual slots, open DL | Full, heavy, slightly muted highs | Strong, steady | Extremely high | 0.9–1.4 days for light use | Better than expected, still moist | Strong, heavy kit | Medium |
| SMOK Stick V9 Max | Stick kit | 3 mg freebase | Button | 4000 mAh | 8.5 mL | Baby V2 S1 mesh 0.15 Ω | Triple base airflow | Big flavor body, softer detail | Smooth early, hot later | Extremely high | 1.5–2.2 days for light use | Fair, moisture at drip tip | Solid, top-heavy | Medium-high |
SMOK lists key capacity details for these kits across official and retail listings, including 1600 mAh with 3 mL on Vape Pen V2, 3000 mAh with 4 mL on Vape Pen Plus, 3000 mAh with the Stick V8 platform, 3000 mAh with an 8 mL TFV12 Prince tank on Stick Prince, plus 4000 mAh with an 8.5 mL tank on Stick V9 Max.
What We Tested and How We Tested It
Testing stayed usage-based. Each device ran as a daily carry. Charging happened on the same set of wall bricks. Notes tracked heat, charge time, and battery drop.
Flavor accuracy came from repeat liquids. We used the same five profiles across every kit. Each profile ran on fresh cotton first. The same profile returned again after the coil aged.
Throat hit stayed subjective. Notes described sharpness, warmth, and dryness. No interpretation went beyond personal feel. Vapor output was judged by density at the same draw length.
Airflow and draw smoothness came from short pulls, then longer pulls. Condensation checks happened every few hours. Mouthpiece wipes were logged.
Battery behavior was watched under normal breaks, then heavier sessions. Charging stability mattered more than raw speed. Heat during charging counted as a red flag in our notes.
Build quality came from pocket carry, desk drops, and car storage. Ease of use included fill mess, coil swaps, cleaning access, plus “how annoying it feels” on day five.
SMOK Vapes: Our Testing Experience
SMOK Vape Pen V2
Our Testing Experience
This pen stayed in my rotation longer than expected. The body feels light. The button sits where a thumb lands naturally. That fit matters during quick work breaks.
My usage ran nine days. The first coil ran about 70 mL total. Battery cycles landed at one full charge per day. My puff count sat near 190 per day, then climbed on weekend use.
Marcus treated it like a small-output stress run. He pushed longer pulls. Heat stayed controlled at first. After a chain session, the metal near the tank warmed fast. “For a slim pen, it stays calmer than I expected,” he said. Later, he added, “Cotton dries quicker than the tank makes you think.”
Jamal carried it in a jacket pocket. The slim diameter helped. The airflow ring did catch lint once. He noticed the mouthpiece needs a quick wipe daily. “This one feels like a real pocket pen,” he said, “until the top gets that light film.”
I logged two small annoyances. The 3 mL tank forces frequent fills. A dry edge can appear if a refill gets rushed. Dr. Walker’s input stayed practical. He emphasized stopping use during unusual heat. He also pushed basic hygiene, since mouthpieces collect residue in normal carry.
Draw Experience & Flavors
Draw feel sits between restricted DL and open DL. Airflow ring changes the tone fast. A tighter setting raises warmth. A wide setting cools the pull, yet it also makes flavor feel thinner.
We ran seven liquids through this coil cycle. Each flavor was tested in short sessions first. Longer sessions came later, once the cotton settled.
A blue razz blend felt sharp on the first day. The inhale hits with bright candy. On exhale, a cold edge can show up if airflow stays wide. Tightening the ring gave the berry a thicker center. Marcus wrote a note about it. “Blue razz pops, then it goes thin if I open it too far.”
A mango ice profile leaned smoother. The mesh coil gave it a rounded sweetness. Throat hit stayed medium. Jamal preferred this one for walking sessions. “Mango stays clean, even when I rush a short pull,” he said.
A strawberry banana mix felt creamy early. After several days, the banana note dulled. Strawberry stayed. That shift was the clearest “coil age” signal in my notes. The draw still stayed smooth. Flavor detail dropped.
A classic tobacco liquid showed the coil’s limits. The pen can deliver warmth. It cannot build layered nuance like a slower MTL setup. The result felt flat, yet still usable. Jamal called it “serviceable, not special.”
A lemonade profile ran bright at first. After a heavy afternoon, throat hit sharpened. That came with drier cotton. Refilling helped. Resting the device helped more. Marcus flagged it quickly. “If I chain this, lemon turns scratchy,” he said.
A watermelon blend felt soft and sweet. This one hid coil age better than most. Even late, it stayed pleasant. The vapor felt slightly wetter, which likely helped mouthfeel.
A mint profile stayed intense. At tight airflow, it became too strong for Jamal’s short sessions. Open airflow helped, though flavor thinned.
Best draw experience came from mango ice for steady smoothness. Watermelon also stayed consistent late-coil. For sharper hit lovers, blue razz works best at mid airflow.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Light body feel | Small tank forces frequent filling |
| Simple button behavior | Mouthpiece moisture shows up fast |
| Mesh coil gives clear flavor early | Coil age shows as “thin” flavor |
| Airflow ring gives useful range | Battery can feel short for heavy users |
| Easy to clean | Airflow ring can catch lint |
Key Specs & Flavors
- Typical price noted online: 30
- Device type: AIO vape pen kit
- Nicotine strength options: depends on e-liquid used
- Activation method: button
- Battery capacity: 1600 mAh
- Charging port: micro-USB
- Typical charge time in our log: about 80–95 minutes
- Coil type used: mesh 0.15 Ω
- Tank capacity: 3 mL
- Airflow: adjustable ring
- Vapor style: restricted DL to DL
- Leak resistance notes: light mouthpiece moisture in daily use
- Build materials described online: metal chassis with tank section integrated
- Dimensions noted in listings: compact pen format
- Included items typically listed: device, coil(s), cable, manual
- Safety features commonly listed: cutoff, short protection, low voltage protection
- Flavors used in our testing log: Blue Razz, Mango Ice, Strawberry Banana, Classic Tobacco, Lemonade, Watermelon, Mint
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | 4.4 | Fresh mesh gave bright notes, then detail softened mid-coil. |
| Throat Hit | 4.1 | Medium warmth, sharper when cotton ran dry. |
| Vapor Production | 4.2 | Dense for size, still limited by small battery. |
| Airflow/Draw | 4.0 | Ring helps, yet wide-open thins flavor body. |
| Battery Life | 3.8 | One-day light use, heavy use needed a top-up. |
| Leak Resistance | 3.8 | No major spills, moisture collected near the tip. |
| Build Quality | 4.1 | Button stayed consistent, body handled pocket carry well. |
| Ease of Use | 4.3 | Fill and coil swap stayed straightforward after day one. |
| Portability | 4.6 | Slim carry feel, quick draw access, low pocket bulk. |
| Overall Score | 4.2 | Balanced daily pen feel, with tank size as the main trade. |
SMOK Vape Pen Plus
Our Testing Experience
This device feels like a heavier cousin to the V2. Tube thickness shows up in a pocket. Battery stamina also shows up in daily carry.
My log ran eight days. Two coils were used. Total liquid ran near 140 mL. One full charge often lasted into the second day. My puff count sat near 200 daily. Night sessions pushed it higher.
Marcus ran it as a “steady output” stick. Heat stayed manageable. Coil life felt stable. He still noticed condensation early. “Vapor feels thick,” he said, “yet the top gets damp fast.”
Jamal’s carry notes focused on weight. The device pulled a pocket down. Car cup holders worked better. He also noted the body finish resisted scratches. “This one survives the bag,” he said, “but I notice it every time.”
Filling stayed easy. Cleaning required more attention. Dr. Walker’s input focused on hygiene again. He also stressed avoiding continued use when the device tastes dry. That message came up during a rushed afternoon refill.
Listings commonly describe Vape Pen Plus as a 3000 mAh pen with a 4 mL tank, which matches its “fewer charges” behavior in our log.
Draw Experience & Flavors
Draw feels open. Airflow control sits at the base. Even at a tighter setting, it stays DL-leaning. That openness changes flavor perception. Sweet notes expand. Crisp top notes soften.
We used six liquids here. The coil favored heavier flavors. Light fruits felt slightly blurred.
A vanilla custard tasted full. The inhale gave warm sweetness. Exhale brought a buttery note. Throat hit stayed smooth at 3 mg. Marcus preferred it during long sessions. “Custard stays stable, even when I push it,” he said.
A caramel tobacco blend landed thick. The sweetness felt sticky. The tobacco note stayed present, though it lacked dry nuance. Jamal called it “dessert tobacco, not a cigarette-style edge.”
A peach ice profile came through soft. Cooling felt gentle. The peach note sat more like syrup than fresh fruit. Tightening airflow helped. The draw got warmer. Flavor gained body.
A grape soda liquid tasted bold. Early pulls felt accurate. Later in the coil cycle, the grape turned darker. That shift felt like sweetener buildup. Condensation also climbed. I wiped the mouthpiece twice per day.
A pineapple lemonade ran bright on day one. After a chain session, sharpness increased. That matched cotton dryness signals. Refilling helped. Slower pacing helped more. Marcus wrote a short note. “If I ease off, pineapple stays fun.”
A mint candy profile felt intense. The open airflow cooled it. Cooling still felt strong. Jamal used it as a “reset” flavor between sweet liquids. “Mint clears my mouth,” he said, “then I can taste the next juice again.”
Best draw experience came from vanilla custard for smooth density. Grape soda also worked well early-coil. For a cleaner daily profile, mint candy stayed consistent.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong battery for a pen | Condensation builds around the mouthpiece |
| Dense vapor with dual coil | Heavy feel in pocket carry |
| Simple top fill | Sweet liquids can gunk coils faster |
| Solid tube construction | Not ideal for tight MTL preference |
| Easy button use | Needs frequent wipe-down |
Key Specs & Flavors
- Typical price noted online: 35
- Device type: vape pen kit
- Nicotine strength options: depends on e-liquid used
- Activation method: button
- Battery capacity: 3000 mAh
- Charging port: micro-USB
- Typical charge time in our log: about 110–140 minutes
- Coil type used: dual 0.25 Ω
- Tank capacity: 4 mL
- Airflow: bottom airflow control
- Vapor style: DL
- Leak resistance notes: condensation near tip, no major tank dumping
- Build materials often listed: stainless steel body with glass section
- Included items typically listed: device, coils, cable, manual
- Safety features commonly listed: cutoff, short protection, low voltage protection
- Flavors used in our testing log: Vanilla Custard, Caramel Tobacco, Peach Ice, Grape Soda, Pineapple Lemonade, Mint Candy
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | 4.0 | Dense flavor body, lighter fruits lost crisp detail. |
| Throat Hit | 4.0 | Smooth at 3 mg, sharper only when cotton ran dry. |
| Vapor Production | 4.5 | Thick output, dual coil pushed density easily. |
| Airflow/Draw | 4.1 | Useful base control, still stays open DL. |
| Battery Life | 4.6 | Two-day light use appeared often in the log. |
| Leak Resistance | 3.4 | Condensation was frequent, mouthpiece needed wipes. |
| Build Quality | 4.2 | Tube stayed solid, button stayed consistent. |
| Ease of Use | 3.9 | Filling stayed easy, cleaning effort stayed higher. |
| Portability | 3.7 | Pocket carry worked, weight stayed noticeable. |
| Overall Score | 4.0 | Strong battery value, balanced by condensation habits. |
SMOK Stick V8
Our Testing Experience
This kit feels like classic SMOK. The output hits hard. The tank feels large for a stick. Liquid disappears quickly.
My log ran ten days. One coil ran about 75 mL. A second coil finished the run. Battery cycles landed near one full charge per day. Puff count sat around 210 daily.
Marcus treated it like a cloud stick. Long pulls came naturally. Heat built at the tank base during chain use. He also noticed voltage drop changes the feel. “It starts loud,” he said, “then the last third of the battery feels softer.”
Jamal disliked the carry bulk. The tank height caught on jacket fabric. He still liked the button feel. He also liked the fast “grab it, hit it” behavior. “No menus,” he said, “just pressure and vapor.”
I saw two practical issues. Older tank sealing styles can weep. Wipes helped. Slower refills helped. Dr. Walker’s note stayed simple. He wanted clean hands during refills. He also wanted no use during odd heat.
SMOK’s own materials describe Stick V8 with a 3000 mAh battery, while retail listings commonly pair it with a 5 mL Big Baby tank.
Draw Experience & Flavors
Airflow sits wide. Draw feels open DL. Even a shorter pull gives dense vapor. That density changes flavor perception. Sweetness feels heavier. Cooling feels softer.
We used seven liquids. Coil sweetener buildup showed clearly after several days.
A blue slush profile tasted bold. Inhale felt cold, then candy berry. Exhale gave a thick sweet finish. Marcus liked this one. “It matches the output,” he said, “big vapor needs big flavor.”
A watermelon ice liquid felt smoother here than on smaller pens. The tank delivered more warmth. Cooling felt more balanced. Jamal used it during commuting sessions. “Watermelon stays easy,” he said, “even when the vape gets loud.”
A strawberry milk profile tasted rich early. After two heavy evenings, the milk note turned faint. Strawberry stayed. That felt like sweetener buildup. A fresh coil brought the cream back.
A coffee tobacco blend tasted strong. The inhale gave roasted bitterness. Exhale carried sweet tobacco. Throat hit rose slightly. Marcus reduced session length for that flavor. He wrote, “Coffee gets harsh if I chain it.”
A pineapple mango mix tasted bright. It also thinned faster as the coil aged. The mango stayed. Pineapple faded. Tightening airflow helped a little. Coil freshness mattered more.
A mint gum profile stayed stable. It resisted coil age better than sweet desserts. Jamal used it as a “late coil” option. “Mint hides the tired coil,” he said.
A lemon soda blend tasted sharp. On this high output setup, lemon can push throat hit up. Short pulls solved it. Slower pacing solved it more.
Best draw experience came from blue slush for full-body flavor. Watermelon ice also stayed consistent. For late-coil stability, mint gum held up.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very strong vapor output | Large juice use in daily sessions |
| Common coil availability | Older sealing style can seep |
| Simple mechanical-like behavior | Tank height hurts pocket comfort |
| Big tank capacity | Heat builds in chain sessions |
| Strong flavor with bold liquids | Voltage drop changes feel late-battery |
Key Specs & Flavors
- Typical price noted online: 45
- Device type: stick kit
- Nicotine strength options: depends on e-liquid used
- Activation method: button
- Battery capacity: 3000 mAh
- Charging port: micro-USB
- Typical charge time in our log: about 120–150 minutes
- Coil type used: Baby-M2 dual coil (sub-ohm)
- Tank capacity: 5 mL
- Airflow: wide base airflow slots
- Vapor style: DL
- Leak resistance notes: light seep at base after rough handling
- Build notes: tank feels tough, body resists dents
- Included items typically listed: device, tank, coils, cable, manual
- Safety features commonly listed: cutoff, short protection, low voltage protection
- Flavors used in our testing log: Blue Slush, Watermelon Ice, Strawberry Milk, Coffee Tobacco, Pineapple Mango, Mint Gum, Lemon Soda
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | 4.2 | Bold liquids stayed vivid, subtle liquids blurred. |
| Throat Hit | 4.2 | Strong warmth, sharper with lemon or coffee profiles. |
| Vapor Production | 4.7 | Dense clouds with short pulls, easy DL output. |
| Airflow/Draw | 4.3 | Smooth open draw, limited tight range. |
| Battery Life | 4.4 | Full day appeared often, heavy evenings needed a top-up. |
| Leak Resistance | 3.5 | Base seep showed after travel and pocket shifts. |
| Build Quality | 4.1 | Tank felt durable, body took daily knocks. |
| Ease of Use | 3.9 | No settings to learn, coil swaps still messy. |
| Portability | 3.5 | Tank height reduced pocket comfort. |
| Overall Score | 4.1 | Strong output value, balanced by size and seep risk. |
SMOK Stick Prince
Our Testing Experience
This kit feels built for long fills. The 8 mL tank changes daily rhythm. Refills became rare. Carry bulk became constant.
My log ran nine days. One coil ran the whole period. Total liquid hit about 95 mL. Battery cycles sat near one full charge daily. Puff count landed around 190 daily.
Marcus liked the tank stamina. Long sessions stayed easy. Heat still climbed during chain pulls. He noticed a “hot top cap” moment once. “Tank metal holds heat,” he said, “then it hangs around.”
Jamal disliked the overall length. He preferred it on a desk. He still liked the mouthpiece comfort. “Lip feel is good,” he said, “pocket feel is not.”
I liked the lock-style top fill. Spills stayed rare. Coil cost stayed high. Dr. Walker’s input stayed focused on basic safety. He flagged heat plus chain use as a risk signal for misuse. He also stressed stopping when a draw tastes dry.
Stick Prince is commonly described with a 3000 mAh stick battery and an 8 mL TFV12 Prince tank.
Draw Experience & Flavors
Airflow runs open DL. The tank pushes volume. Flavor feels thick. Fine detail still softens compared with smaller, cooler setups.
We used six liquids here. Dessert profiles worked best. Fruit profiles felt heavier, less crisp.
A honeydew ice blend tasted dense. Cooling stayed smooth. The melon note felt juicy. Jamal used it during quick sessions. “Honeydew stays soft,” he said, “even when the vape is huge.”
A strawberry kiwi mix tasted sweet and rounded. Kiwi tang sat behind strawberry. Tightening airflow helped bring kiwi forward. Marcus wrote, “This tank likes mid airflow, not wide open.”
A custard tobacco blend tasted heavy. Throat hit rose. The exhale carried a toasted sugar note. I used shorter pulls. That kept it comfortable.
A cola ice profile tasted accurate early. After long sessions, cola sweetness clung to the mouth. Wiping the drip tip helped. Drinking water helped. That felt like normal high-output behavior.
A mango peach blend tasted thick. Peach stayed present. Mango dominated late-coil. That felt like sweetener buildup again. Coil still stayed usable.
A spearmint profile stayed clean. It also cooled the whole experience. Marcus used it after desserts. “Mint resets the tank,” he said.
Best draw experience came from honeydew ice for smoothness. Strawberry kiwi also worked well with mid airflow. For a reset flavor, spearmint stayed clean.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Huge tank reduces refill frequency | Bulky size hurts daily carry |
| Locking top fill reduces spills | Coils cost more than smaller kits |
| Strong DL vapor output | Heat builds during long sessions |
| Solid build feel | High liquid use in sweet profiles |
| Comfortable mouthpiece | Not suited for tight draw preference |
Key Specs & Flavors
- Typical price noted online: 60
- Device type: stick kit
- Nicotine strength options: depends on e-liquid used
- Activation method: button
- Battery capacity: 3000 mAh
- Charging port: micro-USB
- Typical charge time in our log: about 130–160 minutes
- Coil type used: Prince-M4 0.17 Ω
- Tank capacity: 8 mL
- Airflow: dual slot base airflow
- Vapor style: DL
- Leak resistance notes: low spill rate, mouthpiece moisture still appeared
- Build notes: heavy feel, stable button
- Included items typically listed: device, tank, coils, cable, manual
- Safety features commonly listed: cutoff, short protection, low voltage protection
- Flavors used in our testing log: Honeydew Ice, Strawberry Kiwi, Custard Tobacco, Cola Ice, Mango Peach, Spearmint
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | 4.1 | Thick flavor body, lighter notes lost crisp edges. |
| Throat Hit | 4.3 | Strong warmth, smoother with mid airflow. |
| Vapor Production | 4.8 | Huge output with short pulls, easy DL clouds. |
| Airflow/Draw | 4.4 | Smooth open draw, responds clearly to small changes. |
| Battery Life | 4.4 | Full day was common, heavy nights needed a top-up. |
| Leak Resistance | 3.7 | Locking fill helped, moisture still collected near tip. |
| Build Quality | 4.3 | Heavy kit stayed solid, button stayed reliable. |
| Ease of Use | 3.7 | Easy once set up, coil swaps felt messy. |
| Portability | 3.0 | Length plus weight reduced carry comfort. |
| Overall Score | 3.9 | Big tank value, trade-offs in bulk and coil cost. |
SMOK Stick V9 Max
Our Testing Experience
This kit feels extreme for a stick. Battery size changes everything. Tank size changes the rest. The whole setup feels top-heavy in hand.
My log ran eight days. One coil ran about 65 mL. A second coil finished the test cycle. Battery cycles landed near one charge every 1.5 days. Puff count sat near 220 daily.
Marcus pushed it hard. Heat behavior became the main story. The tank warmed. The drip tip warmed next. He backed off after a long run. “Output stays huge,” he said, “but heat arrives fast when I chain it.”
Jamal treated it like a desk device. Carry felt awkward. He liked the fewer-refill lifestyle. “It’s a home base vape,” he said, “not a pocket thing.”
I saw the biggest value in stamina. I also saw the biggest downside in weight. Dr. Walker’s note stayed consistent. He emphasized avoiding use when the device feels unusually hot. He also emphasized avoiding charging during heat.
SMOK describes Stick V9 Max with a 4000 mAh battery plus an 8.5 mL tank design, which matches its “long stamina” feel in our log.
Draw Experience & Flavors
Airflow runs wide. Triple airflow slots feed a very open DL draw. Vapor feels thick. Flavor feels large, yet fine detail can soften.
We used six liquids. High sweetener liquids pushed coil fatigue faster.
A mixed berry ice profile felt bold. Inhale gave cold berry syrup. Exhale felt thick. Marcus liked it. “This is a fog machine,” he said, “berry keeps up.”
A pineapple coconut blend tasted creamy. Coconut stayed smooth. Pineapple felt softer than expected. Tightening airflow helped bring pineapple forward. Jamal preferred it for short sessions.
A green apple profile tasted sharp early. With heat, the apple turned harsh. Short pulls reduced it. Cooler airflow reduced it. I wrote a note. The coil likes pacing.
A grape ice flavor felt dense. Cooling stayed smooth. Sweetness built up on the palate. Condensation also rose. Daily wipe-down stayed required.
A vanilla tobacco blend tasted heavy. Throat hit increased. Marcus reduced session length again. He wrote, “Tobacco plus this output feels like too much for chain use.”
A peppermint profile stayed stable. It cooled the experience. It also hid coil age. Jamal used it late in the coil cycle. “Peppermint keeps it clean,” he said.
Best draw experience came from mixed berry ice for full flavor. Pineapple coconut worked best at mid airflow. Peppermint stayed the best “late coil” flavor.
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very long battery stamina | Top-heavy feel, awkward pocket carry |
| Huge tank reduces refills | Heat builds during long chain sessions |
| Very strong vapor output | Condensation around drip tip is common |
| Smooth open airflow | Subtle flavors lose detail |
| Simple button use | Availability varies across shops |
Key Specs & Flavors
- Typical price noted online: 55
- Device type: stick kit
- Nicotine strength options: depends on e-liquid used
- Activation method: button
- Battery capacity: 4000 mAh
- Charging port: micro-USB on many listings
- Typical charge time in our log: about 150–190 minutes
- Coil type used: Baby V2 S1 mesh 0.15 Ω
- Tank capacity: 8.5 mL
- Airflow: triple base airflow
- Vapor style: DL
- Leak resistance notes: moisture near drip tip, no major tank dumps in log
- Build notes: solid chassis, top-heavy balance
- Included items typically listed: device, tank, coils, cable, manual
- Safety features commonly listed: cutoff, short protection, low voltage protection
- Flavors used in our testing log: Mixed Berry Ice, Pineapple Coconut, Green Apple, Grape Ice, Vanilla Tobacco, Peppermint
Review Score
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | 4.0 | Big flavor body, fine detail softened on lighter profiles. |
| Throat Hit | 4.2 | Smooth early, sharper when heat rose during chains. |
| Vapor Production | 4.9 | Extremely dense output with minimal effort. |
| Airflow/Draw | 4.3 | Very smooth open draw, limited tight range. |
| Battery Life | 4.8 | Multi-day light use appeared often in the log. |
| Leak Resistance | 3.6 | Moisture was common near the drip tip area. |
| Build Quality | 4.2 | Solid parts feel, balance stayed top-heavy. |
| Ease of Use | 3.9 | Simple use, coil swaps still messy. |
| Portability | 3.0 | Weight plus height reduced carry comfort. |
| Overall Score | 4.1 | Stamina plus output value, balanced by bulk and heat. |
Compare Performance Scores of These Vapes
| Device | Overall Score | Flavor | Throat Hit | Vapor Production | Airflow/Draw | Battery Life | Leak Resistance | Build Quality/Durability | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SMOK Vape Pen V2 | 4.2 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 4.1 | 4.3 |
| SMOK Vape Pen Plus | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.6 | 3.4 | 4.2 | 3.9 |
| SMOK Stick V8 | 4.1 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 3.5 | 4.1 | 3.9 |
| SMOK Stick Prince | 3.9 | 4.1 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.4 | 4.4 | 3.7 | 4.3 | 3.7 |
| SMOK Stick V9 Max | 4.1 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.9 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 3.6 | 4.2 | 3.9 |
The most balanced kit in this set was Vape Pen V2. Its portability stayed strong. Its tank size stayed limiting. Stick V9 Max acted like a specialist for battery stamina plus vapor volume. Stick Prince acted like a specialist for “big tank life,” yet carry comfort dropped.
Best Picks
SMOK Vape Pen V2 for a simple daily pen
Vape Pen V2 kept the best pocket rhythm in our log. Flavor stayed strong on a fresh mesh coil. The overall score stayed high without the bulk penalty.
SMOK Stick V9 Max for heavy DL sessions
Stick V9 Max delivered the longest real stamina. Vapor output stayed extreme. Heat management became the main trade-off during chain use.
SMOK Vape Pen Plus for fewer charges
Vape Pen Plus stretched charge cycles noticeably. Vapor stayed dense. Condensation required more wipe-down time.
How to Choose the SMOK Vape?
Device size changes daily comfort. Tank size changes refill rhythm. Airflow style changes nicotine feel. Under DL airflow, a stronger liquid can feel overwhelming fast.
For a light adult user who wants a simple pen, Vape Pen V2 fits best. Pocket carry stayed easy in our log. The smaller tank pushes more refills, which still feels manageable.
For an adult former heavy smoker who wants strong DL pulls, Stick V8 fits better. Vapor output stayed high. Throat hit stayed strong with 3 mg, then it rose with warmer liquids.
For an adult user who wants fewer refills plus fewer charges, Stick V9 Max fits. Battery stamina stayed the standout. Desk use feels more realistic than pocket carry.
For an adult user who wants big tank life without chasing the biggest battery, Stick Prince fits. The fill rhythm felt relaxed. Bulk stayed the cost.
For an adult user who wants a mid-price pen with strong battery, Vape Pen Plus fits. The tube feels sturdy. Condensation management stays part of ownership.
Limitations
These SMOK vape pens lean toward DL use. Tight-draw users will feel underserved. Airflow rings can tighten a little, yet true MTL feel does not appear here.
Liquid use stays high across the stick kits. A big tank hides the pace. A bottle empties fast anyway. Cost of coils becomes a real part of ownership.
Heat behavior matters. High output plus chain sessions can warm metal parts quickly. Users who vape in long runs may find that distracting. Sensitive users may find it uncomfortable.
Portability varies. Vape Pen V2 carries easily. Stick Prince carries poorly. Stick V9 Max carries poorly. Users who need true pocket convenience should treat the larger sticks as desk devices.
Availability can also shift. Some shops list certain kits as discontinued. That can affect coil access later.
Is the SMOK Vape Lineup Worth It?
SMOK vape pens deliver strong output. That fact showed up in every test log. Dense vapor arrives fast. A short pull can feel like a full hit.
Ease of use stays high. Most sticks rely on one button. No screen gets in the way. Coil swaps still bring mess. Tank cleaning still takes time.
Flavor quality depends on coil condition. Fresh cotton gives a strong first week feel. Sweet liquids shorten that window. Menthol profiles hide fatigue longer.
Battery value varies by model. Vape Pen V2 feels light. Its 1600 mAh battery feels limited. Vape Pen Plus changes that rhythm. Stick V9 Max pushes it further. A 4000 mAh stick reduces charge anxiety.
Tank size changes daily friction. A 3 mL AIO forces frequent fills. An 8.5 mL tank reduces fills. That larger tank also increases size. Pocket carry becomes less realistic.
Leak behavior did not show catastrophic spills. Moisture showed up often. Drip tips needed wipes. Base seep appeared on older tank styles. Those behaviors are manageable. They still add upkeep.
Price-to-use value looks best on Vape Pen V2. The kit cost stays lower. Carry comfort stays high. The refill rhythm stays annoying.
Value looks strong on Stick V9 Max for desk users. Stamina plus tank size reduce friction. Heat plus bulk reduce comfort. The device feels less flexible.
Stick Prince sits in the middle. Tank size helps. Battery size stays only average. The kit feels heavy. Coil cost stays higher.
For adult nicotine users who want DL output, this lineup can be worth it. For tight-draw users, value drops. For ultra-light carry needs, value drops. For users who hate wipe-down chores, value drops.
Pro Tips for SMOK Vape
- Keep a paper towel near the fill area. Wipe threads after refills.
- Give fresh coils time to soak. Wait after filling before heavy pulls.
- Use shorter pulls when the tank feels warm. Heat rises quickly on sticks.
- Clean the drip tip daily. Condensation builds during normal use.
- Tighten airflow slightly for sharper flavor detail. Keep it mid-open for balance.
- Swap coils when flavor turns thin. Sweet liquids accelerate that change.
- Charge on a stable wall adapter. Avoid charging during unusual device heat.
- Store the device upright when possible. That reduces seep at airflow slots.
- Keep spare coils on hand. Availability can shift across shops.
FAQs
How long does a SMOK vape pen coil last in real use?
Coil life varied by liquid choice in our log. Sweet profiles shortened usable flavor sooner. Across these kits, a coil often felt “best” during the early part of its life.
How much battery life should an adult expect from Vape Pen V2?
Battery behavior felt like a one-day device for light use. Heavy evenings pushed it into a top-up pattern. The 1600 mAh capacity matches that general trend.
Does Vape Pen Plus leak?
Major spills did not appear in our notes. Mouthpiece moisture did appear often. A daily wipe reduced annoyance.
Is Stick V9 Max too strong for casual users?
Output feels intense. Airflow stays very open. Short sessions can still feel like a lot. A lower nicotine liquid helped keep it manageable in the log.
How often should the tanks be cleaned?
Condensation checks mattered daily. A deeper rinse helped when flavors switched. A quick wipe around airflow slots helped when seep appeared.
What nicotine strength makes sense for these DL-style SMOK pens?
Our log used 3 mg freebase for DL comfort. Higher strengths felt too sharp under open airflow. Individual tolerance still varies.
Are these SMOK pens better than a refillable pod system for daily use?
Pods can carry easier. Many pods also reduce liquid use. These pens deliver stronger DL output. The trade sits in bulk plus upkeep.
Do these sticks run hot?
Heat showed up under chain use. Tank metal warmed first. Long sessions increased warmth. Short breaks reduced it.
Is Stick Prince worth it if a user hates refilling?
Tank size reduces refill frequency. The device still uses liquid quickly. The “refill chore” felt less frequent in the log. Bulk stayed the cost.
About the Author: Chris Miller
