One of SMOK's latest releases is the Rigel Kit, a powerful sub ohm kit featuring the new TFV9 tank. The kit is named after a blue supergiant star called Rigel - the brightest in the Orion constellation and the seventh-brightest in the night sky. SMOK has given themselves a lot to live up to!
SMOK has taken some time away from the super-compact pod kits they've been releasing recently (like the Nord 2 and Novo X kits) to go back to what put them on the map in the first place - a powerful sub-ohm box mod. Despite diversifying in recent years, some time ago SMOK were the undisputed kings of sub-ohm - so we are glad to see them go back to their roots.
Inside the box, you'll find:
- SMOK Rigel Mod
- SMOK TFV9 Tank
- 2 x TFV9 Meshed Coils
- USB-C charging cable
- User manual
The Rigel Mod
- Output wattage range: 1w to 230w
- Powered by: 2 x 18650 batteries (sold separately)
- Weight: 104g (without batteries)
- Resistance range: 0.1 ohm to 2.5 ohm
- Output voltage: 1.0V to 8.2V
- Input voltage: 6.4V to 8.4V
- Charging current max 2A
The back of the mod has a flexible rubberised coating for maximum grip and comfort, while the front sports a glossy polished design. The large 0.96" TFT colour screen is easy to read, and the colour scheme of the text can be changed which is a nice touch as you can match or contrast it to the colour of the kit you've chosen. The menu and settings are simple and easy to use, allowing for device locking, wattage locking, puff counter resetting and wattage adjustment.
The USB-C charging port is conveniently placed at the bottom of the front of the mod, allowing it to charge while standing up. The fire button and the right and left menu/control keys are lightly raised and very responsive. The battery door is easy to remove as there is a small slot which can be used to grip it, but the magnets are strong and feel durable and the door snaps satisfyingly into place.
Inside the mod, the positive and negative battery symbols are large and clear. The terminals themselves are spring-loaded meaning there is so irritating battery rattle or door movement once the batteries are in.
The spring-loaded 510 pin is offset, and can be used with other tanks up to a 25mm size.
The TFV9 Tank (TPD Version)
- Stainless steel construction
- 28mm x 56mm (24.5mm base diameter)
- Weight: 63g
- 810 drip tip
- E-liquid capacity: 2ml
- 510 thread
The TFV9 tank comes in several colour options to match your mod. The TFV9 tank is next in the TF series of tanks, coming after the... TFV16. We do not quite know why SMOK has gone for this name, but we think it's got something to do with the fact that the TFV9 is compatible with all previous TFV8 Baby Beast coils. We love this, because the Baby Beast had possibly more coil options than any tank we've ever encountered and more choice of coils is always a good thing!
A nice wide 810 Delrin drip tip along with the adjustable airflow cements the fact that this kit is for sub-ohm vapers only - there are no super-tight restricted hits here! To open the tank, gently lift up the lip above the arrow symbol and rotate counter-clockwise to reveal the fill port. This is a childproof safety feature, but it also double as a leakproof feature too.
We are reviewing this tank along with the included TFV9 Meshed Coils, with a 0.15 ohm resistance and a nichrome and organic cotton build. We would recommend using e-liquid with no less than 70% VG. These coils are rated at between 40w and 90w.
Performance
The TFV9 tank works well even beyond 90 watts for those of you who prefer a super powerful vape. We found that the flavours were at their best between 60w and 90w, with an open or just slightly restricted airflow.
Cloud and flavour production are excellent, especially as you approach 90w - if you are the kind of vaper who loves kits where each puff lets you exhale a seemingly infinite amount of clouds, this kit will be right up your street!
The mod is comfortable and ergonomic when held, and once the batteries are loaded in it's satisfyingly weighty (without being impractical).
The inhale is fairly noisy - but if you are using this kit, you aren't trying to be discreet!
Battery sag seems to be near enough non-existent with the Rigel kit, with the last puff being nearly as impressive as the first. While we of course recommend using an external battery charger to prolong the health and lifetime of your batteries, the USB-C charging feature means that you can charge up both quickly and safely.
The new Rigel Kit by SMOK has genuinely impressed us. This is a reliable kit with great build quality which can easily produce masses of smooth clouds with great flavour.
We deliver worldwide and offer free UK shipping. If you require any help or advice with your vape e-liquids, pods or device, please do not hesitate to get in contact with the Vapourcore team.
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