SMOK RPM80 Pro Review| A Damn Fine Pod Mod…

Richard Winter Pod Vapes 4 Comments


A complete re-design of the popular RPM40, the SMOK RPM80 Pro is an AIO (all-in-one) variable wattage pod mod with MTL and DTL coil options.

Powered by a single external 18650 battery, the RPM80 Pro can handle up to 80w, fully adjustable in 1w increments. The wattage (as well as battery life, coil resistance and even a puff counter) is displayed on a nifty little 0.96 inch OLED display.

The RPM80 Pro allows for both MTL and DTL vaping by including two different pod options (RPM and RGC) and multiple coil heads – similar to the SMOK Nord we reviewed recently. One of these pods, the RGC (Real Game Changer) is a new design by SMOK, with a focus on adjustable airflow.

There is a standard version of the RPM80, but I opted for the Pro purely because I prefer external battery devices and this is the only real difference between the two. The standard RPM80 has an internal 3000mAh battery, while the Pro version requires the use of an external 18650 battery.

After months of using the Caliburn and MOTI Pod (both great pod systems!) – I’ve been dying to get my hands on the RPM80 Pro to see how it compares…

Quick Note: I only review and/or recommend products I’ve tried and tested. If this post contains an affiliate link I may receive a small commission on any purchase made at no extra cost to you.

Features and Specification


  • Size (mm): 118(h) x 26(w) x 31.5(d)
  • Weight: 97.3g (not including 18650 battery)
  • Available in 7 different colors
  • Standby current: <100uA
  • Output wattage: 1w – 80w
  • Input voltage: 3.3v – 4.2v
  • Output voltage: 0.8v – 4.0v
  • Resistance range: 0.13ohms – 2.5ohms
  • Multiple coil options available
  • Two different pods (RPM and RGC)
  • Adjustable airflow (RGC pod only)
  • 5ml e-juice capacity (TPD version 2ml)
  • Button activated
  • OLED display
  • Internal charging via USB (max 2A)
  • All the usual safety features

What’s in the box?


  • RPM80 Pro
  • 5ml RPM Pod (TPD version 2ml)
  • 5ml RGC Pod (TPD version 2ml)
  • 0.4ohm Mesh RPM Coil
  • 0.17ohm Conical Mesh RGC Coil
  • User manual
  • Micro USB Cable

SMOK RPM80 Pro | Design and Appearance


The build quality and design is fantastic – the RPM80 Pro looks incredible. It’s also super comfortable to hold. BUT with dimensions of 118(h) x 26(w) x 31.5(d) and a weight of 93.7g – the SMOK RPM80 Pro is much larger and heavier than any other pod I’ve used…

If you’re looking for something compact, the RMP80 Pro might not be for you…

Available in 7 different colour options, the RPM80 Pro is a cylindrical shaped device. The back of the pod is curved, which makes it really comfortable in your hand.

The front of the RPM80 Pro is flat, with a firing button, the OLED display and buttons to adjust the wattage and menu settings.

The OLED display is clear, bright and easy to read. The menu is easy to navigate via the buttons and even has an option to change the colour of the text on the display.

Above the firing button is an airflow slot, with a second in the same position on the back of the device. Just below the adjustable wattage buttons is the USB charging port and a sliding hinged latch at the bottom of the RPM80 Pro opens to take an external 18650 battery.

The pods slot into place at the top of the RPM80 and are held in place with two magnets. With the pod removed, you can see the two pins inside the device which connect to the coil in the pod once attached.

Which brings us to the RPM80 Pro pods…

SMOK RMP80 Pro Pods | Design and Appearance


The SMOK RPM80 Pro kit comes with two pods; the RPM and the RGC. Both pods are black, with a smoked transparent black fluid reservoir and a fixed drip-tip/mouthpiece. The pods are basically identical, although the RGC has adjustable airflow.

With a 5ml e-juice capacity, the pods are really easy to re-fill via a rubber plug at the top of the pod. You don’t have to remove the pod to re-fill it either, which is a nice touch.

True to form, SMOK have also released a range of coil options for the RPM80 Pro. The RPM pod has six different coil options, while the RGC has just one. The coils are really easy to install and just slot into the bottom of the pod.

Both the RPM and RGC pods have an RBA deck, which is great if you want to build your own coils rather than relying on the replaceable coil heads.

Overall, I think SMOK have done a cracking job with the RPM80 pods. It’s easily the best pod design I’ve used so far.

My only issue is with the 2ml TPD compliant version of the pods. To limit the capacity of the pods, SMOK use a grey lining which made it virtually impossible to see how much e-juice I had left. I did try to remove it but only ended up damaging the pod.

SMOK RPM80 Pro | Performance


As I mentioned above, the SMOK RPM80 Pro comes with two pod/coil options in the kit. Both are totally different in terms of performance…

RPM 0.4ohm coil | 25w recommended

I started with the RPM 0.4ohm with a 50/50 VG/PG mix at around 20w. This seemed to be the sweet spot for me in terms of wattage.

Airflow is decent; a pretty restrictive DTL vape. Flavor and vapor are both spot on, easily on par with a sub-ohm tank.

Coil life was great, no complaints at all. I got around two weeks of life, with moderate – heavy vaping.

I did experience some leaking around the base of the pod unfortunately. In fact, both the RPM and RGC pods seemed to leak a little.

RGC 0.17ohm coil | 40w – 80w recommended

The sweet spot on the RGC 0.17ohm for me was around 45w. I tried a couple of higher VG juices through it and had zero wicking issues.

The adjustable airflow is exactly as you’d expect – wide open is super airy, closed off is a nice restrictive DTL. I had been hoping to get a MTL hit with the air flow closed off all the way but it’s still a little too airy.

Flavor is fantastic and vapor production is amazing, especially with the airflow wide open. The SMOK RMP80 can chuck some serious clouds…

At the higher end of the recommended wattage you really notice a difference in flavor and vapor. But at 80w the battery life is drastically reduced and the pod guzzles e-juice.

In terms of coil life, I got just over a week. Not great, but I do vape pretty heavily.

Overall both pods are impressive, with great flavor and vapor production. But if I had to choose, I think I actually prefer the RPM 0.4ohm. There isn’t a huge difference in flavor and you get noticeably longer battery life.

Which brings me to…

SMOK RPM80 Pro | Battery Performance


Battery life on the SMOK RPM80 Pro depends on the type and capacity of the battery you’re using and which pod/coil you have installed. Not only that but how often you vape and the wattage you set.

I’ve been using a Samsung 25S 18650 battery and get a full day’s vaping before I need to swap out the battery or re-charge.

I always prefer to charge the battery externally but you do have the option to charge internally via USB.

The SMOK RPM80 Pro also supports pass-through vaping, so you can use it while you’re charging.

I can’t comment on the standard SMOK RPM80, but at 3000mAh it should be similar to the performance I found using the Samsung 25S.

How do I fill the SMOK RPM80 Pro pods?


Filling the SMOK RPM80 Pro pods is really straightforward. You don’t even need to remove the pod. Just lift the rubber plug on the top of the pod and insert the tip of your e-juice bottle into the fill hole.

Be careful not to overfill. If it’s the first time you’re filling the pod, it’s also best to leave it sitting for 5-10 minutes. This helps the wick to fully saturate and prevents the chance of a dry hit.

How do I operate the SMOK RPM80 Pro?


Operating the SMOK RPM80 Pro is really simple – here are the basics:

  • Fire x 5 turns the RPM80 Pro on/off
  • Fire x 3 locks/unlocks the fire button
  • Left & right together locks/unlocks wattage
  • Fire & right together changes display color
  • Fire & left together resets the puff counter

SMOK RPM80 Pro | Price


I picked the SMOK RPM80 Pro up for £30 – pretty reasonable considering what the device can do and what you get in the kit…

Replacement coils are a fairly standard price – expect to pay around £10 for a pack of five. If you need a replacement pod, you can usually get a pack of three for under £10.


Verdict


Pros

  • Great design & build quality
  • Really comfortable to hold
  • Easy to use and re-fill
  • Pods are a snug fit – no wiggle
  • Great flavor and vapor
  • Variable wattage
  • OLED display screen
  • Two different pods available (RPM/RGC)
  • Multiple coil options
  • Good coil life
  • Adjustable airflow on RGC pod
  • Both pods support RBA deck!

Cons

  • Coils included won’t satisfy MTL
  • Both pods leak slightly
  • E-juice level isn’t visible in 2ml TPD pods
SMOK RPM80 Pro Review Verdict

Well priced, excellent build quality and plenty of pod/coil options – SMOK have really delivered with the RPM80 Pro. Yes there are a few minor issues, but overall I’m really impressed and would definitely buy again.

The airflow on the RGC pod is a great addition and I love that SMOK have included RBA coil options for both pods.

The RPM80 Pro would be damn near perfect if they included one of their MTL coil options in the kit and solved the slight leaking problem. But if you’re looking for a pod mod with plenty of oomph, great flavor/vapor and excellent battery life, the RPM80 Pro is easily one of the best pod vape systems you can buy and I highly recommend it!!

If you’ve tried the RPM80 we’d love to hear what you think! Just drop a comment below…


Comments 4

    1. Hi Alicia,
      Sorry to hear about your leaking problem. Are you using the RPM or RGC Pod?
      The RGC pod/coils do tend to leak a little, especially as the coil starts to degrade or e-liquid is left in it for a little while without using. I found the variable airflow was causing the problem.
      The RPM pod/coil is a lot better and I only get slight seepage now and again.
      While it is annoying, the majority of pods suffer from this problem.
      I usually find every time i fill the pod I give the pod recess and bottom of the pod a little wipe to keep it at bay.
      I’ve used my Smok RPM80 daily (RPM Pod) for well over a year now and despite being dropped many times it still performs really well.

    1. Hi Sam,

      Thanks for your comment. While you’ve mentioned the mAh of the battery you’re using the more important parameter is the CDR value (Amps) or the maximum current the battery is capable of outputting. If you’re using either the LG HG2 or HE4, both of these models will be fine as they’re 20A/30A batteries.

      Take a look at our Battery Amp Drain Calculator to give you an exact calculation. Input your battery type and the wattage you intend to vape at and our calculator will work out the correct CDR value battery that you require. Because the SMOK RPM80 is an 80W device, you’ll ideally want a 25A or 30A battery in order to vape at the maximum 80W. If you only intend to vape at a lower wattage then you can use a lower amp battery.

      Hope this helps Sam. Any problems feel free to get back in touch.

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