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Smok mods keep breaking

Has your smok broken immediately?

  • Yes

    Votes: 4 30.8%
  • No

    Votes: 9 69.2%

  • Total voters
    13
Hi, I'm new to the forum, so if this has been covered or is misplaced I apologize...haven't figured out how to search forum topics yet...
I've been through two baby beasts and a priv v8 in about a month
I will inevitably drop any mods I buy...most can handle a few bounces...but not any smok mod I've tried.
It seems the top plate of the mod itself being held on w 2 torx screws is a bad design. If your unlucky enough to have your tank be the first thing to hit the carpet, the top plate breaks loose or strips out the screws that hold it on.
Is this a problem others have had? Any tips on fixing? Because it's been caused by dropping I haven't bothered with a warranty claim. Thinking I just won't buy from smok anymore, but was curious if this is a common problem?
Peace!
B
 

Cheetos

Member For 2 Years
Hi, I'm new to the forum, so if this has been covered or is misplaced I apologize...haven't figured out how to search forum topics yet...
I've been through two baby beasts and a priv v8 in about a month
I will inevitably drop any mods I buy...most can handle a few bounces...but not any smok mod I've tried.
It seems the top plate of the mod itself being held on w 2 torx screws is a bad design. If your unlucky enough to have your tank be the first thing to hit the carpet, the top plate breaks loose or strips out the screws that hold it on.
Is this a problem others have had? Any tips on fixing? Because it's been caused by dropping I haven't bothered with a warranty claim. Thinking I just won't buy from smok anymore, but was curious if this is a common problem?
Peace!
B
I have two SMOK AL-85"s, one is pretty darned loose like you described and the other I haven't dropped yet. The design is not good for dropping as you stated. The two torx screws go directly into plastic. You are not alone my friend.
 
I have two SMOK AL-85"s, one is pretty darned loose like you described and the other I haven't dropped yet. The design is not good for dropping as you stated. The two torx screws go directly into plastic. You are not alone my friend.
Thanks! I tried Google searching and didn't find anyone talking about this..appreciate your reply!
 

5150sick

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Hi, I'm new to the forum, so if this has been covered or is misplaced I apologize...haven't figured out how to search forum topics yet...
I've been through two baby beasts and a priv v8 in about a month
I will inevitably drop any mods I buy...most can handle a few bounces...but not any smok mod I've tried.
It seems the top plate of the mod itself being held on w 2 torx screws is a bad design. If your unlucky enough to have your tank be the first thing to hit the carpet, the top plate breaks loose or strips out the screws that hold it on.
Is this a problem others have had? Any tips on fixing? Because it's been caused by dropping I haven't bothered with a warranty claim. Thinking I just won't buy from smok anymore, but was curious if this is a common problem?
Peace!
B


Smok has really bad quality control issues.

You may get one where only the paint wears off and it lasts for years.

But you may get one that's dead in three months.

Since people don't regularly come to vaping forums to sing praises of mid quality, low price Chinese mods and tanks you mostly see horror stories like yours.

I always ask people is they remember the first xbox360 released in 2005.
The one without an HDMI output.

They had a failure rate of 25% of all units after 12 months of use.
That means for every four they sell one will break because of quality control issues.

The Red Ring of Death (or RROD) was caused by lead free solder connecting the processor to the circuit board that got so hot that it would melt.

Smok is the 2005 Era Xbox360 of vaping
 
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Rooster Cogburn

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Smok pump out so many mods so fast that they don’t seem to worry about QC. I believe Smok’s motto is quantity not quality. I like Smoant mods. I had a Kanger kbox break after a couple months for no reason and in my search for something better I got a Smoant Battlestar. Some good companies that make affordable mods that last longer then Smok mods, generally speaking, are Smoant, Voopoo, Tesla, and Vaporesso. Any of the mods by these makers can break also but they seem to lower failure rate then most for mods in this price range. No hard numbers on this but based on observations people seem to be fairly happy with these companies’ mod offerings. Best of luck and I hope you have better luck in the future.
 

OhmzRaw

Silver Contributor
Member For 4 Years
A solid device would be the Geekvape Aegis Legend. It is one of my favourite mods of 2018 when it comes to dual battery regulated mods.

The legend can handle a beating which makes it an excellent mod to own as a daily carry. Geekvape's QC is pretty great IMO. Some Legend's did have issues initially with the first runs but the latest firmware updated seems to have fixed up the issues.

I highly recommend the Aegis Legend if you are looking for something durable and can handle a beating.
 
Smok pump out so many mods so fast that they don’t seem to worry about QC. I believe Smok’s motto is quantity not quality. I like Smoant mods. I had a Kanger kbox break after a couple months for no reason and in my search for something better I got a Smoant Battlestar. Some good companies that make affordable mods that last longer then Smok mods, generally speaking, are Smoant, Voopoo, Tesla, and Vaporesso. Any of the mods by these makers can break also but they seem to lower failure rate then most for mods in this price range. No hard numbers on this but based on observations people seem to be fairly happy with these companies’ mod offerings. Best of luck and I hope you have better luck in the future.
I ended up switching to vapresso... much higher quality!
 

Just Frank

Platinum Contributor
Member For 5 Years
Priv V8 looks like a piece of shit. Smok does make some decent mods but that priv v8 looks like a flimsy starter type deal. No mods are meant to be dropped. I have a few V8 sticks from Smok. They have been used a ton and dropped all the time. They still work. The only Smok mod that broke on me was an Alien I used for around two years heavily. I dropped it on asphalt twice in a row. So thats my fault not Smoks. Not all of their stuff is garbage but the forums will make you think so.

I'm a Smoant and Vaporesso fan too. You should be happy with your new mod. Try not to drop it too much.
 
Priv V8 looks like a piece of shit. Smok does make some decent mods but that priv v8 looks like a flimsy starter type deal. No mods are meant to be dropped. I have a few V8 sticks from Smok. They have been used a ton and dropped all the time. They still work. The only Smok mod that broke on me was an Alien I used for around two years heavily. I dropped it on asphalt twice in a row. So thats my fault not Smoks. Not all of their stuff is garbage but the forums will make you think so.

I'm a Smoant and Vaporesso fan too. You should be happy with your new mod. Try not to drop it too much.
It's not the forum that makes me think their junk, it's the design...really like the vaporesso tarot nano! The tank it comes with isnt the best, but works well as long as you use thin juice. Doesn't like heavy vg at all. Coils are really cheap and easy to change!
I have a tremor (shakey hands) so I dont try to drop it...but bound to happen
 

Ralph_K

Silver Contributor
Member For 4 Years
It's not the forum that makes me think their junk, it's the design...really like the vaporesso tarot nano! The tank it comes with isnt the best, but works well as long as you use thin juice. Doesn't like heavy vg at all. Coils are really cheap and easy to change!
I have a tremor (shakey hands) so I dont try to drop it...but bound to happen
Stay around a while and you'll see plenty of threads about failed smok mods.
 
Stay around a while and you'll see plenty of threads about failed smok mods.
I'm believe it! Seems like major mass production always reduces quality. They kinda tricked me...the metal outer shell and weight of the mod made it seem really tough...but on closer inspection it's all held together by tiny screws sunk into cheap flimsy plastic...oh well, live and learn.
Cool forum! Think I'll stick around Thanks for all the replies!!
 
A solid device would be the Geekvape Aegis Legend. It is one of my favourite mods of 2018 when it comes to dual battery regulated mods.

The legend can handle a beating which makes it an excellent mod to own as a daily carry. Geekvape's QC is pretty great IMO. Some Legend's did have issues initially with the first runs but the latest firmware updated seems to have fixed up the issues.

I highly recommend the Aegis Legend if you are looking for something durable and can handle a beating.
Thanks! I'll definitely check it out!
 

Cheetos

Member For 2 Years
Thanks! I tried Google searching and didn't find anyone talking about this..appreciate your reply!
in all honesty, I DO like my AL-85's. I like the design, and they do work pretty well. I'm not against them, just the use of a plastic inner frame was a poor quality choice. I opened up my broken one and put it back together with JB Weld. It's alive and well. When I need a new one, I'm going to try the Pico. It looks just like the AL-85 but I'm told it's built of better materials. With the price of DIY liquid and the very few vape devices I've bought in my 3-4 years of not smoking - I'm still ahead money wise. I just wanted to tell you, yes I've been through the Smok breaking dilemma and that was how I made it continue to work. I regret buying them as much as i regret buying my first few cars. They served their purpose just fine, but today I buy better cars than I did back then. Have a great day friend.
 
in all honesty, I DO like my AL-85's. I like the design, and they do work pretty well. I'm not against them, just the use of a plastic inner frame was a poor quality choice. I opened up my broken one and put it back together with JB Weld. It's alive and well. When I need a new one, I'm going to try the Pico. It looks just like the AL-85 but I'm told it's built of better materials. With the price of DIY liquid and the very few vape devices I've bought in my 3-4 years of not smoking - I'm still ahead money wise. I just wanted to tell you, yes I've been through the Smok breaking dilemma and that was how I made it continue to work. I regret buying them as much as i regret buying my first few cars. They served their purpose just fine, but today I buy better cars than I did back then. Have a great day friend.
Thanks for the info!
 

G>O>M

Member For 1 Year
you may also want to consider a silicone protector case
and tank protector band ( still the best one i have is an old gaming mouse scroll wheel band .. before i knew they actually existed to buy )
and dont buy mods that look sexy or cool .. buy ones that look like they can take a bit ( x-priv , aegis legend etc )
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
All Chinese junk.... You have to pay $150 bucks plus to get something that will last over (6)months.....

Ijoy
Smok
Sigelei
Fuchai
Triade


All bullshit.....

Luck I had with....
Yihi
Asmodus
Viscous Ant
Anything DNA 200
RX200 years in service




Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
 

The Cromwell

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All Chinese junk.... You have to pay $150 bucks plus to get something that will last over (6)months.....

Nope. Been using the same Kbox Mini mod daily for over 3 years with the same STM on top.
Been using another one for over a year.
Been using the same Pico Squeeze OG for over a year now.

I do have 2 Smok mods that I picked up on clearance for around $15 each for last resort vape stash.
I forget the model but they have screws holding the battery door on and bluetooth? 65W if I recall correctly...
Vaped each one for one battery charge in each of them then removed battery and put in rear of last resort vape stash.
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
And costs well under $150

I have iSticks by eLeaf that have been used daily for many years - super cheap and they just work
Yeah but the way they were built is not equivalent to today's standards........

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Just like I told juice Lucy.....
Nope. Been using the same Kbox Mini mod daily for over 3 years with the same STM on top.
Been using another one for over a year.
Been using the same Pico Squeeze OG for over a year now.

I do have 2 Smok mods that I picked up on clearance for around $15 each for last resort vape stash.
I forget the model but they have screws holding the battery door on and bluetooth? 65W if I recall correctly...
Vaped each one for one battery charge in each of them then removed battery and put in rear of last resort vape stash.
Yesterday's standards are not equivalent to today's...... A mod that lasted 2 or 3 years..... Last less than 6 months in today's real time.....

Specially if you use one mod.......

Back in the day 25 to 40 watts was the norm..... Max was with a DNA 40

Today's crowd wants 90watts to 250 watts..... These machines get quickly worn at that wattage

The Smok mods are autofiring and melting left and right......
 

SteveS45

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Member For 5 Years
I have an RX200S that is over 4 years old or so and has been dropped at least once a day for the past 4 years, that is still firing and I use in TC mode all the time. Never a problem with the 510 either
 

The Cromwell

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Back in the day 25 to 40 watts was the norm....
25-40 watts is still the norm for lots of us.
they come out with new single cell mods all the time.

for me 16-17 with my STM
23-25 for My OG Merlins
30-40 with my Wasp/Squeeze.

I have tried bigger wattage devices. Gave all the tanks away and the dual battery mods are in a box.
And split up all my paired cells.

Many are still seeking, I have found.
 

SteveS45

Diamond Contributor
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I vaped at 10 Watts or so for years but lately it is 60W and 460°F in TC Mode for me. Times change and so does my vaping style. Tomorrow you never know I could switch to an RDA with a sick build that I fire at 100 Plus Watts or go back to 10 Watts. Life is worth living when you have variety and not stuck in a rut.

:vino::ejuice::cloud::stars2:
 
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Synphul

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I've had decent luck with mods. I mean my first box mod, an istick tc100w broke just after 3mo. The way the firing button board is soldered to the mainboard is a joke and prone to failure. After that, used my smok alien for around 10mo straight. Outside of tc sucking and crappy paint, it still works. Been using my vaporesso revenger for 11-12mo straight, chip is a lot nicer than the alien's. Paint's coming off, but otherwise still functional. No magnets falling out of the battery cover, no autofire issues, no wonky 510. I've never paid more than $40 for a mod. I see plenty of $120-140+ mods with issues, the difference is people make excuses for them instead of bashing the company. Maybe not as many complaints, not saying Lost Vape has as many issues as smok but at 3-4x the price, they still have a number of issues with the therion, the paranormal etc.

Seems you can pretty well rattle off the name of any company and find issues. Lost Vape, Wismec, Eleaf/Ijoy, Smok, Dovpo, Sigelei/Snow wolf, Tesla, P4u, Voopoo. The list goes on.

What kills me is the basic crap these companies seem to struggle with, paint, battery doors. I've seen people suggest it's hard to get tolerances just right on battery doors and well it's made in China so what do you expect. I would have a list longer than a roll of toilet paper strung out of the 'cheap chinese' gadgets I've used over the years that all had battery covers or battery doors that fit no problem so I'm not buying that shit. From remotes to game controllers, radios, walkmans, even chintzy ass flashlights that cost like $1-5. They all seem able to keep a fricken battery cover on, this isn't rocket science. China's been doing it for years, suddenly vape mods come about and we've forgotten round wheels work best. Magnets that fall out. Really, my grandparents had the shittiest fridge magnets where they were barely held on with hotglue and they didn't fail as often as battery door magnets on mods. Basic crap that's been done successfully for years shouldn't be this problematic.

Aside from various features of a chip (due to chip design and programming), mods are basic devices. A couple wires, a battery sled, a couple buttons and a 510. Doubtful they have as much 'brain' going on inside them as graphing calculators have had for decades. Sure that's somewhat simplifying it but in all reality, mods are 'simplistic'. It's a power source, not an ipad or smart phone. :p
 

PoppaVic

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Given the substandard wiring atop all the simple mechanical-issues, I'd say they simply slam them out as cheap as possible for the greatest possible profit - use whatever shit is on-hand.

The other part is: last I read (years back) the chinee model of QC takes "rejects" and SELLS THEM to smaller firms to "fix" and sell - this is repeated ad-nauseum by smaller and lower firms.

Now, if that wasn't bad enough, I recently heard @Vaping With Vic say that the FIRST RUN of mods seem to work - and those are what are sent to reviewers - and the following runs may or may not, (and NOT is much more likely in my opinion) be as well-made/QC'd.

Face it: look at the shit they slammed out over the past few years - do any of them seem to be learning anything or are they just repeating the proven sales-model that people suck down with glee?
 

GillyDaKidd78

Member For 3 Years
Hi, I'm new to the forum, so if this has been covered or is misplaced I apologize...haven't figured out how to search forum topics yet...
I've been through two baby beasts and a priv v8 in about a month
I will inevitably drop any mods I buy...most can handle a few bounces...but not any smok mod I've tried.
It seems the top plate of the mod itself being held on w 2 torx screws is a bad design. If your unlucky enough to have your tank be the first thing to hit the carpet, the top plate breaks loose or strips out the screws that hold it on.
Is this a problem others have had? Any tips on fixing? Because it's been caused by dropping I haven't bothered with a warranty claim. Thinking I just won't buy from smok anymore, but was curious if this is a common problem?
Peace!
B
I had that same thing happen to my Smok Alien, also I have a Segelei Kaos that I only knocked over on my desk and it did the same thing. I had that thing taped up for a while now. I think it's time to retire it now that I have a couple of durable mods.
 

MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I have an RX200S that is over 4 years old or so and has been dropped at least once a day for the past 4 years, that is still firing and I use in TC mode all the time. Never a problem with the 510 either
Yeah the quality has dropped .... The Chinese lowered the prices...... But mods last 3 months to a year.....

They make mods now that when they fall over they are done..... And good for the Chinese people.... You order another........

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
 

SteveS45

Diamond Contributor
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Member For 5 Years
Yeah the quality has dropped .... The Chinese lowered the prices...... But mods last 3 months to a year.....
They make mods now that when they fall over they are done..... And good for the Chinese people.... You order another........
Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

I had every asshole and his brother telling me the same exact shit over 4 years ago when I got this MOD (RX200S). Every pull I take I say what a bunch of assholes with no actual first hand personal experience. I must be one lucky fucker since just about every MOD I own I have heard shit about and the only one that ever kissed the Ghost was because I dropped it and broke the battery door. It did not fail because of QC or build quality it broke because I dropped it on cement...............
 
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MannyScoot

Diamond Contributor
Member For 4 Years
I dropped my Laisimo F4 on the table on it's side.... Well the Laisimo branding that lights up doesn't work now......
 

SteveS45

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Member For 5 Years
Yeah but the RX 200 was well priced but built like a tank.... I have one that must be 3 years old and still works.....

Not according to every asshole on ECF quoting DJLSD and whatever other reviewer who panned it! I still have not had a problem with the 510 or the wiring like I heard 1,000 times. And the unbalance charging they claimed. If I charge the batteries in the MOD they are more balanced then my Nitecore I4 and more charged.
 

Izanagi7

Bronze Contributor
Member For 1 Year
Hi, I'm new to the forum, so if this has been covered or is misplaced I apologize...haven't figured out how to search forum topics yet...
I've been through two baby beasts and a priv v8 in about a month
I will inevitably drop any mods I buy...most can handle a few bounces...but not any smok mod I've tried.
It seems the top plate of the mod itself being held on w 2 torx screws is a bad design. If your unlucky enough to have your tank be the first thing to hit the carpet, the top plate breaks loose or strips out the screws that hold it on.
Is this a problem others have had? Any tips on fixing? Because it's been caused by dropping I haven't bothered with a warranty claim. Thinking I just won't buy from smok anymore, but was curious if this is a common problem?
Peace!
B

Most mods are pretty delicate. Ive gotten lucky with my IPV4s by Pioneer4You, I’ve knocked it off my table several times, but the all metal c frame design is solid as all hell. It’s held up reasonably well for the last 2 years. SMOK’s MAG and MAG grip are really high quality mods, I’ve held one and it’s a beautiful, ergonomic piece, but I don’t think it’ll survive a fall onto concrete from arm height. Not to mention it’s lovely paint finish will get scratched to all hell and possibly chip off.

If I was in the market for a rugged mod, the Geekvape aegis legend would definitely be my choice. It’s the Panasonic Toughbook of mods. Tough as nails, waterproof and yet quite compact.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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The Cromwell

I am a BOT
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Member For 4 Years
Yeah the quality has dropped .... The Chinese lowered the prices...... But mods last 3 months to a year.....

They make mods now that when they fall over they are done..... And good for the Chinese people.... You order another........

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk
I think that Some that suffer from Shinyitis like that their mods do not last long so they can buy the next greatest thing out there :)
We are pretty much a disposable/instant gratification society.
 

PoppaVic

Gold Contributor
Member For 4 Years
Oddly, my mods look like they were dragged by a truck on the freeway; my lappies are all chipped & cracked; and my rifle is some 50 years old, (and the only reason it looks sufferable is I refinished the nasty stock).

Must be a different "we".
 

MyMagicMist

Diamond Contributor
ECF Refugee
Member For 5 Years
rifle is some 50 years old, (and the only reason it looks sufferable is I refinished the nasty stock).

Hm, wouldn't happen to be an M1?

I've been watching for one of those & ammo for one. Heard tell it's a fairly decent rifle once it breaks you. When I was a young boy, learned using Paw Paw's mowing scythe by letting it break me. He told me it would. Also told me once I got broke by it, I would have mastered its use. Paw Paw was rarely wrong about such things and wasn't in that case.

I understand good tools breaking a man to teach a man their use. Rather have a tool that breaks me than a tool I can break. Those are usually the better made and more functional tools. Besides that they're tools you can share with granddads.
 
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Got an alien mod that's still tickin right along after being dropped, thrown and knocked over. No paint left on it but it still works, display and all. My tesla invader 3 has had at least twice the abuse and barely shows any signs and still chuggin along (just dug it out recently and put it back in service). Had a friend who had a brand new sigelei that crapped out before he got halfway through his first tank.
 

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