Can SMOK surpass its smash hit original?
The SMOK NORD 2 seems like it was always an inevitability, after all the runaway success of the original almost cemented the fact that we would see a ‘sequel’ product. But can the NORD 2 live up to the hype its generated?
In this review, we aim to find out whether the NORD 2 is worth the upgrade, and if it can earn its place among the upper vape pod echelons.
If you want to buy this kit you can save 10% at the checkout using the code BLOG10.
SMOK NORD 2 Specifications
- Pod capacity – 2ml
- Coil resistance – 0.4ohm mesh (RPM) / 0.8ohm MTL (NORD)
- Battery capacity – 1500mAh
- Output wattage – 1-40W
- Dimensions – 95mm x 30.5mm x 20mm
Kit Contents
- 1 x SMOK NORD 2 kit
- 1 x NORD 2 RPM pod
- 1 x NORD 2 pod
- 1 x USB charging cable
- 1 x User manual
Appearance
Not wanting to stray too far, the NORD 2 retains the sleek look found in the original. What makes this different however is that SMOK have added some nice stylish touches, including a lovely screen which is perfectly fitted to the side of the battery.
It’s a little more chunky than its predecessor, but you don’t really notice it that much, unless you were to put them side by side. This extra girth is there for good reason however, as the NORD 2 has a 1500mAh battery; 400mAh more than the original! More on that later.
Overall I really liked the rounded edges and modern look that this manages to pull off, and whilst it isn’t radically different, its enough to make you notice those little extra details.
I would have preferred to see perhaps a bit more deviation in design for this, but as the saying goes ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’.
Performance
This is where the NORD 2 really shines. The original model could output up to 15W of power, but SMOK has packed in 40W into its successor.
Why so much power? Well the NORD 2 can make use of both the NORD and RPM coils. The RPM variants can be used at a much higher setting than the NORD could, hence the need for additional power!
I couldn’t really fault the performance here. The screen makes it easy to adjust the wattage with a simple 3 clicks of the button, then you just keep clicking until you reach the desired setting.
When using the NORD coils, everything worked as I expected it to, but ramping up the wattage with the RPM coils really elevated the experience for me, as I do like a higher powered vape normally.
The vapour production and flavour is great using both coils, but the RPM just edges it for me.
If you love MTL vaping then the NORD coils are just what you need. If you’re like me however, and prefer something with a little more kick, then you should be using the RPM coils in the NORD 2.
Overall, I was impressed by the NORD 2’s performance, it works as I imagined it would, and those RPM coils make it far more versatile than the original.
Ease Of Use
The great thing about vape pods is that anyone can use them. They are practically the easiest e-cigs to set up and use without any hassle, and the NORD 2 is no exception.
The pods are magnetically connected to the top of the battery, so when you need to top up, all you need to do is pull it out and refill using a handy silicone plug located on the side of the pod.
Changing coils is equally painless, just pull out the old one when it expires and push in a new one. Leave it all to prime for 10 minutes and away you go!
If you accidentally mix up the pods and can’t remember whether its an RPM or NORD variant, just look at the silicone fill plug on the side, it will handily be stamped with either NORD or RPM on there; easy!
Adjusting the power is also quick and simple, all you have to do is press the power button 3 times quickly, then either continue clicking, or press and hold down the button to cycle through the power output.
It’s great to see SMOK keep the NORD 2 from being overly complex. Its easy to use, takes out the hassle from refilling and has an easy to use wattage adjustment system.
Price
The NORD 2 packs in a lot of extras, so it’s no surprise to see that it commands a higher price tag. You are after all getting an extra large battery, a side mounted OLED screen and RPM coil functionality.
The price tag might be higher, but its available on our online vape store for only £25.49, an absolute bargain!
The NORD 2 offers great value, and no matter your vaping budget, there’s room for this in your collection.
Target Audience
Most pods are fairly restrictive to a set audience, but not with the NORD 2. Thanks to the RPM coils, this kit can be used by almost any vaper. If you like nic salts? Great, if you prefer a little more cloud? It has you covered.
If you like pods, or even if you just want something compact without giving up performance, this is for you.
Verdict
The SMOK NORD 2 is a triumph. It takes the original, cleans up the design a little and packs in a ton of extras. In a way, it’s everything you want from a ‘sequel’. There is more of what you love and enough new features to get you excited.
Whilst I personally would have liked to see a more meaningful design change, this doesn’t take anything away from what is otherwise a brilliantly thought out vape pod.
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