Smok RIGEL Kit Review

Without a doubt the Smok RIGEL brings the characteristics of the RPM160 Pod to a standard vape mod with a TFV9. But how does this 2×18650 kit perform?

This product has been sent with the kind generosity of Smok for the purpose of an impartial review. Furthermore the thoughts that you find below are mine and are no way influenced by the fact that this was gifted as a review sample.

Please note that this article may contain affiliate links which help to fund the Make ‘N’ Vape website.

Introduction

While coupled with a Smok TFV9, the Smok RIGEL offers the user a no fuss style of vaping. Moreover the only settings the user needs to worry about is balancing the wattage for the best vape experience. But is there more to the Smok RIGEL? Is it more than just a variable wattage mod? Let’s delve into this review of the Smok RIGEL and find out more.

A point of note, as I have already reviewed the Smok TFV9, I won’t be covering the TFV9 in this review. But if you want to have a look at my thoughts and imagery, then check out the Smok SCAR18 & TFV9 Review.

Box Contents

Below is a quick breakdown of what you may expect to see included with the Smok RIGEL Kit.

Packaging

Typical of Smok’s packaging the front features a laminated photograph of the enclosed colour option for the Smok RIGEL, TFV9 and its key features. Additionally the side features Smok’s contact details, and authenticity checker. While the back contains the box contents, usual health warnings and governmental compliance logos.

Furthermore removing the box lid reveals the user manual, the Smok RIGEL mod sat next to the TFV9 within the inlay. Additionally the Smok TFV9 is pre-fitted with one of the V9 meshed coils. While the spare coil, glass, and USB cable are sat alongside.

Build quality

Without a doubt I love the look and feel of the SMOK RPM160 and hoped that they would bring that design to an everyday vape mod. Importantly the Smok RIGEL doesn’t disappoint. Moreover it looks and feels great in the hand with the rubber coating offering a great level of grip. While the RIGEL only weighs 103.5g without batteries. Nonetheless the RIGEL feels reassuringly sturdy and robust in the hand.

Furthermore the front fascia comprises of a single angulated plastic piece with faux carbon fibre detailing. Naturally this results in a very tidy finish and the display is no different. Moreover the LCD’s layout is clean and easily readable. Although the remaining battery levels are small and some may struggle reading them. Again the LCD on the RIGEL is not the sharpest but this is somewhat mitigated by the clean layout.

Importantly the tactile buttons are well sized and placed for ease of use, with the fire button placed centrally for perfect thumb firing.

Featuring a flush fitting removable door at the back of the mod. The battery compartment is neat and tidy with easy battery insertion and removal. Furthermore the battery door is held in place with good sized magnets. Consequentially this makes the door very secure when placed back onto the Smok RIGEL. Especially as there is no movement of the battery door.

While the Smok RIGEL seats the 28mm TFV9 well. However as the 510 is not centred on the mod, any larger tanks will lip over the edge. Nonetheless the 510 centre pin has a good level of stiffness, with a throw of approximately 2-3mm. Importantly the threading is cut well and the TFV9 threads smoothly into place.

Dimensions

Smok RIGEL

Dimensionally from the base to the top the Smok RIGEL stands 88mm tall. Furthermore the RIGEL has a width of 44mm and a depth of 29.8mm from the front to the back.

Smok TFV9

Importantly there are two different dimensions for the Smok TFV9. Moreover the standard version has a diameter of 28mm and a height of 56mm. Whereas the TPD version has a diameter of 25.5mm and stands 50mm tall.

Functionality

While there is only a wattage mode available, the RIGEL offers a no fuss style of vaping. However the Smok RIGEL does also record the puff counter, for those who like to keep track of the amount of puffs they have vaped.

Importantly turning on the RIGEL is via the customary 5 clicks on the fire button. While Holding the down and fire button simultaneously locks the wattage output. However for those wishing to change the colour of the display, press both the fire and up button. Additionally for those wishing to reset the puff counter on the Smok RIGEL, simply press the down and fire button simultaneously,

VW – Variable Wattage

Without a doubt having an unrestricted adjustable wattage mode allows for fine tuning of the vape experience. Moreover with the Smok RIGEL the up and down control buttons allow for adjustments in 1W increments. Perfect for balancing the power output to suit both coil and personal preference.

Battery Use

Featuring a dual 18650 battery setup (Not included), the battery performance of the Smok RIGEL is good. Like the Smok SCAR-18 battery levels are shown in both an icon and a percentage read-out. Similar to that of a mobile phone. Additionally when charging the remaining charge time is also shown which is always great to see.

While some will be pleased with the USB-C connection, and the RIGEL’s max charging rate of 5v 2A. Nonetheless I will always highly recommend not to use a mod for charging. Importantly a dedicated battery charger from a trusted manufacturer will always be the safer option.

Chipset and Protection

While the Smok RIGEL mod’s chipset is unspecified. Nonetheless it offers the following level of protection.

• Battery Low (Low Voltage Protection) – Prevents the battery levels dropping to a point of no return.
• Ohms Too Low – Safety cut out.
• Ohms Too high – Safety cut out.
• Atomiser Short – Safety cut out, possibly blown coil.
• PCBA Too Hot – High temperature protection, protecting both PCB and battery.
• 8s Timeout – Protects against continued accidental firing.

While there is no reported protection for USB charging. However it would be fair to presume there is some level of protection.

Specifications

Niggles

While I am pleased to say I experienced no niggles with the Smok RIGEL mod. But if I was to complain about anything, then it would be the amount of dirt that gets caught behind the LCD and carbon fibre detailing. However the TFV9 still suffers with the coil becoming awkward to remove when replacing the coil.

Summary

Without a doubt there is much to love about the Smok RIGEL. Moreover it is comfortable to hold and looks good too. But while the RIGEL is a lightweight variable wattage only mod. It remains sturdy to the feel and should be fine for general use and abuse from everyday vaping. While I have not covered the TFV9 due to a previous review. Nonetheless it deserves to be mentioned in the summary. Moreover the V9 Meshed 0.15Ω coils wicks very well. However it is best suited to fruit and cola flavoured e-liquids and performs less well with creams and custards.

Smok RIGEL & TFV9

$42.49

9.3

BUILD QUALITY

9.0/10

BATTERY LIFE

9.4/10

EASE OF USE

9.4/10

FLAVOUR

9.3/10

Pros

• Adjustable wattage
• Comfortable
• Good flavour

Cons

• Coils Stick to chimney.
• TFV9 Leaking at 250+ Puffs

Available Directly from Smok