Smok G-Priv and G-Priv Pro Kits Reviewed

Pod Mods have gotten a lot of attention over the last few years, and if you can think or any form factor, there is likely a Pod mod out there already to suit. You’ll remember a while back, Voopoo introduced one of the first square shaped Pod mods to market, the Vinci. It was pretty successful, pushed out a fantastic vape, but did suffer from a few small issues. That didn’t effect the popularity though, proving that devices can be successful no matter the shape.

Smok are constantly innovating and releasing products on a regular basis, but from memory, they haven’t ever tackled this shape before. Here’s their first crack at it!

Let’s take a look at Smok’s latest Pod Mods, the “G-Priv” and “G-Priv Pro” kits!

Big thanks goes to Smoktech for sending this directly through to me for review!

General Info & Photos

These two new G-Priv Pod Mods are a bit of a tribute to Smok’s original G-Priv Box Mods series, but instead of coming as a box mod and tank, these latest devices are Pod Mod and Pod based.
The specifications on both of these siblings are quite similar, offering up to an 80 Watt maximum output, 5.5mls of e-liquid capacity, a slide to open Top fill design, Type-C fast charging, adjustable airflow via the toggle slider, a large side fire and both running Smok’s IQ-S chipset.

The only real difference between the two of them is the placement of the USB Type-C charging port, and their battery orientation, with the smaller G-Priv Pod Mod having an internal 2500mah battery, and the larger G-Priv Pro taking an external 18650 battery for power.

The Body

The main frame of the G-Privs are made from Zinc-Alloy, and are quite lightweight for that kind of metal. These square shaped Pod devices, are quite modern looking, with chamfered edges, padded leather heel and large 0.96 inch TFT display.

Up top is your Pod recess, where you’ll push home your pod. Below that is your airflow adjustment which comes in the form of a sliding toggle, letting air in from both sides of the device, straight up through the base of the Pod.

On one edge of the device, you’ll find a fire button that runs the full length of the mod. Allowing you to hold the device in hand and fire by closing your grip. No fumbling for buttons anymore, just squeeze the device and it will fire. Smok’s execution of this is quite good, with a nice click to the button, and it’s quite responsive, even triggering as low down as the bottom of the device where could fire it with your pinky if you wanted to.

On the opposite edge, is a cushioned, padded leather heel, that adds a little comfort to the square design, it’s of really nice quality with two stitch lines running down the length of it.

On one side panel, you’ll find some G-Priv branding and on the other, the large 0.96 inch TFT colour screen, with adjustment buttons below it. You’ll also find the USB charge port next to the buttons on the G-Priv Pro.

On the bottom, the base model has it’s USB charge port, and on the Pro, a slide catch that opens the spring loaded battery bay, that takes a single 18650 battery.

The Pod & Coils

The Pods for both the base model and the Pro are exactly the same size, and shape, both kits also come with exactly the same coils too, so choosing between models really depends on if you want an internal battery or not.

The Pods are made from PCTG tinted plastic, and take 5.5mls of e-liquid. Quite a good size and capacity for a Pod Mod, and should keep you going most of the day without needing to fill. When you do need to fill, sliding the top of the Pod across, exposes the rubber covered fill port allowing you to fill with no mess and no fuss. It’s a little difficult to get the nozzle of a 120ml Gorilla bottle in there, due to the non-removeable drip tip, but a 60ml or smaller bottle is no problem, allowing you to fill quite quickly. The tinting of the Pods are not too dark, and it’s pretty easy to see where your level is at even while filling.

Fitting the coils to these Pods is straight forward and as simple as pushing them home, as they are press fit.

The coils that ship with both of the G-Priv Pod kits are Smok’s new LP2 meshed coils, in resistances of 0.23 and 0.4. Both of which are equally good at a nice DTL vape, and provide some nice dense flavour and vapour.

Battery

While the two devices have the same maximum wattage output of 80 Watts, they both use two different battery configurations. The base model has an internal battery that is 2500mah in size, not huge, but large enough to give you multiple hours of vaping without needing to charge, and when you do, the USB Type-C charge port will get you back up and running again in no time due to it’s 5V/2A charging capacity.

The G-Priv Pro takes a single 18650 battery rather than an internal battery, and is inserted via the bottom spring loaded battery door. This door clicks closed really easily, and just as easy to open too. When batteries are inserted and the door is closed, I haven’t noticed any battery rattle, in fact the battery bay is sized really well. If in the odd situation, you don’t have access to an external charger, the Pro also has a 5V/2A USB Type-C charge port to get you out of trouble.

Any Leaks?

Smok have done a good job in minimising any seepage that might happen from coils getting oversaturated with their dual o-ring coils and airflow contained pulling in air from the sides, but I have noticed a small amount of seepage on one of the devices. The G-Priv base model running the 0.4ohm coil is clean as a whistle, but the G-Priv Pro that I have running the 0.23 ohm coil has been experiencing a little seepage. It’s no really bother, as it’s easy to clean up every so often, but it does happen, and is something that Smok should take a look at improving.

Usage & Features

Both G-Priv Pods are simple devices, there is only the one Wattage mode, along with a few other features, such as screen colour selection, clearing the puff counter, locking the mod, and locking the wattage.

How to operate the G-Priv Pod Mods:

• Power On/Off : x5 Clicks of the fire bar/button
• Adjust wattage: Up/Down buttons
• Lock Wattage: Hold Up+Down buttons
• Lock Device: x3 presses of the fire bar/button
• Clear Puff counter: Press Fire button + Down button
• Change colour: Press Fire button + Up button

Pros:

• 5.5ml e-liquid capacity
• 80 Watts power
• Easy slide to fill
• Type C fast charging
• Adjustable airflow
• Super large fire button/bar
• Comfortable to hold
• Great flavour and vape

Cons:

• A little seepage from pods

Where to Buy:

Of course you can pick these up directly through Smok’s online store, where you’ll be able to them for a pretty competitive price of $45 USD, I’m not aware of an Aussie stores stocking them yet, but keep an eye out, as this kit is just released, there’s bound to be a few that pick them up.

Conclusion

Smok are putting out some really nice gear lately, and the G-Privs are no exception, the features available on both devices are in no way limiting, but they also cater to your more common wattage based Direct to Lung vaping. Mouth to Lung vapers likely won’t get much out of these, they are designed for more airflow, and higher wattage.

While I have had a little seepage from one of the Pod and coil matches, I’ve found that these have been some pretty solid setups and have worked flawlessly for the time that I’ve been testing them. The seepage is likely limited to the coil type or even a one off. Don’t expect this to not ever happen, but I don’t think you’ll need to worry about it happening with every coil either.

All in all, the G-Privs push out some impressive flavour, and some good vapour too. They are a great vape, and are a solid option for those looking for a Pod Mod styled device!

Nice one Smok!!

Shane Presser

Shane Presser has been vaping since 2013, and has extensive experience with advanced equipment, coil builds and DIY mixing. He is the man behind VapersGarage, and also more recently Aussie Vape Stores, a resource to help vapers find their nearest Vape Shops, and eLiquid Vendors.