The Smok Priv V8: A Box Mod Kit Fit for a Pocket

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by Jeffrey Buckley

Updated: October 18, 2021

Smok Priv V8 Review

Review Score: 78/100

Price Range:
$20.40 - $30.20
Battery Type:
Single 18650
Wattage Range:
60W
Colors:
Silver, Black, White, Red, Gold, Purple, Yellow, Light Blue, Pink, Rasta, and Prism
Works with:
  • Eliquids icon

Pros

  • Excellent form factor
  • Easy to use
  • Pass-Through Charging

Cons

  • Battery life is average at best

The Priv V8 starter kit from Smok is the latest mods made to deliver a satisfying vaping experience without compromising compactness and portability. It has several exciting features, such as compatibility with the Baby Beast Tank and its family of coils.

But is this starter kit all it is made out to be? It is indeed. Although there are some minor complaints, most people will be pleased with it. This is especially true of those looking for something pocket-friendly and intuitive.

Smok Priv V8 Review: What to Expect from This Kit

Users should expect a lot from this mod, and they are not likely to be disappointed. One of the best features is that the coils provide crisp, rich, and smooth flavor with each hit.

Smok Priv V8 Colors

  • The airflow enhances the flavor because of the two large adjustable airflow slots at the base.
  • This allows for the coil to get hit from both sides, which is why the flavor is so silky smooth.
  • Turning the airflow control allows one to get restrictive or direct lung hits.

Vapor Production

This vape produces incredibly huge amounts of vapor. A few minutes of vaping will leave a room shrouded in a light layer of fog.

This is thanks to the very low resistance coils included in the starter kit and the excellently designed airflow paths.

Power Modes

There are no power modes to worry about when vaping this mod. To make this mod more appealing to beginners, the designers left out all adjustable features.

It is a direct voltage mod, and the wattage changes automatically depending on the coil in the tank.

Safety Features

  • Eight Second Cut-Off
  • Reverse Polarity Protection
  • Overtime Protection
  • Low Resistance Protection
  • Short Circuit Protection
  • Low Battery Protection

Inside the Smok Priv V8 60w Starter Kit

Smok Priv V8 Starter Kit

The starter kit comes with the Smok Priv V8 mod, one Baby Beast Tank, and two sub-ohm 0.25 V8 Baby-M2 Dual Core coils.

Additionally, the kit contains a replacement glass, USB cable, and an instruction manual.

Smok Priv V8 Build and Design Quality

This mod is well built, ergonomically designed, and has an outstanding appearance. The vape is made from zinc alloy so that the device is light and durable.

The 510 pin is stiff and springy, and gold-plated, ensuring that connectivity is excellent. Its threading is high quality and made from stainless steel.

Smok Priv V8 Design

Finally, the trigger bar is very responsive and clicky, and the battery door fits and shuts firmly and securely. The rounded shape makes it comfortable to grip, and there are some exciting colors from which to choose.

Smok Priv V8 Battery

The battery life on this vape is not all that great. It uses a single 18650 battery that lasts five to six hours on average. This would not be much of a problem, but it takes two to three hours to charge.

Compatibility with 20700/21700 batteries would have made this a much better vape. Luckily, it has the pass-through charging capability.

Battery Indicator Lights

The vape has two LED lights: one at the top that shows the device’s status while vaping and one for charging near the USB port.

The LED light that shows the vape’s status has several white warning lights to let the user know if there is a problem. The charging light glows red when it is charging.

The Smok Priv V8 Baby Beast Tank

The TFV8 Baby Beast is a tank that is well put together and functions at a high level. The build quality is superb, being made of stainless steel and reinforced glass. It also has a top fill port with a hinged lock and dual adjustable airflow at the base. At the very top is a black Delrin drip tip.

One of the best things about this tank is that it is compatible with all the TFV8 coils, of which there are eight total, ranging from 0.15 to 0.6 ohms. Such coils require 70/30 VG/PG nicotine liquids or with a high percentage of VG like 80%.

Smok Priv V8 Tank

The 0.25 ohm coils included in the kit bring about a smooth and silky taste, as already discussed, but the others allow the user to vary each drag’s flavor and texture. Buying the other coils is well worth the money.

The only downside is that the tank holds 3 ml of liquid on the small side. However, this can be easily remedied by using another larger Smok tank.

How to Use the Smok Priv V8 and Baby Beast Tank

The mod is highly intuitive, making it an excellent option for those wanting something more than a pod mod. It turns on and off with five clicks of the firing button, and there are no locking functions or menu to worry about. The lack of a lock or menu may be a con for some, but not for others, as it makes the device simpler to use.

Smok Priv V8

There is no way to control the wattage except by putting in different coils. The resistance of the coil determines the wattage output. This is why it is advisable to buy a complete set of coils.

The battery is also easy to take out and put in. The cover opens by sliding it from the hinged door. Place the battery in with the positive side down and shut the door.

How to Fill the TFV8 Beast Tank

  • Fill the tank by turning it right side up.
  • Push the fill port open and use a syringe to fill the tank.
  • After filling, close the port and let the tank sit for five to ten minutes so that the coil has time to absorb the juice.

How to Replace the Coil on the TFV8 Baby Beast Tank

To fill, flip the tank upside down and unscrew the base. The coil comes out easily. Prime a new coil and insert it into the tank.

Coils are primed by dripping liquid onto the wicking. Doing so prevents dry hits and ensures that the coils last longer. Once the coil is in the tank, put the base back onto the tank.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Ensure the battery is charged; if it is not, recharge it
  • One charged, prime, and insert the coil
  • Fill the tank and allow five to ten minutes for the juice to absorb
  • Click the firing button five times to turn it on or off
  • Adjust the airflow by turning the dial at the base of the tank

Alternative Starter Kit Mods

Smok Priv V8 vs. SMOK Priv M17 Kit

SMOK Priv M17 Kit Colors

These are very similar mods that look almost alike, but there are some significant differences between them.

  • They use different families of coils, and those that come with the Priv M17 starter kit are higher resistance.
  • Another difference is that the Priv M17 uses a 1,200 mah built-in battery instead of a 18650.
  • Additionally, the Priv M17 uses a smaller 2 ml Smok Stick tank.

Smok Priv V8 vs. SMOK AL85 Alien Baby Kit

SMOK AL85 Alien Baby Kit

The Smok AL85 has more features than the Smok Priv V8 box mod.
The AL85’s two most notable features are a screen and adjustment buttons for changing the wattage. It also has a higher 85 watt output.
Ideally, the AL85 is better suited for more experienced vapers who know how to handle mods with multiple settings.
The Smok Priv V8 is for people who are using a box mod for the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Kit

  • How Long Does the Smok Priv V8 Take to Charge?

    As earlier stated, this vape takes two to three hours to charge, depending on how much the battery has been depleted.

    It is possible to speed up the charging process by charging the batteries in a separate charger.
    However, it would be best to have a few spare 18650s on hand to not go too long without vaping.

  • Why Does My Smok Priv V8 Keep Blinking?

    The Smok Priv vape has several light flash combinations, but not all of them are bad.

    1. First, the white light at the top will shine when everything is running smoothly. The light will also flash five times when the 18650 is installed.
    2. However, if the light blinks four times in succession, there could be a problem with the battery, connection, short circuit, and a few other issues.

    To avoid problems with the device, use it only as intended. Using the vape as it was never intended will void the warranty. Reading the manual is the best way to avoid issues.

  • How to Clean the Smok Priv V8

    There is no need to clean the coils, but it is advisable to clean the tank and connection periodically.

    • Clean the tank by draining the juice, removing the coil, and taking it apart.
    • The different parts can be rubbed down with a damp cloth, q-tip, or cotton swab.
    • The connection can also be cleaned with the same materials.
    • Keeping the tank and connection clean can help maintain the flavor and reduce connectivity issues.

Smok Priv V8 Specifications

Dimensions: 80 x 34 x 24.5 mm
Battery: Single 18650
Wattage Output: 60 Watts
Voltage Range: 3.4 to 4.2 Volts
Safety Features: Eight Second Cut-Off, Reverse Polarity, Overtime, Low Resistance, Short Circuit, and Low Battery Protection
Connection: 510
Colors: Silver, Black, White, Red, Gold, Purple, Yellow, Light Blue, Pink, Rasta, and Prism

SMOK TFV8 Baby Beast Tank Specifications

Diameter: 22 mm
Juice Capacity: 3 mL
Construction: Stainless Steel and Reinforced Glass
Refilling: Top-Fill Port With Hinge Lock
Airflow: Dual Adjustable Control at Base
Drip Tip : Ultra Wide Black Delrin
Coil Structure: Baby Turbo Engines
Coils: Two: 0.25ohm V8 Baby-M2 Coil Heads
Connection: 510

Pros&Cons

The Positives

  • Excellent form factor
  • Easy to use
  • High levels of cloud and flavor production
  • Compatible with an outstanding line of coils
  • Pass-Through Charging

The Negatives

  • Battery life is average at best
  • Tank has a small liquid capacity

Final Thoughts About the Smok Priv V8 Kit

This vape is ideal for those who want a simple to use vape. Such people could be novice vapers or those who want something simple with a lot of power.

Additionally, this vape is small and easy to carry around in a pocket. But, the small size does not detract from the flavor or vapor production. This mod can compete with the biggest and best of them in that category.

Some might wish they had included a screen and adjustable wattage, but these features are unnecessary for a vape like this. The only things that could have been better were battery life and tank capacity.

Overall, though, this vape was a pleasure to use, and most customers will likely be satisfied with it.

If you have used the Smok Priv V8, please feel free to leave a comment telling everyone your thoughts about it.

Published: October 18, 2021
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Jeffrey Buckley

I was a smoker for over 25 years. In this time I also earned my medical degree with a specialization in addiction treatment and counseling. That period has led me to vaping, my interest started around 2011. I’m fighting the tide of hysteria and dis-information around vaping that emanates from various fronts legislative, cultural and scientific. Having scientific councils support, I’m happy to contribute my thoughts, articles, and expertise.


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