Smok Novo?

[dthor68]

I purchased a smok novo on 3/1/19. On 6/17/19 I puchased another novo as a backup. On 6/24/17 the first Novo started having problems where it was not hiting. I was able to keep it going for the last month by doing things like cleaning with alcohol, blowing through the usb port and messing with soder joints on pc board. Anyway, it hits no more now. Today my new Novo is already starting to act like the first one. Fully charged battery, will not hit.

So, my question is, is this normal? Are Novos only good for a couple months? Seems a bit crappy. Are there ANY refillable pod systems that are built better?

Thanks

 

[Daniel Forsyth]

Maybe something different than Smok

 

[bombastinator]

I purchased a Smok Novo on 3/1/19. On 6/17/19 I puchased another Novo as a backup. On 6/24/17 the first Novo started having problems where it was not hiting. I was able to keep it going for the last month by doing things like cleaning with alcohol, blowing through the usb port and messing with soder joints on pc board. Anyway, it hits no more now. Today my new Novo is already starting to act like the first one. Fully charged battery, will not hit.

So, my question is, is this normal? Are Novos only good for a couple months? Seems a bit crappy. Are there ANY refillable pod systems that are built better?

Thanks

For a SMOK brand mod? Sadly yes. For ANY OTHER brand of mod? No.

SMOK has an absolutely miserable reputation for reliability. They’re famous for having far and away the worst build quality of any device.

 

[HigherStateD]

I'll third the anti-smok sentiment, with a caveat. SOME of their products aren't trash. Pick the right model, and get one that isn't built on a day that ends in "y" and you might luck out.

Their Nord line seems to have less issues, but why chance it. Get something from a better brand and be happy.

 

[stols001]

I have no idea I don't do pods or smok but I'd imagine you could do better, yes.

Check out the pod forum and see what other options you got.

Anna

 

[GOMuniEsq]

Rule of thumb when you're comparing Smok to the competition: double the price cause you'll need two of them.

 

[bombastinator]

Rule of thumb when you're comparing Smok to the competition: double the price cause you'll need two of them.

I’d say triple, on average. It’s quite variable though. A mod should last minimum a year. And that’s for non removable battery mods. I have several that have lasted a lot longer.

 

[Daniel Forsyth]

I purchased a Smok Novo on 3/1/19. On 6/17/19 I puchased another Novo as a backup. On 6/24/17 the first Novo started having problems where it was not hiting. I was able to keep it going for the last month by doing things like cleaning with alcohol, blowing through the usb port and messing with soder joints on pc board. Anyway, it hits no more now. Today my new Novo is already starting to act like the first one. Fully charged battery, will not hit.

So, my question is, is this normal? Are Novos only good for a couple months? Seems a bit crappy. Are there ANY refillable pod systems that are built better?

Thanks

Ditch the SMOKs and look at get a better quality AIO.
I have been told the Innokin Z-Biip is Very good, among others!
Just a small recommendation @dthor68

 

[DarrenMG]

For whatever it's worth, the Novo 2 is available now. The SMOK website makes note that the warranty is now 1 year, which made me think yea, they must have had many QC issues.

Design wise again they got a lot right. Same form factor, nearly double the battery life, they claim a new board and greater efficiency, air flow no longer goes over the stinky glue and circuit board, new puff activation switch, improved MTL, new pods (though the version 1 pods can be used too). SMOK sometimes gets design right. Too bad they have such a poor QC reputation.

 

[vimagreg]

I purchased a Smok Novo on 3/1/19. On 6/17/19 I puchased another Novo as a backup. On 6/24/17 the first Novo started having problems where it was not hiting. I was able to keep it going for the last month by doing things like cleaning with alcohol, blowing through the usb port and messing with soder joints on pc board. Anyway, it hits no more now. Today my new Novo is already starting to act like the first one. Fully charged battery, will not hit.

So, my question is, is this normal? Are Novos only good for a couple months? Seems a bit crappy. Are there ANY refillable pod systems that are built better?

Thanks

Unfortunately you just learned why Smok has such a bad reputation here. Sorry to read that. I had three Smok devices since I started vaping last January. First was changed because it was defective (dead in two days). Second was changed because was defective, too (five days). Third I was in Brazil and couldn't change. Dead in two weeks. Smok, for me, neither free.

All the other pods I have (Aspire, Lost vape, Vaporesso, Vladdin) I had zero issues so far.

 

[GOMuniEsq]

For whatever it's worth, the Novo 2 is available now. The SMOK website makes note that the warranty is now 1 year, which made me think yea, they must have had many QC issues.

Design wise again they got a lot right. Same form factor, nearly double the battery life, they claim a new board and greater efficiency, air flow no longer goes over the stinky glue and circuit board, new puff activation switch, improved MTL, new pods (though the version 1 pods can be used too). SMOK sometimes gets design right. Too bad they have such a poor QC reputation.

For anyone tempted to give Smok the benefit of the doubt, believing the kinks in their devices just need time to be worked out: know they've been around for nine years and have released several hundred models in that time. They're experts. They build to a low specification intentionally because they know that the lowest price sells the most units, and a bad reputation can be counteracted with marketing.

 

[bombastinator]

For whatever it's worth, the Novo 2 is available now. The SMOK website makes note that the warranty is now 1 year, which made me think yea, they must have had many QC issues.

Design wise again they got a lot right. Same form factor, nearly double the battery life, they claim a new board and greater efficiency, air flow no longer goes over the stinky glue and circuit board, new puff activation switch, improved MTL, new pods (though the version 1 pods can be used too). SMOK sometimes gets design right. Too bad they have such a poor QC reputation.

My memory of other posts is getting them to actually honor a warranty repair is nearly impossible. Perhaps that has changed. Time will tell.

 

[dennism]

I have 2 Smok Nords, both about 7 months old, so far I've had zero problems.

 

[dthor68]

Thanks Everyone!

 

[Daniel Forsyth]

Thanks Everyone!

I hope you sort out your problem and get Vaping @dthor68

 

[bombastinator]

I have 2 Smok Nords, both about 7 months old, so far I've had zero problems.

If you’re using both simultaneously you’ve effectively got 3.5 months of vaping in each then. If you get to 12 months on either of them you win. Such things have happened. Just not nearly as often as they should.

 

[daillewe]

Work colleague went through 3smok aliens in the space of 2 months....luckily for him the shop he had them from replaced them for him. For some ungodly reason both he and myself purchased the smok mag kits at the same time.....his outlasted mine by 2 days - albeit mine ended with the screen shattering him the inside pocket of my jacket (still have no idea how the hell that happened!) These days I won't touch anything with the Smok branding on it - I even get weary when someone has a smok tank band on a non smok tank lol

 

[roostaphant]

I had a Novo which worked for a couple months and loved it. Same issue you described - just quit working one day. If you like the Novo, I would recommend getting a Nord; it doesn't seem to have issues like the Novo does.

 

[DeloresRose]

Ditch the SMOKs and look at get a better quality AIO.
I have been told the Innokin Z-Biip is Very good, among others!
Just a small recommendation @dthor68

I have a Biip and so far, it seems really well made. It’s not a very tight draw - adjustable AF, so it can be more open. Twist to fill top is tight, no leaks. A little hard to fill through the split gasket, need a unicorn or similar pointed bottle to really get in there.

A bit big and heavy though, if tiny plastic pods are your thing, this may not suit you. Online it looked the size of a Zippo, it’s actually a bit bigger. Tip and all, it’s about a half inch taller than a Luna.

 

[dennism]

If you’re using both simultaneously you’ve effectively got 3.5 months of vaping in each then. If you get to 12 months on either of them you win. Such things have happened. Just not nearly as often as they should.

Actually they are part of my rotation, each one is only used once a day(1 cartridge) time will tell.