The Innokin Kroma-Z POD/MOD
First - The Disclaimer:
I am not a professional writer, nor professional reviewer of any products/product lines. Over the past few years - the only reviews or suggestions I have made were at the time which I believed I could provide information or add something to the conversation. What’s more important, anything I said was – or will say, is – “My” Personal Opinion . . .
BTW: As usual when testing any vaping equipment I use my ADV of Unflavored 50/50 24 NIC w/Koolada (sometimes 1-2 Drops of “Menthol Crystal Liquid) added to provide a "Cooling" Menthol effect. Also, I evaluated any equipment based on “My” experiences after using numerous different products for the past 9 years, first as a dual user then becoming a full-time vapor 2 years ago.
By now people know, I do not just jump on a product to just write a review without taking the time to actually test it fully . . . So - For anyone interested in a more formal description and specifications about this product should check these links about the Innokin Kroma-Z:
This is not a “normal” review” as some of you have read before, however if you want to know what it is to experience this product from a personal perspective – "Mine" - then we’re good.
Even with that being said, let’s start at the beginning of this adventure and escapade with The Innokin Kroma-Z POD/MOD . . .
Okay over a month ago, after UPS decided to take the Kroma-Z on a sightseeing trip of my neighborhood for the weekend and another day at their facility, The Kroma-Z finally arrived only 3 days later than expected at my apartment on November 16th, 2020.
At first look, when the Kroma-Z arrived I was a little concerned that something had happened to it or I got a counterfeit of some short, simply because the packaging was not what I was normally use to getting from Innokin. The quality of the box holding the Kroma-Z was out of thin cardboard and only had 2 small paper circles holding the "Box" together. Also the extras were in paper envelopes. So I did some research and found out that what I received was Innokin's new 100% Recycling packaging, no more plastic wrapped box nor cellophane wrapped coils/extras. Surely, a very good move for the environment. AND - Once I figured out how to open the box without destroying it (just in case I needed to send it back or provide the verification number) I was very pleased to see it was definitely the Kroma-Z from Innokin. Everything in the box was intact for the Kroma-Z. Also, got a 510 Adapter for the Kroma-Z to replace the POD so you can use a traditional tank.
First impression:
Once I got the box opened and saw what was inside I could automatically tell the Kroma-Z is without-a-doubt an "Innokin" product (not a want-ta-be) and even looks similar to its predecessor the Kroma/Kroma-A/Kroma-R. However there are a few differences with the Kroma-Z.
The Kroma-Z – IMHO - itself is well made and very sturdy. The POD, which holds 4.5 ml of e-liquid is made of a smokey plastic that sits atop the Kroma-Z smoothly and blends into the side of the base. THANKFULLY - Strong magnets hold the pod in place atop the base. Even tipping over or dropping the Kroma-Z (say 2 feet onto desk top) the POD is held tightly and does not dislodge in anyway (BTW: Doesn’t mean it won’t suffer any damage or cracking if miss used). Also the POD is very easy to fill and change coils or modify with the enclosed Airflow Ring. As for the Drip Tip on the POD, Thankfully, is what I call a standard 510 size for MTL vaping and feels quite comfortable.
The Kroma-Z is slightly taller & wider than previous Kroma's, but - IMHO - just as sleek & comfortable - if not more so, especially given the smooth rubberized feel and Carbon textured webbing.
The Kroma-Z actually "fills" the palm of my hand closed (not Small – nor Large for a man), leaving the POD sitting right above the grip of my hand, with very easy access to the "Fire-Bar" with either the thumb/index finger and all the adjustable controls (+ & - w/the ring finger/pinky) too, including the airflow control and e-liquid "fill-hole" flap (w/Thumb).
And while the Kroma-Z maybe very similar to its predecessors - As someone who honestly prefers just the very basics in operations - KISS & Vape, I learned rather quickly the operation of this Kroma is somewhat different and there is a NEED (at least for me) to read the manual/instructions, especially to get familiarized with the additional parts, operation and the menu functions too (Puff counter, oHms', Volts, Lock-out, Cut-off Time, etc.).
Now, as for an actual test run using the Kroma-Z POD/MOD and putting it through its paces . . .
The 4.5 ml POD comes with 0.8 ohm coil preinstalled and the MTL Drip tip. So all you have to do is prim the coil, fill the tank, power on w/3 clicks (battery fully charged) and vape. However - STOP and LOOK . . . the Wattage was preset at 30 Watts . . . NOT HAPPENING ! ! !
It should be noted, that the Kroma-Z, will predetermine the wattage based on what ohm coils - be it in the POD/Tank that you are using . . . So double check, before vaping . . . Just Sayin' . . .
I was more then willing to try using a sub-ohm coil again, but HECK*NO, not at that wattage. So I reset the wattage down to what I think is a more reasonable wattage for me to start with - 10 Watts. AND - Since I am a Tootle Puffer, I had the airflow almost closed off.
Very interesting results, not quite what I was expecting. The first draw was quite airy and the "Taste" and/or feeling of "Coolness" I normally get from my ADV was missing. Kept at for an awhile readjusting the Airflow and wattage slightly. Finally, if I remembered correctly, lower ohm coils need higher wattage to perform at their best. As a result I kept increasing the Wattage, finally to what I was willing to have it set at – at the most - 25 Watts. Kept at it, but after a week of trying, changing the wattage and using different mixtures of a stronger ADV, it was still a no go for "Me", no "Taste" of "Coolness" and to much of an airy vapor draw (BTW: A lot of vapor) no matter what setting).
(Before continuing - Caveat: READ Instructions - How to remove POD ! ! ! DO NOT Force in the wrong direction or pull on the Fill hole rubber stopper . . . And make sure you reset it properly . . . Just Sayin' . . . )
Modifications were in order, thankfully Innokin supplied another MTL Air flow ring (with only one hole), so after exchanging the airflow ring on the POD – I started again at the beginning. It was helpful, just not there yet. Came time to change the coil - first using a 1.2 ohm Z-Coil and then a 1.6 ohm Z-coil instead
The results:
WOW - What a difference. It took a few days, but finally hit the mark with the 1.6 ohm Z-Coil, MTL, Airflow ring with one hole, and the wattage set between 10 - 14 Watts (at the most for me) depending on the ADV mix I'm using and personal mood. Of course - YMMV, but it's working for "Me" - It seems that all it took was adjusting the Kroma-Z setting to a preferred wattage/coil/airflow to hit that "Sweet Spot" again . . .
So I’ve been using the Kroma-Z Pod for a few extra weeks now to make sure it was not just a fluke. Nope, not a fluke, no problems – works very well, even using the 510 Adapter of the Kroma-Z to make it more like a typical MOD and using a 510 style tank (used both the Zenith/Zlide with 1.2 /1.6 Z- Coils).
Even took the Kroma-Z w/ a full POD, the 510 Adapter and a Tank out and about a few times. BTW: I found it much easier to have it setup with the adapter & tank, and then changed out to the POD later.
Which for someone that likes to change it up with different flavors frequently while out and about makes this POD/MOD an even better choice to have in your arsenal, especially if you only want to take just one mod out with you for the day. The Kroma-Z is shirt pocket friendly with either the POD or a Tank. Although. I would suggest strongly not to carry it in your pants pocket with any other items, especially metallic items – like Keys/Coins.
And with the 3000 mAh internal battery, I had no need to keep recharging it every day – after 3-4 days still was good. When the battery icon showed half a charge left, I did finally recharge the battery –– it only took about a half-hour to 45 mins, at the most, to recharge the battery to full.
Overall – talk about mixing it up . . .
It should be note here that, as someone who had on occasion tried a POD, really didn't like them and I have never considered myself a POD person – didn’t use them since I preferred using a Mod w/ Tank. That is until I tried the Innokin Sceptre and now the Kroma-Z POD/MOD. Today - I am not only a “TOOTLE PUFFER” – I’m a "POD Vapor".
PROS:
* 4.5ml POD – easy fill (however for some will need a "backlight")
* 510 Adapter to use your favorite Tank
* Uses any ohm Z-Coil you prefer
* MTL Airflow Adapter ring
* Quality - Well made, light, and with really good “Hand Feel” POD or MOD
* Easy Peasy - Change out from POD to MOD and back again to POD
CONS: (Or more of a suggestion)
* Innokin should make a Kroma- RZ . . . Replace battery / POD / MOD.
* POD a little to dark for some people with bad eyesight, unless you hold it up to a light source.
* Althoug much better for the environment - I miss the old packaging . . .
(Don't worry I'll get over it . . . )
More importantly, after using the Kroma-Z POD MOD for over a month now – I couldn't be more pleased. I think this is a great option for those who prefer PODs, but also want the choice to use a MOD when the time calls for it AND – For those who prefer a MOD, but sometimes want to use a POD instead.
IMHO - Innokin has done it again ! ! ! ! The Kroma- Z get’s Uncle’s stamp of approval and is another Innokin product that I whole heartily recommend to all Vapors alike . . .
( Okay Now – Before anyone makes any comments. . . Once again, it will sometimes take “Me” quite awhile to write up and edit a review; so if “You” find any mistakes in grammar, punctuation, or spelling – get over it, I’m not a professional writer . . . Just Sayin’ . . . Not only that, I take and create all the images I use in these reviews, so there's that too . . . ) )
BTW: Keep your eyes out for the next Review coming soon about the Customer suggested new & revised - Innokin’s Scepter MTL . . .
.
First - The Disclaimer:
I am not a professional writer, nor professional reviewer of any products/product lines. Over the past few years - the only reviews or suggestions I have made were at the time which I believed I could provide information or add something to the conversation. What’s more important, anything I said was – or will say, is – “My” Personal Opinion . . .
BTW: As usual when testing any vaping equipment I use my ADV of Unflavored 50/50 24 NIC w/Koolada (sometimes 1-2 Drops of “Menthol Crystal Liquid) added to provide a "Cooling" Menthol effect. Also, I evaluated any equipment based on “My” experiences after using numerous different products for the past 9 years, first as a dual user then becoming a full-time vapor 2 years ago.
By now people know, I do not just jump on a product to just write a review without taking the time to actually test it fully . . . So - For anyone interested in a more formal description and specifications about this product should check these links about the Innokin Kroma-Z:
This is not a “normal” review” as some of you have read before, however if you want to know what it is to experience this product from a personal perspective – "Mine" - then we’re good.
Even with that being said, let’s start at the beginning of this adventure and escapade with The Innokin Kroma-Z POD/MOD . . .
Okay over a month ago, after UPS decided to take the Kroma-Z on a sightseeing trip of my neighborhood for the weekend and another day at their facility, The Kroma-Z finally arrived only 3 days later than expected at my apartment on November 16th, 2020.
At first look, when the Kroma-Z arrived I was a little concerned that something had happened to it or I got a counterfeit of some short, simply because the packaging was not what I was normally use to getting from Innokin. The quality of the box holding the Kroma-Z was out of thin cardboard and only had 2 small paper circles holding the "Box" together. Also the extras were in paper envelopes. So I did some research and found out that what I received was Innokin's new 100% Recycling packaging, no more plastic wrapped box nor cellophane wrapped coils/extras. Surely, a very good move for the environment. AND - Once I figured out how to open the box without destroying it (just in case I needed to send it back or provide the verification number) I was very pleased to see it was definitely the Kroma-Z from Innokin. Everything in the box was intact for the Kroma-Z. Also, got a 510 Adapter for the Kroma-Z to replace the POD so you can use a traditional tank.
First impression:
Once I got the box opened and saw what was inside I could automatically tell the Kroma-Z is without-a-doubt an "Innokin" product (not a want-ta-be) and even looks similar to its predecessor the Kroma/Kroma-A/Kroma-R. However there are a few differences with the Kroma-Z.
The Kroma-Z – IMHO - itself is well made and very sturdy. The POD, which holds 4.5 ml of e-liquid is made of a smokey plastic that sits atop the Kroma-Z smoothly and blends into the side of the base. THANKFULLY - Strong magnets hold the pod in place atop the base. Even tipping over or dropping the Kroma-Z (say 2 feet onto desk top) the POD is held tightly and does not dislodge in anyway (BTW: Doesn’t mean it won’t suffer any damage or cracking if miss used). Also the POD is very easy to fill and change coils or modify with the enclosed Airflow Ring. As for the Drip Tip on the POD, Thankfully, is what I call a standard 510 size for MTL vaping and feels quite comfortable.
The Kroma-Z is slightly taller & wider than previous Kroma's, but - IMHO - just as sleek & comfortable - if not more so, especially given the smooth rubberized feel and Carbon textured webbing.
The Kroma-Z actually "fills" the palm of my hand closed (not Small – nor Large for a man), leaving the POD sitting right above the grip of my hand, with very easy access to the "Fire-Bar" with either the thumb/index finger and all the adjustable controls (+ & - w/the ring finger/pinky) too, including the airflow control and e-liquid "fill-hole" flap (w/Thumb).
And while the Kroma-Z maybe very similar to its predecessors - As someone who honestly prefers just the very basics in operations - KISS & Vape, I learned rather quickly the operation of this Kroma is somewhat different and there is a NEED (at least for me) to read the manual/instructions, especially to get familiarized with the additional parts, operation and the menu functions too (Puff counter, oHms', Volts, Lock-out, Cut-off Time, etc.).
Now, as for an actual test run using the Kroma-Z POD/MOD and putting it through its paces . . .
The 4.5 ml POD comes with 0.8 ohm coil preinstalled and the MTL Drip tip. So all you have to do is prim the coil, fill the tank, power on w/3 clicks (battery fully charged) and vape. However - STOP and LOOK . . . the Wattage was preset at 30 Watts . . . NOT HAPPENING ! ! !
It should be noted, that the Kroma-Z, will predetermine the wattage based on what ohm coils - be it in the POD/Tank that you are using . . . So double check, before vaping . . . Just Sayin' . . .
I was more then willing to try using a sub-ohm coil again, but HECK*NO, not at that wattage. So I reset the wattage down to what I think is a more reasonable wattage for me to start with - 10 Watts. AND - Since I am a Tootle Puffer, I had the airflow almost closed off.
Very interesting results, not quite what I was expecting. The first draw was quite airy and the "Taste" and/or feeling of "Coolness" I normally get from my ADV was missing. Kept at for an awhile readjusting the Airflow and wattage slightly. Finally, if I remembered correctly, lower ohm coils need higher wattage to perform at their best. As a result I kept increasing the Wattage, finally to what I was willing to have it set at – at the most - 25 Watts. Kept at it, but after a week of trying, changing the wattage and using different mixtures of a stronger ADV, it was still a no go for "Me", no "Taste" of "Coolness" and to much of an airy vapor draw (BTW: A lot of vapor) no matter what setting).
(Before continuing - Caveat: READ Instructions - How to remove POD ! ! ! DO NOT Force in the wrong direction or pull on the Fill hole rubber stopper . . . And make sure you reset it properly . . . Just Sayin' . . . )
Modifications were in order, thankfully Innokin supplied another MTL Air flow ring (with only one hole), so after exchanging the airflow ring on the POD – I started again at the beginning. It was helpful, just not there yet. Came time to change the coil - first using a 1.2 ohm Z-Coil and then a 1.6 ohm Z-coil instead
The results:
WOW - What a difference. It took a few days, but finally hit the mark with the 1.6 ohm Z-Coil, MTL, Airflow ring with one hole, and the wattage set between 10 - 14 Watts (at the most for me) depending on the ADV mix I'm using and personal mood. Of course - YMMV, but it's working for "Me" - It seems that all it took was adjusting the Kroma-Z setting to a preferred wattage/coil/airflow to hit that "Sweet Spot" again . . .
So I’ve been using the Kroma-Z Pod for a few extra weeks now to make sure it was not just a fluke. Nope, not a fluke, no problems – works very well, even using the 510 Adapter of the Kroma-Z to make it more like a typical MOD and using a 510 style tank (used both the Zenith/Zlide with 1.2 /1.6 Z- Coils).
Even took the Kroma-Z w/ a full POD, the 510 Adapter and a Tank out and about a few times. BTW: I found it much easier to have it setup with the adapter & tank, and then changed out to the POD later.
Which for someone that likes to change it up with different flavors frequently while out and about makes this POD/MOD an even better choice to have in your arsenal, especially if you only want to take just one mod out with you for the day. The Kroma-Z is shirt pocket friendly with either the POD or a Tank. Although. I would suggest strongly not to carry it in your pants pocket with any other items, especially metallic items – like Keys/Coins.
And with the 3000 mAh internal battery, I had no need to keep recharging it every day – after 3-4 days still was good. When the battery icon showed half a charge left, I did finally recharge the battery –– it only took about a half-hour to 45 mins, at the most, to recharge the battery to full.
Overall – talk about mixing it up . . .
It should be note here that, as someone who had on occasion tried a POD, really didn't like them and I have never considered myself a POD person – didn’t use them since I preferred using a Mod w/ Tank. That is until I tried the Innokin Sceptre and now the Kroma-Z POD/MOD. Today - I am not only a “TOOTLE PUFFER” – I’m a "POD Vapor".
PROS:
* 4.5ml POD – easy fill (however for some will need a "backlight")
* 510 Adapter to use your favorite Tank
* Uses any ohm Z-Coil you prefer
* MTL Airflow Adapter ring
* Quality - Well made, light, and with really good “Hand Feel” POD or MOD
* Easy Peasy - Change out from POD to MOD and back again to POD
CONS: (Or more of a suggestion)
* Innokin should make a Kroma- RZ . . . Replace battery / POD / MOD.
* POD a little to dark for some people with bad eyesight, unless you hold it up to a light source.
* Althoug much better for the environment - I miss the old packaging . . .
(Don't worry I'll get over it . . . )
More importantly, after using the Kroma-Z POD MOD for over a month now – I couldn't be more pleased. I think this is a great option for those who prefer PODs, but also want the choice to use a MOD when the time calls for it AND – For those who prefer a MOD, but sometimes want to use a POD instead.
IMHO - Innokin has done it again ! ! ! ! The Kroma- Z get’s Uncle’s stamp of approval and is another Innokin product that I whole heartily recommend to all Vapors alike . . .
( Okay Now – Before anyone makes any comments. . . Once again, it will sometimes take “Me” quite awhile to write up and edit a review; so if “You” find any mistakes in grammar, punctuation, or spelling – get over it, I’m not a professional writer . . . Just Sayin’ . . . Not only that, I take and create all the images I use in these reviews, so there's that too . . . ) )
BTW: Keep your eyes out for the next Review coming soon about the Customer suggested new & revised - Innokin’s Scepter MTL . . .
.
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