SMOK ALIKE Kit Review: More Rugged Fetch? [2020]

Author: Alisa Yin / Category: Reviews / Published: Apr-26-2020

The SMOK ALIKE pod mod is the most recent release following the SMOK Nord 2 and Fetch Pro. It is the first indestructible pod kit from SMOK with a tri-proof feature to bring you the high performance and rugged build quality. The SMOK ALIKE can survive rough handling, accidental drops, water immersion and live to tell the tale in a dusty environment. It’s an IPX7 rated pod vape, which can soak for 30min in 1-meter water depth. The design aesthetics has a splash of Geekvape Aegis magic with the leather coating and stitching.

The ALIKE pod mod Kit is a fully adjustable AIO rated for 40W and uses a 1600mAh built-in battery. The pods hold 5.5ml of e-liquid and the kit includes two different RPM coils: a 0.4ohm Mesh coil and a 0.8ohm MTL DC coil. It is also compatible with other RPM coils including an RBA deck The pod cartridge is refillable and the coils are replaceable for less waste and lower cost. So let’s crack on with the SMOK ALIKE review and have a detailed look.

Price: £ 49.99 (at NewVaping)
Color: Matte Blue, Matte Green, Matte Red, Matte Gold, Matte Gunmetal

The SMOK ALIKE looks to be based on the Fetch Pro pod system with rugged and solid construction. It stands only 77mm x 43.2mm x 23.4mm, which is pretty small and compact for a pod mod device. I was surprised by how little it weighs even when loaded with 5.5ml of e-liquid. They list it at 120 grams. The ALIKE is sturdy and well built, which feels just as rugged and durable as the Geekvape Aegis line. It is extremely comfortable to hold with the economically curved shape and the soft-touch finish. The ALIKE is drop-resistant and IPX7 rated for dust, corrosion, and water-proof. It comes with five different color frame accents and with the leather layer. The build quality is great and the machining is top-notch

My first impression of the SMOK ALIKE was that it looks like a tiny box mod. SMOK have certainly used a toughened and even stronger zinc alloy frame. The rounded edge body is etched on either side with the branding ‘SMOK’ and ‘ALIKE’. The fire button is large and feels tactile and clicky. The 0.96-inch TFT screen is nicely sized and looks fantastic. The adjustment buttons sit below the screen work well. The micro-USB charging port with a dustproof rubber plug is at the bottom of the device. Although it supports 1.1A fast charging, the traditional USB port is not satisfying. There are three ample battery venting on the underside to avoid battery errors.

The SMOK ALIKE is your typical AIO with a tough exterior and rubberized texture. The functions and features are similar to the SMOK Fetch line and covered by soft and protective leather on both sides, making it stronger and tougher for outdoor usage. The aesthetic design is a little bit similar to the Aegis series from Geekvape. You can simply regard it as a combination between Fetch and Aegis.

Powered by 1600mAh internal battery with the latest core unit, the ALIKE allows you to set your wattage from 5W to 40W. It has an intuitive and clear screen that displays the battery life, wattage, resistance, voltage, and puff counter. It’s a button-activated pod kit, and five clicks of the fire key will turn on or turn off the device. The operation is easy even for a new vaper. There are a few button combinations to be aware of.

• Five clicks of the fire button to turn on or turn off the device
• Press the fire button to vape
• Three clicks of the fire button to lock or unlock the device
• Use the adjustment buttons to increase or decrease the wattage
• Hold both adjustment buttons to lock or unlock the wattage

The SMOK ALIKE RPM Pod Cartridge is held in place with strong magnets without rattle. SMOK claims the ALIKE pod made of the food-grade PCTG material is reliable and corrosion-resistant. It is lightly tinted and allows you to view the juice level clearly. The standard pod holds 5.5ml of e-liquid but the capacity is reduced to 2ml in the TPD regulated areas.

It comes with a removable and replaceable 510 drip tip, which is round and fits your lips comfortably. There is a rubber fill plug on the side of the pod. The filling port is large enough to accommodate different bottles. Same as the Fetch Mini, the ALIKE pod utilizes the classic dual airflow inlets, channeled to allow hit either side of the coil for better flavor.

The kit comes with one RPM pod, which is compatible with the SMOK RPM coil series. There are 7 RPM coil heads you can choose from, including an RBA deck for DIY pleasure. You also have the option to purchase the ALIKE Nord pod to use with the Nord coil series.

• Pull out the pod from the device
• Remove the rubber plug to reveal the filling port
• Fill the pod with your desired e-liquid
• Place the rubber back carefully

Note: if you use the coil for the first time, please prime the coil and wait at least 5min after filling the pod.

The kit comes with two replacement RPM coils - a 0.4ohm Mesh coil for DTL vape and a 0.8ohm DC coil for MTL vape. The plug and play method allows you to install and replace the coil effortlessly. Here is the RPM coil series you can choose from.

• RPM Mesh 0.4ohm Coil, Best at 25W (included)
• RPM DC 0.8ohm Coil, Best at 16W (included)
• RPM Quartz 1.2ohm Coil, Best at 12W (optional)
• RPM SC 1.0ohm Coil, Best at 14W (optional)
• RPM MTL Mesh 0.3ohm Coil, Best at 10-15W (optional)
• RPM Tripe 0.6ohm Coil, Best at 25W (optional)
• RPM RBA Coil (optional)

The RPM Mesh 0.4ohm Coil replicates the flavor very well. The vapor production is impressive with the recommended wattage. The flavor quality is amazing without dry hits. It is recommended to use with lower nicotine strength for cloud chaser. The flavor wasn’t as good as those sub-ohm tanks but the RPM pod gave a more than average taste. The 0.8ohm RPM coil features a large area with faster heating for MTL vape. The flavor is strong and pure. The throat hit is smooth with nic salt. The recommended wattage output offers the best flavor and cloud. You will get a great vaping experience by sticking to the manual.

The SMOK ALIKE is a very rugged pod device. It continues the great performance as SMOK always have. The flavor and vapor production are impressive but not surprising if you have used the SMOK pod device. The soft-touch leather coating with clean stitching makes it stand out. The tri-proof and portable design are perfect for outdoor usage.

I love the fact that you can use the highly appraised RPM coil range for the different vaping experience. The dual airflow channel system works well and the variable wattage design allows you to find the optimal vape settings. The plug and play method and side filling design keep everything simple.

The ALIKE pod kit has so much on offer that it is suitable for both virgin vapers and advanced vapers. The RBA deck allows those experienced vapers to build on. I think ALIKE will be one of the best pod kits in 2020 thanks to its superb performance as well as the ultimate ruggedness.

Pros:

• Good build quality
• Shockproof, waterproof and dustproof
• Solid and rugged construction
• Soft-touch leather, comfortable to grip
• Variable wattage mode
• 1600mAh large battery
• Lightweight and portable
• Clear and easy to read screen
• Compatible with RPM coil range
• Both coils perform well

Cons:

• Too airy for some people
• Only comes with two coils