Product intro
A SMOK MTL vape sounds like an oxymoron, but this is actually now a thing. The kings of clouds have recently released three refillable MTL pod mods, and each one is like a pre-existing non-SMOK product. The SMOK Fit is somewhat like a refillable JUUL, the SMOK ROLO Badge is basically an upside down Suorin Drop, and the SMOK Infinx is the doppelganger of the Phix.
The Infinix has a 250 mAh battery and an automatic MTL draw, and it comes in a kit containing two 2 mL refillable pods along with a needle-tip 15 mL refill bottle. Looking at the Infinix, it's easy to think you're seeing MLV's pod vape (especially the gun metal color), but there are differences that make them distinct from each other — though fans of the Phix may have a hard time getting past the obvious.
SMOK Infinix review
I'm sure the big question for many will be: is this a refillable Phix clone? As much as I hoped it would be, it's not — though SMOK obviously wants it to appear that way. That's not to say the Infinix isn't good, just that the two don't vape the same.
There are three main differences between the two devices: the draw is a tad loser with the Infinix, the Infinix does not use ceramic coils, and the Infinix is refillable. The draw and the ceramic coils (along with the proprietary nic salt juice) are what makes the Phix vape the way it does.
Design and build quality
The Infinix is well made with no apparent manufacturing defects. It's got a zinc alloy housing with a matte finish over a diamond-shaped body (see specs for measurements). In general, the device feels good in the hand. It's lightweight — weighing only about 22 grams — and it has a nice satin touch. I do wish it had some kind of texture for secure gripping though. But no matter how you slice it, even with minor differences in the details of the body (like its slightly rounded edges), the overall design of the Infinix is thePhix. If you don't like that design, you probably won't like this one.
Refillable Infinix pods
The pods of the Infinix are the same shape as the device, and they taper at the mouthpiece which should prevent accidentally drawing on the wrong end which could cause the device to autofire — a problem for pod devices with twin ends and bottom charge ports. One minor gripe I have is that the pods don't click into place. At least they're held in snugly.
Monitoring your juice level is easy with these pods; they have an eye-shaped window that's on the front and back. And refilling is easy too. You can use the included needle-tip bottle or a unicorn bottle, but using a regular dropper may be messy. The refill plug is on the side of the pod under mouthpiece, and the fill plug is anchored to the pod so there's little fear of losing them (unlike on theRofvape Warlock Peas).
Performance
The Infinix can provide a nice and warm MTL vape. The flavor is slightly above average for pod vapes and the throat hit is on the mild side. The draw is an easy MTL vape that hits without drawing hard. The draw is probably most similar to the MyBlu (formerly known as the MyVonErl). But with the Infinix, it hits quickly and it stops almost immediately.
I've used 50/50 juice up to 70/30 with pretty much equal performance. No hot pops, gurgling, after-sizzle (like in the Kado Stealth), and the pods have been free from dry hits after several (over seven) refills each.
The Infinix pods use regular cotton wicks that are cut outside of the chimney. So far, this thing has wicked like a champ. The wicking seems quite efficient — I've taken the pods down to practically a dry wick before I could taste it. But I've gotten occasional juice in the mouth and a little leaking. Although it's just been a little bit, the leaking has led to some recent issues with the battery.
Infinix battery
The battery life of the Infinix is about what you'd expect from a 250 mAh battery — not great. But it can charge quickly via a regular USB port (located on the bottom of the battery), only taking 25 minutes to be fully charged from a depleted state. And since the battery has pass-thru charging, you won't be stuck waiting to vape as it charges. Just make sure to keep the bottom of your pods dry.
Likes
Dislikes
Verdict
Aside from SMOK jacking MLV's overall design, I think the Infinix is good enough that I would rather use it over the closed system of the Phix. But due to my battery issues from wet contacts, I have to hold off on a recommendation for this device. For a refillable pod vape like this, the device has to be designed in a way to withstand the occasional juice on the contacts. I do like using the Infinix though, so if SMOK finds a way to address that issue I'll return to my original recommendation. If you are going to get an Infinix, I recommend you take care to keep the bottom of your pod dry.
Because of declining cigarette sales, state governments in the U.S. and countries around the world are looking to vapor products as a new source of tax revenue.
The legal age to buy e-cigarettes and other vaping products varies around the world. The United States recently changed the legal minimum sales age to 21.
A list of vaping product flavor bans and online sales bans in the United States, and sales and possession bans in other countries.
President Trump promised during his election campaign to “save vaping," but his administration has undermined that goal at every turn.
The U.S. disposable vape market has grown to $2 billion in annual sales, although nearly none of the products are authorized by the FDA.
More than 30 bills that would impose severe restrictions vaping consumers’ product choices remain active in U.S. state legislatures.
