SMOK ProColor kit Review: More Than Lights?

Today we’ll be looking at a new kit by SMOK called the ProColor. Heavily based on the success of the Alien, SMOK has made some considerable improvements this time around. If you already own an Alien, like myself, then you’re probably wondering if they’ve done more than just add 5 Watts to it.

When put side by side, the ProColor and the Alien are nearly identical in size and shape. The original box mod had an asymmetrical carbon fiber design, that I personally enjoyed. However, SMOK decided to go with a rather symmetrical shape on this one, save for the position of the 510. Other features you won’t find on the Alien include textured inlays, a bright, colorful OLED screen and RGB backlighting.

Price: $74.99 from Direct Vapor

Let’s be honest. The ProColor is just a pimped-out Alien with a new shield-style design. SMOK simply gave the Alien a facelift, slapped some RGB lighting on it and called it a day. Or did they?

The user interface is where this mod shines. Learning to operate the menu took only a few minutes. They put effort into creating a system that is easy to learn and navigate through. If you are already an Alien user, then you’re half-way there. Customizing the ProColor RGB lights is easier than you think.

The kit comes complete with the Big Baby atomizer, available in either 4 mL or 2 mL for TPD compliance. For more information on the tank, read our full review here.

If there’s one thing anybody knows about the Alien, it’s that the paintjob wasn’t so great. Even the second generation that SMOK released had some chipping issues, despite improvements made. Is the ProColor going to be a different story?

Probably not, it didn’t take much effort to scrape off a tiny bit of paint with a key on the one that we received. It looks like only time will tell. So far, it’s been holding up to regular usage. I haven’t taken the mod out and about yet, I have just been using it around the office. Stay tuned for any updates…

If you’re into cars, then this mod is right up your alley. The ProColor utilizes a new type of finish that is reminiscent of a sports car. It’s available in 18 different colors, including rainbow, pink and Rasta, to name a few. It seems like SMOK created a different look for every different type of vaper.

The ProColor stands at the same height as the Alien, but is about 3 mm wider. The difference isn’t that noticeable since it still feels great in the hand, but is worth mentioning. Other notable features include a redesigned graphic interface that makes full use of its OLED color screen. Finally, the screen has a border surrounding it that makes use of RGB lights that are easy to control and customize.

If you are already familiar with the Alien’s menu system, then transitioning to the ProColor is a piece of cake. Three clicks of the firing bar access the menu, and then each click will take you into the next screen. There are four menus, let’s go through each one and see what they offer…

• Mode Setting: Three clicks of the firing bar will bring you into the first menu where you can adjust between wattage, temperature control (for Ti, Ni and SS) and adjust your watts and preheat setting by holding the firing bar and then adjusting it with the up and down arrows.
• Puff Setting: Press the fire button again to access the puff setting menu. You can see how many puffs you’ve taken, reset that number or change your max puff setting to anywhere below 999 puffs.
• Screen Setting: In this menu, you can customize the text on your menu with 6 different colors. You can also choose how long the screen stays on and turn on the auto-lock function.
• LED Setting: Here’s the fun part. In this menu, you can adjust the colors of the LED lights. There are 12 settings to choose from including rainbow and tri-color. In addition, you can choose when the lights are activated and whether they will fade, or cycle between colors. If you’re worried about these fancy LED’s draining your batteries, you can simply just turn them off.
• Exit Menu: The last screen you get when pressing the fire button gives you the option of powering the mod down. Just use the up and down arrows to select the off switch. If you want to continue vaping, a click of the firing switch defaults you back to the main screen.
• Main screen: Here’s where you can monitor the life of your batteries, your puff count, real-time voltage, atomizer resistance and which mode you are currently using. Everything is neatly displayed clearly and vividly. Being able to customize the menu color adds an extra element of awesomeness.

The SMOK ProColor has one of the most intuitive systems I have ever used so far. Compared to some of the other mods I’ve been testing, it’s been a relief. Nobody likes spending that much time getting the perfect puff. It’s nice to see a menu that is simple to use. (As if vaping isn’t complicated enough.)

Imagine the SMOK Alien, just a little bit wider. Both sides, including the firing bar, has textured groove inlays for added comfort. This is just a minor addition that might make a few people happy. I personally don’t care for the actual look of the ProColor mod versus the Alien, but that’s just me. There’s something about it that reminds me of the Power Rangers, but you might feel otherwise.

It still has carbon fiber decals, this time in a shield-like design. The screen has an identical shape which is surrounded by LED backlights. The up and down buttons are evenly placed at the bottom of the “shield”, and the charging port sits just below it. The ProColor edges are a bit more angular, as opposed to being rounded on the Alien.

The SMOK ProColor is well-constructed, much like the rest of their products. I’ve been using my Alien for close to a year now, with no major issues, so I would imagine this one is in a similar class. The only part that you’ll need to be extra cautious with is the battery door, which can potentially snap off.

The buttons are clicky and responsive. Pretty standard for SMOK these days. There is only a slight bit of button rattle, but nothing to write home about, considering that the Alien’s buttons rattled more. One thing I noticed is the lack of visible battery venting, so I’m not sure what’s going on with that…

On the main screen, we no longer get real-time monitoring of your internal board temperature. I’m surprised that SMOK removed this feature, while also doing away with the battery venting holes. I wouldn’t worry about the mod overheating, but I also wouldn’t run it at 225 Watts, all night long.

No surprises here. In terms of performance, the ProColor is almost identical to that of the Alien. It has the same preheat functions: Soft, Medium and Hard. If you are using a tank, and are still breaking in your coils, I recommend starting on Soft with a low wattage. If you’re cloud chasing with some big, fat coils, then Hard will give you a quicker ramp up. Normal will just give you the standard output.

For temperature control vaping, the ProColor does a fine job. I’m more of a wattage guy, but even I could get a satisfying vape using SS316 Claptons in temp mode. I wouldn’t recommend using Nickel or Titanium because then your options are limited. Stainless Steel allows you the best of both worlds.

Real talk. Let’s say you already own an Alien. Should you rush to buy the ProColor mod? Unless you can’t live without LED lights, a color display or an extra 5 Watts, then not really. However, if you are just now entering the market for a dual battery mod, it’s worth having a look at.

Recommended for fans of the Sigelei Kaos Spectrum and of course, the original SMOK Alien mod. I personally prefer the aesthetics of the Alien, despite the fancy light show and color screen. But I ain’t gonna lie, the ProColor is hella dope. If you don’t like the LED panel, you can always just turn it off.