SMOK ALIKE Pod Mod Review + Setup Instructions

Last updated on June 17th, 2023

UPDATE! THE SMOKE ALIKE IS NO LONGER AVAILABLE. Check out our review of the Best Refillable Pod Vape Systems. If you’re ready for the latest innovation to the Pod Mod, top vape company SMOK rarely disappoints, as it keeps up with the industry’s highest standards.

With all the best features of the excellent RPM Pro model, the ALIKE Pod Mod Kit is all about style. Yes, the device has power for great flavor and voluminous clouds, plus customization features…but the diminutive size and textured leather casing is what makes this Pod Mod unique. 

The particular design of the ALIKE is a big departure for SMOK! For years, the company has been known for creating vaporizers with colorful, smooth resin casings and comfortable rounded edges. (The Nord and NOVO2 are a few examples of SMOK’s traditional styling.)

SMOK ALIKE in 5 COLORS

The ALIKE departs from the mold in that outer shell combines brushed metal with a solid black reptilian leather. Your 5 color choices are limited to the Mod’s metal accents. While still an attractive device, the ALIKE definitely sports a more masculine visage than its predecessors.

That said, weighing 120grams (4.23oz), the ALIKE is both small and light weight, so ladies will like it too! It feels comfortable in your hand and it fits easily in a pocket or purse. 

The Device Measures:

77mm height  (3.03in)

43.2mm width (1.7in)

23.4mm thick  (.92in)

Best Features at a Glance:

• 1600 mAh rechargeable battery

• Maximum power output to 40 watts

• Rugged, textured leather casing available in 5 colors – Matte Gunmetal, Matte Green, Matte Blue, Matte Red, Matte Gold

• The Pod takes all Smok RPM coils and the kit includes 2. 

   (1) RPM Mesh 0.4ohm Coil 

   (1) x RPM DC 0.8ohm MTL Coil

One thing to note about all of Smok’s RPM coils, is that are 100% lead free and have passed all of the WTDP laboratory safety tests.

Here’s What Is Included in the Kit:

• 1 x Alike Device
• 1 x Alike Empty Pod
• 1 x RPM Mesh 0.4ohm Coil
• 1 x RPM DC 0.8ohm MTL Coil
• 1 x USB Cable
• 1 x User Manual

The Pod’s e-juice capacity is 5.5ml – much bigger than the  Smok Nord and Smok Novo 2.

SMOK has many types of atomizers compatible with their wide range of vaporizers. As I have a nice collection of their vaping devices, I keep those coils on hand. A fresh coil makes it easy to get a clean and accurate taste test for new e-liquid flavors.

Setting Up the SMOK ALIKE Pod Mod

Your SMOK ALIKE comes with the battery partially charged at about 70%, so there’s no need to charge it when you use it for the first time.

1 – Priming the Coil and Filling the Tank With E-Liquid

Before you fill the tank, you’ll need to Prime the Coil so you don’t get any nasty dry hits.

As mentioned earlier, the device comes with 2 coils:

• 1 x RPM Mesh 0.4ohm Coil
• 1 x RPM DC 0.8ohm MTL Coil

It’s best to use a MAX VG e-liquid with these (and all) sub ohm coils. Nicotine salts are not recommended for use with sub ohm coils. 

Priming the coil is easy. Select your preferred coil and add a drop in the top of the coil and a drop to the coil’s cotton windows. 

Priming the coil

Let it sit for a minute before inserting the coil into the bottom of the Pod. It pushes in easily and is held magnetically.

Filling the SMOK ALIKE Pod

Next, open the little rubber stopper on the side of pod and fill the pod with your e-liquid. Close the stopper and connect the pod to the ALIKE.

2 – Activate the Device by pressing the power button 5 times in quick succession. The screen will light up and say, “ALIKE”, followed by the display screen. You’ll see the wattage setting, followed by the coil’s oHm reading, the voltage and the puff counter. Your screen’s color choice is below those readings.

SMOK ALIKE SETUP SCREEN

3 – Setting the Wattage on the SMOK ALIKE

One great feature of the ALIKE Pod Mod is that you can adjust the wattage. This will control the amount of vapor and can create a smoother vape.

 > Click the activation button to display the screen. Raise the wattage by pressing the bottom right UP button. Lower the wattage by pressing the bottom left DOWN button. (These buttons are located side by side below the OLED screen).

> You can lock (or unlock) the wattage by pressing the Up and Down Buttons at the same time.

What’s a Good Wattage to Use for the SMOK ALIKE?

The SMOK ALIKE can give you from 1 to 40 Watts of power. You can always test different wattages to see what you prefer. 

When using the 0.8ohm coil, I recommend setting the wattage at 16. When using the 0.4 ohm coil, the recommended wattage is 25.

4 – Setting the OLED Screen Options

You Can Further Customize Your MOD Using Additional Settings

Adjust the Theme Color:

Press and Hold the Fire Button, then quickly press the bottom right, “Up” button. When you release both, the screen’s Theme Color will change. Each time you perform this step the screen color will change. There are 6 colors in all.

Clear the Puff Counter:

Press and Hold the Fire Button, then quickly press the bottom left, “Down” button.

5 – Changing the Coil

Changing the Coil

Change the coil after a few weeks of use. You’ll know it’s time for a change when the flavor and/or vapor diminishes. If you wait too long, the vapor will start to taste burnt.

Replacing the coil is easy. Simply remove the pod from the device and pull out the old coil. Insert the new coil into the same slot at the bottom of the pod. 

How Does it Vape?

I was concerned that vapor production would be less than stellar, since this device has a modest 40watts of power. Not so. The ALIKE’s 1600mAh battery produces vapor that is quite ample, and flavor is very satisfying.

Other Features:

The drip tip is removable and replaceable, and you can use other 510 drip tips to replace the original one.

The ALIKE Kit includes a USB cable for easy charging. Just lift the rubber plug at the top of the mod and insert the USB cable.

The ALIKE is Pass-through compatible, feel free to vape while you charge it.

Conclusion:

This customizable vape combines the convenience of a refillable Pod Vape with the high-performance of a Mod. 

Setting the custom features and filling the pod is very easy. 

Once you set your desired wattage, you can basically relax and enjoy vaping for days before you have to recharge the battery. You’ll get great taste and full vapor. What’s more, the pod doesn’t leak, so it won’t mess up your shirt, purse or sofa.

There’s little to criticize except for the fact that you do need to use high VG e-liquids as the kit comes with sub ohm coils. 

SINCE THE SMOK ALIKE HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED, WE SUGGEST THE SMOK RPM 40 VAPE POD STARTER KIT.