The Smok H-Priv 220W TC Kit – Follow On From The X Cube 2 But An Improvement?

SMOK are a Chinese Electronic Cigarette manufacturer based in Shenzhen, China with a very substantial catalogue of vaping products to their name.

Ranging from starter kits such as the Stick Plus One, the  ‘R80 TC’ all the way through to advanced devices like the 160W Xcube II. The latest in this category is the SMOK H Priv mod.

In addition to mods, they’ve had quite a bit of success with Atomizers, RTA’s and RDTA’s. Namely the hugely popular TFV4 and the more recent TF-RTA and TF-RDTA. The soon to be released TFV8 will likely be another huge hit.

Their latest and most powerful addition to their box mod range is the H Priv 220W TC which SMOK has paired up with, in kit form, its smallest atomizer, the TFV4 Micro.

In this review we will solely focus on the H Priv 220W box mod as we have previously reviewed the TFV4 Micro.

What’s In The Box

• 1 x H-Priv TC MOD Box (220W)
• 1 x Micro TFV4 Tank (22mm) / 2.5ml, 3.5ml
• 1 x 0.3ohm Micro Fused Clapton core (pre-installed)
• 1 x 0.25ohm Micro SS Dual core
• 1 x Replacement XL glass tube
• 1 x Tank extension adapter
• 1 x Red Smok Vape band
• 1 x USB Upgrading cable
• 1 X Battery safety guide
• 1 x User Manual

H-Priv Specifications

• Size: 91 x 55 x 25 mm (HxWxD)
• Weight: 190g (without batteries)
• Voltage Range: 0.35V–8V
• Power Range: 6W–220W
• Temp Range: 200F–600F/ 100°C–315°C
• Resistance Range: 0.06ohm–3.0ohm in TC mode; 0.1ohm–3ohm in VW mode
• Battery: 2 x 18650 batteries (not included)
• Material: Zinc Alloy

Micro TFV4 Tank Specifications

• Diameter: 22mm X Height: 47mm
• Standard Capacity: 2.5ml
• Tank extension capacity: 3.5ml
• Top Fill System – Swing hinge
• Dual Quad Adjustable Airflow
• Pre Installed Micro CLP2 – 0.3ohm Fused Clapton Dual Core
• Spare Micro STC2 Coil – 0.25 ohm Stainless Steel Dual Core with temperature sensing Capability
• 510 Thread

H-Priv Features:

• 220W Maximum Output
• VW / TC Modes
• Red Triangle design Firing bar
• Magnetic battery cover
• Adjustable Initial Resistance
• Easy to read OLED display
• Ergonomic Design
• Multiple Protections
• Intelligent atomizer recognition
• Puff monitoring system
• 12 seconds cut-off
• Short circuit protection
• Over-heat protection
• Low battery Warning
• Firmware Upgradable

Build Quality & Design

The first thing you will notice about the Smok H-Priv is it’s striking color scheme which, in all three available color versions, incorporates the ‘Red Triangle’ design firing switch.

Constructed from zinc alloy the mod is rectangular in design with nicely curved edges.

For a dual 18650 device, its light-weight while still feeling sturdy and comfortable in the hand. Much better feel to it than the first version of the X Cube 2 for me.

At the top of the mod, you have spring loaded 510 connector with a brass pin. Attaching the TFV4 Micro and other atomizers was trouble free thanks to the threading on the 510 which was very smooth.

All tanks I attached sat completely flush with no annoying gaps, a plus for the vapers out there that have slight leaning towards OCD!

Next to the 510 there is square OLED Screen, similar to that on the XCUBE II, providing all the necessary vaping information including wattage/temperature, coil resistance, voltage, puff counter and Battery capacity.

One issue that was noted with the OLED screen and its location to the 510 connection was that with a 22mm diameter atomizer attached to the mod there was a very slight overhang across the top of the screen.

Not excessive and it didn’t obstruct the view of the screen but it was apparent and may be an issue for some.

And at the front end of the top face you have the (+) and (-) buttons for wattage/ temperature adjustment and menu navigation. There was absolutely no rattle from either of the buttons.

All in all, the top section of the H-Priv is very reminiscent of the SMOK XCUBE II.

Firing Bar

The front section of the mod is, as SMOK have described it, the ‘red triangle design’ firing bar, which runs along almost the entire length of the device.

The bar is hinged at its base and can be pressed almost anywhere along its length to fire the device. I really like this type of firing grip as it just takes a gentle squeeze of the hand.

There is a touch of movement from the fire button, not as solid as the likes of the Eleaf iStick 100W mod. Just being picky here though and nothing that puts me off.

In addition to this, the fire bar is used to turn ‘ON’ the mod with 5 clicks, lock the device and also to enter the menu system, navigate and select menu options.

On the base of the H-Priv there is a standard micro USB port, which is solely for firmware upgrades. So no charging your Batteries in the mod or pass through functionality.

Battery Cover

Located on the base is a sliding battery cover with 8 venting holes. The inside face of the battery cover houses gold plated positive & negative terminals and holding magnets along with battery installation markers (+) & (-).

The cover is color co-ordinated, in all color options, with the ‘red triangle’ firing bar.

My only real gripe with the build quality is the sliding battery cover which can be tricky at the best of times.

In addition to this, some 18650 batteries did appear to be marginally longer than others which compounded the issue of the already challenging battery cover.

Depending on your batteries this could be an issue so be prepared for a few attempts to slide the battery cover back on.

There is a knack to this, however.

Instead of trying to slide the cover on from the end. Place the cover directly on top of the batteries so the ‘latches’ are almost at the point where they slide in.

Then press firmly down, and just slide across to close. I found this worked every time.

Would have definitely been good to see a latched cover here, maybe something that SMOK will take into consideration with future versions.

How Does The H-Priv 220W TC Perform

Using the mod is very simple and straight forward.

Here is a rundown of the functions:

• 5 Click of the firing bar turns the device ‘ON’.
• 5 Clicks of the firing bar locks the mod.
• To enter the menu system it’s 3 clicks of the bar.
• The menu has four main options, 1. Mode, 2. Puffs, 3. Settings & 4. Power.
• 1: The ‘Mode’ menu allows you to select between either Wattage, Temp or Memory modes.
• Wattage and Temp are relatively self-explanatory and similar to many other devices. Temperature control also includes self-adjustable TCR’s.
• Memory mode provides you with up to 16 pre-sets to store wattage settings for easy and quick selection.
• 2: The ‘Puff’ menu provides the option to reset the puff counter and to also restrict the number of puff take on the device. I’m not sure as to the reason why you would need a function like this, but it’s there if you should need it!
• 3: The ‘Settings’ menu has some useful feature which includes a screen timeout setting, Screen Lock, Screen Contrast setting, Screen Rotation, Time & Date setting, Atomizer Ohms adjustment and Download Link for firmware upgrading.
• 4: The ‘Power’ menu provides the function to turn the device ‘OFF’ completely.

Unfortunately, powering down the device can only be done using this menu function as the standard 5 clicks for ‘OFF’ has been replaced by the ‘LOCK DEVICE’ feature.

Not a huge issue for me personally, just as long as you remember to lock the fire button before putting in a bag or pocket.

VW & TC Performance

For a lot of people the key selling point of the H-Priv is going to be its 220W capacity. But, with two 18650 batteries, how much of that 220W capacity is the mod actually pushing out?

Running the device, in VW mode, at its maximum output with the TFV4 Micro and 0.3 ohm fused Clapton core installed, the device performed very well but it’s really not advisable.

There was no reduction in flavor and cloud production was definitely above my usual standard.

60W offered great performance, the flavor was clean and clouds very respectable.

The small 2.5ml capacity of the TFV4 Micro though will see you refilling on a regular basis at higher wattage, just something to keep in mind even though it is a great little tank.

If your looking for longer time between refills I would swap the pre-fitted glass for the 3.5ml extension capacity from the offset.

SMOK recommend using 30A 18650 batteries, so be sure whatever batteries you use are suitable for the amount of power you are pushing out. Especially in the upper limits.

I personally don’t have the need for the full 220W and doubt I ever will. I’m generally happy anywhere up-to 100W and even then it’s occasional at the higher end.

Just because a car has a max speed of 120MPH doesn’t mean I’m going to drive it round at that speed all the time.

Everyday vaping see’s me sit between 25W-50W depending on what tank I’m using at the time.

I personally still don’t see the need to have mods at this power range, especially seeing as the batteries they are powered with are completely left to the responsibility of the user. Maybe be good to have the power there for the future, however.

Maybe be good to have the power there for the future, however.

It’s all horses for courses though and you may well be different. Just be sure you know what you are doing if buying this for the higher wattages.

Both ‘VW’ and ‘TC’ preformed exactly as expected and are both relatively easy to setup & adjust to suit individual vaping styles.

Both modes are provided with different outputs options of ‘Max’, ‘Min’, ‘Hard’, ‘Norm’, and ‘Soft’ allowing you to fine tune your vaping experience.

Whether you use drippers or tanks the H Priv will handle them all with ease.

What I Like

The build quality is excellent with the SMOK H Priv. The fire button bar makes it a pleasure to use, no fumbling around for a single button. Simply squeeze and away you vape.

220W of power is more than I need as a vaper but of course will be a big plus point to some. One thing is, the H Priv will handle pretty much anything you can throw at it.

What I Don’t Like

The first is the battery cover can prove to be a pain depending on your batteries. However, this is something that I got the hang of pretty quick.

Also, the batteries can’t be charged within the MOD itself which also results in no pass through capability. Not a massive issue, and with removeable 18650 batteries it’s always better to buy a quality external charger such as the Nitecore D2 or D4.

The OLED screen being positioned on the top of the mod can result in tanks overhanging the screen. Not too bad with the 22mm Micro TVF4 but if you use the 24.5mm wide TFV4 or Micro TFV4 Plus then it may bother some users.

Lastly, and personally, I’m not completely sold on the need for a 220W device.

Final SMOK H Priv 220W Review Verdict

Overall, the performance of the SMOK H Priv didn’t disappoint. Visually it’s very pleasing to the eye whichever of the three color option, White/Red, Black/Red or Silver/Red, you choose.

Ergonomically, its rounded edges and ‘Red Triangle’ firing bar make this device very comfortable and easy to use.

With its huge 220W watts, it’s one of the more powerful devices currently available on the market which I’m sure will appeal to many vaping enthusiasts.

I loved using the H Priv at far lower power levels and no doubt I will continue to do so. I found it much better than the X Cube2.

Pros

• Price Point: £55-£60 / $80-$87
• Innovative Design & quality build
• Looks great and has a good feel in the hand
• “Red Triangle” firing plate makes the H Priv a pleasure to use
• Good Performance
• Firmware upgradeable

Cons

• OLED screen prone to coverage of e-liquid
• Slight atomizer over hang on OLED screen
• Battery cover can be awkward at first