I have in my mitts the Smok Novo 2X pod kit to review!

novo 2x main image

The Novo range have brought us the original Novo, Novo 2, Novo X, Novo 4, Novo 2S and Novo 4 Mini.

I have previously reviewed the Novo 2 and found it to be a great little kit!

This range were created as the simplified version of the Nord so let’s see if this is still the case!

novo 2X banner

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What To Expect From The Smok Novo 2X?

This, as with its ancestors is still a simple to use pod kit.

novo 2x components

Luckily this is compatible with the pods from the Novo and Novo 2 devices – so it would be an easy update if you already own these.

You get 2 of the Novo 2X 0.9ohm MTL pods included in the kit but you can also use with plenty of others which are compatible.

novo 2x pod

The pods will hold 2ml of your own e-liquid and have a top fill port which should help to prevent leaking.

novo 2x filling

Inside the mod is a 800mAh battery which is charged using the USB Type C port at 0.7A charge rate.

novo 2x battery

A coloured LED indicator tells you of the status of the mod including the battery power remaining.

The device will automatically adjust the output to suit the coil installed from 12-20W (with a pod lower than 0.7ohm) or 4-14W (with a pod higher than 0.7ohm).

novo 2x output

This is super simple to use with no operating buttons so just inhale on the mouthpiece and the device will automatically fire.

A great addition is the airflow adjustment slider to tailor the vape to your preference.

There are 10 colour options to choose from in 2 ranges:

Prismatic IML: Silver Black Cobra, Silver Red Cobra, Green Blue Cobra, Rasta Green Cobra and 7-Colour Cobra.

novo 2x prismatic colours

Regular IML: White Cobra, Black Cobra, Red Stabilizing Wood, Fluid Black Grey and Fluid 7-Colour.
novo 2x regular colours

Kit Includes

  • Smok Novo 2X device
  • 2 x Novo 2X 0.9ohm Meshed pod
  • USB Type C cable
  • User manual

novo 2x contents

Smok Novo 2X Specs

  • Size: 97×24.5×14.5mm
  • Output: 12-20W (lower than 0.7ohm coil) / 4-14W (higher than 0.7ohm coil)
  • Battery: 800mAh (internal)
  • Display: LED indicator
  • Resistance range: 0.6-2.5ohm
  • USB Type C port – 0.7A charge rate
  • Pods: Refillable, fixed coils – compatible with Novo and Novo 2 pods
  • Capacity: 2ml
  • Top fill
  • Airflow adjustment

novo 2X specs

Smok Novo 2X Design and Build Quality

I received this in the 7-colour Cobra Prism version which to me is the prettiest colour in the whole range! If any of you wonder who on earth still buys Rainbow colour devices in 2023 – yes it’s me – I confess!

The packaging is great and there are even protective covers over the device which you peel off. The front cover has a QR code for verification. I would keep hold of this as apparently it is also to do with warranty.

novo 2x qr code

The little 13 page instruction manual is all in one language so as you can tell this pretty much covers everything you need to know. I do find the text quite small and there is no download available of this on the Smok website which is a shame for those who need larger writing.

These are the best instructions I have seen in a while, so comprehensive they cover safety and even cleaning and maintenance!

Smok Novo 2X Mod

This really is super pretty!

novo 2x finish

It has the well known Cobra pattern in colour fading Purple and Blue. This is almost Holographic!

The pattern does look a bit wonky and asymmetrical in places which I thought was a fault, but looking at the manufacturer images it is supposed to be like that. I suppose a Cobra has a few wonky scales in real life!

novo 2x pattern
Manufacturer Image

This has like a plastic shell over the pattern layer, which to me makes it look amazing!

The front and rear have the Cobra pattern and the sides have a Rainbow metal spline. The panels fit so well you can hardly feel the joints.

novo 2 X side views

On the front is the hidden LED indicator – you will only see this when it lights up! I do think it is a bit small but it does the trick.

novo 2 X LED

At the base of the front is the “SMOK” logo in reflective silver and the base of the rear has a bunch of quite ugly text. Sadly there is no real base to this as it just curves so this is really the only place the legal logos etc could go.

novo 2 X rear text

The rear also houses the slide airflow control lever which only protrudes 2mm maximum but is still easy to adjust.

novo 2x airflow adjuster

The bottom houses the USB Type C port and due to the curvy design this will not stand up on its base.

novo 2x usb port

Inside the pod compartment are 2 spring loaded contacts. I am not sure how the pod is held in, there doesn’t appear to be any magnets on the base of the pod. It is quite hard to pull the pod out of the mod – so there might be a catch or grip of some description. Anyway the pod is not going anywhere without a big tug!

novo 2x pod compartment

Smok Novo 2X Pod

The pod is compatible with all previous Novo pods, some of which have a side fill port.

smok novo 2 X pod front view

However the pods supplied with the kit are the top fill variety – which is not ideal.

You basically have to “snap off” the mouthpiece to access the top fill port. Which sounds easier than it is.

smok novo 2x mouthpiece removed

I was having to grip the mouthpiece with my teeth – hence the gnasher marks in my photos – that’s what happens when you photograph a kit that is in use!

This did get easier after a few refills but when you change pods you have to go through it all again.

I would prefer a proper fill port with a silicone cover – they are much easier.

With the mouthpiece out of the way you are faced with 2 ports on the top of the pod. The Red coloured port is refilling and the central Black coloured port is where the vapour comes out. Do not add e-liquid to the centre port.

novo 2 x pod ports

On the opposite side to the Red fill port is a tiny vent hole which helps to prevent air locks and overflowing when you fill the pod.

The fill port has a kind of valve which you need to press down with the e-liquid bottle nozzle. I found this port to be very tight even with quite slim nozzles – you may find your bottle nozzles too thick and might have to decant your e-liquid into something smaller which is a pain.

The mouthpiece is the familiar flat duck bill style and is super comfortable to use.

smok novo 2 X pod side view

The sides of the pod are clear but only 5mm of this clear area is visible when the pod is located in the mod.

novo 2 X liquid level

On the sides of the pod there are some hard to see engravings, these are a “min” fill level, Legal Logos and the “SMOK” logo. I can’t see any mention of the coil resistance – which could be a pain if you have several pods in use.

smok novo 2 X pod markings

At the base of the pod are two metal contacts and what appear to be airflow inlets.

Smok Novo 2X Quick Start Guide

As this is an Auto Draw device – do not attempt to vape until you have filled the pod and let it stand otherwise you will bugger up the pod and get an evil dry hit!

Thankfully to help prevent this, Smok have fitted an Isolation sticker to the pod contacts, so once you have filled the pod remove this sticker.

novo 2x isolator

You will need to charge and fill this to get started – I will walk you through the steps below!

Basic Operation

  • Power On/Off = This does not have an on/off switch.
  • Vaping = Just inhale on the mouthpiece to trigger the auto fire system.
  • Battery indicator = this changes colour according to the battery charge remaining whilst vaping – Green LED = over 70% charge, Yellow / Orange LED = 30-70% and Red LED = less than 30%.novo 2x LED
  • Battery indicator when charging = same as above and the light will go out when fully charged.
  • Adjust airflow = move the airflow slider across to adjust the airflow to your preference.novo 2x airflow

Protections

  • Low battery – White LED flashes 15 times – recharge the device.
  • Short circuit – White LED flashes 5 times – clean contacts, replace pod – if this does not rectify the fault the device could be faulty.
  • Too low resistance – White LED flashes 4 times, same advice as above.
  • Over Time Protection – White LED flashes 5 times – if you vape for longer than 8 seconds the fire operation will cut out to prevent overheating.
  • No atomiser (Pod) – White LED flashes 4 times. Follow the advice for short circuit to try and rectify.

How To Charge The Battery

The charging rate is specified as 0.7A.

  • Using the included USB type C cable connect the small end into the USB port on the mod.smok novo 2x charging
  • Connect the large end of the cable into a suitable USB outlet.
  • The LED will cycle through the colours and will go out completely when fully charged.

The charging time for me using a 2A mains charging plug/outlet was around 1.5 hours which is a bit crazy for such a small battery? Modern pod kits often offer 2A charging which takes well under an hour.

How To Fill the Pod

  • I would leave the pod inside the mod for this.

    smok novo 2 X push mouthpiece
    Excuse my double jointed thumb – hence my struggle with removing mouthpiece!
  • Snap off (easier said than done) the mouthpiece by pushing it across.novo 2x fill port
  • With the mouthpiece removed push the filling bottle nozzle into the Red port of the pod and add e-liquid. Do not use the centre Black port.smok novo 2x filling
  • Before replacing the pod do a few priming inhales on the pod. This will help to pull the e-liquid through the wicking.
  • Replace the pod in the device.
  • For first time filling leave the device to stand for 10 mins before vaping to prevent a dry hit or damage to the coil.

How Does the Smok Novo 2X Perform?

I mainly used my own e-liquid mix which is 50/50 PG/VG made from IVG Bubblegum Concentrate at 20% ratio. This is quite high a flavour ratio as I prefer plenty of flavour, but sadly this means it can be a coil killer sometimes.

I add nic salt to approx 6mg strength.

If any of these terms are over your head – have a read of our handy guides below!

Novo 2X Meshed 0.9ohm Coil

There were 2 of these pods included in the kit so I haven’t been able to test any other coil resistances.

The first few vapes after this was left standing overnight were a bit manky. A weird chemical taste was apparent.

Thankfully this did clear well before the first refill.

As for flavour this is pretty good, but not mind blowing. The heat and throat hit are spot on.

I have no complaints with how this vapes at all, I got all the flavour profiles I was expecting but it didn’t elevate the flavour higher like my Oxva Xlim devices do.

This feels slightly under-powered, just one or two more Watts could make the flavour sing. As this is not adjustable you can’t really change this.

So far I have refilled 10 times (approx 15ml) and the flavour is still the same – so the pod life is going well.

Airflow

This has an adjustable airflow slider which is always a bonus on a simple pod kit.

I would say it ranges from MTL to RDL.

In terms of 0 being fully closed and 10 being breathing fresh air I would rate this as around 1.5-6.

Novo 2x airflow

So the adjustment range is spanning two vaping styles effectively.

Mod Performance

The auto draw firing is super quick and adjusting the airflow causes no issues at all.

Some kits struggle to auto draw when the airflow is wide open, but no problems for the little Novo 2X!

Charging time was a bit slower than I would like, especially with a USB Type C, but the rate is less than 1A which in this age is very low. Most kits offer 2A quick charging.

The output regulation seems to work and I only got a couple of weak vapes just before the battery conks out.

I had no malfunctions at all but I would like the LED indicator to be slightly bigger as it is tiny!

Leaks

No leaks at all! Not even a mist of condensation on the pod base – nowt! Drier than 100 Cream Crackers.

Battery Life

This is always a variable depending on your vape habits.

I am quite a heavy vaper and timed my usage – I got between 4.5-5.5 hours vaping with each battery charge. This was approximately 4 pod refills per charge – each refill would be around 1.5ml (due to minimum fill line) so I could vape around 6ml per charge.

Pros

  • Stunning finish with the plastic outer shell which feels durable
  • Device had protective covers to keep it pristine
  • Great instructions (although very small text)
  • Compatible with previous Novo pods
  • Apart from filling this is super simple to use
  • Airflow adjustment is always a welcome addition
  • Lovely hand feel super smooth
  • Pod is held (too??) firmly in mod
  • No leakage at all
  • Auto draw fire super quick and not affected by airflow adjustment
  • Covers MTL to RDL airflow restrictions

Cons

  • I really dislike the snap off mouthpiece fill method it is hard for a lot of people to grip – to rectify buy Novo or Novo 2 pods with side fill ports.
  • The pod is hard to grip to remove from the mod
  • LED indicator is a bit small
  • Device is unable to stand vertically
  • No downloadable instruction manual for those who struggle with small text
  • Slow 0.7A charging rate, which is very slow for USB Type C

Final Review Verdict

I am so glad to see the Novo range sticking to the simple to use principle. Some of the Novo range tried to get a bit more technical (Novo 4 and X) with screens and adjustments. I think personally that the Novo range should just stick to simplicity.

The Smok Novo 2X is beautifully simple – apart from the horrible top fill design! I find it really hard to grip the pod/mouthpiece and I am sure others will too. It may put people off using this kit. But there are usually people who have zero problems with this method!

This is easily rectified, you can buy some of the other pods (Novo, Novo 2) which have a much more friendly side fill port – so this is an easy hurdle to get over.

novo 2x pod compatibility

Other “cons” listed above are just niggles really as this kit is super well designed and for Smok feels very durable and unlikely to look crappy with wear with the plastic shell protecting the beautiful finish. I will mention that this is quite the fingerprint magnet so you will be constantly rubbing it on your clothes.

It really is great value for money as you get 2 pods and a USB cable included in the kit, which a lot of manufacturers skimp on to save costs.

I have been very spoilt with my OXVA Xlim’s which for me are perfect pod kits so the Novo 2X is not really something I would buy. But I can recommend it as a great starter kit if you replace the hard to open pods.

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Michelle

My name is Michelle - I am 48 and an engineer and Technical Author by trade. I started vaping many years ago in the days of Tornado tanks, Ego batteries and Variable Voltage. My journey in vaping began again around 2016 and have been interested in the topic ever since. I finally stopped smoking as of June 2019 and that is all thanks to vaping! 20mg Nicotine Salts are my hero! Oh and I am partial to a nice pod mod and Bubblegum e-liquid! I have enjoyed writing for Ecigclick since 2017 and love being part of this great team! My passion for Tobacco Harm Reduction has also led me to becoming a Trustee for the NNA (New Nicotine Alliance) aiding in Advocacy

REVIEW OVERVIEW
Build quality
10
Design
10
Ease of use
8
0.9ohm pod
8
Replace if lost or damaged?
7
My name is Michelle - I am 48 and an engineer and Technical Author by trade. I started vaping many years ago in the days of Tornado tanks, Ego batteries and Variable Voltage. My journey in vaping began again around 2016 and have been interested in the topic ever since. I finally stopped smoking as of June 2019 and that is all thanks to vaping! 20mg Nicotine Salts are my hero! Oh and I am partial to a nice pod mod and Bubblegum e-liquid! I have enjoyed writing for Ecigclick since 2017 and love being part of this great team! My passion for Tobacco Harm Reduction has also led me to becoming a Trustee for the NNA (New Nicotine Alliance) aiding in Advocacy
smok-novo-2x-reviewThis is a simple to use pod kit apart from the horrible refilling method. I think Snap Off mouthpiece filling should be relegated to the past. But you can buy side fill pods to overcome this. There are a few niggles otherwise but they don't stop this being a good buy for a simple starter kit. Oh and it is super cute too!

3 COMMENTS

  1. The Novo 2X is a pretty cool design with the exception of the pod cap. The pod cap will eventually get hairline cracks around the rim and appears to be made of a brittle plastic making it susceptible to this hairline cracking. Great setup, incredibly poor cap. I purchased 2 of these kits and 3 of the 4 pods have cracked caps making them useless.

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