The Smok RPM40 follows a similar cuboid design form to the OBS cube that was released earlier this year but in a slightly smaller size.

I was a little hesitant before I got my hands on the RPM40 as it looked a bit plasticky, due to the paint finish. Thankfully that’s not the case, it’s actually quite a sturdy feeling device.

Smok also offers an extensive color range, as per usual, and I think the white one we have in for review is quite striking.

The RPM40 has rounded off edges, which make it comfortable to hold in the hand, and it’s easy to fire the device with either your thumb or finger.

Even though the whole kit is compact (standing only 10cm tall), you’ll still notice it in your pocket compared to other pod kits. Its cuboid shape makes it less streamlined, and when you have the pod full of liquid, it carries a fair bit of weight.

However, it’s worth noting that the RPM40 is more of an AIO than a pod kit. Firstly that extra eight comes from the housed 1500mAh battery, and secondly, the Pod has a 4.5ml maximum capacity (TPD limited to 2ml).

There are actually two different styles of pods that come in the kit, so you get a choice to use either RPM or Nord coils – we’ll cover this in more detail later.

To finish off the design aspects of the RPM40, Smok has also included a 0.96in color display. It’s adequately bright, and I haven’t struggled to read the information in daylight.

Smok really seems to have upped their game recently when it comes to build quality, and the RPM40 is quite possibly one of their best to date.

The RPM40 comes with all the safety protection you’d expect from an all-in-one device.

It features a 1500mAh battery that utilizes their new IQ-R chip, capable of outputting 1-40W. They also claim it has the ability to fire at 0.001S.

The full-color screen displays plenty of information to the user, with battery life, coil resistance, current wattage, voltage, puff timer, and a puff counter all visible.

The RPM40 has variable wattage in 1-watt increments and can be adjusted using the designated +/- keys below the display.

Sadly, there’s no USB-C or fast charging available for the RPM40. Smok has stuck with a simple micro-USB on the base of the device, and it can take up to 2 hours to completely charge.

The Smok RPM40 comes with two pods:

• RPM Pod (red) – 4.3ml capacity
• Nord Pod (black) – 4.5ml capacity

Each pod slots into the device with ease, and is equally easy to remove.

Both have a small silicon rubber plug on the side covering the fill port for filling (which are colored red or black). The Nord pod also has a dark tint to the plastic.

On top of the pods is a non-removable mouthpiece, which is curves to a slimmer point, but is still quite chunky, and not the most comfortable I’ve used.

Coil replacement in the pods is suer easy due to the ‘push and pull’ design of both sets of coils, and i’ve had no leaking issue fro either during my time of testing.

The RPM40 kit comes with two coils, one for each pod

• 0.4-ohm Mesh coil – RPM (red)
• 0.6-ohm coil – Nord (black)

It’s worth noting that no MTL style coil is included in the kit, and quite frankly the RPM40 may not be the best device for MTL. Even if the available MTL doe restrict airflow, the device doesn’t feature adjustable airflow, and the mouthpiece is far too wide for a tight draw.

That being said you will have an extremely extensive range of coils to choose from for the RPM40, with all the new RPM coils and Nord coils.

There’s also the option for an RBA base for the RPM pod, which will enable you to build your own coils and opens up a whole new level of versatility.

I mentioned previously that Smok seems to have paid more attention to the build quality of their devices, but the performance of their coils was always of a good standard – thankfully there is the same with this kit.

The Nord coils and pod deliver everything you’d expect from a Nord device. The 0.6-ohm coil delivers really good flavor and plenty of clouds.

I tried various types of liquid in the pod and the coil seemed to keep up with wicking with no issue. The coil has a recommended use of 20W, but I think it performs better a little higher, around 25W for a warmer more saturated vape.

The RPM pod and 0.4-ohm RPM mesh coil, was even more impressive than the nord coil. Obviously it’s a lower ohm coil, but the flavor produced was far more pronounced and the clouds denser.

Again it had no issues with wicking, but also performed better slightly higher than the recommended 30W.

If I had to pick between the two i’d say the new RPM coils are the better choice. Although there are plenty of other coil options i’ve yet to try in the range.

While the RPM40 does have smooth and relatively quiet airflow, it’s not the most versatile.

Smok for some reason don’t like to include adjustable airflow with their kits, and instead rely upon the individual coils used to restrict or open the airflow.

While that’s not a problem for those that like the DTL draw that the coils deliver, others like me would prefer the option to dial in the airflow for a more tailored vape.

I also think that all the Smok coils fall a little short when it comes to true tight MTL.

The 1500mAh battery in the RPM40 delivers the life you’d expect, you should easily be able to make through a full days use.

Obviously if you use the 0.4-ohm coil intensively then your battery life will deplete quicker and that may be a struggle.

The 2 hour charge time is also a little disappointing, I wish Smok would make the leap over to USB-C. There is pass-through on offer, so that might limit concerns.

The Smok RPM40 is an excellent device for vapers who are looking for a compact AIO kit, but only for those that like a DTL vape.

It has excellent coil options, and the new RPM options are excellent. IT’s also great that you have both pod included in the kit, and an option for an RBA.

Overall it’s one of Smok’s best devices, and one we would recommend. However it might be worth keeping an eye open for the VooPoo Vinci, which looks like it will give the RPM40 a run for it’s money.