The SMOK Nord and SMOK Novo vapes are like two peas in a pod. Introduced around the same time to capitalize on the demand for pod-based vapes, the two series of devices look fairly similar to one another but actually serve different target markets. While the Novo devices are slightly smaller and simpler to serve a more beginner-oriented market, the Nord series has always been about cramming the most power possible into a tiny and extremely pocketable package.
The SMOK Nord 5 is the latest device in the main numbered Nord series, and it adds support for an entirely new range of coils to give you the boldest flavors and biggest clouds that you’ve ever experienced from a vape that feels almost completely flat in your pocket.
So, is the Nord 5 a worthy upgrade for owners of previous Nord devices, and is it a good vape to buy if you’ve outgrown the simpler pod systems and need something that can truly take your vaping game to the next level? The short answer to both of those questions is “yes.” You’re not likely to find anything more capable than the Nord 5 in this size range – so if you’re looking for a compelling blend of power and portability, you’ve definitely found it here. If you want to know the details, though, you’ll have to read our review.
View the SMOK Nord 5 now. You can also view our full collection of SMOK vapes. For even more information, refer to our comprehensive guide to all SMOK Nord vapes.
How Much Does the SMOK Nord 5 Cost?
The SMOK Nord 5 kit costs just $33.95, which is a bargain for a device with its capabilities. The kit includes the Nord 5 device, one Nord 5 pod and two SMOK RPM3 coils. Although the one pod will probably be enough for a while unless you like to switch flavors often, we do suggest adding an extra box of coils to your order so you’ll have some replacements available in case a coil burns out early while you’re still getting to know the device. SMOK RPM3 coils are sold in boxes of five for $12.49 and are available in resistances of 0.15 and 0.23 ohm.
Have you found it difficult to find the latest SMOK vapes near you because they always seem to be out of stock? You’ll be glad to know that we have the full range of 11 SMOK Nord 5 colors in stock and ready to ship and that orders from VapeJuice.com are delivered in just 2-5 business days on average.
SMOK Nord 5 vs. Nord 4: What Are the Differences?
If you’re an existing SMOK Nord user, the first thing you’ll want to know is whether the SMOK Nord 5 is a compelling upgrade over the Nord 4. Although the capabilities of the two devices are largely the same, there are a few significant differences that will probably make the Nord 5 a worthy purchase for you if you’re using one of the previous Nord vapes.
In short, most people are going to consider the Nord 5 a must-have vape because its improvements are designed to deliver bigger clouds and bolder flavors with a much smoother and freer draw.
Here’s how the SMOK Nord 4 and Nord 5 differ.
New Coils
The biggest difference between the Nord 4 and Nord 5 is that the Nord 5 uses SMOK’s brand-new RPM3 coils, whereas the Nord 4 used SMOK RPM2 and RPM coils. The new RPM3 coil uses a mesh heating element for maximum vapor production, and it has a wide bore designed specifically for direct-to-lung inhaling.
New Pod
One of the somewhat confusing aspects of the SMOK Nord 4 was the fact that it worked with two different coils, and each coil required its own separate pod. The Nord 5 only has one type of pod and only works with RPM 3 coils, which should make things much simpler since it eliminates the possibility of a mismatch between the pod and coil. The Nord 5 pod is slightly larger than the Nord 4 pods – 5 ml rather than 4.5 ml – and it has a new locking mechanism that helps to prevent the coil from being pulled out of the pod inadvertently.
Improved Airflow
The airflow dial on the previous SMOK Nord vapes might have been stylish, but some would argue that it wasn’t as functional or easy to use as it could have been. The Nord 5 has larger airflow openings than the Nord 4 to facilitate the production of bigger clouds, and it uses a slider rather than a dial to provide pinpoint airflow control with less effort.
SMOK Nord 5 Specifications
- Device Type: Refillable pod vape with replaceable coil
- Battery Capacity: 2,000 mAh
- Power Range: Up to 80 watts
- Pod Capacity: 5.0 ml
- Coil Resistance: 0.15 or 0.23 ohm
- Vaping Modes Supported: Direct wattage control
- Firing Style: Automatic puff-based or manual button-based firing
- Display: Yes; display shows the battery’s status, current wattage, coil resistance and puff count since last reset
- Adjustable Airflow: Yes
SMOK Nord 5 Features
Curious about what makes the SMOK Nord 5 special? Here are the most important features that you need to know about.
Designed for True Cloud Chasing
More than any previous Nord vape, the Nord 5 is designed for serious cloud chasing and deep direct-to-lung inhaling. The airflow vents are larger, and the coil is wider. The Nord 5 can definitely take full advantage of its 80-watt power range, which is something you might not have been able to say about the Nord 4.
Because of the way it’s designed, the Nord 5 delivers a great experience with low-nicotine freebase e-liquids in a way that most other pod systems simply can’t match. While most devices in the size range of the Nord 5 are designed to deliver their best performance with nicotine salt e-liquid, the Nord 5 is completely happy with freebase e-liquids and nicotine strengths as low as 3 mg/ml. In fact, you might find nicotine salt e-liquid a bit too overwhelming with this device.
Fresh New Visual Design
SMOK has given the Nord 5 a nice visual update, making the device look much more modern without compromising its core identity. We particularly like the leather-trimmed colors, which look very classy and also charge slightly faster than the non-leather colors. The leather editions of the SMOK Nord 5 charge at a maximum rate of 1.5 amps, whereas the non-leather editions charge at 1.2 amps. With both editions, the 2,000 mAh battery charges in under two hours.
SMOK Nord 5 Review: Our Expert Perspective
So, is the SMOK Nord 5 a worthy purchase? You’re probably considering this device if you fall into one of two groups. Either you’re currently using a previous Nord vape and are thinking about upgrading, or you’re currently using a simpler vape and are wondering if it’s time to step up to something that offers more features.
If you’re an existing Nord 4 user, we think that SMOK has given the Nord 5 more than enough upgrades to make a compelling case. The Nord 5 has an improved pod with better airflow, and it supports SMOK’s latest coil technology. If you like your existing Nord vape for its cloud production, you’re going to love the Nord 5.
On the other hand, if you appreciate the fact that the older Nord devices combine great vapor production with slightly tight airflow, you might want to stick with what you have because it’s hard to achieve a tight mouth-to-lung draw with the Nord 5. It’s really intended for direct-to-lung inhaling.
If you’re currently using a simpler refillable vape and are looking for something fuller featured, the Nord 5 will also be an excellent upgrade for you as long as you’re happy with the fact that it’s primarily designed for direct-to-lung inhaling and lower-nicotine e-liquids. Since the pods have replaceable coils, the Nord 5 will probably have lower long-term costs than what you’re currently using – and between the 80-watt power range and adjustable airflow, the Nord 5 definitely has the flexibility to deliver whatever type of vaping experience you might want.
It would be hard to imagine a better vape for cloud chasing in a package as small as what you get with the SMOK Nord 5. This thing chucks clouds like a full-sized vape mod, and it feels practically weightless in your pocket. If that sounds like what you’re looking for, don’t hesitate and grab the Nord 5 right away.
Best Points
- Surprising amount of power and vapor production for such a small device.
- Designed for true cloud chasing in a device small and light enough to carry comfortably in any pocket.
- Nicely refined appearance compared to previous Nord vapes; very modernized but still looks like a SMOK Nord.
Could Be Improved
- Fans of mouth-to-lung vaping and high-strength nicotine salts will probably want to buy something a bit smaller and less powerful.
- If you’re using an older SMOK Nord device and are happy with the slightly tighter airflow, you might want to stick with what you have because it’s difficult to achieve a tight draw with the Nord 5.