Innokin Proton Kit Review – The Proton Pack
Review: Innokin Proton
Manufacturing Quality
Probably one of the more noteworthy features that the Innokin Proton has is it’s one of the first devices released by Innokin to actually make use of a large format color display. While definitely a step in the right direction, it still has some ways to go before catching up with the screen technology that other manufacturers such as Smok or Joyetech that incorporate full-blown OLED displays in their mods for even better legibility under all lighting conditions.
Despite only using a TFT display, the screen is sufficiently crisp and easily readable under optimal lighting conditions but has a tendency to falter when exposed to direct sunlight.
With a large firing bar located at the side of the mod, firing up the device offers both a satisfying and tactile experience thanks to the noticeable click that the bar makes when pressed, letting you know the exact moment that the mod activates. In lieu of the standard up/down wattage buttons, the Innokin Proton is shaking some things up with the incorporation of an omnidirectional joystick that can be used to adjust device settings making navigation of the menu and options even more intuitive for the less tech-savvy of vapers out there.
In terms of aesthetics, Innokin has always played it safe and the Innokin Proton is no exception. Nevertheless, the mod does strike an imposing image with smooth contoured edges and a back panel that makes use of textured geometric patterns that don’t only lend the kit a nice visual appeal, but also give the device some extra and well sought after grip when held in hand.
The dual 18650 batteries are installed through a trapdoor underneath the mod and luckily the battery door feels sturdy without any wiggling or rattle, giving you the security that your batteries aren’t going to fall out anytime.
The top of the device uses the standard 510 connection and feels reasonably durable with well-machined metal parts that guarantee a seamless connection between the mod and the included tank. There are no noticeable gaps and the tank sits perfectly flush with the mod. The tank is constructed out of a high-end stainless steel and coupled with the Pyrex glass used to house the e-liquid, makes for a rather robust combo.
Flavor Quality
Probably one of the best selling points of the Innokin Proton kit is its support of the all-new Plexus coils which are a redesign of the existing mesh coils which have recently cropped up in the market. While often delivering a consistent and even vaping experience, mesh coils aren’t the most durable of the bunch thanks to its relatively thin surface area which is prone to bending and warping.
The Plexus coil improves upon those weaknesses by reinforcing the coil with a durable KAL panel to properly insulate and direct heat from the coil towards where you want it to go, resulting not only in a more focused, and less wasteful vape but also for a more long-lasting one.
To give you a proper comparison, most standard mesh coils last anywhere from 4-7 days of optimal vapor and flavor production, while the Plexus coils guarantee at least a full weeks worth of optimum vaping performance before requiring replacement.
Flavor quality is spot on as the even vaporization of e-liquid creates a much smoother and balanced flavor, and the large surface area of the coil ensures that e-liquid vaporization is maximized therefore helping you get to those big clouds that are usually well sought after by many vapers. The surface area also allows vaping at higher wattages without the need for multiple coils as the heat is more evenly distributed therefore preventing burning of e-liquid and nasty dry hits.
Power Flexibility
With the kit including some low resistance coils to help you get standard, it should be a requirement that the mod itself has the needed juice to power up those coil heads. The Innokin Proton delivers that in spades with its strong and consistent wattage delivery that reaches a maximum of 235 watts.
The standard variable wattage mode gives you a basic and intuitive grasp over the power options that the kit offers, letting you easily adjust the output on the fly resulting in either a more intense or more relaxed vaping experience depending on your preference.
Temperature control is also an option with support for stainless steel, nickel, and titanium coils, giving the more nitpicky users even greater control over how much power their kit delivers overall. Preheat functions, as well as adjustable TCR, are also included among the capabilities of the kit giving you one of the most customizable vaping experiences possible.
Ease of Use
Aside from the dual 18650 batteries required to power the Innokin Proton, the kit already provides everything required to get you up and running. Turning the mod on is as simple as 5 clicks on the firing bar, with the easy to navigate menu an easy three clicks away.
The joystick makes navigating the plethora of options relatively easy especially when compared to similarly capable devices, and while knowing the details of each setting and vaping mode does have a small learning curve, the excellent manual and device documentation that Innokin provides the kit easily fills you in on what to know.
Users who are interested in 510 thread cartridges for oil often prefer the CCELL Palm.
Portability
Thanks to the dual 18650 batteries powering up the Innokin Proton, battery life is a non-issue, easily providing enough power to the device to let it last for up to 2-3 days of use, even under extreme power conditions.
While the dual battery design results in the Innokin Proton being rather bulky, it’s hardly larger than any of its dual battery counterparts which are available in the market today. A micro USB charging port lets you get the battery up to speed in a jiffy, but its always recommended that you charge the batteries with an external charger to ensure that they are sufficiently balanced.
Overall Experience
If you’ve always been fan of Innokin’s conservative design language but have always yearned for a kit that offers more in the power department, the Innokin Proton kit definitely helps scratch that itch with its massive power ceiling, long-lasting battery life, and use of new coil tech that delivers a remarkably improved vaping experience over older coil systems.
While the device doesn’t particularly stand out or excel in any way, its consistent and reliable performance is sure to win over any vaper who decides to pick up this kit.
If you are looking for the most portable and straightforward unit we would probably chalk that up to the Kandypens Rubi.
If you are looking for a mod-style vape to start with we suggest checking out the Vaporesso Swag.