Smok Trinity Alpha Review – Enter the Matrix
Review: Smok Trinity Alpha
Manufacturing Quality
If you’re a fan of fancy resin panels on your mods (who isn’t?) the Smok Trinity Alpha is a definite looker of a device, especially considering the good amount of attractive finishes that the kit comes in (similar to the Mico). Available in black, silver, gold, red, blue, and Smok’s trademark rainbow prism colorway, each kit features a beautiful resin inlay that perfectly accentuates the color of the device.
While we did note that the drip tip that each kit comes with utilizes a simple black finish as opposed to how Smok’s usual practice of matching drip tip colors, the black mouthpiece actually contrasts well with the rest of the device. Users who are interested in 510 thread cartridges for oil often prefer the PCKT One Plus.
Given that the Smok Trinity Alpha is a pod-style device, we were surprised to find a physical firing button off to the side of the mod. We’re definitely not complaining though as it’s always nice to have options when it comes to the way you vape, although pod-style purists might find some issue with the way the physical button breaks the otherwise seamless aesthetic of the Smok Trinity Alpha.
All of the colorways that the Smok Trinity Alpha comes in uses a proprietary pod system that features a tinted window. While we do think that the tint does make the device a lot nicer to look at, it definitely makes it a lot harder to see how much e-liquid is left in the pod especially in less than optimal lighting conditions.
All in all, the Smok Trinity Alpha bears a striking resemblance to the Lost Vape Orion although the latter gives off a much more laid back vibe thanks to the non-descript carbon fiber panels used as opposed to the vibrant and eye-catching resin patterns found on the Smok Trinity Alpha.
Flavour Quality
The Smok Trinity Alpha uses a recent Smok design for the coils, namely the Nord Mesh Coils which come in two variants that are both included in the kit. The first of which is a Mesh DTL coil rated at a resistance of 0.6-ohms that allows the mod to power up to a maximum of 25 watts at a full charge. People who use 510 cartridges tend to prefer the CCELL Silo.
Normally, we’re not exactly the biggest fans of DTL coils on pod-style kits as the limited battery size and output tends to result in a semi-lackluster vaping experience and shorter battery life but the DTL mesh coil managed to provide a satisfactory vaping experience albeit at a small sacrifice to the longevity of the battery.
Also included in the kit is a 0.8-ohm MTL mesh coil that features a tighter draw that should satisfy most mouth to lung fans. In terms of maximum output, the MTL coil isn’t that far off firing at a max of 16 watts which can lead to some pretty intense hits depending on the battery’s charge levels and nicotine level of the e-liquid you’re vaping with.
Overall we’re pretty happy with the performance of the MTL coil as it manages to output a decent amount of flavour and vapor.
Power Flexibility
This is where we discovered that the similarities between the Lost Vape Orion and the Smok Trinity Alpha aren’t just skin deep. While the Smok Trinity Alpha might not give you access to true variable wattage that lets you vape at specific wattages, it does let you select from three preset outputs (soft, normal, and hard) depending on your preference and the nicotine level of the e-liquid that you’re using. Regardless of which preset we selected, we found the Smok Trinity Alpha to be consistent and responsive in its firing times.
Particularly noteworthy is how we discovered how vaping on the soft preset allowed us to use nic salts with nicotine levels as high as 50mg/ml without any of the light-headedness that usually comes with using such e-liquids with higher powered pod-style devices that only fire at a fixed output.
The inverse is also true in this case as when using the Smok Trinity Alpha with the included 0.6-ohm coil on the hard setting allowed us to get a satisfying vape out of e-liquids with relatively lower nicotine levels. In essence, the Smok Trinity Alpha lets you enjoy any type of e-liquid which came as a nice surprise considering how limiting most pod-style devices can be as far as e-liquid choices are concerned.
Ease of Use
Like most pod-style devices, setting up the Smok Trinity Alpha was quick and effortless, especially when it came to the installation of the proprietary pod system. The pods use magnetic contacts which allow it to quickly snap into place and easily come apart for setup or maintenance.
What sets the Smok Trinity Alpha apart from the rest of the pack, however, is the device’s healthy population of LED indicators (4 in total) which easily give even the most uninitiated user a quick bearing on the devices power and battery status.
As to the actual operation of the Smok Trinity Alpha, the standard five clicks on the power button turns on the mod in a jiffy while 3 clicks on the same button cycles between the 3 available power preset that have their own LED indicator that lights up.
The pod features a top filling cap that lets you top up e-liquid levels without having to remove the pod which is something we really appreciate in a device that’s meant to be used for those who are always on the go.
Portability
With the dimensions of the Smok Trinity Alpha measuring out to 91mm by 38mm by 16mm, we found it be comfortable to pocket and hold in hand.
It’s not exactly the most ergonomic pod-style kit in the market through which is mostly thanks to its sharp 90 degree angles that give it a bit of a boxy feel. The slimness of the mod partially makes up for this though so it feels just fine to hold, even for small to medium-sized hands.
A 1000mAh battery is integrated into the chassis which is more than enough to supply a whole day’s worth of vaping. Even when vaping on the 0.6-ohm coil on the high powered preset, the device only had to be recharged once within 24 hours.
Using the MTL coil, on the other hand, gave us a whole day’s worth of vaping, regardless of power setting. The pod holds up to 2.8ml of e-liquid which isn’t the largest in its category, but it’s more than enough when paired with the MTL coil.
Overall Experience
The Smok Trinity Alpha manages to hang with the best in terms of performance, battery life, and functionality at a much lower price point.
The impressive aesthetic design will definitely be a major selling point for any of those who end up picking up this kit, and the simple truth is, there’s nothing wrong with that as the device works just as well as it looks.
If you are looking for what we think is the best open pod vape than check out the Slice. Or if mods are your thing be sure to check out the Smok X-Priv.