Smok Nord 5 vs Xros Pro 2: 2000mAh each, very different vapes

Both kits sit near the top of the pod kit price range and both have the biggest battery in their families. That is where the overlap ends.

The Smok Nord 5 is a sub-ohm pod with a 5 to 80W range, adjustable dual airflow and replaceable RPM 3 coils. The Vaporesso Xros Pro 2 runs at 5 to 30W and uses pods with the coil built in. Two Corex 3.0 pods come in the box.

At 107g the Nord is a reassuring chunk of kit. The Xros Pro 2 is 65g, which makes it feel almost weightless by comparison.

Wattage is the real dividing line. The Nord 5's RPM 3 coils come in 0.15 and 0.23 ohm mesh, low resistances that need serious power to perform. That is where the 80W ceiling comes in, and it is why the Nord produces dense, warm clouds.

The Xros Pro 2 never needs more than 30W because Corex pods run from 0.4 to 1.2 ohm. It can do a looser lung hit on the 0.4 ohm pod, but it will never match the Nord for volume.

More power also means more liquid. Expect the Nord to drink e-liquid several times faster than the Xros at typical settings, so budget for big bottles rather than 10ml ones.

Different coils need different liquids. The Nord 5's sub-ohm coils are made for thick 70/30 liquid, which usually means a shortfill with a nic shot added, landing at around 3mg. High nicotine at high power is harsh and will make you cough, so keep the strength low.

The Xros Pro 2 on its 0.8 or 1.2 ohm pods is happiest with nic salts at 10 or 20mg, or 50/50 freebase. Nicotine is addictive whichever device you use, so start from what you currently vape.

In short: the Nord is a shortfill device and the Xros is a 10ml device. That one fact will tell most people which kit they want.

Answer one question and the right kit falls out. If you are moving up from a disposable-style device, the Xros Pro 2 is the gentler step. If you already vape on a sub-ohm tank and want something pocketable, the Nord 5 is the one.

A note on running costs. RPM 3 coils are £11.99 for five, so roughly £2.40 a coil, and you keep the pod body. Corex pods are £9.99 for four, about £2.50 a pod. Per unit they are close; the bigger cost difference is how much liquid each kit gets through.

Both have adjustable airflow, so either can be tuned once you know what you like.

The Nord 5 comes in a range of designs from Black Dart and Fluid Black Grey to Black Leather and 7-Color Dart. Inside the box are two RPM 3 coils so you can try both resistances.

A practical tip for the Nord: keep the pod topped up above the coil's juice holes. Low ohm coils wick fast, and if they run short of liquid at 60 or 70W you will know about it instantly.

Start at the lower end of the wattage range printed on the coil and step up a couple of watts at a time until the flavour peaks.

The Xros Pro 2 comes in ten finishes, including Storm Blue, Gem Green and Glittering Gold. Two Corex 3.0 pods arrive with the kit, so you can try two different draws straight away.

Vaporesso quote just over an hour for a full charge of the 2000mAh battery, and the 5 to 30W range means it can run every pod in the Corex family, including the 0.4 ohm pods reserved for the Pro, 4, 5 and 6 series.

If 2000mAh feels like more than you need, the cheaper Xros 6 gives you 1800mAh for £23.99, or the Xros 6 Mini 1600mAh for £16.99.