Push an RPM 3 coil into the pod, side fill it with a 70% VG liquid, let it soak and set the wattage. The Nord 5 is a pod kit that vapes like a sub ohm tank, and it rewards getting the numbers right.
The short version
- Two RPM 3 mesh coils included: 0.15 ohm (40 to 80W) and 0.23 ohm (20 to 45W).
- Output runs 5 to 80W from a 2000mAh battery.
- Use 70% VG or higher e-liquid and low nicotine strengths.
- A coil lock holds the coil in place to help prevent leaks.
What is in the box
The Smok Nord 5 pod kit contains the device, the 2ml Smok Nord 5 pod, a 0.15 ohm Smok RPM 3 coil, a 0.23 ohm Smok RPM 3 coil, a USB-C charging cable and a user manual.
The built-in 2000mAh battery supports an output range of 5 to 80W, enough for proper DTL vaping in a pocket-sized body. The kit weighs 107g.
Safety features include short circuit protection and a coil lock that holds the atomiser in place, which also improves protection against leaks when the pod is in a bag.
Fitting a coil and filling the pod
Push an RPM 3 coil into the pod until it seats, and make sure the coil lock is engaged. Before filling, prime the coil with a few drops of e-liquid straight onto the exposed cotton.
The pod has a conveniently placed side fill port. Open it, fill to just below the top with a 70% VG liquid, and close it firmly. Then leave it standing for at least five minutes. Sub ohm mesh coils have a lot of cotton, and a dry first puff at 40W or more is unforgettable for the wrong reasons.
Insert the pod, set the wattage at the bottom of the coil's range, and take a few gentle puffs before going higher.
- Fit the coilPush the RPM 3 coil into the pod and engage the coil lock.
- Prime itA few drops of liquid onto the cotton.
- Side fill70% VG, to just below the top.
- Wait five minutesLet the mesh wick soak.
- Start lowSet the bottom of the coil's range and work up.
Wattage and airflow
The Smok RPM 3 coils have clear ratings: the 0.15 ohm coil runs between 40W and 80W, and the 0.23 ohm coil between 20W and 45W for slightly less vapour.
Start at the bottom of the range and step up a few watts at a time until the flavour peaks. If it turns harsh or hot, step back down. You can adjust the power settings easily, and the listing mentions Smart Mode and Variable Wattage Mode; the manual covers the controls.
The adjustable dual airflow lets you choose a looser or tighter inhale. DTL coils like these want the airflow mostly open to keep the vapour cool.
Source: Ratings from the RPM 3 coil product listing.
E-liquid and nicotine strength
Smok recommends pairing the Nord 5 with e-liquids that are 70% VG or higher. Thick, high-VG liquid suits the big cotton wicks in mesh sub ohm coils and helps prevent leaking.
Most vapers use a shortfill with a nicotine shot, or a ready-made 70% VG liquid. The shop's sub ohm guidance is to stay at 6mg or below, since DTL delivers a lot of vapour per puff. Nicotine is addictive, and 20mg nic salt in this kit would be far too harsh.
Use the calculator below to see what strength one or two nic shots give in a shortfill.
Final strength 3.0mg in 60ml
Three common problems and battery tips
- Burnt hit: the coil was not primed, or the wattage is above its range. Prime properly and stay within 40 to 80W (0.15 ohm) or 20 to 45W (0.23 ohm).
- Leaking: thin liquid or a loose coil. Use 70% VG and check the coil lock is engaged.
- Harsh throat hit: nicotine too strong for DTL. Drop to 3mg or 6mg.
High wattage drains the 2000mAh battery faster than a pod kit at 15W. Charge before it runs out, use the included cable, and keep the device away from heat, which ages lithium cells quickly.
Who the Nord 5 suits
The Nord 5 is for vapers who want sub ohm DTL clouds in a pod-sized device. It is the step for anyone who has outgrown MTL pods but does not want a box mod and tank.
It is not for MTL vapers or anyone who wants strong nic salts. For a pod kit that covers MTL, RDTL and DTL with lower power, the Vaporesso Xros Pro 2 is gentler. For even more power with a separate tank, see the Voopoo Drag 5.
Fill it right, keep the strength low, and it delivers.
Quick answers
What coils does the Smok Nord 5 use?
Smok RPM 3 coils. The kit includes 0.15 ohm and 0.23 ohm versions.
What wattage should I use on the Nord 5?
40 to 80W for the 0.15 ohm RPM 3 coil and 20 to 45W for the 0.23 ohm coil.
What e-liquid suits the Smok Nord 5?
70% VG or higher, at low nicotine strengths such as 3mg or 6mg.
How do you fill the Nord 5 pod?
Through the side fill port. Fill to just below the top and close it firmly.
