Charon TS 218 by Smoant

Commercial characteristics

• Sponsor having loaned the product for the magazine: Smoant 
• Price of the tested product: about 79 Euros
• Product category according to its selling price: Mid-range (from 41 to 80 euros)
• Mod type: Variable power electronics and temperature control
• Is the mod telescopic? No
• Maximum power: 218W
• Maximum voltage: 8.4V
• Minimum value in Ohms resistance for a start: Less than 0.1

Reviewer comments on business characteristics

Smoant, a young Chinese brand full of energy, continues to water us with new mods. Indeed, after a Charon TC 218 recently reviewed in these pages, here is the Charon TS 218 which is the tip of his nose and what a nose!

Indeed, if the previous box, moreover irreproachable, already used the house Ant 218 chipset for a very powerful rendering, the little news adds a fundamental difference since all the interface buttons have disappeared to make way for a touch screen of good size which allows access to all the functions of the box. 

I am not a fan, personally, of interfaces of this type, undoubtedly too scalded by the wanderings in the matter that we have known on the Ocular series from Joyetech where a simple handling of the boxes was enough to do move the settings. We will see that here, everything has been thought of to avoid this pitfall. 

The Charon TS 218 is presented as a fairly compact box for a double battery, with a sober appearance that almost evokes the world of the mobile phone and which will be available in our territory at around 79 € if wholesalers jump at the opportunity. . While it is true that previous similar achievements have met with measured success, it would be a shame to miss this one which, by simple technical means, is keen to put the touchscreen back on the spot. 

218W, variable power and temperature control are on the menu. A menu that touches itself more than it searches for itself and that makes you want to push the test as far as possible.

Physical characteristics and felt quality

• Width or Diameter of the product in mm: 29.3
• Product Length or Height in mm: 85
• Product weight in grams: 315
• Material composing the product: Zinc alloy
• Form Factor Type: Classic Box - VaporShark type
• Decorative style: Classic
• Quality of decoration: Excellent, it is a work of art
• Is the coating of the mod sensitive to fingerprints? Yes
• All components of this mod seem well assembled? Yes
• Fire button position: Lateral near the top cap
• Fire button type: Mechanical plastic on contact rubber
• Number of buttons making up the interface, including touch zones if they are present: 1
• User Interface Buttons Type: Touch
• Quality of the interface button (s): Excellent I love this button in every way
• Number of parts in the product: 2
• Number of threads: 1
• Quality of the threads: Excellent
• Overall, do you appreciate the quality of manufacture of this product with regard to its price? Yes

Rating of the vapelier as to feelings quality: 4.3 / 5

Reviewer's comments on physical characteristics and perceived quality

Aesthetically, we are the opposite of the previous TS 218 which took into account the proven lines of the Therion from Lost Vape to assert a sober class but already glimpsed. Here, we have a very compact, very square and stripped-down model, not necessarily innovative but which incorporates clean shapes, mixtures of tensions and curves of comfort to ensure a quality grip. In black, the object is perfectly anonymous and will appeal to those who like to keep their secret vaping garden without displaying singular and showy physiognomies. For the more daring, colorful versions are on the program as shown in the photo below.

Built around a zinc alloy frame, the Smoant reveals two plexiglass sides that give it a shiny monolith appearance that Kubrick would not have denied for his 2001 film, A Space Odyssey. So much the better for the aesthetics and especially the handling of the touch screen occupying an entire side of the box, too bad for the fingerprints that will not fail to dot the surface. But let's be good players, we are not going to blame this mod for what we never blame our smartphone ...

The switch is traditionally placed on the edge of the mod and has a beautiful support surface, ridged to better direct the finger because it does not stand out excessively from the case and remains rather discreet. The pressure is comfortable and the button responds to the slightest request with a serious but reassuring click. The race is very short and the comfort impeccable. It is surmounted by a small rectangular button, the cornerstone of the thoughtful ergonomics of the box since this simple button will allow us to block the screen and therefore, prevent the touch settings from moving under the action of the Palm of the hand. It's so simple that you had to think about it!

The top-cap is simple and has a fairly small steel plate, surrounded by the zinc alloy. This plate will not allow your atomizers to be fed with air through the connection, being devoid of channels to do this. The positive pin, in brass, is mounted on a spring whose median tension will allow flush assemblies without risks. We can, without unbalancing the general design, mount atomizers up to 25mm in diameter. It is possible to mount larger diameters but the chamfered shape of the top of the top-cap will make these assemblies more random aesthetically.

The bottom-cap is occupied by six vents of beautiful dimensions whose position will allow a correct cooling of the chipset. 

The side panel opposite the touchscreen is held by strong magnets and is very well guided. It does not flinch in the hand and it will even be necessary to use the small notch located in its lower part to unclip it. He discovers a fairly traditional battery cradle and makes it possible to verify that the interior finish has not been sloppy. Everything is clean and well assembled, Smoant offers us a successful job on the finish, both outside and inside. A cosmetic result worthy of the superior category. Two of the four contact connectors for the batteries are spring-loaded, which makes it easier, with the help of the tape, to insert and remove the energy tubes.

As one might expect, the biggest surprise comes from the battery side since we discover the famous touch screen, with a diagonal of 62mm all the same. The designs and characters are monochrome, in a slightly bluish gray which contrasts well with the black background. Reading is therefore very easy and will correspond to all types of views. The touch functionality is very smooth, ergonomic and does not require you to press like a deaf on the smooth surface. Personally, I appreciate the one-color bias which remains quite classy and above all avoids the garish colors that we have seen so far. In full sun, there is inevitably a loss of visibility because of the reflections, but everything remains usable in these “extreme” circumstances.

Functional features

• Type of chipset used: Owner
• Connection type: 510, Ego - via adapter
• Adjustable positive stud? Yes, through a spring.
• Lock system ? Electronic
• Quality of the locking system: Excellent, the chosen approach is very practical
• Features offered by the mod: Display of the battery charge, Display of the resistance value, Protection against short circuits from the atomizer, Protection against reverse polarity of batteries, Display of the current vape voltage , Display of the power of the current vape, Display of the vape time of each puff, Temperature control of the atomizer coils, Support the update of its firmware, Adjust the display brightness, Diagnostic messages clear
• Accusability: 18650
• Does the mod support stacking? No
• Number of batteries supported: 2
• Does the mod retain its configuration without batteries? Yes
• Does the mod offer a recharge feature? Charging function possible via Micro-USB
• Is the recharge function pass-through? Yes
• Does the mode offer a Power Bank function? No power bank function offered by the mod
• Does the mode offer other functions? No other function offered by the mod
• Presence of air flow regulation? No, nothing is planned to feed an atomizer from the bottom
• Maximum diameter in mms of compatibility with an atomizer: 25
• Accuracy of the output power at full charge of the battery: Excellent, there is no difference between the requested power and the real power
• Accuracy of the output voltage at full charge of the battery: Excellent, there is no difference between the requested voltage and the actual voltage

Vapelier's note regarding functional characteristics: 4 / 5

Reviewer's comments on functional features

The TS 218 traditionally operates in two well-known modes: variable power and temperature control, but that's the only traditional thing we'll find here.

In variable power, we can go from 1W to 218W on a scale of resistances between 0.1 and 3Ω. The increment is done by tenth of a watt. In temperature control, the resistance scale oscillates between 0.05 and 3Ω and we can go from 100 ° to 300 ° C. 

On the other hand, in both modes, there are interesting evolutions which really allow, without the help of external software, to cut your own vape with a cord and obtain the desired result.

For example, in variable power mode, we have several possibilities to bend the signal curve to personalize each puff. To do this, we have four presets already implemented: Min, Standard, Hard et Max which allow to give a boost at the beginning of the vape to wake up a lazy assembly or, conversely, to calm the game and send the energy gradually on a reactive assembly to avoid a dry-hit. A fifth module also exists, the VW Curve which allows you to program your own response curve in order to go even further in the power settings. By choosing it, we end up with a specific screen which allows, very intuitively, to move the cursors second by second in order to program the entire duration of the puff. The negative side is that big fingers will have difficulty positioning themselves and that the settings are not the most precise, but by taking the time, we manage to draw a curve that looks like something.

In temperature control mode, we find three native resistive wires: Nickel, Titanium et Steel. It is just a bit of a shame that more precise data is not communicated on the precise type of each resistive. So, is it SS316, 316L, 304? Difficult to know ... But the problem is easily solved since we have a module TCR easy to use or you can enter the perfect heating coefficient for your particular resistive. This will avoid, for once, disappointments. In addition, in the same way as in the variable power mode, there is a TC Curve very well thought out that will allow us to program a different temperature per second of vape. A smart solution to customize your rendering in CT.

A last menu allows you to "touch" the general settings of the box and influence the contrast of the screen, the precise time when it remains on and possibly return to the original presets. a lifeline in short, in case you are shipwrecked in the ocean of possibilities offered by the box. 😉

The main menu therefore allows you to adjust the power or temperature, display a gauge for each battery, your resistance, the voltage and the intensity of the current vape. A small counter offers you as a bonus your puff time, fundamentally useless and therefore essential…. 

The TS 218 can send 50A output so pay the greatest attention to match it with two paired batteries, new and offering a sufficient discharge current. VTC, 25R, Mojo and others will do the job perfectly… Once again, avoid battery names that end in “fire” if you don't want your box to end in the same way. 

We still have to evoke the famous rectangular button which overhangs the switch and which has two functions. A short press turns off the screen. A longer press causes a padlock to appear on the screen, indicating that the touch functionality is locked. In this case, you can run your fingers over the screen and you won't change anything, it's the perfect mode to vape without worrying about any settings that move under the effect of the palm of your hand. To unlock, simply perform the same operations. 

Evaluation of the packaging

• tPresence of a box accompanying the product: Yes
• Would you say that the packaging is up to the price of the product? Yes
• Presence of a user manual? Yes
• Is the manual understandable for a non-English speaker? No
• Does the manual explain ALL features? Yes

Vapelier's note on packaging: 4 / 5

Reviewer's comments on conditioning

A rigid cardboard box stamped with the arms of Smoant offers us the box and a USB / Micro USB cord. The usual paperwork is involved, certificate of conformity and all that sort of thing…. 

The instructions are clear, detailed and up to the situation ... as long as you speak English or Chinese. But let's not complain, we've seen a lot worse! The abundance of illustrations will help you understand how the TS 218 works.

Appreciations in use

• Transport facilities with the test atomizer: Ok for a Jean side pocket (no discomfort)
• Disassembly and cleaning facilities: Super simple, even blind in the dark!
• Easy to change the batteries: Super simple, even blind in the dark!
• Did the mod heat up? No
• Has there been any erratic behavior after a day of use? No
• Description of situations in which the product has experienced erratic behavior

Vapelier's rating in terms of ease of use: 5/5

Reviewer's comments on the use of the product

I had been favorably impressed by the TC 218 in terms of its vape rendering. As the TS uses the same homemade chipset, no reason for that to be any different here. The chipset is responsive, reacts perfectly to changes in settings and the rendering is generous in feel and precision. 

The multiple possibilities of personalization of the signal are effective and really allow to adapt the device to its own vape. The real added value of the TS is the ease of access to the settings via the touch screen which avoids multiple clicks on the usual interface buttons to reach the desired parameter. And, although not being an unconditional fan of this type of operation, it is clear that here, it is perfectly exploited and usable. Even if objectivity forces me to say that big fingers could possibly be a brake on certain manipulations.

Otherwise, there are no downsides to be noted. The TS 218 behaves royally during your vape sessions and is a useful and autonomous companion that will easily accompany you on your travels. Its all-purpose look (in black), its relatively modest size for a double-battery box and its reliability in use will be major assets for everyday nomadism.

Recommendations for use

• Type of batteries used during the tests: 18650
• Number of batteries used during the tests: 2
• With what type of atomizer is it advisable to use this product? Dripper, Classic fiber, Sub-ohm assembly, Genesis-type rebuildable
• With which model of atomizer is it advisable to use this product? Any atomizer with a diameter less than or equal to 25mm
• Description of the test configuration used: Vapor Giant Mini V3, Hadali, Kayfun V5, Tsunami 24
• Description of the ideal configuration with this product: A RTA or RDTA rather short, in a simple aesthetic concern. Otherwise, any atomizer will be welcome.

was the product liked by the reviewer: Yes

Overall average of the Vapelier for this product: 4.6 / 5

Link to a video review or blog maintained by the reviewer author of the review

The mood ticket of the reviewer

A Top Mod naturally sanctions a good research & development effort to achieve this TS 218 which has no major flaws and finally puts the touch at the service of the vape. This mod will appeal to geeks of all stripes and will make others hesitate, but the very existence of this proposal suggests that new technologies will be more and more in demand for our personal vaporizers. 

We are still at the level of the Antiquity of the Vape and this type of product allows us to represent the vape of the future, more and more safe, better and better controlled and adapted to its time. For that alone, the TS 218 is worth the test and sets a new milestone in the history of a health revolution which has come by the back door but which could well pave the way towards a world finally rid of tobacco poison. .

(c) Copyright Le Vapelier SAS 2014 - Only full reproduction of this article is authorized - Any modification of any kind is totally prohibited and infringes the rights of this copyright.