SMOK TFV8 Cloud Beast Review
Last year, when I reviewed the SMOK TFV4, I remember referring to it as a beast of a tank, but now, after trying out the new TFV8 Cloud Beast, the old version seems pretty tame. Featuring by far the largest coil heads I have ever seen, a huge chimney and 6ml e-juice capcity, the TFV8 is designed to create monster clouds of vapor, but you’re going to need a heck of a lot of power to get the best vaping experience out of it. So before you even think about getting one, or even reading this review, make sure you have a mod with a power output of at least 100 watts.
The TFV8 Cloud Beast comes in the usual SMOK black cardboard box, but this time, instead of the usual white and grey paper sleeve, the Chinese company went for a volcano background, which they also mention in the metaphoric description of the new tank: “The ancient volcano, Mount Vesuvius, is a cloud beast entrenched into the earth. Although calm, the 2,000 foot diameter crater fills with steam; a formidable, gasping lion. Once awakened, she erupts lava into an ominous sky, and the earth trembles with her great power. Now, SMOK brings you this magnificent power, completely changing your vaping experience. The TFV8, is the ultimate sub-ohm atomizer.”
Inside the box, we have the Cloud Beast sitting in a foam holder, and underneath that are two massive coil heads, a spare glass tube, a bag of organic cotton, an Allen key, spare O-rings and gaskets, a couple of vape bands and a small instructional leaflet. It’s about as meaty as a sub-ohm tank kit can get, so in that regard, you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.
In terms of size and appearance, the SMOK TFV8 is not all that different from the TFV4. They share the same general design, they are just as long, and have the same diameter (24.5mm), at least at the base, because the glass portion of the Cloud Beast opens into 25.5mm to accommodate a maximum of 6ml of e-liquid. Also, the refilling system is the same on both tanks, with SMOK’s patented swivel top-cap that can be pushed to the side to reveal a silicone gasket with a large fill port.
However, on closer inspection, you can tell that SMOK decided to change quite a few things on the new TFV8. First of all, they’ve done away with the top airflow on the drip tip, which I’m sure most vapers will be happy to hear, as it wasn’t really wasn’t the most beloved feature of the TFV4. Instead, they went with a large diameter chuff-style wide boar drip tip made of delrin. It’s not really my favorite type of drip tip, but I will admit that it was probably the best choice for such a powerful tank. But if you can’t stand it, you can use a standard 510 tip thanks to the included delrin adapter.
The bottom airflow control system has also been modified. The four cyclops air slots of the TFV4 have now been reduced to two massive holes that can be opened and closed freely by rotating a metallic ring. Despite the reduction in the number of air slots, their size makes the TFV8 even airier than SMOK’s former flagship tank.
As I mentioned in the beginning of this review, the stainless steel chimney of the TFV8 is much larger than that of the TFV4, allowing a massive volume of vapor to smoothly make its way to your mouth. The coil heads are also very different than the older generation. First of all, they are simply enormous. When SMOK released the TFV4, its coils were bigger than everything I’d ever seen, but compared to those of the Cloud Beast they now look tiny. The octuple coil-head is particularly impressive, both in size – when installed it lowers the juice capacity to 5.5ml – and architecture, but the quadruple coil head and the RBA are no joke either.
Finally, the TFV8 comes with bright orange o-rings that make the tank stand out more, and the connector pin protrudes much more than it did on the TFV4, so the chances of getting a short circuit warning because of the threading touching the battery connection are virtually non-existent.
Overall, the build quality of the new SMOK TFV8 Cloud Beast tank is impeccable. The hinged top cap now locks firmly in place, unlike that of the TFV4, the bottom airflow ring is not loose at all, but turns smoothly when you apply a bit of pressure to it, and the machining is excellent. Everything is smoothed out, there are no scratches on it whatsoever, and it comes squeaky clean. I couldn’t find a smudge of machine oil on either of the two samples that I received for this review, so after a quick rinse they were ready for use.
The SMOK TFV8 currently has three types of coil heads available, plus an 18mm RBA. The tank comes pre-installed with a 1.5Ω quadruple coil head, and the kit also contains the massive 1.5Ω octuple coil head and the RBA which comes with two pre-installed large-diameter fused Clapton coils. The 0.2Ω sextuple coil head can be purchased separately from the SMOK website. All these different options should keep you busy for a while, but knowing SMOK, we’ll probably have around 15 different coil heads and RBAs to choose from in just a few months. When it comes to diversity, no other company even comes close to SMOK, but don’t take my word for it, just check out their site and see all the different variants of mods, tanks and coil options for yourself.
Performance-wise, the TFV8 is definitely worthy of its “Cloud Beast” name. I can’t begin to describe how much vapor this thing can produce under the right circumstances. I say that because anything under 90W just isn’t enough to unleash the beast in the Cloud Beast. You might get a decent mouthful of cool vapor at around 70W, but you’re going to need a lot more than that to bring out the best of its massive coil heads.
For example, on the quadruple coil, it says it can be used in the 50W-180W range, but performs best between 90W – 150W. I tried vaping with it at 50W and barely got a whiff of vapor out of it. It starts to pick up at around 80W, but my sweet spot was 100W. I tried to go higher, but after 120W, the vapor became a bit too hot for my taste, and the flavor of the juice was considerably muted. Plus, I didn’t notice a big difference in vapor production from 100W to 150W and the trade-off in flavor was just not worth it for me.
The wattage range for the octuple coil head is 50W – 260W, but SMOK recommends using it at 120W – 180W. Yes, you read that correctly, this thing can be used at a whopping 260W, which I think is insane. Strangely enough, even at 120W, this thing feels under-powered. The vapor is dense but unusually cool for such high wattage. It starts to get warmer at around 150W, which is as high as I was willing to go, but I could tell it needed a bit more power. I usually vape in the 60W – 80W so I was already way over my limits. I did check to see if anyone had used it at the full 260W, and managed to find this video by Vapin’ Heathen, one of my favorite reviewers. He actually took a couple of short hits at 300W, on a three-18650-battery monster, and reported no burnt taste whatsoever. It looked pretty uncomfortable, though.
I have yet to use the RBA, but the experience you get with it depends on the build you’re using. I can say that it looks easy to work with thanks to its massive size, Velocity-style posts and intuitive design. I’m definitely going to give it a try with the stock coils, but the two coil heads have been keeping me busy so far. I’ve been using the the quad coil head for about a week and a half now and I’m still not getting any weird taste from it. I’m vaping a sweet full VG tobacco, so I’m actually pleasantly surprised by how well the coil is holding out.
Another thing that left me impressed after a week and a half of constant use was the fact that I did not experience any leaking problems at all. Apart from small droplets of condensation visible through the airflow slots, the TFV8 is completely dry. Juice leakage is the most annoying vaping issue for me, so this is a big plus.
As you can imagine, juice consumption is going to be an issue with this powerful a tank. Just like with the TFV4, you can see the level of juice dropping in the tank after just 4 or 5 serious hits. There’s a reason the TFV8 has a juice capacity of 6ml, any less and you’d have to refill it every 15 minutes. But what do you expect from a tank designed with cloud chasing in mind? Those big, thick clouds don’t form out of thin air, you know. They need juice, lots of juice. If you’re used to vaping expensive, gourmet e-liquid, the TFV8 will probably burn a big hole in your wallet, but if you blend your own, you should be alright.
The TFV8 is a cloud chaser’s dream come true, but as far as flavor goes, it’s not the best tank I’ve ever used. The Joyetech Cubis is much better in this department, as is the Eleaf Melo 3 Mini, but they dont even come close to the Cloud Beast in terms of vapor production. As the nickname suggests, the TFV8 is all about huge clouds, and while the flavor intensity of the juice was not completely neglected, it definitely wasn’t the designers’ main concern.
So is the SMOK TFV8 worth your money? If you’re into high-wattage vaping and cloud chasing, it is probably the best tank you can buy. But while I can respect and appreciate its power and vapor production capabilities, I also find it overwhelming. As I mentioned before, I usually vape in the 60W – 80W range, so having to go over 100W just to get a satisfying experience takes me out of my comfort zone. Also, its large size makes it harder to carry around, and the high vapor consumption makes using it pretty expensive for me, because I don’t mix my own juice. I had fun using it, and will probably take it out every once in a while just to impress my friends, but it’s just not something I would use on a daily basis.
But that’s just me! I’m sure the TFV8 will make a lot of vapers very happy, and if you’re into cloud chasing, you’ll probably love it.
I hate this tank. It was good for like two days, but then it started leaking all the Juice from the bottom. I swapped out coils, made sure they weren’t overly tight and all the juice leaks out of the bottom even when up right. The TFV4 doesn’t do this so I’m really unimpressed with this new tank. Put more thought on the build quality and make a tank that’s less prone to leakage.
Its a defect. i dropped my the day i had it and the very bottom part? the part that is attachedto wear,it screw into the,mod? thats wear your issue is. its best to,hold the tank firmly and push really hard on like a wooden table. youll here,it almost pop back into place. there should not be,the least amount of gap there. At least with mine. hope this,helps. this is,my favorite tank,and,the “hyper engines” are so cheap. rockin a rx200s with updated firmware. this things is literally a cloud beast. sorry bout your luck pall. would rather have no other tank! #VapesForDays
all you have to do is close the bottom airflow before filling, fill it up, close it, open the air flows, put a tissue over the air flows and blow through the tank to clear the juice that spilled out. I do this every time i fill it and it never leaks after that process.
Same as Kenneth…Worked for about 4 Days then leaked…Change Coil…Leaked in 2 days…Changed Coil…Leaked in 30 minutes…Changed coil…Leaked after 8 Hrs…This is my experience with it. I also own 4 other TFV4 type tanks including RTA’s. This one vapes the largest clouds, but manufacturing and /or design doesn’t seem to hold up.
It clearly states DO NOT FILL TO THE TOP !!!! If you can’t read instructions then …… Well serves you right
Juice leaking out your airflow holes? Some TFV8 coils have a manufacturing quality control problem. This fixes the issue.
As the air heats up inside the tank, it expands and pushes the juice out the defect in the coil’s seal at the base and it spews out the airflow holes. Hopefully this will be resolved by SMOK soon. In the meantime, follow this simple fix;
https://youtu.be/Bu9J5cIMUyk
It leaks .it sucks
It doesn’t leak at all. These idiots who are saying it leaks obviously can’t read the instructions where it says “Do not fill to the top.”
It’s an awesome tank and chucks the largest clouds ever.
Lube the coil seals before installing, it won’t leak.
total crap leaked after 5 minutes changed coil did the exact same total waste of money just read that this is coil defect do not care now in bin piece of crap do not buy
the only problem im having is that after about 36 hours i start getting burnt hits. this is after 8 coils have been changed over a 4 week period, no leaking or anything like that. Yet i talk to other people with the same mod and same tank and they get 2-3 weeks per coil. I have brought it to the shop and they are even scratching their heads, I’m going to exchange it for a new one tomorrow and see if that fixes this problem, Its acting like it is not getting fluid to the coil after the initial priming fluid is vaped off, the middle of the coil was dry even after sitting for about 5 min w/o vaping we removed the coil and the center of it was dry, don’t really understand why its not getting fluid there. other than that, the first 24-36 hours of a new coil is amazing, but im def not buying a new coil every other day.
I’m having the same issue with the dry hits. I’ve tried all the tips to fix it but it still happens.
I have two and have had zero issues. In fact one was a return from a customer that had major leaking issues. Cleaned it up so I could ‘trouble shoot’ it, and it hasn’t leaked a drop since I’ve been using it. None of my other customers have had any issues whatsoever with theirs either.
Love it,huge clouds, read the instructions, maybe you wont get leaks, havent had an issue since i had it. One of my best tanks
The Cloud Beast is awesome. Let me start by saying if you drop it you have only yourself to blame for any issues experienced thereafter.
I have been using this tank for a few weeks now with no issues. I used the pre-built coil in the RBA for about a week, but i was getting some spit back, so I changed the coil and the spit back is no more. I have not had any issues with leaking at all.I can say it will feel like it is leaking by the amount of liquid it consumes. 🙂
Overall I give this tank 10 out of 10.
Feel I’d chime in one this…Has the tank for over 3 weeks now, and bought multiple coil replacements…never had a leaking issue whatsoever. I’m using 70/30, 80/20, 100 VG, etc juices and haven’t noticed anything besides condensation on the drip tip and within the drip tip well (slot you put the drip tip..accumulates juice over time vaping).
I’ve only come into one run-in and that was ONE coil from a pack I bought that didn’t register on my KangerTech mod…adjusted the bottom a bit and it was good to go.
Other than that, this tank has proven great against all other competitors! Especially the shitty KangerTech Protank 4 that I dropped $40 for..that weak draggin’ piece of shit. Kanger….stick to just mods. Your tanks suck complete ass. I haven’t had a good vape from your tanks since the original ProTank 2……
As a vaper for about 4 years, I’ve been in the game for a while, I remember I bought the subtank as soon as it came out around the time in witch there was very few if no sub ohm devices on the market, except maybe some RDA’s (Drippers). And over the years be had over 30 tanks and RDA and have had over 250+ kinds of ecig fluid, but enough about my background, let’s get to the product.
The TFV8’s Specs
Size: 24.5mm*50mm.
Weight: 74G
Glass: 25.5 Millimeter
Material: Stainless Steel
Thread Type: 510
Capacity: 5.5 ml w/ T8-V8
6ml w/ T8-Q4
Delrin Drip tip
Top Refill System.
Coils: T8-V8 .15 Ohm (50-260W)
T8-Q4 (50-180W)
So I’ve had the TFV8 for about a week maybe a week and a half and my opinion on it is, it’s amazing, a truly sensational tank for all the cloud chasers like me out there. As you could’ve guessed yes it does produce very large clouds but also the Flavor on it is surprisingly good for such a high wattage vape, and it stays very cool, lukewarm at high wattage until about the steep end of the maximum. Also it is a very clean tank very aesthetically appealing very attractive. And the Airflow.. The airflow is on point it’s two very large slits and what you do to one affects the other. I’ve had many tanks and this one is definitely in my top three and if I broke it or lost it, yes I would buy it again. From the cloud trap house w/ love – Brandon
Nice cloud first time using the beast but I can blow just as using the original tank on the micro one 150 an what the fuck are the rubber bands for coz there 2 small for my nob
I’m going from a Cubis Pro on a Joyetech eVic-VTC Mini to the TFV8 on a Rx200s.
I only have one doubt: when you put a new coil head on the Cubis you must first put some juice on its holes to avoid dryhit, is that also necessary with the V8T… heads? Or do I just put it in dry and fill the tank (with air flow closed)?
It must be a stupid question, but I didn’t find this info anywhere, and I don’t wanna mess up with such an amazing piece of work that is this tank.
I got mine, am I the only one that gets one of the coil replacement (the smallest one) with one little piece loosed? (like in your pictures #9)
Had one for over six months now and no issues and the best tank I have ever used and find it the one I use the most. Big clouds with the rx200s
I just got mine can anyone tell me if your drip tip come off easy.
Does anyone knock how to take the key lock off?
Iv had this tank for close to 3 weeks love it! Bought with siegeli 213 perfect combo!
Leaked an entire tank of juice right after buying and filling it up to about 60%, just enough to cover the slits in the chimney. Not to the top like everyone here keeps assuming.
Cleaned the mess, disassembled, and installed the replacement o-rings that were supplied with the tank, refilled, and hasn’t leaked a drop yet. There’s tons of forum posts about this tank leaking, and it’s a shame really. I was pretty upset after spending the money on it and some new premium juices just to have them wasted.
Just a quick question. I use the eleaf pico and love it. Should I just stay with this one, I was looking at adding a SMOK machine kit that comes with a TFV8 baby tank. What difference would I be getting between these two machines. Vape on. A year yesterday smoke free
This has not been a finicky tank. I find it too airy for an all day vape, but fun to use and well machined. I prefer the flavor of the Baby and Big Baby. Some of the early batches if coils had defects causing leaking. There are YouTube videos on how to deal with it, but mine has not leaked.
I’ve had this tank for about a month things a total piece of garbage is done nothing but leak since I swapped out the original coil I recently filled it to use it and it leaked all the juice at once causing me to be burned all down my chest… Piece of s*** they’re over mass-produced go with something that’s not well known they tend to work better and are built with quality
I have been using my TFV8 since they hit the streets and the only two things that keep me from giving it 5 stars is the build deck shorted out after about six months (‘spares’ are supposedly available but so far I only see them for sale on eBay or from other tank users who do not build) and the top seal will swell and fail when dealing with some citrus juices.
Ive been using the TFV8 for a while now, bought one when they first came out. As for leaking, I have had some issues, but nothing that wasn’t easily fixed. Each time its leaked it was due to 2 thing, the seal where the coil head meets the base or the seal at the bottom of the glass. Now, Ive been using this thing for a long time and at nothing less than 100 watts. Hit counts range from 1500 per all the way to 3000+ per coil head change. Ive noticed that occasionally you HAVE to do maintenance on this thing. Use the supplied o ring kits after a few dozen coil changes. Clean the whole thing and move the o rings around a bit when you clean it. Each time this thing has leaked on my all I had to do was take it apart and literally move/adjust all the o rings and put back together….. after that no leaks. Ive also found that instead of monkeying these things too tight that when putting it back together just a turn to snug is best. All in all its a great piece. Love it… don’t see any reason to ditch it for anything else. The only reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is YES it does occasionally leak, but its fixable, and usually ends up in wasting a half tank.
ALSO…. to get the best use out of your coil heads…. fill the tank once the juice meets the top of the cotton. If you suck on this tank until the juice is at the bottom of the glass you WILL ruin the coils prematurely. When I was new with it I would go through coils left and right… then realized (after taking a few heads apart) it was ALWAYS due to the cotton starving for juice towards the top. Once I started refilling in the manner described above I was able to more than double the life of my coils.