Description
TL;DR: The SMOK Scar 18 vape kit is a 230W, IP67-rated box mod with a 2ml TFV9 sub-ohm tank, priced at £47.19. Best for experienced direct-to-lung vapers who already own 18650 batteries. Not ideal for new vapers or anyone who wants a tight, cigarette-like draw.
Built for direct-to-lung (DTL) vaping, where vapour goes straight into the lungs like a deep breath, this SMOK vape kit pairs a zinc alloy and leather dual-battery mod with a mesh-coil tank. It is an older design, released in 2020, and it shows in one place: charging is Micro-USB, not USB-C. The body still holds up, with a rating against water, dust and drops. The two 18650 batteries are sold separately.
Key Facts
The SMOK Scar-18 mod fires from 1W to 230W in wattage mode.
The Scar 18 mod runs on two external 18650 batteries, which are not included in the box.
The Scar 18 mod carries an IP67 rating for water and dust resistance.
The UK Scar 18 kit includes a 2ml TFV9 tank and two V9 Meshed 0.15Ω coils.
The Scar 18 mod charges through a Micro-USB port at a maximum of 1.3A.
Versus the Geekvape Aegis Legend 2, the Scar 18 has more peak power (230W against 200W) but the older Micro-USB port.
SMOK Scar 18 Kit Specs
Battery: 2 x external 18650, sold separately. Buy a matched pair of high-drain cells and always use them together.
Power: 1-230W (10-230W in temperature control). Far more than the stock coil needs.
Tank: TFV9, 2ml UK capacity. The 6.5ml figure seen online is the non-UK bubble glass version.
Coils supplied: 2 x V9 Meshed 0.15Ω. Sub-ohm coils (under 1 ohm of resistance) with a mesh strip for big vapour, rated 40-90W.
Charging: Micro-USB, max 1.3A. SMOK publishes no charge time; an external charger is the quicker, safer route.
Display: 0.96 inch colour TFT. Shows wattage, coil resistance and battery level at a glance.
Protection: IP67. Sealed against dust and brief immersion, with a spring-loaded battery door.
Size and weight: 88 x 54 x 30.6mm, 183.5g without batteries. A coat-pocket device, not a slim one.
Pick Your Inhale: A DTL Sub Ohm Kit
As sold, this kit does one draw style. MTL (mouth-to-lung) is a tight, cigarette-like draw, RDL (restricted direct-lung) sits in the middle, and DTL is wide open with large clouds.
V9 Meshed 0.15Ω: DTL, rated 40-90W. UK reviewers settle at 65-80W with the airflow half to fully open.
Want MTL or RDL? The mod has a standard 510 connector and reads coils from 0.1Ω to 2.5Ω, so a different tank screws straight on.
Key Features
IP67 build: zinc alloy frame with a leather grip. It shrugs off rain, dust and knocks better than most vape mods.
IQ-X chipset: wattage, temperature control (nickel, titanium, stainless steel) and TCR modes. Most owners never need to leave wattage mode.
Safety cut-offs: 8-second cut-off, short-circuit, overheat and low-battery protection.
Coils and E-Liquid Pairing
The V9 mesh coil needs thick liquid. Use 60% VG or higher; 70/30 is the usual choice. That means a 100ml shortfill e-liquid with a nicotine shot added, not a thin 50/50 or a nic salt. Thin liquid floods this coil and leaks.
Keep nicotine low, because DTL delivers far more vapour per puff: 3mg suits most, 6mg is the ceiling before it turns harsh.
Battery, Coil Life and Running Cost
Battery life: reviewers report a full day from one pair of cells at 65-75W.
Coil life: 3-7 days with sweet liquids and heavy use, up to two weeks with lighter use.
Coil cost: TFV9 replacement coils are £14.95 for five, so £2.99 each, or roughly £1.50 to £2.99 a week.
Start-up cost: two 18650 batteries add about £12 to the kit price.
Refills: a 2ml tank empties fast at 70W. Expect several top-ups a day.
Compatibility and Refills
This is the Scar 18, not the Scar Mini or the Scar P3 and P5 pod kits, which take different coils and pods. The TFV9 tank uses V9 Meshed 0.15Ω coils, and SMOK also lists it as compatible with V8 Baby coils. TFV16, TFV18 and RPM coils do not fit. The mod takes 18650 cells only; 21700 cells are too large.
How to Set Up
Fit two charged 18650 cells, matching the + and – marks, and close the door until it latches.
Check the pre-installed coil is seated firmly in the tank base.
Drip e-liquid onto the cotton, fill the tank, then wait 10 minutes so the coil soaks.
Press the fire button five times to switch on. Start at 50W and work up.
Make it last longer: pause between puffs so the cotton can re-soak. Charge the cells in an external charger and replace any cell with a torn wrap.
Best Colours
Black and Fluid Black White are the low-key choices for a work bag or jacket pocket. Green Stabilising Wood suits vapers who like a classic, traditional look. Fluid Red, Fluid Blue, Fluid Gold and the 7-colour finish stand out more and appeal to collectors.
Scar 18 Price Comparison
As of October 2026 this kit is £47.19 here. UK Vaper lists it at £44.00 in stock, and Vape Club shows £44.99 but marks it as discontinued. The Smok Arcfox kit is £39.99, also 230W on two 18650 cells, and adds USB-C charging.
What’s in the Box
Scar 18 mod
TFV9 tank (2ml)
2 x V9 Meshed 0.15Ω coils (one pre-installed)
Micro-USB cable
User manual
18650 batteries not included
FAQ
What coil does a SMOK Scar 18 use?
The kit uses SMOK V9 Meshed 0.15Ω coils in the TFV9 tank. Two are supplied, one already fitted. They are rated 40-90W. SMOK also lists V8 Baby coils as compatible.
Does the Scar 18 come with batteries?
No. It needs two 18650 batteries, bought separately. Use a matched pair of the same brand, model and age.
Is the Scar 18 waterproof?
The mod is rated IP67, which covers dust and brief immersion in water. The rating applies to the mod, not the tank, and only with the battery door fully latched.
Why is my Scar 18 leaking?
Leaks come from the TFV9 tank, and UK reviewers on Ecigclick report it as the weak point of the kit. Use 70% VG liquid, seat the coil firmly, close the airflow while filling and check the O-rings. If it continues, fit another 510 tank.
What are the best settings for the Scar 18?
Use wattage mode at 65-80W with the stock 0.15Ω coil. Start a new coil at 50W, then raise it in 5W steps.
How do I turn on and lock the Scar 18?
Press the fire button five times to switch on or off. Three presses open the menu. Hold the two adjustment buttons together to lock or unlock the wattage.
What is the best vape for heavy smokers in the UK?
It depends on the draw wanted. Most heavy smokers start with a tight MTL kit and stronger nicotine, while a DTL kit like this suits those who want big vapour at low nicotine. See the guide to the best vapes for heavy smokers.