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Longtime vapers will recognize SmokTech as an industry pioneer: their award-winning TFV series of clearomizers set the bar by which modern sub-ohm tanks are measured. Their selection of budget-priced, high-performance mods is unmatched. Today, we're looking at an updated version of the wildly popular Alien mod, now renamed the RHA.

The RHA 220W TC Starter Kit is almost an exact replication of Smok’s existing Alien 220. The only real difference between the two of them is the name on the front. Other than that, unless you have them side by side, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. Even then, they’re pretty hard to distinguish.

For Smok, the adage 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' seems to apply. The Alien was popular for many reasons, notably its' compact size for a dual 18650 setup and pairing with the tried and true Baby Beast tank.

Design

The design on the RHA is considered by many to be the ideal Smok mod. With mod dimensions of 85mm by 44mm by 30mm, it’s on the smaller side for a dual-battery box, which is a big plus. It’s made of stainless steel and features Smok's trademark oversized fire button, which stays nice and loose.

The device has a user-intuitive bright LED screen, with buttons that make it easy to scroll through features like temperature control, wattage mode, puff count, and others.

As mentioned, the RHA is paired with a Baby Beast tank equipped with color-matched o-rings. As this design has been on the market for a couple years now, the Smok brand and the Alien have become a go-to box mod for sub-ohm users that want something smaller to take on the road.   

Performance

This is a time-tested box mod that performs exactly as Smok veterans would expect. Wattage and temperature control features are both easy to adjust and accurate, and when paired with appropriate high-discharge batteries you'll vape all day without a change.

The TFV 8 Baby Beast tank delivers great flavor and cloud, and a host of coil head options allow the user to custom tailor the vaping experience.

There's not a lot that stands out here as new or groundbreaking because, again, this is just a refresh of a historically popular mod that's designed to just get the job done.

Drawbacks

At the risk of getting repetitive, this is a fairly basic mod - you won't find user-programmable TCR curves or custom heat profile settings. If you're looking for something more modern and feature-rich, the RHA might seem a bit dated.

Smok also isn't known for having the best paint quality - if your mod is going to be seeing a lot of use outside the home expect it to pick up a few chips and scratches along the way.

Takeaway

The RHA 220W TC Starter Kit is a solid mid-tier entry in the world of dual-18650 box mods. It's equipped with all the basics needed to satisfy the vast majority of vapers in a compact, ergonomic style at an affordable price point.

If you're looking to upgrade to an advanced mod for the first time, or you're looking for an affordable backup that's withstood the test of time and remains popular more than two years after its introduction, the RHA could be a good fit. Highly advanced users, however, will probably want something a little more up-market.