iStick Pico vs SMOK AL85

LegendJo · Mar 26, 2017

Hello there!

I am new to the vaping community, I am a non-smoker adult who decided to vape on, Honestly I tried smoking, I smoked 2 packs in a very rough month almost a year ago, I hated the taste and the smell of it but I really enjoyed being able to puff something. It's something I really enjoy. I also love to tinker with things and this seems fun to me. I am not getting into this to look "cool" nor I intend to use it anywhere than home anyways.

Now.. I did a lot of research and reading and watching YouTube videos etc.. and then I started looking at prices in stores in my country and start making something out of my budget and I came to this:

1: iStick Pico Mod + Serpent Mini Tank

2: iStick Pico Kit (Melo 3 tank)

3: SMOK AL85 Kit (Baby beast tank)

With that and battery and a liquid my budget is fully exhausted.

What I like about the SMOK:

The Screen: Not actually the size of it but how it looks and the how information is shown.
The Look: It really looks pretty.
Software: Being able to control stuff with 1 button and some little statistic about the puffs is kinda nice.

What I don't like about the SMOK:

The body of it: Terrible paint job as a lot of people is saying, I hate using cases.
replacement parts more expensive in my country than the Pico
I kinda have trust issues with SMOK because of problems with Alien

What I like about the Pico:

You can customize the software.
Colors of the mod and how it looks overall.
It's cheap allows me to get a RTA but still has a decent quality.
Cheap replacement for the Melo 3 tank
That you can charge it via decent USB safely (Since this was tested for a long time on this specific MOD with charts and everything.) The only thing to be extra safe is to remove the cable after the battery is full to avoid float charging.

What I don't like about the Pico:

I actually don't really know.. I don't mind the smaller tank size nor the small screen.
I've heard that it gets REALLY warm and annoying in like 3 puffs but I am not sure, I'd like to listen to your inputs on that!
Also, About the serpent tank, I am not considering a Coil Master kit soon so I am either gonna gonna make coils without it or buy pre-made coils, Are those coils okay or there's any problems with it?

Sorry for the so long thread!

Just Frank · Mar 26, 2017

The pico is a slick little device. I have two of them. I haven't noticed either getting too warm. They are very small which is a plus for me. The only bad thing is the battery case limits the size of compatible replacement tanks. I tried to put an Avacado 24 on the pico but its to wide and doesnt fit.

I would recommend getting the Pico with a Griffin RTA. I went with this combo for a long time and loved it. For sub ohm I would recomend the baby beast.

I'm a new Smok customer and can say the TFV8 Baby Beast is the best 22mm sub ohm tank I've ever used. It's really awesome.

Just Frank · Mar 26, 2017

I make my own coils by hand on a mini screwdriver. I never got around to ordering a coilmaster. Its easy enough to make your own. Premaid coils are nice too for convenience. If you can afford to, you should buy some. But on the other hand, you can get a spool of wire and make way more for the money.

Barbara E. · Mar 27, 2017

I would go with the Pico/Melo combo. We sell these and have yet to have any problems. I personally have three myself - they are my 'go-to'.

I came to this board to see if anyone is reporting problems with the Smok alien and/or AL85. We just had two new customers come in (one with an alien, one with the AL85) and both were having the same problem - they just stopped working. (They hadn't bought the mods from us.) We figured out that the usb had crapped out on the AL85 and his batteries are depleted (he bought a charger) but the alien is just dead. Both people said the mods were just a week or so old (they looked pristine).

It's probably sheer coincidence but we don't often have people coming in with problems - two in one day is highly unusual (this is a first). And that they're both Smok products is weird.

wally · Mar 27, 2017

Get one of these and you can build using the melo 3 will not get hot you can get it at sweet vapes for about 3.50 eleaf makes them. This one works on melo 3 also.

ChrisL · Mar 27, 2017

Lets see. Al85 has a better screen, higher wattage, fits 25mm tanks, comes in great colors, and best of all , comes with a Baby Beast tank. Love my Pico, and the resin and brass accent Pico's look pretty sweet, but the Melo tank/coils just can't compete with the T8 and Q4 coils of the BB. Maybe get the Pico, just find a nicer tank. I have a Tobeco SuperTank Mini on my Pico and it's a pretty nice combo.

NHXJer · Mar 28, 2017

The tipping point for me towards the Pico is the ability to upgrade with 3rd party firmware - specifically ArticFox. It's that good that I don't think I'll buy another mod unless it's compatible with it.

conanthewarrior · Mar 28, 2017

I really like the Pico myself, and own 49 mods. Even out of my high end mods, I love the Pico for its small size and it gets a fair amount of use compared to some of my other mods in the collection.

I don't find it to get warm or hot during use, I usually vape it up to around 35W or so, it may get a bit warm at higher wattages but this is to be expected with any single 18650 device pushing a single battery hard.

I would go for it, nice and cheap, but also nice and good

516_vaper_li · Mar 28, 2017

I own them both. Still loving my Pico w/ the Melo with the Trition coils. Love the flavor. Never go up to 75w though. Got the AL85 a few days ago. I just dont care for the delay when switching through the different screen options.

wally · Mar 28, 2017

A friend of mine has the AL85 I did not care for it and compared to the pico I much rather have the pico.

LegendJo · Mar 28, 2017

Thank you guys so much. I got the pico today but I got the serpent mini combo instead of melo 3

downInTn · Mar 29, 2017

NHXJer said:
The tipping point for me towards the Pico is the ability to upgrade with 3rd party firmware - specifically ArticFox.

Thank you for mentioning this. I got a Pico a couple weeks ago and didn't know about ArticFox.

I was fairly happy with the stock firmware, temp control worked better than my Alien. Now it's even better with ArticFox and for the first time I'm really enjoying TC. NFE toolbox is really awesome! I love being able to plug into a PC and set all the settings.

NHXJer said:
It's that good that I don't think I'll buy another mod unless it's compatible with it.

I think I'm with you on that ^.

Raymcconn · Mar 29, 2017

downInTn said:
I was fairly happy with the stock firmware, temp control worked better than my Alien. Now it's even better with ArticFox and for the first time I'm really enjoying TC. NFE toolbox is really awesome! I love being able to plug into a PC and set all the settings.

I have been thinking about using the ArticFox firmware. is it user friendly. I have no issues using computers but I have very little time to get to sit on one. Well unless I install it at work and I don't think they would appreciate that.

What were the big differences in the TC?

downInTn · Mar 29, 2017

Raymcconn said:
I have been thinking about using the ArticFox firmware. is it user friendly. I have no issues using computers but I have very little time to get to sit on one. Well unless I install it at work and I don't think they would appreciate that.
What were the big differences in the TC?

Yeah, it was really easy. Download the toolbox and unzip it into a folder then just run the .exe, nothing to install really.

TC is really smooth now, I can't tell when the protection is kicking in like I could before.

conanthewarrior · Mar 29, 2017

I wish you could install Arctic fox on a mac, my windows partition has gone messed up so I can't use it at the moment, I really want to install it on all of my mods it will work on (At least 6), I think they would get a lot more use if I could install it and use it

SirRichardRear · Mar 29, 2017

conanthewarrior said:
I wish you could install Arctic fox on a mac, my windows partition has gone messed up so I can't use it at the moment, I really want to install it on all of my mods it will work on (At least 6), I think they would get a lot more use if I could install it and use it

download a trial of VMware fusion, then install a trial version of windows on it

should work long enough to allow you to install the firmware

conanthewarrior · Mar 30, 2017

SirRichardRear said:
download a trial of VMware fusion, then install a trial version of windows on it
should work long enough to allow you to install the firmware

I do have virtualbox installed, which is what I use to run Escribe, which is very similar to VMwarefusion. I actually installed it after the trial for VMwarefusion ran out.

I should of been a bit clearer here, on my Mac the superdrive has failed so I could not install windows with bootcamp recently after a HD failure.
I could on an older version of OSX using a windows ISO, but now I can't seem to do it, even by forcing my mac into thinking it is a model without a disc drive like the newer retina display models.

Virtualbox is not loading up at the moment though, so I will probably have to reinstall it for Escribe. I did try to get Arctic fox on before this way, but I had no luck

. Not sure if it is just one of those things where I am running windows as a virtual machine or not but it is annoying either way as I would really like to use it.

nicounderground · Mar 31, 2017

LegendJo said:
Thank you guys so much. I got the pico today but I got the serpent mini combo instead of melo 3

yeah i didn’t like the Melo at all i got the baby beast with mine

it rocks now that im getting help here using it lol … so how does the serpent go? good? i guess yeah?!

nicounderground · Mar 31, 2017

conanthewarrior said:
I do have virtualbox installed, which is what I use to run Escribe, which is very similar to VMwarefusion. I actually installed it after the trial for VMwarefusion ran out.

I should of been a bit clearer here, on my Mac the superdrive has failed so I could not install windows with bootcamp recently after a HD failure.
I could on an older version of OSX using a windows ISO, but now I can't seem to do it, even by forcing my mac into thinking it is a model without a disc drive like the newer retina display models.

Virtualbox is not loading up at the moment though, so I will probably have to reinstall it for Escribe. I did try to get Arctic fox on before this way, but I had no luck . Not sure if it is just one of those things where I am running windows as a virtual machine or not but it is annoying either way as I would really like to use it.

i too have a mac and it can be frustrating …

nicounderground · Mar 31, 2017

NHXJer said:
The tipping point for me towards the Pico is the ability to upgrade with 3rd party firmware - specifically ArticFox. It's that good that I don't think I'll buy another mod unless it's compatible with it.

oh cool … ill have a look at that too… oh no im mod obsessed now

nicounderground · Mar 31, 2017

ChrisL said:
Lets see. Al85 has a better screen, higher wattage, fits 25mm tanks, comes in great colors, and best of all , comes with a Baby Beast tank. Love my Pico, and the resin and brass accent Pico's look pretty sweet, but the Melo tank/coils just can't compete with the T8 and Q4 coils of the BB. Maybe get the Pico, just find a nicer tank. I have a Tobeco SuperTank Mini on my Pico and it's a pretty nice combo.

hi my pico is my first and i got the baby beast for it omg it rocks .. try it .. omg i love it… im new but it is soon great tasting and perfect from the start… i had a problem only because i didn’t upgrade the firmware lol.. i came straight here and wally answered me and it worked… thanks everyone also yeah try your baby beast on the pico is bad…

chuck333 · Mar 31, 2017

I chose the Smok only because I don't like my Joyetech AIO at all and am afraid of anything made by that company. If they can sell the AIO unashamedly I worry about anything they produce.

wally · Apr 1, 2017

nicounderground said:
yeah i didn’t like the Melo at all i got the baby beast with mine it rocks now that im getting help here using it lol … so how does the serpent go? good? i guess yeah?!

I just bought the serpent alto smallest one I have had. Works great and will not flood even when you add more juice you don't even have to shut the air flow off. It has very good flavor that comes close to the goblin v3. So far the goblin has the best flavor of them all but is a picky one.

chuck333 · Apr 1, 2017

I'm thinking of buying the Pico Dual 200W mod ($28) & the TFV8 big baby beast ($24) and get a great kit for around 50 bucks. The best of both worlds. Maybe for my birthday which almost coincides with my one year vaping anniversary.

Eskie · Apr 2, 2017

chuck333 said:
I'm thinking of buying the Pico Dual 200W mod ($28) & the TFV8 big baby beast ($24) and get a great kit for around 50 bucks. The best of both worlds. Maybe for my birthday which almost coincides with my one year vaping anniversary.

Just be aware that even though the dual Pico will fit a 25 mm tank, it only does so with some overhang. If that doesn't bother you, it should be nice pairing.

wally · Apr 2, 2017

Personally I like the smaller tanks they have a much better flavor anyhow. I have just about all the tanks and the very best one for flavor is the Goblin v3 but is picky and then next in line would be the serpent alto not a picky tank in fact you don't have to close the air off or anything just fill it and go. I'm a flavor chaser have tried larger tanks and as to flavor I'm not impressed.

Puff · Apr 12, 2017

I love my Pico Mods they work with several smaller tanks I have and have never let me down.

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Puff · Apr 14, 2017

I ordered this Yesterday Pico Dual w/ MELO III Mini 200W TC Starter Kit by Eleaf - WHITE.....

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Puff · Apr 19, 2017

I am really enjoying my Dual Pico Mod I have only had it for a few hours so far no complaints.

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Bizl · Apr 20, 2017

I have a pico and love it. Use it with an aspire clieto and a griffin 22mm rta. If you want to use bigger tanks on it you can get a heatsink which will lift the atty above the battery cap so you fit them on.

Puff · Apr 20, 2017

On my new Pico it is the dual 200 watt and is shaped different I can for a bunch of different tanks, I have me first 2 Pico and I love love them. This new one is pretty awesome to, it is heavier because it hold 2 18650 batteries.

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Puff · Apr 20, 2017

Here is my Pico Dual 200 watt Baby.

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Puff · Apr 20, 2017

My Mini AL 85 will be here Saturday..I will then play with them both and compare.

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chuck333 · Apr 20, 2017

I ordered the Pico dual mod @ $18 and a TFV8 big baby @ 26. We'll see how it compares to my new Smoke Alien 220 kit. It should be close, I hope and cheaper too.

Puff · Apr 20, 2017

Yes That will be interesting I will be putting my Pico Dual against the AL 85, I will watch for your feedback.

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wally · Apr 20, 2017

Pico has high reviews the AL85 not so good.

VapeNMirrors · Apr 21, 2017

Pico is superior in quality and finish to anything in the price class and beyond.

Puff · Apr 21, 2017

Well I found the AL 85 in pink and that's all it took. I collect Pinks Mods in Memory of a Friend.. that passed a few years ago.

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Puff · Apr 22, 2017

My Pink AL 85 is here later when I'm done making bread I plan on playing with it. I love the color and the side bar switch.

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Puff · Apr 22, 2017

hellcatrydr said:
Where?

My Friend was Calikim may she RIP. She was nuts about pink.

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Puff · Apr 22, 2017

I will be adding this to my Friend's Calikim pink collection may Kim R.I.P.

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Puff · Apr 22, 2017

Here is to you Kim

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Puff · Apr 25, 2017

Ok Folks I puffed on my AL 85 for almost two days, it took the coil a bit to be broke in as I puffed away at 45 watts total of 235 puffs my LG yellow battery needed changed, I also was playing with the settings so I would say a bit of battery drain for that. Now I love this Baby Alien but I have to say that my pink I stick Pico has a much harder it and was more satisfying and that was with a Aspire head in the Melo lll tank. I do really like the AL 85 the screen is just

and the pink color is awesome lets hope the paint stays on. Both my tanks had The PLUME ROOM The Ultimate Expresso . The Istick Pico well it is well know they work very well, I have to say in the end the Pico wins. I plan on trying the Smok tank on my Pico today to see that side of things.

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MrPaint · Apr 28, 2017

I got the Al85 almost two months ago now, really loving it with the BB tank, no problems to report of yet. Paint is actually holding up quite well... I do think I will get a pico resin somewhere down the line too though... From what I have seen the pico resins can be found for roughly the same price as al85... if you don't want the resin one, the stock pico can be found for quite a bit less than the al85

Puff · Apr 28, 2017

MrPaint said:
I got the Al85 almost two months ago now, really loving it with the BB tank, no problems to report of yet. Paint is actually holding up quite well... I do think I will get a pico resin somewhere down the line too though... From what I have seen the pico resins can be found for roughly the same price as al85... if you don't want the resin one, the stock pico can be found for quite a bit less than the al85

I hear ya MrPaint on the BB , I just am not loving the BB but the BB Pink tank is beautiful, perhaps I will switch the coils, I have not had paint problems with my. AI85 even with that charm on it . I like the Resin models and the Black with copper Pico pkg. These Pico Mods are tiny and they work great. I decided to not buy mods with Built in Batteries , I like having battery control

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Street_hawk666 · May 16, 2017

I returned the alien it was good for a week then the exact same thing happened ..blank screen and wouldn't turn on but pc recognised the sun device connected but smok firmware wouldn't recognise the device. Paint was useless and looked about a year or two old after a week.. also got the smok skyhook box and lo and behold problems with the no coil detected error I managed to sort by shorting the device to reset the error but smok aren't a great product. Had no problems with joyetech primo or the predator..

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wally · May 16, 2017

Street_hawk666 said:
I returned the alien it was good for a week then the exact same thing happened ..blank screen and wouldn't turn on but pc recognised the sun device connected but smok firmware wouldn't recognise the device. Paint was useless and looked about a year or two old after a week.. also got the smok skyhook box and lo and behold problems with the no coil detected error I managed to sort by shorting the device to reset the error but smok aren't a great product. Had no problems with joyetech primo or the predator..

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That is why I stick with the pico's never had a problem with them. The one I I have dropped 5 times on hard concrete floor even slid across the floor one time and not even a scratch works perfect. I have had other brands that quit working after they fell over on the table lol.

iStick Pico vs SMOK AL85

Which kit should I go with

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