Many vapers are asking the best way to get into dripping on a mechanical mod and RBA without breaking their bank account. I've carefully chosen the following recommendations based on my experience which can provide an inexpensive quality setup, and added suggestions for the tools & supplies needed to make coils.
The Silver Bullet and IGO-W were my first mech mod and first rebuildable drip atomizer. I've been using Silver Bullets for nearly 5 years. My son is now using my IGO-W on another Silver Bullet. I'm currently using a dual microcoil build @ 0.6 ohms with Rayon (cellucotton) wick in an authentic gun metal Patriot rda and a black Tobecco Velocity clone rda on a black silver-vein Silver Bullet (see pic below).
Silver Bullet mechanical mod from AltSmoke. $85
Velocity RDA Clone by Tobeco $17
An inexpensive first RDA with two posts for single, dual, or quad coils. Huge deep drip well, spacey build deck, large holes in posts to fit wires in, excellent airflow options.
LG HG2 18650 3000mah 20A continuous discharge batteries, $5 - 7 each
Among the best, safest, and most versatile batteries on the market; a nice combination of capacity and good amp rating. Don't skimp on batteries, they are the most important gear in your setup and potentially the most dangerous. Use Samsung 30Q 18650 3000mah 20A batteries or AW 18650 IMR 3000mah 20A batteries if unable to find the LG's in stock.
LG HG2 18650 3000mAh 20A
Samsung 30Q 18650 3000mAh 20A
AW 18650 IMR 3000mAh 20A
Battery charger: Guide to Choosing a Li-ion Battery Charger
Xtar, Nitecore Intellicharger, Pila, or Efest LUC. $17 - $50 depending on features.
Meters:
You'll need a digital multimeter, or an ohm reader and a 510 voltage meter, to measure coil resistance and battery voltage.
Precision Screwdriver Set. $7
Used to wrap your coils around and tighten your RDA post screws. Screwdriver bases have the diameter clearly marked on them in mm.
Stainless Steel Tweezer. $7
Used to compress the coil loops to make a compressed coils. Also helpful to tease the wick through the coil.
Mini Butane Torch. $8 (optional - not everyone anneals their Kanthal wire)
Used to anneal Kanthal wire. Don't forget fuel for the torch.
Scissors, wire cutter, or nail clipper to cut wire and wicks.
Kanthal wire: $8
Available in different thicknesses (gauges). 26 gauge is usually recommended for novices.
Organic cotton balls, cellucotton (rayon) , Ecowool, or silica wick.
I strongly recommend building a single microcoil at 1.0 ohm for your first couple of builds. Once you get that down, you can learn to build dual coils and use lower resistance. Baby steps. K.I.S.S. (Keep It Simple, Stupid)
Information Resources for Your First RBA - please read this thoroughly before you begin to rebuild.
Ohm's Law Calculator - Insure that your measured coil resistance will not pull more amps than your battery's continuous amp rating. Always use 4.2 volts as the voltage (fully charged battery). How to use an Ohm's Law calculator.
Coil Wrapping Calculator - Type in the appropriate info in the drop down menus and learn how many wraps for a particular resistance coil. Provides a graphic of how the finished coil should look.
Ohm's Law for Dummies - Learn to understand voltage, resistance, and amps here as it applies to vaping.
Kanthal Wire Beginner's Guide
Tanks & RDA's Ratings & Explanations
The FDA and Electronic Cigarettes, a Timeline Part 1
The Silver Bullet and IGO-W were my first mech mod and first rebuildable drip atomizer. I've been using Silver Bullets for nearly 5 years. My son is now using my IGO-W on another Silver Bullet. I'm currently using a dual microcoil build @ 0.6 ohms with Rayon (cellucotton) wick in an authentic gun metal Patriot rda and a black Tobecco Velocity clone rda on a black silver-vein Silver Bullet (see pic below).
Silver Bullet mechanical mod from AltSmoke. $85
- A classic that's been around for years and continues to be a staple in many vapers' collection.
- USA made, so in the unlikely event should it need repair you can just send it to AltSmoke.
- Safer and more natural side fire button with a wired switch; recessed button prevents accidental autofiring unlike a bottom-fire button. Battery ventilation via the specially designed fire button; batteries usually vent at the battery top, not the bottom where most other mechanical mods have their ventilation holes.
- Lightweight yet durable, its milled from aircraft-grade aluminum block. Silky smooth threading.
- Available in many colors.
- Kick extension sleeve available to use with the 18650 IMR battery should you decide to use a Kick.
- A fully mechanical Silver Bullet is also available.
Velocity RDA Clone by Tobeco $17
An inexpensive first RDA with two posts for single, dual, or quad coils. Huge deep drip well, spacey build deck, large holes in posts to fit wires in, excellent airflow options.
LG HG2 18650 3000mah 20A continuous discharge batteries, $5 - 7 each
Among the best, safest, and most versatile batteries on the market; a nice combination of capacity and good amp rating. Don't skimp on batteries, they are the most important gear in your setup and potentially the most dangerous. Use Samsung 30Q 18650 3000mah 20A batteries or AW 18650 IMR 3000mah 20A batteries if unable to find the LG's in stock.
Xtar, Nitecore Intellicharger, Pila, or Efest LUC. $17 - $50 depending on features.
Meters:
You'll need a digital multimeter, or an ohm reader and a 510 voltage meter, to measure coil resistance and battery voltage.
Precision Screwdriver Set. $7
Used to wrap your coils around and tighten your RDA post screws. Screwdriver bases have the diameter clearly marked on them in mm.
Stainless Steel Tweezer. $7
Used to compress the coil loops to make a compressed coils. Also helpful to tease the wick through the coil.
Mini Butane Torch. $8 (optional - not everyone anneals their Kanthal wire)
Used to anneal Kanthal wire. Don't forget fuel for the torch.
Scissors, wire cutter, or nail clipper to cut wire and wicks.
Kanthal wire: $8
Available in different thicknesses (gauges). 26 gauge is usually recommended for novices.
Organic cotton balls, cellucotton (rayon) , Ecowool, or silica wick.
Information Resources for Your First RBA - please read this thoroughly before you begin to rebuild.
Ohm's Law Calculator - Insure that your measured coil resistance will not pull more amps than your battery's continuous amp rating. Always use 4.2 volts as the voltage (fully charged battery). How to use an Ohm's Law calculator.
Coil Wrapping Calculator - Type in the appropriate info in the drop down menus and learn how many wraps for a particular resistance coil. Provides a graphic of how the finished coil should look.
Ohm's Law for Dummies - Learn to understand voltage, resistance, and amps here as it applies to vaping.
Kanthal Wire Beginner's Guide
Tanks & RDA's Ratings & Explanations
The FDA and Electronic Cigarettes, a Timeline Part 1
