Diplomat, probably my favorite RTA released in this decade, returns in a version proposed by Rekavape and offered for free by the shop shareAvape with several upgrades. Simply named Diplomat V1.5 MTL RTA, it comes standard with the new 1.5 deck recently released, which improves upon the existing one. The bell equipment includes two "classics" born with the Diplomat project in 2022, namely the Duke and the Rhodesian, along with the new entry, Freehand.
Transparent plastic packaging containing the Diplomat with the new 1.5 deck and the Freehand bell pre-installed. In two small bags to protect them are the Duke and the Rhodesian, along with the alternative PEI tank section, while the PC one is mounted as standard. The 1.8 mm airpin is also pre-installed, with 1.5 and 1.2 mm ones included separately. In the o-ring bag, there are also two spare Phillips screws and the alternative air ring with 3 holes.
The steel finish is polished but without reaching a mirror effect. Rekavape's steel quality is always excellent, as they did not skimp on thickness, with the Diplomat weighing 58 grams excluding the drip tip, with a height of 41.5 mm and a diameter of 23 mm. Capacity depends on the bell; it fluctuates between 5 and 5.5 ml with the stock one, and the Rhodesian is perhaps the one that occupies the least volume.
The drip tip is entirely made of steel with the same polished finish as the tank and deck, featuring a 4.5 mm hole diameter and a height of 18 mm. I should clarify immediately that it is bottom-fill, so the top cap is fixed without the possibility of unscrewing it. The machining of the "top cap" remains in line with the first Diplomat MTL, without inheriting that of the RDL version which, in my opinion, benefits a lot aesthetically.
The tank installation occurs via pressure, with the seal handled by an o-ring. In the kit, Rekavape included 2 sections/windows to customize your Diplomat: totally clear polycarbonate and PEI. Both are installed via threading, with the caveat that they do not need to be tightened hard. There is also the possibility of choosing other aftermarket tanks available for purchase on shareAvape.
Three bells are proposed in this version: Duke, Freehand, and Rhodesian, with the Freehand being available for the first time in a kit along with the full Diplomat. Installation on the deck is via threading, with no liquid control. The chimney dimensions for all three are 4.2 mm, while the internal diameter is (approximately) 16 mm, which then varies depending on which type of bell you choose.
The deck present in the Diplomat kit is the new 1.5, an updated version of the old one (which already worked great), equipped with a few new features to facilitate use. The upper part where you install the build remains almost the same with parallel posts and wire-holding features carved from the deck via horizontal incisions that increase friction when tightening the coil legs. The shrouds/wire-holders around the screw seen in the RDL version are absent. The two cotton wells remain connected, with the first novelty in the center: the shape of the airpins and the wells themselves, which are slightly larger. The liquid entry holes on the deck are also larger compared to the previous version, with feeding remaining perfect even with 50/50 liquids.
What differs most from previous Diplomat (Kit) versions is the airflow compartment, with many more choices and customizations already available in the box. With the new Deck 1.5 provided in the kit sold by shareAvape, three airpins of 1.8, 1.5, and 1.2 mm are available. Their shape recalls that of the Diplomat RDL, thus featuring a convenient slot for the screwdriver and the possibility of replacing them with the build and cotton installed, as well as the possibility of mounting the Diplomat RDL airpins themselves.
Another debut in a Diplomat kit is the air ring with 3 holes for a more open MTL draw, in addition to the classic one with a single hole. Both feature machining composed of 3 incisions to increase grip and make it easier to extract and rotate the ring. The air holes on the deck remain unchanged, with choices between 0.8, 1, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, and 2 mm. Replacement does not require screwdrivers or specific tools, just pulling the air ring from the bottom.
The base is perhaps where the greatest upgrade occurred, taking a lot of inspiration from its RDL cousin. In the old Diplomat, a specific U-shaped tool was required to open the deck; here it is much simpler, and a flathead screwdriver is enough to unscrew the airpin. Without the airpin, the base can be extracted since there is no threading, and the entire seal is handled by the airpin itself and the deck's o-ring.
The air diverter in the Diplomat 1.5 deck also recalls the Diplomat RDL, with the holes here becoming 24 with a 0.9 mm diameter. Although they may seem like many, on the Diplomat RDL itself, the draw with a 2 mm "MTL" airpin remains tight and restricted. With the airpin unscrewed, the positive post comes away easily, so pay attention to both it and the peek insulator underneath.
The three bells Duke, Freehand, and Rhodesian are primarily designed for vaping NET tobaccos; however, especially with the Duke and Rhodesian, I have vaped everything during a year of testing on the Diplomat 1, including flavored tobaccos and, on the Duke in particular, some custards if you enjoy them in MTL. The Freehand stands out for having more throat hit than all the other five; even vaping at zero nicotine, I can feel something, a sensation that few atomizers can give me. I actually use the Rhodesian more with synthetic tobaccos than with NETs, as it tends to cut the so-called "off-notes", balancing the flavor. Therefore, anyone can find their own dimension and discover different aromatic interpretations depending on which bell is used.
Final chapter: compatibility. I have two other Diplomats, one MTL and one RDL from other brands, and from what I tested (we're talking about 9 bells and 3 decks), the compatibility between bells (alone) on the deck, tanks, and airpins all screwed on without problems; at most, it's a matter of more or less friction given by an o-ring. Therefore, if you already own a Diplomat, there is a very good chance you can alternate accessories, just as this Rekavape Diplomat 1.5 kit can be integrated with other accessories.
An atomizer with very simple management that, for me, even before the performance, pushed the Diplomat to success. I recommend it even as an atomizer for those who want to try rebuilding or, better yet, those who no longer rebuild but want to return to this world starting again with an atomizer that is fast and only needs refilling; it takes care of everything else. Bells that change the performance, pure MTL draw and many configurations between under-coil airpins and the air ring.
Rekavape Diplomat V1.5 Style MTL RTA available on shareAvape
https://www.shareavape.com/rekavape-diplomat-v1-5-style-mtl-rta.html both in the version shown in the photo and in the black version, with the possibility of using the code
MDIP for a 5% discount valid until June 30.
A sincere thank you to E-cigarette Forum for granting me the space and to shareAvape for providing me with the Diplomat illustrated.