Another "why should I try RBAs?" thread.

[pizza2me]

First of all, I am a long time vaper and very happy camper with carto tanks. But, the idea of rebuilding instead of buying/replacing intrigues me. I'm pretty handy with tinkering, but am not really interested in tinkering a LOT for my vape. (But, I do understand that once I get it down, it would be a breeze) I like to fill tank, vape, repeat... and every few weeks change out a carto. So, I haven't really been interested.

Now to my issue that has brought the interest back. (I posted this in another thread, but not getting any advice)



I'm finally thinking of looking into these RBAs. I'm perfectly satisfied with my carto tanks. But, my wife vapes non-stop. Chief'n. Low nic and low watts... but she hardly puts it down and give it a rest. So, my problem is burnt out cartos every couple days (or more!) (Even with IKV's she's only getting a week or less).

How do the wicks, coils, mesh, <insert whatever I'll learn as I dig in deeper>>.... do as far as burning when given no "rest"?

I need consistency and easy to refill (for my wife) and not too expensive to try out (for me).

One major issue that I've seen, and why I haven't dug deeper, is having to have them always upright so they don't leak (through airhole?). Is this true of all of them? That would be a show stopper.


If an RBA exists where leakage/hole is not an issue, please give suggestions for decent one (as in... almost work as good as the "real mccoys"... enough to where i could see if it would work for us) that I could start with. I cannot afford to test something out unless it's fairly cheap. And I am still a doubter... Thanks!

Help me out here folks. Is this a route I should look into? (Oh... and the tilting (to wick?) seems to be a PIA, but I'm sure she could live with that)

Any and all advice PLEASE!

Thanks!!

 

[Thompson]

The wicks can't be scorched, so worst case you'll get a dry hit if you supersede the wicks ability. I chain vape both my SS mesh & ceramic without issue.

Some will leak, some won't. Neither of my AGA-Ts leak when sideways all day. The ceramic wick has space around it in the wick hole & it still doesn't leak, the SS mesh is tight in there so it can't.

I along with many others enjoy their AGA-Ts and they can be had for under $30 including S&H.

The "Genesis Tilt" doesn't take too long to get used to and IMO is more natural than vaping vertical (never smoked a cigarette/cigar vertical myself).

Hope this helps

 

[Rule62]

I can only speak to genesis type RBAs. I use them exclusively. I don't know much about fiber wick types. I don't use them. But my opinion: Frankly, genesis type RBAs aren't for everybody. I like to tinker, am pretty good at it, and I treat my collection of APVs and RBAs with care. Much like people treat crystal stemware. They are always standing upright, on a bookshelf when not in use, and when I'm out and about, I make sure that they are always in a vertical, or near vertical state. Not to say I handle them like raw eggs, I don't. When I play golf, I'll have one in the cup holder of the golf cart. I've walked around Universal Studios all day with a unit standing up in my camera bag. The point is, I'm always aware of them.
My gf is a different story. She knows nothing about vaping, other than whether or not the juice tastes good. She has a VMax, which she tosses in her purse, lays on the seat of her car, and carries it around in the side pocket of her dog grooming smock. I briefly set her up with one of my Chinese did clone RBAs, and the results were not good. She loved the flavor; but the extra care was something she wasn't willing to do. Consequently, she went back to using Vivi Novas, and is happy. She's not a 'hobbyist' type vaper. She just wans to vape, as an alternative to smoking, with as little maintenance as possible.

 

[zero7starz]

If you decide to give it a shot, I strongly feel that the AGA-T2 is a great RBA to learn on. Most RBA Vets seem to think they're decent. Plus, they're like $30. Grab one of those and a ton of wick material. Glass or plastic tanks. Even if you manage to break a piece, you can get more pieces.
I haven't had any experiences yet where I could comment on leaking or taking it in the car.

 

[michliu]

The Aga-T with a stainless steel wick filling the wick hole and the screw in the fill hole won't leak much, and if set on it's side with the air hole up, won't leak at all even overnight. The Terminator-C doesn't leak at all if set up correctly and holds 6 mls. There's a learning curve with both of these, but once you get it, you're over the hump.

 

[Thrasher]

as far as wick durability, i run mine well into several weeks. a quick dry burn to remove crud every few days and back to chain vaping, i have two cobras in rotation all day the only problem i have with chain vaping is sometimes i go so steady the top gets hot.

build one and load up some 18-24 mg and youll be so dizzy the chaining will stop reeeaaal quick lol

 

[OLDER71]

I've got My AGA-T2's, now waiting on more wicking and Kanthal wire, before I try it. From comments I have seen, I expect to make several bad attempts along the way. In the meantime I have My "trusty" ViVi Novas to keep Me calm

 

[Neofolis]

Most gennies have the potential to leak if not upright, but they tend to have greater longevity than silica based systems. A mesh or ceramic wick can last months and be re-coiled several times, whereas with silica you are likely to replace the wick each time you replace the coil. The lifespan of the coil depends to some extent on the juice, because some juices seem to create a lot more gunk than others and dry burning (to clean them) can weaken coils. Most coils should last upwards of a week, but it also depends on the wire/ribbon used, thicker usually lasts longer. A well setup wick doesn't require tilting in any of the devices I've used, genesis or otherwise, but it may take a while to reach the point where you can build a mesh wick that doesn't require tilting. In terms of consistency, RBA are the most consistent vape you can get, assuming the wicks and coils you make are consistent, which they will be once you've done a few and worked out how you like to set the up.

 

[zero7starz]

Oh yea one thing I did real quick. On the AGA-T when I took the top cap off to build I set the cap down and the tank on top of it. Since they're together, it's a stand in a pinch. (Although not an every day ideal because its kinda tricky to seat the top cap, it can also cause a short to occur. But in a pinch before you just let it leak, it'll hold it. I thought that was pretty handy.)

 

[pizza2me]

Wow! As usual. A wealth of Info. I need to digest all of this. But the AGA-T seems to be a starter that I should check out. And the cost is reasonable.

Please keep the comments coming as I research that one. As always, ECF folks are the best.

Thank you all!!!

 

[donnah]

I remember being so thrilled when I found carto tanks. Long lasting with no frequent refills, good taste, no leaking, take them anywhere, throw them in my purse...

Then I tried a genny and carto tanks were history for me. Right now I'm on a road trip with my son (DC to visit the smithsonians) and a couple months ago I couldn't imagine leaving my house with a genny. Now they're all I use and I am comfortable here in a motel room with them. I did bring a small kit with some wire, allen keys and a screw driver. My batts and charger and 3 bottles of juice in needle tip bottles.

Having to keep them upright and being aware of the top caps coming off is nothing compared to the vape I get

If you're happy with your carto tanks be aware... you may not be able to go back to them

 

[grindle]

If you're happy with your carto tanks be aware... you may not be able to go back to them

...unless you get the Killer.

 

[SteveW]

To original OP question: Because you build its very heart and say "Live damn you, live!!", and it lives. Then you partake of your creation and behold, it is very good .