Ares, new MTL RTA designed by Phil Busardo and Dimitirs Agrafiotis

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Superlux

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Mar 30, 2016
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I like my Ares but it's not better than other well known mtl rta's.

That's my the best of mtl -

Genesis atomizers - Nextgen, Origen, In'ax, Rocket, Foggatti...mesh rulezzzz.
They are my really best but on the other hand there are a lot of good rta's such as -

1. Siren v2
2. Skyline
3. Eviva
4. Tilemahos v1
5. Taifun v1
6. Hussar
7. kayfun Prime
8. kayfun Lite
9. Berserker
10. Innokin Ares
11. By-ka v7
12. Phenomenon
13. Cthulhu MTL
14. Gem
15. CloudOne
16. Erlkonigin
17. Ubertoot
18. Squape X
19. Doggy
20. Origen OT22

...and many many others. All they are really amazing.

Kind Regards - Stan
 
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sk25411

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Sep 8, 2017
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That sounds very encouraging to hear SK. Please keep us posted.:thumbs:

So I played around with the new Ares last night. I’ve had my 2 for a month now, so there’s probably some normal wear and tear.

The new ones. The top fill slide cap is WAY smoother. Zero catching of the gasket, or pinching. (Both of my old ones do that). Have noticed NO seeping. It just seems to close and operate better.

I mentioned earlier, the airflow ring. It’s super easy to move on my 2 old ones. It doesn’t move on it’s own or anything, it’s just slidy. The new one is much firmer, and just feels better.

The orings seem to sit better (tighter) on the new one, but I’m sure they will stretch like the older ones.

Same deck, same posts, easy build. Tossed a 28g, 7 wrap, 1.3 coil in, 3% gold ducat, flavor is on point. No leaking from air holes, but I only had hat problem once.

I’ll update after go through a few tanks. I’m still evaluating the airflow, I feel like it’s a little different, in a good way.

OH, and NO MORE WHISTLING! I almost forgot to throw this in here. My old ones whistle when using the smallest air hole, not on the new one!
 

WickedWicks

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Jan 13, 2015
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This tank looks great in many ways. However what puts me off is the diffuser, as it does the opposite of what you want to achieve.

In the ideal world the air targets the coil as a jet hitting it at the very center where it's the hottest. But for this to work the airflow restriction has to take place directly in front of the coil. I'm currently vaping on a Kayfun V3 Mini+ w/o airflow screw, which happens to have the right restriction for me and so achieves just that effect. I also I like the concept of e.g. Origen Tiny or 19/22 where the AFC itself sits just in front of the coil.
In case of the Ares I'd much rather see a set of different size reducers then this diffuser.


Phil, Dimitri how about challenging the Innokin folks to develop an iris airflow control which sits below the coil. :p
266px-Iris_Diaphragm.gif




From watching the intro video:

+++ sliding cap (much better than screw-in caps which apply pressure to tank)
+++ posts
+++ wick barriers
+++ "air deck"

--- diffuser
--- 24mm (make it 22mm with smaller chamber)
--- o-rings have too much surface, too much contact w/ juice
 

Nailz

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  • Jun 6, 2013
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    Got my replacement from innokin today, only been using for a little while, but so far it is staying dry from the top cap, which by now on the old one who would already be seeping, so fingers crossed, my problems are solved.

    I did get a black replacement for the black one I had.

    Now I just have to hope my 2nd one coming from fasttech is from a good batch too.
     

    Brewdawg1181

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    Aug 30, 2017
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    For best flavor contact coils work best for me, too. I use 28g ss316 wire, 2.5 mm ID.
    Spaced 3mm coil gave me muted flavor only.
    K.

    Always amazed by different experiences of people. For me, I can close the spacing as much as I want, but if I make a contact coil it gives me less flavor.316L 26g 2.5mm spaced. I make the coils long enough to fit the "posts" without bending them. Comes out to about 0.5 ohms.
    I've not tried a 2mm coil on this one. It looks like there would be too much air blowing by the coil, and Phil's build tool is 2.5 and 3mm so I took my guidance from that.

    Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

    I think the biggest thing that is missed in reviews and in forums is there is no catch-all to how to build to get flavor. It is dependent on juice. Too many factors in juice to ever have a coil that works with everything.

    There's no catch-all on how to make an apple pie...just sayin'....and that's not including how many different ways there are to cook/prepare it.

    Most here are experienced Vapers and have an idea as to what builds work best for them. I find that most tanks that I try all work pretty well to great with the build I use daily.

    Sorry for the delay, and thanks to all who answered - I've been out of commission for a while. Seems like most of you are in the range of my "normal" build on this one, too. Just wanted to see if anyone found anything unusual about this one. I do believe with the wide diameter on the shower head, a smaller coil might have too much "bypass" to really be good.

    I tried with my normal 316ss 0.28/2.5/8 wraps. Flavor is great, but like the Prime and K5, this one just isn't quite doing it for me. My benchmark is the KM3 with airflow screw removed - I'm learning that a more restricted flow (I'm using it wide open) tends to reduce the clear/sharp/condensed concentration of the (all important) throat hit for me. This one is a good bit better than KM5 or Prime, though. And has better flavor than both - in fact, the flavor is a little better than my KM3, and vapor production is awesome, if that's what you like. I've been using it for a week, and it's a very nice vape, but I guess I'm just too used to my KM3.

    I really like this tank better than I thought I would in all other respects. I got lucky, and got one that has no top gasket issues, firm AF control, and not even a tiny leak or seepage - even with extended time on its side and in my pocket. No whistling, or any other issues. Beautifully made, and tight tolerances, and prettier in person than in pics.

    I'm thinking of drill out a couple of the smaller holes to a larger diameter to see if that gets me what I need. I'll probably try a 3mm dia first to see if that helps. I really like it, and it's sooo close. I'm not even sure yet how to remove the airflow ring to drill it yet...I haven't had time to play with it. I think I probably have to remove the glass and pull from the top, though. I'm still kicking myself for not picking up a few more SXK or YFTK KM3's before Fasttech & 3F removed them!:(
     

    Droz

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    Feb 18, 2017
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    Finally got an Ares, and am actually quite pleased and surprised.

    Comparing it to the Siren 2, I much prefer the Ares - My Siren 2's cap twists off at the _slightest_ touch, so there have been a couple of pocket spills.

    Building on the Ares is much easier - it's much easier to cut the coil legs on the Ares because there's more room - on the Siren 2, you've got to be real close, and then you need to bend the remaining wires so it doesn't touch the chamber.

    The sliding cap on the Ares is great - it's not a smooth slide on mine, but seems to do the job. Haven't noticed any pinching yet.

    Haven't had any leaks or gurgles either - seems those walls are doing their job.

    Flavour was better than I thought, and seems somehow more "dense" than the Siren 1 or 2.

    I think the airflow is not tight enough though - the Berserker is still the clear winner for me here. That being said, I have enjoyed the more airy settings on the Ares, but it certainly isn't an MTL when you use the multiple holes.

    Whilst I think I still prefer the Berserker in flavour and vapour (and I really love the Berserker mouth piece for some reason) I think the Ares is much easier to live with - filling is just a dream (forced to flip the Berserker to fill, otherwise I'm the Mayor of Gurgleandleakyairflowtown), and builds seem to be far more forgiving.

    Basically, this is a much improved Siren v1 - I'm sure that domed chamber improves the flavour over the angled Siren 1 and 2 - and for that I'm ecstatic! Also, the whole package is quite comprehensive: Wire! pre-built coils! Cotton! Things to build spaced coils with! A lovely screwdriver thing! Even though I just build my own because I'm a TC kinda guy, it's great to get all this extra crap with it. I mean, I guess it would cost a little less if all that stuff wasn't there, but I think it's nice nonetheless.

    So far so good!

    Oh, and just as an aside - I think the Vandy Vape products have the best machining I've seen the Berserker is beautifully threaded and made. The Siren 2, not so much - I can barely tuern the airflow ring, and if I manage to, I've losened the top cap and I'm covered in juice. The Ares is pretty nice, though I haven't lived with it long enough to know if the sliding cap and gasket is going to be the bane of my existence or not.
     
    I've had mine for a few days. Here's my thoughts:

    The AFC was too loose to stay in place while using a 22mm riser to get over the Pico's battery cap. I just Dremeled the battery cap, though, and the AFC does feel more firm with the tank now sitting flush on the device.

    Oh, and it whistles on every setting, especially with the single air hole option. The closest to quiet I can get is setting air slit on the smallest two airholes. Really annoying.

    The top cap does stick up a bit on the side with fill gasket, but I've not had any seepage. The fill cap is an extremely firm slide action, and I feel confident it will not open in my pocket. I threw my bachelor away for that reason.

    Overall, the build quality is nice. I love how recessed the Phillips head screws are. It makes it very easy to crank down thick wire.

    But how does it vape? I'm using 316 SS, 3mm diameter Clapton coils - 3 wraps at 0.35 ohms. I have temp control set to 380 F. The juice I'm using is Bronuts (add 3% Bavarian cream) which tends to be fairly harsh.

    The Ares seems to lose a bit of flavor in exchange for smoothness, which works out well for this juice, but I don't know if that will be a pro or con when I switch to another juice. This is also the first tank that I've ever felt the drip tip heat up on.

    Overall, I don't regret buying it, but I wouldn't buy a second. The Skyline is a much more well-rounded and versatile tank, IMO. It pains me to say it, but I believe Phil and Demi focused far too much on ease of use and lost sight of the vape quality.
     

    ricks

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    I've had mine for a few days. Here's my thoughts:

    The AFC was too loose to stay in place while using a 22mm riser to get over the Pico's battery cap. I just Dremeled the battery cap, though, and the AFC does feel more firm with the tank now sitting flush on the device.

    Oh, and it whistles on every setting, especially with the single air hole option. The closest to quiet I can get is setting air slit on the smallest two airholes. Really annoying.

    The top cap does stick up a bit on the side with fill gasket, but I've not had any seepage. The fill cap is an extremely firm slide action, and I feel confident it will not open in my pocket. I threw my bachelor away for that reason.

    Overall, the build quality is nice. I love how recessed the Phillips head screws are. It makes it very easy to crank down thick wire.

    But how does it vape? I'm using 316 SS, 3mm diameter Clapton coils - 3 wraps at 0.35 ohms. I have temp control set to 380 F. The juice I'm using is Bronuts (add 3% Bavarian cream) which tends to be fairly harsh.

    The Ares seems to lose a bit of flavor in exchange for smoothness, which works out well for this juice, but I don't know if that will be a pro or con when I switch to another juice. This is also the first tank that I've ever felt the drip tip heat up on.

    Overall, I don't regret buying it, but I wouldn't buy a second. The Skyline is a much more well-rounded and versatile tank, IMO. It pains me to say it, but I believe Phil and Demi focused far too much on ease of use and lost sight of the vape quality.
    How far did you have the coil from the air hole? I find a cooler and more flavorful vape with the coil close to the air hole.
     

    Jumpin' In...

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    Sep 11, 2013
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    I've had mine for a few days. Here's my thoughts:

    The AFC was too loose to stay in place while using a 22mm riser to get over the Pico's battery cap. I just Dremeled the battery cap, though, and the AFC does feel more firm with the tank now sitting flush on the device.

    Oh, and it whistles on every setting, especially with the single air hole option. The closest to quiet I can get is setting air slit on the smallest two airholes. Really annoying.

    The top cap does stick up a bit on the side with fill gasket, but I've not had any seepage. The fill cap is an extremely firm slide action, and I feel confident it will not open in my pocket. I threw my bachelor away for that reason.

    Overall, the build quality is nice. I love how recessed the Phillips head screws are. It makes it very easy to crank down thick wire.

    But how does it vape? I'm using 316 SS, 3mm diameter Clapton coils - 3 wraps at 0.35 ohms. I have temp control set to 380 F. The juice I'm using is Bronuts (add 3% Bavarian cream) which tends to be fairly harsh.

    The Ares seems to lose a bit of flavor in exchange for smoothness, which works out well for this juice, but I don't know if that will be a pro or con when I switch to another juice. This is also the first tank that I've ever felt the drip tip heat up on.

    Overall, I don't regret buying it, but I wouldn't buy a second. The Skyline is a much more well-rounded and versatile tank, IMO. It pains me to say it, but I believe Phil and Demi focused far too much on ease of use and lost sight of the vape quality.
    It should be noted, however, that an authentic Skyline cost close to $200 US.
     
    I spoke too soon. The lid opened partially while in my pocket this evening. Fortunately, there was no leakage.

    I agree, Ricks. I did place the coil relatively low (considering it's a 3mm Clapton). I would say the center of the coil is roughly equal to the posts.

    I'm afraid the air diffuser is just a bit too diffused... And I really hate to say that since that was pompous vick's biased opinion. I think I'll try to squeeze in another wrap on my next build and try lowering the coil a bit more.
     

    ricks

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    I spoke too soon. The lid opened partially while in my pocket this evening. Fortunately, there was no leakage.

    I agree, Ricks. I did place the coil relatively low (considering it's a 3mm Clapton). I would say the center of the coil is roughly equal to the posts.

    I'm afraid the air diffuser is just a bit too diffused... And I really hate to say that since that was pompous vick's biased opinion. I think I'll try to squeeze in another wrap on my next build and try lowering the coil a bit more.
    I think that defuser can be removed??? I heard that somewhere. Can't remember where tho.
     
    I think that defuser can be removed??? I heard that somewhere. Can't remember where tho.

    I recall reading that as well. I believe they say it is press fitted. I think I would be happier if the diffuser holes were in a straight line vs the circular pattern. I have thought about trying to block a few of the outter holes to make the airflow more direct. That adjustment would probably push this tank from good to great.
     

    ricks

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    I recall reading that as well. I believe they say it is press fitted. I think I would be happier if the diffuser holes were in a straight line vs the circular pattern. I have thought about trying to block a few of the outter holes to make the airflow more direct. That adjustment would probably push this tank from good to great.
    Pop it off and try it
     

    kinda

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    Aug 24, 2017
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    I've had my Ares for about a month now and I'm still trying to figure out how to get the best flavor from it. I've tried different ID coils, kanthal & SS316L wire, spaced and contact coils, and even removing the diffuser. I think I had the best results with a 2.5mm contact coil. I don't want to give up on it though because I really enjoy the draw on it.

    I think that defuser can be removed??? I heard that somewhere. Can't remember where tho.

    It's screwed on and comes off very easily. I removed mine just using tweezers to unscrew it. Didn't seem to help anything though.

    I recall reading that as well. I believe they say it is press fitted. I think I would be happier if the diffuser holes were in a straight line vs the circular pattern. I have thought about trying to block a few of the outter holes to make the airflow more direct. That adjustment would probably push this tank from good to great.

    I saw a reddit post where someone did this using food grade silicone.
     
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