If your into rebuilding and like a shorter tube mod, then for a mechanical mod I can recommend the magneto V2 from triangle vapes. I got the SS one and got my brother a brass one for xmas, switched the tubes and it looks awesome. Especially since I have a forced layered brass patina on my brass center tube. 40 for SS and 33 for brass. Has a nice switch with no crappy spring contact. I could throw this mod as high up as I can without the battery and let it land where it may and it would still work, albeit with some battle scars. Once you go mech though you only come back if you can afford a DNA 30. If you get a mech invest in some Samsung INR 22A batteries or Sony VTC4 30A batteries. Also invest in a multimeter or a 510 ohm reader if you use a mech.
If you want a dripper for max flavor and fat clouds, but less convenience and leakage if you pocket without vaping everything off it, then the Igo-W is a very easy build for around 15.
For a cheap genny the RSST can be had for around 20 at some places, these leak as well. I use them for home usage when I want a dripper like vape without dripping and can keep my mod upright.
for a bottom feed I would recommend the H Cigar kayfun light clone or the Russian 91. These are more expensive, but worth investing in. Theres a learning curve for good VP, good feeding, and full flavor like the genny, but they work well. These are great for being out and about, being lazy, or conserving battery while still getting a nice vape. These won't cloud like a dripper or a genny but are very enjoyable in the flavor/warmth department.
Ditch the silica IMO, silica is bottom of the barrel. kiln treated XC-116 or DIY bon 60 grit porous ceramic wicks>mesh/wire rope>degummed hemp fiber>cotton>ekowool>german silica>silica. Everyone's different though some people might put cotton at the top. I can taste the T-shirt flavor boiled or not for half a day or so and then the taste is absolute crap in 2 days. Hemp fiber has some woodsy funk to it during break in but I prefer this to the cotton funk,it has a longer peak flavor curve than cotton, and is highly inexpensive like cotton. The ceramics have a little break in but there's no funk its a mild neutral mute from the start and a ramp up into the most defined flavor I've had(especially the bon, but XC is a lot easier). I rebuild at least 3 times a week, if not my stuff, then someone elses and I've been at it like a fanatic for 6 months or so.
