Clearo, Carto, RBA/RDA, order of best performance

[Keeferes]

Pretty new still. I have scoured the boards, but can't seem to find the answer laid out easy, or I am just over analyzing and missing it. Either way...

Am I right in understanding that in order of best flavor/vapor production is: Clearomizers, Cartomizers, RBA/RDA's? I know it makes a difference as far as single vs duel coil, and in clearo's, top vs bottom coil locations.

Am I also right in the understanding that, in that same order, the complexity of use increases with each type of topper used?

Next, when stepping into carto tank use, are the OD dimensions of most common carto's the same? Ie... Boge, Smok, etc. I know the length is different such as Smok Duel coil carto's xl is 45mm, where as Boge may be different.

Finally, aside from iBTanked tanks, what other reasonable priced tank solutions are there for carto's? I know carto's vary, such as prepunched, no punched, duel and single coil designs, etc. I'm just looking for a little less expensive solution to try the carto world out, before making a big commitment.

I currently have some Smok Duel coil XL NON-punched carto's, and am interested in a tank solution to try them out. I know I need a tank punch, or at the least a water line hook up punch for a refrigerator. I know the size of the holes punched will greatly affect performance aspects. That's a conversation for another time. I have Baditudes carto guides bookmarked for reference, when I get to that stage.

Currently, I have only been using clearo's. Anyvape Davide, Kanger Protank 2 with and without an aero base, Kanger EVOD, iClear30s, and an Aspire Nautilus. I Have a Smok mega cartomizer to try just using the carto without a tank system, but the other ones I would like to see what they have to offer in both methods of use. I will be eventually moving on to rebuildables, but again, thats a conversation for a different time. I am still steadily learning about batteries, safety, different mechanical and regulated devices. I have started to rebuild my Kanger heads, which I think will give me a good foundation when I delve into actual rebuildables. Also, if it makes a difference, I use all regulated devices with VV/VW. I do not use any mechs at this time, and have no plans to yet. The batteries I use are Efest 18650's mostly, but on occasion I do use some Efest 18350's too. If you need any more info to give me an informed answer, just ask.

Thanks in advance.

 

[BillyWJ]

Just grab a Smok DCT Pyrex tank, they're relatively inexpensive, and they work great. I get mine for $11 each here:

Welcome to Tasty Vapor

Read Baditude's blog for priming, and you should get a pretty darned good vape - I use these all day, every day.

Phil Busardo has a video on using a dremel to slot a tank, instead of punching. I get the prepunched, so I don't know how much of a difference it makes.
Edit: he doesn't slot anymore.

A PBusardo Review & Tutorial - QT-1 (not really a) carto punch and Working with carto tanks - YouTube

 

[graybuck]

The type of juice you use is important when deciding on a tank. Cheaper tanks will crack with certain types of juice. Pyrex tanks will not. I think a carto tank is easier than a clearo and more reliable. I like the IBTanked tanks because they are pyrex, fit well, do not leak, USA made and reasonable in price.

RBA's and RDA's are great and require minimal work once you get a good coil build with a cotton wick. The coil will last many months by replacing the cotton. The KFL+ and Russian are fine examples of a simple RBA.

 

[Keeferes]

Should have stated earlier. I use 50/50 juice almost exclusively. I know about the tank crackers, and thats why my EVOD is all but completely retired, and I am selective in what goes in my iClear30s.

 

[Optimo114]

Everything is subjective. The best advice I can give is buy a cheap carto tank and a cheap rba and find what you like best then you can invest in a quality device if you wish.

Tons of people say carto tanks are the best.. They are my least favorite. People say dripping gives the best flavor. I tend to disagree with that. I have some juice that tastes better in a protank rather than dripping and vice versa. Same goes with my Kayfun. I have some flavors that are terrible in my kayfun and some that are incredible. I would recommend learning how to rebuild pro tank heads though. The flavor and vapor from a nice micro coil is a huge step up from the garbage prebuilt coils. Rebuilding anything I would say is always a step up from the stock heads

I tend to carry use my Kayfun as well as 3 Protank 2's with aerotank bases. All with micro coils with cotton wicks. I do have an Atomic RDA that I keep at home when taste testing flavors or I get in the mood for a flavor that isn't in a tank at that time. Or when I just want to blow some huge clouds

Edit: You can get a cheap cartotank for under $15 and you can get a cheap RDA like an IGO-W for under $20. For $30 you can get a taste of what each has to offer and go from there

 

[Jarbs]

Everything is subjective. The best advice I can give is buy a cheap carto tank and a cheap rba and find what you like best then you can invest in a quality device if you wish.

Tons of people say carto tanks are the best.. They are my least favorite. People say dripping gives the best flavor. I tend to disagree with that. I have some juice that tastes better in a protank rather than dripping and vice versa. Same goes with my Kayfun. I have some flavors that are terrible in my kayfun and some that are incredible. I would recommend learning how to rebuild pro tank heads though. The flavor and vapor from a nice micro coil is a huge step up from the garbage prebuilt coils. Rebuilding anything I would say is always a step up from the stock heads

i was about to say the whole micro coil thing. i thought i was getting excellent flavor in my pt2/aerotank base set up until i tossed a micro coil in it. holy bejebus, it was far superior. same deal with my evod bcc.

 

[BillyWJ]

Should have stated earlier. I use 50/50 juice almost exclusively. I know about the tank crackers, and thats why my EVOD is all but completely retired, and I am selective in what goes in my iClear30s.

I use 50/50 in my carto tanks, I don't have any issues. I like the Smok's I listed because they're pyrex.

 

[graybuck]

I use 50/50 in my tanks, 2 hole prepunched Boge or Smok. No issues

 

[Sucker_dad]

It all depends on how you want to tinker with them. I've used the clearos and I liked them. Now I drip, I do not use anything else now. The Flavor on RDAs is stronger more pronounced. Building the coil is the hardest part to learn. Once you have that down then just wick it and rewick it as needed. The coil will last for quite a while. I have about 8 clearos that I don't even touch now. I also have 1 RBA that I am trying to figure out but haven't got the knack for it yet. One day it will work the way it should.

 

[Keeferes]

Thanks for the input so far from everyone. I'm still looking for answers on the size questions though. Any input for that part? Also on the tank capacity sizing, does that include a properly primed carto, or are the stated capacities after priming the carto properly?

 

[serenity21899]

I primarily use carto tanks, mostly IBTanked. The carto lengths are 35mm and 45mm, or standard and XL respectively. The Ikenvape however are a bit thinner in diameter, and some driptips do not fit them. I do not prefer dual coil, but that is a personal preference.

Since, I only use glass tanks, IBTanked would be the cheapest ones I use. No suggestions, sorry.

Read bad's blog for sure. I learned most of what I know about carto tanks from him.

 

[shellro07]

My preference would be: 1. Cartotank (I've only tried IBTanked tanks and love them), 2. iClear 30, 3. Protank2. I don't use 2 and 3 much anymore as the IBTanked tanks never leak and are very easy to use. I've never tried RBA/RDA (yet), but I'm sure the more experienced vapers can give you better ideas on how well they work. Good luck!

 

[BillyWJ]

Thanks for the input so far from everyone. I'm still looking for answers on the size questions though. Any input for that part? Also on the tank capacity sizing, does that include a properly primed carto, or are the stated capacities after priming the carto properly?

As far as size, you order according to the size of the tank - the DCTs I use are XL (XXL for Boge, I think), or 45mm. There are tanks for the shorter cartos, so it's just a matter of matching them up - if you have XLs, they'll work in the bigger tanks. The capacity is definitely the area surrounding the carto, not including the carto itself.

 

[BigDoctorJ]

RBA and RDA for sure will taste better. Carto's are great too but are a little too tight with the draw and I can't stand leaking. An RDA will never leak unless you overfill which is really easy not to do


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[TanukiXL]

So here's my opinion. My Russian RBA is my go to for both flavor and volume of vapor. It's my favorite. It is a juice hog though. My AGA T3 RBA vapes awesome but I have trouble building. Just got the Aspire Nautilus and so far it vapes like a dream! Recently tried the carto route with a Kryptonite tank and Boge carto. Draw is a bit tight but produces excellent vapor and flavor. Before this I was pretty much using Protank 2s with micro coils and cotton wick. Very decent and dependable.


May the force be with you,

Tanuki