Comparing for my first RBA

[Shasta McNasty]

So, finally I have gotten a respectable system, and am very proud of my Provari 2.5 with Artemus tanks. My next step, personally, is getting an RBA; and I want quality to match my Provari. Naturally, the Z-atty is my first choice at this point because it is built to fit my system, it has a good sleek look, and from all I've read it has decent reviews. My next choice is the Cobra RBA from Phiniac. This system I know less about; Although, it does have a good look as well and the few reviews I have read are good too.
Both of these systems run in the $150 range, so as everyone can image I want to get what I pay for, I just want to know a little more about what I'm paying for. My questions to everyone in the forums are:
1. Has anyone used/own both of these systems to be able to give a detailed comparison?
2. Has anyone spent money on another system similar to the others in design, functionality, and rigidity?
3. Does anyone have a picture of the cobra on a Provari 2.5?
4. Your greatest piece of "trial and error" advice for a first time RBA buyer?

This is my first post in the E-Cigarette-Forums, and I am very happy to finally be a member here. I have come here a few times before to search for other bits of advice, always found what I needed, and don't understand why I waited this long to become a member. I know there have been a few questions around resembling mine, but I am looking for updated advice. After all, don't we all learn something new everyday?

 

[aPandaz]

I've tried both. I find the Zen a little too airy for my liking. I prefer the Cobra. The Cobra is titanium so it is lighter than the Zen and it has many more wick and coil options. While the Z-atty pro is made for the Provari, you can only use it on the Provari or other slant top mods like the Zmax. If you decide to try other devices, like a mechanical, the Cobra will have no problem being put on one. Here is a picture I found on the net:

 

[Boiler]

Not much experience with RBA's, but research suggests an AC9 is great quality and easy to learn.

(looking at the RSST clone for myself)

 

[Kanj.nguyen]

I see no reason to buy expensive RBAs. Im not paying $100 extra for a brand name.

Some may say the price translates to build quality. When a $25 AGA is made of all stainless steel and a pyrex tank and machining is all smooth, what could you possibly put into a ZAP to charge that much? Gold?

 

[mr821907]

I see no reason to buy expensive RBAs. Im not paying $100 extra for a brand name.

Some may say the price translates to build quality. When a $25 AGA is made of all stainless steel and a pyrex tank and machining is all smooth, what could you possibly put into a ZAP to charge that much? Gold?

Agreed ....AGA-T with pro ring is one of the RBA I use

 

[StevesCVO]

4. Your greatest piece of "trial and error" advice for a first time RBA buyer?

Have patience and take your time when rolling wicks and coils. Find Zen's video on the Zap on YouTube and watch it several times LOL. Be prepared to try different sized wires and number of wraps. On a Provari I don't think it will fire a coil under 1.2 ohms. The Zap is decent out of the box but it will be up to you if that's good enough or your willing to experement to get the perfect vape. As for the Zap being "airy", yes they are. It takes some getting used to but they are made that way to take a slow steady pull. It's somewhat like smoking a cigar or pipe. I tend to like it as I don't inhale into the lungs anymore since I started vaping. Kinda draw into the mouth, roll the vape around to taste it, a short inhale into the throat and exhale. To me it's more relaxing this way. Never tried a Cobra to I can't be much help there. YMMV

 

[Shasta McNasty]

aPandaz and Boiler, thanks a lot. You definitely have me leaning more towards the cobra now that I've been filled in to those details. In all honesty, I've heard of the AC9 but never looked too far into it. I will do some more research myself on it, but can someone let me know how the it stands up to the others.

Kanj, I am and will always be a firm believer in getting what you pay for. Few instances in life have shown me otherwise. If the threads are that much tighter on one model than the other I will pay the extra buck. Often times the little things are what make all the difference and I am the type of person who demands perfection. I will not dispute your statement entirely though, other times you are paying out the ... for name brand; aPandaz post about the z-atty perfectly reflects your statement through personal opinion, and that's all I'm looking for, personal opinions on what is believed to be the best. So, in your opinion, does the AGA system compete with the Cobra, Z-atty, and new contender in the discussion: AC9? I have read otherwise, but again, I won't dispute that for the money the T2 looks and sounds like a great system. I plan to own the T2 eventually, but perfection is the goal today.

 

[Possum Stew]

Do genesis attys leak more than carto tanks?

 

[Kanj.nguyen]

I have read that the AC9 is better than the AGA. I do not own a Cobra or ZAP, unfortunately, to answer your question. And i dont plan to: with the money for them i could buy a mech+genesis+batteries+juices.... setup and have some change for lunch.

Heres the thing: as long as something is Genesis style atomizer, the vape quality will be the same across devices if you set them up all perfectly. The juice delivery concept is the same, and they have been around long enough not to make any game ending mistake. Which also means they will not be making any game changing improvment either.

You get what you pay for, but sometimes the thing you get you dont need.

 

[Shasta McNasty]

IMO, yes. Anything with a wick seems to leak on me unless it is stored in the upright positions, and only tilted during inhales. Although, there is a carto I tried in a tank not long ago (the name escapes me right now, I think it was an EC2) which had an internal wick system. Great smooth, tasty hits but the same rules applied... don't leave it on its side long or it's trash.

 

[Kanj.nguyen]

With a perfectly set up Genesis you can leave them upside down and still be dry.

 

[specgie]

With a perfectly set up Genesis you can leave them upside down and still be dry.

Mind sharing your setups.. I've played and experimented with all size/tightness wicks and coils and even drain/negative pressure hole plugging and have yet to find myself a setup that doesn't at least drip when left on it's side nonetheless upside down. Please share your secrets! There must be a leak proof genny setup formula somewhere!!