There are several nice options for a single coil MTL RTA around at the moment. I agree that with MTL coils, a dual build is difficult for many, many reasons. Starting with a single coil is probably just going to be plain easier, in any case.
In no particular order: Siren V2 (I love this RTA for flavor and ease of build, as well as a lot of airflow flexibility. Some folks don't like either flavor and/or airflow options (it's not a very restricted MTL setup, which I actually like). I like it best with fruit flavors.
Ares: Some report better flavor, similar ease of use and deck as will the Siren V2 with some added things. Early reports of some seeping/leaking into top cap but these have been resolved. Many say it shines for flavor.
Berserker: about as tight a draw RTA that you can get, but flavor is stellar. Medium ease of use, it has topfill, but some find it easier to manage a bottom fill due to gurgling/leaking. Still a quite easy setup but finding the right build/wick can be a bit of a challenge....
Any of the Kayfun models, the most recent is the Kayfun prime which folks seem to be liking. I'd recommend a clone first if you go this route, as it is not an inexpensive RTA. Fasttech sells them.
The doggystyle (and clones) are beloved by many. I find the build deck to be quite frustrating (and the tank generally) but I have a fine motor tremor, however there are some MAJOR devotees of this tank for flavor and build quality (even the clones). I wish I could get mine set up.
As far as wire, I'd suggest stainless steel wire as it can run in wattage or temp mode and it's easy enough to work with. I started out with 28 gauge and found it functioned just fine at my MTL settings. You could go lower if you wish, but I don't get long ramp up times at that gauge and sometimes very thin can be hard to wick.
As far as wicking the main choices these days seem to be (whatever variant) of cotton that suits you best, or rayon. I tried cotton and didn't get very far with it before switching to rayon, and I'm glad I did. It solved all my wicking problems, but it does play to my tendency to overwick, since it shrinks a bit.
I started out using steam-engine.org to calculate my build(s) and I got a coilmaster kit. I have found the kit useful, it does have a jig, a set of tools that aren't fabulous but certainly robust enough for my needs. I like having the mini-tab ohm's reader to build on as a stable base (and to test fire my coils). I go all the way to filling the tank on that (checking for leaks) before transferring to my mod, where I am less happy to get leaks,
It's nice to have a back-up test for my builds as well. As I've said, I do have a fine motor tremor so some assistive aids are nice. Some will tell you that you don't need a whole kit, and they are correct. I find it useful but not everyone does.
Best of luck,
Anna
