ECF Vet looking to get into RTA vaping

[mcl5000]

Hi all! I started vaping very early on and am still loving it. In the beginning, I played around with a lot of the various mods that were available (CHUCK, Silver Bullet, etc...which are so basic compared to what's out there now) and all types of attys, cartomizers, etc. Since then, I've found something that I really like, which is Kanger tanks on ego batteries - yeah, very "entry level" I know, but they just work and are cheap...been using this setup for quite a while now.

I recently decided to explore what's new in the vaping world and came across RTAs. I couldn't use one all the time, but I think it would be great for when I'm at home. It's really hard to sort through all the information that's out there, and especially to find the current information. All the different RTAs are overwhelming, and the concept of people using clones didn't exist when I last explored.


So here are my questions:

1) Is there a good current guide on what the best wire and best wicks are? I'm assuming Kanthal A1 (?) for wire but I've seen people using different types of wicks. Bonus points if this guide includes things like how to actually build - now I've seen videos of veterans doing it, but I'll need to know things like how many wraps should I be going for, should I wrap around the wick or a screwdriver, should the wick be doubled up or single...etc. Basically I'm looking for a solid rebuilding tutorial that's using current information.

2) Is there a good (cheap!) clone for a beginner that will carry me a little bit past beginnerism? I don't want anything that's super complicated to build on to start, but I also don't want something that I'm going to feel the need to upgrade in a few weeks. I was looking at Plume Veil clones that are ~$20, but have no idea if they're good or not. I have an eleaf arriving today which I think can get me started in the battery department.


Thanks so much in advance! Like I said, I did look around for this info but there's just so much out there.

 

[gpjoe]

IMO, since you are used to Protanks and happy with them you would very likely be satisfied with a Kayfun Lite. They are simple to build, have a draw that is similar to a Protank, but will give you much better flavor and pretty good vapor. The Kayfun is very well suited to mouth-to-lung hits, much like the Protank. You can get a good clone (Ehpro) for around 30 bucks, or maybe even a used authentic for 50-60 bucks.

And the nice thing is that there is a TON of info and videos on how to build and wick the Kayfun Lite. I use 28ga Kanthal at about 1.4-ohms with organic cotton (ball) wick on a mech mod. Works fantastic.

 

[mcl5000]

Thank you for the suggestion! That was one of the directions I was looking at going, but I was also interested in RDAs. I realize now that I worded my original post poorly (said RTA but referenced an RDA). I am interested in both RTAs and RDAs, though. I'll take more of a look at the Kayfun Lite and clones.

As far as RDA's go, any suggestions there?

 

[RubenX]

Noob friendly? Get a Magma for dripping and a Kayfun for tankin'

In fact, get two magmas.

I'm a noob.

 

[ElConquistador]

When I was "RTA Curious" I just picked up an igo-L. It's a simple single coil RDA, decent lip to hold excess juice, big build deck, decent vape. Doesn't have holes in the posts to capture the wire, so you have to wrap & trap the wire under the screw. It's about as simple as they come, and pretty cheap. I use them once in a while, but the whole dripping thing restricts them to home use for me.

Otherwise, if you think you might want to experiment with dual coils someday, look for an RDA that allows both single AND dual coil configurations (meaning you can run either one or two air holes depending on cap placement)

 

[twgbonehead]

You might want to look into the nucleus:
https://www.fasttech.com/products/1746201

Rather than building on the deck, you remove the whole coil block, mount your coils, then screw the whole thing back in.

Make sure you get one with airholes on both sides of the cap (like the one above) if you ever plan to go with dual coils.

(I got this one: https://www.fasttech.com/p/1757502 which for some strange reason only has airholes on one side of the cap. Fine for single-coil, though! It's too pretty for me to drill it out!)

 

[bholcomb22]

I'm going to have to recommend the Kayfun. It is still my favorite RTA and I have about 10.
Easy to build. There are thousands of you tube videos about it, and how to build it.

As far as wicking I like cellucotton (rayon). The two most popular wicking mediums right now are rayon and Japanese cotton or koh gen do.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7o7RFoTtw0 --- here is a coil build tutorial.

 

[Marc411]

I own many RTA's and started with the Kayfun which is a good tank but a little restrictive. Once you build and fill it with liquid it's tough to make tweaks if you don't like the results. I still have a couple but they aren't in the rotation as much as they used to be and for good reason.

There are RTA's that are easy to build and allow you access to your coil if you don't like the build. The key is not having to empty the tank.

The tanks I mention are very easy to build and have access to your build. All offer the same flavor (or better in my opinion) to the Kayfun

The Taifun GT - HCigar clone is pretty good - this one looks tough but it is a breeze.
The Squape - EHPro makes a good one, Kingtu has a good one out but has had some intermittent challenges
eXpromizer which is a person favorite. I buy these right from the German website, the CS is outstanding and the shipping is almost faster than the states. If you have PayPal you are set.

In the beginning eliminating the frustration of building failures and proper wicking is huge. If there is a problem with these tanks you pull off your drip tip, unscrew the base from the tank, set the tank upright on a flat surface and work on your build or wick.

 

[twgbonehead]

I gotta agree with Marc, the Kayfun really is a bit cramped. You might want to start with an RDA, and particularly one that has a large build area.

Once you've gotten some technique down, you can move to the RTA's, but even there look for something that's easy to build on.

Or look at the "Dripper-Tank" styles, such as the Big Dripper. (Not the easiest deck to work on, though...)

I made the mistake of starting with Kanger-style heads, which was very frustrating due to the very small area in which to work.

Also, make sure you have good magnification and lighting. It's a thousand times easier when you can really see what you're doing!!!

 

[doots]

Noob friendly? Get a Magma for dripping and a Kayfun for tankin'

In fact, get two magmas.

I'm a noob.

I agree with the Magma and a clone of it is fine. I use the Infinite Magma. Can be found all over for Cheap.. Get you some 28g a-1 kanthal wire from temco. You can find it all over too on ebay and other places. 100ft of it for 5-7 bucks. Get some Cotton to use as wick. Watch vids on how to build RDA off youtube. Use a small screwdriver to wrap your coils around and then feed your cotton through the coil after it is mounted on your atty.. Very easy to do with just a little practice. Use a mod that will give you the ohms reading or a small ohm tester.. I agree with Kayfun also if you are coming from a clearomizer. Great rtas and easy to biuld on..

Good luck and we are all here for you.. the cheapest and best vape will come from rebuildables.. You probably wont want to go back to clearos and you will save a lot of money over time building your own coils...

 

[doots]

good magnification is crucial.. like the headband magnifiers, etc.

 

[roxynoodle]

I agree with Marc, although the kayfun was my first, and I got it right on my first try. The EHPro is an excellent clone. I have the 2 airhole lite plus and it has pretty good airflow. Fluidvapes has it for $30.

28 gauge Kanthal is my go to wire for most of my RTAs. I wick with cellucotton rayon. You get a 20 year supply from Sally's beauty supply for $11.49

 

[mcl5000]

Wow, thanks so much everybody! I'll need to digest everything mentioned here and then make a decision. I appreciate it!

 

[bholcomb22]

I agree with Marc, although the kayfun was my first, and I got it right on my first try. The EHPro is an excellent clone. I have the 2 airhole lite plus and it has pretty good airflow. Fluidvapes has it for $30.

28 gauge Kanthal is my go to wire for most of my RTAs. I wick with cellucotton rayon. You get a 20 year supply from Sally's beauty supply for $11.49

Yup. The ehpro kayfun lite v2 is the best atty I've used probably to date. It is perfect for what I like. I like a good mouth to lung hit for my ADV, but I also like to chuck the clouds every once in a while, and I have my devices to do that.

 

[Serendipity_Stables]

Last week, I bought a big dripper and it's awesome. I thought it would be a pain with the small deck but it's been pretty easy to deal with and I would have no issues with recommending it. It's pretty sweet although it sucks the juice big time.

 

[gpjoe]

Thank you for the suggestion! That was one of the directions I was looking at going, but I was also interested in RDAs. I realize now that I worded my original post poorly (said RTA but referenced an RDA). I am interested in both RTAs and RDAs, though. I'll take more of a look at the Kayfun Lite and clones.

As far as RDA's go, any suggestions there?

Yeah, when you said "RTA" I assumed you meant Rebuildable Tank Atomizer. so I recommended the Kayfun Lite.

The terminology I am familiar with is RBA or RDA. The RBA is usually "Rebuildable Atomizer and usually refers to tank style (Kayfun, Orchid, Lemo, Squape, Fogger, etc). A dripping atomizer is usually referred to as an RDA - Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer. I have seen RTA in reference to a tanked atomizer.

I still think that an Ehpro Kayfun Lite V2 clone is an excellent RBA choice for anyone that can use a screwdriver. It is extremely simple to build, and while I will agree that getting the wick right seems to challenge some folks, I have never had to tear mine apart and re-wick except to do normal maintenance. Check out youtube and you will see many videos on building a Kayfun and you can determine if it's something you want to try.

The Kayfun can be restrictive as far as the draw, but if you like the tighter draw of the Protanks you will get a similar draw from a Kayfun Lite V2. If you want something affordable that is very similar to the Kayfun build but has an airy draw, you can pick up an eleaf Lemo for about 35 bucks. Again, simple to build and produces a ton of vapor compared to the Protank or even the Kayfun.

Lastly, I agree with a post above that a great entry level RDA (dripper) is an Igo. I have been vaping for over a year and still use mine. The Igos are made of stainless steel, easy to build, perform well and are a great value. The only possible negative on the Igo-L and Igo-W is that they have small holes in the cap so the draw is tight. If you want to do direct lung hits you will likely need to drill the holes larger, as I have done with all of mine. If you are not comfortable drilling the cap of your new atomizer, there are some ebay sellers that will drill the hole to your specified size. The Igo-L is a single coil atomizer with one hole in the cap, and you must wrap the coil wires around the post screws to attach your coil. The Igo-W is a dual coil atomizer that has two holes in the cap and also has holes in the posts to capture the coil wires. It is a bit easier to attach the coil due to the holes in the posts. I have used the Igo-W as single coil with one hole enlarged and they work great. I also have an Igo-W with a Cap-It-All top cap and can use it as a dual coil or single coil atomizer with adjustable air flow.

Anyway, the Igos are a great way to try dripping without spending a lot of money. I would be very surprised if you spent more that 20 bucks on the Igo L or W. You can also check out clone drippers, but I have not use a lot of them so I cannot comment on those.

Of course there are also many authentic dripping atomizers

 

[mcl5000]

Thanks gpjoe...great info!

 

[krisjay]

I think not suggesting the Orchid (V2-V5), is doing the OP a disservice. In the world of RTA's, I thi k the Orchid is in the top, and works far better, in my opinion then the Kayfuns and Kayfun like of the world. The Orchid is easy to build, single or double coil, can be built into sub ohm levels with great performance, and also has great flavor. It just works and works well.

 

[opensec]

Noob friendly? Get a Magma for dripping and a Kayfun for tankin'
.

yuuup I second that