First RDA + Mech Build

[Karnaj]

I'm currently using a Nautilus Mini on an eLeaf iStick and it's been working great so far. I'd like to take the next step in my e-cig journey and start making my own coils in order to produce much more vapor. I've considered a high-wattage regulated mod, but I'm not a fan of medium/large box mods and the selection of tube-shaped ones is lacking. Also, the cost can easily double or triple that of a solid mechanical mod.

I've done a lot of research and reduced my choices down to what I think are the best possible ones. I was wondering if there are any issues or quirks involved with the items I've chosen:

Mutation X SS
Hcigar Nemesis SS w/ Magnet Switch Upgrade
Xtar 18650 30A 2100 mah (Sony VTC4 cell) x3
Xtar XP4
Generic Blue LED Ohm Meter
Kanthal 24 ga 100 ft
Generic Organic Cotton
100% VG, 6 mg nicotine E-juice by Highbrow

It should be fairly obvious from my choices above that I'll be cloud chasing. I realize the dangers associated with sub-ohm coils and I'll be limiting myself to 0.2 ohms minimum. I've chosen stainless steel for the mech mod for less maintenance compared to brass. Please feel free to leave any tips or advice you have for me.

 

[legendary]

good luck with that...

 

[Katmar]

Cloud chasing is just not worth it, imho.

 

[Lord Cardigan]

Highly advise you gradually reduce your resistance. Don't go from a clearo to an RDA and immediately drop to super low resistance.
Check for shorts like your checking a potential mate for HIV.
Treat batteries with respect and expect likewise.
Start high resistance and learn how to build on an RDA. Then, when confident, slowly drop resistance.
Expect to be angry quite some time whilst learning.
...
And eventually you will love your mutation x.

 

[FreakFrom561]

Expect to be angry quite some time whilst learning.

Pay mind to these wise words. Always have spare when rebuilding. You will need it lol

 

[Lord Cardigan]

Pay mind to these wise words. Always have spare when rebuilding. You will need it lol

For quite some time, I would absolutely never rebuild unless I had a perfectly functioning backup RDA ready to fly.

 

[Karnaj]

Cloud chasing is just not worth it, imho.

Not worth it in terms of...?

Highly advise you gradually reduce your resistance. Don't go from a clearo to an RDA and immediately drop to super low resistance.
Check for shorts like your checking a potential mate for HIV.
Treat batteries with respect and expect likewise.
Start high resistance and learn how to build on an RDA. Then, when confident, slowly drop resistance.
Expect to be angry quite some time whilst learning.
...
And eventually you will love your mutation x.

Nice tips. Why do you recommend starting with high resistance builds, though? Is building with thicker wire inherently harder than with thinner wire? I'll be checking for shorts diligently, making sure the coils don't touch the deck or any other parts of the RDA. I'm also aware of over-charging and over-discharging batteries. I don't intend to be "that guy" whose battery vents after making his first build.

 

[KurrptSenate]

.2 ohms should be safe with a sony battery, but with that kind of "jump" like others mentioned, you won't like it at first

having a regulated mod is not only safer, but will allow you to "step up" at your own pace

I would recommend going that route

 

[slothlor]

Low ohms isn't necessarily the way to get big clouds - play around with a bunch of different builds, there are a ton of videos on Youtube showing new things to try.

 

[Ryedan]

I'm currently using a Nautilus Mini on an eLeaf iStick and it's been working great so far. I'd like to take the next step in my e-cig journey and start making my own coils in order to produce much more vapor. I've considered a high-wattage regulated mod, but I'm not a fan of medium/large box mods and the selection of tube-shaped ones is lacking. Also, the cost can easily double or triple that of a solid mechanical mod.

I've done a lot of research and reduced my choices down to what I think are the best possible ones. I was wondering if there are any issues or quirks involved with the items I've chosen:

Mutation X SS
Hcigar Nemesis SS w/ Magnet Switch Upgrade
Xtar 18650 30A 2100 mah (Sony VTC4 cell) x3
Xtar XP4
Generic Blue LED Ohm Meter
Kanthal 24 ga 100 ft
Generic Organic Cotton
100% VG, 6 mg nicotine E-juice by Highbrow

It should be fairly obvious from my choices above that I'll be cloud chasing. I realize the dangers associated with sub-ohm coils and I'll be limiting myself to 0.2 ohms minimum. I've chosen stainless steel for the mech mod for less maintenance compared to brass. Please feel free to leave any tips or advice you have for me.

That should be a very nice setup Karnaj. I'm actually running a Mutation X on a SS Nemesis right now . The MX is a great RDA. I really appreciate the deep drip well, the big wire holes and the adjustable air flow.

I always make dual coils. I did a 0.3 ohm build with 24 gauge Kanthal the first time to get a feel for the RDA. The only thing I wish it had that it doesn't is two positive post wire holes, but you can't have everything I guess, LOL. I found it was a bit tricky to get the two thick wires tight enough in the positive post. What I did was put the atty on my ohm checker box and give the coils a bit of a nudge. Once the post screws are tight enough the resistance goes down and doesn't change when you do that. A few days later I felt performance was a bit off. The wires had come loose again and after tightening it was good again.

My current build is at 0.2 ohms and I only use 30 amp VTC's. I can still throttle the air back to 6 holes, use flavored juice and get good flavor out of it but I don't do that much because it's kind of a waste of the battery and the MX. With the air almost wide open and using high VG is where it shines. It's not my all day vape, I just use it when I feel like making a weather system.

I feel it was worth it to make the higher resistance build first just to get to know the device. I was also used to 27 gauge wire and had never worked with 24. Make sure you don't have a short like with any mech mod. Also, make sure you don't get a lungful of burnt hit. That can really hurt at high power and doesn't do our lungs any good at all! Also, if you ever realize your battery is getting warm, you're drawing too much power from it. Stop and fix it, it can only get worse over time.

Have fun and vape safe.

 

[plumeguy]

Not really seeing a problem with the proposed setup. Whether it was the first time or
the millionth time it'll need a ohm check, etc. But assuming it's built correctly there shouldn't
be a problem.

 

[edyle]

Not worth it in terms of...?


Nice tips. Why do you recommend starting with high resistance builds, though? Is building with thicker wire inherently harder than with thinner wire? I'll be checking for shorts diligently, making sure the coils don't touch the deck or any other parts of the RDA. I'm also aware of over-charging and over-discharging batteries. I don't intend to be "that guy" whose battery vents after making his first build.

"that guy" said the same thing.

 

[edyle]

There is no need to use a mech with your first rda.

There is no need to jump straight to 24 gauge with an rda.

If you just use regular 28 gauge for your FIRST BUILD, you can at least get some experience and practice with wicking.