Good first RTA's?

[TVC70]

For ease of building dual coils, RTAs or RBAs with a velocity style deck are best. For RTA's the Griffin is a great tank and so are the Aromamizer/Boreas tanks.

Yep. As someone who's only been building my own coils for a little over a month, I strongly support both these statements. I'm vaping on a Griffin at this moment, and I just got an Aromamizer V2 (metal airflow ring) yesterday and put a build on it. The velocity deck has been MUCH easier for me to build on than the old offset style like that found on the Zyphyrus, for example. Wicking is also significantly easier on the Griffin, with its wick ring (which I leave in place and just stuff the wicks under with tweezers) and on the Aromamizer, on which you just stuff the wicks down below the coils in the drip well.

I've reached a point where I have no issues with the offset post style, but I still find the velocity type waaay easier to get good results on. I'd also recommend the OBS Crius, but...I'd wait a bit and see what they do with it, if you want to use lighter gauge coils. The ones I have have the screw holes in the posts drilled all the way through, rather than being blind holes like typical velocity posts. This is fine for larger gauge wire, but I've heard reports of the screws shearing through lighter gauge coil leads, due to the through holes. I haven't tried anything below 26 gauge, and have had no issues, myself. I would imagine OBS is now aware of this situation and may choose to address it in a new version (at least I hope so). Perhaps this has already been covered somewhere here at ecf. If so, I apologize. I'm just getting back into the forum after a couple year break.

 

[chinacatsunflower-]

I found an upgraded version of the Griffon Two Post that features a 6ml tank capacity with 5mm less build room. I think I'm going to go with that one, I saw the giant thread on the Griffon and it seems to be an absolutely fantastic tank. I think I'm sold, and will be picking one up when I can! I really love how the wick ring will help me estimate the amount of cotton to use, definitely a great feature for noobies.

What types of builds do you guys do? What's a simple sub-ohm dual coil build I could do? I thank you all for the really informative and helpful responses. Really appreciate it

 

[Roadtrip635]

I'm thinking about getting a Griffin Two Post. I've read that the two post deck is spacious and versatile while being extremely silly easy to build on and is good for dual coil builds. While it's only a 3.5ml tank, it's better than having to constantly drip. I've also read that there are virtually no leaking problems, the airflow is solid, and that it is well built.

Does anyone have one of these perchance? I'd love some more input from a personal owner of the RTA!

A velocity deck has two posts and two holes in each post. It makes it easy to build because each coil leg has it's own hole and each coil level. In other type decks, like 3 post style, the center post hole is shared by two coil legs. You have to hold one leg in the hole while inserting the other leg, so it makes it a little fiddly. The coils are also not symmetrical to each other and have to be fiddled with more to center within the deck, same happens in many 4 post style decks

Also in some 3 post decks, the center post will spin, making it harder to hold in place while trying to put the legs in.

Check the pics and it helps show why a V-deck makes it easier to build. Easy to center coils on deck/airflow holes and no need to bend legs in different shapes to fit the deck/posts

Velocity style deck

3 post deck
note, legs have to be bent to center on deck and both coils have to share one hole

4 post deck
note that the legs need to be bent to center in deck and airflow

Here are a few different RDA deck post styles. Note that the older 2 post deck only have one hole per post and both coils have to share those holes

Hope this helps to get a visual idea why the v-deck is easier, especially for a beginner builder

 

[chinacatsunflower-]

Ahhhh, I definitely see why a velocity deck is much easier now. Thank you for taking the time to explain that so well, I completely understand the difference now

Now that I've a RTA in mind though, this brings me to another question. What brand of wire should I use? I plan on using Kanthal A1 to start out with, but there seems to be a plethora of different brands. Also, good cotton brands?

EDIT: I came across this wire: UD Premium A1 Kanthal

 

[Roadtrip635]

I found an upgraded version of the Griffon Two Post that features a 6ml tank capacity with 5mm less build room. I think I'm going to go with that one, I saw the giant thread on the Griffon and it seems to be an absolutely fantastic tank. I think I'm sold, and will be picking one up when I can! I really love how the wick ring will help me estimate the amount of cotton to use, definitely a great feature for noobies.

What types of builds do you guys do? What's a simple sub-ohm dual coil build I could do? I thank you all for the really informative and helpful responses. Really appreciate it

I highly recommend the Griffin, super simple to build on, wicks easily, jfc, plenty of air and produces great flavor. The Billow V3 may be a consideration as well, I hear it's even easier to wick than the Griffin and larger capacity tank. As far as builds, keep it simple at first, an easy 24ga kanthal 6-7 wraps and you're good to go.

 

[chinacatsunflower-]

I highly recommend the Griffin, super simple to build on, wicks easily, jfc, plenty of air and produces great flavor. The Billow V3 may be a consideration as well, I hear it's even easier to wick than the Griffin and larger capacity tank. As far as builds, keep it simple at first, an easy 24ga kanthal 6-7 wraps and you're good to go.

What would a 24ga kanthal 6/7 wrap build read in ohms?

Also, I'm on the Steam-Engine coil wrapping calculator. I understand how to use it, besides the leg length. I am assuming the inner diameter of the coil will be defined by what I wrap the coil around, what diameter should I use for wrapping said build? Using the Griffin as a building example would be ever helpful

 

[TVC70]

On my Griffin right now I have two 24 gauge coils with 8 wraps each at 2mm inner diameter, which is giving me ~.35ohms. On the Aromamizer I have two 28 gauge coils with 8 wraps and 2.5mm ID, for about .69 ohms. I'm still experimenting around a lot myself, but these will give you some basic numbers.

You can't see the coils in these pics, of course, but it shows the numbers. The Aromamizer actually reads .71 ohms on my VTC, though it shows .69 on the Coil Master. The CM is usually a couple of point lower than the VTC.

 

[Roadtrip635]

What would a 24ga kanthal 6/7 wrap build read in ohms?

Also, I'm on the Steam-Engine coil wrapping calculator. I understand how to use it, besides the leg length. I am assuming the inner diameter of the coil will be defined by what I wrap the coil around, what diameter should I use for wrapping said build? Using the Griffin as a building example would be ever helpful

24ga A1 Kanthal 6/7 wraps 3mm i.d. should give around 0.3 ohms

I like 3mm i.d. for the Griffin, 2.5mm is good also, but I prefer it just a tad larger. 3mm id just seems to wick better for me.

I really haven't experimented with many different brands of wire, I usually just get UD wire. Same thing with cotton, really haven't experimented much with different types. I have been using Muji Japanese organic cotton, mostly because I got a great deal on a big bag and have plenty....lol Another convenience is that you can also get spools of clapton wrapped etc. wire and then make your own coils. They aren't as good as an all handmade can be, but they're pretty good and saves a bunch of time.

You may ask in the other forums about wire/cotton brands, the more experienced can give you a better evaluation than I can. A lot of it can be pretty subjective, but it's helpful.

 

[chinacatsunflower-]

On my Griffin right now I have two 24 gauge coils with 8 wraps each at 2mm inner diameter, which is giving me ~.35ohms. On the Aromamizer I have two 28 gauge coils with 8 wraps and 2.5mm ID, for about .69 ohms. I'm still experimenting around a lot myself, but these will give you some basic numbers.

Okay, so a little theory here. Let's see if I'm right! Let us say I want a Kanthal A1 0.5 dual coil build.
With 26ga, 7/6 wraps, and an ID of 3mm, I would be able to achieve that desired resistance?

 

[TVC70]

Okay, so a little theory here. Let's see if I'm right! Let us say I want a Kanthal A1 0.5 dual coil build.
With 26ga, 7/6 wraps, and an ID of 3mm, I would be able to achieve that desired resistance?

That sounds about right, according to my handy dandy coil chart. My builds often don't turn out exactly like the charts say they should, nor do they always turn out the same from build to build, even when I think I've done everything the same way. I guess greater accuracy and repeatability come with more experience.

 

[rice721]

Coming from someone who just started building. Coil building isn't hard at all especially with all the information available. I use steam engine to calculate how many wraps I need given a coil gauge and IAD then I make my coils.

I think the harder part is wicking ur coils properly as most tanks are different. But I find that the general rule of thumb is to never choke your juice feed and Make sure ur wick sits right on top of the feed.

I personally have a thing for UD RTAs. I have the zephyrus v2, Bellus (4 post and 2 post). I find them to be easy to build.

Just go at it and learn from the process.

[edit] bellus is a 2 post

 

[chinacatsunflower-]

That sounds about right, according to my handy dandy coil chart. My builds often don't turn out exactly like the charts say they should, nor do they always turn out the same from build to build, even when I think I've done everything the same way. I guess greater accuracy and repeatability come with more experience.

Awesome! Oooo, handy dandy coil chart? Sounds fancy, I'd like one

So essentially the only thing to worry about safety wise are shorts, which an ohm reader will let you know if there is one? What ohm reader might you use or would recommend?

 

[Nogy]

Hey guys. I've also been thinking of buying a griffin for awhile now. I know that it will be my next RTA that I purchase. The only thing that is stopping me from pulling the trigger is that I'm also pondering buying my first RDA. I really can only afford to buy one or the other right now unfortunately. The only RTA that I own is the zephyrus v2 (I had a goblin mini, but it was stolen ). Which would you guys go for if it was you, the griffin or your first RDA

And if I do go the RDA route, any recommendations? I was thinking of the tobeco velocity clone, or maybe the geekvape tsunami. I don't know of all the popular RDAs though like I do with RTAs. Thanks to anyone if they reply to this, it would be appreciated.

And hope you don't mind my questions OP. I'm not trying to hijack your thread. Just think I'm in a similar situation

 

[Nogy]

Awesome! Oooo, handy dandy coil chart? Sounds fancy, I'd like one

So essentially the only thing to worry about safety wise are shorts, which an ohm reader will let you know if there is one? What ohm reader might you use or would recommend?

Do you already have all the other tools you need to build besides an ohm meter? Like wire cutters, ceramic tweezers, etc? If not, I'd highly recommend the coil master building kit. It comes with everything you need, including an ohm reader. The best thing is the coil jig. Makes wrapping coils a breeze. I have the version 3 of the kit I believe. It was 35 bucks, and has been very instrumental in making my building journey a smooth one.

 

[chinacatsunflower-]

Hey guys. I've also been thinking of buying a griffin for awhile now. I know that it will be my next RTA that I purchase. The only thing that is stopping me from pulling the trigger is that I'm also pondering buying my first RDA. I really can only afford to buy one or the other right now unfortunately. The only RTA that I own is the zephyrus v2 (I had a goblin mini, but it was stolen ). Which would you guys go for if it was you, the griffin or your first RDA

And if I do go the RDA route, any recommendations? I was thinking of the tobeco velocity clone, or maybe the geekvape tsunami. I don't know of all the popular RDAs though like I do with RTAs. Thanks to anyone if they reply to this, it would be appreciated.

And hope you don't mind my questions OP. I'm not trying to hijack your thread. Just think I'm in a similar situation

Oh no problem at all, you're completely welcome, don't mind at all

I personally am going to go with the Griffin, more convenience and all the reviews I've watched and read say it's on par with the flavor of a RDA. With the improved version of the Griffin being a 6ml tank? I'm sold right then and there!

Do you already have all the other tools you need to build besides an ohm meter? Like wire cutters, ceramic tweezers, etc? If not, I'd highly recommend the coil master building kit. It comes with everything you need, including an ohm reader. The best thing is the coil jig. Makes wrapping coils a breeze. I have the version 3 of the kit I believe. It was 35 bucks, and has been very instrumental in making my building journey a smooth one.

I do not have anything as of yet, although I do have a shopping cart together. I however couldn't find this coil master kit you're talking about on the site I'm on. Could you perhaps give me a link to the specific one you're speaking of? Would be quite useful

I was thinking of buying the Heatvape Coil Master instead of having to deal with having a bunch of different drill bits, etc. $35 is a steal if it really does come with everything, ohm reader, cutters, and ceramic tweezers. That would be absolutely incredible.

 

[Nogy]

Oh no problem at all, you're completely welcome, don't mind at all

I personally am going to go with the Griffin, more convenience and all the reviews I've watched and read say it's on par with the flavor of a RDA. With the improved version of the Griffin being a 6ml tank? I'm sold right then and there!



I do not have anything as of yet, although I do have a shopping cart together. I however couldn't find this coil master kit you're talking about on the site I'm on. Could you perhaps give me a link to the specific one you're speaking of? Would be quite useful

I was thinking of buying the Heatvape Coil Master instead of having to deal with having a bunch of different drill bits, etc. $35 is a steal if it really does come with everything, ohm reader, cutters, and ceramic tweezers. That would be absolutely incredible.

Here you go friend. It's actually the version 2 kit I have. It comes with the version 3 jig though, which has all of the different diameter pieces actually labeled, unlike the previous versions. Version 2 might actually be the newest kit, and they just have 3 versions of the jig.

CoilMaster DIY Kit V2

 

[chinacatsunflower-]

Here you go friend. It's actually the version 2 kit I have. It comes with the version 3 jig though, which has all of the different diameter pieces actually labeled, unlike the previous versions. Version 2 might actually be the newest kit, and they just have 3 versions of the jig.

CoilMaster DIY Kit V2

Awesome! I'm really glad you posted and mentioned that, it looks great. Reading reviews and watching videos, and it looks really good, especially for the price. Thank you

 

[Vapin4Real]

Okay, so a little theory here. Let's see if I'm right! Let us say I want a Kanthal A1 0.5 dual coil build.
With 26ga, 7/6 wraps, and an ID of 3mm, I would be able to achieve that desired resistance?

I do a 8 wrap 27 gauge 2mm dual coil and it hits right at .5 Delicious on my Velocity and Tsunami RDAs. I haven't messed with RTAs yet cause I love my Crowns so much. Just wanted drippers so I can do juice testing really. But those 2 RDAs give my Crowns a run for their money.

 

[ej1024]

ALLERIA


VAPE IT[emoji100]

 

[chinacatsunflower-]

ALLERIA


VAPE IT[emoji100]

That post held nothing of any use, nor do I understand what "ALLERIA" is.

I mean no offense, but I would appreciate it if you would refrain from responding to a forum of mine with a single word. More than welcome to if for example you would explain what that word means, or if it's a brand of RBA or something along the lines of that (that would be useful information to include).