Good starter kits? Pico?

[Cf11]

There's an rba? That's decent. But it also requires like a 2-3mm longer piece of glass which is ridiculous. I typically prefer RDAs but yeah, there's a fine rba that can be used in the baby. I don't think the Baby is too bad a guzzler with the not-crazy-low ohm coils like the .4 and .6s. It is definitely a guzzler with the very low heads.

@Cf11 There is a difference between a .3 and .5ohm coil, but a) if you haven't been vaping a very long time you may not recognize it on a regulated device, and b) you might especially not recognize it if you vape both at the same wattage. I actually prefer the .5 coil at a higher wattage.

Also, I'll be damned, there aren't any vent holes on the AL85. Still, if people are having "difficulty" getting a vape after a few puffs, there's a serious issue. Rather, if AL85s, which are a popular mod, were exploding left and right I think we'd hear of it.... but it's definitely not ideal from a safety standpoint. Still, it's unlikely the mod is airtight. In the rare event you have a crappy battery in a crappy circumstance, I'd imagine there's elsewhere for the gas to vent. Especially with that big side button.

Good to know.
I'll go with the .5 then.
Will try it on a higher wattage

 

[ddirtyvapes]

I'd suggest anywhere from 45-75W with those particular .5 heads (and let me be clear: this doesn't mean that ANY .5 coil will be best in the same range, I'm just intimately familiar with those stock heads), but that is definitely subjective. Depending on where you were vaping them already, I'd maybe start there and increase by 2-3W increments until you hit a personal sweet spot.

 

[Cf11]

No vent holes on the AL85?
the secondary "feature" of this mod is hand grenade in case of battery venting, i guess lol.

Hahaha
I was in class and I laughed out so loud reading this...i got chucked out

 

[Cf11]

I'd suggest anywhere from 45-75W with those .5s, but that is definitely subjective. Depending on where you were vaping them already, I'd maybe start there and increase by 2-3W increments until you hit a personal sweet spot.

I was vaping it at 35w and when i went higher than that i kind of felt like the coil was burning and not knowing the wattage it can handle i just decided to stay at 35.

 

[Cf11]

I'd suggest anywhere from 45-75W with those particular .5 heads (and let me be clear: this doesn't mean that ANY .5 coil will be best in the same range, I'm just intimately familiar with those stock heads), but that is definitely subjective. Depending on where you were vaping them already, I'd maybe start there and increase by 2-3W increments until you hit a personal sweet spot.

I've also seen ceramic .5 coils for my mod. Would you say those are any good? Or should i just go with the stock ones?

 

[ddirtyvapes]

Sorry, I just can't say. I would say if you're curious and can afford a pack there's no harm in trying. They may be much better, they may be worse. I'm sure someone has tried them, so keep your eyes open if you want opinions first. Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet and try em if you're curious (and it's not too much $$), but I've had no real complaints with the wire-and-cotton heads, which is what you have.

Do you just have the coils that came with the kit or did you purchase extra?

 

[Cf11]

Sorry, I just can't say. I would say if you're curious and can afford a pack there's no harm in trying. They may be much better, they may be worse. I'm sure someone has tried them, so keep your eyes open if you want opinions first. Sometimes you just gotta bite the bullet and try em if you're curious (and it's not too much $$), but I've had no real complaints with the wire-and-cotton heads, which is what you have.

Do you just have the coils that came with the kit or did you purchase extra?

I just have the two coils that came with the kit.
It's just been 3 weeks(of me vaping) or so and one of the coils(.3) is already burnt out.
And this one can go any time.
So i'm looking to buy coils... and found out about the million different types of coils that are available... Ceramic, kanthal, ni, ti, ecr, ec, ecl, and the list goes on.
Got confused and decided to vape instead

 

[ddirtyvapes]

Lol yes, there are a lot of coils that work with that tank. I don't want to confuse you further, but they are the same type of coils as the Atlantis 2, so the vast majority of coils marked for the Atlantis will work as well. BUT they are more expensive and a little tight in the Melo 2-3; I think it's more common that Atlantis tank owners buy Melo coils which are good and not as much money. That's more of a tidbit than a suggestion.

Definitely get some more coils soon, which you seem to know. 3 weeks is perfectly reasonable for a stock coil. Some will not last nearly that long, some may last a little longer, depending on how much juice you run through it.

Personally, I think since you are new to vaping, you should forget about the temperature control coils. I forget exactly what EC stands for, but I'm pretty sure all the "EC" heads are usable in wattage mode (some also usable in TC mode) whereas the TC coils are DEFINITELY temperature control only.

So, if I were you, I would get any combination of the .3 kanthal, .5 kanthal, or the .3 EC L coils which are stainless steel with larger wicking holes and can be vaped in power mode or SS temperature control mode.

There are also .75 ohm mouth-to-lung coils that will give you more of a cigarette-like drag (in which you first pull the vapor into your mouth and THEN inhale, versus inhaling directly) and should be vaped in power mode. So far, with the two coils you have been using, you've probably been taking more direct-lung hits, so if you're finding that satisfying there's no real reason to worry about these. Just an option.

 

[Cf11]

Lol yes, there are a lot of coils that work with that tank. I don't want to confuse you further, but they are the same type of coils as the Atlantis 2, so the vast majority of coils marked for the Atlantis will work as well. BUT they are more expensive and a little tight in the Melo 2-3; I think it's more common that Atlantis tank owners buy Melo coils which are good and not as much money. That's more of a tidbit than a suggestion.

Definitely get some more coils soon, which you seem to know. 3 weeks is perfectly reasonable for a stock coil. Some will not last nearly that long, some may last a little longer, depending on how much juice you run through it.

Personally, I think since you are new to vaping, you should forget about the temperature control coils. I forget exactly what EC stands for, but I'm pretty sure all the "EC" heads are usable in wattage mode (some also usable in TC mode) whereas the TC coils are DEFINITELY temperature control only.

So, if I were you, I would get any combination of the .3 kanthal, .5 kanthal, or the .3 EC L coils which are stainless steel with larger wicking holes and can be vaped in power mode or SS temperature control mode.

There are also .75 ohm mouth-to-lung coils that will give you more of a cigarette-like drag (in which you first pull the vapor into your mouth and THEN inhale, versus inhaling directly) and should be vaped in power mode. So far, with the two coils you have been using, you've probably been taking more direct-lung hits, so if you're finding that satisfying there's no real reason to worry about these. Just an option.

Firstly, thanks for explaining and the advice.
Now, i really like the direct to lung way of vaping and find it very satisfying as compared to the MTL.

I know i can always get those stock coils again but reading all the good stuff about TC got me curious about it.
And then i read more about coils and realised people make their own coils and after watching a few videos realized how great making your own coils can be, saves you money and gives you more customization.
I know i might be a little too young(vaping wise) to try my own builds, wouldn't wanna blow myself up.
But i can't resist from trying all the other types of coils that i have not already tried(which you know are a.3 and .5).
And "Atlantis"...
I've seen people saying atlantis coils are good but then i wonder how can those coils(which are not even made for melo3 mini) be better than the coils that are specifically made for the melo3 mini that i have?
(Please don't kill me if i'm wrong about the atlantis coils but i hope you can see my logic here.)

 

[ddirtyvapes]

Hey, if you have the ability to try out multiple types of heads, go for it. Not everyone loves TC though, so I really just meant to make sure you at least have some kanthal or stainless coils that you can vape in wattage mode as you're already enjoying that. Stainless is good in both power/wattage or SS-TC modes, so that would probably be a good option. There's no inherent harm in trying the nickel or titanium heads as long as you know to use them in the correct temperature control mode, which you do, but both are more outdated TC materials than SS, which can again also be used in power mode. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, though, just recommending that you a) be sure to have some kanthal or stainless coils you can use in power mode if the TC isn't working out great for you and b) if there's a limit to how much you can get, consider going for Stainless over Nickel or Titanium for TC.

If you try TC and it's not working out well for you, the Pico has TCR modes (essentially custom-set temperature control) which allow you to fine-tune. You don't have to worry TCR at all right now but just saying that the mod does a lot if the pre-set temperature modes aren't vaping well, and sometimes they don't.

Re: Atlantis coils, it's just a personal preference thing. They are similar in shape, size, function, and so are essentially interchangeable. They are not EXACTLY the same though, so some people like the Atlantis coils better and vice versa. They are very similar. I have used the atlantis coils in my Melo 3 Mini and I have to say the provide a nice vape and maybe lasted a bit longer than the Eleafs, but the price wasn't worth it and I find the Eleaf coils to be just fine. You are right there is nothing inherently better about the Atlantis coils, but they are so similar in shape (or really vice versa, chronologically the EC heads are so similar to Atlantis heads, I think) that they are arguably "made for" your tank, too. Some people like Pepsi, some people like Coke, right? The Atlantis coils are a tight fit in the mini 3 at least, but it's just something anyone with either tank... and a couple of others... has the option to try at some point. Atlantis also did/does also have different available resistances or materials.

Lastly, I'm a builder, and I wouldn't necessarily discourage a motivated new vaper from rebuilding on a regulated device, which you have, so long as they were willing to do the research necessary to keep themselves safe. There are so many tutorials available online now, both written and video. I mean I can't stop anyone from doing anything, of course, I simply wouldn't encourage it if a person seemed completely unwilling to do the requisite "background work." Only you know if you tend to be good with things like that, working with your hands on small pieces etc., but there are also tools to help you build if you need them. Between the tools, tutorials, and the protections afforded to you by your regulated device, I see no inherent reason not to try it out if you have a strong desire. Just start the right way, i.e. by finding an RBA or RTA or other rebuildable deck that will be relatively easy to build on, and by starting with simple nichrome or kanthal coils... not a quad-core nickel stapled and fused and helixed and double-claptoned with stainless and nichrome (not a thing, not even close to a thing, I am joking). Start slowly, get the right tools, and use coil-wrapping calculators like steam-engine.org if you're going to do it, is my point.

 

[Cf11]

Hey, if you have the ability to try out multiple types of heads, go for it. Not everyone loves TC though, so I really just meant to make sure you at least have some kanthal or stainless coils that you can vape in wattage mode as you're already enjoying that. Stainless is good in both power/wattage or SS-TC modes, so that would probably be a good option. There's no inherent harm in trying the nickel or titanium heads as long as you know to use them in the correct temperature control mode, which you do, but both are more outdated TC materials than SS, which can again also be used in power mode. I'm not trying to talk you out of it, though, just recommending that you a) be sure to have some kanthal or stainless coils you can use in power mode if the TC isn't working out great for you and b) if there's a limit to how much you can get, consider going for Stainless over Nickel or Titanium for TC.

If you try TC and it's not working out well for you, the Pico has TCR modes (essentially custom-set temperature control) which allow you to fine-tune. You don't have to worry TCR at all right now but just saying that the mod does a lot if the pre-set temperature modes aren't vaping well, and sometimes they don't.

Re: Atlantis coils, it's just a personal preference thing. They are similar in shape, size, function, and so are essentially interchangeable. They are not EXACTLY the same though, so some people like the Atlantis coils better and vice versa. They are very similar. I have used the atlantis coils in my Melo 3 Mini and I have to say the provide a nice vape and maybe lasted a bit longer than the Eleafs, but the price wasn't worth it and I find the Eleaf coils to be just fine. You are right there is nothing inherently better about the Atlantis coils, but they are so similar in shape (or really vice versa, chronologically the EC heads are so similar to Atlantis heads, I think) that they are arguably "made for" your tank, too. Some people like Pepsi, some people like Coke, right? The Atlantis coils are a tight fit in the mini 3 at least, but it's just something anyone with either tank... and a couple of others... has the option to try at some point. Atlantis also did/does also have different available resistances or materials.

Lastly, I'm a builder, and I wouldn't necessarily discourage a motivated new vaper from rebuilding on a regulated device, which you have, so long as they were willing to do the research necessary to keep themselves safe. There are so many tutorials available online now, both written and video. I mean I can't stop anyone from doing anything, of course, I simply wouldn't encourage it if a person seemed completely unwilling to do the requisite "background work." Only you know if you tend to be good with things like that, working with your hands on small pieces etc., but there are also tools to help you build if you need them. Between the tools, tutorials, and the protections afforded to you by your regulated device, I see no inherent reason not to try it out if you have a strong desire. Just start the right way, i.e. by finding an RBA or RTA or other rebuildable deck that will be relatively easy to build on, and by starting with simple nichrome or kanthal coils... not a quad-core nickel stapled and fused and helixed and double-claptoned with stainless and nichrome (not a thing, not even close to a thing, I am joking). Start slowly, get the right tools, and use coil-wrapping calculators like steam-engine.org if you're going to do it, is my point.

I see what you're saying.
I'll try the ss coils then.
This answer shed more light on my questions than i have in a couple days of reading. So thanks a lot for the very well written answer.
I see that you've had picos yourself so could you recommend rda/rta that'll be good with the pico?
I might get into building myself.(i really like the diy aspect of tech)

The TCR mode.
What is that? I just know it exists but i have no idea how it works.
I feel like I'm bugging you too much though
I'll just google and try to learn what i can.
Cheers!

 

[djsvapour]

I gave in and bought a Melo III today. It was a small gamble but as I absolutely love the EC coils in 0.5 and 0.3 I gave it a whirl. I also bought 10 x ECML 0.75 coils.

(Nothing to do with the Melo tank becoming illegal in 23 days of course.... )

I shall not be visiting the idea of using TC coils. I do not believe in TC factory coils.

 

[Cf11]

I gave in and bought a Melo III today. It was a small gamble but as I absolutely love the EC coils in 0.5 and 0.3 I gave it a whirl. I also bought 10 x ECML 0.75 coils.

(Nothing to do with the Melo tank becoming illegal in 23 days of course.... )

I shall not be visiting the idea of using TC coils. I do not believe in TC factory coils.

Hahaha.
Just out of curiosity which mod are using with the melo3?

What's wrong with the factory TC coils?
Care to shed some light? (Don't mean it in an offensive way.) I'm just new and curious.

 

[djsvapour]

Hahaha.
Just out of curiosity which mod are using with the melo3?

What's wrong with the factory TC coils?

What ever it looks good on.
Currently Aspire NX75 in Aluminium.

I have not tried any TC EC coils yet, but I can list plenty of TC coils that don't really work in the real world. Like I've been saying, try one (or a pack) and decide for yourself. Go with Stainless Steel to start so if you get some weird stuff going on in TC mode, you can vape them as normal.
Basically, there are a lot of coils which don't wick fast enough for TC so all that happens is you press the fire button, the vape hits and then immediately limits you (as the TC kicks in) to a vape similar to a gas station disposable or a 2012 eGo/CE4 vape at about 7 watts.
That is not how I vape TC coils in an RTA or RDA. Sure... it stops the coil overheating, but it doesn't stop you vaping so drastically.

 

[Cf11]

What ever it looks good on.
Currently Aspire NX75 in Aluminium.

I have not tried any TC EC coils yet, but I can list plenty of TC coils that don't really work in the real world. Like I've been saying, try one (or a pack) and decide for yourself. Go with Stainless Steel to start so if you get some weird stuff going on in TC mode, you can vape them as normal.
Basically, there are a lot of coils which don't wick fast enough for TC so all that happens is you press the fire button, the vape hits and then immediately limits you (as the TC kicks in) to a vape similar to a gas station disposable or a 2012 eGo/CE4 vape at about 7 watts.
That is not how I vape TC coils in an RTA or RDA. Sure... it stops the coil overheating, but it doesn't stop you vaping so drastically.

After recommendation from ddirtyvapes already ordered the ss coils.
Since you're into rda/rta what would be your recommendation for an rda/rta to use with the pico 75w?(for a beginner like myself)

 

[ddirtyvapes]

The Lemo 3 is a great option for you IMO. It has some pain-in-the-.... screws on the cap that other RTAs don't have but the build deck is simple, it fits on the Pico, has a largish capacity, and best of all for you ALSO takes the Melo 3 stock coils. Plus, once you get the top off, the deck is not hard to build on I don't think. The most important thing is having your own decent screwdriver (I can check the size) to not strip the screws. The one included is cruddy.

I also use a Griffin 22 on my Pico, not too difficult to build on but has its own problems and is a little top-heavy looking. That's not a bad tank, though. I'm not huge on RTAs so there are better people to answer; I'm way more of an RDA person but I use some tanks. I have a Kylin coming but that won't fit on the Pico.

As for RDAs, I'll think about it. There are so many out there now, but a lot of more recent ones are 24+mm which won't fit (still lots of 22s, though). My first was a Twisted Messes V1 which I still use often, but there are probably others with an easier build deck for a beginner. Possibly if you could find a Mutation X V4S (S, with the velocity-style deck) might be OK for what should be a cheap price but.... eh.... I also like my Shuriken 22mms, which might be a good choice. Actually, yeah, that's probably what I would suggest right now-- the Shuriken-- but I'll keep thinking. Possibly a Tobeco Velocity clone. I've got a good couple dozen RDAs but it's not like I've tried them all, so I'm sure other people would/will have other suggestions. I would lean on a Tobeco Velocity clone or Shuriken 22mm until I can think some more, but it's not like that's a hard and fast anything. Just a suggestion, again.

 

[Cf11]

The Lemo 3 is a great option for you IMO. It has some pain-in-the-.... screws on the cap that other RTAs don't have but the build deck is simple, it fits on the Pico, has a largish capacity, and best of all for you ALSO takes the Melo 3 stock coils. Plus, once you get the top off, the deck is not hard to build on I don't think. The most important thing is having your own decent screwdriver (I can check the size) to not strip the screws. The one included is cruddy.

I also use a Griffin 22 on my Pico, not too difficult to build on but has its own problems and is a little top-heavy looking. That's not a bad tank, though. I'm not huge on RTAs so there are better people to answer; I'm way more of an RDA person but I use some tanks. I have a Kylin coming but that won't fit on the Pico.

As for RDAs, I'll think about it. There are so many out there now, but a lot of more recent ones are 24+mm which won't fit (still lots of 22s, though). My first was a Twisted Messes V1 which I still use often, but there are probably others with an easier build deck for a beginner. Possibly if you could find a Mutation X V4S (S, with the velocity-style deck) might be OK for what should be a cheap price but.... eh.... I also like my Shuriken 22mms, which might be a good choice. Actually, yeah, that's probably what I would suggest right now-- the Shuriken-- but I'll keep thinking. Possibly a Tobeco Velocity clone. I've got a good couple dozen RDAs but it's not like I've tried them all, so I'm sure other people would/will have other suggestions. I would lean on a Tobeco Velocity clone or Shuriken 22mm until I can think some more, but it's not like that's a hard and fast anything. Just a suggestion, again.

So let me get this cleared first. The difference between rta and rda is that one has a tank and the other doesn't. And you can build your own coils in both. That right?
So why would anyone wanna buy an rda over an rta? If you have the option of building your coil and also not having to refill again and again because you have a tank in the rta, isn't it so much more easier to use that?

Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk

 

[ddirtyvapes]

Yes, you can build your own coils in an RTA or an RDA, a rebuildable Tank or Dripping atomizer, respectively. There are also "RTDAs," but that's more of a marketing ploy meant to signify a tank that has the flavor of a dripper... although different places confusingly use the term "RTDA" to mean different things.

The flavor is indeed a big part of it; flavor from drippers can rarely be beat, but there are some extremely capable tanks these days with very good flavor. It is typically easier to swap out flavors in an RDA, which is good if you make your own juice or simply switch often... you don't have to worry about vaping down a full tank of juice. RDAs are also pretty much the toppers you want to use for "clouds bro clouds" but once again, tanks have caught up there a lot. Many vapers who like mechanical mods also like an RDA on top, but some will absolutely use RTAs (or non-rebuildables) with mech mods. Still, it's just another matter of personal preference, vaping style, etc. Is it really all that inconvenient if your RDA holds enough for you to get ~10 puffs (this will vary WIDELY based on RDA size, coil, wicking, etc.) and then you put down your e-cig for an hour until you need 10 more? If you're someone who rather constantly takes a couple of puffs every few minutes instead of a bunch at once for an hour, you might say yes.

There are a wide range of styles of tanks and drippers. There are tanks that have the deck sitting on top and the tank on the bottom, ostensibly creating a more RDA-like experience with your mouth closer to the coils. There are RDAs that have such large juice wells that they hold more mLs than a teeny tiny tank, if not actually more puffs.

In short, there are as many vaping styles are there are vapers, and as many devices and toppers to fit them.

Honestly, a LOT of people who get into rebuilding have at least one RDA and one RTA, but may favor one type over the other. I have a small handful of RTAs even though I heavily prefer dripping. I have yet to find a tank that can match the feeling of a well built RDA in flavor, vapor density and production, and just general satisfaction for me. Others will agree, plenty more will not!

Plus, that doesn't mean I don't continue to look for a tank that can match my favorite drippers lol

 

[Cf11]

Yes, you can build your own coils in an RTA or an RDA, a rebuildable Tank or Dripping atomizer, respectively. There are also "RTDAs," but that's more of a marketing ploy meant to signify a tank that has the flavor of a dripper... although different places confusingly use the term "RTDA" to mean different things.

The flavor is indeed a big part of it; flavor from drippers can rarely be beat, but there are some extremely capable tanks these days with very good flavor. It is typically easier to swap out flavors in an RDA, which is good if you make your own juice or simply switch often... you don't have to worry about vaping down a full tank of juice. RDAs are also pretty much the toppers you want to use for "clouds bro clouds" but once again, tanks have caught up there a lot. Many vapers who like mechanical mods also like an RDA on top, but some will absolutely use RTAs (or non-rebuildables) with mech mods. Still, it's just another matter of personal preference, vaping style, etc. Is it really all that inconvenient if your RDA holds enough for you to get ~10 puffs (this will vary WIDELY based on RDA size, coil, wicking, etc.) and then you put down your e-cig for an hour until you need 10 more? If you're someone who rather constantly takes a couple of puffs every few minutes instead of a bunch at once for an hour, you might say yes.

There are a wide range of styles of tanks and drippers. There are tanks that have the deck sitting on top and the tank on the bottom, ostensibly creating a more RDA-like experience with your mouth closer to the coils. There are RDAs that have such large juice wells that they hold more mLs than a teeny tiny tank, if not actually more puffs.

In short, there are as many vaping styles are there are vapers, and as many devices and toppers to fit them.

Honestly, a LOT of people who get into rebuilding have at least one RDA and one RTA, but may favor one type over the other. I have a small handful of RTAs even though I heavily prefer dripping. I have yet to find a tank that can match the feeling of a well built RDA in flavor, vapor density and production, and just general satisfaction for me. Others will agree, plenty more will not!

Plus, that doesn't mean I don't continue to look for a tank that can match my favorite drippers lol

Wow.
Your responses are just wow.
I've become a fan. Honestly.

I see your point though.
And yes I'm a "clouds bro clouds" kinda guy so maybe I'll try out with the rda you suggested.
Just out of curiosity, how long have you been teaching about vaping?
[emoji14]

 

[djsvapour]

After recommendation from ddirtyvapes already ordered the ss coils.
Since you're into rda/rta what would be your recommendation for an rda/rta to use with the pico 75w?(for a beginner like myself)

I'm not so good on RTAs (basically, I don't like them a great deal). I would probably just use a (very dull) Kayfun v5 2.5ml (or 4ml ?) clone on a Pico.
I like bigger tanks on bigger mods. Merlin, Aromamizer etc.
As for RDAs, the one I would go for if you are interested in doing something a little different would be the NarDA clone.
For a straightforward dual coil 22mm RDA atomizer I enjoy the Wotofo Sapor and Petri v2 clone.
None of those RDAs are mega cloud machines.
Since I don't like the Velocity, the biggest and highest watt RDA is use is the Apocalypse v2.