Well, since this discussion has turned a bit into a dripper/RBA discussion, I'll chime in again. I can appreciate that much of all this doesn't make sense, it's a foreign terminology until you understand it. Basically, there's two types...RBA's (rebuildable atomizers) and RDA's (rebuildable dripper atomizers). The essential difference is than an RBA has a tank, an RDA is refilled by dripping your liquid into it. Both have coils that you build yourself and generally speaking, there's a wick system. The most common is cotton wick (cotton balls, cotton string, etc) or silica, but in the above poster's case, he's using stainless steel mesh. (Which I wouldn't advise the latter until you have some experience.) An RSST is a type of RDA, also called a Genesis style...it's basically a similar design style that many RBA's share, but it involves a wick that is constantly held in a tank's solution, wicking it to the top to the coil and eventually boiling it when electricity is applied to the coil. (See above for pics.)
I don't personally agree with the above poster's opinion on RDA's, but everyone will find they have their preferences. I prefer RDA's, but also use RBA's. I don't personally care for RSST/Genesis style myself. I find I get similar, if not indeterminable flavor enhancements from all of them...there's only marginal differences between various setups in my opinion and experience. The bottom line is, though, that all of these are worlds above the traditional tank styles like Aspires, Kangers and so forth for flavor, vapor production and also ease of maintenance.
As for your question about clones, they're perfectly acceptable...if you get a good one. Many are garbage, however, so it's generally wise to stick to recommended devices you see mentioned here on ECF. There are some people who tout clones as the scourge of the earth, but these people are off their rocker with more money than brains in my estimation. I always recommend the IGO-L as an easy way to get your feet wt. It's a solid setup...and I can tell you that personally, after buying and trying dozens upon dozens of RDA's and RBA's, this is still my go-to setup, much of the time.
Anyway, all this is said with a word of caution. Definitely study up if you're going to go down this route. It leads to an area that can be downright dangerous if you don't know what you're doing, especially when you start looking at mechs. You need to have a basic understanding of battery chemistry, resistance and how to measure it and several other do's and don'ts that apply. The good news is you've all ready found the resource here and everything you need to know is on these forums. The other good news is there's a ton of people here that can help you along the way. And, you'll find what many of us have...it's the mecca of vaping, hands down. We'd recommend people go this route is there weren't opportunities for them to blow their faces off if they go about it in a cavalier way.
Hope that helps clear some things up! Good luck!
