Ideas for a first good setup?

[majarman]

Hello all! First post here.

I'm using a CLK-1280 at the moment, and while it's okay with a K1 atomizer on it, the flavor leaves a lot to be desired.

I'm no pro at building coils, but I have a roommate who is, and so I'm trying to consider all my options for atomizer and mod.

The things I consider important in somewhat of an order of most important to least:
Flavor - I tried some of the flavors I was disappointed in on a friend's doge on a dna 30 clone, and they all tasted phenomenal. I am definitely going with an RDA, the flavor is just too good. I was finding a sweet spot anywhere from 22 to 28 watts, although some headroom for experimentation would be appreciated.
Flavor - Flavor trumps clouds, even though clouds are cool.
Price - Looking to spend maybe a little over 100 for the mod and atomizer, not including batteries, charger, kanthal, cotton, etc. Less expensive is still nice though.
Looks - I absolutely love the understated look of a copper or SS tube with a nice button on the bottom for a mechanical mod. To me there's not much out there that looks better.
Low Resistance Capable - whatever it takes to get great flavor on a semi warm vape.
Clouds - Vapor production is always nice.

Possibilities I am considering include a KBox 40 or the Sigelei 50W (except that's a little pricy), or something like a Smoktech Magneto. I like the idea of an 18650 for longer battery life. For atomizers I have seen so far, I like the Mutation X v3 and the IGO W6, maybe the Archon?

If anyone has any suggestions for a first time slightly serious vaper, please let me know!

TL;DR - Best flavor RDA setup under 100 USD. Go!

 

[classwife]

Moved this from Simple Solutions to New Members




Simple Solutions is to assist the Beginning Vaper with getting started

 

[v1k1ng1001]

You'll want a flavor chasing RDA like the Veritas, Marquis or Magma. Look for quality clones. Tobecco are terrible, but I've had luck with EHPro. Should be able to grab one for $20.

I wouldn't get a copper mech clone for daily carry. The metallurgy on them is pretty shady leading to constant tarnishing and the metal is soft--so you'll need a back up in case you drop it. A stainless steel mech with a recessed button, or something beefy like the magneto, is a great piece and can serve as backup.

I have the sigelei 50w v2 and I love it. My favorite settup is it with a veritas clone for flavor. I found mine on sale a while back for $60 and I've seen them for as low as $55. It's easter sale time so shop around.

 

[majarman]

Thanks for the suggestions!

I'll take a look around for EHPro clones of those RDAs then. Is there a particular mech mod you would suggest for daily use? I like the Magneto, but I'm totally open to other suggestions as well.

I'm thinking a nicer regulated mod will be something I go for after using a simpler mech mod for a while. The Sigelei seems to be a really nice mod for that purpose, but just to start I think I would enjoy a mechanical simply to teach myself to build better coils.

 

[ElevenEleven]

This cost me about $60

Stringray X clone from Fasttech - $27
Tobeco Tobh RDA from 101vape - $10
Reaper Mods drip tip from Craft Vapery - $23

You'll need to factor in the cost of batts, a charger, kanthal, cotton, and juice. Those are variables.

 

[ElevenEleven]

Another for around $60

A-Mod SMPL clone from Eciggity - $30
Mutation X V3 from anywhere you like - $30

 

[Ry4life]

Istick 50 watt is a nice little box ..great battery life .and I'm really digging the aqua v2 ..it's a Rda and Rta all in one ..you can grab one on FT for 30 bucks and the istick is about 60 shipped

 

[majarman]

I'm not a huge fan of the look of the iStick. I like it, great device, just not my cup of tea. Will check out the aqua though, it looks nice. How would you rate that SMPL clone? It looks gorgeous. Same with the Stingray? PS thank you guys for the tremendous help!

 

[Susan~S]

How would you rate that SMPL clone? It looks gorgeous. Same with the Stingray?

Regarding hybrid top cap mech mods: Hybrid Top Caps & Battery Failure

 

[ElevenEleven]

Thanks, Susan. Please make sure you know as much as possible about hybrids since the SMPL is hybrid-only and my Stingray X is in hybrid mod.

With that said, the A-Mod SMPL switch is a bit stiff and has a little crunch until its broken in. The black finish is wearing off a bit around the top just from general use, but its not bad and is mostly hidden by the atty. Threads are smooth. Insides are clean. The SRX has a crunchy switch as well, but using the pencil trick helps it nicely. The rice pin is a bit too small so the switch has a bit of play to it but its not horrible. Great throw and easy to press. Will not autofire if sat down on a table unlocked (mine doesn't at least). Replacement rice pins and switch magnets can be found at fatdaddyvapes. Fasttech has replacement switches that work better than the stock one it came with. Threads are solid, no burrs. The insides are a little ugly but its smooth. Its comes with both a top cap and hybrid adapter. With Fasttech, your results may vary.

My rating, I love them.

Sorry for the wall of text.

 

[Johnloveswutang]

I've loved the Vulcan RDA for over a year now. Especially since they have released the new sleeve for better clouds. Flavor stays great.

 

[majarman]

Wow, I was not aware of the hybrid top cap issue. Upon close inspection I could definitely see how that could cause problems. I had thought about the idea of the flat top of a battery making direct contact to the atty instead of a fixed pin...

I plan to use RDAs and it looks like most have adjustable pins but I'd still be more comfortable with a standard top cap.

 

[ElevenEleven]

The SRX comes with a self-adjusting top cap if a hybrid isn't your thing. A lot of mechs have an adjustable two pin top cap design where the top pin is used to make contact with your atty and the bottom pin is used to tighten up the battery.

 

[majarman]

I will most likely use the top cap that comes with it then, if that's what will help protect against a hard short. I think I'm set on the Stingray X from Infinite then!

Still looking at RDA's, thanks for all the great ideas. I'm guessing easy to build on deck with your standard 1 positive and 2 negative posts? I would appreciate posts that don't turn when I try to tighten and loosen the screws... That and flavor I suppose. Trying to find something that will look good with the SRX.

 

[ElevenEleven]

I will most likely use the top cap that comes with it then, if that's what will help protect against a hard short. I think I'm set on the Stingray X from Infinite then!

Still looking at RDA's, thanks for all the great ideas. I'm guessing easy to build on deck with your standard 1 positive and 2 negative posts? I would appreciate posts that don't turn when I try to tighten and loosen the screws... That and flavor I suppose. Trying to find something that will look good with the SRX.

Three post and four post rba's are about the same to work with. I guess its easier to do dual coil builds on a four post rba since you don't need to trap the positive leads under the same post, but its not difficult either way. I'll tell you this... Don't touch a Dark Horse. That rda is horrible for flavor.