Intermediate : High Shelf RBA Choice?

[Ictinike]

OK, try to keep it simple as I know this has been going around lately but I want to simplify this for me, not you

Turning 40, getting "high shelf" rba and have some picks.

Good success with other rba's I have (clones/chiRBA's - IGO, AGA's, A7, Phoenix, etc) and know well the mediums for wicks and how to build coils. With that said, if you had the choice and a brief as to why, which new "high shelf" RBA should I shoot for?

AC9, Cobra, DID, ZAP, other?

Sorry, again I know this has been asked but I have some experience and good luck with RBA's but want to try and support the innovators and not just clones entirely. I was siding with AC9 but wait time is killing me and ZAP's going up soon I hear and many in classies.

Going on my Gun Metal VAMO and have Fluke meter and all the requirements (400-500SS, 100' of 3 gauge Kanthal and 2 Nichrome, etc).

 

[MikeA5]

I'd get a ZAP. I own a ZAP, ZAU and DID, shot DID and Gemini for high end Genisis stype atomizers. ZAP AND ZAU my favorites
Pluses:
1) Top shelf materials (medical implant grade)
2) Spring loaded 510 positive pin
3) Glass tank ( Pyrex I believe)
4) Easy coil set up (with positive post screw with flange) makes hot spots on top of coil occure less often
5) Skirt on ZAP with ProVari looks like hybrid
6) Press on top cap makes it easy to align air hole with wick
7) large air hole makes plumes of vapor
8) insulator washer along wick hole (helps reduce shorts)
9) Made in the USA

Negatives:
1) Air hole on top cap is large so makes the draw airy ( I like it though. The DID less airy but top cap screws on. I already cross threaded it but I took care of it by adding a washer so I can align the hole with the wick so a non issue for me but still)
2) Some say the ZAP/ZAU has muted flavor but not the case for me
3) May not be able to use it on other mods because of the skirt getting in the way. I use the ZAU for other mods
4) ZAP/ZAU more expensive than the DID (but for me it's worth it)
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hope the above helps you make a decision.

 

[Rule62]

Hmmm. Tough to pick just one. I did the same thing. I started out with the Chinese knock offs, and when I became proficient with them, I decided to begin a collection of top shelf RBAs. I have 3 ZENs, a Cobra, a Short DiD, and a Bliss. If you have a Provari, I'd definitely go with a ZAP. They look and perform awesome. Otherwise, any of the other 3 are great. If I had to pick one, I like the Cobra. It's light, and has nice hardware. The Short DiD is nice, but it's just 2ml capacity. The Bliss is great; but the look is a little different, with it's shielded tank. Every one of them are machined beautifully. Stock, the draw on the ZAP is the airiest. Followed by the DiD. Then the Bliss. The Cobra is the tightest. You really can't go wrong with any of them. I want to get an AC9, but I haven't heard anything about availability date.

 

[Thrasher]

well I dont think you will get the zap on a vamo as it is designed with a skirt to fit the provari topcap and make it look like a mod. might have to watch 310 vapors for the Zatty universal.
most of the others are so hit and miss, twice i missed on the foggatti as it sold out in seconds, the ac9 is (who knows when).

the DID is the granddaddy and when available there is nothing wrong with them in anyway, a solid piece of kit, all 3 designs. had one and vaped like a steam train.

there is always the bliSS as well

but my overall fav is the cobra. i like the tighter draw, the titanium def helps keep the weight down, the spacing on the deck between wick and post is close but not overly tight making it not too bad to set up.
there are 5 holes in the body making wick placement where ever you like or double and U wicks possible, and it is a slim 20mm and with the machining and dimpling it looks like and extension of the provari ( iknow you said vamo but just putting it out there). there are usually better chances to get a cobra as well, as there are several vendors world wide and a always a few in the classies. i went and got custom tanks at phiniac for them. ( i have 2 - the 3 & 5ml) and the overall machining is just excellent.

out of all the geni's i have tried i just think it hits better, not harder or more vapor, just a smoother draw and thick cooler vapor.

no matter what you choose about the only differences will be weight and draw. they are all made exceptionally well.

 

[martinc]

Latest version available very soon (2 weeks max): http://shop.svoemesto.ru/index.php?categoryID=564

Wick and wire proposition,tank has 5.5ml can be expanded to 10ml with parts INCLUDED in the kit,can fit a 510 connection or use the propietary batt tubes for that hybrid awesomness

 

[Thrasher]

Latest version available very soon (2 weeks max): http://shop.svoemesto.ru/index.php?categoryID=564

Wick and wire proposition,tank has 5.5ml can be expanded to 10ml with parts INCLUDED in the kit,can fit a 510 connection or use the propietary batt tubes for that hybrid awesomness

lol i check SM twice a day for any updates the Kayfun mini is still in stock

 

[martinc]

The mini rocks!,its smaller but hell,does it vape!

 

[Thrasher]

i want the whole SM2.0 kit and maybe the semovar VW mod

 

[Ictinike]

Good points and thank you all thus far..

I guess I knew about the ZAP having the skirt and to more check the ZAU as I have no Provari at this time. I'm wondering if that might be a more worthy purchase than a any atomizer at this time and likely now something I will consider.

I really like the look and what I hope to be the feel of the AC9 but it has it's con's as well in my head (PMMA tank, proprietary tank design, etc) and something such as the Cobra or ZAU would lend itself to more aftermarket if you will modifications and support.

One had had not considered was the SM KayFun so will definitely check that out.

As stated I know many go this route and I've had really good success with RBA's out of the gate and have been using the smaller dripper's on my first eGo's since I nearly got them. Feb is also my 6m anni for no tobacco so of course that's a big milestone I want to cap off with an original non-knock off type RBA. I'm sure I'll get there

Of course any other choices, pro's or con's, or more on the ones mentioned will be taken and digested. If I do anything well it's obsess about research (lol) so I thank you again as I know this comes up regularly but I find I'm a bit different being what I'll call an intermediate until I've vape some of the genuine big boys out there.

Thanks!
~Icky

 

[Thrasher]

no matter what you buy if you dont like a topshelf they usually sell quick. while the AC9 comes highly regarded the plastic proprietary tank really does turn me off of it. i do not like vaping out of plastic, (just me but hey my choice lol)and god if it breaks somehow good luck wit that stock update. and yea zaps, DID's cobras, hellfires, somniums and the like all have readily places to get tanks and such.


i too started small some did clone crap. positive post worked loose, tank started leaking plating chipped off etc. but i liked it enough to invest and glad i did . if you like geni's then def get a good one.
i see people complain about the cost but its something you buy once and done, why not buy a nice one.


(now if i could just find more info on the pandora that is in production...........................)

 

[Ictinike]

no matter what you buy if you dont like a topshelf they usually sell quick.

if you like geni's then def get a good one.
i see people complain about the cost but its something you buy once and done, why not buy a nice one.

Thrasher,

Exactly what I have been trying to talk to SWMBO Why pot shot it when you can go big and be happy and if not resale value holds I always say!

 

[martinc]

Make no mistake,the more people turn to the Russian side (Kayfuns) the more this tank will be known and appreciated,the more it will be coveted.

The damn things turned me away from genesis stuff ( I refrain from using crap here,oups) for their unparalleled vapor production and flavor thanks to its adjustment that doubles as air/draw adjuster,can vape high VG,high PG the same-just adjust the draw tighter for VG,looser for PG...and lack of leaking;you can put it down,upside down,sideway,shake it,it just doesnt care...vapes the same until the darn wick is all dried up (you realise it when you are in fact vaping the coil gunk).

BTW,never mind the V2.0,V3.0 is coming as well in a week or 2...full stainless,improved button,new tank,etc. (shame the Nivel module wont be available until March though)

 

[Thrasher]

Make no mistake,the more people turn to the Russian side (Kayfuns) the more this tank will be known and appreciated,the more it will be coveted.

guess you havent seen how fast the disappear from the classies, i want the full size kit if i get one. not the mini. besides my ProV the SM is the only vv im interested in because the complex amount of ways it can be assembled. man if more companies would get on that train it would be cool ... buy one mod and build it several 100 ways? im in


check this sweety out Ict, been hoovering on the check out button for days lol
Home | Somnium mods

 

[unloaded]

I say grab the first one available on your list. If you're not completely happy with put it in classifieds to trade for one of the others on your list. It's much easier to trade one hard to get item for another than it is to sell one and try to buy a new one. I've got to try out a lot of different attys that way and I'd still be standing in line for them if I'd tried to buy them all new. There are lots of good traders around here.

 

[Ictinike]

check this sweety out Ict, been hoovering on the check out button for days lol
Home | Somnium mods

OH my, my, my

Research Mode for Somnium and KayFun initiated !

 

[martinc]

Might as well keep an eye on a Hellfire mega,have it customized to your taste!

List should reopen soon

 

[martinc]

I say grab the first one available on your list. If you're not completely happy with put it in classifieds to trade for one of the others on your list. It's much easier to trade one hard to get item for another than it is to sell one and try to buy a new one. I've got to try out a lot of different attys that way and I'd still be standing in line for them if I'd tried to buy them all new. There are lots of good traders around here.

The Kayfun 3.1 wouldnt be a mistake,several of already owners would gladly take it off your hands

 

[Thrasher]

SvoёMesto
Интернет-магазин «SvoёMesto»

click english in the dropdown left side under the logo.

IMO the baddest mod on the planet, buy one kit and build it anyway you want
same with the attys click on the 3es full and check the photos on the bottom for ideas of the way it can be built.

 

[foggdawg]

If you're talking top shelf my guess would the foggatti. And of course they are just as hard to find "new" as an ac9. You know you can find a DID or ZAP or even a Cobra in the classies.

 

[shawnatjr]

If an ac9 is on your list.......mid february per a certain person emailing me.....just sayin. Can't wait