Long-time vaper, finally looking to update my setup, opinions on my build so far?

[onewolf]

Hi!

Been vaping for quite a few years now, but I'd like to finally move up to a box mod. Currently I'm using a Protovapor XPV, but the older model that uses the DNA40 Evolv board. For tanks, the Kanger Protank 2.

I've been looking at the Hcigar vt133. I know the wattage isn't super high, but I like the evolv boards and I don't cloudchase or anything. Costs $100 bucks from vapenw - anyone order from them before? I'm not sure where they ship from, might be China.

I've been cleaning and reusing my Kanger coils, but I don't feel like I get enough of a draw with Protank and I'm interested in experimenting with an RTA. tank builds are sort of important to me, I'd like at least some degree of portability and dripping seems like more time than I'd like to commit.

I've been looking at the Merlin RTA as a potential replacement, but even after reading a bunch of threads on these forums and on other sites I'm still a little nervous about getting the wicking right, preventing leaks, wire guages etc. I'll read and watch more tutorials on RTA stuff (I know there are threads in the section for beginner guides). I also read up on the Kayfun 5 RTA clones, but it looks like there's a lot of experienced people having trouble with leaks.

So what do you guys think about a vt133/Merlin pairing? Will someone without any RTA exprience (but some mechanical inclination) be likely to get a Merlin working well? Is the vt133 a decent box (and the DNA200 a good board), or will the relatively low wattage come back to bite me?

Thanks for reading!

Edit: I use the air control valve on my Protank 2 with 4/5 holes open, anyone know how the draw on a Merlin compares to Protanks with ACV3?

Does the vt133 have USB passthrough, or will I need a charger and spare batteries to use the mod while charging?

 

[Continuity]

I don't know the Merlin, but it does sound like you are a quite tight MTL vaper if you prefer your Aero(Pro) Tanks set like that.

It does sound like you'd definitely suit one of the new Kayfun v3+/v5, though - and they're really not difficult to wick and coil - if you've been able to rebuild Kanger Protank heads, then you're definitely ready to tackle the vast majority of RTAs!

EDIT: The VT133 seems to take 2x18650 cells, and has on-board 1A charging via USB, but as always with these devices, you're advised to use a quality external charger.

 

[Dubminer]

If it helps the merlin was my first rta and my second was another merlin After watching a couple of videos and reading the merlin thread i find it easy to build and wick.Great flavor and can be adjusted for anything i might need.I just ordered my third rta a kayfun v5 clone by tobeco but can't comment on that yet.

I will say if i can build then anyone can as i am not mechanically inclined at all!

 

[daviedog]

Vapenw is in America, great place. I buy from them often.
The Merlin is a fantastic RTA. Must wick over the airflow,,feathering. Easier done than said..

 

[Whitesoxfan2579]

I just received an order for a Joyetech eGO AIO from them last week. Weirdest thing, it came factory sealed and when I opened it, it was missing both coils that should have been included. Gave them a call and they gave me a five dollar store credit. Great prices and lightning fast shipping tho.

 

[onewolf]

Wow thanks for all the responses guys! Super helpful.

t does sound like you are a quite tight MTL vaper if you prefer your Aero(Pro) Tanks set like that.

I should clarify, I don't prefer MTL, I just don't really have anything to compare it to. My only other setup was a Riva that I got 7 years ago

I will say if i can build then anyone can as i am not mechanically inclined at all!

Hah, excellent. What wire have you been using?

Vapenw is in America, great place. I buy from them often.

Sounds perfect! Will be ordering from them.

I just ordered my third rta a kayfun v5 clone by tobeco

Cool, I'd be interested to hear your opinion on how the two compare when you get it!

Gave them a call and they gave me a five dollar store credit

Definitely a good sign, since the missing parts are very likely the fault of the manufacturer and they made good on the issue regardless. I always love a company that understands customer satisfaction.


Thanks for all the info, gonna go place my order!

 

[Dubminer]

Wow thanks for all the responses guys! Super helpful.



I should clarify, I don't prefer MTL, I just don't really have anything to compare it to. My only other setup was a Riva that I got 7 years ago



Hah, excellent. What wire have you been using?



Sounds perfect! Will be ordering from them.



Cool, I'd be interested to hear your opinion on how the two compare when you get it!



Definitely a good sign, since the missing parts are very likely the fault of the manufacturer and they made good on the issue regardless. I always love a company that understands customer satisfaction.


Thanks for all the info, gonna go place my order!

I have been using Kanthal A1 28 ag. Got it from temco 100 ft $8.00 with free delivery.When i get the kayfun i will report back with a comparison.