RDA Looking For A Good RDA Solely For Testing DIY

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Pam1384

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I'm going to try my hand at DIY e-liquid again. I really would like to find a simple rda that I would use only for taste testing my concoctions. Ideally I would like something that I can do a simple single coil build on (just starting doing this recently) and an easy deck to build on. Am I asking for too much? lol

In a nutshell, I'm looking for something quick and simple. Thanks for any and all help.
 

sofarsogood

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I'm going to try my hand at DIY e-liquid again. I really would like to find a simple rda that I would use only for taste testing my concoctions. Ideally I would like something that I can do a simple single coil build on (just starting doing this recently) and an easy deck to build on. Am I asking for too much? lol

In a nutshell, I'm looking for something quick and simple. Thanks for any and all help.
Atomizers behave differently on how they handle flavor. I vape only one atomizer, the SV rda clone ($7 from FT). My stockpile will have 10 of them. I use it because the air supply is optimized for MTL, because it's reletively easy to control leaking for pocket carry, and because it's the most sensitive to flavor of any rda I've tried. I use it's talent for flavor to mix with just 1.5% flavor and still get a good result. Minimal flavoring means odor is minimzed in the air and in clothing in case of leaking. The downside of this rda, if it is one, is it's a bit fiddly to build on because both posts are verticle (my builds are horizontal). Be careful if you try the SV, it might spoil you.
 
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ddirtyvapes

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I got a "Lawless Steamboat" (Tugboat V2 clone) from 101vape for something like 18 bucks and couldn't be happier with it, especially for a clone. I don't often go the clone route but I bought it for the exact same reason you did.

IMO this is a better option than disposable dripping atomizers. You'll match the price pretty quick and then have to throw them out eventually. Back when those were our only option for dripping, I basically had a dedicated atomizer for each flavor because once you put one flavor in, its exceedingly difficult to 100% remove it... especially strong ones. (I may also just have an extra sensitive palate in that regard, but that was my experience.)

I think if you already build, an inexpensive RDA is a way better option. I can understand why a disposable would be attractive to those who aren't comfortable building, but an RDA is way more economical in the long run.

Plus, I really found the Steamboat (and my Velocity clone) to be just good RDAs, regardless of their purpose. I feel like I can actually vape on it when I want, besides just testing.
 

Hightech Redneck

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You could also find any decent rda with a shallow well and do a wickless build in it.
There are a few videos on youtube that show this. I have one I use, it isn't perfect but it is very easy to clean out when testing a different flavor profile. If you already have various wires and a regulated device to avoid shorts this could be a low cost long term solution.
 

Pam1384

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I still have a Velocity clone sitting in a cart along with a freakshow rda. What turned me away from many of the rdas I looked at were the deep wells. I just want something for sampling and I would prefer to not have to rewick after each flavor (although I know that's not a big deal).

I just Googled rda and shallow well and will see what I find. I only spent a couple of dollars a pop for a couple of bridgeless atomizers so if those don't work out at all for me at least I didn't break the bank. I really do appreciate all the help and feedback. Dripping is not something I have ever looked at and wouldn't be now if it weren't for the fact that I will be doing some diy liquid.
 

Just Me

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I just today built on one of the IGO-L RDAs I ordered a month ago. My first time using a dripper. I like it. Shallow well (looks to be a tad over 1/16", but not 1/8", I don't think). Single coil, relatively easy to build. Tight draw, so if you want to vape on it a lot, you might want to drill the airhole out a bit. Sounds maybe like what you're looking for.
 

mcclintock

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    You didn't say what airflow or vaping style you use. For me, I've been wary of buying something like the Freakshow because I use restricted airflow, and cutting down the setting probably will result in low velocity of air through those huge bottom air ducts, rather than narrowing down the airflow like a direct airflow control does. For small airflow, a small atty can have better flavor, but also then gets a hotter vape. I bought a Doge clone based on looks and have found it actually works very well for me, more room inside than I need and it doesn't bake the juice inside before it gets vaped. Flavor took some experimenting, but it always does (I always use narrow bore drip tips, for example, so much better).

    I wouldn't worry about a deep well, you can just soak the cotton or you can fill further if you have it. The flavor will get into the cotton either way. I did recently buy a CEO clone without realizing how small the well was, in case that helps... anyway I drip all kinds of stuff and enjoy the mixtures, I can make simple mixes and end up with endless complex ones in the atty, dripping fits together with DIY juice.
     
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    sketchness

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    Vaporrange.com has a couple of different rda's on clearance for $2.50 free shipping.

    I just bought a Sigelei rda. Super simple has very low airflow for testing. Copper even.

    Sigelei Sig-V VR Edition 23mm RDA Rebuildable Atty

    Edit- I tried the bridgeless atomizers and felt it didn't represent flavor well. At least to my taste buds.
     
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    seek2

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    Just because it has a deep well doesn't mean you have to fill it. Just put a tiny cotton and saturate it. Can do it hit by hit if you want.

    But if still around check out the atomic. They should have a clone. Small build deck, no well, just a lip. Small.

    Small chamber rda's have the best flavor. I say a velocity v2 clone for the $10-15 is a steal. Doesnt have single coil option,but you can just block off the air another way I guess? Though dual coil has better flavor in some ways.
     

    jersey_emt

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    I say a velocity v2 clone for the $10-15 is a steal. Doesnt have single coil option,but you can just block off the air another way I guess? Though dual coil has better flavor in some ways.

    I just use a small bit of painter's tape to cover up the air holes if I want to use a single-coil build on one of my RDA's with only dual-coil airflow. Sure, it doesn't look pretty, but it works just fine, and doesn't leave any residue.
     

    JustWondering1

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    Kprthevapr

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    Can you use that dripper with a regulated mod? I have never understood dripping at all, but I want to start making my own juice soon, and I hear a dripper is helpful for testing juice.
    Yes you can use it on a regulated mod, just as you would a tank.
     

    JustWondering1

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    Yes you can use it on a regulated mod, just as you would a tank.

    Oh thank goodness!! This is wonderful news. I had no earthly idea. I don't want to use an unregulated. Every time I try to read about using them safely, ohm's law and such, I get a major brain freeze! I'll just stick with the regulated mods for right now.

    Thanks again!
     
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    Kprthevapr

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    Oh thank goodness!! This is wonderful news. I had no earthly idea. I don't want to use an unregulated. Every time I try to read about using them safely, ohm's law and such, I get a major brain freeze! I'll just stick with the regulated mods for right now.

    Thanks again!
    I would suggest 7 wraps of 28 gauge wire on a 2.5mm jig. The deck is small so you will want a small compact coil. 7 wraps should get ya real close to 1 ohm.
     
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