Looking to advance from clearomizer to RTA

[Blargaha]

I've been using a nautilus Mini for over a year and I feel like it's time for an upgrade. Would moving to RTA's be a step in the right direction?

I was very satisfied with my Nautilus Mini so I stopped frequenting forums and vaping related youtube channels a while after getting it, until now (what can I say, I mostly watch videos and read forums for advice). So I'm a bit out of the loop when it comes to new tech and what is currently popular.

From a quick glance here and on the general forum it looks like the Serpent Mini is very good. It seems to be fairly easy to wick which would be a big plus for a beginner like me. From what I've read people are using it at 20-30w which is also just perfect since it means I wouldn't have to replace my MVP 3 which only goes up to 30w. The 4ml tank on the 25mm version seems like a decent size too.

I know that there's a dedicated Serpent Mini thread but to be honest, I haven't decided on it yet and I'd like to know what other options are out.

 

[ej1024]

Merlin Mini RTA Tank by Augvape


VAPE ON[emoji36]

 

[Beeker25]

Second Merlin on order. Not the mini.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

 

[Blargaha]

Merlin Mini RTA Tank by Augvape


VAPE ON[emoji36]

Second Merlin on order. Not the mini.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

Funny, I was just about to ask how the regular Merlin is since I feel like a 2ml tank might be a bit small.
I've watched 2 reviews and done some light reading and it seems like a great RTA.

I also have some more "general" RTA questions. From my understanding I'll be able to adjust the wattage needed by making higher ohm coil builds, so my 30w should be sufficient correct? What would be a good coil build for the Merlin?
Secondly, how often do you generally need to rewick an RTA (or the Merlin specifically)? Do I need to replace the cotton somewhat frequently but can leave the actual coil sitting for longer?

Also would I benefit from getting an ohm reader or whatever they're called? The MVP 3 already has an ohm display when firing, that would effectively be the same thing right?

I've seen some slight critique regarding the airflow, I like a lot of airflow. But me being used to the Nautilus Mini (which has decent airflow but I think could be higher), maybe I wont have the same problem as people that probably compare it to RTA's with a significantly higher airflow than something like the Nautilus Mini.

 

[Beeker25]

The Merlin has a restrictor plug that I removed immediately. If you prefer more restrictive MTL you can leave it in. I find it has plenty of air flow. Right now I'm running a single SS Clapton that reads .87 ohms and run it at 30 watts. I put this coil in a few weeks ago and when I rewicked today it still looked great. You're going to want to dry burn your coil each time you rewick. Which for me is about every 5 days.

You can use your atomizer as an ohm meter. Or you can buy the coil master deck or kit. The kit would be a very good idea IMO:

https://www.amazon.com/Coil-Master-Authentic-Tweezers-Resistant/dp/B017RX4DJ6

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[Blargaha]

The Merlin has a restrictor plug that I removed immediately. If you prefer more restrictive MTL you can leave it in. I find it has plenty of air flow. Right now I'm running a single SS Clapton that reads .87 ohms and run it at 30 watts. I put this coil in a few weeks ago and when I rewicked today it still looked great. You're going to want to dry burn your coil each time you rewick. Which for me is about every 5 days.

You can use your atomizer as an ohm meter. Or you can buy the coil master deck or kit. The kit would be a very good idea IMO:

https://www.amazon.com/Coil-Master-Authentic-Tweezers-Resistant/dp/B017RX4DJ6

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

Is it generally frowned upon to use prebuilt coils? The cheap price (compared to clearomizer coils) tickles my laziness a bit and there would be one less thing for me to .... up.
I'm also a bit confused when it comes to the measurements and material of the wire when looking around. Is the so called port slot that which you put the wire through? If the slot is 1.8mm it would be beneficial if the thickness of the wire was more clearly stated.
"5m Atomizer DIY Clapton Roll Coil (Kanthal A1 28GA x 2 + 32GA)"
I just.. what? Sorry in advance for potentially dumb questions.

Regarding cotton, should I buy the "fancy" Japanese cotton seemingly made for RBA's/RTA's or does it not matter?

 

[Beeker25]

I frequently use pre builts. Don't worry about fitting coils into post holes unless you use something real thick. Probably be helpful for you to view some YouTubes on building. There are plenty out there. There is a learning curve though nothing difficult... there are plenty of tips to pick up.

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[Blargaha]

I frequently use pre builts. Don't worry about fitting coils into post holes unless you use something real thick. Probably be helpful for you to view some YouTubes on building. There are plenty out there. There is a learning curve though nothing difficult... there are plenty of tips to pick up.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

Thanks for the suggestion and your previous posts as well. I've seen some builds on the Merlin while looking through reviews but it's probably a good idea to just look for some general build videos too.

 

[Frenchfry1942]

I am concerned that premade coils, being a part of the FDAs deemings, will eventually be controlled, taxed, and or just plain hard to get. With that in mind, I recommend a rebuildable RTA. I had about 6-8 Nautilus and was doing fine, but I wanted to try rebuilding for ohm flexibility. I bought a Kayfun and built a couple of coils as practice and vaped with it. I still had my Nauties as primary, though. Well, within a week of that first RTA I was ordering more. It was a great jump.

Their are a lot of RTAs out there. Most are geared to flavor (tight draw, small chamber, short chimney) or cloud making (airy draw).

As to re-wicking, some juices are dark, sugary and heavy. I re-wick about once every 5-6 days. It really depends on how much I vape that RTA. I generally have 5-7 tanks with juice in them. I just let the juice run down and re-wick it then. Taste has a lot to say in that. Also, I fire the coil to burn off any gunk when I re-wick.

As to which RTA, most all RTAs have their own thread in the RTA forum. Just a place for owners to discuss how they build them and their experience.

Good luck!

 

[GeorgeS]

I've never owned a 'Merlin' so can't comment on that. Personally I think a good 'bridge tank' would be the Kanger Subtank-Mini. You can use prebuild/factory coils or the included RBA.

For a pure RTA I'd recommend one of the Kayfun series. I personally like the v4 and v5.

 

[Beeker25]

I agree it's a good idea to learn how to build coils About half of my tanks have coils I built but the pre made ones are so convenient. I think at some point I'm going to need know how to make juice to thwart big brother.


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