Looking to get into RBA's....

[IrishUpstart]

....and I have a few questions if any of you can lead me in the right direction. I understand that people may use different stuff, and go about things a different way, but please do not hesitate to post what works for you and what you suggest. There is more than one way to skin a cat, and if I have different methods/stuff, then I will be able to find out what works best for me. Now, I think I will lest my questions individually rather than a long drawn out exposition. So....here goes. Feel free to post on any/all that you can.

1. Main APV is an itaste MVP. Will this work okay for rba's or am I going to need to start by getting a mechanical?
2. Is there one blog/post/video that stands above the rest in terms of tutorial?
3. What are the most basic items that I will need to purchase before I get started?
4. What is the best device to start rba'ing on? (See question 1 for follow-up)
5. Wicks/coil/wire/mesh?
6. Dripping or tank....again, best to start on?

I think that will be enough to start. Thank you all for your help!

 

[entropy1049]

Based on my limited experience (though I do build good coils 'n' wicks...),

1. I dunno (great start, eh?) but if it's a 510 connection it should.
2. Definitely this by eHuman. Goes into lot's of esoterica that others don't: E-Cigarette Forum - eHuman - Blogs
3. A paper clip, nail trimmers, probably a phillips screwdriver, and some way to measure resistance (multimeter, APV ohm meter, etc.). Needle nose pliers are also helpful.
4. RSST was easiest for me. Easy-to-connect positive post and insulated wick hole make it pretty forgiving.
5. I use 28 gauge Kanthal wire and 400 stainless steel mesh. 3/4 turns gets you ~0.8 ohms...ideal for a mech, but if your MVP has some circuit protection, I'd try 5/6 to start.
6. The genny style RSST was way easier to succeed with than was the AGA-T2 or drippers when I started rebuilding. Cut my teeth with it, and now am doing crazy stuff with hybrid wicks in drippers just for laughs (and TH!).

I'd also plug a good starter mech. The Legacy is a great little unit for SLR vaping.

Good times ahead my friend. Good Luck to you!

 

[JD1]

You've probably seen this already but it looks like a good sale here. http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...if-you-have-been-waiting-cheap-rbas-rdas.html
(I'm not affiliated in any way, just passing on information.)

I use and like the dream bt804. It doesn't hold much (~1.2 ml) and takes a little learning to refill but it's worth it for it's great flavor and vapor production imo. http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/fo...lone-aka-dream-bt804-tank-23.html#post9379819

 

[Endor]

Adding my thoughts here. You didn't say whether you were looking to get into genesis RBAs (stainless steel mesh wicks) or silica-based RBAs... I'll assume genesis. Also, I don't consider myself an expert, but I am getting to the point where I can rebuild a gennie without cussing at all.

1. I started on a VAMO and Provari, so your iTaste should be fine tp get your feet wet. Only issue is that you'll have to run >1.1ohm coils (say 1.5ohm is minimum). I ended up going mechanical because a ~0.7ohm coil is really quite rocking on a gennie (I use a Smoktek Natural, by the way, which is only ~$50 or so and works just fine).

2. The eHuman blog is good. I actually like pbusardo's AGA-T part 2 video that shows 3 different ways to rebuild them: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jnuYJeoS6Fc

3. What entropy said, adding: for tanks, like the RSST, you'll need a syringe or syringe-tipped bottle to get juice in to the tank. A few folks, like Mt Baker Vapor, sell syringe caps that go over standard bottles (remove the dripper first).

4. I also think the RSST is the easiest device to start on. The insulated wick hole really does make it forgiving. With a mech, you can also do the unoxidized wick "pulse method" really easily.

5. Wick: 500 SS mesh, can get it from themeshcompany.co.uk or the vaporbank.com site linked above. Wire: depends on the wick thickness. For the RSST, you can use 28awg with a 5/6 as entropy suggested since the wick is thick. Or, you can go 30awg Kanthal with less wraps. I wouldn't do 32awg -- 30 or 28 does work a lot better and is easier to work with. I only buy my wire from Temco as their prices are great and they have all sizes: TEMCo Industrial Power Supply.

6. Dripping or tank is up to you, really. I like tanks because I don't have drip all the time... just fill and vape all day.

 

[IrishUpstart]

All excellent information y'all. Thank you thank you thank you! !

 

[entropy1049]

I only buy my wire from Temco as their prices are great and they have all sizes: TEMCo Industrial Power Supply.

This for sure. Quick, and about 1/5 the price of most other wire-peddlers.

 

[super_X_drifter]

This tutorial with pictures should make simple work of the tools, materials and technique for coiling and wicking a bottomfed / dripping RBA.

I have never tried tank type RBA's. bottom feeding is just too simple, pocketable and practical - as are the RBAs used in bottom feeders. And the vape is just too damn good


RM2 / RBA 2.0 / Reomizer 2 Rebuild Tutorial
http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=413000

 

[IrishUpstart]

Dripping rbas = pocketable? Wouldn't there be leaking?

 

[super_X_drifter]

Dripping rbas = pocketable? Wouldn't there be leaking?

Oh, sorry my man, I was referring to bottom feeders (dripping from an onboard juice bottle that feeds the RBA from the bottom).

 

[IrishUpstart]

I see....kinda. lol. I guess I have seen box mods with bottles in them. Always wondered how that functioned. Something (else) to look into!

 

[super_X_drifter]

I see....kinda. lol. I guess I have seen box mods with bottles in them. Always wondered how that functioned. Something (else) to look into!

They are off the chain. Game changer. I got into em about 6 or 7 months ago and have never used anything else since then. Just put in the battery, fill the bottle, go about your life, vape like hell, just squeezing the bottle from time to time to wet the wick. Pure, simple, durable vaping at its finest.
Just got into RBAs about 3 months ago. Another big time Game Changer.

 

[IrishUpstart]

What is the life span on wicks and coils in a bottom feeder?

 

[Tintreach]

Honestly I leave my RBA'S to my bigger mods. I do have a Mini CHID that works good with the MVP but that's because it's a thin wick and wire.

Refilling a RBA on the go is a PITA. You usually need a needle bottle, tweezers or a screw driver. Normal day out with the MVP I pack a Protank and my fluid flask. That being said I found the MVP not to deliver as much punch as a mod with 18xxx batts. If you do use an RBA on the MVP I found 32g at 1.5 to 1.8 ohms to work well. I ran a Cody on it for a bit and worked well.

The RSST is awesome, and I say that because its light weight and just works with out a ton if hassle. Right now the RSST is my least stressful RBA but enjoying the Term-C well too.

Anyways I live the MVP, I use it all the time when I'm in the go or outside. I have my bigger VV's and Mechs for the other fun stuff.

 

[IrishUpstart]

The more I have about it, the more I think investing in a decent mechanical mod is something I should consider first, then go from there on rba's.

 

[super_X_drifter]

What is the life span on wicks and coils in a bottom feeder?

Coils last weeks. Wicks, when using cotton can be changed every few days or when you taste the flavor dropping off. I vape only unflavored nic base, and basically only change my wick cause I feel like it. Unflavored is very kind on wicks and coils.

The REO grand is a very solid mechanical bottom feed mod with all day battery life (uses an 18650) and all day (or more) 6ml onboard juice bottle. The reosmods forum under forum suppliers has allot of great information and many helpful folks if you want to find out more about them. REO also just released a new RBA that's only $43 and kicks .... Very user friendly and an amazing vape.