My first RDA setup purchase list, some questions remain.

[VlKlNGS]

Hello World,

I've finally decided(mostly) on what I'm gonna buy as my first rda setup that I'm gonna purchase next week, but I still have some questions here and there if you could please help me out.
I'm gonna list below the entire order so you get a general idea of what I'm gonna be working with and specify where and what I'm still fuzzy with.

1. The rda is gonna be a Dead Rabbit. No need for more recommendations here, I understand there may better rda's out there, some people have said as much, and I may very well get around to them. But I really like the look of the rabbitus, looks easy enough to build on too so I'm just gonna start there.

2. The mod is gonna be a Vandy Vape Pulse X 90w(boost function to get to 100W). I know, proly not strong enough, specially for future atty upgrades. I'm not really happy with this choice eighter, but I've searched and searched and searched and searched and searched and could not find a better one given my large(and would not blame you if you called it crazy/stupid) list of requirements.
If you think you can do better feel free to go over to my other thread by clicking here, read the 3 giant posts I made with my requirements and leave your suggestions there. But you'd probably just be wasting your time since, as some members of this forum will tell you, I'm most likely chasing unicorns.

3. The battery. I don't really feel comfortable ordering batteries off aliexpress no matter how they are branded/labeled so I'm gonna purchase this one from a site in my own country. Thus I don't have many choices, the best I was able to find was one labeled as iJoy(no idea if they actually make it or just stuck a wrapper and their name on it), here are the specs:

Type: 21700 Li-Ni(high drain)
Capacity: 3750 mah
Discharge rate: 40A
Nominal tension: 3.7v
Max tension: 4.2v
Max charging tension: 4.23v

Couple of questions here:
a) If(for whatever reason) I used the mod close to or at full power(this including the boost feature) for extended periods of time can I expect any problems from this battery? And when I say problems I'm talking more about the "gonna go boom boom" side of things and less about "well you're gonna reduce the lifetime of the battery and need to buy new ones more frequently". Proly gonna last me at least a year anyway considering I'll only be using this setup a couple of days per month.

b) Again taking the full power example any estimation on how many puffs I can expect per charge? Around 50, 100, or what?

4. The toolkit. Ok, here I really don't know. I have a couple that I'm looking at but have no idea which would be best in terms of what it comes with. So could you please take a look at the stuff below and tell me which you think is best?
Please factor 2 things in when you look and make your recommendation: First, I have NO!! desire whatsoever to build my own coils(and this won't change for quite a long time, if ever) and second I'm not gonna spend 30$ or more on a toolkit so don't bother recommending those.

a) Over here looking at the second one cause it comes with some extra cotton which can't hurt, don't see any other difference in the pics or description, but what do I know.

b) Then over here scroll down for details on what each version contains. I'm looking at number 8, unless you guys think one of the other versions is better. But please don't recommend another version if the only difference is that it comes with 50 coils, really don't need that many and I've already decided on coils, we're gonna get to that soon.

c) Last over nyah , no idea here.

5. The coils. Below I give you pics(thumbnails, click on each for larger image) of the coils I'm gonna start with, unless you give me a very good reason why I shouldn't get some of them; but hopefully that won't happen as I'd like to experiment with different stuff. If you have any suggestions for what other coils would work well with this rda&mod combo feel free to include them, and I'll get to them when I get to them.
Once again I have a couple of questions here:

a) At what wattage should I preheat(I think that's what it's called?) the coils? And by that I mean those moments in youtube videos after they put the coil in and they fire it up with no juice or wick to see if it heats up evenly and there are not hotspots.

b) Once everything is wicked and lubed up properlyAt what wattage should I start with each of those coils(assuming it differs for each coil)? Obviously I'll inch my way up and down untill I find the spots that work for me, but I'd like to at least have some starting points.



Think that's all, hope I didn't forget anything. Thank you guys.

P.S. And no, I didn't forget about cotton, I know that's a very important part of the experience too. But I already have a general idea of what to start with and different places to buy it from, plus from what I understand cotton is more of a "to each his own" type deal and you have to search and find what works for you.
As such I didn't feel the need to include it. However if you think there's a type of cotton that would work particularly well with my setup then please do share. Also if there are any wicking tips&tricks you think I should know right of the bat feel free to include them, if not I'll just view/read some tutorials once everything arrives.

 

[Mordacai]

Batteries, Samsung 30T or 40T. If US based imrbatteries, if UK based ecolux.

iJoy battery Amps are exaggerated in regards to CDR (Constant Discharge Rate).

@Mooch has a battery list that can be found here.
List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum

 

[gpjoe]

In your other thread, @Don29palms commented that the Dead Rabbit was a crappy choice, and I could not agree more. It's just a bad RDA. You may like the look, but the performance is terrible. I had one a quickly sold it - flavor was muted and I got little vapor, compared to other RDAs. I think it has a lot to do with the ridiculously high coil position. But I won't recommend any other RDA (Recurve) as you don't want any recommendation (Recurve). Personally I use another RDA (Recurve) on my Pulse 80w squonkers and love them (Recurve).

The Pulse X is a solid mod and you may well find that 90w is adequate. I have two Pulse 80 mods (flashed to 90w) and they perform well, though my one gripe is indeed battery life - which was one of your criteria in the other thread. I vape at around 30w on mine with a clapton coil in my - you may have guessed - Recurve RDA, and can get through a single refill before the battery dies. If you are going to vape anywhere near the max (90w), expect the battery to die MUCH faster.

As far as tools, since you don't want to roll your own coils, all you really need is: Side cutters, screwdrivers (though most RDAs come with one), coils jig (to hold the coil in place while you tighten the post screws) scissors, and tweezers. The first one you linked to will work.

For coils, I use pre-made coils and make my own. You may want to purchase an assortment like these:

$4.41 Authentic MKWS 316L Stainless Steel Pre-Coiled Wires for RBA Atomizers (8 Specs) - 6-pack/spec / fused clapton + tiger + clapton + mix twisted + hive + quad + flat twisted + alien clapton coil at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping
$2.79 Authentic MKWS Kanthal A1 Pre-Coiled Wires for RBA Atomizers (8 Specs) - 6-pack/spec / fused clapton + tiger + clapton + mix twisted + hive + quad + flat twisted + alien clapton coil at FastTech - Worldwide Free Shipping

Each set has eight different coil styles, six of each, for a total of 48 coils. One set is Kanthal, the other stainless steel. Stainless steel has a lower resistance when compared to the same kanthal coil and will ramp up faster in wattage mode. It can also be used for temp control if the mood strikes you. I like options, so I got two of each for under 15 bucks. I also have probably 20 spools of wire (we can talk about that later ).

For wicking material, I use a lot of rayon, but cotton is very good and probably the most common. If I do use cotton, I just unroll a cotton ball and cut into 2-inch pieces. It works great and you can pick up a bag (near lifetime supply) of organic cotton balls at many pharmacies for a couple of bucks. Get organic cotton balls.

I have also used Cotton Bacon, Native Wicks (cotton), Japanese cotton pads and others but the cotton balls are cheap and work just as well. The one advantage in using pads is that you can consistently get the same amount of wick by cutting the same sized strip, so you may like the simplicity of that.

 

[gpjoe]

Oh, and I use Ijoy 20700 "five-leg" 3000mah batteries in my Pulse80 mods and they work fine. There may well be better choices, but assuming you are buying from a reputable seller, the batteries you chose should be fine.

 

[Mordacai]

Thunderhead Creations - Tauren SOLO is a single coil RDA that's easy to work with and can produce a decent amount of vapour. Also has reasonable flavour as well.

Set my smoke alarm off using one, and that was using a simple round wire coil at 0.83 ohms.

They can be picked up for less than 19 USD at fasttech, using MAP code.

There's also a dual coil version available as well.

 

[charlie1465]

Hello World,

I've finally decided(mostly) on what I'm gonna buy as my first RDA setup that I'm gonna purchase next week, but I still have some questions here and there if you could please help me out.
I'm gonna list below the entire order so you get a general idea of what I'm gonna be working with and specify where and what I'm still fuzzy with.

1. The RDA is gonna be a Dead Rabbit. No need for more recommendations here, I understand there may better rda's out there, some people have said as much, and I may very well get around to them. But I really like the look of the rabbitus, looks easy enough to build on too so I'm just gonna start there.

2. The mod is gonna be a Vandy Vape Pulse X 90w(boost function to get to 100W). I know, proly not strong enough, specially for future atty upgrades. I'm not really happy with this choice eighter, but I've searched and searched and searched and searched and searched and could not find a better one given my large(and would not blame you if you called it crazy/stupid) list of requirements.
If you think you can do better feel free to go over to my other thread by clicking here, read the 3 giant posts I made with my requirements and leave your suggestions there. But you'd probably just be wasting your time since, as some members of this forum will tell you, I'm most likely chasing unicorns.

3. The battery. I don't really feel comfortable ordering batteries off aliexpress no matter how they are branded/labeled so I'm gonna purchase this one from a site in my own country. Thus I don't have many choices, the best I was able to find was one labeled as iJoy(no idea if they actually make it or just stuck a wrapper and their name on it), here are the specs:

Type: 21700 Li-Ni(high drain)
Capacity: 3750 mah
Discharge rate: 40A
Nominal tension: 3.7v
Max tension: 4.2v
Max charging tension: 4.23v

Couple of questions here:
a) If(for whatever reason) I used the mod close to or at full power(this including the boost feature) for extended periods of time can I expect any problems from this battery? And when I say problems I'm talking more about the "gonna go boom boom" side of things and less about "well you're gonna reduce the lifetime of the battery and need to buy new ones more frequently". Proly gonna last me at least a year anyway considering I'll only be using this setup a couple of days per month.

b) Again taking the full power example any estimation on how many puffs I can expect per charge? Around 50, 100, or what?

4. The toolkit. Ok, here I really don't know. I have a couple that I'm looking at but have no idea which would be best in terms of what it comes with. So could you please take a look at the stuff below and tell me which you think is best?
Please factor 2 things in when you look and make your recommendation: First, I have NO!! desire whatsoever to build my own coils(and this won't change for quite a long time, if ever) and second I'm not gonna spend 30$ or more on a toolkit so don't bother recommending those.

a) Over here looking at the second one cause it comes with some extra cotton which can't hurt, don't see any other difference in the pics or description, but what do I know.

b) Then over here scroll down for details on what each version contains. I'm looking at number 8, unless you guys think one of the other versions is better. But please don't recommend another version if the only difference is that it comes with 50 coils, really don't need that many and I've already decided on coils, we're gonna get to that soon.

c) Last over nyah , no idea here.

5. The coils. Below I give you pics(thumbnails, click on each for larger image) of the coils I'm gonna start with, unless you give me a very good reason why I shouldn't get some of them; but hopefully that won't happen as I'd like to experiment with different stuff. If you have any suggestions for what other coils would work well with this rda&mod combo feel free to include them, and I'll get to them when I get to them.
Once again I have a couple of questions here:

a) At what wattage should I preheat(I think that's what it's called?) the coils? And by that I mean those moments in youtube videos after they put the coil in and they fire it up with no juice or wick to see if it heats up evenly and there are not hotspots.

b) Once everything is wicking and lubed up properlyAt what wattage should I start with each of those coils(assuming it differs for each coil)? Obviously I'll inch my way up and down untill I find the spots that work for me, but I'd like to at least have some starting points.



Think that's all, hope I didn't forget anything. Thank you guys.

P.S. And no, I didn't forget about cotton, I know that's a very important part of the experience too. But I already have a general idea of what to start with and different places to buy it from, plus from what I understand cotton is more of a "to each his own" type deal and you have to search and find what works for you.
As such I didn't feel the need to include it. However if you think there's a type of cotton that would work particularly well with my setup then please do share. Also if there are any wicking tips&tricks you think I should know right of the bat feel free to include them, if not I'll just view/read some tutorials once everything arrives.

I can't add anything else except my agreement in the response from @gpjoe

I'm just writing so that you know there is at least one other person who would recommend the same, essentially

Even down to throwing a curve ball in there......do you see what I did there Recurve

 

[ScottP]

Get a pair of these, they cut through anything and are quite cheap:
5 in. Micro Flush Cutters

I have had no issue cutting though SS and Titanium with them.

 

[VlKlNGS]

Morning people, well, for me, well, kind of, I got up at 12...

Ok, ok, ok, I'll add the recurve to my list. Still starting with the rabbit though.

Nice coils @gpjoe , thanks for the links, I'll be sure to try them out at some point.

iJoy battery Amps are exaggerated in regards to CDR (Constant Discharge Rate).

Ah, that sucks. Like I said there aren't many choices since I'd like to buy the battery localy if possible. Two others 21700's I've found are an AVB and the Samsung 40T you mentioned, but if you take a look below at the specs they both have discharge rate of 30A... Will that be enough?

AVB specs:
Type: Li-ion(high drain)
Capacity: 4000 mah
Discharge rate: 30A
Nominal tension: 3.7v
Max tension: doesn't say...
Max charging tension: 2A

Samsung 40T specs:
Type: doesn't say and the words "high drain" don't appear anywhere eighter which concerns me
Capacity: 4000 mah
Discharge rate: 30A
Nominal tension: 3.6v
Max tension: 4.2v
Max charging tension: doesn't say...

If neighter of those are a good fit can you recommend something from some shops you trust but hopefully from Europe(that hopefully/preferably have free/very cheap shipping) and I'll check to see if they deliver to my country.


Any comments on my wattage questions for the coils?

 

[bombastinator]

Morning people, well, for me, well, kind of, I got up at 12...

Ok, ok, ok, I'll add the recurve to my list. Still starting with the rabbit though.

Nice coils @gpjoe , thanks for the links, I'll be sure to try them out at some point.



Ah, that sucks. Like I said there aren't many choices since I'd like to buy the battery localy if possible. Two others 21700's I've found are an AVB and the Samsung 40T you mentioned, but if you take a look below at the specs they both have discharge rate of 30A... Will that be enough?

AVB specs:
Type: Li-ion(high drain)
Capacity: 4000 mah
Discharge rate: 30A
Nominal tension: 3.7v
Max tension: doesn't say...
Max charging tension: 2A

Samsung 40T specs:
Type: doesn't say and the words "high drain" don't appear anywhere eighter which concerns me
Capacity: 4000 mah
Discharge rate: 30A
Nominal tension: 3.6v
Max tension: 4.2v
Max charging tension: doesn't say...

If neighter of those are a good fit can you recommend something from some shops you trust but hopefully from Europe(that hopefully/preferably have free/very cheap shipping) and I'll check to see if they deliver to my country.


Any comments on my wattage questions for the coils?

Reliable resellers can become a serious problem with batteries. There are so very many fakes, and they’re so very hard to tell from the real ones by anything but power measurement.

 

[Hitcat44]

for your 21700 Batts question,,, the Samsung 40T (insuring an Authentic of course). Period. 'Nuff said. Myriad of proven reasons and Facts/Specs/Tests. All around checking ALL the boxes more consistently and completely.
I and Wife have 6 21700 Devices/Rigs (varying Quality, Builds & Settings) and they all pack the 40T with zero issues, complaints, or worries.
That being said, IF you plan on or desire to light the Afterburners (70+ Watts) on a ultra-sub Build (below 0.2R), then ya wanna grab a couple Samsung 30T's instead/as well.

Your/Others' mileage & "opinions" may vary however, you asked,,,
and Mooch agrees with the above from all I've read.
When it comes to Batts, there is NO other or better Sensei to follow

As for "best" RDA choice in the Range/Realm of such you seem to be zero'd in on;
Ta-May-Toe vs. Ta-Mah-Toe

 

[Mordacai]

Batteries, Samsung 30T or 40T. If US based imrbatteries, if UK based ecolux.

iJoy battery Amps are exaggerated in regards to CDR (Constant Discharge Rate).

@Mooch has a battery list that can be found here.
List of Battery Tests | E-Cigarette Forum

Use the list I linked in this post to determine what batteries you will need to source. There's 3 version codes for the 40T, only 1 it seems for the 30T.

But 30 Amps or higher CDR will be more than ample, gives you a decent margin of saftey.

Use an ohms law calculator or calculate it yourself. Voltage is 4.2 and enter your coils resistance. Here's a link to one.
Ohms Law Calculator

And can you give a little more information on where you are in the EU? As I'm UK based and may be able to help find a supplier. No guarantees, but can at least try.

 

[Eskie]

I'll second the 40T. Excellent reliable battery from the actual manufacturer. That iJoy is a rewrap that overrated for what's even possible. As to tools, wire cutters are convenient to have, but in an emergency (or incredibly tight budget) nail clippers work fine too. Just get a decent pair of sharp scissors to trim your cotton and use it only for that purpose. Dull scissors really suck when cutting your wicks.

 

[Anise]

I like this toolkit US $8.79 20% OFF|XFKM X9 Mini Vape DIY Tool Bag Tweezers Pliers Wire Heaters Kit Coil Jig Winding For Packing Electronic Cigarette Accessories-in Electronic Cigarette Accessories from Consumer Electronics on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group the first one looked cheap as in break in 2 days cheap. Good luck!

 

[icepickmaker84]

The Dead Rabbit is one of the best flavor rda’s around, don’t let naysayers sway to towards something overpriced and hyped.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[VlKlNGS]

Cool, then it's settled, I'll grab the Samsung 40T. Thank you guys.
That just leaves my coils questions.

 

[DeloresRose]

@gpjoe which rabbit did you use and dislike? I have the 24. It’s a dual coil but I’m running it single. I don’t think it’s awful, but agree it’s not as good as the Recurve.

It’s also not an easy build. I mean, easy enough to get a coil in it, but very very fussy about exact placement and size. Certainly not one I’d suggest for a first time rda user.

And to the OP, you’ll need everything to use pre made coils that you’d need to wrap your own, except the spool of wire. Pre made literally does the easiest part for you.

 

[Mordacai]

Also we forgot to mention when using multiple coils, you divide the resistance by the number of coils.

So the Alien Clapton or the Juggernaut coils would probably be a better choice initially due to their resistance, unless you get some flat or round wire and make some simple coils. steam-engine.org can help with that.

Got a 6 wrap 25AWG (0.68mm × 27mm) SS316L flat wire coil at 0.32 ohms in a Tauren SOLO at the moment running in TCR mode, produces decent vapour and really decent flavour.

 

[Opinionated]

Cool, then it's settled, I'll grab the Samsung 40T. Thank you guys.
That just leaves my coils questions.

With coils you will want to experiment around, I can wrap an awesome fused clapton around 1 ohm and happily vape under 20 watts, getting the same amount of clouds and fulfillment as someone vaping higher wattage.

There is a lot to learn in building your own coils, what wire ramps up fast, what wire does this that and the other and what wire sizes work best at what wattage etc - all of which takes time, experience and practice to learn.

As such I recommend buying several different wire types in more than one size and just make some coils..

Sure you can buy someone else's premade coils but then your stuck with what wattage and temperatures those particular builds work best at, instead of learning what works best for vaping, and you..

 

[CMD-Ky]

You may find this site helpful, I've been at this for years and still use the site. It has several very useful calculators.

Steam Engine | free vaping calculators

 

[VlKlNGS]

Also we forgot to mention when using multiple coils, you divide the resistance by the number of coils.

Yeap, gonna be using the rabbit in dual coil setups. Right, so that means that if I put 2 of those coils that are 0.2 each, then the mod is actually gonna show 0.1, corect?

what wire ramps up fast, what wire does this that and the other and what wire sizes work best at what wattage etc - all of which takes time, experience and practice to learn.

I know, which is why I asked about those coils in particular and provided pictures of them, in the hopes that other people here have used some/all of them and can at least give me a starting point; as opposed to just trowing out a blanket question about all coils and not providing any details.

LE: Ty @CMD-Ky , I'll give those a look, only used a nic shot calculator on another site so far.