RDA My Review/Rant on the Magma RDA Clone!!

[retic1959]

I have the istick which is variable voltage if you guys are using mechanical mods what votage are your batteries? I tried the dual coil with 32g since I was out of the 28 so this may have been my problem. 1.5ohm at 3.7 volts is not too hot or too cool but it just doesnt seem to put out much flavor or vapor. I got a smaller drip tip coming for the igo L so maybe I will put the smaller one of the magma and the larger one of the igo since the air hole on the igo is a bit small Thanks for sharing your builds with me.

on a side note I was treating the deep wells like I do with my igo and filled the bottom layer with cotton. Is this a bad idea and the potential cause for all the leakage on the magma? either way I will give it a shot and update here my stuff should be here tomorrow. Thanks everyone!

I use mine exclusively on a mech , the batteries are at 4.2 volts on a fresh charge so with a .6 ohm build that's giving me 29.4 watts . You would need to set your Istick at 30 watts to replicate my results with that dual coil build . You also need to know that on a dual coil build the wattage is split between the 2 coils so with a setting of 30 watts each coil is actually at 15 watts . The amount of wick in the well isn't near as important as keeping your wick off the deck in regards to leaking .

 

[Monotremata]

Most of the complaints about it you have are pretty common knowledge around here, theres plenty of threads about it. As its been said, leaking is the result of either overfilling it, condensation coming down the top cap, or you have your wick touching part of the deck, which means it runs right into the airholes. As for it not sitting flush, not even the authentic Magma does, theyre ALL like that. The Magma is not an easy RDA to get perfect, especially the first few attempts. Ive had mine since November, even put an oring under the airflow ring, and it still leaks. In fact, it doesnt even keep the ring from moving. As far as wicking, you just need enough to hit the bottom of the well, you dont want to stuff it full of wick or youve just removed the whole point of the deep well. Mine was my first RDA and I liked it enough but got tired of the leaking so now the Derringer is my RDA of choice.

The current Magma IS the V2 actually. There was something to do with the center post/insulator that was fixed by Paradigm last year. The newest Infinite, which is now called the Lava and has no logo anymore is a clone of the V2. This is the one I have.

 

[rangerrobin]

I have 2 Magma clones, and have performed flawlessly since the day I got them.

Currently, I run them around .7 - .5 ohms, single coil and I have no issues with flavor or vapor. I also use a Plume Veil clone and that has been troublesome, but works fantastically on my IPV mini, not so much on the mechs. I always run the Magma's on my Stringray clones, since the 510 pin is too large for anything else, adjustment wise. Currently, I'm enjoying the spaced coils over my previous micro-coil builds. It changes the flavors, brings out more high notes while the micro-coils was low notes, but with greater impact.

What is a spaced coil?
Newb here.

 

[jefsview]

What is a spaced coil?
Newb here.

Spaces between the wraps, unlike a micro-coil that is pinch together. Spaced, or standard coils as they were known as before the micro-coil craze began, allows more liquid to the coil and also gives more surface area for the vapor. It also helps cut down on coil-gunking... not much, but it helps.

 

[rangerrobin]

Spaces between the wraps, unlike a micro-coil that is pinch together. Spaced, or standard coils as they were known as before the micro-coil craze began, allows more liquid to the coil and also gives more surface area for the vapor. It also helps cut down on coil-gunking... not much, but it helps.

Okay, thanks! I'm just getting into building, but micro coils seem to be mostly what I see. In fact, in all the building videos I've watched, they always talk about making sure there are NO spaces between the wraps. I don't care for the heat I get from sub-ohming, so I will look those up.

 

[AndriaD]

Most of the complaints about it you have are pretty common knowledge around here, theres plenty of threads about it. As its been said, leaking is the result of either overfilling it, condensation coming down the top cap, or you have your wick touching part of the deck, which means it runs right into the airholes. As for it not sitting flush, not even the authentic Magma does, theyre ALL like that. The Magma is not an easy RDA to get perfect, especially the first few attempts. Ive had mine since November, even put an oring under the airflow ring, and it still leaks. In fact, it doesnt even keep the ring from moving. As far as wicking, you just need enough to hit the bottom of the well, you dont want to stuff it full of wick or youve just removed the whole point of the deep well. Mine was my first RDA and I liked it enough but got tired of the leaking so now the Derringer is my RDA of choice.

The current Magma IS the V2 actually. There was something to do with the center post/insulator that was fixed by Paradigm last year. The newest Infinite, which is now called the Lava and has no logo anymore is a clone of the V2. This is the one I have.

I just ordered a Derringer this morning -- a black one, to go with the black iStick30 I just got -- that'll be a fantastic stealth vape! Really glad to hear the Derringer doesn't leak so much. I love the flavor I get from the magma, but all that leaking does get old. They really need to redesign that deck.

Andria

 

[AndriaD]

Okay, thanks! I'm just getting into building, but micro coils seem to be mostly what I see. In fact, in all the building videos I've watched, they always talk about making sure there are NO spaces between the wraps. I don't care for the heat I get from sub-ohming, so I will look those up.

Compressed coils also provide a lot of heat -- I stopped using them right after my first one, it was so hot on my mouth and burnt the wick, because of the concentration of heat. Now, I try to wrap it as tightly as I can, and don't worry about compressing it any further -- so wraps are close, but not touching. That seems to work much better for me.

Andria

 

[rangerrobin]

My Magma clone finally arrived!
It's much smaller and heavier than I realized it would be. I won't be able to try it out until I get home from work.

 

[Kemosabe]

Okay, I've been vaping for over 2 months now. I started out with those cheapo ce5 clearos and have since upgraded to a nautilus and then I was given an IGO L RDA to test my flavors. I love this little RDA so much that I looked into getting a different one. I read all the wonderful reviews on the Magma clone by infinite so I got one.

Let me just say that I am highly dissappointed. First off the flavor is no where near as good as it is on my Igo L!!! that for me is the worst part because I am a flavor chaser

I also don't like their adjustable air hole set up. I was expecting for it to work similar to my nautilus, just turn and it clicks into place. but no you have to loosen the top section, spin it to the setting you want and make sure you hold the ring and the top part when you screw it back down or it will turn on you.

It doesn't sit flush on the istick 50w! its not a jumbo gap but if I where to bump this the wrong way I would potentially damage the threads on my istick. NOT COOL!

and finally! The deep wells! Yes, I knew it had them when I got them, but I didn't realize what a pain it would be. With my igo L all of have to do is pull out the cotton wipe down the well, do a quick dry burn and pop in a new wick. with this thing I have to take everything apart, run it under water, blow the crap out of it because I can't fit a qtip in the well to dry it out and then reassemble everything. Not to mention that it leaks like crazy between the ring and the atomizer I have to keep constantly wiping it. Yes I have enough cotton and no I did not put too much juice in it. and in order to fix it I have to unscrew and take apart everything. with my IGO L if I fill it too much it leaks out the air hole but only a dribble and it will gurgle and all I have to do is hold a piece of tissue next to the hole and give a gentle blow and quick wipe and i am good to go.

Overall, I am not impressed with this thing I wanted to be able to dual coil. I should have gotten the igo w but all the wonderful reviews on the magma clone were so great I couldn't resist.

Anyway, I hope that if you are looking to buy a magma clone by infinite that this little rant will help you with your purchase. If you can get past all the issue I had then you will like it but it is definitely not for me. I like convenience and quality and only the IGO L has given me that so far and it is half the price of the magma clone.

the flavor is governed by your build much more than the atty itself. sure the atty plays a role, but its first and foremost all about your build.
for your flush mounting, im surprised no reviewers you read mentioned the abnormally long 510 connection on the magmas. however its easily remedied. source a delrin washer to place in between the mod and the atty.
regarding your deep well/cleaning problem. all you have to do is rinse the atty under some warm water and blow the excess water out to dry it. it doesnt need to be 100% dry and also the dry burn will create enough heat to get it dry enough to re-wick.
regarding your leaking, use 10 drops from a standard dropper cap. you can fit a few more drops with the thin topped bottle caps. that works for me anyway. and be mindful of where youre dropping. drop right in between the two posts. if you drip onto your coil, it will come right out the air hole, creating leaks. and finally, when drawing from the atty, keep the air holes at 3 and 9 o'clock. tipping it askew will allow liquid to run out the air holes.
good luck and happy vaping. dont give up on the magma! you might learn to love it like your igo-l. if not, take it as a learning experience. everyones taste in atomizers can be wildly different.

 

[ellejewell]

Okay I just finished rebuilding my coil with some 26g wire. I don't like sub ohming it scares me a bit so I wont go below 1.2ohm with that said my current build is 1.6 ohm 12 wraps 2.4mm diameter. The flavor has improved a bunch but I can't inhale without hacking and I am a mouth to lung hitter. I also notice that the coil takes a bit to warm up and when it does it is very hot. I've tried running it between 3.7 volts to 4.7 all very harsh. Not burning, just a choking sensation! I'm not familiar with using 26g but since my resistance is the same as I always use I can only image it is the bigger surface area? any ideas?

 

[retic1959]

Okay I just finished rebuilding my coil with some 26g wire. I don't like sub ohming it scares me a bit so I wont go below 1.2ohm with that said my current build is 1.6 ohm 12 wraps 2.4mm diameter. The flavor has improved a bunch but I can't inhale without hacking and I am a mouth to lung hitter. I also notice that the coil takes a bit to warm up and when it does it is very hot. I've tried running it between 3.7 volts to 4.7 all very harsh. Not burning, just a choking sensation! I'm not familiar with using 26g but since my resistance is the same as I always use I can only image it is the bigger surface area? any ideas?

You have way too much wire in that build , you're heating up a lot of metal so it's gonna take longer to heat up and longer to cool down and produce a lot more heat in between . Try cutting that build in half and use 6 wraps , you have nothing to fear about running a .8 ohm coil on a regulated mod .

 

[ellejewell]

You have way too much wire in that build , you're heating up a lot of metal so it's gonna take longer to heat up and longer to cool down and produce a lot more heat in between . Try cutting that build in half and use 6 wraps , you have nothing to fear about running a .8 ohm coil on a regulated mod .

Yep, thats what I thought. I will give it a try what's the general wattage range for that ohm level that wont get it super hot?

 

[Monotremata]

Yep, thats what I thought. I will give it a try what's the general wattage range for that ohm level that wont get it super hot?

Whatever wattage you normally use. All "sub-ohming" does is lower the voltage applied to the coil to get to that spot. Watts are watts period. If you vape at 15w with a 1.5 ohm coil, vaping with a .8 just decreases the voltage needed to get to 15w. BUT this increases the amps it will draw this way so just make sure you've got decent batteries and you're good to go.

The sub ohming trend was really for mech mods that couldn't adjust wattage. On a mech you're stuck with the batteries actual voltage, so this was the only way to increase the watts coming from the 3.7v the battery puts out. You have read up on Ohms Law haven't you? Its still a good idea to learn it in the day and age of regulated mods..

 

[edyle]

Okay I just finished rebuilding my coil with some 26g wire. I don't like sub ohming it scares me a bit so I wont go below 1.2ohm with that said my current build is 1.6 ohm 12 wraps 2.4mm diameter. The flavor has improved a bunch but I can't inhale without hacking and I am a mouth to lung hitter. I also notice that the coil takes a bit to warm up and when it does it is very hot. I've tried running it between 3.7 volts to 4.7 all very harsh. Not burning, just a choking sensation! I'm not familiar with using 26g but since my resistance is the same as I always use I can only image it is the bigger surface area? any ideas?

I have mine rigged with 30 gauge, errrrr,,, I think about

lemme chk
1.5 ohm dual coil; that's about 10 wraps (I like 10)
Also have a single coil with 28 gauge; about 1.3 ohm.

Anyway the first thing about flavour with the magma's I have is I believe the white plastic separator material makes a noticeable contribution. That's why I ordered a 22mm version from ft that doesn't have that; but I use the 30mm versions.

Anyway what I mostly use is the 30mm veritas.

As for the airflow control on the magma, actually its not good for new vapers; new vapers need airflow control that they can adjust on the fly because they're still experimenting; the airflow control on the magma is perfect for seasoned vapers with a year experience already; just set your airflow and screw it down.

The big plus about the magma, for me is how easy it is to put in a coil. Come to think of it,,,. to wick it too; not so with the veritas; with the veritas, putting in a coil seems a bit like an exercise in triangulation of trigonometry or something; but that's not often; the more common exercise is the gymnastics of wicking; magma wicking is easy: zip through the coil and dunk in the well, then drop a fat blob in the well.

 

[ellejewell]

Whatever wattage you normally use. All "sub-ohming" does is lower the voltage applied to the coil to get to that spot. Watts are watts period. If you vape at 15w with a 1.5 ohm coil, vaping with a .8 just decreases the voltage needed to get to 15w. BUT this increases the amps it will draw this way so just make sure you've got decent batteries and you're good to go.

The sub ohming trend was really for mech mods that couldn't adjust wattage. On a mech you're stuck with the batteries actual voltage, so this was the only way to increase the watts coming from the 3.7v the battery puts out. You have read up on Ohms Law haven't you? Its still a good idea to learn it in the day and age of regulated mods..

Yep, I've read up on ohms law. so I know how the voltage thing works, but I notice that with the thicker gauged wire at the same voltage compared to a thinner gauge it tends to run hotter, but 32gauge is just too flimsy. I prefer the 28g but didn't have it so I was trying it out with the 26g. I don't want my battery sucked dry which I know the sub ohming does. Uggh... I understand the mechanics but I just can't seem to get this to work for me. I am a wire artist so I know my coils are perfect. I've been coiling for over a decade I've tried spaced coils I've tried micro coils. IDK I hit my sweet spot with the IGO but I just can't seem to get it on this thing.

Question, is dual coiling suppose to improve flavor or vapor? I havent noticed much of a difference I know it gives more surface with less resistance but the flavor doesnt really seem to improve for me neither does the vapor which tells me I am missing something. Probably something so simple but I just can't seem to figure it out.

Update: I lowered the resistance as suggested so it is now at .09 ohms it is a very warm vape I feel like I am inhaling hot bath steam volts are at 4.2 is there any way to be able to use the thicker gauged wire without it getting so warm?

 

[Monotremata]

As has already been said, thicker gauge wire takes alot longer to heat up and cool down than thinner wire. The Magma is notorious for getting hot just under normal circumstances, thicker wire is just going to take that much more power to heat up and by that time youre gonna be vaping a volcano.. Plus your battery IS gonna get sucked down doing it. You should stick with 28-30 gauge. I use 29 myself.

 

[Jimi D.]

I didn't care for the Magma much. It has too much airflow for mouth to lung. Not enough airflow for lung hitting. I drilled the side holes bigger. It did help it, but not enough for me.

 

[Kemosabe]

Okay I just finished rebuilding my coil with some 26g wire. I don't like sub ohming it scares me a bit so I wont go below 1.2ohm with that said my current build is 1.6 ohm 12 wraps 2.4mm diameter. The flavor has improved a bunch but I can't inhale without hacking and I am a mouth to lung hitter. I also notice that the coil takes a bit to warm up and when it does it is very hot. I've tried running it between 3.7 volts to 4.7 all very harsh. Not burning, just a choking sensation! I'm not familiar with using 26g but since my resistance is the same as I always use I can only image it is the bigger surface area? any ideas?

The likely reason why you're hacking is due to the coil dynamics of the magma. Any atty with the air coming up from underneath the coil will have a stronger TH than attys with airflow directly across from the coil, like your igo L, and any other "first generation" rbas. Air hole placement plays a large factor on harshness/smoothness of the vape. On your igo l for example, if your coil was higher than the air hole, it would be harsh and lower vapor. Lower than the air hole, less harsh a little more vapor and more flavor, but still not the sweet spot. But when its smack dab, boom smoothest vape and most vapor production.

Anyway, with attys with Bottom airflow, the only way to smooth out the vape coil-placement-wise is to build as close to the deck as you can without shorting. This might cause a bit of dribbliness if drip on/near your coil so be mindful of that.

Another thing you can do is to decrease you nic% and increase your VG ratio. Many drippers use 100VG 3mg juice just for this reason/type of atty.

Yep, thats what I thought. I will give it a try what's the general wattage range for that ohm level that wont get it super hot?

Although wattage does play a major role- it's only so much. The best way to prevent the atty from getting hot is to draw in plenty of cool air through the atty as you vape. I take quick, fairly forceful lung draws with my magma. Air prevents any heat buildup, even if you wattage is high (as long as it's not too high, like way too high). With the smaller air hole setting, it's tough to get enough air though it, thus the heat buildup. Try the quick burst lung hit method with some thick low nh juice and see if you like it. It's become my preferred method of vaping.

 

[AndriaD]

You have way too much wire in that build , you're heating up a lot of metal so it's gonna take longer to heat up and longer to cool down and produce a lot more heat in between . Try cutting that build in half and use 6 wraps , you have nothing to fear about running a .8 ohm coil on a regulated mod .

I agree, it's just too much wire -- and too fat, too. I can't stand to use anything thicker than 29ga; even 28ga is just too slow to heat. I use 29ga, usually about 6 wraps, around 3/32, gives me right around 1.5Ω, and it fires IMMEDIATELY and no backtalk. It's also not unpleasantly hot.

Andria

 

[retic1959]

Yep, thats what I thought. I will give it a try what's the general wattage range for that ohm level that wont get it super hot?

Your at almost 20 watts with that voltage , try backing down to 12 -15 watts , a longer driptip helps quite a bit as well .