After my "I hate myself for smoking again" fiasco, I'm treating myself to an RDA to encourage myself to get tf off the nic sticks again and to regain a bit more control over my vaping style.
I've already been talking to someone a little bit about this but at this point thought it was time to start a thread, which I've been trying to avoid. I want to get my first RDA, though I'm not really just asking for general recommendations; I feel as though I've been reading non-stop for days and finally have an idea of what I want but simply can't find it. Or maybe it's just that I feel like my brain is about to explode. Here are my requirements:
1) I would like to get an authentic RDA for $45 or less. Alternatively, if someone can recommend a clone they are VERY comfortable with, I'd consider it. I was looking at the Tobeco Dark Horse clone under recommendation but then a bunch of negative things I read about it put me off a little.
2) I'll start with simple single coil builds, and honestly may stay there indefinitely. I like single coils. However, I would like the ability to build slightly more complicated builds in the future if possible.
2a) Because I may end up sticking with the single coils for a while, I don't like the holes in the deck of the Mutation X V4. That's out, and if any others have holes like that (directly under the wick), I don't think it's for me.
3) I like big clouds, but I like flavor too. Gun-to-my-head, flavor is more important.
4) Removable drip tip would be nice, but negotiable.
5) I am a jewelery maker and am perfectly comfortable doing small fiddly things with my hands. A large size isn't a prerequisite; I am much more concerned about not having to drill out post holes. They don't have to be huge, but please no drilling.
6) I am currently using mostly a Kanger Subtank (all sizes, actually) with both the .5s and 1.2 heads. I just want a dripper again, though again have never owned an RDA.
7) I like a cooler vape, but I think this comes down more to my builds than the RDA itself.
8) Phillips or flat head screws strongly preferred.
9) 22mm. Again I think this has more to do with the build than the atomizer, but I'll be using this on regulated VV/VW devices.
I think that's the most pertinent information. Please let me know if I forgot anything. I wasn't crazy about the Doge v2 (non removable drip tip that seems to get hot), The Mutation X 4 (the holes), and the Tobeco Dark Horse clone (too much back and forth over quality so far). I see I have the Freakshow pulled up in a tab and I like the look of it (and have heard good things); I can't find an immediately obvious reason to put it on the blacklist.
ETA: BAAAAHHHH Hex screws on the Freak Show, that might be a dealbreaker...
I hope I'm not looking for a unicorn.
If you happen to be the member I've been messaging, you've been super helpful but I thought you'd heard enough from me for one night. I almost sent another message a few hours ago and it's a good thing I didn't because look what happened.
ETA2: After all this, I'm back to thinking about the Volcano Cauldron 1. I'm not sure I'll be able to beat the price for an authentic and it seems like it fits all of my requirements. I doubt a $20 RDA is necessarily going to be the absolute best ever, but I did like Volcano in the past and what few videos I could find reviewing the Cauldron have been quite positive. Can anyone think of a reason not to do this, especially if I decide I'm a little uncomfortable with clones? The biggest problem I can already anticipate with this (and maybe it's a total dealbreaker) is the fact that the airflow seems to be controlled from both sides simultaneously. i.e., I don't think you can only close off one side. Does this prevent single-coil builds, or will they just be airy?
I've already been talking to someone a little bit about this but at this point thought it was time to start a thread, which I've been trying to avoid. I want to get my first RDA, though I'm not really just asking for general recommendations; I feel as though I've been reading non-stop for days and finally have an idea of what I want but simply can't find it. Or maybe it's just that I feel like my brain is about to explode. Here are my requirements:
1) I would like to get an authentic RDA for $45 or less. Alternatively, if someone can recommend a clone they are VERY comfortable with, I'd consider it. I was looking at the Tobeco Dark Horse clone under recommendation but then a bunch of negative things I read about it put me off a little.
2) I'll start with simple single coil builds, and honestly may stay there indefinitely. I like single coils. However, I would like the ability to build slightly more complicated builds in the future if possible.
2a) Because I may end up sticking with the single coils for a while, I don't like the holes in the deck of the Mutation X V4. That's out, and if any others have holes like that (directly under the wick), I don't think it's for me.
3) I like big clouds, but I like flavor too. Gun-to-my-head, flavor is more important.
4) Removable drip tip would be nice, but negotiable.
5) I am a jewelery maker and am perfectly comfortable doing small fiddly things with my hands. A large size isn't a prerequisite; I am much more concerned about not having to drill out post holes. They don't have to be huge, but please no drilling.
6) I am currently using mostly a Kanger Subtank (all sizes, actually) with both the .5s and 1.2 heads. I just want a dripper again, though again have never owned an RDA.
7) I like a cooler vape, but I think this comes down more to my builds than the RDA itself.
8) Phillips or flat head screws strongly preferred.
9) 22mm. Again I think this has more to do with the build than the atomizer, but I'll be using this on regulated VV/VW devices.
I think that's the most pertinent information. Please let me know if I forgot anything. I wasn't crazy about the Doge v2 (non removable drip tip that seems to get hot), The Mutation X 4 (the holes), and the Tobeco Dark Horse clone (too much back and forth over quality so far). I see I have the Freakshow pulled up in a tab and I like the look of it (and have heard good things); I can't find an immediately obvious reason to put it on the blacklist.
ETA: BAAAAHHHH Hex screws on the Freak Show, that might be a dealbreaker...
I hope I'm not looking for a unicorn.
If you happen to be the member I've been messaging, you've been super helpful but I thought you'd heard enough from me for one night. I almost sent another message a few hours ago and it's a good thing I didn't because look what happened.
ETA2: After all this, I'm back to thinking about the Volcano Cauldron 1. I'm not sure I'll be able to beat the price for an authentic and it seems like it fits all of my requirements. I doubt a $20 RDA is necessarily going to be the absolute best ever, but I did like Volcano in the past and what few videos I could find reviewing the Cauldron have been quite positive. Can anyone think of a reason not to do this, especially if I decide I'm a little uncomfortable with clones? The biggest problem I can already anticipate with this (and maybe it's a total dealbreaker) is the fact that the airflow seems to be controlled from both sides simultaneously. i.e., I don't think you can only close off one side. Does this prevent single-coil builds, or will they just be airy?
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