New to vaping box mods / what do I need to buy

[Dan__]

Heya, I've been smoking half a pack a day for the past ~4 years, and have been trying to switch to vaping.
Around a month ago I bought a juul - it's been a blast to use but I was looking for something that'd produce bigger clouds. From the research I've done, to get a box kit you'd need to purchase a box mod and an RTA.
Heard something about coils and cotton? Not sure if this is needed or what type to get?

So far been looking at a Tesla Nano 120w and a Kylin RTA V2.

Is there anything else I'd need and if so what?

Best wishes

 

[Hawise]

You don't necessarily need an RTA for clouds: you can take your pick of a drop-in coil tank, an RTA or an RDA. If you get the drop-in tank you'll need spare coils. If you go for the rebuildable options, you'll need wire and wick (often cotton, but can be rayon), as well as some coiling tools.

The other thing you need will be batteries. The batteries we use for vaping are more complicated than AAs; you'll need the right 18650 from the right vendor, not just any 18650. I recommend you work your way through this guide to vaping batteries before you buy anything. If it leaves you with any questions, feel free to ask them here. We're always glad to help someone avoid blowing themselves up.

I don't know much about the particular items you're considering, but I expect someone will be along soon who does. Good luck, and congratulations on the switch!

 

[charlie1465]

Hi Dan...welcome

The Tesla nano is a nice looking piece of kit and the 120 watts is good enough for most people. I haven't had personal experience with the nano so can't vouch for but it's probably fine. The truth is that there are loads of box mods out there that are good enough..

I have for my daily a Voopoo drag 2 and a Vaporesso Polar. The voopoo came with a uforce tank and the vaporesso the cascade. They are both pretty loose direct lung tanks although the uforce is les airy. I use the mesh coils in it for flavour and the cloud production is huge. Both these tanks you have to buy drop in coils for but they last a good amount of time.

I'm not a fan of RTAs so can't comment on the one you have got. I use RDAs which are better imo they just consist of a build deck where you install your own coils and cotton, a top cap and drip tip...they're great for clouds too. Rta are similar except they have aglass tank so that you can go longer before adding liquid.

If you're new to all this I would suggest that you go with a ready to go tank with drop in coils and if you like it you can move up to an RDA or RTA later.

I've got to eat supper here now bu i hope i've made sense and i'll be around later if you still confused

 

[Zazie]

You'll also need a battery charger for those 18650s.

 

[DeloresRose]

That’s a pretty big leap, from a pod to building.

Pods are generally a tight draw. Juul is considered mtl. For clouds, you’ll want to go dl. Much airier vape.

Every single one of us is going to have our favorite mods and atties, but you’ll get some ideas on the various sub forums.

I think most will usher you right past mods with internal batteries - because they are often limited by wattage, I’d agree. I’m not a cloud chaser, so most 75-80 w mods are still fine for me, and I use small internal and external battery mods all the time, although I do have several dual battery mods as well.

You will need to get authentic batteries that for your device, and a good charger, and battery cases if you decide to go that route.

There are a few good sub ohm tanks around, and you can go that route for simplicity’s sake if you like.

If you are ready to build, you might look around the RBA forums. You’ll probably want to go dual coil, and you’ll need a few tools, some wire, and some wicking material.

I have a little box filled with spools of SS from Advanced Vape Supply, a tiny pair of side cuts, tiny needle nose pliers, wee little scissors, and a coil jig.

Initially it’s a small investment, but making your own coils saves money quickly. Unlike making juice where the rabbit hole is endless.

Which frees up a lot of cash for the important things in life, like funding the quest for your next favorite RBA.

Good luck.

 

[Baditude]

I agree with those who suggested a tank with drop in coils. Just because you're new to vaping, you probably should keep things as simple as possible. Diving into "rebuildables" at this point might be a bit more advanced and can be easily done at a later date. A drop in coil tank that is described as a sub-ohm, direct-to-lung tank will get you the clouds you want.

Just about any "regulated" (has a chip and is variable wattage) box mod will do. Decide if you want a single or dual battery model. Internal (non-removable) or external (removable) battery model. Piece of biased advice: Avoid SMOK mods.

Good Starter Setups for a Beginner Vaper
Battery Basics for Mods: The Definative Battery Guide for Vaping
Proper Terminology: Is it a carto, a tank, or what? A Guide to Juice Delivery Devices

When you think you might be ready for rebuildables, read: Information Resources for Your First RBA

If interested in a mechanical mod (no electronic chip):

A Beginner's Guide to Your First Mechanical Mod
Explain it to the Vape Noob: Ohm's Law Calculations for a Mechanical Mod​

 

[Dan__]

Appreciate the replies everyone

Theres a couple things I'm somewhat confused on -

You don't necessarily need an RTA for clouds: you can take your pick of a drop-in coil tank, an RTA or an RDA. If you get the drop-in tank you'll need spare coils. If you go for the rebuildable options, you'll need wire and wick (often cotton, but can be rayon), as well as some coiling tools.

Whats a drop-in tank haha? Haven't heard of it. I should've stated one of my priorities is lasting a good while before having to re wick (Assuming that's the right terminology) Second to plumes of clouds.

The other thing you need will be batteries. The batteries we use for vaping are more complicated than AAs; you'll need the right 18650 from the right vendor, not just any 18650. I recommend you work your way through this guide to vaping batteries before you buy anything. If it leaves you with any questions, feel free to ask them here. We're always glad to help someone avoid blowing themselves up.

Noted. I'd assumed I'd just have to buy replacement batteries off of my local convenience store whenever the ones that come with the nano run dry.

 

[Dan__]

I agree with those who suggested a tank with drop in coils. Just because you're new to vaping, you probably should keep things as simple as possible. Diving into "rebuildables" at this point might be a bit more advanced and can be easily done at a later date. A drop in coil tank that is described as a sub-ohm, direct-to-lung tank will get you the clouds you want.

Just about any "regulated" (has a chip and is variable wattage) box mod will do. Decide if you want a single or dual battery model. Internal (non-removable) or external (removable) battery model. Piece of biased advice: Avoid SMOK mods.

Drop In coils? How would I replace these / what would re wicking be like?

 

[Hawise]

Appreciate the replies everyone

Theres a couple things I'm somewhat confused on -

Whats a drop-in tank haha? Haven't heard of it. I should've stated one of my priorities is lasting a good while before having to re wick (Assuming that's the right terminology) Second to plumes of clouds.

The coils are drop-in, not the tank.

Drop-in coil tank/ factory coil tank: You buy packs of replacement coils. When a coil stops working well, you pull out the old coil, throw it away and pop in a new one. There's no rewicking.

RTA (Rebuildable tank atomizer): You make the coil yourself, wrapping a wire around a coil jig. Then you mount it (screw both ends into the atomizer while holding the coil in the correct position) and wick it (cut and roll some cotton or rayon and run it through the coil). When it stops working well, you rewick (pull the old wick, clean the coil and put a new wick in). It's less expensive (in the long run) than using a drop-in coil, but it is more work and there's a bit of a learning curve.

RDA (Rebuildable dripping atomizer): Like an RTA, but instead of putting several mls of juice into a tank, you drip the juice directly on the wick.

Noted. I'd assumed I'd just have to buy replacement batteries off of my local convenience store whenever the ones that come with the nano run dry.

Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately), mods don't usually come with batteries. Your standard Energizer doesn't have enough power for vaping, so we use lithium batteries. 18650s are the standard right now, although 20700 and 21700s are becoming more common. The numbers refer to the size and shape of the battery:

18 - 18 mm in diameter
65 - 65 mm long
O - cylindrical

The catch is that 18650 basically refers to the shell, and there are a lot of different options for what you put into that shell. It's generally a trade-off between the amount of current a cell can safely offer (CDR - measured in amps) and how long a cell lasts between charges (capacity - measured in mAh). An 18650 meant for a flashlight will have a low CDR and high capacity, while one we might use for vaping would have a higher CDR and lower capacity.

The key is matching the CDR to the wattage you will be vaping at. The Tesla Nano goes to 120 watts and is (I think) a two battery mod. That means you need a battery with a CDR of 20 A (although if you plan to vape at 120 watts a lot you might be better off with a 23 or 25 A CDR). Anyway, the post I linked to above will explain it all more clearly. It also includes a list of watt limits by CDR to make things simpler.

 

[Opinionated]

Drop In coils? How would I replace these / what would re wicking be like?

Let me both give you some suggestions and a videos.




^^^ this is a good review video of the Zenith by Innokin where he shows you how to put in your coils into the tank, where they are located, what they look like and how to prime them.

I recommend this tank to start, since your coming from a pod mod.

You can put that Zenith tank on any mod, just set the watts around 12-18 watts for those coils, I believe - but do check.

Innokin Zenith MTL Tank | Phil Busardo & Dmitris Agarafiotis Collab

Innokin Zenith Plexus Z Replacement Coils | Vape Coils


Other than that, I would recommend a lightweight mod to start (which means to avoid the super heavy Tesla Nano 120 that you could crack skulls with) and stick with a smaller mod... like the aegis mini

GeekVape Aegis Mini 80W Mod

^^ it's also an integrated battery mod, which will give you time to save for batteries and a battery charger if you like the larger more advanced type mods after using this.

Good luck!

 

[Dan__]

The coils are drop-in, not the tank.

Drop-in coil tank/ factory coil tank: You buy packs of replacement coils. When a coil stops working well, you pull out the old coil, throw it away and pop in a new one. There's no rewicking.

Are you talking coils as in? (Apologies for the long url) https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VandyVape-Triple-Fused-Clapton-Coils-10-PACK-0-41-Authentic-UK-STOCK/302906117566?hash=

Didn't realise the link would've gotten censored prior to posting, I was referring to "VandyVape® Triple Fused Clapton Coils"

 

[Hawise]

Are you talking coils as in? (Apologies for the long url) https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VandyVape-Triple-Fused-Clapton-Coils-10-PACK-0-41-Authentic-UK-STOCK/302906117566?hash=

Didn't realise the link would've gotten censored prior to posting, I was referring to "VandyVape® Triple Fused Clapton Coils"

No, those would be mounted on an RTA or RDA. I'm talking about coils as in this type of thing:

 

[EatMaBB]

I would say that your better to get a stock coil tank before you try RTA/RDA, so you have time to learn how to build your own coils and learn about anything else your not sure about.

Watch some reviews of anything that you are going to get to see if you think you would like it or not.

Also if you get a mod that has external batteries(18650 ect) you are better to use a battery charger to charge them and not the mod, also don't put the batteries in your pockets without them being in a battery case.

 

[Dan__]

No, those would be mounted on an RTA or RDA. I'm talking about coils as in this type of thing:

Sorry for taking up so much of your time, if I'm correct, that's a disposable coil I'd put into a tank specifically designed for it?

 

[Opinionated]

Sorry for taking up so much of your time, if I'm correct, that's a disposable coil I'd put into a tank specifically designed for it?

Yes, you are correct - that is exactly what the picture is of and what he is talking about.

 

[Lordron's_Drag]

Get a drang and a crown 4. Voopoo drag resin green, uwell crown3 tank. Still hounding my buddy for his back up crown4

 

[Lordron's_Drag]

Get a drang and a crown 4. Voopoo drag resin green, uwell crown3 tank. Still hounding my buddy for his back up crown4View attachment 805815View attachment 805817

 

[Dan__]

Is this the kind of tank I'd be looking at to go along with the nano? I'd just buy some disposable coils to go along with it?

 

[Baditude]

Most commercial tanks use propietary "drop in" coils, meaning the coils they use are made specifically for that manufacturer's tank, and no other.

There's a select few tanks which will accept coils from other manufacturers.

 

[Dan__]

Most commercial tanks use propietary "drop in" coils, meaning the coils they use are made specifically for that manufacturer's tank, and no other.

There's a select few tanks which will accept coils from other manufacturers.

I see, do you happen to know what kind of coils I'd be looking for to go with that tank?