"Newbie" looking to get a rebuildable atomizer and needs advice

[AdamV8per]

I would post in the rba section but since this is my first post I'll do it here. I started vaping exactly 12 days ago on my provari. I kind of skipped the whole vortex of beginner e-cigs because I wanted to improve my chances of quitting smoking. I haven't touched an analogue since.

Yesterday I attended the NY VapeFest. If there is an event near your location I'd advice any newbie to go. Can be a little overwhelming but the vaping community is generally very knowledgeable and nice people. Anyway, I walked away from this event with a better handle on RBAs and now I'm deciding on two RBAs in particular, the ZAP and the Cobra.

I haven't tried either one but I was able to do some light research and came up with some info on both. This is what I found but obviously those who have actually tried both will be able to offer me a more convincing opinion.

I. Ascetically, the ZAP gets an edge because it is not as long as the Cobra. Perhaps there is a slight convenience factor as well. Personally, I'm not the biggest guy on looks. After all, its whats on the inside that counts.

II. Quality of build, they are pretty good. ZAP is a fused quartz tank, stainless steel, Cobra is a pyrex, titanium. Not sure which one is better quality but I have heard that the cap on the ZAP isn't as secure as the cap on the Cobra.

III. Ease of use, I haven't done a steel mesh wick but I've seen some videos and it doesn't look intimidating. Don't know which one is easier to rebuild but I haven't heard complaints on either.

IV. Price is relatively the same.

V. Quality of vape - This is where those experienced with both can help me! Overall, the one that has the better flavor and vape quality will be the one I'll get! Also, I noticed some people saying that the draw on the ZAP is too airy, while others say that once you get use to it, its fine. I would assume the draw on the Cobra is tighter.

Your opinions are so much appreciated. If you have a suggestion on an RBA that isn't a ZAP or Cobra please feel free to offer your input. Glad to be a part of the vaping community!

 

[Clearo-Mizer]

I can not comment on the cobra I have not used one but I have a Zen and it is incredible..you get alot for your money with a Zen like 8 pre rolled wicks and some wire and some o rings...I think the zap comes with a coil in it..

 

[MaxximumVapo]

hey there - grats on the 12 days so far and good choice w/ the provari. I have a provari and ZAP but not a corba so i can only comment on the ZAP.

if u have a provari go for the zap its really nice.

BUT my only waring is. being so new and not having had an RBA before.

i would say buy a cheap genny but a good one - like the AGA or the new smoktech SSRT and play around with it. the gennys can be VERY frustrating to set up, espically if ur totally new to RBAs and havent had a dripping one yet. people will say "ohh no its not, just a learning curve" thats bull IMO - if u have little to no experience they are VERY VERY complex.. so many things to go wrong or tweek to make ur flavor or vapor come through. I spend many weeks b4 i could get my ZAP to work well and ive had a few dripping RBAs before it so i had experience with coiling before.

on the other had - the ZAP is very sought after.. so if you did just pull the trigger on it and end up not liking it - its very easy to sell on the classies.

either way you choose - just remember if you get super frustrated with it and want to throw it at the wall. just put it aside for 3-4 days and vape something you enjoy and watch more videos and come back to it. Some people get it right away..others it takes time. but its all about how you make your wick and coil.. takes practice. So my vote is for the ZAP. I just got some 400 SS mesh intoday to play around with bigger wicks and taking the insulator out of the ZAP. if you do get the zap, get some raw mesh to make your own wicks with. the wicks that come with the ZAP are junk IMO.

best of luck in ur genny adventures

 

[Baditude]

I also recommend going with a less expensive Genesis style tank like the AGA T2.

I recommend doing plenty of self-education involving reading and watching video demonstrations of setups before actually jumping into these. They are generally not recommended for beginner vapors. Knowledge of battery safety and electrical circuits as it relates to vaping is absolutely required. These delivery devices do not work right out of the box like simpler delivery devices do, and have a moderately high learning curve.

Having said that, all the information needed can be obtained here on the forum and viewing recommended videos. My favorite just happens to be the one that Zen did for the ZAP for Provape and the Provari. Z-ATTY-PRO Rebuildable Atomizers For ProVari - YouTube

Find out exactly what tools and materials that you will need before purchasing your first RBA and begin collecting them before setting it up for the first time.

 

[AdamV8per]

Yeah, I'm also looking to get a rebuildable dripping atomizer as well. I'm currently looking at the eBaron pro which has a ceramic base which I would imagine would make it convenient for trying different e-liquids. I might get this before I make a choice on my RBA tank

I have a couple of low end tanks and drippers that will hold me down while I get a handle on replacing my wicks and wire. I think I'm prepared for the worse.

 

[AdamV8per]

I also recommend going with a less expensive Genesis style tank like the AGA T2.

I recommend doing plenty of self-education involving reading and watching video demonstrations of setups before actually jumping into these. They are generally not recommended for beginner vapors. Knowledge of battery safety and electrical circuits as it relates to vaping is absolutely required. These delivery devices do not work right out of the box like simpler delivery devices do, and have a moderately high learning curve.

Having said that, all the information needed can be obtained here on the forum and viewing recommended videos. My favorite just happens to be the one that Zen did for the ZAP for Provape and the Provari. Z-ATTY-PRO Rebuildable Atomizers For ProVari - YouTube

Find out exactly what tools and materials that you will need before purchasing your first RBA and begin collecting them before setting it up for the first time.

I've watched Zen's videos along with a couple of others. I've seen a few techniques as well. I've rebuilt my vivi nova 2.5 for what its worth. I have a grasp on positive and negative connections. However, I'll certainly take your advice on battery safety.

 

[MaxximumVapo]

yes go for the ebaron. and get the pre build 5 pack of wicks so that way if ur frustrated with it you can toss in a pre built one and enjoy. if im not mistaken i think the ebaron uses res wire and Non-res wire. easy when you get the hang of it. just a lil more complex. I would suggest going on discount vapor.com and pick out like an Igo-L or something thats a simple sillica and wire rebuild with no NR wire needed. those are great practice and give a great vape too.

 

[AdamV8per]

I know it has been less then 2 weeks and this is my first post but I've become "obsessed" these last two weeks and have spent countless hours learning about this stuff. I've even attending a couple of classes at NYVapeFest.

I suppose I'm just caught in the novelty of it but something tells me that I'm already making this my hobby.

 

[StevesCVO]

I have never tried an AGA or Cobra so no help there. I have 3 Zens so I guess I'm biased lol. To me the ZAP just looks sexy on a Provari and makes it look like a hybrid.

 

[awfullife]

I just got a Terminator-C and vapes pretty good and it's very affordable. Its similar to the Odysseus and the build quality is pretty good!! Also, check the AGA's, the're reliable and cheap. If you're going to high standard RBAs, Odysseus is an amazing product, the Killer 705 (fits any DCT tank), the original Did, those are awesome imho.