I switched from a RBA dripping atty to a RBA tank style atty. In the dripping atty I used silica, and in the tank style I use stainless steel mesh.
The differences I noticed switching to the tank style are:
Much more vapor, much more flavor.
Heavier, and bulkier
Goes through much more juice
The wick is a week old already and is still wicking excellently. The silica I had to change just about once every 4-5 days.
Is it worth going to the stainless steel mesh in a tank style? Absolutely! The vapor and flavor makes it all just so much more worth it. It has pretty much revitalized my love for vaping.