RBA noob questions

[degnr8]

I've been vaping for four years, but just ordered my first RBA (an A7) and had a couple questions. I know you can use kanthal or nichrome and people have preferences but what really is the difference between the two in terms of vaping? I'm used to vaping a 2.5 ohm 510 dripping atty at 4.5-5v, which I know works out to about 13 watts, which on a mech will require 1.3-1.5 ohms but to get the same kind of vape should I get those ohms with thicker or thinner wire?

 

[ClippinWings]

Thicker wire as the ohms drop. For 1.3-1.5, I'd suggest 30 or maybe 32 gauge...

Word of caution... You will NOT get the same vape...

The vape is not determined by voltage or resistance or wattage... It's determined by wire temp... And airflow.

Yes all those factors play into wire temp... But you'll get a different vape from thicker wire.

Sent from my mobile, using Tapatalk... so ignore the typos.

 

[degnr8]

So given the same resistance does thicker equal hotter or cooler vapor?

 

[BrandonSi]

So given the same resistance does thicker equal hotter or cooler vapor?

Wire diameter is part of what determines resistance.. Larger wire, less resistance, cooler temps.

However, airflow also plays a factor.. Larger (or multiple) air-hole means more cool air from the outside entering the chamber, cooler overall vapor.

It's a balancing act.

 

[degnr8]

Isn't it the amount of wire that determines the resistance? wouldn't more wraps (making a longer wire) of thick wire produce the same resistance as fewer wraps of thinner?

 

[G2matt]

On 32 gauge you need about 4 wraps to give you resistance of around 1.8 ohm. But rba's are a different beast to non, but not in a bad way its just another chapter in the book and there is abit to learn about them, which seems to be mainly achieved by hands on action. The only problem imo with thinner wire is if you have a hot spot it will pop the coil easier, whereas thicker wire will tolerate any adjustments you need to make.

 

[degnr8]

That makes sense. Guess I'll probably get some 30 and 32 and just kind of play with it

 

[ClippinWings]

Yes... On thicker wire, I get a cooler, more flavorful vape at 0.8 than I ever did with dripping on LR 510 attys

Thicker wire at comparable resistance(more coils), takes longer to heat up... Even at 0.8, 28 gauge takes a couple seconds to heat up... I actually hold the button for a couple seconds before bringing the PV to my mouth... I also release the button halfway though my drag.

Sent from my mobile, using Tapatalk... so ignore the typos.