RBA thoughts/questions

[sjoat]

I have a couple of questions, hoping you folks can help out before I pull trigger on stuff...

1. Right now I have a Mini (original mini, the nickel one, love it but it's kindof been decommissioned) and a Mini 2.0. I want to switch over to RBAs and start tinkering, so I'll probably order a Mini 2.1 and/or one of the new Woodvils that are coming soon. Question is, what needs to be modified to get the RM2 working on the Mini / Mini 2.0 (from the "Reo compatible RBAs" thread it says "not without modification")?

2. Clearly the RM2 is a popular atty. But when it comes to the different types of coil/wick, is it a matter of personal preference and experimentation? My juice is light - unflavored nic juice + clearish FlavourArt flavors. Before trawling web/forums my impression is to just get each size/material and decide from there (ie. ignore the fancy products for now)

Probably have more questions but these are the burning ones. Thanks! Peace.

 

[Papa_Lazarou]

Not sure about the first question - before my time/experience. I will say that that nickel mini is a collectors item. Hold on to it.

If you want a new mod, I really suggest you consider the LP Grand model. It's not much bigger than the mini at all, takes a 18650 battery (which means longer bat life, and a higher max continuous amp drain limit - safer and more convenient, two considerations when you go rebuildable). The LP (Low Profile) version has a shallower catch cup that allows the use of any sized atty - this will future proof your atty choices.

As for atties to build on, you cannot go wrong starting with the RM2 (if you go the LP route, get the LP version of the RM2). It's easy to build on gets you a nice, full vape with excellent flavour. Most every Reonaut has (or had) at least one in his/her atty collection. It's also well supported in here as far as info on how to build it - check out the sticky threads for vids and discussion. We're all here, too, answer any questions you might have about it.

When it comes to wicking, there are basically three camps: Japanese cotton (Koh Gen Do brand, for example), rayon, and READYxWICK (ceramic fibre that lasts a looooong time in the atty). Things like silica, not so much these days. There are devout fans of all three and you're right, personal preference plays a huge part in it. Prolly the cheapest and easiest way to experiment is to get some organic cotton from a drug store (or Koh Gen Do if it's readily available to you). You'll go through a fair few builds when you first experiment and having plentiful, easily replaced wicking is a help. RxW lasts a long time, but is relatively expensive to experiment with.

Keep the questions coming. We love to help.

 

[Filthy-Beast]

When you order the RM2 for the older Mini PM Rob, He may need to shave a bit more off the base of the RM2. I know he modified the RM2 to work on more older Reos but it's a good idea to double check.

 

[built4feel]

I have to recommend getting a new LP grand. I can't answer your question #1, but I am sure someone will be sure to chime in here soon... Listen to papa^. Here what I can add:
Can't go wrong with an LP grand and RM2, and the wicking of your choice; I've tried all three. My preference is RxW- I really enjoy not burning wick/replacing it every few days. It works really great with unflavored, higher VG based liquids too. I run one grand with straight unflavored, the other with diluted NT. I haven't needed to replace wick/rebuild in months- but I recently rebuilt the unflavored one to just experiment with coil position/wicking style.

 

[Fishcakes]

I agree with papa. Get an lp grand
The lp stands for "low profile" and it would allow you to use any size atomizer thats been modified for bottom feed. Also, the grand has a 6 ml juice bottle vs the 3ml you get with the mini. Plus, you get significantly longer battery life with 18650s inthe grand as opposed to the 18500s/18490s youre using with the mini.

I use 28 gauge kanthal for building my coils and japanese cotton for wick... But thats just personal preferance. Try everything out and stick with what works.

And the rm2 is a killer atty. Check out chowders attys too for more options on atomizers, hes got everything.

 

[RattlerX]

I agree as well. Get a LP grand and then a RM2 for the LP grand. This is a dynamite combination that will last a long long time. The RM2 is dead easy to build on and get working right away.

 

[JC Okie]

The regular (non-LP) RM2 will work on both the Mini and the Mini 2.0. Way back when Rob started selling RBAs he said he noticed that a lot of people (more than he expected) were using them on the original Minis and Mini 2.0s, so he shaves them down enough for that option.

I agree with everyone else that if you are going to get another REO, get an LP Grand. It's simply the way to go. It offers up the most versatility to use any bottom-fed RBA out there -- present and future.