RBA's - Help, my head is about to explode

[funkyZero]

Hi everyone, was wondering if people could chime in here.
Just a few questions, I'm so sick of google trying to find what I am wanting... i'm hoping you guys don't mind helping me out, I'm getting a headache reading so many threads.

- Your suggestions for an rba for dripping that I can get from US vendor, good performer, low cost
- Kanthal wire: trade-offs between using 28-24 (smaller or larger) wire. What are the benefits or pros and cons on wire size.
- Wick:Is all silica wick the same (other than size)?
- Can wick and kanthal wire be purchased commercially instead of 1.00/ft from e-cig vendors? Supplier suggestions?
- DIY Flavorings: Are the store bought Lorann flavorings the same stuff you get when you buy for instance, TFA flavors? Do they work just as well and are they just as concentrated?


And I do apologize, I realize these questions have probably been asked 100 times before, but the amount of threads and answers is beginning to really confuse me.

 

[Leithan]

I would defiantly do my reading, try the RBA forum, wealth of info and answers to all the questions you just asked.
Having said that, IGO-L is pretty popular for cheap and reliable, lots of US venders carry it. Check out indy vapes and OKC vapes for some higher end drippers, Hornet, ERA, Fatty, etc. You can get 100 foot rolls of kanthal on ebay for what most retailers will charge for a few feet. If your new to RBAs I would stick with 32-28 gauge. 24 can be a beast to coil. Are you using this on a Mech Mod? There is all kinds of silica, XS, XC, ekowool, there is also better quality standerd silica carried by some venders. It all has slightly different property's. There is individual forums for RBAs, DIY Juice, etc. You are over your 5 post count now, branch out and hit the other forums.

 

[StarDose]

For a rebuildable dripper I'd go with 32g since 28g or bigger needs more wraps and is harder to get them tight enough to fit the smaller space drippers have. Im still just getting into rbas and noticed the issue with the 28g kanthal while trying to get a coil above 1.2ohm so it would work with my apv.

 

[aPandaz]

Hi everyone, was wondering if people could chime in here.
Just a few questions, I'm so sick of google trying to find what I am wanting... i'm hoping you guys don't mind helping me out, I'm getting a headache reading so many threads.

- Your suggestions for an RBA for dripping that I can get from US vendor, good performer, low cost
- Kanthal wire: trade-offs between using 28-24 (smaller or larger) wire. What are the benefits or pros and cons on wire size.
- Wick:Is all silica wick the same (other than size)?
- Can wick and kanthal wire be purchased commercially instead of 1.00/ft from e-cig vendors? Supplier suggestions?
- DIY Flavorings: Are the store bought Lorann flavorings the same stuff you get when you buy for instance, TFA flavors? Do they work just as well and are they just as concentrated?


And I do apologize, I realize these questions have probably been asked 100 times before, but the amount of threads and answers is beginning to really confuse me.

For an affordable dripper most like the IGO-L or the Octopus. I like the IGO-L personally.

For Kanthal, the larger the wire the less resistance. 24awg is huge...28 is what most sub-ohm vapers use, you are going to have to experiment with what you like.

Silica wicks are not all the same. I'm hearing good things about Ekowool, like more juice capacity and better flavor.

Check ebay for buying in bulk.

I couldn't help you with DIY flavorings, I just started myself. TFA seems a little perfumey to me.

 

[bbowen57]

you'll get it buddy, hang in there.

 

[Lex0r]

Hi everyone, was wondering if people could chime in here.
Just a few questions, I'm so sick of google trying to find what I am wanting... i'm hoping you guys don't mind helping me out, I'm getting a headache reading so many threads.

- Your suggestions for an RBA for dripping that I can get from US vendor, good performer, low cost
- Kanthal wire: trade-offs between using 28-24 (smaller or larger) wire. What are the benefits or pros and cons on wire size.
- Wick:Is all silica wick the same (other than size)?
- Can wick and kanthal wire be purchased commercially instead of 1.00/ft from e-cig vendors? Supplier suggestions?
- DIY Flavorings: Are the store bought Lorann flavorings the same stuff you get when you buy for instance, TFA flavors? Do they work just as well and are they just as concentrated?


And I do apologize, I realize these questions have probably been asked 100 times before, but the amount of threads and answers is beginning to really confuse me.

Hi Funky,

Getting into RBA's can seem confusing at first, but it's actually quite simple once you get the hang of it. I will try to answer your questions in order, and chime in with some other stuff. First off, you need to decide if you want a dripping atty or a tank atty. I would suggest 1 of each. Personally, I am a silica advocate, and do not like mesh builds. You can find pretty cheap dripping RBA's from Smok for like 7 bucks...fast tech has some. This would be a great and affordable intro to a dripping atty. As far as tank RBA's, I only have experience with higher end stuff, and I hate to promote a clone, but for an intro to those, I would suggest the Terminator (there are other names, I think).

Kanthal Wire: Wire can, and should, be purchased in bulk (if you plan to use it) because it is cheaper that way. I get mine from Temco like many others. I think it's about $10 for 100 feet or something. Ebay. Get some different sizes 30, 32 and 34 gauge. Some vendors also have ribbon kanthal but that is another story (more wick area covered to produce more vapor etc).

Wick: All silica wicks are not the same, there are many types. Buy a few different types and diameters. Round is prob best, some people use a square braid. I personally get most of mine from COV (conveniently sold out currently).

DIY flavors: I will let someone else chime in on this, because I have not used either of the vendors you mentioned

EDIT: I see a few people replied while I was composing my post haha

 

[Leal]

Warning...I'm just starting to figure out DIY. My little more than newbie impressions may leave something to be desired.

I really like super concentrates like vaping zones gourmet line. Yes, they are a little spendy but it only takes 1to2percent of flavoring compared to 15 to 20 percent for other types. That said I have had some good luck with TFA and not so much with Loranns.

 

[StarDose]

For diy its trial and error, but start out with easy mixes 1 to 2 flavors and go from there. Most flavor companies have good and bad flavors check out the diy forums for top rated flavors from each company. I looked up top flavors to know what was worth buying from the forum. I like allot of Capella they just make good flavors. It really comes down to personal taste on which company has the better let's say vanilla cupcake for example.