Returning to vaping after several years! Help me buy a good set up please? This will challenge you!

[Tarrie]

Hellooooo you lovely load of vapers.

I need VET ADVICE!! I'm asking the impossible, probably.

So I am going to buy a new set up in about a week. I've come back to vaping after several years of being off it and stepped into a world of wtf!!!! But after hours, and I mean HOURS of reading forums and advice pages and researching this and that and the other I am even more confused than before, partly due to reading old info no longer relevant, or reading about old kit, etc. So I'm throwing the towel in, and I'm asking you knowledgeable people for recommendations, before I throw laptop across the room. I know what I need from a pragmatic standpoint, but everything is so not simple anymore. And my head is so full of info I can't make sense of it anyway, and I'm probably hampered by my old knowledge of vaping. I just need the name of potential mods and potential tanks, although I do have a few questions you might be able to answer.

THIS IS MY SPECIFICATIONS.....

Essential features...

1. SMALL BOX MOD - I have tiny lady hands, not just lady hands, but tiny hands for a lady. I'm also looking for something a little discreet.
2. STURDY - I am clumsy, and have CTS in my hands making me drop stuff all the time. I'm pretty hard wearing on my mods, which is why I was looking at side-by-side or tank protecting mods and beefy tanks.
3. ACTUAL MTL - I inhale like a weirdo, I take quick, hard, shallow inhales MTL, normally several in quick succession. That's just my default, I have no interest in DL at all, each to their own. I don't care if tanks are dual, but I need one that is suitable for me.
4. COOL VAPE - I'm a sensitive soul, with sensitive throat and lungs. As cold as possible, but tend to react to menthol juices. So I hardly ever go above 10w and prefer a variable air flow on the tighter side. I lost the will to vape when I was reading about different types of ohms and materials and how fancy new vertical coils are, and you can mtl with this sub-ohm tank, but not this coil all that associated jazz. I don't care if it's sub-ohm, but it seems mtl normally isn't, which I don't understand really tbh. Q1) Surely less ohms means less resistance, better battery efficiency. And the capability of a higher wattage but why is that not good for low wattage???
5. AT LEAST 80% VG JUICE - I will go back to mixing my own eventually, which will probably be no or very minimal (>10%) PG as it makes me hack. I don't mind watering down with distilled water but would prefer to just use 100% VG. I will be swapping between very low nic and no nic. (I'm currently vaping store bought 80vg/20pg 0.6mg nic) Then in my excursions into the different types of coils I came across some that have variable juice flow. Q2) BUT is this ingenious or just a selling feature not really needed??? I also only vape fruits or sweets, I don't know if this affects anything except tank crackers.
6. REPLACEABLE PARTS - I have decided that AIO although easy would not suit me as if I break it, the whole thing is broken. Same goes for a tank, and I like the idea of being able to have two tanks (eventually) with different flavours as I like to mix it up a bit.
7. CHUG ALL DAY - at least a 2000mah battery or equivalent and at least a 3ml tank, or an extendable 2ml (TPD is such a crock, I'm aware I will probably have to import to UK)
8. ECONOMIC - I don't want to be running through battery and juice like no tomorrow. I also need a set up that will last, and not take too much time or money to maintain. I'm talking forty quid outlay, no more than a fiver a month upkeep (minus juice) I'm also a bit of a hippy, I hate waste, and I'm always busy, and also a little lazy. So I had looked into rebuildable decks but that confused the hell out of me. Then I looked into rebuilding coils, but that seems footery, although I would do it, as I could put aside an hour and go into production to last me a while. Then I looked into longer lasting coils, and got interested in ceramics, then noticed Q3) there's an absence of them being sold recently but can't find a reason why??? Then I saw that quartz crystal wick was a thing, and this intrigued me greatly, as totally reusable but info seemed sketchy at best on Q4) how to use them, or where to buy them, any experience, anyone???
9. MAX FLAVOUR, MIN CLOUDS - I'm aware everyone is all about clouds these days, well I'm really not. I would like as little cloud as possible, which considering HVG juice is a contradiction. Obviously there will be some cloud, it can't be helped, but flavour is the priority!

Preferred features...
(I know I'm really pushing my luck)

1. PASSTHROUGH CHARGING - micro usb. I don't care if built in or 18650 (I have a few old ones in a drawer, Q5) actually would they still be ok to charge and use?)
2. SLEEK DESIGN - obviously not a necessity but everyone has their own preferences, I like subtle design, clean lines.
3. RBA, rebuildable coils, replaceable coils I really don't care - Repeat, as long as I can dump in some juice and thats me for the day, grand. And doesn't cost a fortune or take ages to maintain.
4. Safety features - I've got used to them, I like vw and overcharge protect and seeing how much battery is left and knowing the chipset is looking after my batteries health. I can't imagine dusting off my old copper nemesis. Q6) STUPID QUESTION - What would happen if you were using a mechanical mod, with the wrong coil for the wrong wattage? would it just not work or be harsh or would you blow up??
5. TOP FILLING TANK - one with no spitting or leaking every five minutes. And a changeable drip tip would be nice, or at least a warm material. I always remember the day my metal mouth piece froze onto my bottom lip while walking my mothers dog. That's Scotland's winters for you!

Anyone that has taken the time to read this THANK YOU!!! If you have MOD/TANK suggestions please, please leave me a reply. If anyone feels like answering the questions you are just an amazing human!


(I've been leaning toward the Tesla Stealth and a Joyetech Cubis Tank, and disposable ceramic 1ohm coils. But I just don't know)

 

[jjcordone]

Joyetech ATOPACK Penguin checks most of your list.
Easy to use, fast to react so it would fit your vaping style.
Use the .6 ohm coils, not the .25 ohm for your mouth to lung style.
Simple, sturdy device that just works

 

[VictorViper]

I'm not going to be your guy for information on this one I'm afraid, but wow, if all new gear help threads were like this... what a world it would be. Welcome here and get ready for a wealth of information once our MTL'ers cotton on.

@stols001, @Coastal Cowboy rally the troops!

One thing I will say is there is new MTL equipment right around the corner from Innokin(?) and designed with input from some MTL stalwarts in the "industry". Might be worth seeing how that pans out.

Welcome here!

 

[suprtrkr]

If drops are worrying you, you might look at a squonk mod instead of mod/tank combo. A "Squonk Mod," if you don't know, is one carrying an onboard supply of juice that is fed to a RDA style of atomizer through a hole in the 510 pin. They're also called "bottom feed" designs. The thing is, there's no glass to break if you drop it. If you're comfortable with a mech mod, a Coppervape is solid metal and about impossible to break; cheap too, and available in brass or aluminum. If you really want a screen and battery indication and so forth, the Council of Vapor Wraith is a sound choice to try it out and won't break the bank. In between the two is the Pico Squeeze. It's a semi-mech, sorta. It vapes like a mech, meaning the vape falls off as battery charge decreases, but it's supposed to have low-coil and over-current protection. All three are 18650 mods, and I have no idea about pass-through on the Wraith. I swap batteries. Neither of the other two will do pass through; they don't have a USB port for charging. All three use RDAs, so you're looking at coil building, or paying somebody to build it and rewicking yourself when the time comes. None are large but the Wraith is the biggest since it has to have an electronics board. They all three come with proprietary atomizers; decent but not great. If you decide you like squonking, you can buy a good MTL BF topper for it in the future. I have all three of these and use them. Nice gear, but not top-of-the-line. Get you started and may be all you need.

Don't reuse your old 18650s if they've been laying in a drawer for years. Batteries are cheap compared to faces.

A venting 18650 is not a pretty sight. You don't want to go there, trust me. It outgasses some nasty stuff, at high speed and high temp. Most of the actual "explosions" are not battery related, they come from housing a venting battery in a non-vented tube mod: internal pressure rises from the vent and the tube shatters.A MTL vaper isn't likely to coil too low, but that's what happens when you over stress a battery.

If you still want a tank, take a look at the Vaporesso line, or anything else using the ceramic type coils.

 

[Tarrie]

Joyetech ATOPACK Penguin checks most of your list.
Easy to use, fast to react so it would fit your vaping style.
Use the .6 ohm coils, not the .25 ohm for your mouth to lung style.
Simple, sturdy device that just works

Thanks for the recommend. I liked the idea of a pod mod as I get bored with flavours quickly. And I liked the 8ml capacity, and the ceramic coils seem to last quite long. However I've discounted it already my mum has one, and I had a small go on it and I just don't think it would stand up to the beating I would give it on a daily basis. I also didn't like the feel of it in my hand, I'm sure it's something I'd get used to eventually but I just don't think it's the right fit for me i'm afraid.

 

[Tarrie]

I'm not going to be your guy for information on this one I'm afraid, but wow, if all new gear help threads were like this... what a world it would be. Welcome here and get ready for a wealth of information once our MTL'ers cotton on.

@stols001, @Coastal Cowboy rally the troops!

One thing I will say is there is new MTL equipment right around the corner from Innokin(?) and designed with input from some MTL stalwarts in the "industry". Might be worth seeing how that pans out.

Welcome here!

Oh thanks very much! I was looking at the Innokin coils a minute ago actually. I'd kind of forgotten about them tbh, they were right at the start of my researching all this. I realised I have been going about this the wrong way. I should be focusing on coils first then a tank then a mod.

My head's spinning with all the different types and brands, and cross compatibility, etc et. I feel like there needs to be some serious spreadsheeting comparison to make sense of it all.

I came across the ceravape cerabis, which I thought was a clever wee tank. Anyone got any experience with it??

You are a gem!!

 

[Tarrie]

If drops are worrying you, you might look at a squonk mod instead of mod/tank combo. A "Squonk Mod," if you don't know, is one carrying an onboard supply of juice that is fed to a RDA style of atomizer through a hole in the 510 pin. They're also called "bottom feed" designs. The thing is, there's no glass to break if you drop it. If you're comfortable with a mech mod, a Coppervape is solid metal and about impossible to break; cheap too, and available in brass or aluminum. If you really want a screen and battery indication and so forth, the Council of Vapor Wraith is a sound choice to try it out and won't break the bank. In between the two is the Pico Squeeze. It's a semi-mech, sorta. It vapes like a mech, meaning the vape falls off as battery charge decreases, but it's supposed to have low-coil and over-current protection. All three are 18650 mods, and I have no idea about pass-through on the Wraith. I swap batteries. Neither of the other two will do pass through; they don't have a USB port for charging. All three use RDAs, so you're looking at coil building, or paying somebody to build it and rewicking yourself when the time comes. None are large but the Wraith is the biggest since it has to have an electronics board. They all three come with proprietary atomizers; decent but not great. If you decide you like squonking, you can buy a good MTL BF topper for it in the future. I have all three of these and use them. Nice gear, but not top-of-the-line. Get you started and may be all you need.

Don't reuse your old 18650s if they've been laying in a drawer for years. Batteries are cheap compared to faces.

A venting 18650 is not a pretty sight. You don't want to go there, trust me. It outgasses some nasty stuff, at high speed and high temp. Most of the actual "explosions" are not battery related, they come from housing a venting battery in a non-vented tube mod: internal pressure rises from the vent and the tube shatters.A MTL vaper isn't likely to coil too low, but that's what happens when you over stress a battery.

If you still want a tank, take a look at the Vaporesso line, or anything else using the ceramic type coils.

Haha, my face is pretty cheap though... Thanks for the heads up!!

I know this probably sounds so stupid, but I totally passed over squonkers as an option, when I first saw them my initial reaction was I was a little intimidated by them. I filed them in the back of my memory to be encountered at a later date when I'd figured out more of the stuff I assumed was relevant to what I need. I don't know if it's a common archetype or if it's a design necessity but I don't like the metal tank. I know it would add a layer of protection, but I like the glass and being able to see how much is in there. Plus I tend to identify what liquid is in there by the colour. I wasn't sure how practical they would be for all day every day. Or how much of a learning curve is really needed.

I will definitely have a look at the ones you have recommended though. I'm open to all possibilities. Thank you for your help

 

[Opinionated]

Honestly what first comes to mind for you for both your vaping style and ease of use is the aspire zelos.. in a kit it comes with the nautilus 2, which while only 2ml capacity is a top fill design so easy to fill without fuss and I'm doubtful you would need much more than that anyway, although you may have to fill it once a day depending on how much you vape.. It's got the metal sleeve which protects the glass tank, the coils are inexpensive and easy to find.

However, if your set on a 5ml tank, you can always get the full size nautilus tank and purchase a hollowed out metal sleeve for it, which is both decorative and protective. It is taller however than the nautilus two tank, understandably so.

That said, I'm unsure how this would stand up to abuse by way of constant dropping, you will want @stols001 input on the durability issue.

If that won't work for you, the geekvape aegis would, although not as small nor feminine.. it measures a little taller and wider than the zelos does, but it's built like a tank and you can drop it at will. you can also pair it with the nautilus tank with metal sleeve, a nice mtl tank with easily found coils that are inexpensive.

Neither is side by side, but they would be easier than getting into mechanicals and rtas since your just getting back into vaping.

Look up the aegis and see what you think of it as far as size and design. See if it won't work for you..if not, we will go from there...

 

[suprtrkr]

Haha, my face is pretty cheap though... Thanks for the heads up!!

I know this probably sounds so stupid, but I totally passed over squonkers as an option, when I first saw them my initial reaction was I was a little intimidated by them. I filed them in the back of my memory to be encountered at a later date when I'd figured out more of the stuff I assumed was relevant to what I need. I don't know if it's a common archetype or if it's a design necessity but I don't like the metal tank. I know it would add a layer of protection, but I like the glass and being able to see how much is in there. Plus I tend to identify what liquid is in there by the colour. I wasn't sure how practical they would be for all day every day. Or how much of a learning curve is really needed.

I will definitely have a look at the ones you have recommended though. I'm open to all possibilities. Thank you for your help

Any time. It's easy to tell how much liquid remains in a squonk mod; the only difference is you look at the squonk bottle instead of the tank. Vaping it is just like vaping a dripper. When it starts to get a tiny bit dry, squeeze the bottle and refresh.

 

[Coastal Cowboy]

The Smoant Knight would probably do you very well:

Smoant Knight V2 Light Weight 80W TCR TC Side by Side Mod

And one or two Nautilus 2 tanks that are designed for MTL (they don't even pretend to do DL).

Aspire Nautilus 2 - Aspire® Official Site

There are quite a few hardcore, dedicated MTL vapers here. I'm both--I love my moderate clouds at 40 Watts but I also tootle along on my Protanks.

Q1: Not all low resistance coils are created equal. The old ProTank, Vivi Nova, etc coils were tiny in size and built with very thin, higher resistance wire. Many (most?) of today's coils are much larger in physical size and are built with lower gauge, less resistant wire. So the old rules of thumb no longer apply. If you see a coil head that's the size of your thumb, it will likely be a sub ohm unit and it will take more power because of its greater mass and surface area.

Q2: Variable juice flow was introduced to address flooding, gurgling and leaking problems with some designs. Tank "families" that never had leaking problems typically don't have separate juice and airflow management systems.

Q3: I'm not a dedicated MTL vaper, but I am a fan of the Vaporesso tanks using the EUC coil. I have the Estoc, a restricted DTL tabk that could serve a MTL vaper with some adjustment to airflow and drip tip. I also like the Kanger Top and Subtanks for their versatility and there are ceramic coils available for them, but that tank/coil combo is better in DL use (My experience only).

Q4: No experience with that material.

Q5: Probably not. If they weren't stored with their nominal 3.7v charge, they are probably dead or unlikely to be safely charged and put back to work. When I came back to vaping after a hiatus I also had some older, lower amp rated cells and of the lot of six, only one took a charge. Recycle yours just for safety sake.

Q6: Three things could happen, and only one of them is good. A mechanical mod (misnamed; it's a simple device housing an electrical circuit with a mechanical switch) needs a battery and atomizer that are carefully selected to achieve a desired vape. Get a quality high drain battery matched with a coil built to optimally use that battery's capability and it's vape heaven in perfect simplicity. Get an atomizer with a resistance way too high with the best battery and nothing tasty comes out. Get a tired, old or damaged cell together with a super low resistance atomizer and your injuries could be life changing.

You are in the right place. ECF is a fantastic resource. If you run into a weird problem, somebody here has had it and has an answer or three.

 

[Bunnykiller]

Im at a loss.... all I was looking for was a mod/tank that produced good flavor

 

[U2Desire]

My 1st device was a Joyetech eGo AIO that uses the same coil as the Cubis tank and it was a PITA. Why? The coil draws liquid from the bottom and for some reason when it bubbles the bubbles stay on the bottom and block the wicking holes leading to dry hits. This may not happen with high PG juice but with 80 VG it would occur ever 5-10 puffs than I had to loosen top to let the bubbles rise.

 

[VictorViper]

Im at a loss.... all I was looking for was a mod/tank that produced good flavor

Heheh. This is what happens when you vape a while. You end up figuring out what you like, very, very precisely. Factor in that so many devices can basically do what a given user wants, depending on how much direct effort they're willing to make (rebuilding, etc.) and things get specific and subjective fast.

Fun stuff. Frustrating when you don't already have a working setup by your side.

[EDIT] Wait, you've been here longer than I have! Methinks I misread something.

 

[djsvapour]

Forgive me.... I have not read it all (yet)...

Forget anything AIO. I have some (a few) systems and they are frustrating in too many ways.

The Aspire NX75 is a sturdy mod, but doesn't seem to have silicone covers. There must be some, I just can't source one.
I use an Evic VTC Mini with a silicone cover (bought 3 covers, still on the first) and have dropped it often. There is also the Eleaf Pico with easily found covers too.

Tank size is going to be tricky. I vape MTL all day long until I get home and use the 3.5ml Cubis tank** with the 0.6ohm coils. It more or less has to be vaped in the 14-16w band to avoid the infamous problems (problems I just don't get once I worked my way through the entire catalogue of coils/powers ).

**When I feel it's time, I shall get another from Fasttech.

 

[Skreech]

I would recommend the Aspire Zelos mod with the nautilus 2 tank as mentioned before. The mod pretty much meets your criteria being 2500mah and pass through and its small. I would use the 0.7 ohm coil for the higher VG liquid at about 22 watts. The tank also has a protective metal cap over the glass tank. With higher VG juices you wont get any of the leak problems that have been reported. I just screw the coil in tight enough so that it doesn't unscrew when you take the cap off and never had a problem.
My recommendation is based purely on my own experience. I started a month ago with this set up and have never had a problem. It stopped me smoking dead after many many years. I have never tried 80% VG juice in it so have no knowledge of whether it will block or not, but it runs like a dream on 65-70% VG on the 0.7ohm coil.
Good luck with your search.

 

[Tarrie]

The Smoant Knight would probably do you very well:

Smoant Knight V2 Light Weight 80W TCR TC Side by Side Mod

And one or two Nautilus 2 tanks that are designed for MTL (they don't even pretend to do DL).

Aspire Nautilus 2 - Aspire® Official Site

There are quite a few hardcore, dedicated MTL vapers here. I'm both--I love my moderate clouds at 40 Watts but I also tootle along on my Protanks.

Q1: Not all low resistance coils are created equal. The old ProTank, Vivi Nova, etc coils were tiny in size and built with very thin, higher resistance wire. Many (most?) of today's coils are much larger in physical size and are built with lower gauge, less resistant wire. So the old rules of thumb no longer apply. If you see a coil head that's the size of your thumb, it will likely be a sub ohm unit and it will take more power because of its greater mass and surface area.

Q2: Variable juice flow was introduced to address flooding, gurgling and leaking problems with some designs. Tank "families" that never had leaking problems typically don't have separate juice and airflow management systems.

Q3: I'm not a dedicated MTL vaper, but I am a fan of the Vaporesso tanks using the EUC coil. I have the Estoc, a restricted DTL tabk that could serve a MTL vaper with some adjustment to airflow and drip tip. I also like the Kanger Top and Subtanks for their versatility and there are ceramic coils available for them, but that tank/coil combo is better in DL use (My experience only).

Q4: No experience with that material.

Q5: Probably not. If they weren't stored with their nominal 3.7v charge, they are probably dead or unlikely to be safely charged and put back to work. When I came back to vaping after a hiatus I also had some older, lower amp rated cells and of the lot of six, only one took a charge. Recycle yours just for safety sake.

Q6: Three things could happen, and only one of them is good. A mechanical mod (misnamed; it's a simple device housing an electrical circuit with a mechanical switch) needs a battery and atomizer that are carefully selected to achieve a desired vape. Get a quality high drain battery matched with a coil built to optimally use that battery's capability and it's vape heaven in perfect simplicity. Get an atomizer with a resistance way too high with the best battery and nothing tasty comes out. Get a tired, old or damaged cell together with a super low resistance atomizer and your injuries could be life changing.

You are in the right place. ECF is a fantastic resource. If you run into a weird problem, somebody here has had it and has an answer or three.

Thank you for answering those questions.

I was looking at the smoant knight actually. It seems sturdy and I like the design. I did have a long look at all the nautilus tanks too and was leaning towards the nautilus x, as the coil is meant to be a very cool draw. I'll have another look as I do keep getting steered back to the nautilus' and I can't remember why I had discounted them. And they do seem very popular with mtl vipers.

 

[Tarrie]

Im at a loss.... all I was looking for was a mod/tank that produced good flavor

Haha, I'm really sorry, I type essays, and thought I'd just lay it all out, so as not to waste anybodies time. Sorry!! Luckily there are plenty of other threads about flavour out there....

 

[stols001]

Man, I wrote a huge post and it appeared to have vanished into the ether.

MTL-- Aspire zelos is a great setup if you buy the 75 Tc version you should have battery life to last you for a day and it does passthrough, which is actually better (IMO) with an internal mod. The N2 is a great little tank but yes, you may possibly have to refill it at least once a day. Here's something that might be helpful if you are interested in a box mod Little itty bitty mods under $100.
I like the steampunk nano Tesla 120 as a box mod, it fits well in the hand, but it is heavier, as it's all metal, but the vape is fantastic.

My favorite tank is the Kabuki, it's crazy expensive but FT makes a decent clone (the Vika fantasy clone which also takes N2 coils is even better (IMO) but both are good for clones and inexpensive. They take the Nautilus bvc coils (1.8, 1.6 and 0.7) so there is some versatility. I also am a fan of the Nicolas Vapefly tank and it's on sale right now and inexpensive. The 0.6 coil is a more airy, there's also a 1.8 coil for a more restricted experience, and it's a very easy top fill and coils last well. I really like this tank.

There's always pico/melo III, some folks enjoy that setup.

If you get a box mod I'd really recommend at least 2 set of batteries and an external charger. Chargers are much more reliable and easier on the batteries than passthrough. It's worth the small added expense, IMO.

I'm enjoying a Kayfun RTA clone at the moment, and it's hard to go wrong there, as long as you get the right verson for MTL (The Kayfun Prime is getting good reviews ATM) and it's an easy build and not leaky. I've heard good things about the Vandy Vape Berserker is another RTA that is getting good reviews as a MTL RTA, I have one on order. The new Siren tank is said to be excellent as well.

Best of luck and thanks for being specific about your requirements-- it helps. I am not a fan of the Original Nautilus though some people swear by them. To me the vape flavor is lacking, and more reminiscent of older equipment, but some people swear by them.

Hope you find something you like!

Anna

 

[Tarrie]

I would recommend the Aspire Zelos mod with the nautilus 2 tank as mentioned before. The mod pretty much meets your criteria being 2500mah and pass through and its small. I would use the 0.7 ohm coil for the higher VG liquid at about 22 watts. The tank also has a protective metal cap over the glass tank. With higher VG juices you wont get any of the leak problems that have been reported. I just screw the coil in tight enough so that it doesn't unscrew when you take the cap off and never had a problem.
My recommendation is based purely on my own experience. I started a month ago with this set up and have never had a problem. It stopped me smoking dead after many many years. I have never tried 80% VG juice in it so have no knowledge of whether it will block or not, but it runs like a dream on 65-70% VG on the 0.7ohm coil.
Good luck with your search.

Thank you so much.

I can stop smoking easily enough, that's just a simple case of being stubborn as hell. But staying stopped is my problem, I've smoked since I was 12, it's my coping mechanism for many issues like stress or social anxiety or just plain old five minutes to myself in the garden chewing over a problem. I do like vaping, and it helps that there is so much choice, when I stopped vaping before it was after a particularly bad day at work (hospital) and I was sat on the picnic benches outside trying not to cry and buggering around trying to get my tank to work after not having a break for nine hours. Needless to say the tank got lobbed and I pinched a few fags off a colleague and after that just didn't have the patience to try vaping at work again. It was a different ball game years ago. It's impressive how advanced it's all got. Thanks for your help and support!!

 

[Tarrie]

Man, I wrote a huge post and it appeared to have vanished into the ether.

MTL-- Aspire zelos is a great setup if you buy the 75 Tc version you should have battery life to last you for a day and it does passthrough, which is actually better (IMO) with an internal mod. The N2 is a great little tank but yes, you may possibly have to refill it at least once a day. Here's something that might be helpful if you are interested in a box mod Little itty bitty mods under $100.
I like the steampunk nano Tesla 120 as a box mod, it fits well in the hand, but it is heavier, as it's all metal, but the vape is fantastic.

My favorite tank is the Kabuki, it's crazy expensive but FT makes a decent clone (the Vika fantasy clone which also takes N2 coils is even better (IMO) but both are good for clones and inexpensive. They take the Nautilus bvc coils (1.8, 1.6 and 0.7) so there is some versatility. I also am a fan of the Nicolas Vapefly tank and it's on sale right now and inexpensive. The 0.6 coil is a more airy, there's also a 1.8 coil for a more restricted experience, and it's a very easy top fill and coils last well. I really like this tank.

There's always pico/melo III, some folks enjoy that setup.

If you get a box mod I'd really recommend at least 2 set of batteries and an external charger. Chargers are much more reliable and easier on the batteries than passthrough. It's worth the small added expense, IMO.

I'm enjoying a Kayfun RTA clone at the moment, and it's hard to go wrong there, as long as you get the right verson for MTL (The Kayfun Prime is getting good reviews ATM) and it's an easy build and not leaky. I've heard good things about the Vandy Vape Berserker is another RTA that is getting good reviews as a MTL RTA, I have one on order. The new Siren tank is said to be excellent as well.

Best of luck and thanks for being specific about your requirements-- it helps. I am not a fan of the Original Nautilus though some people swear by them. To me the vape flavor is lacking, and more reminiscent of older equipment, but some people swear by them.

Hope you find something you like!

Anna

Just wow, you are amazing!!! And thank you so much I'm going to have a look at all these suggestions tonight, I've not heard of some of those, but really thank you for so much info. Especially having to retype it all! Hate when that happens.

I love the look of the tesla steampunk, I do think it might be something I order as a treat to myself in a wee while but it's not very discreet or what I'm looking to buy right now.

Do you have any experience with the ceramic coils in any of those tanks?