RTA for a beginner?

[Allegry]

So I'm pretty happy with Nautilus+MVP2 setup I have now....but the Nautilus coils are going to kill my budget. I'd rather spend a little bit and get a quality RTA that I can build coils cheaply for. I set aside $50/mo for vape supplies and juice, but I've got enough juice to last me for a couple months. With that said - I'd like to look into an easy-to-use RTA and let the Nautilus become a back-up.

Since this is my first RTA I'm way more focused on having something that's easy to build and live with rather than a finicky high-performance unit, nor am I interested in a dedicated in-house unit (no leaks, SS tank or option for one). I prefer an easy draw. I'll pick up a new mod next month at Christmas - so I'm not limited to the MVP2.

At first glace, the ones I see that I'm interested in are the Fogger v5, Elrprinz, or Lemo. What other suggestions are out there? I do have a strong preference to avoid clones if at all possible.

 

[joelmora89]

If you want to avoid clones either get a lemo or a Russian 91 depending on if you want a a tighter draw or airer draw.

 

[ElConquistador]

I would say a Kayfun or Russian are pretty easy to learn on, I prefer my Russian. Haven't tried it yet, but that Lemo looks pretty interesting, especially considering the price.

 

[roxynoodle]

Well, the Lemo does only have a glass tank. But, build options and airflow are pretty much limitless.

I still think the Taifun Gt is the easiest build. And very easy to access your coil and wick without dumping your juice, which is great for a first rta. You can buy a SS tank for it on ebay.

 

[lucky_x16]

Worth watching. My favorite reviewer. Rip Trippers on YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGbmwv1coYY

 

[Marc411]

After talking to Roxy I decided to pick up a Rose V2 and the Taifun GT. I'm glad she had the powers of persuasion because I love both, the Lemo is next but it's out of stock at a decent price.

The Taifun couldn't get any easier to build and the vape is outstanding. Access to the build deck without having to drain the tank is a beautiful thing! I have one other that I like as much and that's the eXpromizer. You can't sub-ohm with this RTA since it uses a brass (or copper) spring on the 510 connection. Again, great flavor and vapor and you can rebuild without draining the tank.

 

[nasca]

Billow RTA by EHPRO & Eciggity - Eciggity is another option.

 

[Allegry]

Billow RTA by EHPRO & Eciggity - Eciggity is another option.

I was literally just looking at that and popped back over to throw that in the mix as well.

I went looking for the Russian and Taifun GT, but the authentics seem to run a little more than I'm ready to spend just yet. The Billow is even cheaper than the Lemo though - if it gets good reviews then I may have found a winner. Fortunately, I don't have to be in a hurry to pick one up.

 

[bullet08]

i heard good things about hcigar taifun gt. i ordered one off flea bay, and it should be in the mail box when i get home.

 

[1mouse3]

you also got smaller ones like the gus aiolos an taifun gs but the taifun is a bit finicky on how you set up both wicks, can do singe wick through the chamber cap an it a little harder to do. It is real easy to fill an take apart tho, I wanted a non clone that may be a lot easier to wick so I order a gus aiolos tank an am waiting on it

 

[Paradicio]

Of all the RTA's I've used (authentic Kayfun, EHpro Kayfun clones, Russian 91%, Orchid, and the Lemo), I will say the Lemo is the most beginner friendly. It's larger deck is easier to build on and is much more forgiving in terms of wicking (less dry hits - in fact the only time I've gotten a dry hit on a Lemo was when my mod misfired). One of the biggest issues I've seen with beginners and Kayfuns is problems with wicking correctly. While the Lemo wicks the same way as a Kayfun, it's larger channels allow a bit more room for error.

Of all of the afore mentioned RTAs, the least beginner friendly (IMHO), is the Orchid.

 

[VaPreis]

For a first RTA, I wouldn't recommend anything that's dual coil. First, because the MVP doesn't have enough oomph to power one correctly. And secondly, dual coils and wicking in a tank setup unnecessarily complicates the experience for a new builder.

My recommendation if buying an RTA for use on the MVP, would be to get a good quality Kayfun Lite clone. True, it must be drained to service the wick and coil, but that's a small consideration if you have access to a plastic tip syringe (like what would come with children's liquid medicine). Take the fill plug out, suck out the liquid and save.

Honestly, my preference over all tanks is for the Lemo, but IMO, it will look a little top heavy on an MVP, whereas the Kayfun looks great.

 

[1mouse3]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcQFJ_6tjUE

^ PBusardo shows you how to get a kayfun apart with out draining it

 

[Marc411]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcQFJ_6tjUE

^ PBusardo shows you how to get a kayfun apart with out draining it

I just watched those, both are very cool. I liked the one that was the longer pin and slid into the chimney.

For the OP, this is just my two cents. I wish I would have started with RTA's that I could get back to the build deck when the tanks were full. In the beginning I would screw up my wicking, or my build wasn't right (flavor junky) and I would get frustrated. Nothing is worse then having to break down a full tank because of a problem. Had I started with accessible decks I think I would have sped up my learning curve and had a better overall experience.

The Squape is also a real easy build and has access when the tank is full. I would just be leery of which vendor you get one from or drop the $170 on an authentic

Now I just like them because they are easy to re-wick if the flavor gets flat.

 

[Necrotic]

The Fogger v4 is an amazing RTA. It is somewhat difficult to build on. The v5 is a bit different and looks like it has springs in the posts. I own a v4 and use it occasionally but mainly a dripper

 

[NoBicNeeded]

I'm a newbie at builds and I purchased an orchid v4. The only problem I had was getting the wicking correct to stop it leaking. Coils were easy as I made a tool a better tool by changing it a little for my newbie hands. It allows me to hold the kanthal with my thumb easier so everything is tight.

Oh yes and filling it is a pain. But I'm trying New methods fellow members gave me.

 

[RandyF]

I would say the Lemo, especially for your first, it might be the perfect RTA. The only negative I can think of is the lack of is the lack of protection around the glass (like the Squape).

 

[Allegry]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. Think I'm gonna order a Lemo.

The lack of an easy access deck when filled and an unprotected tank seems to be the only real sticking points, but it seems to hit everything else I'm looking for.

 

[lucky_x16]

Thanks for the suggestions folks. Think I'm gonna order a Lemo.

The lack of an easy access deck when filled and an unprotected tank seems to be the only real sticking points, but it seems to hit everything else I'm looking for.

Congrats!
Now I want one too. As soon as the wallet stops screaming at me, I will order one!
It seems about the right size for my Kato, and some stealth vaping.

 

[lm7nyne]

My wife just did her first coil build ever today on our Magma and she said that it wasn't nearly as difficult as she thought it would be. It came out looking decent and tested at 0.55 ohms. So I guess I could possibly throw that suggestion into the mix.