SmokTek Hyper SRT II (Nov 24 2012)

[JazzyTech]

Picked up the smoktek Hyper SRT II rba for 21 dollars at GotVapes.com (I am a customer; no affiliation). After looking around for a decent low cost rba I thought I'd give this one a spin. I'd heard about this RBA once before. PBusardo gave it a "quick review" and said he couldn't recommend it. The RBA that I have is NOT the same version that he tested, which quickly becomes apparent if you compare the pictures at GotVapes against the video. Nuff said about that
First off let me say I did not open, load and vape the SRT. I can't stand silica wicks, so I couldn't tell you how it vapes out right out of the box. As the name implies, it's an RBA, and that's what I did: rebuild it
Since I only smoke on cotton, first I drilled out the wick holes a little bit. Cotton swells up and you don't want it to choke. This is very easy to do because it is made of Polypropylene (not metal like on PBusardo's video).
After a few minutes making my coil (Kanthal A-1 32awg, 5 wraps, diameter 2.1mm) and inserting the wick(cotton braid candle wick #1/0), I did spend some time fiddling with the spring loaded coil posts that the SRT uses. I'm more accustomed to small screws; this was different
Filled the container with fluid by removing the fill cap (PBusardo had to stab the wick to fill his version) and dialed in the correct voltage.
Overall I'm impressed. The SRT RBA vapes great. Full flavor no leaks so far.

Only a couple of negatives that I've noticed:
It's a bit louder than my vivi novas when drawing. Nothing crazy, but you can hear it.
The fill hole is very close to the coil. Although I'm able to fill it from a 10ml drip bottle, I have to be careful not to bump the coil. A syringe or pipette would work fine.

Again, this is not a stock RBA due to my modifications, but if your looking for a cheap RBA that vapes great, you can't go wrong with this one in my opinion. Doesn't look too shabby atop a provari either.
And that's my

 

[JazzyTech]

Update: After testing more coils and wicks I realized that elevating the coil improves the taste and longevity of the wick.
The coil gets more complete coverage from the air stream when the center is just above the top of the wire posts. The taste doubled, and my wick is no longer frying so fast

 

[JazzyTech]

Straight out of the box test.

I thought it would be more useful for a "typical" vaper to give me more feedback, since I had immediately modded mine for cotton. So I bought another one and gave it to my father who's been vaping for years now.

I just got off the phone with him and he reports so far it's a very good vape. More flavor than a typical vivi and no harsh hits. The Hyper SRT II is performing well; especially on the higher ohm end. Will keep this thread updated as we continue to test.

 

[LucentShadow]

Nice review. I have a couple of questions, if you don't mind. I'm interested in this design, as it seems to be almost ideal for my needs.

So, it seems to me that the base of the atomization chamber is polypropylene, pressed into a metal sleeve with the threads on it for the cover to attach to. If that's correct, it seems a bit odd to me.

Have you noticed any degradation of the air tube material due to heat from the coil? I suppose that raising the coil for better airflow would also have helped prevent that, though.

Also, does it seem pretty solid? The posts don't wiggle or spin in that polypropylene base?

I recently got a couple of BO-8 rebuildables from Discount Vapers, which seem to be somewhat similar in design, but are big, honkin' monsters at 20.15mm dia. x 65.65mm len. (without drip tip.) I haven't tried them yet. This thing looks like it would be shorter, at least.

 

[JazzyTech]

The base at the bottom is metal with a metal post in the middle. The top (that holds the coil posts) is polypropylene threads/ no metal. Feels durable when tightening down, but I've only opened it ten times or so.
One time I had the coil within a milimeter of the air tube as you called it and although it clouded a bit from the intense heat, it has not yet deformed. I just checked it (been vaping on it constantly since the 24th at 4.6-5.2V (2 ohms atm) and there is no deformation so far. Yes, raising the coil was game-changer as I mentioned. I run 100VG in my mixes and it's sweet as sugar
The coil posts seem solid so far, however I've only used them 15 times or so testing various configurations. They won't turn when I try to twist them with my fingers. I also drilled out the holes for the wicking and in spite of this no warping as of yet. One concern I do have though:
I have to resist the urge to use the posts as leverage to get the top cap to unscrew from the post. When it's slippery from VG, it's quite the temptation. So I'd say you'd need to be mindful of this.
I haven't dropped it yet. since it's on a provari, if the RBA hits with the weight of the provari from behind, my guess is it'd be history. I have no plans to do this
One other note, the tip that came with it has a small amount of play. Not much, but it's there. It seals fine with no air leaking. Since I have my regular stainless 501 tip this was not an issue at all for me.
No general leaking so far, but due to the whole top being polypropylene, the threads that hold the metal cap will eventually fill with juice. So when I open it to inspect my wick or fill up, I do have to clean it up a bit. Nothing to complain about, personally.
Overall it seems pretty solid. I wouldn't try dropping it though. No leaks at all so far. Although I think it's adverted as a "4ml" it's closer to 3ml. My wicks are twice as thick as the stock ones and I'm sure that makes a difference.

I admit I am completely ignorant of the BO-8s. I personally prefer tanks with wire coils.

measurements:

metal cap diameter: 19.9mm
polypropylene tank diameter: 19.5
metal base diameter 19.9
height not including the tip and curve-sweep; excluding the 510 connector at the bottom: 41mm exactly

If you're still sketchy about ordering this, wait a few days until I get my Veteran (father) to chime in on his experience over the next few days. I'd consider him the average user (his first RBA, although he rebuilds his vivis) and see what he thinks.

 

[LucentShadow]

Thanks for the extra details. I was almost sure to try one of these since I first saw the introduction thread in the GV forum, but I feel better about it, now. The size is more manageable than the BO-8, too.

I did not like the original SRT, nor the Phoenix, as it seems that I'm sensitive to the byproducts of poor airflow during atomization (some would consider this extra TH.) I like the center airflow designs much better than the side airflow designs.

So far, though, none of the big barrel rebuildables that I've tried can touch the accidentally-rebuildable Vivi Novas that I use most often for a smooth hit. Those have a very optimized air path, due to the small atomization chamber.

 

[JazzyTech]

The SRT pull is wide open, compared to the viv mini or vivi tank. At first I didn't like it... Until I dialed up the voltage and took shorter, fuller hits. Now I think the vivi feels constricted in comparison

 

[LucentShadow]

Yeah, I had the same problem and solution after attempting to make the airflow better on the Phoenix by opening up the side hole more. It did reduce the harshness of the vape, too, but not enough.

Sounds like this one might be pretty good, to me. I've still got two others to play with for at least awhile before I'll let myself order one of these, though.

 

[JazzyTech]

I hear that! lol I've got another "cheapy" that I haven't even unpacked yet. It looks like a vivi/tank base with a 3 ml tank, but with an aluminum top It's from Oakley Vaping OCT. Not sure how good it'll vape, but I'll be finding out someday.. Right now I'm returning to the bamboo testing to see if I can stand the woody signature taste that it refuses to release after 5 boils (boggle) But man, does it vape smooth.. sigh..

 

[LucentShadow]

I like that woody flavor, but I honestly don't notice it after the first dozen or so puffs. The only time I don't use the bamboo is if I'm trying something weird, where cotton balls work better because of their total flexibility in shaping. It's the cotton flavor that bugs me, though. Go figure.

 

[JazzyTech]

After browsing some other sites, I've come to realize that the gotvapes.com advertised "Hyper SRT II" is also known as the Smoktech "R". Not sure if gotvapes got it wrong. In any case I ordered two in two separate orders I got exactly what the pictures at gotvapes show. However, the box it came in states: "Smok R tank".. I'd add the name to the thread header if I could.

 

[damthisisfun]

I think I am a gonna get one - wanted to bookmark for future..............time to join the serious vape club and real RBAs....lol

 

[JazzyTech]

Just spoke with my father who's been testing the RBA with no modifications. He's very pleased with it and wants to buy a second one. He says the original wicks/coils vape just fine, but he wanted to start experimenting. He's vaping on the same coil/wick setup I use without any modifications and says it's wicking just fine. I personally would think it's too tight, but I respect his opinion. He especially liked the fact that you don't need a screwdriver to switch out the coils. Good quality at a fair price.

 

[zipthehuh]

just curious what you used to make the holes bigger? Did you use a certain size drill bit

 

[damthisisfun]

You say the plate where the wicks to into the tank is plastic - not metal? So the top screws are also in this plastic disc? If that is true - you think it will last? I want to order some CE2 Fluxm soon - will wait for you reply and get the SRT too. Sounds like a car - I like the name...lol

 

[JazzyTech]

zipthehuh: I enlarged a bit and checked if the wick would fit dry. then enlarged a bit more. I dont' recall the exact size of the hole Didn't think it necessary since it all depends on what each individual needs. Cotton swells when wet.

damthisisfun: Yes, the whole top with the exception of the mount posts for the coil and the threading for the top cap. It seems quite study in spite of this. Since the tank is sealed with O-rings so there's no need to have the top unusually tight. Note my earlier comment about the posts and using them for leverage. Most RBAs are made with "some type" of metal and then chromed. If remove any of the chrome you risk exposing your wick/fluid to the whatever-metal underneath. Since I'm a bit paranoid about this, I decided to give the SRT a chance. I have no regrets so far

 

[JazzyTech]

Overall it's a good RBA at a fair price. It's not made of steel, may not last a decade, but for 21 dollars you should get your money's worth out of it

 

[damthisisfun]

You right JT - for 22 bucks it seems to be a great buy - wish they had the Birkshire in stock - would get both of em....

 

[JazzyTech]

You right JT - for 22 bucks it seems to be a great buy - wish they had the Birkshire in stock - would get both of em....

I'd planned on getting the Birkshire to tinker with, but then decided to make my own RBA from scratch. Should be a good learning experience, but I need better cutting tools for my lathe; stainless steel is tough stuff The Birkshire's tank is a bit smaller (3ml I think).

 

[DizGrizz]

Great info, JazzyTech! Been looking at those for a while. Thanks for the write-up.