Somewhat experienced Vaper, New to the forums and seeking some advice on the "next" step!!!

[Metalhed2434]

Hello!

I have been vaping for just over 3 months, and have been smoke free for 66 days and counting! I have referred to this forum several times during the last few months and figured it was time to join!

I am seeking some advice on RBA's.... But first for some background information (since everyone is so different and has varying opinions) I started out using an EGO twist and just the most basic "tanks" Like the Innoken iClear 16 and vaping lots of "High Caliber" E liquids (I live in UT and was taken to the Electronicstix.com store and had my friend set me up, so most of my vaping stuff has been bought from them.) My friend is not a smoker, and sticks with the hardware listed above, I started out cheap just to quit smoking and have been very successful, and decided I LOVE vaping....I have tried most of the products that they offer (Vivi Nova's, BCC Mega's, Kanger EVOD's, and what I use most now, the Kanger PROtank.) About a month ago I also stepped up and bought the VAMO V2 tube mod and LOVE it (mostly...) So for the last month I have used almost exclusively the VAMO V2 combo'd with the Kanger Protanks. So far it has treated me good and is generally hassle free. That being said I am always chasing that "better" vape and always wanting to try new products. My only complaint with my current set up, is that the Protank's seem to be hit and miss with flavor, it seems like someday's they are better than other, and with some juices they are better than others. That and the metal skirt that comes with the protank does not fit down in the VAMO and I CAN'T STAND how "un pocket friendly" it is, and how many $20.00 tanks I have snapped off...luckily the VAMO is fine, but it is just too fragile! I have noticed good and bad from all the tank systems...

I have experienced the best flavor from the double coil Vivi nova's, but a very tight and poor draw IMO.

The BCC mega's have a tight draw, and it doesn't seem like the flavor really shines with them, but the vapor production is great.

The Protank has been the best to date, but the negatives are just that the flavor feels muted like on the BCC mega's...

I have since started Vaping (almost exclusively) the G2 Vapor's (I rotate between Shocker, Carny4, and G2) Carny4 being my favorite, and my all day vape!

The Carny4 tasted soooo good the first day, and it seems like ever since I cannot get rid of the "burnt" flavor that it has been producing lately. I have tried replacing the head of course, totally dumping out all of the left over fluid, have tried soaking the tank in Vodka and then letting it air dry. And have just become frustrated with it...


I really would like to try a RBA tank, but I don't know which one to start with (trying to keep it under $30 for the first run) I understand the basic premise of how they work, but I need like a beginner's guide or something....It seems like a pretty daunting endeavor, and even browsing through the forums I cannot find just like a basic beginners guide to how all the components work, and where to start with them.

I realized this is a very long post, and applaud all who have read it! If anyone knows where to start I would love being pushed in the right direction...

And if you think an RBA is not the next step and thing I should start somewhere else LET ME KNOW!

All and any information is appreciated, once again thank you for your help!

 

[Baditude]

I really would like to try a RBA tank, but I don't know which one to start with (trying to keep it under $30 for the first run) I understand the basic premise of how they work, but I need like a beginner's guide or something....It seems like a pretty daunting endeavor, and even browsing through the forums I cannot find just like a basic beginners guide to how all the components work, and where to start with them.

I'm not aware of any beginner's guide to RBA's, and they are (despite what some will counter) generally considered to be more for advanced vapors. I usually qualify that statement more specifically meaning:

1 - They should be reserved to those who have done their homework researching them.

2 - Have already learned about battery types for RBA's and battery safety in general.

3 - Have learned about battery device (APV) safety features.

4 - Have a multimeter and know how to use it.

5 - Have a working knowledge of ohm resistance and how it relates to voltages.

6 - Don't plan to jump right into ULR (ultra low resistance or sub-1 ohm) coils.

7 - Don't mind tinkering with extremely tiny parts and have a high frustration tolerance.

8 - Have a dependable and reliable juice delivery device to fall back on when their RBA gets fussy.

There is a sub-forum here on ECF dedicated to RBA's with tons of information. Rebuildable Atomizer Systems

One of the more popular RBA's in your price range is the AGA T2. There is a lot of information available on this model, including an exhausting two part review/tutorial done by PBusardo:
A PBusardo Review - The AGA-T(s) - Part 1 - The Review - YouTube
A PBusardo Review - The AGA-T(s) - Part 2 - Assembly & Building Tutorial - YouTube

The best overall video I've found is the one Zen did for his Z Atty Pro for the Provari & Provape. The info is all good for any Genesis-style RBA: Z-ATTY-PRO Rebuildable Atomizers For ProVari - YouTube

If you're convinced you are ready for an RBA, take a look further at this thread: http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/general-e-smoking-discussion/431154-mech-mods-2.html#post9832723


AGA T2's on my Provari's and a Silver Bullet

 

[Metalhed2434]

Baditude!

Thank you SO much for taking the time to help me out...I don't think I am ready yet, and really appreciate your list of what I need to do to be prepared. I feel like I have a pretty general idea on how all of this stuff works emphasis on the word "general"... With that being said, what would you consider to be the "next" step for me? I am open to getting more mods but honestly don't understand the difference between them all... For instance my VAMO has VV/VW and a few other features....but when compared to other mods relatively in the same category (like ZMAX, or the Tesla) it just seems like the differences would be in build quality and those minor differences when it comes to the less critical features. I hear great things about the Provari's, but what makes them so much better? Build Quality alone? I am not being critical, your set ups look great! I am just trying to understand a bit more... Thanks again!

 

[Baditude]

The Provari is certainly a high end APV, and it's no secret here on the forum that it is my favorite APV by far. I personally do not believe any other APV can compare in build quality, total vape satisfaction, and Provape customer service. But in the end, it is simply the power source to make vapor, and has less to do with vape satisfaction than the juice delivery device that heats our favorite e-liquid flavors.

You already have a decent APV with the Vamo. Instead of getting a different APV, I suggest giving cartotanks a whirl. This likely will give you a different, and more likely, a better vaping experience. Before gaining mostly success with my two AGA T's, cartotanks were my primary juice delivery device for several months. I've written a blog which has a cartotank tutorial which you can find in this link:

E-Cigarette Forum - Baditude - Blogs

Follow the methods that I suggest after choosing a quality cartotank (I recommend an IBTanked, which the blog has a review of) and I believe you will find the "next step up" as you were searching for.


IBTanked (22mm) pyrex cartotank on a Vamo

After trying cartotanks and should you find yourself seeking yet another next step up in vaping, you can consider purchasing a higher end mod such as a Provari or get an inexpensive RBA to play around responsibly with.

 

[ms1055]

Provari is great because it is extremely durable, very stylish, the build quality is excellent and it is extremely accurate and consistent with whatever voltage you select. I have the Vamo and while it is a great deal for the money, the Provari provides a much more consistent and predictabe vape. When I first got the Provari the menu system turned me off to it but after using a Vamo and an Evic which both have easier to use interfaces I prefer the Provari hands down due to it's performance and then it's style. If you're on a limited budget then by all means a Vamo would be fine but it doesn't really compare to the Provari in terms of accuracy, style and build quality.

 

[alisa1970]

Baditude is WAY more experienced than me, but I was also going to suggest going to cartotanks. They may not be for you, but they're the next step from clearomizers. I just got my first one (actually it's part of the Zen2 I just got last week) and it's been pretty easy to set up. From there you can start tinkering if you want with some rebuilding stuff. I myself am not even close to wanting to get into RBA's yet, and I'm not sure I'll ever be. Just give me a good vape that's relatively easy to set up and I'm good.

 

[Metalhed2434]

Man you guys are great! I really appreciate all the help! I did forget to mention when giving you my life story that I have tried a Carto Tank...but it was a pretty frustrating endeavor...(probably another good reason why I am not ready for a RBA...) Maybe I had a bad batch of Cartos...but I went through 3 of the 5 I ordered in the first 10 minutes. I guess "flooding" is the correct term? I followed the typical filling instructions on youtube, and whenever I went to vape I just got a mouthful of fluid. I got one to work for a while, and then once I tried to refill it, it was stuck, and once I got it out (using a bench vice...) it drained all over my garage floor, ha ha. They were just generic tanks from electronicstix.com but I will look into your blog, and give them another chance! You have given me enough homework to last a week, and I appreciate that!

One more quick question...when it comes to my Vamo/Protank combo The thing that drives me nuts the most is how weak the connection is (in terms of durability) of the tank to the VAMO. I always unscrew them before putting it into my pocket for fear of just snapping it clean off after moving or something... Is there a product, or solution you would recommend for this issue? Or is that just the nature of having a huge freaking mod?

Thanks again! The Provari will probably be the next big thing I purchase (thank you for letting me know what all the fuss is about

 

[alisa1970]

Man you guys are great! I really appreciate all the help! I did forget to mention when giving you my life story that I have tried a Carto Tank...but it was a pretty frustrating endeavor...(probably another good reason why I am not ready for a RBA...) Maybe I had a bad batch of Cartos...but I went through 3 of the 5 I ordered in the first 10 minutes. I guess "flooding" is the correct term? I followed the typical filling instructions on youtube, and whenever I went to vape I just got a mouthful of fluid. I got one to work for a while, and then once I tried to refill it, it was stuck, and once I got it out (using a bench vice...) it drained all over my garage floor, ha ha. They were just generic tanks from electronicstix.com but I will look into your blog, and give them another chance! You have given me enough homework to last a week, and I appreciate that!

This happened to me when I tried to set mine up the first time too...happened twice. I still haven't finished off the tank, so we'll see how it goes next time.

The cool thing is that you don't have to ditch the carto...on my third try, I screwed my flooded one onto my twist and vaped it that way until the carto wasn't flooded anymore, then started over getting the tank set up. Once I did that, all was perfecto! I think they're a lot more forgiving than you think when you first start

 

[Baditude]

@ Metalhead. I believe the Vamo has a rather well-known weak connector from what I have read here on the forums. Remember, the Vamo is a inexpensive APV loaded with a lot of fancy features, but it's build and construction not so much. You often only get what you pay for. You can't really expect a lot of quality for the price of a Vamo. Another reason to consider a Provari at some point, but I won't go there for now.

 

[ms1055]

You want to make sure you blow out the end the threads are on to clear out the flooding before you vape. When you can't blow out the juice anymore you wait at least a half hour for everything to absorb on the initial fill. Most people leave the waiting out of their instructions. I had major problems with carto's because I didn't follow those 2 steps. I filled them too much to prevent burning and I vaped right away. I either flooded them or had a horrible burnt taste. Sometimes my clearomizer sits a little crooked on the Vamo but I've just accepted it, I put it in my pocket all the time and have dropped it with no problems. I don't believe there is anything practical that will fix that.

 

[Metalhed2434]

Ha ha I totally understand! One day I hope to have a nice compact system that I can throw into my pocket and not worry about at all. I am a klutz with butterfingers....one day... For now I am ready to try the carto's again...That slap yo momma tool, and a new tank are on order Thanks again! You too Alisa1970!