Subtank, good first rebuildable? (+1 add'l hardware Q.)

[bwh79]

Is the Kanger Subtank (mini, probably) a good way to get into rebuildables, or would you recommend I start with something else? If so, what? Please be as vague or as specific as you'd like. I'm not super particular about whether it's a dripper or a tank, as long as it's user-friendly and noob-approved.

Also, I'm going to be needing something to fire it, since I presume my little EVOD-twist won't have enough "umph" to get the job done. What I'd really like is to get a VaporShark rDNA-40, but the budget isn't going to allow for that for some time, yet. So, for the moment, I'm looking at the VS dna-30, or the eleaf iStick 30w which is like half the price. What would you say are the relative merits and flaws of each? Is there something about the VaporShark that makes it actually worth paying twice as much for, or should I keep the extra cash and just go with the Eleaf? Or, again, is there something else you'd recommend I look into before either one of those? Any input is appreciated, thanks!

 

[Sir2fyablyNutz]

Hi bwh. I have the Kanger subtank Mini and love it (I'm using the stock 1.2 ohm coils @ 15 to 18 Watts). Yesterday I watched a video on a vertical coil build for the subtank mini and it was really easy. I know when I start to use the rebuildable it's the direction I will go.

I like my 2 iStick 50W and haven't had a problem with either of them. I got a look at the IPV mini 2 (70W) that my vape neighbor owns and really liked it. If you're considering a mod with replaceable batteries I would suggest considering it.

Good luck in your vape decisions.

 

[stormjib]

I love my subtank mini, and it was my first rebuildable. Since then, I've bought two drippers and a lemo2, and just ordered a chluthu last night. Subtank is still my go to rig, and I haven't used a disposable coil in months. I started out rebuilding the OCC coils until I was comfortable enough to use the rba section, now it's what i use the most of anything. good flavor, lots of vapor, easy to build. the post design makes it especially easy to trap wires. I found my sweet spot is 4 wraps of twisted 28 g kanthal, comes in at about .6 ohms.Istick50 would be my suggestion for a mod.30 watts is plenty to run the mini with, but if you decide to get other toppers in the future, it's nice to have that extra 20 watts. Sometimes I run my mini at close to 40 watts, usually it's running at around 28, so with a 30 watt device there wouldn't be much headroom left.

 

[sedition]

It sounds to me like you're already sold on a rebuildable, so my opinion is to just buy one. Skip the Kanger stuff and get something that you like the look of. You don't need an intermediate product to safeguard your way in, you just need a few feet of Kanthal an some Riptripper videos.

 

[g2shuck]

If all my droppers and tanks the subtank rba is the easiest thing I have ever rebuilt

 

[jambi]

Subtank mini is an excellent choice for a first rebuildable. The "shouldered" posts make building a breeze. Eliminates the hassle of "wrap the hair-thin wire around the tiny post screws, hold in place while tightening with miniscule screwdriver, and do it all with bear-paw sized hands." I hope those shouldered posts are the wave of the future.

The Istick 30 seems a good choice. Cheap and readily available. I own a 20, it's my daily driver right now and it's been totally reliable. Only gripe I have is its 1 ohm basement, not a problem with the 30 as it'll fire down to 0.4. Were I in the market for another sealed battery mod I'd jump on the 30, or the 50.

If you're willing to invest a little more, you could go for something with replaceable batteries. Maybe in the long run that's actually the wiser choice (though admittedly I've yet to start seeing reports of istick batteries wearing out. Time will tell...). I have an IPV 3 and love it, though it's around 100 watts more than I need, so were it me, I'd seriously consider the IPV mini 2. That'll get you up to 70 watts and down to 0.2 ohms. Don't forget to factor in the batteries and charger, if you don't already have them.

Have fun, good luck!

 

[Rathamar]

My current out and about set up is the Subtank Mini and a iStick 30w. I found the most satisfactory Vape on the .5 coil at 20 watts I have only built one coil on it as I prefer the premade coils (only cause I am lazy) and found that it is both easy to build on and provides the same flavor as the prebuilt coils.

Oh and since no one has said it yet, make sure before you start building, you have a good ohm meter and understand ohms law. Safety first! If you have questions, please ask, there are a ton of people on here with knowledge and will definitely point you in the right direction to safely build

 

[Mogar]

The Subtank has become a very friendly part of the vaping community. The OCC coils are clean and "generally" are what lots of people like to use as they do what they are looking for.
Regarding the RTA, it is simple and very cheap. Even if you went to a B&M and picked up wire and cotton (which I do not suggest as most will charge you like $5 a foot when you can get a few hundred feet for just over that online). They give you a screwdriver that most use to wrap the wire. Rebuilding the RTA from the ground up takes less than 5 minutes (10 if you are cleaning every piece and changing juice).

Fortunately/Unfortunately there are many devices that you can use to power the Subtank. My preference is the Istick 50W as it will power your tank well and the battery lasts me around 3 days where the other devices I am charging daily. Some will have issues with the number of incidents of fires and chip malfunctions, however this (yes this is my OPINION as I have yet to see any proof to the contrary) is caused by charging the unit faster than it is designed for, dropping the unit or by allowing juice to go into the case.

 

[jrlakeman]

STmini is a breeze to build on the wicking may get you at first til you learn it. For mods the istick good but not gonna last but maybe a year as its internal battery not replaceable(you could replace if you your savvy like that). But they cheap enough to just buy a new one when it comes to that point.