Thinking about a new Reo Grand

[t9c]

So, I've had this Red Reo Grand now for at least 4 years. Rebuilt it once. I just cleaned it up pretty good and the door, which is missing a magnet and the other 3 magnets are corroded beyond recognition. I'm going to lose that door, I know it.

I vape the same juice all the time (Tasty Finger 10% VG), use 1.5ohm 510's that easily last 6-9 mos each. I can't get 20 clouds worth of vapor, but I'm not a lung hitter so, doesn't matter much. I'm more of a taste guy.

Looking at Rob's latest offerings, I'm thinking about an LP/SL Grand. Easy decision, I think.

But, I have no idea about all these sub-ohm attys. Do they last forever, ie. if a 510 lasts 6-9 for me, will one of these? I know they can be rebuilt, but I'm not inclined to be rewiring and stuffing one every week or two. They do look nicer on a Grand than the lowly 510! Most importantly, does the LP version require them? I'm clueless and so out of touch.

Thanks Ya'll!
Rick

 

[Rob.Gee]

I be never used any thing on my reo that's not a rebuildable atty so I'm not familiar with this 510 carto sounding thing. I think it will be more likely to leak with the l.p. catch cup. When I was using my rm2 with a 1.4 ohm coil I would go a month or two before rebuilding but could easily go longer. Rewicking frequently will also improve the life of the coil.

 

[Kh888]

So, I've had this Red Reo Grand now for at least 4 years. Rebuilt it once. I just cleaned it up pretty good and the door, which is missing a magnet and the other 3 magnets are corroded beyond recognition. I'm going to lose that door, I know it.

I vape the same juice all the time (Tasty Finger 10% VG), use 1.5ohm 510's that easily last 6-9 mos each. I can't get 20 clouds worth of vapor, but I'm not a lung hitter so, doesn't matter much. I'm more of a taste guy.

Looking at Rob's latest offerings, I'm thinking about an LP/SL Grand. Easy decision, I think.

But, I have no idea about all these sub-ohm attys. Do they last forever, ie. if a 510 lasts 6-9 for me, will one of these? I know they can be rebuilt, but I'm not inclined to be rewiring and stuffing one every week or two. They do look nicer on a Grand than the lowly 510! Most importantly, does the LP version require them? I'm clueless and so out of touch.

Thanks Ya'll!
Rick

Check your PMs.

 

[Papa_Lazarou]

Wow - firstly, good for you for your long a successful run to date with a reo. Six months on a carto is stellar. Secondly, nice choice with the SL LP grand. You won't be disappointed.

Here are a few top level thoughts on rebuildable atties for the reo.....

* No atty is restricted to being either sub or super ohm. You can build them to any resistance you like within reason. Some folks go as low as .2 - .3 ohms, others like their builds at 1.7ohms and higher. You're in control.

* Yep, they're rebuildable and should last years if properly taken care of (mostly just cleaning them, but sometimes you need to put a new o-ring, replace a mounting post screw, and so forth). That said...

* You do need to build the coil(s) for them and wick them, and those components wear out and need to be replaced regularly. How regularly you ask? Good question, t9c. Most wicks made of cotton last about 1 week or so until they get gunked up. Given how long you can nurse a carto, you might fare much better. Other wicking material lasts a bit longer, silica longer still, and a product called READY_x_WICK (ceramic cord) can last several months, easily. Coils last longer than wicks, in general, and I find I end up changing them out mostly just because I want to. Count on being able to keep a coil for a couple of months at a minimum if you clean it every time you change the wicks.

Soooo... yes, you do need to do more work with a RBA, but it doesn't need to be a weekly chore if you build and wick it to last. You also can build them to replicate the vape you enjoy now - you don't need to be a subohm'er or cloud chaser.

For what it's worth, I'd recommend a RM2 (SL version) if you're going to try a RBA with that new mod. It's easy to build on, priced well, gives tremendous flavour, and is probably the most well known atty for the reo (meaning there's no shortage of knowledge about it sitting here in the people of this subforum - most of whom would like nothing better than to answer any questions you might have or troubleshoot any problems).

 

[t9c]

Thanks for your replies folks! I've been watching the videos on the Reo site and starting to grasp the concepts, so thanks to your insight I'll probably take the plunge to a rba. I'm guessing I can still use my 510 atty on the LP too, right? Just so I won't be stranded without should the rba get clogged or burn out a coil.
The RM2: Is that tip on it replaceable? I've used those fluted tips before and just don't like them between my lips. The one I use on my 510s is closer to straight, slightly angled.

 

[Rob.Gee]

Yes it is replacable, I like a short straight tip on the rm2

 

[Spydro]

RxW would be your choice for longevity in a build. As Papa said the build can last for many, many months because RxW is renewable back to like new with a simple dry burn. I prefer the 3mm that holds more than enough joose for my long DLH's, but they offer 2mm and now 3.5mm and I think 4mm as well.

 

[SteamStack]

Thanks for your replies folks! I've been watching the videos on the Reo site and starting to grasp the concepts, so thanks to your insight I'll probably take the plunge to a rba. I'm guessing I can still use my 510 atty on the LP too, right? Just so I won't be stranded without should the rba get clogged or burn out a coil.
The RM2: Is that tip on it replaceable? I've used those fluted tips before and just don't like them between my lips. The one I use on my 510s is closer to straight, slightly angled.

Yes you can use a car to or 510 on there when you need to no problem. Maybe be smart to grab 2 attys thst way you can vape on one and still experiment building on another to perfect it to your liking. Or maybe 2 reos to play would be easier.

You can put any standard 510 drip tip on there you want.

Grab a coil master v3 as that will help you make great coils in a few seconds.

 

[SteamStack]

RxW would be your choice for longevity in a build. As Papa said the build can last for many, many months because RxW is renewable back to like new with a simple dry burn. I prefer the 3mm that holds more than enough joose for my long DLH's, but they offer 2mm and now 3.5mm and I think 4mm as well.

I would not jump on that stuff just starting out building coils.. you have to make your coils perfect sized to fit that wick or it will be off.

Personally I've never liked it.. I've got 2,3mm and the new 4mm I'll be tossing up for sale whenever I get time.

 

[puffon]

Lots of good videos here also:
https://www.youtube.com/user/sxmxdrifter/videos

 

[t9c]

Ok, yeah I'll do some research on RxW.

 

[t9c]

Lol, yeah been watching a few of his videos.

Lots of good videos here also:
https://www.youtube.com/user/sxmxdrifter/videos

 

[redeyedancer]

Welcome back some great advice you wont regret stepping up to a rebuildable and for your door put a slight bend in the door . You will be good for another 4 years magnets are not needed

 

[t9c]

Oh, yeah! Now that's top notch CS!!!
Thanks Rob!

 

[Robinowitz]

Good to hear about your 4 year success with your Reo! I think you've been given lots of great advice.
The only thing I might add is a suggestion to use Cello Cotton for your wick. (We all have our favorite wick material). I find that it is more forgiving than other cotton products. What I mean by forgiving is that if I accidentally Vape it when it's dry (when it needs to be squonked), it doesn't have a burnt taste and is able to wick up the liquid when I squonk again. The trick that works for me is that I use lots of Cello (I don't mean length but in diameter. I compress it lots (rolling between fingers) and then feed it thru the coil. A bit of resistance is good. A full coil of cello is a happy coil.

I never could get RxW down. If you want to try some RxW (2.5) send me a PM and I'll send it your way for you to try. Heck, I could even send some KGD cotton sheets as well. Would be my pleasure.

 

[t9c]

Cool Robinowitz! I'll pm you. I've been watching super_x_drifter's videos and he likes the KGD cotton, so I'd like to try that.
I just ordered the LP/SL Red and a RM LP. I guess it's a RM2, I kinda got lost 'twixt all the choices.

Since I've been watching super_x's videos, I think I'll start with his favorite wire size, ohmage (~1ohm) and wick(KGD) and go from there. But, I'm a newby all over again, so I'll listen to anyone! I'm a musical electronic instrument tech by trade, so this shouldn't be that hard to grasp and tweak.

Next step is finding some vendors. I used VaporKings (Tulsa) and Madvapes for many 510s & parts before, so I may check there. If you have a favorite supplier, please let me know. I'll need some new batteries too. These CGR18650's are getting pretty long in the tooth (at least 2 years), so I'll need some new ones.

It's funny how after buying a couple dozen e-cigs over the 1st year, I quickly settled on the Grand and the only hardware I've bought since then were batteries & 510 attys! But, it's time to try something new again!

 

[Spydro]

I would not jump on that stuff just starting out building coils.. you have to make your coils perfect sized to fit that wick or it will be off.

Personally I've never liked it.. I've got 2,3mm and the new 4mm I'll be tossing up for sale whenever I get time.

So how hard can it be to make a right sized coil when you use a right sized form? RxW also works well with a simple ugly coil wrapped right on it... made easy by torching/annealing the wire first to make it more pliable and running a stout needle or small rod down the middle of it to support it while wrapping. What my very first RxW build was in one of my Cyclones on a Woodvil. It worked perfectly for several months, was still working perfect when I decided to change the build for a different joose.

 

[SteamStack]

So how hard can it be to make a right sized coil when you use a right sized form? RxW also works well with a simple ugly coil wrapped right on it... made easy by torching/annealing the wire first to make it more pliable and running a stout needle or small rod down the middle of it to support it while wrapping. What my very first RxW build was in one of my Cyclones on a Woodvil. It worked perfectly for several months, was still working perfect when I decided to change the build for a different joose.

I was talking about pre coil master.. but still even with the right recommended coil master bit for each wick it still didn't seem right for me. It was a dry vape compared to a nice wet vape I get with cotton (as in cotton holds more juice) without all the fuss and worry about breathing loose wick particles. The more you handle it the more it would fray.

 

[Blackboar]

I've used organic cotton balls and kgd as my wicking materials on my rebuildables. The kgd is easier to work with. Both types of cotton only last 2-5 days for me before I have to rewick. But the coils last about 1 month.

Most rebuildables will gunk up a bit faster than the cartos because the airflow is open and the coils are more exposed.

My favorite no hassle rebuildable is the RM7 Rogue, currently. It's pretty leak proof and is really good on flavor. I build 2 contact coils using the 2.5mm bit from the coil master and 8 wraps each with 26g kanthal. It's a 0.5 ohm build and is pretty foolproof. My 1600 mah AW's last for about 1/2 the bottle of juice before they start dropping off.

 

[Papa_Lazarou]

KGD is prolly the best wicking choice to start out with. It's cheap, easy, and quick to experiment with, which I would encourage you to do.

Think of it like tuning a guitar. You can string it easily enough, but you've got to make adjustments to get the perfect pitch. With rebuilding, however, there is no absolute "E" - only your E, which you'll want to play around with to find. It'll also let you get comfortable with building. With very few builds under your belt, you should be able to make and set up a coil in under 5 minutes and a weekend spent experimenting could let you go through many, many configs.

Since you're a tech, you should have no problem making use of this helpful calculator to figure out build parameters:

http://www.steam-engine.org/coil.asp

Don't be worried about all the variations and techniques you'll find if you read a lot about building. It's a deep topic but very simple at its core. Just brush up on Ohm's Law and understand the effect of wire, wraps, and diameters on resistance (the calculator will help). The rest is play time. In no time at all you'll be in here counselling others on your wire gauge, inner diameter, and positioning preferences. You'll see.

Today, you prolly think of rebuilding as bit of a hurdle to vaping with RBA's. You should quickly come to realize that it will outperform any prebuilt coil/atty setup and well worth the learning curve. It will also become second nature.