To RBA or Not to RBA - Please convince me

[Chikenbok]

So I've been vaping for about 2 and some odd years now and have been quite happy with my clearos and more recently (last 6 months) incredibly happy with my cartotanks - I have no problem with carts dying too quickly, dry hits, position independence is fantastic, etc.

However... There's always a part of me that wants to 'just try one more thing - c'mon Alex, its just one more thing' and that's where the problem is. I love tinkering with things and getting things to work perfectly but how drastically will my vaping experience change if I switch to a a Genesis style RBA?

I've watched every video out there, even helped a friend put his RBA together (which he promptly took away from me and wouldn't let me vape) and I don't know if I want to venture down this rabbit hole. It seems like quite a bit more work than punching/priming/filling a carto-tank but is it *that much better*?

I guess what I'm asking is, can anyone convince me to or more importantly not to go down this deep dark path into MORE 'stuff' for my vaping - I mean it probably will happen anyway but I'd love to hear some advice from the pros.

 

[Fizzpop]

I can't say if it is better or not, but I am in the same boat as you. Seriously wanting a RBA; just seems to make sense. I like the idea of only replacing the wick and coil. To do anything else seems wasteful.

 

[B2L]

Sounds like with your experience and your love of tinkering, Genisis atties are just what you need. The vape, when set up properly and working well, is better than anything else I have tried. Another factor is after the initial expense, between RBAs and DIY juice, I vape, usually about 10 ml per day, for about 50 cents per day.

 

[klynnn]

I love a challenge. That is what it is to me. The more I learn the happier I am. Just wish I had been able to do it 40yrs ago. The internet allows you to learn just about anything today and I'm taking full advantage.

 

[NGAHaze]

Given your experience and the research you've already done, I see no reason why you shouldn't. The only negative I can think of is if you just don't have the time to spend on it and even at that, it's only up-front where it might be time consuming. After you've done a few coils you'll be able to rip 'em out in no time. However, it may lead you to start experimenting with different wicking materials and various coil types, new mods and possible mod alterations, etc. so if time is an issue for you perhaps the search for the perfect vape is best avoided.

I know many folks think ultra low resistance is nirvana but my personal opinion is it's over-rated. If you enjoy the chase though, jump in!

 

[Statistic]

How will it change your vaping experience?

Every clearomizer and cartomizer you own will promptly start gathering dust.

If you're that much of a tinkerer I'm gonna suggest you go ahead and pick up a budget mech mod like the Sigelei#8 or Drawtube as well.

 

[B2L]

Then there is post deeming regulation vaping, who knows what that will look like. If the FDA in their infinite wisdom decides to prohibit all e-cig sales I'm not worried about where to get cartos, etc. I'm good to go for at least a few years with what I have on hand.

 

[SupplyDaddy]

How about going down a slightly darker path? Dripping RBA? Less expensive and gives you enough to tell if you really want to go further.
I actually just received 2 Phoenix V4 RBA drippers and I'm loving them for the $5.49 price from Hoosier Vapes. I think they also have a SS version for around $10.

After dripping on these for a bit, you should know if you want to go with other types that cost more.

 

[Statistic]

Then there is post deeming regulation vaping, who knows what that will look like. If the FDA in their infinite wisdom decides to prohibit all e-cig sales I'm not worried about where to get cartos, etc. I'm good to go for at least a few years with what I have on hand.

This is actually the number one reason I got into rba's, and then mechanicals.
With the hardware I have at this moment I can rebuild and repair it all with materials used for a wide variety of applications aside from e cigs. The ONE AND ONLY thing that I am not regulation proof from is the nicotine in the juice, of which I'm going to try and stock up on a bit in the near future, otherwise I WILL grow my own tobacco and extract the nic myself... If it ever gets to that point.

 

[Statistic]

How about going down a slightly darker path? Dripping RBA? Less expensive and gives you enough to tell if you really want to go further.
I actually just received 2 Phoenix V4 RBA drippers and I'm loving them for the $5.49 price from Hoosier Vapes. I think they also have a SS version for around $10.

After dripping on these for a bit, you should know if you want to go with other types that cost more.

I agree drippers (rda's) are a very budget friendly way to test the rebuilding waters. However.. if I had started with my IGO-L I might not have taken another step down the rba path, I just don't like dripping anywhere near as much as tank vaping. I'm glad I got my AGA and IGO in the same order The IGO is finally starting to grow on me.

 

[klynnn]

Who knows what will happen, I tend to be a negative nelly so I will be prepared for everything. If my stock of clearos burn up I rebuild. Doesn't hurt to have the equip on hand even if you don't have the skills yet.

 

[B2L]

How about going down a slightly darker path? Dripping RBA? Less expensive and gives you enough to tell if you really want to go further.
I actually just received 2 Phoenix V4 RBA drippers and I'm loving them for the $5.49 price from Hoosier Vapes. I think they also have a SS version for around $10.

After dripping on these for a bit, you should know if you want to go with other types that cost more.

I love my DIDs and am not a dripper but I picked up an Igo L for testing favors and it is a darn good vape.

This is actually the number one reason I got into rba's, and then mechanicals.
With the hardware I have at this moment I can rebuild and repair it all with materials used for a wide variety of applications aside from e cigs. The ONE AND ONLY thing that I am not regulation proof from is the nicotine in the juice, of which I'm going to try and stock up on a bit in the near future, otherwise I WILL grow my own tobacco and extract the nic myself... If it ever gets to that point.

It was one of my primary reasons also. I figure worst case scenario I will wean myself off of nic if it becomes unavailable. However, I do intend to stock up more in the meantime.

 

[NGAHaze]

How about going down a slightly darker path? Dripping RBA? Less expensive and gives you enough to tell if you really want to go further.
I actually just received 2 Phoenix V4 RBA drippers and I'm loving them for the $5.49 price from Hoosier Vapes. I think they also have a SS version for around $10.

After dripping on these for a bit, you should know if you want to go with other types that cost more.

I think this is really good advice. First you get to play with a RBA and secondly you end up with a good dripper ... I think EVERYONE should have at least one dripper even if it's just a debridged atomizer or cleaned out carto. Dripping is, IMHO, the only way to get the best flavor out of your juices; if it weren't so inconvenient, I'd vape this way exclusively.

 

[vernhall]

Here's a link to a very reasonably priced RBA if you're in the mood to experiment... DID REPAIRABLE GENESIS STYLE ATOMIZER VaporBreak has some outstanding deals on lots of other things too...

 

[Baditude]

Cartotanks have a small learning curve. If you've been able to use those successfully and you love to tinker, I recommend getting an inexpensive Genesis-style clone to play around with. You've already done the research and even helped a friend set up his, so you know what all is involved.

I had used cartotanks almost exclusively for almost a year, and just a couple of months ago I got my first AGA T rba tank. It took some trial and error for a couple of weeks. Then for a week "I got it". Vaping bliss. Incredible clouds of vapor. Pretty good vapor production, but I couldn't decide which flavor of juice to put in it, so I bought another AGA.

(I switch flavors frequently. I have up to 8 - 10 cartotanks going at any one time, each with its own flavor. I typically switch between 3 - 4 flavors a day.)

Well, after that blissful week, I began experiencing the "wandering ohms syndrome" with my two AGA's. Here's where the tweaking comes into play. Fiddle with the wick, fiddle with the coil. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. I'm still a noob when it comes to RBA's. Yes, they have a higher learning curve. Luckily I still have my cartotanks as a backup to the RBA's.

So, I say with your experience and love to tinker, go for it.

 

[Statistic]

Bad, on those AGA's don't forget to check those positive post nuts when you get fluctuating resistance. My one ohm coil was driving me crazy fluctuating between 1.3 to 2.2 while I was tweaking it on my VAMO, then I noticed the nut was loose.. tightened it up and it's been a steady one ohm again since.

My clearos do collect dust now, and my AGA has yet to fail me, but I don't leave the house without an eGo and some type of reliable clearo, just in case.

 

[Kanj.nguyen]

How would your vaping experience change? You would want to immediately sell your old clearos stuff for RBAs and mech mods money.

I dare say my experience has been night and day. It is just a superior vape, no matter how you look at things. Plus, maintenance cost drops drastically, and the state of being completely self-sufficient is well worth the money.

 

[klynnn]

Self sufficiency I love those words.

 

[El_tecolote]

Go for it! Just do it!

 

[Oktyabr]

How will it change your vaping experience?

Every clearomizer and cartomizer you own will promptly start gathering dust.

If you're that much of a tinkerer I'm gonna suggest you go ahead and pick up a budget mech mod like the Sigelei#8 or Drawtube as well.

Simple answer and exactly 100% spot on. I have a large lead crystal candle holder that keeps my small collection of clearos and the like upright so they can't leak. Today I was thinking about finding a way to store them better since I haven't used them at all in the last two weeks. Even my Vamo would be collecting dust if I didn't purposely try to fit it into my usage... and it makes a handy ohm meter

The Sigelei #8 is what I have. Not sure I could have made a better first mech purchase. Two AGA-T2s and a bunch of drippers. The "wandering ohm" thing is something that you will find you will get over with experience. Today I completely flushed one of my AGAs with hot tap water and a syringe, dry burned the water out of the wick and dry burned the gunk off the coil. Took a small jeweler's screwdriver and poked the coils a bit until they were burning all nice and even again. Threw it back on the Vamo for a quick ohm reading... 1.1 ohms, rock solid as always, exactly where it's been since I built it... even after the wash and extra poking and cleaning!

Third AGA in my future, I'm sure, unless some new bargain gennie comes out soon.