Vaping journey. Where did you wind up?

[5bucks]

I recently watched a video on YouTube about the vaping journey and would like to know where you wound up so I don't waste money on the middle steps.

Let me give you a summary on where I'm at. I quit smoking a month ago after getting an eGo CE5 starter kit. After the starter kit, I've so far gotten a Vision Spinner, a iTaste VV V3.0 and some Kanger Mini Protank 3 dual coil clearomizers. I prefer the CE5s so far as it seems to give me better flavor even though it has a tendency to spit juice on my tongue. The Mini Protanks are too airy and I don't like the cold metal tips. I've ordered a plastic tip and put some tape over one of holes to give me a tighter draw so I may eventually prefer it over the CE5s. I've ordered some 2 mm silica wick, some Kanthal A-1 Resistance Wire in 2 gauges. 28 AWG 0.439 Ohms/in, 0.0508 Diameter (in.) and 32 AWG 1.091 Ohms/in, 0.0080 Diameter (in.) so I can rebuild the CE5's and Mini Protanks. I tend to keep my batteries set at 3.7v because more produces a warm vape which I don't like as much.

The user in the video I watched said he ended up using RDA's in the end so I just ordered a Atomic EHPRO Rebuildable Atomizer RBA RDA Dripper Clone ($18.99) and Kamry K100 K101 Telescopic Mechanical Mod Vaporizer Starter Kit ($26.50). I ordered the mechanical mod starter kit because I didn't know if the batteries I have would fit the rebuildable dripper atomizer. Would they have?

So is that where you wound up? If not, where did you wind up?

Also...
Did I make any mistakes not counting the cheap products I purchased?
Concerning the silica wick and Kanthal wire, did I order the right sizes for the CE5s, the Kanger Mini Protank coils and the RDA/RBA? What's the difference between a RDA and a RBA?

Thanks!

 

[steved5600]

Ok you should move to an Aerotank. Has an adj air hole dual coils and I like then. Rebuilding their heads. You should not use regular wire. If you take one apart you will find that they use something called NR-R-NR wire. No (low) resistance wire-Resistance wire- NR again. Basically resistance wire with silver wire leads on it. You can buy it on Fasttech and at Discount Vapors. The reason you need that wire is that you don't want the leads to heat up. What will happen is the head will take some of he heat and you will burn that insulator at the bottom. S you will get a burnt rubber taste and shorten the life of the head. This wires are darn cheap. they come in bundles of 50 and 100.

Fitting the RDA the spinner and Itaste will physically fit on a VV or VW but if you don't wire the RDA or RBA correctly it won't electronically work as the resistance could end up to low for it to operate.

 

[DavidOck]

You don't have to "move on" to anything if you're getting the vape you want and that keeps you off cigs. Many of us do since we're looking for "more" in some manner. More clouds, more flavor, more run time, more toys

For the smaller clearos, I'd suggest 30 gauge Kanthal, although the 32 will work fine. I find 28 to be too big to fit inside the cup of the base, since it's going to take more turns on the coil to reach a useable resistance.

And you do have a meter to check that resistance, don't you? It's necessary. Don't EVER fire a coil without knowing it's value. VERY bad things can happen. To your face and hands.

That said, I have several tube mods, both regulated and mechanical. And many VV ego styles, VV3, MVP. They all get used, nothing I "regret". Heck, I still use (although not often) my old auto stick batteries with a carto when I'm doing something that takes two hands and want to vape. A Spinner on a lanyard is great when out doing yard work or driving - I can drop it to steer and shift without worrying about where it's going.

Toppers? I stopped using the top coils a long time ago, but top or bottom is a preference. The Aero Steve mentions is a good one. I also use a lot of Kanger PT, PT2, Davide, and various minis of the same. And you can replace the base on the full size with the air flow base to change the dray. Kayfun. Squape - about the only one I'm not terribly impressed with, as I find the draw too tight, and mine has no adjustment. (But if you like a tighter draw, it might fit your needs just fine.) One simple dripper, but it's only used for taste tests - I find the constant need to drip (hey, it's a dripper, right??) doesn't suit my style.

Wind up? For me, it's not a destination I'm after. It's a process and a hobby.

 

[SeniorBoy]

Lots of questions and Steve has already covered one of the aspects with great information. Please let me tackle some other questions you asked.

Your Atomic EHPRO is an RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizer). Sometimes referred to as a "dripper" or you sometimes see "I'm dripping FunkyDuck and it's yummy"

A very popular RBA (ReBuildable Atomizer is a KayFun which is often abbreviated as "KF". In appearance they resemble a "tank"

If you chase flavor which I do, the advantage and compelling reason to embrace either of the above devices is a better flavor from the vape. For most juices, your Protank "mutes" the flavor so comparing the same juice in a Protank verses either a RDA or RBA produces an increase in the intensity of the flavor, you can taste subtle tones, and the vape is "fuller and richer".

Both of these devices require a "build" and each of these devices have their inherent pluses and minuses. You already have 28 gauge Kanthal and 2 MM silica. You will also need a "meter" to measure the resistance of your build BEFORE you test your build with your VV/VW device. Think SAFETY. I use this one: The Omnitester A "jig" will also make your life easier and I use this one: KK Vapetek Atomizer Coil Jig $17.95 | GOTSMOK.COM I would suggest that you use these tools of the trade to "build" for your dripper. Be patient with yourself and start with simple builds and then embrace experimentation. Your goal is to create a repeatable and consistent build that works every time. Trial and error plus mistakes are just part of the journey which all of us have experienced. ECF and YouTube have plenty of content to help you learn how to "build". My first dripper was a cheap $15 clone which got me started for a small amount of money. Like you, I don't want to waste large sums of money without a clear picture of weather a "build" was worth it. Today I own 4 different kinds of drippers and the most expensive is a Magma which would not be my first choice for you. After all, why waste large sums of money only to discover that a RBA or RDA is not your cup of tea. I also own numerous KayFuns and started with the cheapest clone I could find as I had no idea if I would like the experience.

Having said all of this I think it's important to remember that vaping is a journey and one size does not fit all. All that matters to me and the rest of us is that you never return to stinkys again. Given this goal, I really don't care what mod and delivery device you use. If your happy then I'm happy. My journey is more than likely different than others. What I like to do may not suit you and that's fine. If you build for your dripper and decide it's not worth the hassle then that's ok.

EDIT: Just saw David's post. Apologies in advance for any duplication. Great thoughts.

HTH