What's the deal with RBAs?

[0time]

Hi Forum,

I've been happily vaping for almost a year now and primarily use a Provari with carto-tanks or tank systems like the Protank, iClear 30, and Vivi Nova. I'm wondering what the deal is with RBAs. Do they provide a superior vape (i.e. throat hit, flavor, vapor) than carto-tanks or the tank systems mentioned above? Or are they more for enthusiasts who enjoy the process of rebuilding or using mech mods?

I'm asking because if RBAs provide a significantly superior vape I would consider spending the time, money and effort to get into them.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Leithan]

In my opinion they do........so long as you do your part. With out the proper set up (wick and coil) they will be pretty under whelming. There is also different types, each with it's own challenges. Bottom coil silica and top coil genesis styles. I prefer the bottom coil silica type (Kayfun, Oddy, Penny, Killer 705, Diver and clones) To me they are a bit easier to set up. Gennys are generally a lot simpler in design and easier to diagnose if there is an issue. Over all I wouldn't give up my RBAs I don't think a carto or tank set up comes close. If I could only have one set up, It would be my Provari with a Kayfun 3.1 es on top.

 

[Baditude]

Advice & Tips for Vapors Considering Their First RBA - http://www.e-cigarette-forum.com/forum/blogs/baditude/4454-7-advice-tips-vapors-looking-try-their-first-rba.html

 

[Steam Turbine]

Do they provide a superior vape (i.e. throat hit, flavor, vapor) than carto-tanks or the tank systems mentioned above? Or are they more for enthusiasts who enjoy the process of rebuilding or using mech mods?
Thanks in advance!

I whink it is a lilttle bit of both.

Is it a superior vape: Well, it depends on your build. It can very well be a better vape. Some ppl, myself included thinks that a rebuilt protank is better than the stock heads that comes with it an it's not even considered a "RBA". But it is a world shattering better vape? No.

Of course if you like to tinker with things: There is nothing better than vaping on your own wick and coil! Cause it's yours!

 

[seahawkin]

Hmmmm... Hard to say. When I set it up right it is a superior vape. Getting set up right though is tough. Plus I keep dropping my ZAP and breaking the glass.

 

[puchox]

As the other posters said, it amazing when the setup is right. To paint you the picture, my RSST is really easy to setup i've been using the same coil and wick for a month and a half, not exclusively but most of the time at home along my RDA's.

On the other hand i've gone through 3 different wick and coil setups on my AGI and it doesn't provide the same vape as my clearo's let alone the RSST. Somehow the different position of the posts and the drip well that it has for dripping mode make it a nightmare to setup.

 

[the_vape_nerd]

it's really all in the build

i went from swearing that i'd never ever even contemplate trying it ...to now refusing to vape anything i havent personally built myself

it can take a while to figure things out....it tooks me 3 months or so...but im lazy and made multiple tries on different occasions and then didnt try for weeks

so get the basic materials, get a cheap rda or something....watch a bunch of videos and sooner or later it will become second nature...

 

[tj99959]

RBA's really came into their own because of the threats of regulations.

I started using them because of the "just in case syndrome". I just thought it was prudent to learn how to make my own atomizers in case they were ever regulated out of existence. I really didn't have any intention of them becoming my main vape at the time, I just wanted to know how if I needed to. What I found through the use of RBA's & DiY is that I can have a quality vape for next to nothing, and not spending on juice & cartos has sure made it easy to afford nicer PV's. (and a new kitchen range) It just becomes a no brainer when that new wick & coil only costs 10 cents instead of $7.25 for a box of cartos, and that $17 bottle of juice only costs a dollar.

 

[Iffy]

RBAs provide da opportunity to test a near infinite number of combinations of wire, wraps, wicks and wishes!

 

[Ckal]

RBAs are meant for tinkering and perfecting. Requires patience and some practice to finally get it to your standard.

 

[the_vape_nerd]

RBA's really came into their own because of the threats of regulations.

I started using them because of the "just in case syndrome". I just thought it was prudent to learn how to make my own atomizers in case they were ever regulated out of existence. I really didn't have any intention of them becoming my main vape at the time, I just wanted to know how if I needed to. What I found through the use of RBA's & DiY is that I can have a quality vape for next to nothing, and not spending on juice & cartos has sure made it easy to afford nicer PV's. (and a new kitchen range) It just becomes a no brainer when that new wick & coil only costs 10 cents instead of $7.25 for a box of cartos, and that $17 bottle of juice only costs a dollar.

This is pretty spot-on. Add to this that you never have to worry about running out of stuff.

I mean I still buy stuff but its like "let me try that out" not "if i dont order soon i'll be screwed".

I've got 200 feet of wire about 100 ft of wick. I get the nic, pg, vg in 250-500 ml sizes so it's a once in a blue moon order.

 

[Ryedan]

As a lot of comments already the vape from an RBA is dependant on the build and design variables. I found genny RBAs not worth it on regulated power supplies. On a mechanical mod with a slightly sub ohm coil it's the best vape I've ever found. If you decide to try this, learn the risks and how to stay safe and don't take things for granted. Vape safe!