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Need advise for RTA: Kensei vs. Kylin vs. Manta vs. Azeroth vs. Merlin Mini?

Astray

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I know there might be other thread discussing these RTAs I mention.
But I would like to just get your vote for which of these RTAs is your go to for flavor.
I know some are single coil, and others are dual (or even triple) coils. But if we disregard the coils capability or capacity, which one do you think give the best flavor?

I would love to get Reload RTA but it's almost impossible to find the authentic one in my country (Indonesia). Spent weeks searching for an online store for it to no avail.

You could give your reasons if you would be so kind, but just a simple reply of your pick would be immensely helpful for me.

Thank you in advance
 

Mykreign

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hard to say without knowing how you like to vape. This is all subjective. I run low ohm, high watt, direct lung hits. I have the merlin mini and kylin. My manta will be here friday. I used to love the merlin. It really is a great RTA but it can't handle high wattage vapes as well as the others you mentioned, its got a small juice capacity and can't fit larger coils.

The kylin has been a bitch for me to wick correctly and i've been rebuilding for years. Once i got it right though i love it.

My favorite RTA at the moment is the steamcrave aromamizer plus. awesome flavor, clouds and easy wicking.

I havent used the kensei or the azeroth so hopefully someone else will chime in on those.
 
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Astray

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hard to say without knowing how you like to vape. This is all subjective. I run low ohm, high watt, direct lung hits. I have the merlin mini and kylin. My manta will be here friday. I used to love the merlin. It really is a great RTA but it can't handle high wattage vapes as well as the others you mentioned, its got a small juice capacity and can't fit larger coils.

The kylin has been a bitch for me to wick correctly and i've been rebuilding for years. Once i got it right though i love it.

My favorite RTA at the moment is the steamcrave aromamizer plus. awesome flavor, clouds and easy wicking.

I havent used the kensei or the azeroth so hopefully someone else will chime in on those.

Thanks for the comments. I usually vape around 60 - 75 watts direct lung hits. I'm still finding my sweet spot for vaping as I've only been in this realm for 3 months and just started building my own deck for the past month, so I'm not that well versed and handy yet with the wicking (evident by the inconsistent flavor I got out of my RDA using the same coil with the same juice)

I see that Kylin has its problem (tricky wicking which most likely will make it leaky) but it got an all-around positive feedback from 15+ reviewers I watched. So as of now I'm leaning slightly toward Kylin.

However, if it's not too much to ask, I would be grateful if you could give your comments on Manta once it arrived. It looks a lot like Reload, which really peaked my interests.
 

Mykreign

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Thanks for the comments. I usually vape around 60 - 75 watts direct lung hits. I'm still finding my sweet spot for vaping as I've only been in this realm for 3 months and just started building my own deck for the past month, so I'm not that well versed and handy yet with the wicking (evident by the inconsistent flavor I got out of my RDA using the same coil with the same juice)

I see that Kylin has its problem (tricky wicking which most likely will make it leaky) but it got an all-around positive feedback from 15+ reviewers I watched. So as of now I'm leaning slightly toward Kylin.

However, if it's not too much to ask, I would be grateful if you could give your comments on Manta once it arrived. It looks a lot like Reload, which really peaked my interests.
will do. I've actually had zero leaking with the kylin. My problem is i get dry hits because the cotton is packed too tight.
 

eStorm

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I agree with mykreign, however I did have immense leaking with the kylin and no it wasn't an wicking issue lol. I've always used my Aromamizer and still do, but my daily go too is the kensei. In fact I got 4 of them flying around the house, one of them is in my husbands daily rotation, he vapes low ohm and high watt, I'm more in the mid range and mostly vape in temperature mode.

The kensei for me personally has much better flavor and smoother airflow. I don't get any leakage no matter if I wick it light, packed or just right. There's never muting of flavors either.

Hardware as well as ejuice is subjective tho, things I might like, the next person might not, but I would vote for the kensei any day.
 

zephyr

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Thanks for the comments. I usually vape around 60 - 75 watts direct lung hits. I'm still finding my sweet spot for vaping as I've only been in this realm for 3 months and just started building my own deck for the past month, so I'm not that well versed and handy yet with the wicking (evident by the inconsistent flavor I got out of my RDA using the same coil with the same juice)

I see that Kylin has its problem (tricky wicking which most likely will make it leaky) but it got an all-around positive feedback from 15+ reviewers I watched. So as of now I'm leaning slightly toward Kylin.

However, if it's not too much to ask, I would be grateful if you could give your comments on Manta once it arrived. It looks a lot like Reload, which really peaked my interests.

Sorry it is not on your list...but Ijoy Exo RTA is my favorite, and I vape right at your wattage 60-70

It is very easy to wick. It has great flavor, especially if the air is 1/2 closed. It is also on the cheap, but does not feel like it was made to be cheap. It also has two decks you can swap, single or dual. It holds a lot of juice, 6mL I think
 

Mykreign

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I was looking to buy an ijoy exo but only found one website that had it in stock and it was the black one. A lot of people have had connection issues with the black.

As far as the manta goes. I haven't got the wicking perfected yet but took it to work with me today. It has a lot of air flow. I run all my rtas wide open but this one I turned down to 3/4 open. The flavor is there and I can tell it'll be really good once I get it wicked right. I'm using 3mm diameter coils. 2.5 would be easier I'm sure since you don't have as much cotton trying to go into the little slots. I've been getting juice collecting on top of the drip tip, which is very short btw, but I think that's just because I'm drawing so hard trying to get the vapor I crave. Again, probably a wicking issue that will go away. I'll add that the manta is a sexy little thing. Love those curves with the bubble glass lol.

Once I get the wicking down, I'm sure it'll be a daily driver.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 

Mykreign

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I agree with mykreign, however I did have immense leaking with the kylin and no it wasn't an wicking issue lol. I've always used my Aromamizer and still do, but my daily go too is the kensei. In fact I got 4 of them flying around the house, one of them is in my husbands daily rotation, he vapes low ohm and high watt, I'm more in the mid range and mostly vape in temperature mode.

The kensei for me personally has much better flavor and smoother airflow. I don't get any leakage no matter if I wick it light, packed or just right. There's never muting of flavors either.

Hardware as well as ejuice is subjective tho, things I might like, the next person might not, but I would vote for the kensei any day.
The earlier kylins had an issue with the deck that caused leaking. Probably to the press fit base. They have fixed it and I believe theyll send you a new deck if you contact them.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 

SkoldVape

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I have the Kylin & Merlin Mini and I love them both depending what mood I'm in.
I don't find the Kylin tricky to wick at all though. The trick is to leave a gap at the bottom of the juice channel then juice can enter. Never had dry hits doing this.
I vape the Merlin at 30 watts and the Kylin at 70 watts.
I have very varied vaping styles.
I vape both MTL and Sub Ohm
 

Astray

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I finally using Zeus RTA (given to me for free) but wicking it is a very tricky chore. I couldn't quite get a good flavor out of it
 

SkoldVape

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Btw if your still interested in the Manta I've been using it today after it not getting much use & it's a really smooth an flavourful vape.
 

choderfett

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The Serpent SMM (single 4ml) provides great flavor but its not on your list.
I picked one up after hearing all the reviews boasting about great flavor.

I havent experienced much leakage after learning how to correctly wick it.
 
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SkoldVape

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The Serpent SMM (single 4ml) provides great flavor but its not on your list.
I picked one up after hearing all the reviews boasting about great flavor.

I havent experienced much leakage after learning how to correctly wick it.
I was gonna get it but went with Merlin Mini
 

Bigjay1978

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Thanks for the comments. I usually vape around 60 - 75 watts direct lung hits. I'm still finding my sweet spot for vaping as I've only been in this realm for 3 months and just started building my own deck for the past month, so I'm not that well versed and handy yet with the wicking (evident by the inconsistent flavor I got out of my RDA using the same coil with the same juice)

I see that Kylin has its problem (tricky wicking which most likely will make it leaky) but it got an all-around positive feedback from 15+ reviewers I watched. So as of now I'm leaning slightly toward Kylin.

However, if it's not too much to ask, I would be grateful if you could give your comments on Manta once it arrived. It looks a lot like Reload, which really peaked my interests.
The manta has been an absolute pleasure to build, wick, and vape. Very good flavor.
 

Hanson

Member For 4 Years
The manta has been an absolute pleasure to build, wick, and vape. Very good flavor.

Also my fav arsenal, not too mention it nvr leaked on me so far
0129c08cc7fc9b2b650bdc8ca668e9fe.jpg



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 

Vape Fan

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Also my fav arsenal, not too mention it nvr leaked on me so far
0129c08cc7fc9b2b650bdc8ca668e9fe.jpg
I have that same blue Manta otw. Is that Rebel 2x2X700?
I finally using Zeus RTA (given to me for free) but wicking it is a very tricky chore. I couldn't quite get a good flavor out of it
Another to definetly consider/add is Kylin Mini.
It's going to be interesting to compare those 2.
 

Steamhead

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I love the Manta but the wicking channels are too small
Too small for what?


OP, why not just get a Reload clone? I love mine, plus it comes with a bubble tank, and the authentic doesn't. I'm running 4.75mm ID quad-core claptons in mine at 50 watts, and the flavor is insane.
 

SkoldVape

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Too small for what?


OP, why not just get a Reload clone? I love mine, plus it comes with a bubble tank, and the authentic doesn't. I'm running 4.75mm ID quad-core claptons in mine at 50 watts, and the flavor is insane.
I might get the clone myself. Easier to find
 

Steamhead

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I might get the clone myself. Easier to find
Right on. I was interested in the Manta, which is why I was asking: why do you think the wicking holes are too small? Too small for what? Like it can't keep up with the juice demand of your coils?
 

Mykreign

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Right on. I was interested in the Manta, which is why I was asking: why do you think the wicking holes are too small? Too small for what? Like it can't keep up with the juice demand of your coils?
I think they're too small as well. If you use a large I.D. coil you'll have to thin your tails. Otherwise the tails will be packed too tight in the holes causing dry hits.

I'm using 3mm coils and had to fluff out the tails plus get some 70% vg juice. I normally use 80%.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk
 

SkoldVape

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Right on. I was interested in the Manta, which is why I was asking: why do you think the wicking holes are too small? Too small for what? Like it can't keep up with the juice demand of your coils?
No I mean it's really hard to fit cotton in there. You can't use alot of cotton with your coil. Mine leaks too
 

Vape Fan

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Sounds like Manta is a finicky wicker. Most have their little foo paa's it seems . I'll see later tonight as well as Crius V2 that looks to have ample wick holes for a single coiler. And I'll have Kylin Mini in a couple days ~
 
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SkoldVape

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Sounds like Manta is a finicky wicker. Most have their little foo paa's . I'll see later tonight as well as Crius V2 that looks to have ample wick holes for a single coiler. And I'll have Kylin Mini in a couple days ~
I'm getting the Kylin Mini myself so let know how it is :) I've started vaping at lower wattage so a single coil fits the bill
 

Steamhead

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I think they're too small as well. If you use a large I.D. coil you'll have to thin your tails. Otherwise the tails will be packed too tight in the holes causing dry hits.

I'm using 3mm coils and had to fluff out the tails plus get some 70% vg juice. I normally use 80%.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

Idk, man. I'm running 4.75mm duals in my Reload, and 5.2mm duals in my Aromamizer Plus. I don't put nearly all the cotton from the coils down into the channels on either. I just pull some down from the bottom half of each coil into the channels till they're a bit full, then I just chop the vast majority right off. Wicks like a champ like this.

ETA: My point is, I don't think it ever necessary to have the entire wick stuffed down in the channel. If it doesn't fit, just trim the excess!
 
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Astray

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Yeah, so Zeus is giving me small headaches. I still need to find a consistent wicking methods since I've been getting the goods and the bads. But when it good, it's flavorful, not as impressive as i have expected, but flavorful nonetheless.
So 2 weeks ago I got myself a Serpent SMM, I found myself using it more than the Zeus. It's easier to build and also flavorful, I just don't quite like the whistling sound it makes, but hey that's not a big cons.

Kylin mini is definitely in my list as soon as it's available. I've tried Manta and I think it performs similarly to Serpent SMM, so i'd pass on it.

I also couldn't find Reload clone in my country, but i'll be interested in trying one.
How much of a difference in performance does the clone and authentic has? Is it only on the build quality?
 

SkoldVape

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Yeah, so Zeus is giving me small headaches. I still need to find a consistent wicking methods since I've been getting the goods and the bads. But when it good, it's flavorful, not as impressive as i have expected, but flavorful nonetheless.
So 2 weeks ago I got myself a Serpent SMM, I found myself using it more than the Zeus. It's easier to build and also flavorful, I just don't quite like the whistling sound it makes, but hey that's not a big cons.

Kylin mini is definitely in my list as soon as it's available. I've tried Manta and I think it performs similarly to Serpent SMM, so i'd pass on it.

I also couldn't find Reload clone in my country, but i'll be interested in trying one.
How much of a difference in performance does the clone and authentic has? Is it only on the build quality?
Got my Reload Clone off FastTech. Takes a while cos of being in China but they deliver nearly everywhere.
I use Chinese sites and American due to the TPD in England
 

Vape Fan

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Kylin mini is definitely in my list as soon as it's available.

I also couldn't find Reload clone in my country, but i'll be interested in trying one.
How much of a difference in performance does the clone and authentic has? Is it only on the build quality?
Here's a thread with some Reload clone info.
http://vapingunderground.com/thread...-kindbright-reload-clone.334966/#post-1921262

Besides Kylin Mini another single coil I've since tried is OBS Crius V2 (or II) http://www.obsnsmoke.com/wuhuaqi/12.html
Has that short chimney which makes for very very good flavor. It's easy to coil with that single screw, and easy to wick those big wick holes on the deck.
Might look like no AF behind the coil, but, you just put the coil off center a bit from the bottom AF
/towards the side AF/ then the bottom AF also hits the back. Essentially surrounding the coil.
I've had no leaking w/ either tank.
 
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Ishkabibble

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I agree with mykreign, however I did have immense leaking with the kylin and no it wasn't an wicking issue lol. I've always used my Aromamizer and still do, but my daily go too is the kensei. In fact I got 4 of them flying around the house, one of them is in my husbands daily rotation, he vapes low ohm and high watt, I'm more in the mid range and mostly vape in temperature mode.

The kensei for me personally has much better flavor and smoother airflow. I don't get any leakage no matter if I wick it light, packed or just right. There's never muting of flavors either.

Hardware as well as ejuice is subjective tho, things I might like, the next person might not, but I would vote for the kensei any day.
I tried SOOO HARD to get my Kylin not to leak but I threw that thing in the drawer and it sits there. I even had a v2.
 

Ishkabibble

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If you are willing to spend some cash I recommend the Reload RTA. Better flavor than the Kylin IMO, similar design but DOES NOT LEAK! Build quality is fantastic and build deck is great to boot. There are clones also for it, but supposedly built in the USA (until Reload Vapors starts making mad cash and decides to ship production overseas :p).

It's the only dual-coil RTA I vape on now. All 10 or so of my others sit on the shelf.
 

Ishkabibble

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Idk, man. I'm running 4.75mm duals in my Reload, and 5.2mm duals in my Aromamizer Plus. I don't put nearly all the cotton from the coils down into the channels on either. I just pull some down from the bottom half of each coil into the channels till they're a bit full, then I just chop the vast majority right off. Wicks like a champ like this.

ETA: My point is, I don't think it ever necessary to have the entire wick stuffed down in the channel. If it doesn't fit, just trim the excess!
YES ANOTHER RELOAD USER!! That thing is my pride and joy man!
 

Tongbitz

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I have the Kylin & Merlin Mini and I love them both depending what mood I'm in.
I don't find the Kylin tricky to wick at all though. The trick is to leave a gap at the bottom of the juice channel then juice can enter. Never had dry hits doing this.
I vape the Merlin at 30 watts and the Kylin at 70 watts.
I have very varied vaping styles.
I vape both MTL and Sub Ohm
You are right..most of the leaks is passing through the bottom air flow...wicking is the cause. Not on the list...i am using the Pharaoh Rta 30watts cool vaping at 0.58 ohms..clouds and flavor as well.depending on the coil builds.

Sent from my SM-N900K using Tapatalk
 

SkoldVape

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You are right..most of the leaks is passing through the bottom air flow...wicking is the cause. Not on the list...i am using the Pharaoh Rta 30watts cool vaping at 0.58 ohms..clouds and flavor as well.depending on the coil builds.

Sent from my SM-N900K using Tapatalk
Not used the Pharoah but heard good things. I've been using the Manta now I finally got the wicking right
 

sbankme

Member For 3 Years
The ST(Steam Tribe) clone Reload from Gearbest has amazing flavor, the best I've experienced from any RTA or tank. It's the only RTA/tank that gives me a moist, saturated vape that nearly equals squonking. At first I got some leaking when filling, but since I read a tip somewhere here to "burp" it when refilling, no more leaks. By burping, I mean remove tank from mod, close airflow, fill, turn upside down for a few seconds so air can rise, flip back up, open airflow to desired setting, reattach to mod.
Machining/threading etc. is very good. My only minor complaint is that it's hard to change the airflow setting once you screw it onto the mod. Since I don't often change the setting, it's not really a problem in use, as long as I open it(halfway for me) and then screw it on my mod. Also, FYI, there is no logo on the chamber, but that doesn't bother me a bit.
To put the above in context, I vape it on a Squid Double Barrel 2.1 with dual 3.0-3.5mm fused claptons built .20-.30ohms at 42-52w depending on the juice.
 

SkoldVape

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The ST(Steam Tribe) clone Reload from Gearbest has amazing flavor, the best I've experienced from any RTA or tank. It's the only RTA/tank that gives me a moist, saturated vape that nearly equals squonking. At first I got some leaking when filling, but since I read a tip somewhere here to "burp" it when refilling, no more leaks. By burping, I mean remove tank from mod, close airflow, fill, turn upside down for a few seconds so air can rise, flip back up, open airflow to desired setting, reattach to mod.
Machining/threading etc. is very good. My only minor complaint is that it's hard to change the airflow setting once you screw it onto the mod. Since I don't often change the setting, it's not really a problem in use, as long as I open it(halfway for me) and then screw it on my mod. Also, FYI, there is no logo on the chamber, but that doesn't bother me a bit.
To put the above in context, I vape it on a Squid Double Barrel 2.1 with dual 3.0-3.5mm fused claptons built .20-.30ohms at 42-52w depending on the juice.
I'm waiting on an Authentic Reload. I have a few RTA'S with airflow troubles. With my Merlin Mini I have to take it off the mod to rotate the damn thing. Glad your liking it though, I nearly went with a clone myself. Took ages for the Reload to be in stock anywhere!
 

Tongbitz

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Not used the Pharoah but heard good things. I've been using the Manta now I finally got the wicking right
I heard good things also with manta...the only con my friend told me is the adjustment of the opening and closing of the juice flow....very easy for the pharaoh...but ifbyou enjoy your manta...no need to buy for another rta.

Sent from my SM-N900K using Tapatalk
 

Astray

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Finally tried the Reload clone (I'm pretty sure it was Kindbright).
The performance is an absolute delight! Build quality is okay. Rough/ sharp edges especially on the top cap but doesn't really matters since it's a clone.
But oh boy the flavor, now I know why people love this RTA
 

SkoldVape

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I heard good things also with manta...the only con my friend told me is the adjustment of the opening and closing of the juice flow....very easy for the pharaoh...but ifbyou enjoy your manta...no need to buy for another rta.

Sent from my SM-N900K using Tapatalk
Yeah the airflow is hard to open
 

Ralph_K

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Only RTA I have is Kylin mini its not that hard to wick as people claim. I build 4mm coils and you do have to thin those tails out. After you get a few build under your belt you will get the hang of it.
 

SkoldVape

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Only RTA I have is Kylin mini its not that hard to wick as people claim. I build 4mm coils and you do have to thin those tails out. After you get a few build under your belt you will get the hang of it.
I have the original kylin which people say is hard to wick but for me it's so easy
 

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