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Thinking about RDTA

Hey guys, I am enjoying my aegis legend kit and alpha tank but I am debating if I want to get an RDTA and try my hand at building or just upgrading my tank to a freemax mesh pro tank. I'm heavily leaning towards an RDTA due to the fact that some have swappable pins so if I decide to make it a squonk rda setup I can and eventually get a topside dual. What are your guys' thoughts? I don't want to have more than 2 mods and the wife wont permit it lol. Is the savings worth it as well? I have never built before and the youtube videos make it seem easy but for some reason I feel like they are misleading and that its not going to be as easy as it looks. Thanks!
 

PoppaVic

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I dunno why you'd leap from coil-heads into a mixed-mode tank at all.

You can get decent RTA's for under $30; spend that much more on wire - do you need nippers? do you have drill bits or do you need coiling-tool? Pick whatever tank rated high last year - and get a single-coil rta, rather than a dual.

If you eventually get a topside, you likely want an RDA w/squonk-pin, (some call them RSA now).

You can spend from $10 to $100 on these things, but I'd scour the Hardware forum for any sales, and look into the old standbys: Fasttech, 3fVape, etc.
 

VAPEROXX

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Hey guys, I am enjoying my aegis legend kit and alpha tank but I am debating if I want to get an RDTA and try my hand at building or just upgrading my tank to a freemax mesh pro tank. I'm heavily leaning towards an RDTA due to the fact that some have swappable pins so if I decide to make it a squonk rda setup I can and eventually get a topside dual. What are your guys' thoughts? I don't want to have more than 2 mods and the wife wont permit it lol. Is the savings worth it as well? I have never built before and the youtube videos make it seem easy but for some reason I feel like they are misleading and that its not going to be as easy as it looks. Thanks!
Building basic coils is not a terribly difficult undertaking. It's the more advanced coils that take time, patience, and practice. Building coils is a very rewarding hobby and will introduce you to a level of vaping experience that premade coils will never provide. If you decide to start building coils, shoot me a message with any questions you have and I'll help you every step of the way.

I've had many RDTAs and the best one by far in my book is the Augvape Merlin RDTA. Unsure if a squonk pin is available for it, but boy what a piece of hardware!

Welcome to VU!

http://vapingunderground.com/threads/wts-wtt-aspex-performance-coils.434798/
 
I dunno why you'd leap from coil-heads into a mixed-mode tank at all.

You can get decent RTA's for under $30; spend that much more on wire - do you need nippers? do you have drill bits or do you need coiling-tool? Pick whatever tank rated high last year - and get a single-coil rta, rather than a dual.

If you eventually get a topside, you likely want an RDA w/squonk-pin, (some call them RSA now).

You can spend from $10 to $100 on these things, but I'd scour the Hardware forum for any sales, and look into the old standbys: Fasttech, 3fVape, etc.
Yeah i would probably buy a coil master kit, I just read that RTAs leak a lot so thats why I was considering an RDTA. Maybe I would be best off with a simple RDA and then just drip it until I decide to get a squonk. I dont think I plan on doing anything advanced, probably just simple 26ga kanthal coils as its cheap and has room for mistakes.
 

Vape Fan

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While the savings is worth it, its also about the ability to tailor your vape to what you want vs what a manufacturer wants to give you.
I think there's some things to not only decide, but try, before getting into building wire. You can always get prewound coils, or buy something like clapton wire and wrap it yourself. Both cost less than coilheads. imo, build coils a little down the road after you get your feet wet.

RDTA vs RTA. While RTDA may be easier to build, RTA would be my choice since the choice selection is bigger & better, and it's more practical.
To squonk or not to squonk, that is the question. Or, I squonk therefore I am? :giggle:

How about an RTA AND an RSA? You could drip on Legend. And if you get squonk mod.....
Yeah i would probably buy a coil master kit, I just read that RTAs leak a lot so thats why I was considering an RDTA. Maybe I would be best off with a simple RDA and then just drip it until I decide to get a squonk. I dont think I plan on doing anything advanced, probably just simple 26ga kanthal coils as its cheap and has room for mistakes.
...and you read my mind as I was typing this.
Unity RTA, easy to build, awesome flavor.
A couple RDA's I've been looking at. Recurve Dual, Sonett RDA, Passage RDA

Not all RTA's leak.
 

PoppaVic

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Depends on the RTA design & wicking. I deliberately seek out top airflow rta's anymore: I've had plenty of designs and days where the RTA dumps it's whole load on me and the mod, but my Engine Nano's absolutely do not suffer that issue.
  • Best of 2019 top-airflow tanks
  • The serpent elevate is on my wishlist
  • the Intake had good reviews
  • a buddy couldn't stop bitching about his stupid Fuji (I warned him!), and has not had a single complaint since getting his Solomon II

Yes, you could certainly begin with an RDA - I have zero interest in dripping.. myself or the atty. But, not all drippers are suitable for squonking, either - and again: I'd still get a single-coil for the ease, costs, simplicity.

  • I sold my Recurve, because it always pees juice - the designer even admits he doesn't care and suggests unthreading it regularly to wipe everyone down.
  • The Basic 5a is a tiny little RSA that works well, but the cap is odd. Doesn't leak.
  • The wasp-nano has huge air and good flavor, but oversquonking is dead easy
  • The Reload-S clone I have has decent flavor and air, and doesn't pee
  • The Rebirth clone I have has post-screws at least 1/4 the size they should be, so duals are nearly impossible and singles work - but too much air. At least it doesn't leak
 
While the savings is worth it, its also about the ability to tailor your vape to what you want vs what a manufacturer wants to give you.
I think there's some things to not only decide, but try, before getting into building wire. You can always get prewound coils, or buy something like clapton wire and wrap it yourself. Both cost less than coilheads. imo, build coils a little down the road after you get your feet wet.

RDTA vs RTA. While RTDA may be easier to build, RTA would be my choice since the choice selection is bigger & better, and it's more practical.
To squonk or not to squonk, that is the question. Or, I squonk therefore I am? :giggle:

How about an RTA AND an RSA? You could drip on Legend. And if you get squonk mod.....

...and you read my mind as I was typing this.
Unity RTA, easy to build, awesome flavor.
A couple RDA's I've been looking at. Recurve Dual, Sonett RDA, Passage RDA

Not all RTA's leak.
I really like that unity RTA!, do you know if they are squonkable in case I decide to go that route eventally? Sorry, I am just trying to be future proof to an extent. I don't want to spend money needlessly when I dont need to haha. Seems like it would be really easy since it uses mesh coils so I wouldnt have to worry about calculating wraps and whatnot to get desire ohms.
 
Forget that last post if I decide to go squonk I would just get the regular wotofo profile when and if I decide if I want to squonk.
 

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I really like that unity RTA!, do you know if they are squonkable in case I decide to go that route eventally? Sorry, I am just trying to be future proof to an extent. I don't want to spend money needlessly when I dont need to haha. Seems like it would be really easy since it uses mesh coils so I wouldnt have to worry about calculating wraps and whatnot to get desire ohms.
Unity isn't squonkable. But you will find that once you have a squonk mod, you will want an RDA that's well designed for it. and not an RDTA.
 
Unity isn't squonkable. But you will find that once you have a squonk mod, you will want an RDA that's well designed for it. and not an RDTA.
Is it pretty easy to wick? What's the best cotton you'd recommend? How does the top tank bring the juice down to the coil? Does it just flow down and saturate it?
 
I use Cotton Bacon Prime. It's thick, wide strips, and 1/2 the strip works well for width.
https://www.directvapor.com/cotton-bacon-prime/
Nice, I am really leaning heavily towards the profile unity but it looks like it has a new competitor in the mesh RTA segment. Looks like vandy vape has one thats out/coming out thats got top airflow called the Kylin M thats supposedly easier to wick as well. I wonder how it compares? I've never tried a top airflow tank before.
 

Vape Fan

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Nice, I am really leaning heavily towards the profile unity but it looks like it has a new competitor in the mesh RTA segment. Looks like vandy vape has one thats out/coming out thats got top airflow called the Kylin M thats supposedly easier to wick as well. I wonder how it compares? I've never tried a top airflow tank before.
I don't have that one. Reviewers are split on it vs Unity.
 

Letitia9

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Personally I don't think a mesh build is ideal for a new builder. I would suggest a cheap single coil rta to start out with. FT has some very good clones, you could get a rta and a rda for the same money a mid priced rdta ot rta.
 

PoppaVic

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Personally I don't think a mesh build is ideal for a new builder. I would suggest a cheap single coil rta to start out with. FT has some very good clones, you could get a rta and a rda for the same money a mid priced rdta ot rta.
Also an excellent way to decide if that model/series/design is worth buying The Real Thing. (imnsho, most are not worth the "Authentic" prices)
 
Personally I don't think a mesh build is ideal for a new builder. I would suggest a cheap single coil rta to start out with. FT has some very good clones, you could get a rta and a rda for the same money a mid priced rdta ot rta.
Where would I find these FT clones? Is FT a brand?
 

nadalama

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Personally I don't think a mesh build is ideal for a new builder. I would suggest a cheap single coil rta to start out with. FT has some very good clones, you could get a rta and a rda for the same money a mid priced rdta ot rta.

Agree with this completely. Maybe @MrMeowgi should describe the experience he had trying to wick the Profile for the first time. He's a very experienced vaper. So am I but I wouldn't attempt a Profile, or really any kind of mesh atty.
 

Letitia9

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Also an excellent way to decide if that model/series/design is worth buying The Real Thing. (imnsho, most are not worth the "Authentic" prices)
If the clone orings and screws are crappy and the ss or paint is bad I think the authentics are usually worth the money. They will last much longer than the cheap clone in my experience. Now if the clone is well made I don't bother buying the authentic , I just buy a 2nd clone.
 

Letitia9

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Agree with this completely. Maybe @MrMeowgi should describe the experience he had trying to wick the Profile for the first time. He's a very experienced vaper. So am I but I wouldn't attempt a Profile, or really any kind of mesh atty.
Ordered the ft reload s clone yesterday. Hope it's as good as yours.
 

MrMeowgi

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Agree with this completely. Maybe @MrMeowgi should describe the experience he had trying to wick the Profile for the first time. He's a very experienced vaper. So am I but I wouldn't attempt a Profile, or really any kind of mesh atty.
The profile rda was a pain the first few times I wicked it. The unity rta is easier to get right than the profile rda was for me. But with the wicking I slide the cotton through the mesh then seperate it and make upper and lower cotton. Stuff the lower cotton and trim the upper. Definitely not for a new vaper.
 

PoppaVic

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Generally, if the clone is "bad" I look at why.. Yeah, I agree orings or screws are resolvable, but unless there is something "amazballs" going on, I'd not bother with the authentic. Now, with my Goblin mini, or Griffin25 - it was a sale, same with the old v1 Aromamizer.. There are just too many "new (and "improved")" clones around to just throw away $30 or so. With clones, you can slow-boat 3 or more clones for the cost of authentic - so, yeah: unless you are in dire need of the authentic, you might as well experiment. (Worst case is trash, but most often they end up being PIF'able to someone you can try to start vaping).

They never did clone the Engine Nano - and there are rumors a new version is Coming Real Soon Now.
 

Letitia9

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Generally, if the clone is "bad" I look at why.. Yeah, I agree orings or screws are resolvable, but unless there is something "amazballs" going on, I'd not bother with the authentic. Now, with my Goblin mini, or Griffin25 - it was a sale, same with the old v1 Aromamizer.. There are just too many "new (and "improved")" clones around to just throw away $30 or so. With clones, you can slow-boat 3 or more clones for the cost of authentic - so, yeah: unless you are in dire need of the authentic, you might as well experiment. (Worst case is trash, but most often they end up being PIF'able to someone you can try to start vaping).

They never did clone the Engine Nano - and there are rumors a new version is Coming Real Soon Now.
I think the new mtl engine was the new nano. Would love to be wrong but am finding I enjoy the juggerknot mini as much as the nano.
 

Wb80

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Building your own coils is the waybto go. Its easy. There is a learning curve but youl get it. Just keep at it. Youl b fine.
 

Garemlin

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I bought a Limitless RDTA and could never get wicking right on it. It collects dust now. I'll stick to my bottom feed and drip RDA's.


Tap'd from my iPhone XR
 

Letitia9

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So what about augvape intake?
It's a good atty, slightly finicky but easy enough to dial in. Flavor is good and easy build. Would absolutely recommend for a new builder. I still have two.of them stashed away.
 
I have a buddy thats into building that I didnt know of. He mentioned that you have to rewick fairly often like every 3-4 days? If I end up picking up the intake would I be best off just buying a spool of kanthal and just wrapping my wire myself?
 

PoppaVic

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I have a buddy thats into building that I didnt know of. He mentioned that you have to rewick fairly often like every 3-4 days? If I end up picking up the intake would I be best off just buying a spool of kanthal and just wrapping my wire myself?
I rewick about once a month, once I have a good setup. I've got coils several times older than that.

As a beginner, I'd buy at least 100' of round wire - Kanthal or SS316L, no smaller than 28awg, no heavier than 26awg - that's for straight-up simple coils/learning and parallel simple coils, (where you wrap the same wire, as a pair around the mandrel).

I would not even pretend to wind complex-coils. And, I don't even think you - as in-the-hole as you are - should invest in clapton/flapton/alien wire/shots/premades. KISS, man - (Keep It Simple, Stupid).

Learn how to coil, "settle-in", dryburn, how to wick, (you might want to get some rayon AND cotton), what tastes best, when to change wicks, when & how to clean a coil, etc, etc
 
I rewick about once a month, once I have a good setup. I've got coils several times older than that.

As a beginner, I'd buy at least 100' of round wire - Kanthal or SS316L, no smaller than 28awg, no heavier than 26awg - that's for straight-up simple coils/learning and parallel simple coils, (where you wrap the same wire, as a pair around the mandrel).

I would not even pretend to wind complex-coils. And, I don't even think you - as in-the-hole as you are - should invest in clapton/flapton/alien wire/shots/premades. KISS, man - (Keep It Simple, Stupid).

Learn how to coil, "settle-in", dryburn, how to wick, (you might want to get some rayon AND cotton), what tastes best, when to change wicks, when & how to clean a coil, etc, etc
Oh nice! Yeah I just want to keep it simple. Just curious, do you think I'll notice much of a difference in flavor and whatnot compared to standard sub ohm mesh coils that ive been using even though its only a single coil setup ill be doing?
 

Letitia9

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I have a buddy thats into building that I didnt know of. He mentioned that you have to rewick fairly often like every 3-4 days? If I end up picking up the intake would I be best off just buying a spool of kanthal and just wrapping my wire myself?
The type of juice and how hard you drive the coil is what determines how often you wick. There are other factors as well like chimney or cap size, af, etc. 26g kanthal is easy to wrap and has a good ramp and resistance. I would guess that's what a large percentage of us learned to build with. Go for it!
 

Wb80

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I rewick every 2 weeks or so. But thats because i change up fllavs not because it was shot.
 

Letitia9

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Oh nice! Yeah I just want to keep it simple. Just curious, do you think I'll notice much of a difference in flavor and whatnot compared to standard sub ohm mesh coils that ive been using even though its only a single coil setup ill be doing?
Yes but be prepared to not be completely wowed at first. Coil placement and wicking may need tweaking before the wow.
 

Wb80

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I was building and changing coils alot in the beginning. But got better each build
 

Letitia9

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I got very lucky with my first build, STM rba head. It was great but my first rda build was underwhelming at best.:giggle:
 

PoppaVic

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Oh nice! Yeah I just want to keep it simple. Just curious, do you think I'll notice much of a difference in flavor and whatnot compared to standard sub ohm mesh coils that ive been using even though its only a single coil setup ill be doing?
Only "mesh" i've ever used was in genny's, and some experiments with 500 wrapped around in place of wire: it was unsuccessful and irritating.
 

PoppaVic

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Yes but be prepared to not be completely wowed at first. Coil placement and wicking may need tweaking before the wow.
Yeah, that was why I suggested at least 100' of wire, and maybe that box of rayon.. There is a lot of experimenting and practicing to be done.

Hell, even when you get a good setup you often say "well, I gotta' refill the tank anyway, so let's try that shizzle-dizzle whiz-bang coil!"
 

Vape Fan

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How often do you usually rewick and change the coil on the unity? Also, do you just buy the pack of 10 precut mesh or do you buy a spool of the mesh coil?
After a month, I haven't had it long enough to need to buy mesh, as I was initially supplied with 12. Still running on same coil and wick.
But I have other setups so I haven't been vaping Unity exclusively. Simply put, it's diff for everyone because of the variables. Rebuildable advantages outweigh concern of coil or wick longevity.

While Unity is easy to build, including wicking it imo,,even for new to rebuildable, and has awesome flavor, the difference is of course the coil itself.
It's either premade, or you have to figure out how to make what you want from spools or sheets. Wire is easier to dial in resistance.
I used this wicking as a guide
Just curious, do you think I'll notice much of a difference in flavor and whatnot compared to standard sub ohm mesh coils that ive been using even though its only a single coil setup ill be doing?
A single coil can definitely have better flavor than sub ohm.
 

Vape Fan

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I am enjoying my aegis legend kit and alpha tank
You run .15Ω coil?
What about air flow? Open, partly closed or semi restricted, or restricted ?
What wattage?
 

MyMagicMist

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*wanders in, sets at a back corner table just for its ambiance, puts up a @PoppaVic mirror* I may have something of value to say later, but so far I could only mirror most of what @PoppaVic has expressed herein. I do agree a new person should keep it as simple as possible and learn the feel to vaping. Then, you can expand and grow as you feel a need. You'll find no shortage of buddies lulling you into deeper waters, that's for sure. *chuckles* Hopefully though, they make sure you know how to swim first.

Oh yeah, shopping spots, ...

3F

Fast Tech (Often abbreviated FT sometimes called Slow Tech)

2F

These places sell both clones and authentic gear. It's up to customers to be aware of which is which, although these sites normally do a fair job to list which is which. As all else on the Internet and Web/s though remember these folks like you are human too. Mistakes happen, don't blame just help by offering a polite correction, a possible solution and humbly moving along. :)
 
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