Drippin' Virgin

[pjetroo]

So, got my first RDA in the mail today. A Mad Dog by Desire. I am a total virgin at this so please bare with me.

As a first impression it looks and feels like a cheap toy. I'm not complaining because that's what I ordered, a cheap RDA at 14€ for the authentic. Especially the screws seem not of the best quality and the included alan key does not fit. I obviously don't have thiny ass alan keys like this so I first have to go out and get some. But whatever we'll see how this thing performs...

I did read up a bit and watched some videos but the amount of information is vast and sometimes confusing so I will have some additional questions. I liked this vid by GrimmGreen and will be using it as my main guideline in my first attempt at properly installing and wicking the RDA.
I won't be building my own coils for now so I bought these premade ones. Most likely crap but I didn't know any better and they will have to do for now. It's doesn't even show what material they're made of, lol. I guess Kanthal? And I guess it doesn't really matter since I will be using a regulated mod in wattage mode? Can someone point me out where to order some better premade coils or will these do alright to begin with?

I'm going to install two of the 0.85 ohm clapton coils. At what wattage do I have to pulse them while installing?

Thanks in advance. I'm off to the store now.

 

[MaxPerilous]

I recently bought some pre made coils from AdvancedVapeSupply.com. Triple core fused claptons made of SS316L. I'm happy with them.

I bought some CoilArt coils that are called Alien Clapton. They are def NOT Aliens. At least not in the way I have read the definition of alien to be. They are what I've heard referred to as Flaptons. Flat wire, claptoned. I feel I've been cheated...

I usually pulse fresh coils between 30-40 watts to work out hotspots.

 

[pjetroo]

Thanks! But I'm in EU so shipping coils from US will probably be too expensive.

Had to pulse at 45W to get the coils glowing but eventually got it up and running. It's amazing and works like a charm! I guess there's no way back now, lol. Although I have to admit that the flavour isn't necesarilly a lot better so far. Been changing between my Big Baby and the Mad Dog a few times now. Both the same juice without a significant difference.
I got 0.3 resistance so a bit below the expected 0.42. The ramp up time seems slow too, 2-3 puffs in a row and it hits fine. Only vaped at 60W so far so maybe I need to push it further.
Have to take a break now before I OD.

 

[MaxPerilous]

I build between .15-.11 ohms and usually rockin it between 75-85w. I like clouds bro clouds though with some flavor mixed in lol. Lately though with my SS coils I've been rockin TC between 520F-550F. Lovin it!

 

[Khassy]

You can get extra grub screws really cheap and a good hex wrench set from Amazon pretty cheap, too.

 

[pjetroo]

You can get extra grub screws really cheap and a good hex wrench set from Amazon pretty cheap, too.

Got myself a new set this morning or couldn't get the hex screws out and replaced them with the spare slotted screws. Way better.

And pretty happy overall after the first day of use. It might feel like a toy but performs pretty good, I like it! Except the ramp up during the first hit is slow, the following hits work out great. Not sure what causes this.
Taste and clouds are awesome actually. I was chain vaping for an hour this morning so obviously couldn't tell the difference with the Big Baby anymore, lol.

 

[CrazyChef v2.0]

You had me at "Drippin' Virgin"...

At any rate, the Mad Dog is a highly under rated RDA. There are RDAs well over $100 that don't perform as well as the Mad Dog. What mod are you using?

 

[MV5]

Congratulations on popping that "Dripper Cherry"!

I find that every time I change coils or re-wick I have to go through a short "break in" period. Usually by my second drip everything's as good (or bad) as it's going to get. Always best flavor off the first hit after dripping.

I know what you mean about things feeling like a toy. When I got my first rda (Goon clone) it seemed pretty cheap. I chalked it up to it being a clone. And even though it's 24mm it just seemed so small!. Well, turns out you get used to those things. I have a Troll that seems a bit better built than the Goon clone (in that it has thicker walls), but it doesn't hit nearly as nice as the goon, so I guess wall thickness and such doesn't mean that much as long as it's well built.

 

[MaxPerilous]

Congratulations on popping that "Dripper Cherry"!

I find that every time I change coils or re-wick I have to go through a short "break in" period. Usually by my second drip everything's as good (or bad) as it's going to get. Always best flavor off the first hit after dripping.

I know what you mean about things feeling like a toy. When I got my first rda (Goon clone) it seemed pretty cheap. I chalked it up to it being a clone. And even though it's 24mm it just seemed so small!. Well, turns out you get used to those things. I have a Troll that seems a bit better built than the Goon clone (in that it has thicker walls), but it doesn't hit nearly as nice as the goon, so I guess wall thickness and such doesn't mean that much as long as it's well built.

The only diff between my OG Goons and the clones as far as I can tell is literally the walls are thinner and the tolerances aren't as tight. If I close my eyes and vape them I literally can't tell a difference until the clone starts getting hotter faster.

Edit: Also the chamfer is not there on the clamps on the clone.

 

[pjetroo]

You had me at "Drippin' Virgin"...

At any rate, the Mad Dog is a highly under rated RDA. There are RDAs well over $100 that don't perform as well as the Mad Dog. What mod are you using?

I can't compare but after all I'm happy with what I got. Wasn't convinced at first sight because of the cheap feel and light weight (aluminum cap) but luckily had to change my opinion after actually using the thing.
And my mod is a Smok G150. Pretty happy with that too.

And even though it's 24mm it just seemed so small!. Well, turns out you get used to those things.

This! These things look huge on all the zoomed in pics and vids untill you see it irl. Everyone reviewed this as a huge deck to build on, lol. I knew it was only going to be 24mm but still felt cheated because I got a shrinked version of what I ordered.

 

[CrazyChef v2.0]

Yeah, macro shots tend to make things seem larger than they actually are.

 

[MWorthington]

I can't compare but after all I'm happy with what I got. Wasn't convinced at first sight because of the cheap feel and light weight (aluminum cap) but luckily had to change my opinion after actually using the thing.
And my mod is a Smok G150. Pretty happy with that too.


This! These things look huge on all the zoomed in pics and vids untill you see it irl. Everyone reviewed this as a huge deck to build on, lol. I knew it was only going to be 24mm but still felt cheated because I got a shrinked version of what I ordered.

I remember when I got my first dripper - the Innokin Eurus, which is identical to the Mad Dog, and thinking "you gotta be shittin' me! Is this all there is to it?"

But, like MV5 said, you get used to it, and every one you buy from now on will be met with more realistic expectations. Welcome to the dripping family.

 

[pjetroo]

I remember when I got my first dripper - the Innokin Eurus, which is identical to the Mad Dog, and thinking "you gotta be shittin' me! Is this all there is to it?"

But, like MV5 said, you get used to it, and every one you buy from now on will be met with more realistic expectations. Welcome to the dripping family.

Me lord. I'm in love after 3 days of abusing this thing.
Very pleased with this RDA but still I want another one. Not sure why but... I want one more. Lol.

 

[MWorthington]

Me lord. I'm in love after 3 days of abusing this thing.
Very pleased with this RDA but still I want another one. Not sure why but... I want one more. Lol.

Well, there are different colors.

 

[pjetroo]

Well, there are different colors.

Haha, yes. But I mean another brand.
Have absolutely no idea which one though.

Only minor issue I have right now is the ramp up time. First hit is close to nothing but the following are great. Is it the material of the coils or the resistance? SS is supposed to be better at this?

 

[MWorthington]

Haha, yes. But I mean another brand.
Have absolutely no idea which one though.

Only minor issue I have right now is the ramp up time. First hit is close to nothing but the following are great. Is it the material of the coils or the resistance? SS is supposed to be better at this?

You mentioned buying cheap premade coils. They're probably 24g kanthal wrapped with 30 or 32g which is gonna make a 'slow" coil from the wire mass being heated up. You'll need to throw the power at them to get "instant" heat, and then successive draws will be blazing hot unless you let it cool between hits.

I'm using the coils that came with my Eurus in it right now...a pair of fused claptons like what I described above and they take forever to heat up unless I hit em with 75-80 watts and they're just too damn hot. Fortunately, I've got a Hohmwrecker G2 that will TC kanthal so, I keep the power set at 125 watts and the temp at 450 to 470 degrees and get instant heat, and a vape that I enjoy.

You oughta talk to CrazyChef who commented up above. I've heard a lot of people rave about the coils he sells. It might seem $19 for a pair of aliens is way expensive, but with proper care, you'll probably get 6 months or more out of 'em and you'll have a great pair of coils that give as good a flavor as your atty is capable of. If you're interested, click on the PureCoils banner in his post and it'll take you to his site.

@CrazyChef v2.0, you can send my commission via Wells Fargo!
Edit: I am in no way affiliated with PureCoils. I do not recieve any commission from recommending this company!

 

[pjetroo]

Yeah, I don't like it too hot either. 48W only seems my sweetspot in this setup so that's prob also why it takes a little longer.
Chef coils look great but I'm in EU so not sure about shipping terms. No info on that at your site @CrazyChef v2.0 ? At least I can't find any.
I'm not in a hurry anyway so gonna investigate some more options too. Thanks.

 

[MWorthington]

Yeah, I don't like it too hot either. 48W only seems my sweetspot in this setup so that's prob also why it takes a little longer.
Chef coils look great but I'm in EU so not sure about shipping terms. No info on that at your site @CrazyChef v2.0 ? At least I can't find any.
I'm not in a hurry anyway so gonna investigate some more options too. Thanks.

Check out The Vaping Postman on youtube. He buys aliens from G. Designs in the UK that look good. I'm not sure how to find them but maybe you can find out from him.

 

[CrazyChef v2.0]

Yeah, I don't like it too hot either. 48W only seems my sweetspot in this setup so that's prob also why it takes a little longer.
Chef coils look great but I'm in EU so not sure about shipping terms. No info on that at your site @CrazyChef v2.0 ? At least I can't find any.
I'm not in a hurry anyway so gonna investigate some more options too. Thanks.

I ship to Europe on a regular basis. Globally, actually. Shipping for packages up to 8oz is $15, and up to 32oz is $25.

@MWorthington Thank you for the kind words!