Semi-beginner vaping, RDA question

[carley816]

Hey guys! So I've been vaping for just under a year now, and I'm becoming interested in RDAs and RTAs... Now i dont have the time or money to get into mech mods right now, but was thinking about getting an RDA to start learning how to build coils (over 1 ohm) with my regulated 20w mod. I went in to a vape store the other day to look at some RDAs, and the shop owner told me I needed a mech mod to work with an RDA. I thought he was just BSing me to sell more to a gullible uneducated female, but after asking friends who build I got the same answer. Now to me, it makes zero sense as the only different between and mech and a reg is the fact mechs can be created to have crazy wattage outputs and there isn't many regs with sub ohm capabilities. Can someone help me out with this? Thanks guys
Btw-I'm not much of a cloud chaser and so I'm not worried about getting crazy wattage outputs and such

 

[smacksy]

Actually there are ALOT of regulated mods that can sub ohm.
And they run RDA's better than a mech...(where have your friends been the last year?, lol)
From single to dual batts the choice of VW mods that can fire sub ohm builds these days is mind boggling!!

That said I like mods that has at least
100w available and can fire down to .1 ohm...like this 150w IPV3/Dark Horse RDA...





sent from my XT1080 via Tapatalk

 

[wepeeler]

It all depends on the build you put into the RDA. Obviously, since you've stated you're building above 1 ohm, the 20W will work. BUT, it's not alot of power for an RDA. So it might take awhile for your coils to heat up and make for a less than ideal dripping experience. I know you said you didn't have the cash to drop right now, but you'd definitely be better off upgrading your mod. Not only for more power and more vape but for peace of mind and safety.

 

[Black13]

There are some builds that could definitely work with your mod but like others have said you could expect a bit of a ramp up time. There is a coil calculator app for android that could help with getting a general idea for what your device could handle but I would recommend an upgrade in your mod even something like a sigelei 75w or ipv2 would give you a much better range of easier building options and they are not at all pricey I've seen both going for $30-$50 I went the more expensive route with a snow wolf 200w as my regulated device but rarely exceed 80w. As far as rda's go many have the same basic characteristics (2,3,4 post designs are the most common) the major differences are the air control and the deck space. Your usual cheap authentic rda will have 3 post, decent range of airflow options similar to a tank, and choice between a chuff cap or drip tip

 

[Briandesimone]

when i first started using rda's i had them at 20 watts. Just make sure you get some 28 gauge kanthal so they will heat up quicker. You dont need a mech mod. I never use them because of my personal preference.

 

[robot zombie]

Mechs, I would say, are actually the among the more difficult options these days. They could be said to be inferior, outdated devices. I'm of the opinion that they're not bad choices for new builders, as you will be forced to learn about the limitations of the device and build to it, which will improve your intuition when it comes to setting the parameters of your builds. Basically, if you can learn to build effectively for an RDA on a mech, then everything else will be a breeze. You will know exactly what you're doing and why you're doing it by the time you graduate from one. It's sort of what you might call the archetypal dripping experience. It'll give you a better idea of what it's all about.

It's not really that not many regulated devices can sub-ohm. In fact, a large portion of the boxes on the market can easily sub-ohm and some can safely go lower than would be possible on a mech. The point is that it's not necessary to sub-ohm in order to get a sub-ohm-esque type of vape with a high-powered box..

High-wattage isn't all about clouds. RDA's just tend to perform better on all fronts at higher power levels than other devices because the chamber has much more space and airflow than say, an RTA or a clearo tank, which tend to perform better at lower wattages because the coils are packed into a tighter space with less airflow and sacrifice some efficiency for juice capacity. That's not to say that you can't build to 20w on an RDA and do something decent, but you'll be limited to small single coils, which will severely diminish your ability to experience all that dripping has to offer in terms of flavor and texture.

There are reasons why people say that once you drip, you never go back!

High-powered boxes can be gotten for well under $100. I'd recommend looking into one of those. Even if you don't think you'll need the headroom, it'll be there just in case you feel like experimenting and battery life will likely be better than low-power, single battery devices at the 20w range. Something that you can grow into as your needs change is worth the investment. Not having to jump from device to device as time goes on will save you a ton of money.

 

[Rangertrix]

I personally don't sub-ohm or vape at high wattages. I have a couple of 75 watt regulated devices that I rarely use over 15 watts. I use RDA's almost exclusively and they will work great on a 20 watt device. Its about tailoring your build to your device and your RDA. I use RDA's on my Provari 2.5 constantly and its only capable of 15 watts.
I usually use 30 or 28 gauge at around 1.3 ohms.
There is nothing wrong with sub-ohm high wattage vaping, just not my thing. You'd be surprised at the vapor production you can get from a higher ohm high voltage build. It can rival any cloud chasing rig.
Using an RDA on your 20 watt rig is not only not a problem, its a good place to start, IMHO. Your regulated device will provide protection from shorts and such. As you progress with your building skills and safety education, if you decide to move into higher wattage low ohm builds, then a new mod would probably be in your future.
Is a mech mod or high wattage mod necessary for an RDA? No.
Can you get great flavor and vapor production from a higher ohm build with an RDA on a regulated device? Absolutely.
Just be sure to learn all you can about building safely, ohm's law, battery safety, etc. The apps mentioned above are great tools to learn with.
As always, what works for you and keeps you off stinkies, is the best there is.

 

[Neunerball]

I personally don't sub-ohm or vape at high wattages. I have a couple of 75 watt regulated devices that I rarely use over 15 watts. I use RDA's almost exclusively and they will work great on a 20 watt device. Its about tailoring your build to your device and your RDA. I use RDA's on my Provari 2.5 constantly and its only capable of 15 watts.
I usually use 30 or 28 gauge at around 1.3 ohms.
There is nothing wrong with sub-ohm high wattage vaping, just not my thing. You'd be surprised at the vapor production you can get from a higher ohm high voltage build. It can rival any cloud chasing rig.
Using an RDA on your 20 watt rig is not only not a problem, its a good place to start, IMHO. Your regulated device will provide protection from shorts and such. As you progress with your building skills and safety education, if you decide to move into higher wattage low ohm builds, then a new mod would probably be in your future.
Is a mech mod or high wattage mod necessary for an RDA? No.
Can you get great flavor and vapor production from a higher ohm build with an RDA on a regulated device? Absolutely.
Just be sure to learn all you can about building safely, ohm's law, battery safety, etc. The apps mentioned above are great tools to learn with.
As always, what works for you and keeps you off stinkies, is the best there is.

+1
Take a look at http://www.steam-engine.org/coil.asp, and click on the bottom left on "How it works" to learn more about it.

 

[tchthsky]

Hey guys! So I've been vaping for just under a year now, and I'm becoming interested in RDAs and RTAs... Now i dont have the time or money to get into mech mods right now, but was thinking about getting an RDA to start learning how to build coils (over 1 ohm) with my regulated 20w mod. I went in to a vape store the other day to look at some RDAs, and the shop owner told me I needed a mech mod to work with an RDA. I thought he was just BSing me to sell more to a gullible uneducated female, but after asking friends who build I got the same answer. Now to me, it makes zero sense as the only different between and mech and a reg is the fact mechs can be created to have crazy wattage outputs and there isn't many regs with sub ohm capabilities. Can someone help me out with this? Thanks guys
Btw-I'm not much of a cloud chaser and so I'm not worried about getting crazy wattage outputs and such

Kinda in the same boat as you. Just purchased my first RDA's (Mutation X V4 clone by tobeco and a Big Dripper clone) and am pretty excited...still waiting on USPS! I have a 150 Watt and 100 Watt regulated mod, though. You should be able to find a regulated mod for under 50 dollars with more than 20 watts max output. the eleaf istick 100 watt is affordable and works well. It uses two batteries but will run on only one (parallel configuration). The buttons feel loose and do rattle a bit but I don't care - it's a beater. I bought it for like 35 dollars. Mechanical mods can be dirt cheap, too (although I have never used one).

 

[f1r3b1rd]

That shop owners pants should light on fire because he's being liar liar.
Nowadays there are tons of regulated mods that'll run an RDA just fine. Alot of people prefer them. If you wanna build above one ohm I would suggest a single coil and anything will run that just fine. (even provape lol)
For myself a Mech is more a nostalgia thing and for fun. Buy all day carry is an RDA on a regulated mod.
Plenty of great suggestions and tons of killer info on the thread already, but my 2cents would be to try inexpensive like maybe the ipvd2 which is really ultra current very reliable, powerful and small. Its about 50$ but a very good mod that'll serve you well
https://101vape.com/vvvw-box-mods/666-ipv-d2-super-mini-box-mod-7-75-watts.html
with a good single coil RDA, the steamboat is 16$ and can run single or dual and it has great flavor and vapor. Also it'll use any of the aftermarket tugboat caps
https://101vape.com/rba-s-rda-s/472-steamboat-rda-by-lawless.html?search_query=steamboat&results=1
You would also need batteries and a charger. Maybe two 18650s Samsung, Sony or Lghttps://101vape.com/batteries/655-samsung-inr-18650-25r5-green-pair.html
Also a charger which that store sells as well.
It may look like alot but I assure ita not , rdas are a blast and building is alot of fun, just brush up.on ohms law and battery safety and font be afraid to ask questions around here.

 

[head_jt]

Not to threadjack or anything, but could I run a RDA on a subox mini? I doubt I'll want to go below .3. Besides, imagine how cute that would be!

Sent from my VK700 using Tapatalk

 

[Rangertrix]

Not to threadjack or anything, but could I run a RDA on a subox mini? I doubt I'll want to go below .3. Besides, imagine how cute that would be!

Sent from my VK700 using Tapatalk

The same advice previously given applies to your situation as well.

 

[carley816]

Not to threadjack or anything, but could I run a RDA on a subox mini? I doubt I'll want to go below .3. Besides, imagine how cute that would be!

Sent from my VK700 using Tapatalk

Cuteness > everything... which has lead me to an RDA on a iStick mini.

 

[head_jt]

Cuteness > everything... which has lead me to an RDA on a iStick mini.

I just had to "unstick" my subtank base from the subox. Looking at it without the glass and coil, made me wonder about RDAs

Sent from my VK700 using Tapatalk

 

[f1r3b1rd]

Technically anything with a 510 will let you use an RDA, its building within the mod's specs and having the power to push it.
A 0.5-0.4 ohm build with 26g Kanthal will be a nice vape at 50w

 

[head_jt]

Technically anything with a 510 will let you use an RDA, its building within the mod's specs and having the power to push it.
A 0.5-0.4 ohm build with 26g Kanthal will be a nice vape at 50w

That's the detail I was looking for but wasn't sure how to ask.



Just because its possible doesn't mean it should be done

 

[f1r3b1rd]

That's the detail I was looking for but wasn't sure how to ask.



Just because its possible doesn't mean it should be done

Well, I started on RDAs back when 30w mod's were just coming around, it was that or a mechanical. I would typically do a single coil at 25-28w; which was a nice vape. follow that logic and 50w is 25w coil...damn nice vape.

 

[head_jt]

Well, I started on RDAs back when 30w mod's were just coming around, it was that or a mechanical. I would typically do a single coil at 25-28w; which was a nice vape. follow that logic and 50w is 25w coil...damn nice vape.

I think before I jump into those I should get better with this rta without burning the damn coil

 

[f1r3b1rd]

I think before I jump into those I should get better with this rta without burning the damn coil

Lol... Which rta?
I find RDAs much easier depending on atomizer.
Alot of RTA issues are bot enough ot too much cotton, running it to high, or the juice being to thick to wick through juice channels.
With an RDA you pop the top, drip directly onto the coil and wick, and done.

 

[head_jt]

Lol... Which rta?
I find RDAs much easier depending on atomizer.
Alot of RTA issues are bot enough ot too much cotton, running it to high, or the juice being to thick to wick through juice channels.
With an RDA you pop the top, drip directly onto the coil and wick, and done.

The mini rba plus that came with the subkit. I definitely didn't use enough cotton. I know it wasn't the juice being too thick, its only 60/40 vg/pg.

 

[f1r3b1rd]

I don't have that one. So, I'm sorry but I would be talking out of my pass, if I gave any advice there, I'm sure someone here can help.

 

[head_jt]

Ill try it again when its NOT midnight.

 

[Rangertrix]

A great beginner RDA for lower wattage applications is the Youde Igo-W. It's a 3 post RDA, can be run single or dual coil, and has a small chamber so it gives great flavor. I have a million RDA's and I still use mine with a single 30 or 28 gauge 1.5 mm micro coil at 1.3 ohm all the time, especially for flavor testing. Its also very affordable. Most shops sell it for $10 or $12, but can be found online for around $5 to $7.
I have drilled out the air holes slightly on mine though. Its a great RDA for transitioning from clearos to RDA's.