A lot has changed in the world of vaping since RDAs first came onto the scene. If you're a new vape user, or just new to RDAs, it can be a bit confusing trying to figure out how to use them. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about using RDAs, from building your coils to adjusting your airflow.
By the end, you'll be an RDA pro!
What is an RDA?
RDAs—or Rebuildable Dripping Atomisers—offer a more advanced way to vape. This type of atomiser is designed for vapers who want to build their own coils, rather than using manufactured ones. It consists of a piece of wire, typically Kanthal, though many different materials can be used, wrapped around a piece of vape cotton and then placed into the post holes. RDAs are typically used with vape mods as they require high powered vape devices in order to maximise flavour and vapour production.
The coil in an RDA itself may not differ too much in appearance from a pre-built coil, however the difference lies in that you have full control over the resistance of your coil and as a result, the way in which you vape.
While they can be a bit more difficult to use than other types of atomisers, RDAs offer a great deal of flexibility and customisation. With an RDA, you can build your coils to whatever resistance you like, and wick them with the type of cotton or other wicking material that you prefer. This allows you to tailor your vape to exactly what you're looking for.
If you're looking for a more customised and flavour-packed vape, an RDA is definitely the way to go.
How do RDAs work?
It isn't called a rebuildable dripping atomiser for nothing, as you quite literally drip e-liquid onto the atomiser coil in order to vape it. RDA vaping provides a much more intense flavour and vapour production than other types of vape devices.
The drip tip of the RDA is where you drip the vape juice onto the atomiser coil. The vape juice then flows down into the atomiser chamber, where it is heated by the coil and turned into vapour. The vapour then flows up through the drip tip and into your mouth.
How is an RDA different to a standard vape tank?
The traditional vape tank is designed to hold e-liquid inside of it. The majority of vape tanks in the UK/EU have a capacity of 2ml, so you will fill your tank up with vape juice and vape away until it needs a refill. Unlike RTAs and all other types of vape tanks, there is no outer casing to hold the vape juice. Instead, vapers must drip their e-liquid directly onto the atomiser.
The different types of RDAs available
Not too complicated so far right? Ok, well stay with us, as we're going to delve in a little deeper…
There are also different types of RDAs you can build - either single coil or dual coil builds. There is often a big debate amongst vapers about which one is better, but the truth is (as with many things in vaping) there is no 'better', it merely comes down to personal preference.
An easy way to think of the differences is that an addition of the extra coil helps to create better flavour and larger clouds. A dual coil RDA will allow for much larger cloud production than a single coil RDA, as much heat can be produced through the additional coil, and more e-juice can be vaporised in turn. Single coil RDAs, whilst still capable of producing great amounts of clouds and flavour for many, may not be enough for certain cloud-chasers out there.
However, the downside to dual coils is that they require a lot more power. Think about it -- if there are double the amount of coils involved, the tank will require double the power to heat them up. As a result, the battery life of vape mods is drained a lot quicker than if it were powering a single coil setup.
Hellvapes offers some of the best RDAs on the market, and keeps updating colours, styles and even updated versions. The Hellvape Drop Dead V2 is designed with a quick release squonk pin meaning vapers can alternate between dripping and squonking in seconds. With a 25mm diameter, this RDA is smaller than many others on the market but still capable of the kind of cloud production you'd expect from larger models. If you want to experience the full power of the rdas Vaperz Cloud have a wide range of large rdas like Vaperz Cloud Valhalla V2 RDA 40mm. While an older rda Vaperz cloud make well-made high end rdas only problem limited stock numbers, which means your best getting it sooner rather than later.
The Asgard is a prime example of great rda which is near impossible to get. We are hoping for a V2 one day, as this set the bar for how rda's should be made. But now it feels outdated, and you have better options now.
Another top choice is the Hellvape Dead Rabbit Solo RDA 6th Anniversary Edition from Hellvape, designed with a single or dual coil deck for versatility and with an easy to use design that make it a great beginner-friendly RDA. Hellvape offers a range of fantastic single and dual coil RDAs but at a much lower cost than Vaperz Cloud and other brands.
What are the benefits of using an RDA?
Using an RDA provides you with an incredible vaping experience -- many vapers will tell you that this is the best type of setup for cloud chasing. When you use an RDA, you are able to customise your airflow and build your own coils. This allows you to tailor the vaping experience to your personal preferences.
What are the downsides of RDA vaping?
The main downside of using a RDA is that the lack of a vape tank to hold the vape juice means that vapers frequently need to drip new e-juice onto the atomiser. While some vapers enjoy this because of the pure and impressive flavours and vapers created by dripping, others find it tiresome to have to drip new vape juice after every few puffs. This is why the squonk mod was invented, allowing vapers to squeeze new vape juice onto the coils using a small bottle fitted into the mod.
How to build an RDA vape
Building a RDA is a relatively simple process, but there are a few things you need to know before you get started. First things first, you'll need a tool kit that contains items such as pliers, screwdrivers, scissors and more to help manipulate the coil, DIY wire and cotton.
Here's a quick step-by-step guide to help you build your first RDA:
- Choose your vaping wire. The most common types of wire used for vaping are kanthal, nickel, and titanium.
- Wrap your vaping wire around a vape coil jig. This will help you create evenly-wrapped coils.
- Cut the vaping wire to the desired length, using scissors or a sharp knife.
- Attach the vaping wire to the positive and negative posts of your RDA atomiser.
- Prime your RDA atomiser by adding a few drops of your high-VG vape juice onto the wicks.
- Screw on the RDA's cap, and you're ready to start vaping!
What other types of rebuildable atomisers are there?
There are a few main types of rebuildables: RDAs, RTAs and RDTAs. Each has their own unique benefits that make them ideal for different types of vapers.
RTAs are also known as Rebuildable Tank Atomisers. In comparison to RDAs, RTAs are much easier to use and maintain. The vape juice is stored in a tank, so you don't have to worry about dripping vape juice onto the coils. RTAs also typically have better airflow than RDAs, which results in better flavour and vapour production. However, RTAs can sometimes leak e-liquid, and the e-liquid can also become diluted by other materials in the tank.
To conclude
If you’re looking for a more intense vaping experience, an RDA might be the right choice for you. These devices offer unparalleled flavour and vapour production, making them a favourite among experienced vapers. If you’re new to RDAs, don’t worry – we can help you get started. Our team is here to answer any questions you may have about these unique devices and how they work. Contact us today for more information on RDAs, any other type of vape tanks, or any kind of vape hardware or vape juice!
