I understand the appeal of the “tough guy” aesthetic – the heavy metal, skulls, and biker motifs. But in today’s anti-vaping climate, it’s worth questioning the choice to name a vape tank after a deadly heart attack. While the ‘Widowmaker’ by Vandy Vape certainly looks formidable, such a name might be excessive. The last thing vaping needs is an RTA that could inadvertently contribute to negative press.
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Despite the contentious naming, the Vandy Vape Widowmaker is an impressive piece of hardware. Its distinctive tall frame and remarkably good flavor output make it a desirable choice for many RTA enthusiasts in 2020. It may not introduce groundbreaking innovations, but its solid performance makes it a worthwhile investment. Let’s delve into the specifications and features.
Vandy Vape Widowmaker RTA: Product Overview
The Vandy Vape Widowmaker 25mm RTA is a high-capacity rebuildable tank atomizer featuring a spacious 25mm postless build deck. Designed for dual coil configurations, it also incorporates an interchangeable mid-airflow sleeve, allowing users to fine-tune vapor production for those who prioritize rebuildables.
With its postless build deck, the Vandy Vape Widowmaker RTA offers an easy-to-build platform. It features four prominent closed terminals situated on the deck floor, secured by side hex screws. This design allows the Widowmaker to accommodate two coils simultaneously, effectively doubling potential vapor output.
Filling System and Capacity
The Widowmaker RTA boasts a generous 6mL e-liquid capacity within its borosilicate glass tank. Refilling is convenient thanks to a quarter-turn top-fill system, which reveals a single, large fill port.
Additionally, the knurled bottom airflow control ring features incrementally larger airflow holes. The interchangeable mid-airflow sleeve provides three distinct airflow designs, which can be easily swapped to achieve the optimal airflow configuration for your preference.
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Vandy Vape Widowmaker 25mm RTA Features:
- 25mm Diameter
- 5mm Deep Juice Wells
- 6mL Glass Capacity
- 2mL Bubble Glass Capacity
- Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
- Superior 304 Stainless Steel Tank Construction
- Quarter Turn Top Fill System – Single Fill Port
- Postless Build Deck – 4 Deck Terminals
- Side Secured via Hex Screws
- PEEK Insulator
- Dual Coil Configuration
- Detachable Structure
- Conical Top Cap – Concentrates Flavor
- Customizable Airflow Control System
- 3 Interchangeable Airflow Mid Cap
- Round Hole Mid Airflow Sleeve
- Multi Hole Mid Airflow Sleeve
- Oval Mid Airflow Sleeve
- Dual Sided 7-Multihole Bottom Adjustable Airflow Control Ring
- Low Profile 810 Delrin Drip Tip
- Threaded 510 Connection
- Available in Frosted Grey, Gunmetal
Includes:
- Vandy Vape Widowmaker 25mm RTA
- Bubble Glass
- Spare Parts Bag
- Instruction Manual
- Coil Lead Guide
- Adjustable Airflow Cap
- 2 0.35ohm Triple Fused Clapton Coil
Aesthetics of the Widowmaker
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In a market saturated with similar dual-coil RTAs, the Widowmaker stands out, largely due to its tall, distinctive exterior. While it might bear a slight resemblance to a fishbowl, Vandy Vape designed the bubble glass section to be wider at the top to achieve its unique proportions.
Despite its height, the Widowmaker maintains excellent balance on various mods. While it might look slightly oversized on more compact devices, it pairs seamlessly with most dual-18650 setups, creating a cohesive aesthetic.
Disassembling the RTA reveals an intriguing quad-postless build deck. Its “interesting” nature stems from it not being the simplest deck for coil installation, making it potentially more suited for experienced users. However, given the current scarcity of new RTAs, this characteristic might not be as unusual as it once was. Once coils are properly positioned, the performance is exceptional, largely due to the deck’s ample build space and efficient liquid transfer to the coils.
The wick ports are somewhat snug for my preference. However, by employing the reliable layering method—where wick leads are folded atop the liquid ports rather than stuffed directly into the holes—I achieved consistent liquid flow to the coils, preventing dry hits even during intense vaping sessions.
The mid-body airflow control, with its openings around the deck fed by two large external ports, might appear to provide excessive airflow. Yet, it performs surprisingly well. That said, vapers seeking a more restrictive draw might find the Widowmaker less than ideal. While I managed to achieve a more restricted, flavor-focused draw by closing it down, the experience wasn’t entirely consistent.
Vaping the Vandy Vape Widowmaker RTA
One feature I wished for was a sliding top-cap, similar to those found in the Vandy Vape Kylin series. While most RTAs utilize screw-off caps, I can’t help but feel a more user-friendly sliding mechanism would significantly enhance the overall experience.
Another feature stands out, though perhaps not for the best reasons. The expansive build deck is excellent for experimenting with various coil configurations. However, this ample real estate comes at a cost: capacity. Even with the bubble glass extension, I found myself refilling the Widowmaker more frequently than anticipated. When the juice flow control was closed down, the Widowmaker proved exceptionally thirsty – a factor to consider when planning an extended outing.
Once you overcome the slightly intricate build deck and coil placement, the Widowmaker operates as a fairly straightforward RTA. It successfully minimizes leaking – an essential yet often problematic aspect for modern rebuildable tank atomizers. Crucially, it genuinely enhances flavor production beyond many recent RTA contenders.
I experimented with numerous builds on the Widowmaker, ranging from airy cloud-chasing setups to more restrictive, flavor-focused configurations, and all performed admirably. What truly surprised me was the exceptional flavor delivery even with low-resistance builds, despite the abundant airflow. While the concept of a wide-open airflow system creating a cyclonic action towards the mouthpiece isn’t new, the Widowmaker executes this design flawlessly around its build deck.
Pros:
- Solid, proven build deck
- Easy filling top cap
- Strong flavor performance
Cons:
- Very thirsty setup
- Maybe too much airflow
- Building – tougher than expected
The Widowmaker Bottom Line
Given the relative scarcity of new RTAs entering the market, any new addition is likely to be welcomed by enthusiasts. If you’re considering a purchase, rest assured that the Widowmaker is a rock-solid investment, well worth the effort it takes to perfect your build. It’s a true winner. Its flavor and vape quality are exceptionally strong, once you’ve mastered its nuances.
Score: A-