Best Rebuildable Atomizers Awards of 2019

In a market that’s moving away from rebuildable anything, it’s nice that some companies are still innovating with the format. But it’s even nicer to get one with the quality and performance of the Peacemaker. While it has a few quirks, and a single-coil format that might turn away some enthusiasts, there’s no denying that less fuss makes for simpler, more enjoyable vaping through and through.

It might be a little small for some, too. But we actually preferred the smaller tank format on the Peacemaker. Because the metal cage exterior looks damn sharp, standing out from all the faceless bubble glass exteriors in my collection. These days, it’s the little things that count, and this thing looks great, regardless of the design inspiration.

The build deck is extremely simple to use, with a single clamp holding both ends of the coil lead. It gets wide enough to handle most any wire, but can get tight enough to handle the thin-wire coils some old-school stalwarts still insist on using. I appreciate a versatile deck, and Squid delivers in a very big way.

Squid Industries Peacemaker 25mm RTA Features:

• 25mm Diameter
• 8mL Bubble Glass Capacity
• 4mL Standard Glass Capacity
• Steel and Acrylic Caged Tank Reinforcement
• Superior Stainless Steel Construction
• Threaded Top Fill System – Dual Fill Ports
• Single Coil Configuration
• Clamp Style Postless Build Deck
• Top Secured via Flathead Screw
• Deck Bottom Vented 6-Hole Honeycomb Airflow Outlet
• Dual Slotted Bottom Airflow Control Ring
• Domed Internal Build Deck Cap
• Threaded 510 Connection
• Available in Black or Stainless Steel

Peacemaker 25mm RTA Includes:

• 1 Peacemaker 25mm RTA
• 1 Bubble Glass
• 1 Spare Parts/Tools

Like we mentioned above, it takes a lot for an RTA to make any waves in this era of pod mod portability and sub-ohm tank simplicity. That’s why it’s always a pleasant surprise to find a rebuildable tank that takes a proven design, works out whatever problems it might have had, and lets users build and enjoy. While there’s no real “innovation” going on with the INTAKE Dual, it really doesn’t need it as long as the performance is this strong.

Opening up the INTAKE Dual reveals a standard but spacious postless build deck, replete with two wide airflow slots that appear to direct the concentration right at the coils. No weird angles, no gimmicky placements, just straightforward design that we’ve seen before.

I was even more pleased that I was able to achieve such levels of flavor and vapor production using standard, no-nonsense Kanthal coils. In an era of mesh sheets and gimmicky wicking, the INTAKE Dual simply wants to work – and work well.

Augvape INTAKE Dual 26mm RTA Features:

• 26mm Diameter
• 8mL Bubble Juice Capacity
• 2mL Standard Capacity
• Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
• 304 Superior Stainless Steel Compatibility
• Quarter Turn Top Fill Design – Two Large Fill Ports
• Large Two Post Build Deck – 4 Terminals at Base of Deck
• Side Secured via Hex Screws
• Dual Coil Configuration
• Dual Slotted Adjustable Top Airflow Control Ring
• Airflow Vents to Side and Top of Coil
• PEEK Insulator
• Domed Flavor Chamber
• 810 Low Profile Widebore Drip Tip
• Threaded 510 Connection
• Available in Silver, Gunmetal, Black, Rainbow

Augvape INTAKE Dual 26mm RTA Includes:

• 1 Augvape INTAKE Dual 26mm RTA
• 1 Bubble Glass
• 4 Allen Screws
• 1 Allen Key
• 1 Cotton
• 1 Pre-Made Coil
• 1 User Manual
• 1 Warranty Card
• 1 Tool for Cutting Coil

Like the Zeus X, we were hesitant when Vandy Vape decided to take another stab at the proven Kylin RTA format. After all, most sequels are poor rehashes – many of which ruin what we loved about the original. But the Vandy Vape Kylin V2 RTA earns its spot on this list by maintaining the performance reputation from the first Kylin, while improving wicking, airflow and flavor throughout.

Once you get past the slightly advanced build deck and coil placement, the Kylin is a pretty user-friendly RTA. It manages to keep leaking to a minimum – an absolute must for rebuildable tank atomizers in 2019. And it really does improve flavor over the original Kylin, thanks to a streamlined chimney design, better juice flow and an overall smoother draw.

Experienced vapers, know that the Kylin II is definitely toward the upper echelon of the difficulty scale. But the flavor and vape quality is well worth the effort. Once you master the advanced build deck, the Kylin II delivers masterful strokes of quality vaping.

Vandy Vape Kylin II RTA Specs:

• 24mm Diameter
• 30mm Diameter At Widest Point
• 3mL Standard Capacity
• 5mL Maximum Juice Capacity – Extension Glass
• Superior Stainless-Steel Construction
• Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
• Innovative Postless, Quad Terminal Build Deck
• Intuitive Curved Build Deck Design
• Terminal Opening Size – 2mm by 1.75mm
• Diagonally Secured via Gold-Plated Hex Screws
• Single or Double Coil Configurations
• Adjustable Juice Flow Control
• Dual External Adjustable Airflow – 12mm by 2.5mm Each
• Eight Multi-Holes Internal Airslots – 1mm Each
• Six Angled Internal Airslots – 4mm by 1.5mm Each
• Beveled Internal Airflow Design
• Convenient Slide-to-Open Top-Fill Design
• 810 Resin Widebore Drip Tip
• 810 Delrin Widebore Drip Tip
• 5mm Wide Delrin Widebore Drip Tip
• 510 Drip Tip Adapter
• Gold-Plated 510 Contact Pin
• Color Options – Stainless, Matte Black, Matte Grey, Rainbow, Gold, Blue

Vandy Vape Kylin II RTA Contents:

• 1 Kylin RTA II
• 1 Resin Drip Tip
• 1 Delrin Drip Tip
• 1 Spare 3mL Pyrex Glass
• 1 Accessory Bag
• 1 Coil Lead Guide
• 1 User Manual

The Hellvape x SMM Passage RDA is a unique entry into the stagnant RDA market. While it’s seemingly the heir apparent to the divine Dead Rabbit RDA (it definitely shares a lot of similarities with its predecessor), the Passage’s unique airflow arrangement manages to separate it from the pack.

Interestingly, like so many other RDAs, using the Passage was a comfortable, flavorful, and altogether predictable experience. And that’s not a bad thing to most of us. It’s safe to say we’re reaching a ceiling in RDA design and build deck innovations are going to arrive less frequently with each passing month. Yet, it’s comforting to see a company try to innovate in other ways, like they did with the airflow.

Is the Hellvape Passage a “must buy” RDA? No, but I’m not sure if one exists these days. Instead, the Passage DOES qualify as a versatile, solidly performing dripper with strong flavor and vapor production. For those who need to own every dripper on the market, that’s likely more than enough. And for those who are just getting into the RDA market, the Passage is as good a choice as any to get started.

Hellvape Passage RDA Specs:

• Collaboration with SUCK MY MOD
• 24mm Base Diameter
• 25mm Widest Point
• Deep Juice Wells
• Superior Stainless Steel Construction
• Knurled Threaded Top Cap
• Conical Top Cap
• Innovative Airflow System – Internal Honeycomb Airflow Holes
• Tracked Airflow Control – Individual Airflow Passages
• Two Post Expansive Build Deck – Top Secured via Flathead Screws
• Floating and Tracked Separation Block Per Post to Help Install Uneven Coils
• PEEK Insulator
• Dual Coil Configuration
• 810 AG+ Anti-Microbial/Bacterial Drip Tip
• 810 Frosted PMMA Drip Tip
• 510 BF Squonk Pin
• Gold-Plated 510 Connection

Hellvape Passage RDA Includes:

• 1 PASSAGE 24mm RDA
• 1 Pack of O-Rings
• 1 510 Adapter
• 1 Spare 810 Drip Tip
• 1 BF Squonk Pin
• 1 PASSAGE Sticker
• 1 User Manual

Visuals aren’t everything when it comes to RDAs. In that light, the Vandy Vape Widowmaker embraces simple, no-nonsense, function over fashion – and we like that. This 24mm RDA is about as plain and unadorned as a modern atomizer gets in 2019 – other than color matching, there isn’t much that an RDA needs to do anyway. Performance is all we need.

The key selling point of the Widowmaker is the multiple airflow rings, each aiming at a different part of the vaping population. While there’s nothing inherently original about having multiple airflow options on an RDA, the Widowmaker is one of the best, with parts that fit (and can be removed) as intended, without any additional elbow grease needed to change the experience.

The Vandy Vape Widowmaker RDA initially earned this spot because it does everything that’s asked of it without concern. And it still earns one, because it remains a high-performing, versatile option for vapers who like to tinker without going too crazy along the way.

Vandy Vape Widowmaker BF RDA Specs:

• Collaboration with El Mono Vapeador
• 24mm Diameter
• 5mm Deep Juice Well
• Superior Stainless Steel Construction
• Quad Post Build Deck – 4 Open Terminals
• Side Secured via Gold-Plated Hex Screws
• PEEK Insulator
• Single or Dual Coil Configuration
• Dual Slotted Airflow Control Rings – 3 Interchangeable Options
• Dual Sided 15 Multihole Bored Airflow Ring
• Dual Slotted Oval Airflow Hole Ring
• Dual Bored Single Airflow Hole Ring
• Side Airflow is Slanted Down To Coil
• 810 Delrin Drip Tip
• 810 Frosted Drip Tip
• BF Squonk Ready
• 510 Connection
• Available in Stainless Steel, Black, Rainbow, Gold, Grey

Vandy Vape Widowmaker BF RDA Contents:

• 1 Vandy Vape Widowmaker RDA
• 1 810 Drip Tip
• 1 510 Drip Tip Adapter
• 1 Hex Screw Driver
• 1 User Manual
• 1 Spare Parts

Here’s a name we haven’t heard in a minute — Steam Crave! There once was a time when the Aromamizer brand was equal to vaping royalty. Of course, things change, products evolve and tastes progress over time. But “progress” is exactly what happened here — the new Steam Crave Aromamizer Lite V1.5 RTA is an advanced device featuring an expandable juice capacity, single coil configuration, and unique adjustable airflow control system with included inserts to create a versatile vaping tank.

Interestingly, the Aromamizer Lite is a little more direct lung-focused than previous editions, which is great for those seeking an “all in one” tank. But make no mistake, this company makes mouth-to-lung atomizers and that’s the best use of this device.

What hasn’t changed is the company’s commitment to quality builds and ease of use. Constructed from durable stainless steel, the Steam Crave Aromamizer Lite can expand the juice reservoir with the included extension, boosting the capacity to 4.5mL.

In addition, the dual-post build deck is best used in a single-coil layout making this an ideal tank for those that are flavor-focused or are newer to rebuildable tanks.

Steam Crave Aromamizer Lite V1.5 RTA Features:

• 23mm Diameter
• 5mL Bubble Glass Capacity
• 5mL Standard Capacity
• Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
• 304 Stainless Steel Tank Construction
• Threaded Top Fill System
• Dual Post Build Deck – One Terminal Per Post
• Side Secured via Hex Screws
• PEEK Insulator
• Single Coil Configuration
• Adjustable Airflow Control Ring – MTL or DTL Insert Incl.
• Detachable Structure
• 510 DTL Drip Tip
• 510 MTL Drip Tip
• 510 Connection
• Available in Gunmetal, Black, Silver

Includes:

• 1 Aromamizer Lite RTA
• 1 3.5mL Spare Glass
• 1 4.5mL Spare Bubble Glass
• 1 Spare O-Rings and Grub Screws
• 2 Airflow Plugs
• 1 Stainless Steel Airflow Chimney Adapter
• 1 Allen Key
• 1 MTL Drip Tip
• 1 User Manual
• 1 Steam Crave Sticker

A few years ago, we weren’t overly thrilled with DOVPO products. Sure, they were functional, but the company was eclipsed by so many other stalwarts. Today, DOVPO is one of our favorite outlets, making products that

The DOVPO x Vaping Bogan Blotto RTA is a sizeable rebuildable tank atomizer, featuring a large 6mL bubble glass capacity, ingenious airflow control set up, and a dual-post build deck with four open terminals for larger coil configurations.

(Remember those?)

Taking design influence from — of all things — a bottle cap, the top-filling Blotto is supremely easy to fill, build and maintain, without any leaks or other performance concerns. But more importantly, the simple build design makes it easy for vapers of any experience level to place coils, wick and get to vaping. No muss, no fuss, no nonsense.

DOVPO x Vaping Bogan BLOTTO RTA Features:

• Collaboration with Sam Parsons of Vaping Bogan
• 6mL ULTEM Tank Capacity
• Glass Reinforcement
• 304 Superior Stainless Steel Construction
• Threaded Top Fill System
• Two Post Quad Terminal Build Deck
• Top-Side Secured via Flathead Screws
• PEEK Insulator
• Single or Dual Coil Configuration
• Sectioned Deck Based Airflow
• 242° Dual Honeycomb Bored Airflows – 26 Holes Per Side
• Threaded 510 Connection
• Available in Black, Stainless Steel, and Gunmetal

Includes:

• 1 BLOTTO RDA
• 1 Bubble Glass
• 1 ULTEM Bubble Glass
• 1 Accessory Bag
• 1 User Manual
• 1 Bottle Opener

Look, any product that uses the term “squonked juice volcanos down from the top” as a feature description is going to get our attention. But the Slatra backs up the marketing with some serious dripper performance, especially as a squonker.

Though it might resemble a number of other RDAs, the Mechlyfe SLATRA BF 25mm RDA is a pretty innovative atomizer, integrating a single-post build deck, is squonk-ready, and is equipped with a nifty airflow control system that’s more reminiscent of tanks than drippers.

What’s especially cool is that the deck can handle mesh sheets and standard coils, working equally well in either configuration. The clamp is simple, the deck is user-friendly, and the 2mm juice well somehow seems to hold more e-liquid than competitors with twice as much capacity.

It might have been a rough year for drippers, but the MechLyfe Slatra is a nice reminder that there might still be some life in the format, no matter how many pod mods cramp store shelves.

Mechlyfe SLATRA BF 25mm RDA Features:

• Collaboration with AmbitionZ Vaper
• 25mm Diameter
• 2mm Deep Juice Wells
• 304 Stainless Steel Construction
• Dual Coil Triple Clamp Style Single Post Build Deck
• Top and Side Secured via Knurled Top Screw and Phillips Side Screws
• Dual Coil Configuration
• PEEK Insulator
• Squonked Juice Volcanos Down from the Top
• 18 Hole Honeycomb Side Airflow
• Locking Track Top Cap
• Squonk BF Ready
• Threaded 510 Connection
• Available in SS, Gun Metal Black, Blue, or Golden

Includes:

• 1 SLATRA RDA
• 1 Screwdriver
• 2 Screws
• 1 O-Rings Bag
• 1 Non-Squonking Pin
• 1 Mesh Tool
• 2 A1 Mesh Coil
• 2 Ni80 Mesh Coil