Table of Contents
- 1 WOTOFO PROFILE UNITY 25MM MESH RTA
- 2 GEEK VAPE ZEUS X 25MM RTA
- 3 VANDY VAPE KYLIN V2 24MM RTA
- 4 BLITZ ENTERPRISES X TVP FP 30MM RTA
- 5 HELLVAPE X SMM PASSAGE 24MM RDA
- 6 AUGVAPE X TWISTED MESSES OCCULA RDA
- 7 VANDY VAPE WIDOWMAKER 24MM BF RDA
- 8 Wismec Kestrel RDTA
- 9 WOTOFO FARIS 24MM RDTA
- 10 SQUID INDUSTRIES PEACEMAKER
- 11 STATTQUALM SQUAPE E(MOTION)
Unlike our myriad other “best of” roundups (hey, we like doing them…) we haven’t focused on rebuildable atomizers in a while. And to be fair, that’s because the industry isn’t turning them out nearly as fast as the latest and greatest sub-ohm tanks. So, while we understand the convenience a prebuilt coil can bring, there’s still something special about nailing that “perfect build” and seeing just how rich and nuanced vape flavor can be.
This year’s list is broken up by rebuildable tank atomizers (RTAs), rebuildable dripping atomizers (RDAs), rebuildable dripping tank atomizers (RDTAs) and a few wild card selections that definitely fall into one of the above categories, but stand out for a few reasons.
Despite the difficulty in building this year’s list, every selection here is more than worthy, and will bring you a ton of satisfaction and enjoyment, if you take the time to master the art of the build. (And we only hope a list like this will encourage manufacturers to start making more of these atomizers, since a properly built coil is a joy few vapers have experienced, but which all of them should.)
WOTOFO PROFILE UNITY 25MM MESH RTA
- MR.JUSTRIGHT1 X TVC
The Wotofo Profile Unity takes the best parts of modern sub-ohm tanks – the mesh coils – and brings them to the RTA world. And the results – flavor, vapor production, ease-of-use – are glorious. If you have two extra minutes to install and wick a coil versus screwing in a prebuilt head, you’ll see how the Profile Unity delivers an effortless, flavor-rich experience unlike any others.
After just a few minutes getting the perfect arc on my coil, I wicked, wet and filled, and was enjoying insane flavor right from the outset. Dripper-quality flavor and smooth-wicking juice flow led to near-instant satisfaction. A lot of people have shunned rebuildables of late, simply because they don’t think it’s worth the hassle compared to a sub-ohm tank. I recommend those people give this unique mesh coil deck a try and see if they reconsider.
(Spoiler Alert: They will.)
Wotofo Profile Unity Mesh RTA Specs:
- 25mm Diameter
- 5mL Standard Juice Capacity
- Extended Juice Capacity
- Superior Stainless Steel Construction
- Spacious Build Deck
- Wide Clamp Style Ceramic Support
- Side Secured via Hex Screws
- Wide Terminals for Larger Builds or Leads
- PEEK Insulator
- Single Mesh Coil Configuration
- Spring-Loaded Ceramic Cotton Support
- Threaded Top Fill System – Knurled
- Bi-Level Juice Port Structure
- nexMesh OFRF – Triple Density Mesh Coil
- Adjustable Mid Airflow – 4 Bored Holes
- Vaporization Chamber Concentrates Flavor
- Detachable Structure
- 810 Widebore Resin Drip Tip
- Spring Loaded 510 Connection
- Available in Black, Gold, Stainless Steel, Blue, Rainbow, and Gunmetal
Wotofo Profile Unity Mesh RTA Contents:
- 1 Profile Unity 25mm Mesh RTA
- 1 5mL Glass Tube
- 1 5mL Tube Adapter
- 1 Bending Tool
- 1 Screwdriver
- 2 0.13ohm nexMesh Coil
- 1 6mm Agleted Cotton
- 1 Bag of Spare Parts
- 1 User Manual
GEEK VAPE ZEUS X 25MM RTA
We loved the original Zeus RTA, but we were skeptical that the second go-round would surpass the rock-solid original. I mean, how do you follow up on a rebuildable tank atomizer (RTA) so dominant that you named it after the god to end all gods? Well, the Zeus X is an altogether more solid and well-built atomizer, representing a serious forward step for the brand.
A little shorter and squattier than its predecessor, the Zeus X is still a minimalist, bare-bones building affair. The 25mm diameter tank is sleek, well-machined and has the innate ability to look good on any mod in my collection, regardless of which color you choose. Seriously, no mod – large, small, slender or fat – looked out of place housing this universally attractive tank.
But more importantly (obviously) the Zeus X delivers insane levels of flavor and vapor. Though the deck isn’t anything original, the postless design is implemented so well, it’s as if someone invented it for the series. The proof is in the results.
Don’t believe us? Cloud fiends finally have an RTA to compete with their dripper arsenals. Flavor fiends will maintain their love of the format. Thanks to precise machining and the slightly squattier design, the Zeus X delivers instant draws of rich, warm vapor just dripping with flavor.
Geek Vape Zeus X RTA Specs:
- 25mm Diameter
- 4mL Maximum Juice Capacity
- Superior Stainless Steel Construction
- High-Temp Resistant Silica Glass Reinforcement
- Enlarged Build Deck
- Elevated Postless, Four Terminals Design
- Single or Dual Coil Configurations
- Side-Secured via Flathead Slotted Screws
- PEEK Insulator
- Efficient Wicking System
- Enhanced 3D Three Dimensional Airflow
- Adjustable Dual Exterior Top Airflow – 15mm by 2.5mm
- Single Internal Central Air Tube – Funels Into Multi-Hole Slots
- Convenient Threaded Top-Fill Method
- 810 Delrin Widebore Drip Tip
- 810 ULTEM Widebore Drip Tip
- 510 Drip Tip Adapter
- 510 Connection
Geek Vape Zeus X RTA Contents:
- 1 ZEUS X 25mm RTA
- 1 810 Delrin Widebore Drip Tip
- 1 510 Drip Tip Adapter
- 1 Spare Glass Tube
- 1 Allen Key
- 2 Prebuilt Clapton Coils
- 1 Set of Cotton Wicks
- 1 User Manual
VANDY VAPE KYLIN V2 24MM RTA
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
BLITZ ENTERPRISES X TVP FP 30MM RTA
The Blitz Enterprises FP RTA was a controversial addition to this list. Because when you factor in the 30mm size, relatively limited capacity and absolutely horrendous name implication, it would have been very easy to write this beast off as a novelty, rather than a serious atomizer.
(Seriously, a little web perusal revealed that this RTA’s given name is the horrendous “F-ck Pig.” I’m no wilting flower and can handle a lot of swearing on any given day. But to name a flagship atomizer like this just reeks of self-serving, attention-seeking garbage.)
But then we also considered the high-performing, no-nonsense airflow, rich flavor and ridiculous vapor production. It turns out the FP RTA is a fantastic rebuildable tank, with simple, straightforward deck design, and truly satisfying performance. Even better, for a tank this size, the adjustment precision is awfully nuanced and delicate – not bad for a “F-ck Pig,” eh?
Don’t be fooled by the size – the FP would rather kiss you than kick your ass. And the resulting vapor and flavor will quickly make you forget about the gargantuan sized tank atop your mod. Worth a long look, name and all.
Blitz Enterprises x TVP FP RTA Features:
- 30mm Diameter
- 4mL Standard Juice Capacity
- 6mL Expanded Juice Capacity
- Superior Stainless Steel Construction
- Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
- Dual Post Build Deck – Ceramic Clamp Style
- Top Secured via Flathead Screws
- Knurled Inner Chamber for Improved Juice Flow
- PEEK Insulator
- Single or Dual Coil Configuration
- Knurled Threaded Top Fill System
- Dual Bean-Shaped Fill Ports
- Adjustable Dual Airflow Ring
- 30-Hole U-Shaped Honeycomb Airflow
- GTA Style Wicking – Genesis-Style
- 810 Delrin Doc Drip Tip
- 810 Resin Widebore Drip Tip
- Detachable Structure
- Spring-Loaded 510 Connection
- Available in Black or Stainless Steel
Blitz Enterprises x TVP FP RTA Contents:
- 1 FP 30mm RTA
- 1 Spare 810 Resin Widebore Drip Tip
- 1 Spare Glass Tube
- 1 Spare Parts Bag
- 1 Screwdriver
- 1 Instructional Manual
HELLVAPE X SMM PASSAGE 24MM RDA
Though RDAs don’t get very innovative these days, we always acknowledge when advancements have been made. And that’s definitely the case with the Hellvape Passage RDA – an intricate vaping system developed in collaboration with vaping reviewer Suck My Mod. The key innovation here? A multipassage adjustable airflow control system and separated build deck that improves both building ease and airflow.
Though it’s “just” a 24mm RDA, the build deck offers plenty of room to try some creative coil arrangements. And, the airflow control system features a three slot construct that is further separated into 19 smaller honeycomb style airflow holes, allowing users to craft a precise experience – one that even cater to restricted lung vapers.
We just got this one in, and will be doing a more comprehensive review soon enough. But suffice it to say, the Passage has made a hell of an impression so far, and is worthy of this spot on the list.
Hellvape x SMM PASSAGE 24mm RDA Features:
- 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
- Available in Black, Matte Black Piano Black, Purple, Stainless Steel, Gold, and Blue
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
AUGVAPE X TWISTED MESSES OCCULA RDA
When we first reviewed the Occula, it had been a LONG time since we spent digital ink discussing “elaborate builds.” Because, let’s face it, the vaping world is shifting away from DIY creativity and cloud competitions, and is moving towards convenience, portability and ease of use. But the Augvape Occula RDA never flipped its calendar to 2019, and is designed solely for the complex coil aficionados still lurking in the cloudy shadows.
Designed in collaboration with one of vaping’s most famous coil wizards, Twisted Messes, the Occula 24mm RDA is made for those who want roomy build decks, simple-but-ample clamp space, and enough airflow to alter weather patterns. That’s right, kids, it’s 2015 all over again – let’s get the details and go from there…
Also, we have to throw another shout to Augvape for creating a truly versatile RDA. While the Occula isn’t even close to an MTL atomizer, there is enough difference between the three airflow settings to appeal to more than just cloud junkies. I found that closing off the gaps to one hole (or even ½ of one) creates a flavor-first, more reserved vape than one would expect from the design.
Using the Occula RDA isn’t going to be about heat or 510 connections – it’s going to be about rich, deep flavor it produces, and the massive amounts of vapor it chucks when the airflow is wide open. If that isn’t enough of a sales pitch, you’re just going to have to try it.
Occula RDA Specs:
- 24mm Diameter
- Dual Posts
- Clamping Terminals
- 6mm by 2.5mm Per Terminal
- Top Mounted M3 Screws
- 5mm Deep Juice Well
- Dual Airflow — Three Holes Per Side
- 810 Drip Tip
Occula RDA Contents:
- 1 x Augvape Occula RDA
- 1 x Bottom Feeding Squonk Pin
- 1 x Hex Allen Key
- Spare Parts
VANDY VAPE WIDOWMAKER 24MM BF RDA
Visuals aren’t everything when it comes to RDAs (because most of them are identical, save for a few engravings and indentations). 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 VandyVape Widowmaker RDA initially earned an “A” 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
Wismec Kestrel RDTA
Available with the WISMEC LUXOTIC SURFACE
This was a bit of an oddball addition to our “best of” list, because we’re not 100% sure you can get one outside of the Wismec Luxotic Surface Kit. But since we make the rules here, let’s throw some love to the tiny but towering Wismec Kestrel RDTA. (and yes, it’s worth buying the Kit in order to have the Kestrel)
This companion RDTA is a tight, strong-vaping little tank that seems like it might help rejuvenate the stagnant RDTA market. And it accomplishes this by not REALLY being a rebuildable tank atomizer.
Yes, you replace the mesh screen and drop in some cotton. But it’s barely more difficult than popping in a standard coil head on a sub-ohm tank. The slots are clearly marked and designed for maximum ease of use, so newcomers can dive right into more advanced vaping atomizers.
Plus, experienced vapers will also appreciate the effortless swapping of mesh screens and cotton, making this about as simple a “rebuildable” as we’ve seen.
Vaping the Kestrel was an excellent affair – a juice-heavy one, mind you… but an excellent one. Yes, the tank swallows juice at an unbelievable rate, and with just 2mL of capacity and an overabundance of airflow working its way through the deck, you’ll understand why the Kestrel came with a squonk mod kit.
That aside, the mesh screens are strong performers, offering even heat distribution that ramped quickly, even at low-mid wattages. I managed roughly three weeks of steady use per coil screen before having to swap – show me a prebuilt coil that claims to give you the same output, and I’ll show you a liar.
Wismec Luxotic Surface Kestrel RDTATank Specs:
- Size: 24×36.7mm
- Capacity: 2ml
- Mesh heating element
- Long lifespan heating mesh
- Side refilling port
- Side airflow control
WOTOFO FARIS 24MM RDTA
These days, getting an RDTA to review is pretty rare. Getting a good one is even more of a unicorn. But this dual RDA/RDTA does a damn good job of double duty – both as a sizable tank atomizer and a serviceable RDA when you remove the 3mL capacity tank and replace it with the included base. In addition, the Faris features a nifty side refill design, utilizing a silicone fill port to allow juice to flow in but not back out, reducing the chance for leakiness at the fill port.
When used as a tank the Faris screams pure flavor and surprisingly dense vapor. I put the tank to the test using a range of test coils, and both single- and dual-coil builds, and the Faris handled it all with ease. Even TC builds, which aren’t part of my regular testing regime, worked flawlessly, with no jumpiness or inconsistencies.
Also, the side-fill port lived up to the advertising – in months of putting the Faris through the rigors, it still hasn’t leaked through the port, even when TRYING to. We’re not sure what the physics are behind the design, but it works beautifully.
Why beat the horse? The Faris delivers ridiculous flavor, ample vapor, and some of the best juice consumption we’ve seen from the format.
Faris RDTA Specs:
- 24mm Diameter
- Deep Juice Wells – RDA Mode
- 3mL RDTA Glass Capacity
- Superior Stainless Steel Construction
- Pyrex Glass Reinforcement – 4 Terminal
- Postless Build Deck
- Side Secured via Philips Screws
- PEEK Insulator
- Single or Dual Coil Configuration
- Side Port Refill System
- Knurled Top Cap Dual Airflow Adjustment
- Side To Bottom Dual Airflow – Triple Pocket Style Inlet
- 810 Widebore Resin Drip Tip
- Domed Top Cap to Concentrate Flavor
- Top Cap Condensation Barrier
- Gold-Plated BF Squonk Pin
- Wicking Port Blocks for Single Coil Configuration
- Detachable Structure
- Stainless Steel 510 Connection
- Available in Stainless Steel, Black, Gunmetal, Gold, Rainbow
Faris RDTA Contents:
- 1 Wotofo Faris RDTA
- 1 User Manual
- 2 Wicking Port Blocks
- 1 Extra 810 Drip Tip
- 1 2mL Frosted PC Tank
- 1 0.33ohm Framed Staple Clapton Coil
- 1 Agleted Japanese Cotton
SQUID INDUSTRIES PEACEMAKER
25/28MM RTA
Last year, we reviewed the controversial Squid Industries Detonator mod kit. And we liked it, but questioned whether or not the weapon-based design and name was a good move for a vaping industry already under fire (no pun intended). But we have to hand it to the military vet-operated Squid Industries for sticking to the plan, since the Peacemaker 28mm RTA looks like a revolver, and the company has zero remorse for doing so.
Looking past the visual trappings, the Peacemaker 28 is a huge, and wholly unique affair, with a dual slotted bottom airflow system, elevated and postless build deck, and large capacity (like 8-9mL) that leads to massive clouds and surprisingly deep flavor.
There’s also a 25mm, single-coil version of this tank, but the 28mm version really stands out for its sheer size and commanding presence. Also, the dual-coil setup really hammers home some righteous flavors.
We may not totally understand the weapon designs in today’s social climate, we’re also not about to question the motives and decisions of people who defended this country. Besides, Squid Industries makes great products for true vapers, and this series is no exception.
Squid Industries Peacemaker 28mm RTA Features:
- 27mm Diameter
- 9mL Bubble Glass Capacity
- 5mL Standard Glass Capacity
- Steel and Acrylic Caged Tank Reinforcement
- Superior Stainless Steel Construction
- Threaded Top Fill System – Dual Fill Ports
- Dual Coil Configuration
- Postless Build Deck – 4 Floor Terminals
- Side Secured via Hex Screw
- Deck Bottom Vented 19-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 28mm RTA Includes:
- 1 Peacemaker 28mm RTA
- 1 Bubble Glass
- 1 Spare Parts/Tools
STATTQUALM SQUAPE E(MOTION)
22MM RTA
Oh, of the wild cards on this list, the StattQualm Squape X(dream) might be the wildest. Whether it’s the excessive $130 price point, the tall and narrow rocket ship design, or just the fact that an old-school, throwback MTL tank is on this list, there are going to be a lot of questions about this one.
But then you try it. And you see the laser-precise Swiss steel construction, the add-in dedicated single-coil build deck, and locking base, and you’ll see why the Squape X(dream) is nothing short of a love letter to MTL vapers around the world.
The 4mL capacity doesn’t seem like much, until you remember that you won’t be blowing through much juice at 10-20 watt outputs. Instead, the long, narrow chamber concentrates flavor for an exquisite vape experience throughout, free of leaks, airflow problems or wicking problems. It’s a lesson in how simplicity and precision can outweigh innovation any day of the week.
Can we get past the triple-digit price tag? Well… now we can. The Squape X(dream) might not fit everyone’s pocketbook, but we’re pretty confident it will fit every MTL vaper’s vision of an ideal vape.
StattQualm SQuape X(dream) 22mm RTA Features:
- 100% Made in Switzerland
- 22mm Diameter
- 0mL Juice Capacity
- Superior Stainless Steel and Aluminium Construction
- Quarter Turn Locking Atomizer Base
- Borosilicate Glass Reinforcement
- Spacious Build Deck – Deep Juice Wells
- Two Post, Single Terminal Per Post
- 4mm Diameter Terminals
- Single or Dual Coil Configuration
- Top Secured via Flathead Screws
- PEEK Insulator
- Threaded Top Fill System – Multi Hole Fill Ports
- Internal and External Airflow Controls
- 510 Metal Drip Tip
- Gold-Plated 510 Connection
- Available in Stainless Steel
Includes:
- 1 SQuape X(dream)
- 1 Instruction Manual
- 1 Set of Spare Parts