The Best Rebuildables (RDA/RTA/RDTA) for 2018

When the short and stately OBS Crius II arrived on our desks, we weren’t sure what to believe. The OBS logo was there. The patented sliding side fill port was there. And the overall package was well-presented. But other than that, there’s little about this single coil/single post RTA that resembles its predecessor.

Gone was the massive size, gargantuan capacity and focus on room-filling clouds. And in its place? Near-perfection. Because, while OBS may have scaled down the superlatives – “most this,” “biggest that” and instead made the Crius II with a massive focus on simplicity and pure flavor.

Within seconds of opening the package I was coiled, wicked and ready to roll. Regardless of whether I was using a simple Kanthal coil, or a more-complex, ultra-low resistance build, the 25mm Crius II ramped beautifully, stayed cool, and never sacrificed flavor for clouds.

Perhaps OBS should have gone with a new name to match this new direction, but the company’s commitment to quality has never been more evident. Fans looking for ease-of-use and unparalleled RTA flavor can probably stop reading right now.

OBS Crius II RTA specs:

• Diameter: 25mm
• Height: 53mm
• 304 stainless steel + glass construction
• Removable wide bore drip tip
• Top side fill design
• Heat resistant
• Corrosion-resistant
• Bottom adjustable airflow
• 510 threading connection
• Capacity: 3.5ml

OBS Crius II RTA contents:

• 1x OBS Crius II RTA
• 1x Spare Glass Tank
• 1x Ni80 Coil pre-installed
• 1x DIY Spare Parts

Though I work for Spinfuel anonymously, anyone who reads our reviews each day knows my work, because I’m usually testing new mods with my “trusty iJOY Captain RTA.” But there’s a reason for this – it flat out works.

This 25mm entry in the ever-expanding Captain series has been a high point for iJOY, and remains the pinnacle of the line, with a simple, postless deck that allows novices and masters alike to get flavorful performance in no time. Though it’s not designed for ultra-high wattage use, the Captain RTA can still launch some cumulus into the atmosphere, while never skimping on flavor.

Though my issues with the Captain series are well-documented on these pages, the Captain RTA is the most-reliable, most leak-proof RTA in my collection, and I don’t see them topping it any time soon.

iJOY Captain 25mm RTA specs:

• Size: 25 x 57mm
• Capacity: 3.8ml
• Diameter 25mm
• Sliding top fill port
• Juice flow control
• Gold-plated postless building deck
• Ultem wide bore drip tip
• 510 drip tip adapter

iJOY Captain 25mm RTA contents:

• 1x Captain RTA
• 1x screwdriver
• 1x extra glass
• 1x tool pack (O-rings, screws, coils, Japanese Organic Cotton)
• 1x 510 adapter
• 1x warranty card

This one arrived in our hands just in time to make the list. But we’re glad it did, because the Geek Vape Blitzen is an absolute gem. This compact 24mm RTA deceptively holds 5mL of eliquid, and has a postless 18mm build deck that allows for maximum build creativity in a relatively small space. In my short time with the Blitzen, I’ve used a pretty sizeable array of single- and dual-coil builds, all of which worked exceedingly well.

But the true star of the Geek Vape Blitzen RTA is the airflow, which is made up of an array of small slots, allowing for more fine-tuned control of your experience. Closed off, the Blitzen shines as a restricted lung atomizer. Wide open, it becomes a cloud machine. But flavor is always at the forefront, regardless of configuration.

 Geek Vape Blitzen 24mm RTA specs:

• 24mm Diameter
• 2mL Standard Juice Capacity
• 5mL Maximum Juice Capacity – Expansion Bubble Glass
• Superior Stainless Steel Construction
• High-Temp Resistant Silica Glass Reinforcement
• Enlarged 18mm Build Deck – Integrated Into Base
• Spacious Postless, Four Terminals Design
• Side-Secured via Flathead Slotted Screws
• PEEK Insulator
• Single or Dual Coil Configurations
• Efficient Wicking System – Two Wicking Wells
• Adjustable Dual Slotted Side Airflow – Multiple Airholes Design
• Convenient Threaded Top-Fill Method
• 810 Resin Widebore Drip Tip
• 510 Delrin Widebore Drip Tip
• 510 Drip Tip Adapter
• Adjustable Gold-Plated 510 Contact Pin
• Available in Stainless, Black, Gunmetal, Blue, Rainbow

Geek Vape Blitzen 24mm RTA contents:

• 1 Blitzen RTA
• 1 510 Delrin Drip Tip
• 1 510 Drip Tip Adapter
• 1 Spare Bubble Glass Tube – 5mL
• 1 Chimney Extender
• 1 Chimney Key
• 1 Allen Key
• 1 Spare Parts Pack

Most of the devices on this list are designed for “ease of use” to help newcomers quickly adapt to the world of advanced vaping. However, there is something to be said for devices catered to experts and challenge seekers.

Don’t get me wrong, the asMODus Voluna doesn’t require a Ph.D. in coil mechanics, but it’s definitely trickier and more involved than most other RTAs on this list. Indeed, the wicking is a touch complicated, and coil placement can be a little finicky. But when you get that perfect build in place, this gorgeous 25mm showpiece rewards users with some of the most nuanced flavor available .

Plus, the truly unique design and top-tier machining make the Voluna a natural fit on any device. Though its quirks prevented it from obtaining a top score at the time, the Voluna hasn’t left my rotation, thanks to the sheer flavor enjoyment it provides.

asMODus Voluna RTA specs:

• 25mm Diameter
• Threaded Top Cap
• Two Large Fill Ports
• 2.5ml Capacity
• Two Post Build Deck
• Single Terminal Per Post
• 2.5mm Per Post
• Top Mounted Hex Screws
• Dual 5mm by 3.5mm Airflow Channels
• Four Wicking Ports
• Positioned For Less Leaking And Flooding
• PEEK Insulator
• Dual Bottom Adjustable Airflow
• 13mm by 2mm Each Airslot
• Fully Closeable
• Drip Tip Built In To Top Cap
• Proprietary 8mm Tapered Bore Delrin Drip Tip
• Gold Plated 510 Connection
• 304 Stainless Steel Construction

asMODus Voluna RTA contents:

• Asmodus Voluna RTA
• Spare Parts Pack
• Spare Glass Section
• Two Prebuilt Fused Clapton Coils
• Allen Key

Let’s move onto the best rebuildable dripping atomizers (RDAs) of the year, starting with my personal favorite, the Hellvape Dead Rabbit. This simple, punchy and flavor-heavy dripper was developed alongside YouTube personality Heathen, but it could have been endorsed by Octomom and it wouldn’t be any less impressive. That’s because this 24mm monster takes all the guesswork out of building, letting users get right down to flavorful enjoyment.

Whether used as a standard RDA or a highly capable squonker, the Dead Rabbit’s spacious 5mL juice well allows for copious amounts of liquid before any leaking occurs. And the spacious-yet-simple build deck allows for simple dual-coil setups all the way to outright coil porn, with enough headroom for even the most creative builders.

Admittedly, I don’t use many RDAs in my regular vaping routine. And thanks to the Dead Rabbit RDA, I don’t use many when testing, either.

Hellvape Dead Rabbit RDA contents:

• 1 x Dead Rabbit RDA
• 1 x 810 colorful resin drip tip
• 1 x 810 Delrin Drip Tip
• 1 x 510 adapter
• 1 x gold BF pin
• 4 x hex screws
• 2 x hex screwdriver
• 1 x pack of o-rings

Hellvape Dead Rabbit specs:

• 24mm Diameter
• Top Terminal Four Post Build Deck
• Single Terminal Per Post
• Single or Dual Coil Options
• 2.5mm Terminals Per Post
• Side Mounted Hex Screws or Side Mounted Flathead Screws
• Gold Plated Positive Posts
• 5mm Deep Juice Well
• Double O-Ring Secured
• PEEK Insulator
• Top Side Diagonal Adjustable Airflow
• 10mm by 2.5mm Each Airslot
• Single or Dual Coil Options
• Knurled Grip To Adjust Airflow With Ease
• 10mm Wide Bore 810 Delrin Drip Tip Included
• 510 Drip Tip Adapter Included
• Gold Plated 510 Connection
• Gold Plated Bottom Feed Pin
• 304 Stainless Steel Construction

Before I even finished testing the Anarchist Riot RDA, I already knew the tagline for dripper enthusiasts – “Your new favorite dripper has arrived.” And those words hold up months later.

From outstanding packaging and items, to flawless build quality, the Riot is a competition-grade RDA that offers versatile build options, tremendous airflow and vapor production, and surprisingly dense flavor performance, even with so much flow going right to the coils.

It’s not the easiest RDA to build. Nor is it frugal on e-liquid. But like I said then, “in a marketplace full of “me-too” atomizers, the Riot stands out for being, at once, simple to use, thoughtfully designed, and extremely enjoyable for vapers seeking massive clouds and flavor to spare.”

Again, I stand behind those words, as they get lost in an endless barrage of flavorful vapor.

Anarchist Riot RDA specs:

• 24 mm Diameter
• 304 Stainless Steel Construction
• Gold Plated Base
• Ceramic Deck
• Two Posts With Single Terminals
• 4mm x 3mm Terminal Openings
• 4 Window Airslots Either Side
• Top Cap Adjustable Airflow
• Sloped Widebore Delrin Topcap
• Gold Plated Brass 510

Anarchist Riot RDA contents:

• 1x Riot RDA
• 1x Stainless Steel Top Cap
• 1x Awesome Anarchist Screwdriver
• 1x Spare Parts And O-rings

Today, just as many people buy RDAs for bottom-feed/squonk capabilities as they do for standard dripping performance. This is why the VandyVape Pulse 24 made this list. Because as a traditional RDA, the Pulse 24 offers flavor and vapor production that will appease even the most discerning drippers.

But as a squonker, there are few BF-RDAs that even come close to the Pulse 24. Tremendous juice flow, spacious but simplified, postless build deck, and airflow for days – the Pulse 24 has been a required addition to every squonk mod I’ve tested the last six months. And it should be on yours, as well.

Never once did I experience any spitback, spatter, overfilling or leaking. Just massive clouds, rich flavor, and another go-to atomizer for my collection. Buy with confidence.

VandyVape Pulse 24 BF RDA specs:

• 24mm Diameter
• Dual Terminal Post-less Style Build Deck
• 5mm Each Terminal
• Side Mounted Phillips Screws
• PEEK Insulator
• 7mm Juice Well
• Gold Plated Deck and Screws
• 24K Gold Plated 510 Contact
• 304 Stainless Steel
• 810 Drip Tip
• 11mm Bore ULTEM Drip Tip
• 11mm Bore Delrin Drip Tip Included
• 510 Drip Tip Adapter Included

VandyVape Pulse 24 BF RDA contents:

• 1x Vandy Vape Pulse 24 BF RDA
• 1x ULTEM 810 Drip Tip
• 1x Delrin 810 Drip Tip
• 1x T-Tool
• 1x 510 Drip Tip Adapter
• User Manual

Want an insight into how good the Digiflavor Pharaoh Dripper Tank is? Spinfuel reviewed it in November 2016. Yet it still holds up as a perfect example of how to create a dripping atomizer with tank convenience, and remains in my regular rotation to this day.

Designed in a collaborative effort with noted vaping reviewer Rip Trippers, the Pharaoh perfectly bridges the traditional RDA aesthetic with a tank-sized format, complete with a massive 2mL of juice capacity. You’ll still need to top this off quite often, but not nearly at the rate you would with a standard dripper.

The real star of the Pharaoh Dripper Tank is the dummy-proof but extremely versatile spring loaded build deck. Whether you want a simple single-coil setup, or any variation of multiple-coil builds, this spacious deck is as simple as placing your wires and turning a screw. I imagine build enthusiasts are still coming up with ways to maximize this impressive tank.

Though it’s not a “traditional” RDTA, the fact that the Pharaoh offers 2mL of capacity with the pure flavor of a traditional RDA, there’s little confusion as to why a 2016 release is making a best-of list 18 months later.

Digiflavor Pharaoh Dripper Tank specs:

• 25mm Diameter
• 2ml Juice Capacity
• Unique Spring Loaded Clamp Style Deck
• Triple Bottom Airflow
• Slip-Plate Juice Hole Adjustment
• Adjustable Airflow

Digiflavor Pharaoh Dripper Tank contents:

• 1x Pharaoh Dripper Tank
• 1x Anti-Spit Back Drip Tip
• 1x Allen Key
• 1x Bag of Spare Parts

For a more traditional RDTA experience, there are precious few new options on the market. But the one that continues to blow my mind is the VGOD Elite – a competition-grade 24mm BEAST of an RDTA.

Though I didn’t give the Elite a “perfect” score at the time, I’ve come to love VGOD’s latest offering despite a few quirks with airflow. Simply because the massive vapor and surprisingly nuanced flavor is that damn good.

Plus, with a unique build deck that gives coil experts a large playground, yet still allows newcomers to enjoy the party, the Elite is a top-tier atomizer that can satisfy a wide range of vapers.

 VGOD Elite RDTA specs:

• VGOD engraved Elite RDTA shield
• Top mount one-way fill port
• 4ml tank capacity
• Vacuum wicking system
• Hybrid friendly protruding gold plated 510 pin
• 24mm Diameter
• 46mm (less 510) Height

VGOD Elite RDTA contents:

• 1x VGOD Elite RDTA
• 1x Extra Pyrex glass
• 1x Spare O-rings
• 1x Multi Tool

The original iJOY Combo RDTA was easily the most-versatile of its kind. With a wide range of build decks, massive juice capacity, and a top airflow system that virtually guaranteed a leak-free experience. Well, leave it to iJOY to go and improve on something that didn’t actually need it.

The 25mm Combo RDTA II takes everything that was great about the original, and improves on it in every way. With 6.5mL of capacity, 24-karat gold-plated tank sections, and a unique dual airflow system, the Combo RDTA II is poised for all-day enjoyment.

But the real star of the show is the deck, which allows for 12(!) possible build options, from standard dual-post designs, to ornate clamping systems, and even prebuilt coils. Heck, there are even single-coil adapters, for those who want to keep things simple. Just take a look at this list of build deck option:

• MC-1 – Two-Post w/ Clamp Mechanism
• IMC-2 – Spring-Loaded Two-Post w/ Clamp
• IMC-3 – Two-Post, Quad Terminals (Side Secured)
• IMC-4 – Two-Post, Two Terminals (Top Secured)
• IMC-5 – Two-Post, Two Large Terminals (Four-Point Secure)
• IMC-6 – Split-Positive Post, Four Terminals (Top Secured)
• IMC-7 – Postless, Four Terminals (Side Secured)
• IMC-8 – Elevated Postless, Four Terminals (Side Secured)
• IMC-9 – Elevated Postless, Four Terminals (Side Secured)
• IMC-10 – Two-Post, Clamp Snag System
• IMC-Coil – 0.3ohm Premade Coil – rated for 40-80W
• IMC-Coil 3 – 0.15ohm Premade Coil – rated for 50-100W

iJOY COMBO RDTA II specs:

• 25mm Diameter
• 6.5mL Juice Capacity
• High-Quality Stainless Steel Construction
• Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
• 20.5mm Build Deck
• Interchangeable Build Deck Design – 12 Options
• Gold-Plated Apparatus
• Single Coil Plug
• Signature Side-Fill Method – Large Access Port
• Dual Side Adjustable Airflow – Knurled Top Cap
• ULTEM Widebore Drip Tip
• 510 Drip Tip Adapter
• Spring-Loaded Gold-Plated 510 Connection

iJOY COMBO RDTA II contents:

• 1 iJoy COMBO RDTA II Tank
• 1 Preinstalled IMC-10 Build Deck
• 1 0.15ohm IMC-Coil 3
• 1 510 Drip Tip Adapter
• 1 Replacement Glass Tube
• 1 Single Coil Plug
• 1 Screwdriver
• Spare Parts and O-Rings