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So, when Hellvape announced the Dead Rabbit V2, our bunny ears perked up and our expectations rose. And you know what? They did it again. While the V2 might not be the gamechanger the original Dead Rabbit RTA was, there’s simply no denying that Hellvape knows how to make a killer tank.
Let’s start with the specs and go from there…
Check out the Hellvape Dead Rabbit V2 RTA, featuring a dual post build deck, single or dual coil configuration, and features a top airflow control system. Constructed from durable stainless steel, the Dead Rabbit V2 RTA features dual Y-shaped build deck posts, affixing the coils via side secured connection. The leakproof airflow control system at the top is dual slotted and ventilates to a honeycomb outlet that vents to the top side of the installed coils, allowing for a single or dual coil configuration. Equipped with a sliding top fill system, the Dead Rabbit V2 RTA allows for refills of the 5mL bubble glass with ease, but can switch to a 2mL straight glass in case of unfortunate events. At the base is a threaded 510 connection and thermal insulation plate, designed to prevent scratches to the mod it is installed on, moving heat away from the RTA.
Hellvape DEAD RABBIT V2 25mm RTA Features:
- 25mm Diameter
- 5mL Bubble Glass Capacity
- 2mL Straight Glass Capacity
- Pyrex Glass Reinforcement
- Superior 304 Stainless Steel Tank Construction
- Sliding Top Fill System
- Conical Flavor Chamber
- Gold Plated Build Deck
- Dual Post Build Deck – 4 Open Terminals
- Side Secured via Flathead Screws
- Single or Dual Configuration
- PEEK Insulation
- Dual Slotted Top Airflow Control Ring
- Honeycomb Ventilation
- Bottom PC Thermal Insulation Plate
- Threaded 510 Connection
- 810 Widebore Drip Tip
- Available in Matte Black, Stainless Steel, Gunmetal, Rainbow, Matte Full Black, Matte SS, Blue, Gold
Includes:
- Dead Rabbit V2 RTA
- 5mL Bubble Replacement Glass
- 2mL Straight Replacement Glass
- Dead Rabbit Sticker
- Accessory Bag
- User Manual
Aesthetics of the Dead Rabbit V2
Hellvape has a style and they’ve remained devoted to it since we first started reviewing the line. Though the V2 also has a 25mm base diameter, it’s a stockier, broader tank than the original, and sits right in line with many of today’s leading sub-ohm tanks.
My gunmetal test model was pretty reserved overall, but the oddball “Celtic knot” design around the top cap and base offered a nice break from the usual knurling. It may not win any design awards, but kudos to Hellvape for not diving too deep into the “rabbit” branding.
One interesting item of note is the translucent plastic/glass bottom to the V2, which allows users to see into the bottom of the tank. It appears that this material is actually PEEK insulation, to prevent the tank base from scorching the 510 connection on your favorite mods. Nice touch, for those concerned about such things.
The stock configuration has a 5mL capacity bubble glass installed, but there’s a 2mL straight glass option for a more subtle appearance. While I appreciate the thought, the Dead Rabbit V2 practically swallows juice, so this isn’t a feasible option for most high-wattage vapers.
That said, if you choose for the Dead Rabbit’s slimmer 2mL glass, the refilling process is thankfully simple and mess-free. Part of this can be attributed to the welcome top-seated airflow ring, which gets rid of any leaking issues that usually run rampant with RTAs. Instead, the top cap unscrews without much fuss, and the large fill port accepts all but the meatiest droppers and bottles.
The airflow control ring was a little stiff out of the box, but quickly loosened with use, and before long I was turning it without any force.
Vaping the Dead Rabbit V2
Continuing the idea of “it ain’t broke…” the Dead Rabbit V2’s build deck includes a slightly altered version of the original. It’s a broad, wide-open build area for traditional coils, with more than enough space for creative single- and dual-coil builds, as well. Maybe it’s a throwback design in this era of mesh sheets, but I always enjoyed working with these decks, and the V2 does nothing to change that perspective.
Wicking
Wicking the V2 is pretty standard. The usual “don’t overstuff” approach applies here. Make sure your cotton is properly fluffed and positioned near the juice port. Give yourself some room between each wick tail to allow for more juice flow.
When wicked properly, the V2 was a pleasure to vape. Even complex liquids with layered flavors shone brightly in this tank, with no cotton or burnt flavors, even after heavy chain-vape sessions.
Keep in mind that wicking is important. If you understuff the cotton ports, the V2 starts gurgling. Gurgling like an extra in “The Walking Dead”. If you overstuff, expect a vape akin to pounding a milkshake through a cocktail straw. Dramatic? Maybe. But take a few extra minutes to get it right, because then the V2 will reward you with unparalleled flavor.
Flavor and Vapor
Part of the flavor and vapor experience comes from the new honeycomb ventilation. While it’s not evident at first, this airflow mechanism successfully directs draws for more concentrated flavor. Gimmicks like this don’t usually impress me, but as the only significant change from V1 to V2, it’s worth mentioning.
As alluded to earlier, the Dead Rabbit V2 is a juice hog if there ever was. Even with the extended bubble glass, I was refilling every half hour or so during steady use periods. Sure, we’re rewarded with deep flavor and room-filling clouds, but e-liquid dropping with every draw is frustrating.
Pros
- Ridiculously good flavor and vapor production
- Proven, understated design aesthetic
- Great build deck
Cons
- Thirstier than a camel
- Finicky wicking
- A little too similar to the original Dead Rabbit RTA
Dead Rabbit V2 Bottom Line
If you’ve never had a Dead Rabbit RTA, the V2 is definitely the way to go. Its perfect balance of flavor clarity and vapor production makes it a perfect intro to the series. Even with the finicky wicking, the ease of use and performance more than make up for the extra build time.
If you’re an experienced Dead Rabbit RTA fan, maybe there’s not much of a need for the V2. But you’ll still be adding a top-tier rebuildable tank to your arsenal.
