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Versatility – it’s the dream feature for most modern vapers. Thanks to a resurgence in mouth-to-lung (MTL) vaping and the ongoing popularity of direct-to-lung (DTL) devices, it only makes sense that users would want one tank to do it all. But, while many (many) others have tried to make that elusive “one size fits all” atomizer, very few have worked as intended. Now comes the all-new Steam Crave Aromamizer Lite V1.5 RTA to give it a go.
Moving a little closer to goal, the Steam Crave Aromamizer Lite V1.5 RTA brings a bit of a vaping versatility unicorn. It’s not perfect, (but then what is?) and its MTL leanings are still way more pronounced than its sub-ohm performance, but all in all, this is a quality tank that deserves a closer look.
Incidentally, that’s precisely what we’ll do, starting with the official word.
Try out the new Steam Crave Aromamizer Lite V1.5 RTA, an advanced rebuildable tank atomizer featuring an expandable juice capacity, single coil configuration, and unique adjustable airflow control system with included inserts to create a versatile rebuildable vaping tank.
Construction
Constructed from durable stainless steel, the Steam Crave Aromamizer Lite can extend and expand the juice reservoir with the included extension, boosting the capacity to 4.5mL from the standard 3.5mL. In addition, the dual post build deck can accommodate a single coil layout making this an ideal tank for those that are flavor oriented or are newer to building. At the base sits a knurled adjustable airflow control system featuring a space to accommodate an optional airflow insert, allowing for MTL and DTL airflow.
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
- A 510 DTL Drip Tip
- One 510 MTL Drip Tip
- Solid 510 Connection
- Available in Gunmetal, Black, Silver
Includes:
- Aromamizer Lite RTA
- 3.5mL Spare Glass
- 4.5mL Spare Bubble Glass
- Spare O-Rings and Grub Screws
- 2 Airflow Plugs
- Stainless Steel Airflow Chimney Adapter
- Allen Key
- MTL Drip Tip
- User Manual
- Steam Crave Sticker
Steam Crave Aromamizer Lite V1.5 Aesthetics
After opening Steam Crave’s minimalist cardboard packaging, users will find a nicely fleshed-out kit, complete with the Aromamizer Lite RTA, installed 3.5mL Pyrex glass, 4.5mL Pyrex replacement bubble glass, chimney adapter (MTL and DTL), coils, o-rings, and a slew of other goodies. It’s clear that Steam Crave intended this to be an all-around, versatile product.
The Aromamizer Lite itself is right in line with other recent Steam Crave products — meaning it’s attractive, standing out thanks to a sharp, almost industrial mix of black and silver that isn’t overwhelming, but blends nicely to create a unique look. In fact, the appearance was that of a sub-ohm tank, and not the usual, slender MTL arrangement — something I was pretty happy to see in 2020.
But that airflow… it’s snug, and even though it might not be the company’s intention, there is no question Steam Crave is really good at accommodating true MTL vapers. Like the Glaz the airflow ranges from tight, to really tight. And weeks later, I still occasionally struggle with the experience.
Thankfully, despite a simplistic build deck, the cotton/juice ports are deep, and hold a lot of cotton while still allowing for juice flow. As always, we recommend fluffing your cotton well before placing it, as juice flow is limited in MTL setups.
Vaping the Steam Crave Aromamizer Lite 24mm RTA
Using some high-nicotine (think 9mg — not that convenience store pod mod crap) e-liquid, I started by using the MTL tube adapter and got to work. My first draw was on the tightest setting, and just like it was with the recently reviewed Glaz Mini, it was tough for my sub-ohm-trained lungs to adjust. But after a few conscious, deliberate MTL draws, I quickly remembered the appeal of vaping in this fashion.
Using the Aromamizer Lite at a conservative 22 watts, the vapor coming from the tight airflow, narrow chimney adapter and slender mouthpiece delivered a potent burst of flavor and a surprising amount of throat hit — a term we don’t discuss nearly enough anymore.
Airflow
I adjusted the airflow to fully open loosened the proceedings, but like has been the case with most Steam Crave products, restricted lung vaping didn’t seem to be on the table. While it was technically capable of restricted lung hits with the MTL adapter, there’s not a valid reason to try — there’s just not enough performance to justify it.
Moving to the direct lung adapter, I swapped in a lower-resistance coil, opted for a more-traditional (read: thicker) e-liquid, and moved the wattage a bit higher. There was a definite increase in airflow, allowing me to create respectable clouds of vapor without sacrificing much flavor, but compared to some of today’s leading tanks and RTAs, this still felt like a restrictive experience.
The flavor was fine, but nowhere near as good as when vaping the tank in its MTL configuration. And we recommend using it in this manner if you choose to buy one.
Slight point of annoyance
The Aromamizer Mini RTA has the same annoying gurgling and spitback as the Glaz. It left me believing they’re sharing the same components. Finding the right coil height and cotton level definitely helped. Though there’s nothing “stealthy” about this tank.
Pros:
- Simple, user-friendly build deck
- Strong MTL flavor and performance
- Top-quality machining and build integrity
Cons:
- Not an ideal DTL performance
- Spitback and gurgling
- Some flavor loss in direct lung mode
The Verdict…
I’m torn on this one. One on hand, the Aromamizer Lite is probably the most-successful “multitasking” RTA on the market. In addition, it does what it sets out to do. On the other hand, it’s still a “jack of all trades, master of none. There are definitely better sub-ohm tanks out there. The MTL performance has some distinct rivals, as well.
If you’re not picky and want convenience in a rebuildable atomizer, this might be it. Definitely give the Steam Crave Aromamizer Lite a look. If you lean heavily toward one style then give it a few test runs before taking it home.
Score: B
