Last Updated on October 11, 2018 by Team Spinfuel

Spinfuel VAPE’s Top 10 BF-RDA Choices for 2018

The humble rebuildable dripping atomizer represents vaping in its purest form. No tanks. No complicated coil systems. No more moving parts than necessary. And even though squonk mods are a little more complex in their design, bottom-feed RDAs (BF-RDA) really maintain the same form and function. The only thing that changes is the convenience.

 

Because vaping and vape products are so subjective, we’re always hesitant to post a “top ten” anything. But we’re also a site for vapers, and our audience continues to ask for more of these features. And since squonk mods are so popular these days (hence our recent squonk mod rundown) we decided to break down the best possible atomizers to use with these bottom-feed beasts.

 

As you already know, for every product we feature on this list, there are five more that could have taken its place. To stave off any arguments and angry email, know that these BF-RDA picks represent our team’s opinions and experiences, and is not to be considered an “exhaustive” list. Instead, we welcome your feedback through social media, and welcome any suggestions to update this list down the line.

 

That said, let’s dive into what we feel are the best BF-RDAs for 2018.

Top 10 Best BF-RDA (Bottom Feeders) for 2018 by Spinfuel VAPE

TigerTek NADA RDA

BF-RDA

I suppose the answer is right there in the name – NADA stands for “not another dripping atomizer” after all. But, even though it’s not marketed specifically as a squonk-RDA, the TigerTek NADA truly comes into its own when you swap the pins and turn it into a BF-RDA. With a combination of smooth, effortless pulls and massive cloud production, the NADA is a bottom-feed force to be reckoned with.

 

To be fair, the NADA isn’t for everyone. And I don’t mean that as a lame challenge statement – the sheer amount of noise produced by the NADA’s internal wind factory will likely chase away vapers who want to be subtler and stealthier. But for the “look at me” crowd seeking some attention for their new vape gear, the NADA is going to be responsible for a lot of smiles.

 

Once attached to a quality squonk mod, the NADA shines brightly. Our team almost universally reported flawless, leak-free squonk performance that was surprisingly frugal on juice.  As I reported in my review, at one point, I managed to get nearly 20 straight draws before the cotton finally dried, and a new shot of liquid was needed.

 

Quite simply, that trumps just about any BF-RDA on the market. It’s not even close.

 

While the deck might be a little limiting for more creative builders, and the airflow a little noisy for shy users, the TigerTek NADA provides about as amazing a BF-RDA experience as I’ve had in a long time.

Spinfuel Review Here

Specs:

  • Diameter: 25mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Thread: 510

Contents:

  • 1* NADA RDA with 810 Delrin Drip tip
  • 1* 810 PCTG Drip tip
  • 1* 510 adaptor
  • 1* Squonk pin
  • 1* 3 sets of air plug screws (2.5mm / 1.5mm / solid)
  • 1* Accessory bag

Hellvape x AmbitionZ VapeR Aequitas RDA

BF-RDA

Another “vs.” collaborative product, the Hellvape x AmbitionZ VapeR Aequitas RDA (jeez, what names DIDN’T make the cut, guys?) is a rock-solid dripping atomizer, no matter how many minutes it takes you to read the front of the box.

In my initial review, I described the Aequitas as offering an “altogether predictable” experience. And to be fair, that’s not a dig – but “predictably awesome” might have been a more accurate description. Because the versatile Aequitas isn’t just a great standard dripper. And it’s not just a great sub-ohm dripper, since I was able to put it to good use as an MTL atomizer.

But, like so many of the entries on this list, the Aequitas really showed its stuff attached to a good squonk mod. And, in all honestly, if I was Hellvape, I’d recommend losing the three-line naming scheme and promote the Aequitas more heavily as a BF-RDA. Because the squonk performance was dry, smooth and effortless.

All users need to do is swap out the pin, raise the airflow to the higher level, and let it rip. Not only is it an easy transition, but it’s an improvement. The higher airflow allows for heavy squeezes without leaking, and also directs airflow to the top of the coils, rather than trying to fight through the area beneath them. The end result is more flavorful and richer than any other possible configuration.

I do wish the deck had a deeper juice well, since I’m a serial oversquonker, but I suppose there’s always room for improvement on the Aequitas 2… once they find six more vape celebrities to endorse it on the box.

Spinfuel VAPE Review Here

 Hellvape x AmbitionZ VapeR Aequitas BF-RDA Specs:

  • Diameter: 24mm(D) x 37.2mm(H)
  • Drip tip: 810 drip tip/510 drip tip with adapter
  • Thread: 510 thread
  • 2 options for airflow by flipping the barrel
  • Four-post build deck with 2.5mm square hole
  • 810 resin/Delrin drip tip & 510 drip tip adapter
  • Gold-plated BF pin

Contents:

  • 1 x Hellvape Aequitas RDA
  • 1 x Delrin 810 Drip Tip
  • 1 x Stainless Steel 510 Adapter
  • 1 x Golden Hex BF Pin
  • 4 x Hex Screws
  • 1 x Spare O-rings
  • 2 x Hex Screwdrivers
  • 1 x Slotted Screwdriver

VandyVape Pulse 24

BF-RDA

Between this article and the recent “Top Ten Squonk Mods” piece, I feel like I’ve written “VandyVape” 2,200 times. But there’s a reason for that – they make great products. And in the recent squonk mod resurgence, the veteran vape company has only become more of a force.

 

A big part of the reason is their Pulse line of squonk mods and BF-RDAs – most notably, the Pulse 24 BF-RDA, which might be the highest-performing of all the contenders on this list. 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, dummy-proof postless build deck, and massive airflow that somehow doesn’t hinder flavor. Yep, it’s all there.

 

What doesn’t it have? Spitback, spatter or leaking. It just quietly produces massive clouds, rich flavor, and smooth satisfaction. The Pulse 24 has been a required addition to every squonk mod I’ve tested since it arrived on my desk. And that isn’t going to change any time soon.

Spinfuel Review Here

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

 

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

VandyVape Capstone RDA

BF-RDA

Yet another “collaborative” vape product – this time featuring input from “Vape Happy” – the VandyVape Capstone RDA is definitely going to turn some heads when you rock it on your squonk mod of choice.

 

Why? Because it looks like a 1980s studded heavy metal wristband, crossed with a hand grenade. I wouldn’t bring it to the airport, and I definitely would be careful waving it near your eye socket. But that ultimately has nothing to do with performance. And – like so many VandyVape products we’ve covered these past few months – the performance is seemingly focused on bottom-feed squonking.

 

Aesthetics aside, the Capstone RDA isn’t interesting for its looks, but rather for its deck, which makes it easy to experiment with dual coil combinations. Most notably through its slanted “Ramp” post and tall bottom-feeding juice ports, which are perfectly suited for a squonk feed that cascades over the coils below.

There really isn’t much else to say, other than consider buying one. The Capstone is a brilliant, high-performing BF-RDA. If you can get past the polarizing looks, the airflow more than makes up for it by keeping coils saturated with minimal squeezing/filling, without ever creating gurgling and spitback. It’s just another divine squonk experience from VandyVape, and one we recommend highly.

Spinfuel Review Here

Specs:

  • Diameter: 24mm;
  • Height: 38mm;
  • Waterfall squonk action;
  • Reduced build chamber;
  • Domed interior AFC cap;
  • Single screw spring loaded capstone deck;
  • 6mm depth juice well;
  • Ramp airflow system;
  • Dual slotted trapezoid airflow (single / dual coil compatible);
  • Fill type: top fill or bottom feed;
  • Airflow type: bottom / side dual slot (adjustable);
  • Vaping type: direct lung or loose mouth to lung;
  • PC comp cap included;
  • Comp cap size: 24 x 29mm;
  • Drip tip size: 13.8 x 12mm
  • Colors: Matte Black, Silver, Gold, Rainbow

 

Contents:

  • 1x Capstone RDA by VAPEHAPPY & Vandy Vape
  • 1x Frosted PC Comp Cap
  • 1x Frosted Sloped 810 Drip Tip
  • 1x Sloped Delrin 510 Drip Tip
  • 1x 510 Drip Tip Adapter
  • 1x Standard 510 Pin
  • 1x Coil Lead Guide
  • 2x Fused Clapton Coils Ni80 ID 3.0
  • Spare Parts
  • Manual

Hellvape Dead Rabbit SQ Squonk RDA

BF-RDA

Anyone who has paid attention to our reviews over the past year has probably noticed how often we mention using a Dead Rabbit RDA whenever testing mods or comparing drippers. And with good reason – Hellvape made one hell of simple, top-tier RDA. And though the original Dead Rabbit could be pressed into squonk service, the company really got laser focused when making the 22mm Dead Rabbit SQ specifically for squonk use.

 

At first, the 22mm footprint will likely throw off a few vapers expecting something “bigger and badder” than the original. But once they build and fire it up, they’ll see why – pure, unadulterated flavor. Even with the smaller circumference, and a very similar look and feel, the SQ is capable of much deeper and more nuanced flavor profiles, thanks to a simplified, single-coil deck and narrower chimney.

 

That’s not to say the SQ can’t handle some cloud production, because I enjoyed some big vapor from this little squonk RDA. But it’s also clear Hellvape wanted to invite more types of vapers to the party, because the Dead Rabbit SQ can also be put to use as a legitimate mouth-to-lung (MTL) atomizer – something that wasn’t really effective on the original.

Building is a little more difficult than it would be on a larger deck, but once the right coil and wick length is in place, you’ll forget you ever struggled. And then you’ll stop caring. Because the flavor of the SQ rivals any squonk RDA we’ve tried – MTL or otherwise.

Months later, I’m still holding out hope for a larger edition. But for now, the Dead Rabbit SQ BF-RDA still gets a lot of use on my squonk mods. And it will on yours, too.

Spinfuel VAPE Review Here

Specs:

  • Drip tip: 810 drip tip/510 drip tip with adapter
  • Thread: 510 thread
  • 22mm RDA with ample build space and generous post holes
  • Slide in top coil deck takes the guesswork out of pre-cutting your coil leads
  • Adjustable top side diagonal airflow with a focus on flavor and to minimize leaking
  • Adjustable semi restricted and full restricted MTL airflow options
  • Single coil configuration
  • Gold plated positive post for better conductivity
  • Knurled grip to adjust the airflow with ease
  • Post screws fasten to the flat side of the coil lead to preserve your build
  • Bottom feeding pin installed for squonking and spare solid 510 pin for dripping
  • Two 810 drip tip options including a colorful resin tip and a stainless steel 510 adapter
  • Slotted or hex head post screw options
  • Protruding 510 pin and peek insulation for hybrid top cap compatibility

 

Contents:

  • Dead Rabbit SQ RDA with resin drip tip
  • Delrin 810 drip tip
  • Delrin MTL 510 drip tip
  • Stainless steel 510 adapter
  • Golden slotted pin
  • 4 x Slotted & hex screws
  • 1 x O-rings
  • 2 x Hex screwdriver

Squid Industries Chief King RDA

BF-RDA

Most of the BF-RDA atomizers on this list are products I’ve spent a lot of time with over the past 8-12 months. But the Squid Industries Chief King RDA just crossed my deck a few weeks back. Hey, better late than never, right? I’m glad it showed up, because this versatile dripper puts on a hell of a show in its standard form and makes a strong case for use as a BF-RDA, as well.

 

The exterior of the Chief King BF-RDA is pretty standard stuff – a matte black stainless-steel cap, smoothly machined edges, a mid-level airflow slot, and a wide-bore, amber-colored drip tip. In other words, it looks good, but you wouldn’t be able to pick it out of any popular RDA lineup from beyond a few feet away.

 

Looks don’t make for good vape products, though, so let’s discuss performance. More specifically, it’s bottom-feed squonk performance.  For starters, the deck keeps the coils low, so wicking is efficient, but also has a deep, well-contained juice well. Even when stuffed with cotton, I never experienced any problems with liquid movement to the coils.

 

Once attached to a squonker, the Chief King BF-RDA gave me smooth flowing, leak-free performance on each of my squonk mods. I found the deep deck to be a nice feature for over-Squonkers like me, and even when my ring finger got REALLY overzealous, the Chief King managed to contain the flow without gurgling or spitback.

 

Beyond that, perhaps the best observation I had was how cool the Chief King stayed, even when pushing the builds upwards of 150 watts. Though I rarely vape at these elevations, I was pleasantly surprised with how comfortable the RDA stayed throughout.

 

If you want cloud production that stays dry, never gurgles and doesn’t skimp on flavor while you’re filling a room, take a close look at the Chief King BNF-RDA the next time you put a few things in your cart.

Spinfuel VAPE Review Here

Specs:

  • 25mm Diameter
  • Deep Juice Well
  • Superior 304 Stainless Steel Construction
  • Spacious Build Deck
  • Quad Post – Single Terminal Per Post
  • Top Secured via Allen Screws
  • Single or Dual Coil Configuration
  • PEEK Insulator
  • Quad Top Cap Adjustable Airflow
  • Dual Side Fed Airflow Slots
  • Dual Top Fed Airflow Slots
  • 10mm 810 ULTEM Wide bore Drip Tip
  • Gold-Plated Squonk BF 510 Pin
  • Stainless Steel 510 Connection
  • Available in Black or Stainless

 

Contents:

  • 1 Chief King RDA
  • 1 Squonk Bottom Feed 510 Pin
  • 2 Alien Wrenches
  • 2 Alien Coils
  • 1 Spare Parts Bag

528 Customs GOON 25mm RDA

BF-RDA

By a show of hands, how many of you got your first performance RDA with a “Goon-style” build deck? Yeah, I imagine it’s a lot of you, and it’s no accident – the clamp-style Goon deck became an industry-standard by making it effortless for users to build and experiment with different coil combinations. (And we’ve seen some SERIOUSLY crazy builds using one…)

 

So, when the “OG” of modern RDAs comes back to fight another round against a bunch of newcomers, we’re going to pay attention. And we’re glad we did, because the latest from 528 Customs, the Goon 25mm RDA, is a serious advanced dripping atomizer.

 

For starters, the classic clamp-deck is back, and sturdier than ever. Even the largest wire combinations fit without any problems, creating strong, secure connections with every coil I tested.

 

The series’ famous adjustable airflow ring is back as well and allows for precision airflow adjustment without overdoing things to the point where flavor is non-existent. In other words, you’ll make some serious clouds, but you won’t be wishing there was more flavor – the Goon 25mm brings flavor in spades.

 

Though it’s not marketed as a BF-RDA, we were surprised just how effortlessly the Goon adapted to this usage. It might not be the most-advanced, squonk-focused deck on the market, but I’m also not sure it needs to be. For all the “innovation” going on in deck design, the Goon’s classic format allows for even bottom-filling, with no dry hits or juice flow problems to be had.

 

In short, if you squonk and want to try a Goon, this BF-RDA is the best way to experience a modern vaping legend.

Spinfuel VAPE Review Here

Specs:

  • 25mm Diameter
  • Deep Juice Well
  • Vacuum-Plated Stainless-Steel Construction
  • Innovative Two-Post Bridge Clamp Design
  • Stainless Steel Bridge Post
  • Stainless Steel Clamps
  • Top-Secured via Knurled Hex Screws
  • PEEK Insulators
  • Dual Slotted Cyclops Airflow – AFC via Knurled Top Cap
  • 810 Delrin Wide bore Drip Tip
  • Stainless Steel Squonk-Ready 510 Pin
  • Copper-Plated 510 Connection

Contents:

  • 1 GOON 25mm RDA
  • 1 Spare Parts Bag

Geek Vape Ammit MTL RDA

BF-RDA

Ammit” is a funny word for a vape product. Especially since Geek Vape’s Ammit tank made me say “DAMMIT” more than once over the years. Because of this, I was really surprised to see the Ammit name resurrected – this time in a much-different format… an MTL-focused RDA.

 

That in itself is a pretty good reason to add the Ammit MTL to this list, because when people usually think of dripping atomizers, it’s not for snug, MTL draws. But maybe more RDAs should follow suit, rather than continuing to try to out-fog the competition.

 

The Ammit’s compact 22mm frame houses a spacious-enough single-coil deck and deep juice wells, but the real star of the show comes from the generous, adjustable 12-point airflow, which concentrates air on the coils and up the chimney, for truly nuanced flavor performance. Combined with the narrow mouthpiece, the Ammit gives unparalleled flavor performance that might even convince cloud fiends to take another look.

 

As a squonk-ready BF-RDA, the Ammit also surprised me. Not only is the experience smooth and leak-free, but the smaller diameter performs admirably. At no point did I ever struggle with flooding or gurgling, even when my sub-ohm ham fists over-squonked when I didn’t need it.

 

But, because it’s an MTL-focused BF-RDA atomizer, the Ammit can effectively make a single squonk bottle of liquid last a day or longer. This alone might get a few more vapers onboard. Then the flavor will keep them there. Impressive and unique, in a crowded field that doesn’t feature enough of either quality.

Spinfuel VAPE Review Here

Specs:

  • 22mm Diameter
  • Superior Stainless-Steel Construction
  • Dual Spacious Juice Wells
  • Dual-Layered Chamber Structure
  • Two-Post, Single Terminal Build Deck
  • Top Secured via Flathead Screws
  • Single Coil Configuration
  • Precise 3D Airflow Structure
  • 12 Airflow Adjustment Options
  • Top to Bottom Air Flow
  • 3 Airflows go Direct-to-Coil for Max Flavor
  • 3mm Opening Stainless Steel Drip Tip
  • 3mm Opening Delrin Sloped Drip Tip
  • 2mm Opening Delrin Sloped Drip Tip
  • 510 Drip Tip Connection
  • Gold-Plated 510 Connection
  • Squonk-Ready Bottom-Feeding 510 Pin
  • Available in Stainless Steel, Gold, Blue, Rainbow, Black, Gunmetal, Violet

 

Contents:

  • 1 Ammit MTL RDA
  • 1 0.7ohm Prebuilt Clapton Coil
  • 1 Stainless Steel MTL Drip Tip
  • 2 Delrin MTL Drip Tip
  • 1 Flathead Screwdriver
  • 1 Allen Key
  • 1 Spare Parts Pack
  • 1 MicroUSB Cable
  • 1 User Manual

Hades BF 24mm RDA by Hotcig

BF-RDA

The year 2018 will likely go down in vape history as the year in which simplicity returned to the forefront. But it wasn’t that long ago that seemingly every vape manufacturer was intent on delivering the “biggest” this or “more” of that. Remember sextuplet coil posts and dual-tank mods? If not, you’re better off – vaping doesn’t need to be like engineering.

 

That said, there’s still room for a little showiness and flash in vape design, which is likely why Hotcig went back to a quad post design for its Hades BF 24mm RDA. And even better, they did it while maintaining a ton of room to build and expand within the chamber. (Never mind the gold-plated exterior which looks like it was ripped off the set of “Scarface.”)

 

Now, don’t get me wrong, this bottom-feed-focused BF-RDA isn’t offering huge posts. But having four of them opens up a world of coil possibilities, which is less-common in today’s “keep it simple” vape marketplace. And, when combined with the adjustable, dual-directional airflow channels, there is sure to be countless ways to craft the Hades to your liking, no matter what style of vaping you prefer.

 

In terms of squonk performance, expect massive juice flow, even with minimal pressing of the squonk bottle. Because of this, the massive 5mm juice well isn’t just a “nice to have” – it’s a downright necessity. But even with all the free-flowing liquid capacity, I never experienced any gurgles or spatter, even when vaping at high wattages.

Specs:

  • 24mm Diameter
  • 5mm Deep Juice Well
  • Superior Stainless-Steel Construction
  • PVD Plated Color Deck – Black, Gold, Blue, Rainbow
  • Spacious Build Deck
  • Quad Post – Single Terminal Per Post
  • Top Secured via Slotted Flathead Screws
  • Single or Dual Coil Configurations
  • PEEK Insulator
  • Dual Directional Airflow System
  • External Dual Slotted Airflow
  • Internal Dual Slotted Air Channels – Two on Each Side
  • 810 ULTEM Wide bore Drip Tip
  • 510 Drip Tip Adapter
  • Gold-Plated Squonk BF 510 Pin
  • Gold-Plated 510 Connection
  • Available in Black, Blue, Gold, Rainbow, Stainless Steel

 

Contents:

  • 1 Hades RDA
  • 1 510 Drip Tip Adapter
  • 1 Standard 510 Contact Point
  • 1 Bottom Feed Squonk 510 Pin
  • 1 Spare Parts Bag

Blitz Hermetic 22mm

BF-RDA

Unlike other Top Ten rundowns, there is no significance to closing with the Blitz Hermetic 22mm BF-RDA, other than the fact that it’s awesome. Designed in collaboration with the lovingly named Suck My Mod, this single-coil, squonk-focused dripper manages to squeeze a ton of cloud production and flavor generation into a VERY compact space. And it does it with style.

 

On the outside, the Hermetic lives up to the company’s name, with brash, standout engraving and polish. It’s not going to appeal to everyone, but it’s also clear that Blitz doesn’t really care, as long as its products stand alone on store shelves.

 

Inside, a standard, but excellent T-style ceramic clamp makes it easy to place and secure coils without much fuss, and the small, but focused air slots keep flavor at the forefront of the user experience.  Overall, there’s only so much we can do with a single-coil deck, but what’s here is roomy and accessible, even within a 22mm frame.

 

That said, the Hermetic does a pretty good job clouding up a small room. I built it with a particularly low-resistance coil, attached the included 810 drip tip, and was shocked by how much flavorful vapor it produced. Even with such a simplified deck design.

 

But this simplicity makes for effortless squonking, with even juice flow across the coil, and a GARGANTUAN 9mm juice well that should keep you vaping for a while before having to refill. Yet, none of it drastically limits either the deck space or the chimney area. You’ll wonder how the Hermetic keeps it contained, but it works flawlessly. No more discussion needed.

Specs:

  • Made in Collaboration with Suck My Mod
  • 22mm Diameter
  • Optional 24mm Stylish Ring
  • 9mm Deep Juice Well
  • Superior Stainless-Steel Construction
  • Single T-Post Build Deck
  • Ceramic Clamp-Style Design
  • Terminal Shelf Openings – 4mm by 2mm
  • Top-Secured via Single Flathead Screw
  • PEEK Insulator
  • Single Coil Configuration
  • Single Side External Airflow Control
  • Six Internal Air slots – 3mm by 1mm
  • 12mm 810 Wide bore Drip Tip
  • 510 Drip Tip Adapter
  • Squonk BF 510 Pin
  • Gold Plated 510 Connection
  • Available in Black or Stainless Steel

 

Contents:

  • 1 Hermetic 22mm RDA
  • 1 Squonk 510 Pin
  • 1 510 Drip Tip Adapter
  • 1 24mm Stylish Ring
  • 1 Flathead Screw
  • 1 Spare Parts – O-Rings, Ceramic Clamp

In Closing...

Unlike so many fads and trends, the squonk vape revolution isn’t going anywhere, anytime soon. So, you can expect the BF-RDA numbers to increase before long. The list above represents what we feel is the best cross-section of looks, feels, performance and capabilities available for this format today.

 

That said, you all love to tell us how wrong we are… and we want to hear it. Let us know which bottom-feed squonk RDAs escaped our attention – we’ll certainly add it to the list if we test it and agree.

Team Spinfuel