TANKS

What are the different types of tanks I can use for an ecig?

Tanks have come a long way since we opened back in 2013, from clearomizer disposables and cartomizers to the iconic Aspire Nautilus I tank, Kayfun rebuildables and SMOK TFV8 tanks, we’ve seen the evolution through to the current generation of sub-ohm, mesh-based units. It’s pretty overwhelming trying to navigate through all the tank varieties, so here’s a basic breakdown of types:

Pod systems: Great for all levels of user experience.
The first type of tank commonly used in vaping is actually a “pod” system, usually these are disposable or limited-use tanks with either built-in or removable coils. Some can be refilled, while others are simply pre-filled with liquid and sealed during manufacturing. Examples would be JUUL and Kilo 1K pods, SMOK Nord, Novo II and Trinity devices as well as Lost Vape Orion and VooPoo Find S Trio devices. Pod systems are an excellent introductory option for users seeking simplicity and ease of use in a compact design. Adjustable power settings or airflow may not be an option with some of the more basic pod systems.

Non-sub-ohm tanks: Beginner/intermediate experience and above.
A second tank option would be the more traditional pre-sub-ohm versions, such as the Aspire Nautilus I and more recent Nautilus II. These tanks generally support low to mid-range wattage output and are a great choice for the novice user, who doesn’t need to create vast plumes of vapor but wants a more permanent, reusable option than pod systems. While the Nautilus II does support sub-ohm coils, it’s typically used by people with standard coils in the range of 1.0 to 1.8 ohms. Generally you’ll find tanks a significant step-up in both vapor production and flavor from the pod systems.

Sub-ohm tanks: Intermediate users and above.
Sub-ohm tanks were a true evolutionary step in vaping, allowing us to increase the temperature of devices to produce more vapor, coupled with improved coil design to both increase the airflow and life of a coil, as well as producing near-impeccable flavor. Sub-ohm tanks generally support wattage power levels in excess of 50 watts, with many operating near and over 100 watts. Increased tank capacity is normally incorporated with adjustable airflow, removable drip tips and the recent addition of mesh coils. Traditionally coils in sub-ohm tanks would feature a design that utilized a single wire, encircled within the cotton at the center. Mesh coils replaced the single wire with, you guessed it, a sheet of metal mesh instead, allowing the coil to wick more quickly, freely and evenly throughout, in turn producing cleaner flavor profiles and a longer life-cycle with each coil.

RDA/RTA tanks: Experienced intermediate and expert-level users only.
You may also hear the term RDA or RTA used in reference to types of tanks, these are rebuildable dripper atomizers and rebuildable tank atomizers respectively. A dripper involves an open deck with a custom-built, easily-exposed coil, covered by a removable top-cap. Liquid is applied directly to the cotton in the coil and reapplied regularly as the cotton begins to dry. Dripping allows the user to build their own preferred-resistance coil, which allows for more direct control of the volume of vapor and of the heat that is output. Lower resistances generally increase the vapor and temperature of the vapor accordingly and arguably produce the most accurate flavor profiles. RDA systems utilize a similar option to build your own coil, while retaining the deck within a closed tank container, meaning regular reapplication of liquid is not required like it is with a “dripper.” RDA and RTA tanks are specifically intended for competent, long-term vape users who are familiar with the mechanics of building coils, calculating ohm resistance and understanding the importance of battery output and safety. We do NOT recommend RTA or RDA tanks for beginners, though we are always happy to train people on how to set them up and use them when they are ready to make the transition. We suggest that if you are interested in, but unfamiliar with, these types of tanks that you visit one of our retail locations in person so that we can offer you hands-on training and knowledge on building and using them. While RDA and RTA tanks are usually the most powerful vapor-production options available to serious users, these systems can also be potentially dangerous if you are unfamiliar with the mechanics required in building them, checking the ohm resistance and understanding battery output. Always seek help when initially venturing into the realm of DIY vaping.