RTA, RDA & RDTA

How do I choose a rebuildable atomizer?

A rebuildable atomizer is sold without a coil built in: inside, a bare deck takes the resistance wire that you install yourself, then the cotton that surrounds it. This is equipment designed for vapers who already know their way around a vape kit, not for a first e-cigarette.

RTA, RDA or RDTA: what is the difference?

The RTA, like the Zeus X RTA, the Requiem RTA or the Bonza Pro RTA, pairs the rebuildable deck with a tank that surrounds it: you fill once and vape for several hours. The RDA, or dripper, like the Serpent BF RDA or the Tauren Solo RDA V1.5, has no conventional tank: you drip the e-liquid straight onto the cotton, drop after drop. The RDTA, like the Profile RDTA, combines a rebuildable deck and a tank, with a different design from an RTA. Other products such as the Dead Rabbit 4 RTA Pro, the Dead Rabbit Mini RTA, the Dead Rabbit Solo 2 RTA, the Fat Rabbit RTA 2, the Sapor RTA 22mm, the AN RTA and the Blaze Solo 2 RTA complete the RTA family.

The deck, the resistance wire and the cotton

Building is done in three steps: the resistance wire is wound around a tool to form the coil, fixed onto the deck, then covered with cotton that feeds the wick with e-liquid. The shape of the wire (round, flat, woven) and the number of wraps change the feel in the mouth and the power needed. The cotton must be cut and placed neither too tight nor too loose, to avoid leaks or a burnt taste.

What value in ohms should I aim for?

The value in ohms of a build depends on the wire used and the number of wraps: the lower it is, the more vapour and heat you get, and the higher it is, the tighter the draw. These atomizers are designed for an RDL to DL draw, between tight MTL and very airy DL. An ohm meter, or a box mod that displays the resistance before each use, remains the safest way to check your build.

Who are these atomizers for?

These atomizers are for vapers who already know how to build a coil and fit cotton. If you are just starting out, a tank with a ready-made coil remains the simplest choice: no fiddling, just a coil to replace from time to time. You can find the whole family on the Tanks and Atomizers page.

Find your rebuildable atomizer by brand

Frequently asked questions

Do I need experience to use a rebuildable atomizer?

Yes, a rebuildable atomizer requires you to know how to build a coil and fit cotton before first use. Without that experience, it is better to start with a tank that has a ready-made coil, then move on to a rebuildable once you are comfortable with your equipment.

Can I use the cotton supplied straight away?

The cotton supplied with a rebuildable atomizer is used once it has been cut to the right length and placed under the coil, never straight from the packaging. A quick rinse before first use removes manufacturing residue and avoids an off taste at the start.

Which box mod should I pair with an RTA or RDA?

Any box mod with a 510 connector suits a rebuildable atomizer, as long as it displays the resistance before each puff and covers the power range needed for the build you have made. That display is what lets you check that the build is correct before you vape.

Why choose an RDA rather than an RTA?

An RDA like the Serpent BF RDA generally offers more flavour than an RTA, as there is no tank isolating the build from the surrounding air, but it needs re-wetting every few puffs. An RTA, with its e-liquid reserve, is better suited to long use without interruption.

See also

• Tanks and Atomizers: the whole family, tanks and rebuildables.
• Sub Ohm and MTL Tanks: the ready-made coil, with no building.