I like basic vaping.
I'm not much of a 'Hobby Vaper' - mixing specialist juice, building coils, and faffing with wicking is something i can happily take or leave tbh.
But - i have gone through the Genesis, then the Silica, and now the OCC RBA's - and whilst i appreciate the quality and affordability aspects of the RB/T A - as i'm not a cloud or flavour chaser, I'm almost as happy with a good stock coil. Living in China, surprisingly, can make vaping supplies hard to come by however. Which is where the RBA definitely shines.
My old standby, the Kanger Subtank mini, covers both of my needs, taking stock coils or RBA, and with the TopTank version, easy fill too. Coming back to Ireland for the summer, and having access to Fasttech (based in Hong Kong, free delivery around the world - except to mainland China
).
The OBS Engine Nano (Nano doesn't seem to apply to actually being small here
) is a 25mm Single coil tank - sits nicely on the Smok Alien 220W and reviews suggested that it was one of the best, and easiest Single coil RTA's to play with - and worked best with 3.5mm coils - so easier to wick. Sounded like a plan and a snip at $21.95 (>£17) delivered - so popped the order in and used the new (to me anyway) Irish post option saying less than 14 days delivery
It arrived within a fortnight - and was more than happy. Usual packaging, nice box, spare tank, o-rings, one pre-made coil, Cotton etc.
The tank seems pretty big in comparison to my previous tanks, but due to its diameter, it’s actually not taller than my KST - but alleges to hold 5ml. Top or rather side fill – just slide up and squirt in, works well, although works best if you tilt at around 45 degrees.
The build deck is a great size, due to it being 25mm, and with the terminals being offset (one higher than the other – or lower if you prefer) it makes popping the wire in pretty easy too. One tip, wind the wire anti-clockwise as it works better. Having experimented a bit (on my fourth coil set up) 3.5mm coils seem to work better and even a 4mm would fit nicely. Not only does this benefit me, as I prefer higher ohm vapes (currently a 3.5mm Clapton 26/32 A1 on board – 1.008Ohms), but the wicking is also a doddle. The extra coil diameter making threading the cotton so much more convenient – especially for those with older eyes. The hex screws and provided allen work together well – simple enough and getting it tight not a problem.
The stock drip tip is pretty good – but also treated myself to a wide bore 510 compatible DT from FT too – which I prefer.
The top airflow is good, slightly stiff, which is a good thing as it stays in place once set. With the set-up i have I tend to prefer it about halfway open – more of a MTL vaper anyway. The top airflow does seem to make spit back an issue if the wicking isn’t quite right – not a huge issue, but mentioning just in case that’s a deal breaker for some.
The tank itself has 2 slots on the base (one fat, one thin) with the matching ‘prongs’ on the tank part. Line it up correctly and you’ll hear a slight click, and then just screw the 2 parts together. Takes a little getting used to but after a couple of times, it’s simple enough and can be done upside down too.
All the threads are smooth, general build quality excellent for the price point – good spares, with the extra glass too.
PROSBuild deck size – easy to work with, good size options for coils – makes threading the wick easy, offset coil terminals too.
single coil – perfect for my preferences
5ml capacity – well holds at least 3.5ml of juice without overfilling – so keeps me happy
Side top fill – takes most juice bottle refils – and no issues with juice accidentally going down the chimney
Can take it apart and rest the tank on its drip tip, with no leakage
ConsWith smaller coils the spit back seems to increase
The side top fill slide panel can need wiping from juice
The drip tip occasionally has slight juice condensation – so the cup needs a wipe
25mm – so won’t sit on too many older mods, like the standard Pico
The grove/prong design for the base and tank, has a slight learning curve, as does the wicking
Performance Once I got over using the initial wow of using the .3Ohm coil it came with, which was good, but not my preference, and built a higher ohm coil (3.5mm 1Ohm Clapton) I must admit that I haven’t enjoyed a vape as much since I got my first Kayfun Lite. Not comparing the quality of the atty, but the quality and Shape of the Vape. It really is about spot on for me at around 26W’s (with the High initial setting on the Alien) – but the same build still performs and wicks like a champ at the Alien’s full 220W’s if you like that sort of thing.
Just measured the Juice capacity - using the tilt at 45 degrees method - and got 4ml to my usual filling point. Could possibly squeeze more in but don't need to.
There may be RTA’s that suit your style os vaping, and degree of expertise in coiling etc better- but for those of us who enjoy simple, easy, Single Coils – and have a mod that will fit 25mm – got to say this is a joy to build, a terrific vape – and for the price point especially for an ‘Authentic’ product – well worth investigating.
I’ll be heading back to China in September, happy that I have a cracking vape available to build, without the worry of running out of coil heads, and the Wismec Sinuous on its way for a single battery option.