RTA Atomisers: A Vaper's Guide

Understanding RTA Atomisers: A Comprehensive Guide

For those venturing into the world of vaping beyond the basic starter kits, understanding the different types of atomisers is paramount. Among the most popular and versatile options are Rebuildable Tank Atomisers, commonly known as RTAs. If you've encountered terms like RDA and RDTA and found yourself a bit lost, you're in the right place. This guide will demystify the RTA, explain its place within the broader category of Rebuildable Atomisers (RBAs), and help you understand its advantages over other types, particularly the RDA. We'll also touch upon what makes an RTA truly 'leakproof' and highlight some key considerations for choosing the right one for your vaping journey.

The Foundation: Rebuildable Atomisers (RBAs)

Before we delve into the specifics of RTAs, it's essential to grasp the concept of Rebuildable Atomisers (RBAs). As the name suggests, RBAs are atomisers that vapers can rebuild themselves. This means you have the complete freedom to customise your coil's resistance, the wicking material, and how the e-liquid is delivered. This customisation is what allows for tailored flavour profiles, denser clouds, and an overall more personalised vaping experience. The RBA category is further broken down into three main types: RDA, RTA, and RDTA.

What is an RTA? The Rebuildable Tank Atomiser Explained

An RTA, or Rebuildable Tank Atomiser, is a type of atomiser that ingeniously combines the customisation of an RDA with the convenience of a tank. Unlike an RDA, which requires you to manually drip e-liquid onto the coils for each puff, an RTA features a built-in reservoir or tank that holds your e-liquid. This e-liquid is then wicked up to the coils via cotton or other wicking material, providing a continuous supply of juice. This means you can enjoy longer vaping sessions without the constant need to re-drip.

The structure of an RTA typically includes a build deck where you install your custom coils, a chamber to house the atomiser, and a glass or metal tank section for e-liquid storage. Airflow is usually directed through the base or sides of the atomiser and then up through the coils, delivering vapour to the mouthpiece. The presence of a metal chamber and cap is a key feature that helps to prevent leaks, a common concern with some other atomiser types.

RDA vs. RTA: Key Differences and Benefits

The debate between RDAs and RTAs is a long-standing one in the vaping community, and for good reason. Both offer a superior vaping experience compared to pre-built coil tanks, but they cater to different user preferences.

In essence, if you prioritise the absolute purest flavour and thickest clouds and don't mind the ritual of dripping, an RDA might be for you. However, if you want that customisation and flavour enhancement but with the practicality of carrying more e-liquid and enjoying longer, uninterrupted vaping sessions, an RTA is likely the better choice.

Introducing the RDTA: The Best of Both Worlds?

The RDTA, or Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomiser, attempts to bridge the gap between RDAs and RTAs. It features an RTA-style tank for e-liquid storage but uses an RDA-style deck where wicks dangle down into the tank. This design aims to provide the flavour and cloud production of an RDA with the convenience of a tank. While RDTAs can offer a compelling vaping experience, they can sometimes be more prone to leaks and require a bit more fiddling to get just right.

What Makes an RTA Leakproof?

Leakage is a common frustration for vapers, and when it comes to RTAs, the design of the airflow system plays a crucial role. The most effective way to achieve a leakproof RTA is through top-to-bottom or top-to-top airflow. This means that the air intake is located at the top of the atomiser, and it travels down to the coils before being drawn back up into the mouthpiece. This sealed airflow path significantly reduces the chances of e-liquid escaping through air holes, especially when the tank is refilled or the device is moved.

Products like the Vandy Vape Kylin M Pro RTA are specifically marketed for their leak-resistant design, often employing this top-airflow mechanism. When choosing an RTA, look for features that indicate a well-sealed and intelligently designed airflow system. A secure connection between the tank, chamber, and base is also vital.

Pros and Cons of Using an RTA

Like any vaping component, RTAs come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• Convenience: The built-in tank allows for longer vaping sessions without constant refilling.
• Flavour and Clouds: Offers excellent flavour and cloud production, comparable to RDAs.
• Cost-Effective: While the initial rebuildable setup might seem daunting, building your own coils is significantly cheaper than constantly buying pre-made coils.
• Customisation: You have full control over coil resistance, wire type, and wicking for a personalised vape.
• Less E-liquid Carrying: You don't need to carry a separate bottle of e-liquid for constant re-dripping.

Cons:

• Learning Curve: Building and wicking an RTA can be more complex than using a standard tank with pre-built coils.
• Potential for Leaks: If not wicked or assembled correctly, RTAs can still leak.
• Flavour Intensity: Some purists argue that the e-liquid path in an RTA can slightly mute the flavour intensity compared to an RDA's direct contact.
• Coil Limitations: While you can build custom coils, the size and type of coils you can fit are limited by the RTA's build deck.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Is an RTA suitable for beginners?

While RTAs offer great benefits, they do have a steeper learning curve than standard sub-ohm tanks. Beginners might find it easier to start with a simpler tank and then move to an RTA once they are more familiar with vaping terminology and basic coil building.

Q2: What kind of coils should I use in an RTA?

This depends entirely on your RTA's build deck and your personal preference. You can use simple Kanthal wire for mouth-to-lung or restricted direct-lung vaping, or more complex builds like claptons, fused claptons, or mesh for direct-lung vaping with increased surface area for flavour and clouds. Always ensure your coil fits comfortably within the build deck and doesn't touch the chamber walls.

Q3: How do I prevent my RTA from leaking?

Proper wicking is key. Ensure your cotton is snug in the coil but not too tight, and that the wicking ports are adequately covered by cotton. Also, make sure all seals and O-rings are in place and that the tank is screwed together tightly. Top-airflow designs are inherently more leak-resistant.

Q4: Can I use any e-liquid in an RTA?

Yes, you can use any e-liquid. However, high-VG liquids can be thicker and may require more attention to wicking to ensure proper saturation. If you're using a mesh coil, you'll generally get better results with higher VG liquids for denser clouds.

Q5: What is the difference between a single coil RTA and a dual coil RTA?

A single coil RTA has a build deck designed for one coil, typically offering a more restricted airflow and a focus on flavour. A dual coil RTA has a deck that can accommodate two coils, usually providing more airflow and larger cloud production, but also consuming more e-liquid and battery power.

Conclusion: Is an RTA Right for You?

Rebuildable Tank Atomisers (RTAs) represent a significant step up in customisation and control for vapers. They offer a compelling blend of the flavour and cloud-chasing capabilities of RDAs with the practicality and convenience of a tank system. While there's a learning curve involved in building and wicking, the rewards of a personalised vaping experience, cost savings, and longer vaping sessions make RTAs a highly sought-after option. By understanding the differences between atomiser types and paying attention to features like top-airflow designs for leak resistance, you can confidently choose an RTA that perfectly suits your vaping style.

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