Types of RDA Vaporizers
RDA vaporizers, known as Rebuildable Dripping Atomizers, are a popular choice among vaping enthusiasts because of the control and flexibility they delivered in the process. Rather than utilising pre-made coils like many other atomizers, an RDA allows users to construct their own coils and wick them, tailoring the vaping experience. Various options are available on the market.
Single Coil RDA
An RDA operating with a single coil is a rather simple device. Compared to dual-coil devices, it only uses one coil. The build is a much simpler process, which makes them suitable for beginners. They give a tighter draw. This results in a concentrated flavour and, therefore, requires less e-liquid. There are multiple options for single-coil RDAs on the market today. They all have varying airflow configurations and deck designs and will affect the flavour and vaping experience.
Dual Coil RDA
A dual-coil RDA is an RDA that uses two coils concurrently. This type of RDA can give more vapour production. The resulting flavour profiles will also be much richer as they balance each other out during the draw. Their designs have at least one deck that supports dual coil configurations. Usually, dual-coil RDAs have broader airflow to support the heftier vapour production. They are favoured by seasoned vapers who enjoy bigger clouds and a more intense flavour.
Squonk RDA
Squonk RDAs come with an integrated reservoir. They can also squeeze the bottle to feed e-liquid directly to the wick as required. The main advantage of a squonk RDA is that it reduces the need to manually drip e-liquid all the time, which can be quite inconvenient. The users can enjoy a longer vaping session without having to refill constantly. They are compatible with bottom-feeding (BF) vapour mods only. These vapour mods have a squonk bottle inside them.
Capillary RDA
This RDA employs capillary wicking systems. These systems are designed to draw e-liquid from a certain reservoir through capillary action. They aim to provide a more consistent e-liquid delivery. This delivery translates to fewer dry hits and better overall flavour. These models are still relatively new in this market. They are RDA hybrids with features such as a traditional RDA and an MTL (Mouth To Lung) atomiser. They are favoured by vapers searching for a more reliable and flavour-efficient vaping experience.
Industry Trends of RDA Vaporizers
The RDA market has been developing continuously, embracing creative designs and technology due to the desire for better vaping experiences. Here are some of the notable trends in this industry.
- Increased popularity of squonk RDAs: Squonk RDAs have begun to explode in popularity. This is chiefly due to the convenience factor they offer. They provide an easier method of e-liquid management by integrating squonk bottles, which reduces the need for frequent dripping. This makes them especially appealing to vapers who prefer longer sessions without having to refill their tanks constantly, such as those using RDA vaporizers in heavy-duty or transport-based conditions.
- Growing demand for user-friendly designs: As the RDA segment extends its appeal beyond expert vapers and aims for new customers, demand for user-friendly designs has increased. Manufacturers address this need by creating RDAs with simpler build options. Some of the newer models, especially those aimed at the new RDA enthusiasts market, feature single coil setups, which are way easier to install.
- Rise of high-capacity RDAs: RDAs that carry higher e-liquid capacity are becoming popular. These models are designed so that they can hold more e-liquid at a time. They are always quite advantageous in that they enable lengthier vaping sessions without the need for a refill. They are especially appealing to commercial customers and those in the hospitality industry, such as purveyors of vaping products, because they can satisfy a larger user base with a single product.
- Increased focus on materials and safety: As awareness of health issues related to vaping rises, the focus on RDA materials and safety increased. Many customers now request titanium or stainless-steel RDAs since they are safer and reduce the risks related to other metal-based vapouriser components. These materials also offer improved durability and can resist wear and tear.
How to Choose RDA Vaporizer
One needs to consider several factors when choosing an RDA vapouriser. Here are some key.
- The coil system: This is the first factor to consider. Single-coil vapourisers, in general, are much easier to build and operate, making them a suitable option for newbie vapers. Dual-coil vapourisers can provide more intensity of flavour and a richer experience but will require advanced building skills. Squonk vapourisers are pretty convenient, but the users are required to have a squonk mod.
- Airflow: Airflow affects vapour production and flavour. Adjustable airflow RDAs give more control over the vaping experience. This enables the users to tweak the airflow to match their tastes. Restricted airflow RDAs provide a MTL experience which is a tighter draw. This is why they are a great option for those who love smoking cigarettes.
- Material and build quality: The material will affect the RDA's durability and overall performance. An RDA made of stainless steel or titanium is more robust and can handle higher temperatures. Also, RDAs constructed of these materials are probably going to be safer since they are less likely to release harmful substances when heated.
- Compatibility: An RDA needs to be compatible with existing devices. One also has to consider the RDA when squonk vapourisers or other systems.
Maintenance of RDA Vaporizers
- Wick and coil maintenance: The RDA needs at least weekly maintenance to ensure optimum performance. One of the most critical types of maintenance is wick and coil maintenance. The RDA should be refurbished, with worn-out coils replaced and old ones washed, roughly every 3-5 days, depending on the usage of the device. The vaper needs to keep an eye out for any dry or discoloured hotspots on the coils. These are signs that the coils are either old or damaged and need replacement. It is also important to ensure there is no e-liquid residue on the atomiser. It will affect the overall taste of the e-liquid. A mixture of warm water and an udder's cleaning solution can be used to soak the components of the RDA.
- Deck cleaning: The vapourisation deck of an RDA needs to be cleaned to maintain optimal performance. E-liquid can build up over time, causing blockages or affecting flavour. Users should give the deck a quick wipe with a cotton swab or cloth after each refill. For a more thorough clean, the deck can be soaked in warm water weekly.
- Proper e-liquid usage: For optimal performance, users should prime their coils by saturating them with e-liquid before use. This prevents dry hits and extends coil life. During use, they should ensure their wick remains adequately saturated. This will help maintain consistent flavour and vapour production. Users can manage e-liquid levels effectively by choosing an RDA with a larger capacity.
- Regular inspections: Users should periodically check their RDA for signs of wear and tear. These may include damage to the deck or airflow components. Identifying these issues early on will ensure the user's device remains in top condition over prolonged usage.
Q & A
Q1: What is the main advantage of using an RDA compared to other vapourisers?
The biggest advantage of using an RDA is that it provides control over coil builds and e-liquid delivery. This customisability allows users to achieve more concentrated flavours and denser vapour. One does not need to worry about running out of e-liquid because an RDA has a larger capacity than other types of vapourisers.
Q2: Are there any new RDA models in the market for 2024?
Yes, there will be more models, particularly RDAs focused on easy user experience and efficiency. There have been many squonk RDAs manufactured to meet the demand because squonking is a more convenient method of vaping.
Q3: What materials should the users consider when buying an RDA?
Users should consider stainless-steel and titanium RDAs since they are more durable and are generally safer to use. These materials do not oxidise as easily as others and can therefore withstand wear and tear from regular usage.
Q4: When is the right time to replace an RDA?
Frequency cleaning and replacing the coils and wick will largely depend on usage. When the wicks become overly charred or breaks down, that is the right time for replacing them. The coils are also replaced when they frequently give dry hits or have discoloured spots.
Q5: What should one do to ensure that their RDA lasts for a long time?
The user needs to handle the RDA carefully and clean it regularly and will, therefore, ensure that it lasts for longer. Also, ensuring appropriate e-liquid usage and inspecting components periodically can go a long way in maintaining the RDA's functionality.
