What Are The Differences Between RDAs + RTAs?

It can be extremely confusing, particularly for a novice vaper, when considering the possibility of purchasing a rebuildable atomizer. We are going to try to simplify it as much as possible.

Difference Between an RDA, RTA, RDTA & Sub Ohm Tank Video

With hundreds of vaping products on the Internet and in vape shops, it’s hard to tell the difference between atomizers at first glance. We’re going to look specifically at dripping atomizers that are rebuildable (RDAs) and regular rebuildable atomizers with tanks (RTAs). First things first…

What Is a Rebuildable Atomizer?

The rebuildable atomizer is a very distinct and significant piece of vape equipment. What sets it apart from other atomizers is, of course, the fact that it is rebuildable. What does that mean? When it comes to wicks and coils, you, the user, actually build the atomizer yourself. Technically, the word “builds” actually refers to the wicks and the coils when discussing this type of atomizer.

The good news for experienced vapers is that rebuildable atomizers can be just regular tank atomizers or drip atomizers.

RDAs (Rebuildable Drip Atomizer)

As already explained, RDA stands for rebuildable drip atomizer. A mod or battery is used to heat the coils in an RDA thanks to an electrical connection between the coils and the battery. A cap (outer shell), covering the deck, can slide on or screw. Slide-on caps use O-rings and screw-on use threading. There is no tank on a rebuildable drip atomizer. Instead, the user applies their e-juice directly to the coils or wick, drop by drop. This is done, of course, after the cap is removed. Once you have dripped your e-juice onto the wick or coils, the cap is replaced, and you enjoy your vape. Some of these rebuildable drip atomizers do contain a very small well that holds a tiny amount of e-liquid (no more than 1 mm).

RTAs (Rebuildable Tank Atomizer)

RTA stands for rebuildable tank atomizer, which are rebuildable atomizers with tanks in which to hold your e-juice. A sealed metal chamber cap covers the atomizer which has a deck with posts. A tank reservoir for your e-fluid is situated around the chamber. The chamber cap and the chimney connect and are responsible for transferring vapor, for your vaping pleasure, to the drip tip. E-juice is pushed down and around the chamber tank by pressure and gravity, and into the tank. It then goes to the deck’s outer circumference up through channels and slots. The wicks are placed within these channels. As the wick saturates with your e-fluid, it is vaporized by the coils. No dripping is required with this type of RBA. And that’s good news for many.

RDTA (Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomizer)

A Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomizer, or RDTA for short, is a mixture of two different styles, an RDA and a tank. Just like an RDA, the user can drip on this device. And just like a tank, the excess liquid will be held underneath. Think of this atomizer as an “Auto-Dripper”.

The Bottom Line

Here’s the thing about dripping atomizers – experienced vaping aficionados like the intense, pure flavor that an RDA produces. In their opinion, all other vaping devices are measured against the vaping experience enjoyed through an RDA. This is, of course, a personal preference.

Your best bet is to experiment. Experimentation is one of the best ways to find out which vaping device works best for you, which e-juice flavor is your favorite, etc. Once you get really good at building and rebuilding atomizers, you can venture into regulated and unregulated mod boxes. These are customizable to give the user a better vaping experience in numerous ways. But that is for another day.