ThunderCloud Recoil R3 RDA
The ThunderCloud Recoil R3 is an old-school RDA melded with modern enhancements. Visually, it’s practically indistinguishable from previous versions, but the internal design has been completely overhauled. It features an angled postless build deck, swappable airflow inserts, and a highly efficient squonking system. It’s also compatible with 810, 510, and Recoil-style drip tips. Available in six colorways.
It’s always exciting to find out which new RDAs are coming out, but it’s also nice to know which ones are already tried and true. Our list includes atomizers that are accessible, reliable performers, and feature quality manufacturing. Whether you are looking for beginner-friendly RDAs, flavor RDAs, or cloud-chucking RDAs, our list has you covered.
If you want a quick primer on what an RDA is, what to expect, and the advantages over other types of vape tanks, keep reading below. Our guide will walk you through all the basics.
What is an RDA?
An RDA (rebuildable dripping atomizer) is what its name implies: a rebuildable atomizer made for dripping e-liquid directly on its coils and wicks.
A typical RDA has a build deck at the base of the atomizer, where the user installs the coils. While RTAs and RDTAs feature tank sections and wick holes, RDAs have a basic juice well at the bottom of the build deck to hold e-liquid. The wick tails are placed into the well, touching the bottom. Generally, the juice well does not offer as much capacity as a tank, so the vaper must continuously add e-juice (“drip”) to prevent the wicks from getting dry.
Unlike RTAs or sub ohm tanks, an RDA does not usually have a chimney section. Instead, a top cap sits on the build deck, and vapor rises straight up to the drip tip. Airflow may be fed to the coils from the bottom, sides, or top (or a combination of these). Typically, the user can adjust the airflow to suit their vaping style.
Different types of RDAs
RDAs come in a variety of sizes and styles. They range from a diminutive 14 mm diameter to 40 mm or more. The most common diameters are 22 mm, 24 mm, and 25 mm with single- or dual-coil build decks. RDAs are constructed from various metals, including stainless steel, brass, and copper, and most offer several color options. The airflow styles often cater to restricted direct lung (RDL) and direct lung (DL) vapers; however, a few mouth-to-lung (MTL) RDAs are also available.
Build decks can also be found in a great variety of configurations. In the past, most RDAs had three posts (one shared post in the middle) or two shared posts. Two-post (quad-terminal) Velocity-style RDAs were the first big evolution, and became the most popular deck style for years. Clamping systems later gained traction after the success of the Goon RDA in 2016. However, the following year, the Hellvape Dead Rabbit and Digiflavor Drop changed the game again. They simultaneously reimagined the concept of drop-down postless RDA decks. This style has continued to evolve, but the core concept is commonly used in many RDAs today.
Most RDAs include an optional hollow positive pin, allowing them to be used on special bottom-feeding mods called squonkers. A squonk mod has a plastic bottle for e-liquid that the user squeezes to channel juice to the bottom-fed (BF) atomizer. They’re a fantastic option for vapers who don’t want to carry around juice bottles and constantly drip all day.
Cloud RDAs vs. flavor RDAs
RDAs are generally categorized as being ideal for clouds, flavor, or both.
Cloud-chasing RDAs are designed for direct lung vapers. They typically have room for two or more large-diameter coils like Claptons, Aliens, and other complex wire styles. These RDAs also have large airflow slots to generate immense, thick clouds of vapor. Back when cloud competitions were popular, these super-airy atomizers were sometimes referred to as “competition RDAs.”
On the other hand, flavor RDAs offer less airflow and are mostly intended for restricted direct-lung vapers. They often have a 22 mm diameter, although some are smaller and larger. The condensed chamber and restricted airflow are the perfect recipe for generating intense flavor, but many of them also offer decent cloud production.
Advantages of RDAs
Many vapers prize RDAs for their exemplary flavor and feel they’re superior to other types of atomizers in this regard. Much of this stems from the short vapor path. After the coils vaporize the liquid, the vapor travels only a few millimeters before reaching your mouth. The result is purer flavor and a warmer vape experience.
Additionally, RDAs are ideal for trying several juices quickly. A few drops of juice are enough to tell most vapers whether that new bottle of e-liquid is a keeper. You can always vape your cotton until it’s nearly dry and then switch to a new flavor. Or, if you’re a flavor purist, you’re more likely to do a quick rewick. Which brings us to the next point.
RDAs are the easiest style of atomizer to wick. With RTAs and RDTAs, the wicking channels must be carefully blocked off to prevent flooding and dry hits. But with RDAs, the cotton just needs to touch the bottom of the juice well. Just make sure your wick fits nicely inside the coil (neither too loose nor too tight). That’s it! Expert wicking skills are not required. RDAs also have fewer pieces (cap, deck, drip tip) compared to most rebuildables, so they’re much easier to clean and maintain.
Lastly, RDAs (and rebuildables in general) are a great way to cut down on your vaping expenses. The cost of wire and cotton is considerably less than replacement coil heads. Handmade Aliens and other fancy coils can be costly, but they can be reused for months if well maintained. And as a bonus, you’ll never have to worry about your favorite coil heads being discontinued.
Should you buy an RDA?
If you enjoy building your own coils and are after amazing flavor and vapor production, RDAs are your best bet. When built correctly, RDAs will give you the best performance vaping has to offer. And if you’re concerned about liquid capacity, squonk RDAs are a simple solution. The bottles of squonk mods will provide an extra 5-10 mL of e-liquid to your bottom-fed RDA, and make using them far more convenient.
If rebuildables are not your thing, don’t worry. Modern sub ohm and MTL tanks are high performers, and many of them give comparable results to RDAs. But when you’re ready, give RDAs a chance. The results might have you wondering why you didn’t try them sooner!
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