Thursday, April 30, 2015

Subtank Mini

Hey everybody, if you've been eyeballing the SubTank Mini lately, let me be the first to tell you....pick it up. It's definitely a welcomed improvement over the original, bulkier model, and a great way to stay vaping on the go.


Let's break it down with some specifications, what's in the box, that sort of thing.

Features:
  • Dimensions: 2-1/8"L x 7/8"D(without drip tip)
  • 22mm Diameter
  • RBA Coil with PEEK Insulator
  • Glass Tank
  • Base hardware: 304 stainless steel
  • New adjustable airflow control for superior airflow
  • Mini RBA Base allows you to build your own coils
  • 510 Drip tip compatible
This Tank Includes:
  • 1 x Mini SUBTANK
  • 1 x OCC: 0.5 Sub Ohm / Range 15 - 30 W
  • 1 x OCC: 1.2 Ohm / Range 12 - 25 W
  • 1 x RBA Coil (Organic Cotton made in Japan) 
  • 1 x Three Piece RBA Unit
  • 3 x Replacement O-rings
  • 1 x Screw Driver
  • 2 X Screws
  • 1 x Manual
  • 1 x Glass Replacement Tank 

So, as you can deduce, Kanger managed to weave the RBA section into the sub-ohm capable clearomizer design once again, in a smaller, far more functional, package. Let's go over everything now!



Packaging

While I do not have a lot to say here, I would like to start by saying the Subtank Mini is packaged incredibly well. The box is very nice and heavy, with the tank itself resting within a plush liner. Underneath the plush liner you will find the included RBA base, the extra coil, tools, and spare cotton.

It is one of the nicer packagings I've seen, and while not exactly important, it feels necessary to let it be known that it is offered as a premium device, and it certainly feels so.

Build Quality

The Subtank Mini is built almost as well as it performs! The tank itself, despite being 'mini', feels quite hefty. I'd like to say it's full stainless this time, but I've yet to take a dremel to the device, however I am almost positive it is, as it is far heavier than brass. 

The tank itself resembles the original, with the red o-rings remaining clearly visible. Right off the bat, however, are a few noticeable differences

  • One, the tank no longer has screws on top, as the RBA section now threads into the base, exactly as the coil does. A HUGE plus, as switching between the coil and RBA deck on the original was a gigantic pain in the ass.
  • Instead of three holes, the Subtank Mini now boasts a cyclops style airflow. It is not a substantial increase in airflow, but it is marginally airier, which is a plus in my book.
  • The drip tip is slightly wider, with a smaller profile.
  • The device is now 22mm, allowing it to sit flush on a wide variety of devices.
  • The coil insulators are now able to withstand a higher temperature, as the originals were prone to melting when dry fired for mere seconds, or during daily use.
  • The RBA section is much, much better this time around. It features two screws, and the top cap is knurled, allowing it to easily thread off the device. The deck is noticeably wider, and lacks the flimsy feeling of the original.

Suffice to say, these are extremely well welcomed improvements. I'm a huge fan of the RBA section, which I'll get to now...

Performance

The Subtank Mini performs just as well as the original, with the bonus of a now completely functional RBA deck.

In the clearomizer setting, with the 0.5ohm coils, expect to sit at around 22 watts. It's a very enjoyable experience, with moderate sized clouds, and exceptionally well pronounced flavor, thanks to the organic cotton coils. When paired with a 30w device, it is one of my go-to setups. In fact, the Subtank Mini and iStick 30w never leave my car! I'm able to vape comfortably on the road, with the flavor I expect from a dripper, and a similar experience in vapor production - though obviously less pronounced.

I personally prefer the 1.2ohm coils, because for some reason, they seem to be able to take a bit more power. I can get them upwards to 28.5w before I start getting dry hits, however, with 60/40 juice, it's a wonderful combination of flavor and far superior vapor production compared to the 0.5ohm option.

My favorite thing about the mini, however, is the RBA deck. It is now completely functional, with a far better design. With the position of the screws and the coil in relation to the deck, building is easier, and dry hits are a thing of the past. It is no longer a chore to wick the device, and I've got it upwards to 50w with lower-ohm builds. It does have a bit of trouble keeping up with 100% VG juice, but than again, most RTA's on the market do. With a few primer puffs, however, I'm able to get quite a few hits off it at a higher wattage before I get a dry hit.

I'm a huge, huge fan of the revision of the RBA section, as it now far easier to not only install it, but to actually get into the deck. The original was quite flimsy and cheap, and mine actually separated from the base - no device will read the RBA portion now, a common problem. I've also heard of it cross threading, something I no longer have to worry about, because the new and improved deck features a knurled top cap that is removed from the actual deck, allowing the outer cap to be removed. The threads are buttery smooth, and it no longer feels like a cheap piece of metal.

The overall experience is a welcome addition to the growing line of sub-ohm capable clearomizers, and I've got to say, it is one of the finest Kanger offerings yet.



Overall, the subtank mini  greatly capitalizes on the original, becoming more than the sum of it's parts, and honestly a refined version that should have been the original. It's relatively affordable at only 32.99, and in my opinion, should be in everyone's arsenal. Get yours today at www.mtbakervapor.com using coupon code VAPOCALYPTIC for 10% off.

1 comment:

  1. If you are just getting started, eleaf es sextuple is definitely the best choice. Besides melo 300 tank has absolutely amazing flavors, produces lots of vapor, has a great battery, is extremely convenient to use. Shipping is fast and vapesourcing.com customer service is friendly. Nothing bad to say.

    ReplyDelete