Sub Tank

Hello everybody! Today, I'll be sharing my thoughts on the Kanger SubTank that MtBakerVapor graciously gave me the opportunity to do so! Lets get to it!

The Kanger Sub Tank is KangerTechs answer to the Aspire Atlantis - sub-ohm capability in a clearomizer....but their's more. One thing the Atlantis lacks is a rebuidable section - something that the Sub Tank has, and executes well. Users have the option of using pre included coils ohming in at 0.5 and 1.2, or you can build your own coil, kayfun style. Many are wondering who came out on top - the Atlantis or the Kangertech. Personally, they both have their flaws, but one thing is sure - vaping is evolving, and the advancements we're seeing are pretty kickass. Let's go over the tank.

Kanger SUBTANK Clearomizer

Thread Type: 510

Tank Capacity: 6ml

RBA Capacity: 4.2ml

Tank Material: Glass tub and Stainless Steel

Packaging

What I like most about the packaging is  that this thing is packaged beautifully - immediately upon removing it from the envelope, I knew I had a quality piece of hardware. I wish I could show off the internals and how neatly everything was tucked away, but come on guys - I tore into this thing! The box is gigantic. Inside, you'll find

x1 Subtank

x1 0.5 ohm OCC (organic cotton coil)

x1 1.2 ohm OCC (organic cotton coil)

x1 RBA coil

x1 RBA connector

x1 1 screwdriver

x2 screws

x1 manual

AND some organic Japanese cotton!

To be brief, the contents are packaged securely, the manual is surprisingly well written, and the overall packaging just exudes quality.

Build Quality 

The Sub Tank is built like, well.. a tank. The 25mm version is pretty hefty, what with it being completely stainless steel. The tank boasts some incredibly thick pyrex, and although I'd advise you never drop it, something tells me it could withstand a fall or two better than previous KangerTech tanks. The upper glass is secured by a glaringly red o-ring, something you will love or completely hate. The bottom is secured by threading into the base which seats your coil, and personally I think these are some very, very well machined threads.

One slight drawback is that the base of the Sub Tank clocks in at 25mm - it will not sit flush on your standard 18650 modes, but it does look incredibly sleek on a majority of boxes, as well as 26650 mods. The 510 is spring loaded, and I recommend staying away from hybrid connections - I fried a battery by trying to use it in hybrid mode, and although it could have been a fluke, I will not be taking the chance again.

RTA top-portion

If you wish to use it in clearomizer mode, simply remove the base, and install your coil. If you wish to use it in RTA mode, you must unscrew the upper portion of the tank, and install the shorter version built to accompany the chimney and deck of the RTA section. The screws thread in and out easily, but they are pretty cheap - quality screwdrivers only. The included RTA section is than threaded into the same place you would install your coil. The RTA deck itself feels incredibly sturdy, with well machined juice wells. The chimney, however, is kind of thin for stainless - though I have yet to have a problem threading it, I'd recommend caution and a light hand - I can definitely see it seizing with too much force. I'd also like to mention that you should probably pickup some knurled screws, as I had very little success trapping wire thinner than 26g - the included screws are just too small.

One thing I would like to point out - and this is the only negative thing I have to say about the device - is that the included manufacturer coils are indeed chrome plated brass. It goes without saying it is a cost cutting method, entirely stainless steel coils just aren't practical - however for safety reasons, exercise caution. Brass may contain lead, and lead + acidic juice + high temperatures = not a good time. I was able to reveal the brass with a screw driver, but over the course of two weeks noticed no chips in the chrome otherwise. I would definitely recommend routine examination of your coil in between top ups, discarding it if you see any of the plating flaking off. Is it dangerous? Well, the studies aren't out, and we have yet to see ANY case of lead poisoning...but it's better to be safe, than sorry!

Performance (clearomizer)

The clearomizer mode is probably my favorite setting. Essentially, the concept is as simple any other bottom coil tank. You unscrew the base, fill up, and install your coil...similar to the pro tank 2, 3, aero tank, etc. Who would've thought that after getting into mechanicals and dripping, I'd find myself with a kanger tank?

Let me just say....it kicks ass. The clearomizer section holds 6ml of juice. It has three airflow settings, and although the widest setting is just a bit tighter than the Atlantis, it still can chuck some pretty impressive vapor. I found that even though air flow was a bit restricted, the flavor was out of this world - thanks to the organic cotton nestled inside the coil. It has an incredibly pure taste, so much so that I began to like juice I previously couldn't stand in other tanks!

I prefer the 1.2 ohm coil, at 22.5 watts it is a great balance of vapor and flavor production. I found that the 0.5 ohm had to be run at a similar setting, not able to handle much power. I managed to get a few burnt hits around 32-35 watts, so make sure to stay under 30. On the other side, it's great for those looking to conserve their battery, as it isn't as "power hungry" as the atlantis.

What I like most about the clearomizer setting is with such a large capacity, it is easy to fill it up and take it with you when you can't drip - running errands, driving, etc. This thing + my Cana 30w is a god send in traffic, saving me from every having to drip at a red light again! I love the fact that I can leave it in my car, hop it, and be good to vape. I'd also like to mention it has not yet leaked a DROP of e-liquid, something I was surprisingly impressed by.

To be perfecting honestly, this thing is revolutionary. To think that just last year, most of us were using the iClear 30, evod, pro tank 2, etc. It's remarkable how fast the industry has evolved!

Performance (RTA mode)

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better, the Sub Tank also capitalized on the RTA craze, providing a seperate deck that allows the user to build and install their own coils! It performs very similar to a Kayfun - the deck has a positive and negative terminal, with the coil leads being "trapped" under each wire. I will go out and say I absolutely hate building like this, it is a royal pain in the ass, but that's just me - I was never good at building kayfuns. Once you have your coil installed, you than feed your cotton through, saturate it, making sure not to block your juice channels. Than, you take the RTA "cover" and screw it atop the base - ensuring that no part of your coil touches it - and than install your chimney. In order to use the RTA base, you must remove the top section of the Sub Tank and install the smaller portion, which is as simply as unscrewing and screwing two screws. Essentially, this works works like so

Coil is installed, tank is full. Your wick rests above the wells, and as you vape, the positive pressure inside the tank changes, pulling juice to the wick. When you stop, the vacuum that you created pulls the liquid back to the tank. Essentially. I personally recommend you look up a video on proper building/wicking technique, as it can be tricky - with higher VG juice, I had trouble with dry hits. 

Fortunately (for me) this isn't a building tutorial - once I got a good build going (I personally found my favorite setup to be twisted 28g wire, 8 wrap, wicked with organic cotton) this thing performed as well, if not better, than any kayfun I've ever had. When you get it going, it wicks incredibly well, and dry hits become a thing of the past - though it is a lot easier if you use a 60/40 vg/pg juice, or 50/50 - it can struggle with max VG.

The flavor is incredibly robust, bringing out notes in juice I couldn't detect before. It does have restricted air flow, but I was able to comfortably do lung inhales without too much trouble. I did have to keep it wide open, as anything less was a bit uncomfortable for me. To those of you who enjoy the kayfun experience, you will feel right at home with the Sub Tank - it performs as you'd expect an RTA too, chucking out tons of flavor, and respectable clouds. I kind of wish it had a larger capacity, but honestly it wasn't too much of a hassle. Refilling is done by unscrewing the base, which is great, because I hate messing around with leaky fill ports. In RTA mode, it did leak once, but it was my fault - make absolutely SURE the screws that hold the top portion of the tank are completely secure, or you will loose pressure and have a bad time.

Overall, the subtank was a very pleasant surprise - Aspire shook the world up, but thanks to their vision, us consumers are subjected to innovation at nearly every corner, with the Sub Tank being at the fore front of just that. It's sleek, it's a quality device, and it isn't overly complicated. In clearomizer mode, it performs wonderfully, and in RTA mode it is equally impressive. I love that Kanger included the RTA base, as it provides a huge variety in one small package. I do wish that they would get rid of the damn brass, 'cause if they did, they'd have one of the absolute best pieces of vaping hardware on the market. Do I recommend a purchase? 

Are you looking for moderate airflow, great flavor, and respectable vapor from a clearomizer? 

Are you looking for a quality built tank?

Are you looking for something to use when you can't drip, something for when you're on the go?

If you answered yes to any of those questions, it's a no brainer - pick this thing up TODAY. Just please, PLEASE keep an eye on those coils - routinely inspect the chrome for chipping, and if it does, discard it. It may not hurt you, but it is better to not take the risk!

www.mtbakervapor.com has it in stock for 38.99, and you can use coupon code VAPOCALYTPIC for an additional 10% off. What are you waiting for?! GO GET ONE!

The Aspire Atlantis

Finally...I have it. Within my hands at this very moment is none other than the Atlantis by Aspire. Aaron from www.smokenmist.com gave me the opportunity to review it, and well.. this thing is revolutionary. If you told me a year ago I could achieve this sort of performance using a clearo, I'd laugh. Get ready.

Let's take a look at the definition of "Game Changer" as it has been thrown around quite a lot when discussing the Atlantis.

game chang·er

noun

1. an event, idea, or procedure that effects a significant shift in the current manner of doing or thinking about something.

   "a potential game changer that could revitalize the entire US aerospace industry"

.... Though that picture may not be the official emblem of the world, in our context, I find it perfectly suitable. To be completely honest, I had extremely high hopes for this tank. I first found out about it when KidneyPuncher prematurely launched their presale. It was swiftly removed at the behest of Aspire, only to resurface a few days later. It was listed at, I believe, 44.99. 44.99? I could put that to better use, I thought...no clearo could command that price. 

Or so I thought.

The atlantis is a remarkable design, breathing life into our world, that some could say we needed. I personally find it difficult keeping track of each new RDA, as it seems that they burst onto the market on a weekly basis. x has more airflow, y has four posts, z has a wide bore drip tip, w is made out of SS, e out of copper, etc. I could go on and on and on. This is not a bad thing, however if you're consistently trying to stay on top of your game, you need to be apart of the gear race - I tend to stay towards the back, watching the evolution, planning my purchases....now I can do that for a longer period of time, getting back into the market when something truly entices me.

The Atlantis is aspires answer to sub ohming. The Atlantis proves  that you do NOT need to know how to build, you do NOT need to tinker, and you CAN get clouds in the process. A year ago, a lot of people would of scoffed at the thought. "0.5 ohms? In a CLEARO? You're mad." I remember when people would shy away from building that low in fear of a dead short.

Let's take a look at the specifications.

Product Features:

• Huge bore drip tip
• Stainless construction with aspire logo
• Sub-Ohm Coils - Patented Aspire BVC technology (Much improved BVC coils)
• Sub-Ohm Heads are 0.5 ohm coil
• Compatible with 20-45w (though I have successfully used it at 50w)
• Adjustable airflow control similar to a RBA

On paper, that sounds amazing. Unfortunately, in the vape game, certain hardware just does not live up to standard. Fortunately, the Atlantis does. I'll take you through a walkthrough now, breaking down everything I like, the construction, and what I do not like.

- Packaging

The Aspire Atlantis comes pre-packaged in a nice plastic box, sealed with tape. It rests within a form-fitting foam insert, gently cradling the clearomizer as it makes it's way to your doorstep. Within the plastic box are the Aspire Atlantis, containing a pre-installed 0.5 ohm coil, a replacement coil, and a replacement pyrex tube. I was ecstatic when I found out it came with replacement glass, as I have managed to shatter the glass on the original nautilus not once, but twice. Peace of mind should be at hand for the butterfingers like myself out there.

I've got to say that I was impressed with the stylish, yet minimal, packaging. I'm glad that Aspire opted out of the traditional box packaging that the protanks, nautilus, and similar clearos come in. In fact, I think it was just as much of an appearance decision as a marketing - these things will look very, very classy stacked in a B&W. I certainly felt that I was handling something of value, truly content that I had a piece of gear to cherish.

- Looks

I was a bit concerned that the Atlantis would look a bit gaudy on a mechanical mod, box, what have you. I, like many others, love a uniform look. I prefer to match my stainless RDAs with stainless mods, copper with copper, etc. I always liked the look of a kayfun nano on a SS mech, or a kraken on a brass, but I was concerned with the Atlantis as it looks like, well, a traditional clearo. It has no definitive "look", if you will, it merely looks like a beefed up clearo on steroids.

Well, that's not a bad thing, 'cause it actually looks pretty neat sitting atop any given mod, box, etc. It is fairly large, despite having a 2ml capacity. I appreciate the appearance, and it has now grown on me so much so that I actually prefer it over the kayfun, kraken, etc.

- Construction 

It is safe to say that this thing is built like a tank. I seriously remain at loss for a better word, this thing seems like it can take an absolute beating. The pyrex tank is very thick, and just oozes quality - it threads onto the base of the tank, as well as the top cap, with butter smooth ease. The drip tip is exceptionally well made, and boasts quite a larger bore - I actually like to throw it on an RDA from time to time, it is that large. The chimney and base remain near identical to the original nautilus - you thread the coil into the base, and than the base into the chimney, to ensure a snug, tight fit. This is secured in place by a rubber gasket, which seems redesigned as well. I found that the rubber gasket in the original nautilus was too large, and if you threaded the base in too tightly, you'd need pliers to get it free. This is probably a case by case basis, but it has happened to me, and others, on more than one occasion.  

Another thing I'd like to mention is the AFC ring is just a pleasure to use. The original nautilus was a pain, the nautilus mini was a bit better, but this thing just works. It seems to conform to the base very, very tightly, letting it turn back and form with ease. It is also considerably larger, with indents that are very easy to grip and turn back and forth. I have used this tank heavily and it has not once got stuck, sticky, or refused to turn. Another great addition to the AFC is the options it affords to the user. 

The smallest setting is about the size of the largest setting on the original nautilus.

The second is marginally bigger.

The third is a miniature cyclops slit.

The fourth is a larger cyclops slit, I'd say eyeballing it, it is bigger than the stock Stillare slit.

This definitely provides a wide range of air flow. If you are a mouth to lung hitter, the first two settings will feel at home for you. The third is an improvement, and the fourth is balls to the wall airflow, for a clearomizer. Will those who use RDAS such as the darkhorse, doge, mephisto, still want more airflow? Probably. However, you have to take into consideration that this is a clearomizer, and for what we're working with, it is a ton of air flow. I'd go as far to say that it is more than both the orchid AND the kayfun, two direct competitors to the RDA market.

Another thing I'd like to touch on is the coils. They're similar to the recently introduced BVC coils, but they are a lot larger, and therefore not interchangeable with the mini and vice versa. They are 0.5 ohms, appear to be 24 gauge, traditional wrapped (ie, not a contact/micro coil) and surrounded by the same ceramic fiber. I personally do not like the ceramic fiber, however I am pleased to say that users are already rebuilding, and rewicking. It can get a bit tricky, but it is possible, and I definitely look forward to rewicking mine. If you would rather keep it stock, the produce an ample amount of vapor, rich flavor, and I have got a week out of one at 40w and it is still going strong.

Overall, it is built incredibly well, and is evident that Aspire definitely took attention to detail. It is not a drastic design, in fact, it is quite similar to the nautilus, however they seem to have perfected the quirks with this bad boy.

- Performance

Let's get to what everybody wants to hear...does the Atlantis live up to the hype?

This thing is revolutionary. For those of you out there who want clouds, yet you are not ready to build, the Atlantis is for you. With just a single 0.5 ohm coil, I am able to get some admirable clouds out of a mechanical mod, and some down right impressive ones out of a regulated. It absolutely crushes the orchid, kayfun, and quite a few entry level drippers (in my opinion.) Is it a replacement for some of the better RBAS, such as the mutation x v2, the plume veil, the dark horse, mephisto, doge, etc? No. If you are satisfied with the experience you get from those, (or others), and confident in your building abilities, you probably do not "need" the atlantis. If you are however, getting tired of building, or looking for something to take with you to work or in the car, consider the Atlantis. It is a comparable experience, providing dense vapor, and some pretty powerful flavor.

With that in mind, I'd like to point out that while it does work on a mechanical mod, I personally believe it is best at home on a regulated. It is advertised at being operable up to 30w, but I have personally took it to 50w and not once got a dry hot. It was a bit warmer than I'd like, but I had to test it out. It can definitely handle a higher wattage, and if you like a warmer vape, than feel free to experiment. I personally found it works best at around 40w, creating a harmonious balance of flavor and vapor.

I am thoroughly impressed. The Atlantis manages to chuck vapor, provide wonderful flavor, and the coils are still going strong after a whole week at 40w, I personally feel that it now replaces the need to upgrade to an RBA. Instead, users can opt in for the Atlantis, if they're looking to achieve a similar experience, yet not wanting to dive into building just yet. It can be a stepping stone, or a one and done - I often find myself wondering if I'd be at the rebuildable/hobby phase if this was available to me when I made the jump from my nautilus/mvp to a king/magma. 

One of the only downfalls about the atlantis is the 2ml capacity. At higher wattages, 2ml of juice will not last long, and as a heavy vapor, I can go through about 3-4 tanks a day, depending on how much I vape. I personally feel that I am utilizing juice better however, as with a dripper I find myself vaping more and more. The 2ml capacity is a slight hindrance at best, and I wouldn't be surprised if aspire came out with a larger pyrex tube. This may take away from the aesthetic appeal but hey, if we can get a 5ml tank, I'd be okay with an ugly form factor.

If you're on the fence about rebuilding, pick up an Atlantis. If you hate feeling like you're diffusing a bomb when you drip at a red light, pick up an Atlantis. If you just need something for around the house when you're feeling lazy and you RDA needs a build, pick up the Atlantis. 

PSA : I'd like to bring something to the attention of those who are new to vaping and are considering an Aspire Atlantis. The Aspire Atlantis is a sub ohm device, and therefore, is only compatible with high drain batteries that can support the amp limit. It will not work on the following devices

- Ego batteries and variations

- Itaste VTR, Itaste VV/VW, Itaste MVP

- Eleaf iStick

- Any regulated mod that can not fire below 0.7 ohms (as the coils typically meter at 0.6)

If you wish to use an Aspire Atlantis, make sure you're using high drain batteries with an appropriate amp limit. Do not attempt to fire this clearomizer unless you have a battery that is rated for the amp load. Personal injury CAN occur. Verify that the device you're using is compatible. Mechanical mods (with proper batteries), unregulated mods, and regulated mods that can fire down to 0.5ohms are suitable. Do your research and please, be safe.

It just works, people.

Nautilus/Nautilus Mini/Atlantis

Thanks for taking the time to read my review. If you're finding yourself in the market for an Atlantis, my buddy Aaron at www.smokenmist.com has them listed for 29.99 - the lowest price stateside I have came across. I'd like to once again thank him for the opportunity, and personally let him know that I sincerely value our partnership.

Aspire Nautilus

Today, I will be covering the Aspire Nautilus. As a lot of you have come to know, it has quite a following in the community. It is often regarded as one of, if not, the highest quality clearomizer/glassomizer on the market. In my review, I'll give you the run down, as well as my personal gripes with the tank. Is it worth the price tag it commands? Read on.

First, some basic specs

Adjustable airflow
Beauty ring

5ml capacity

Pyrex tank

Stainless steel construction

Removable 510 drip tip

Bottom dual coil design (BDC)

1.6 coil (pre-installed) with spare 1.8 coil

Here is what I do like about the tank.

• Large capacity

This tank isn't taking any prisoners on this one, instead, opting to go all out. With a full 5ml capacity, the majority of vapers are likely to get through the day, if not multiple, on one tank of juice. I, however, appreciate variety, and often find it hard to commit to an entire 5ml of juice. This is why I usually bring quite a few tanks, and PV's, with me. Those who don't have this problem will embrace the capacity, as the time in between fill ups is significantly increased.

• Adjustable airflow

I am a big fan of adjustable airflow, this is no secret. Once you're accustomed to a tank that lets you alter the degree of air passing over the coil; it is hard to go back to a tank that does not afford the luxury. The aspire offers four different sized holes, going from an extremely tight draw, to a draw that is beyond airy. In comparison to it's direct competitor, the aerotank (which I am a fan of) it absolutely sets the standard in airflow control. The smallest hole compared to the largest hole is a night and day difference. I also admire the design. If you have used the aerotank, you're familiar with the ascending/descending air flow mechanism. With the nautilus, you simply turn a steel ring in either direction. You don't have to worry about cross threading, or a stuck ring. I appreciate the peace of mind this type of construction affords.

• Vapor production

Outside of a rebuildable tank, it is going to be a tough challenging the nautiluses vapor production. On the airiest setting, I was fogging my work area. Nothing is more satisfying than watching a dense, creamy cloud of smoke pour from your nose and mouth. Even on the tightest setting, the nautilus still manages to blow smoke like a train.

Now let's get on to what I do not like about the tank...

• Overall design

I have quite a few gripes with this tank, and unfortunately, I don't know if what I like about it is enough to save it from the issues I do have. The first issue I have is the threaded, upper pyrex. Instead of seating with an o-ring, which is replaceable, the glass is threaded and the mouthpiece screws on. While it isn't often you will be removing the mouth piece, threaded pyrex is delicate.  The nautilus especially so, as the pyrex feels thin and extremely prone to breaking. One misthread, just the tiniest over excretion, and you are left with a cracked tank.

The rubber seal within the tank. I cannot stand this thing for quite a few reasons. The first being, I am a big fan of cinnamon juices. I love Horchata and Fire Ball in particular, both known to shred plastic tanks. Cinnamon doesn't exactly react well with rubber, either. A quick youtube search will bring up a multitude of videos showing e-juice containing a high amount of cinnamon eating through the rubber seal. Without the rubber seal, you will need an entirely new base. Pyrex affords the user the luxury of using any juice. This handicap is inexcusable, and I don't see why they deviated from a standard o-ring construction.

Obnoxious logo. If you're anything at all like me, you like subtly. You prefer things to match, to compliment one another. For instance, a nice, compact RDA sitting flush atop a mech mod of similar design. It's beautiful, isn't? Well it's hard to retain the subtly with a tank that has ASPIRE NAUTILUS in gigantic lettering on one side of the pyrex. I'm all for advertising, as well as brand recognition, but I feel that this could have been done in better taste. Perhaps a smaller design, perhaps a different location, but it just screams "look at me. LOOK AT ME!"

The last design gripe I have is the way that the coil sits in the seat. I'm not sure if it is within the seat, or within the chimney, but more often than not, during a coil switch I have had multiple coils dislodge in the chimney. I keep everything finger tight, and I still have ran into the issue. I believe it because the pressure required to release the top part of the tank from the rubber seal. This creates a vacuum that can dislodge the coil within the chimney. The first nautilus I had, a coil was so stuck in the chimney I actually cracked the glass trying to dislodge it. Mind you, this was after a small spat with a pair of pliers. 

• Price

The aspire is an expensive beast, and unjustifiably so. Outside of the airflow control, it does little to set it aside from tanks in it's price range. Not only are the coils a pain to rebuild due to the filler material surrounding the coil itself, the coils are expensive. Most vendors sell them at 17.99, however you can catch them between 9.99-11.95. The replacement glass can run you upwards of 10.99 as well. When you compare it to the Kayfun by EHPRO, (often found between 36.99-39.99) I simply can not justify the usual 34.99 price tag.

• Flavor

This, sadly, was the biggest disappointment. Initially, I expected flavors that would amount to a rebuildable tank, or at the very least come close. Sadly, it was not the case. The amount of vapor this tank can produce is unfortunately quite dull and tasteless. I attribute this to the poor design of the coils. Outside of the box, flavor is acceptable, but the coils cannot keep up with the pace. They often become weak, and give off a slight burnt taste with every hit. Due to the nature of the coil design, it is extremely difficult to dry burn the coil without permanently burning the cotton filler material. I will not go into rewicking and recoiling, because it is an extreme pain in the rear. A small space to work with, as well as filler material to adhere to, or do without, leads to a frustrating long, painful experience.

Due to the frustrating design, outlandish logo, user rebuildability and coil replacements, I unfortunately cannot in good conscience recommend this tank. While it does produce a fair amount of vapor, and holds a respectable amount of juice, it's price point does not justify the hassles I have suffered.