Drip vaping, once a hallmark of the vaping community, has become increasingly rare in recent years. At its peak, manually dripping e-liquid onto an RDA (Rebuildable Dripping Atomiser) was considered the ultimate method for vapers seeking maximum flavour, dense vapour production, and precise control over their vaping setup. Yet, today, sub-ohm tanks and RDTA (Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomiser) systems dominate the market, and only a few enthusiasts practise the craft of drip vaping.
What exactly happened to this once-dominant part of the vaping experience? Why have so many vapers moved away from using RDA tanks? This Vape Blog explores the decline of drip vaping, examining how convenience has overtaken performance and what the future might hold for those who remain dedicated to this hands-on style of vaping.
The Origins of Drip Vaping: A Look Back at the Evolution of RDAs
Drip vaping, or manually dripping e-liquid onto exposed coils within a rebuildable dripping atomiser (RDA), became popular in the early days of the vaping community. In the mid-2010s, manufacturers like Wotofo, Geekvape, and Vandy Vape introduced RDAs that revolutionised the vaping experience, particularly among flavour and cloud chasers. Products like the Wotofo Profile RDA (2018) and Geekvape Tsunami RDA (2016) helped shape drip vaping into the advanced, hands-on craft it became.
The Birth of RDAs
- Customisation for Enthusiasts: RDAs allowed vapers to experiment with different coil builds and wicks. Early products, such as the Tugboat V2 RDA (2014), introduced new ways to control airflow, allowing vapers to produce significantly more vapour than older tank systems..
- Tactile Experience: Many vapers, inspired by influencers like Rip Trippers and GrimmGreen, found hands-on satisfaction in manually dripping e-liquid. The process allowed them to switch between flavours quickly without cleaning an entire tank—a key factor that led to RDAs becoming the go-to choice for flavour enthusiasts.
By 2015, RDAs had become the preferred device for advanced vapers seeking a balance between maximum flavour, customisation, and cloud production. RDAs from brands like Vandy Vape and Dotmod set the stage for the competitive cloud-chasing scene, popular in events like the 2015 Vaper Expo UK.
What Is Drip Vaping?
Drip vaping involves manually dripping small amounts of e-liquid directly onto the exposed coils of an RDA before each inhale. Unlike sub-ohm tanks, which automatically wick liquid to the coils, dripping gives vapers more immediate control over their vaping experience. This method bypasses the use of a traditional tank, offering a more direct and customisable vaping session.
- Customisation: For those who enjoy advanced vaping methods, RDAs allow unmatched flexibility. Manual e-liquid dripping provides unmatched flexibility for customising coil builds, wick materials, and the precise amount of e-liquid used. Vapers can switch between flavours easily by cleaning their coils between drips.
- Flavour Intensity: By applying e-liquid directly onto the coils, drip vaping often delivers more intense and concentrated flavours than other vaping methods.
- Technical Skill: Dripping requires a deeper understanding of coil building and maintenance, making it particularly attractive to advanced vapers who enjoy tweaking and optimising their devices for specific vaping needs.
However, despite these advantages, drip vaping has seen a marked decline in recent years as new technologies have made other methods more convenient and accessible.
Why Is Drip Vaping Fading?
For many vapers asking, ‘Is drip vaping still relevant in 2024?’, the answer depends on individual preferences for customisation and flavour. During the early years of vaping, when technology was less advanced, drip vaping was the preferred choice for those who prioritised flavour and vapour production. Yet, as the industry evolved, several factors have contributed to the fading popularity of RDAs.
- Convenience vs Performance: While drip vaping produces excellent flavour and dense vapour, it requires frequent re-dripping and regular coil maintenance. Manual dripping can be time-consuming compared to modern alternatives like sub-ohm tanks designed for convenience. Vapers now prefer systems that offer near-equivalent performance without the hassle.
- Evolution of Hardware: The advent of sub-ohm tanks and RDTA tanks has greatly reduced the need for manual dripping. These tanks offer excellent vapour and flavour production but with larger juice capacities and pre-built coils. This convenience factor, combined with better performance over the years, has diminished the need for drip vaping.
- Safety Considerations: Drip vaping can lead to over-dripping, which results in e-liquid leakage, or under-dripping, which can cause dry hits. These issues are less common with sub-ohm tanks or RDTAs, which have better e-liquid flow regulation and less margin for error, making them more beginner-friendly.
- Nicotine Consumption Shifts: As vaping habits have changed, so too have nicotine preferences. Modern sub-ohm tanks are often used for low-nicotine, high-vapour setups, while RDAs are traditionally used with higher-nicotine liquids. This shift in how vapers consume nicotine has further contributed to the decline in RDA use, with users seeking easier and safer ways to manage their nicotine intake.
Comparing RDAs to Modern Innovations in Coil Technology
Drip vaping has declined in popularity due to the rapid advancements in coil technology, particularly with the advent of mesh coils in sub-ohm tanks. The Fireluke Mesh Tank, launched by Freemx in 2017, was among the first to introduce mesh coils, offering a revolutionary increase in flavour and vapour production.
Traditional Wire Coils vs. Mesh Coils
- Traditional Wire Coils (RDAs): Before the rise of mesh coils, RDAs used kanthal wire or stainless steel coils, which vapers hand-built to achieve their desired resistance and performance. Although effective, traditional coils could suffer from hot spots or uneven heating, which reduces flavour consistency.
- Mesh Coil Revolution (Sub-Ohm Tanks): Mesh coils, found in tanks like the SMOK TFV12 Prince or HorizonTech Falcon, offer a much larger surface area, leading to more even heating and better flavour retention. This technology allows vapers to enjoy up to 50% smoother draws and longer-lasting coil life than traditional wire coils.
Performance Comparison:
- Flavour Production: RDAs were once considered unbeatable for flavour, but modern mesh coils, such as the Freemax Mesh Pro or Vaporesso GT Mesh, have narrowed the gap. These coils distribute heat more evenly, providing an experience that rivals the best coil builds in RDAs.
- Vapour Production: While RDAs still hold the top spot for cloud chasers, tanks like the SMOK TFV16 have pushed the boundaries of vapour production with high-wattage mesh coils, offering cloud output similar to dual or quad coil RDA builds.
By 2018, the convenience and improved performance of sub-ohm tanks with mesh coils started to eclipse RDAs for many vapers, especially those looking for a hassle-free experience.
The Rise of Sub-Ohm Tanks and RDTAs
One of the biggest reasons for the decline of drip vaping has been the increasing popularity of sub-ohm tanks and RDTAs. These devices offer the same cloud-chasing, flavour-heavy experience but with far less hassle and more versatility.
- Sub-Ohm Tanks: These tanks have gained popularity because of their ease of use, with pre-built coils and large e-liquid capacities making them ideal for daily vaping. Sub-ohm tanks balance flavour and vapour production, eliminating the need for constant re-dripping. For vapers who still want large clouds and intense flavour but don’t want to drip, sub-ohm tanks are the perfect solution.
- RDTAs (Rebuildable Dripping Tank Atomisers): RDTA tanks offer the best of both worlds. Vapers can still enjoy the customisability of building their coils while benefitting from a tank with a greater volume of e-liquid. This hybrid system reduces the need for constant dripping, which appeals to users who like the customisation of RDAs but appreciate the convenience of sub-ohm tanks.
For many vapers, the ease of use and performance balance provided by sub-ohm tanks and RDTAs have made drip vaping seem obsolete.
Comparison: Drip Vaping (RDA) vs. Sub-Ohm Tanks vs. RDTAs
| Aspect | Drip Vaping (RDA) | Sub-Ohm Vaping | RDTA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vaping Experience | Hands-on, manual dripping of e-liquid onto exposed coils for the purest flavour and control. | Convenient with pre-built coils and large tank capacities. Designed for big clouds and good flavour. | Combines the control of RDA coil-building with the convenience of a tank for less frequent dripping. |
| Flavour Intensity | Intense and pure flavour as liquid is dripped directly onto coils. | Excellent flavour but slightly diluted due to larger tanks and wicks. | Similar to RDAs with slightly more intense flavour than sub-ohm tanks. |
| Vapour Production | High vapour production, especially with proper coil builds and airflow settings. | Designed for dense vapour clouds, ideal for cloud chasers. | Offers high vapour production similar to RDAs but with the added benefit of a tank. |
| Ease of Use | Requires frequent dripping, coil building, and maintenance. Suitable for experienced vapers. | Very user-friendly with pre-built coils and minimal maintenance. | Easier than an RDA but requires knowledge of coil building. Less maintenance than drip vaping. |
| Customisation | Highly customisable with a variety of coil builds and airflow options. | Limited customisation, mostly restricted to changing coils and airflow settings. | Customisable like an RDA but with the added convenience of a tank. |
| Liquid Capacity | No tank. Requires frequent dripping of e-liquid after a few puffs. | Large tank capacity, usually 2-5ml, for long vaping sessions without refilling. | Built-in tank (usually 2-4ml) reduces the need to re-drip constantly. |
| Who It’s Best For | Advanced vapers who prioritise flavour, control, and customisation over convenience. | Ideal for everyday vapers who prefer ease of use and long vaping sessions without hassle. | Suited for vapers who enjoy coil building but want the convenience of a tank. |
The Drip Vaping Experience: Why Some Still Prefer It
Although drip vaping has declined, it continues to attract a loyal base of vapers who value its unique benefits. RDAs continue to appeal to vapers who want vape cloud production and enjoy the hands-on process of manual e-liquid dripping.
- Flavour Purity: Dripping provides the purest flavour experience by delivering e-liquid directly to the coils. Tanks often have additional components like wicks and chambers that can dilute the flavour, but dripping offers an unadulterated taste.
- Craftsmanship: Many vapers enjoy the artistry and skill of building coils and maintaining their setups. Drip vaping offers a more personal and engaging experience that appeals to hobbyists who appreciate the craft of coil building.
- Cloud Competitions: In cloud-chasing competitions, where vapour production is key, RDAs remain popular. The precise control over airflow and coil resistance is essential for creating large, dense clouds, making RDAs a staple for competitive vapers.
Top 3 Drip Vaping RDA Tanks in 2024
Even though fewer vapers use RDAs today, high-performance tanks are still available for those who prefer drip vaping. Here are three of the best RDA tanks in 2024:
Wotofo Profile X
Mesh Compatibility: The Profile X is versatile and known for accommodating both mesh and wire coils.
Top-notch Flavour: The mesh coil system delivers smooth and consistent flavours, making it a favourite among flavour chasers.
Cloud Production: With wide airflow control, the Profile X is great for cloud chasers who seek dense vapour while maintaining flavour quality.
Hellvape Dead Rabbit 3
User-Friendly Build Deck: The Dead Rabbit 3 is renowned for its simple coil-building experience, making it a solid choice for novice and experienced vapers.
Leak-Resistant Design: This RDA minimises leaks and delivers excellent vapour production thanks to its top-side airflow system.
Durability: Known for its strong construction, the Dead Rabbit series is built to last, making it a go-to option for vapers who prefer durable gear.
Digiflavor Drop V2
Dual-Coil Compatibility: The Drop V2 allows users to build dual coils for increased customisation and vapour production.
Airflow Control: Its adjustable airflow system maximises vapour production while enhancing flavour, making it an excellent choice for all vapers.
Ease of Use: The intuitive build deck ensures that users can easily install coils and start vaping with minimal effort.
What’s Next for Drip Vaping?
Despite the dominance of sub-ohm tanks and RDTAs, drip vaping isn’t likely to disappear entirely. The precision, control, and intense flavour that RDAs offer still appeal to a niche group of enthusiasts. With future advancements in coil technology, mesh systems, and airflow design, there’s always a chance that drip vaping could see a resurgence among hobbyists and cloud chasers.
Drip vaping may not be mainstream, but it remains a treasured part of vaping history. For those who appreciate the art behind coil building and manual e-liquid application, RDAs continue to offer a unique and rewarding experience that modern tanks have yet to replace fully.
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