Have you ever heard of the term "dripping"? Maybe you stumbled upon it in a blog dedicated to vaping, or perhaps you saw it in an online forum for vapers. But do you know what it means? Well, let's find out and get to the nitty-gritty of dripping.
What Is Dripping?
Firstly, let's address the main question and explain what dripping means in the vaping community. A little history lesson: in the early days of vaping, when tanks didn't exist, the e-liquid was stored in a plastic cartridge filled with a sponge. However, they were quite unreliable and delivered quite unimpressive vapour production.
People decided to ditch the sponge from the cartridge and instead drip the e-liquid directly onto the coil and cotton wicking material of a rebuildable dripping atomiser (RDA), or 'drip tip'. This ensured that the coil was always saturated with e-liquid to produce larger and more flavorful clouds.
Over the years, RDA devices have improved, offering top performance and a high-quality vaping experience. This is why, despite having tanks available, many vapers still stay loyal to the dripping technique.
What Do You Need for Dripping?
If you're interested in giving dripping a try, here are the essential components you'll need:
- Rebuildable Dripping Atomiser (RDA): The RDA is the heart of dripping; it is an atomiser that allows you to build your own coils and wicks. Unlike traditional tanks, RDAs do not contain a reservoir to hold e-liquid. Instead, you manually drip the e-liquid onto the coils and wick. It has a deck where you can install and secure your coils.
- Drip Tip: The drip tip is the mouthpiece attached to the top of the RDA, through which you inhale the vapour. They come in various materials and sizes to customise your experience. However, wide bore drip tips are the most popular among drippers as they allow better airflow and enhance the flavour.
- Coil: This is another crucial component in the dripping process. The coil is a wire that heats up after it's powered up by the battery, vaporising the e-liquid. You can build your own coils and customise their resistance or specifications to get the desired outcome. Common wire materials used for coil building include Kanthal, stainless steel, and nickel. The type of coil you choose will influence the flavour, vapour production, and overall vaping experience.
- Cotton: The wicking material, typically organic cotton, is what carries the e-liquid to the coil. It is important to choose high-quality cotton as it provides better flavour transmission and wicking capabilities. Dripping requires the right amount of cotton to be placed through the coil, ensuring efficient e-liquid absorption and preventing leaks.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Dripping with RDAs
Let's start by looking at the benefits of dripping.
- It allows you to customise your setup exactly according to your personal preferences.
- If you are a cloud chaser, dripping may be the cheapest way to achieve that. Pre-built coils for vape tanks can be expensive, especially if you need to replace them frequently to avoid building up residue. Using an RDA only requires wire and some cotton, which are quite inexpensive.
- If you are someone who likes to change the flavour frequently, dripping allows you to easily switch between e-liquids without emptying and cleaning the tank.
- Dripping also produces cleaner and more intense flavours because the vape juice is vaporised directly from the coil.
However, it may not be for everyone, as it comes with a few drawbacks as well:
- Dripping can be a bit messy. If you add too much e-liquid or leave your device lying down, it may start to leak.
- It is not the most convenient way of vaping as it requires you to drip the e-liquid to your RDA after every few puffs.
- Building and customising your own coils is a time-consuming task that also requires a certain level of skill and know-how.
Ask the Expert! Sam – Your Trusted Vape Connoisseur
Introducing our resident professional vape expert, Sam – a seasoned connoisseur and owner of Rhythm N Vape with a wealth of knowledge and a passion for all things vaping. Sam is here to be your go-to guide, answering your questions, offering tailored advice, and sharing insider tips to elevate your vaping experience.
Is Dripping Suitable for Beginners?
Dripping is generally recommended for more experienced vapers who are comfortable with building their own coils and understanding Ohm's law. It requires you to have some knowledge and practice to achieve optimal results. However, if you're willing to invest your time in mastering the technique, it can offer you an amazing and personalised experience.
How Often Do I Need to Drip E-liquid onto the Coil?
The frequency of dripping depends on factors such as the type of coil used or your personal preferences. Generally, you may need to drip every 5-10 puffs or whenever you notice a decrease in flavour or vapour production. It's essential to avoid overdripping as it can lead to leakage or spitback.
Is Dripping Safe?
While dripping itself is not unsafe, it's crucial to follow safety guidelines when building coils. Make sure that your coils are properly installed and check for any shorts or hotspots before powering your device. It's also important to understand battery safety and have a good grasp of Ohm's law to prevent any accidents.
What Type of E-liquid Works Best with Dripping?
Since dripping allows for intense flavour and vapour production, many vapers prefer using high VG (vegetable glycerin) e-liquids. Higher VG content, such as 70% VG or above, facilitates denser vapour clouds. However, it ultimately comes down to personal preference, so take your time and experiment with different PG/VG ratios and flavours to find the perfect balance.
Is Dripping Messy?
Dripping can be a bit messier compared to using a tank, since you have to manually add e-liquid to the coils. However, with practice and proper techniques, you can minimise the mess.
Do I Need to Clean My RDA Before Switching Flavours?
If you're switching to a drastically different flavour profile, it's always better to clean your device to avoid flavour contamination. You can rinse it with warm water and use a brush or cotton swab to remove any residual e-liquid. Allow it to dry completely before reassembling and adding the new e-liquid.
How Can I Reach Out to Sam for Personalised Vaping Advice?
Feel free to submit your questions to info@rhythmnvape.co.uk
I hope that helps and if you have any more questions I would be happy to answer them! Get in touch today! Sam.
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