The Top RTAs of 2016

The Breazy year-end roundup continues today with a look back at some of the best rebuildable tanks we've come across this year. If you haven't already, take a look back at our other posts on some of our favorite mods and clearomizers (featuring pre-built coils). While to the uninitiated an RTA and its' attendant user-built coils may seem a bit daunting, take our word that after a quick visit to YouTube for a few tutorials and a few minutes' more effort, you'll be wondering why you spent so long sacrificing flavor and money using someone else's builds…

Smok TF-RTA G4 - If you've been following along, you'll notice Smok tends to take top honors with some consistency. So it goes for their entry into the RTA field – with an oversized Velocity-style build deck (two posts, with two vertical holes in each – the easiest building setup you're likely to ever encounter), direct bottom-feed airflow, and a 4.5 ml glass tank, this is the perfect starter RTA at just $18.99. Heck, you may not need another once you've given the TF a go.

Sigelei Moonshot V2 - The Moonshot has developed a reputation as a tricky-wicking beast to build. While a lot of that reputation may belie just how spoiled we've become as vape technology has improved, the twin-post design with single top-clamping grub screws can be a bit more difficult than most, and this isn't recommended as a first RTA. Still, with enormous air holes mounted directly under the coils, if you're willing to spend the time to build this one right you'll be rewarded with immense flavor that's virtually unmatched when it comes to cloud-chasing RTAs.

KangerTech Dota - The Dota combines both new school and old, being one of the latest and most affordable in the revival of "Genesis-style" RTAs. One of the first styles of tank to become popular (even predating most clearomizers), the Genesis setup uses a top coil system with wicks that droop down into the tank, which is mounted below the Velocity style build deck. Because the coils sit in a wide-open air chamber closer to the mouthpiece than other atomizers it delivers a fuller, richer hit – just be sure there's enough wicking in the tank to keep your coils wet.

SvoëMesto Kayfun V5 - SvoëMesto is the German manufacturer that deserves credit for bringing the first popular bottom-coil RTA to market back when the eGo pen was still considered hot, new tech. The latest version features the precision engineering and craftsmanship SvoëMesto is known for, with quality unmatched throughout the industry. While the Kayfun has always been a favorite among mouth-to-lung vapers, the latest version offers wider airflow options than any of its predecessors along with modern standard amenities like an oversized build deck and top-fill capability. It's not the cheapest, but legions of users who've sworn by the Kayfun authentic for years still refuse to consider anything else. If quality over quantity is your calling in vape gear, you owe it to yourself to give this one a look.