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TF-RTA G4 by Smok
TF-RTA G4 by Smok

TF-RTA G4 by Smok

Commercial characteristics

  • Sponsor having loaned the product for the magazine: Evaps
  • Price of the tested product: 42.90 Euros
  • Product category according to its selling price: Mid-range (from 36 to 70 euros)
  • Atomizer type: Reconstructable compression
  • Number of resistances allowed: 4
  • Resistance Type: Classic Reconstructible, Rebuildable Micro Coil, Reconstructible Classic Temperature Controlled, Rebuildable Micro Coil with Temperature Control
  • Supported Bit Type: Silica, Cotton, Fiber Freaks Density 1, Fiber Freaks Density 2, Fiber Freaks Yarn 2 mm, Fiber Freaks Cotton Blend
  • Quantity in milliliters announced by the manufacturer: 4.5

Reviewer comments on business characteristics

After the series of TFV clearomizers, I admit that I was looking forward to testing one of the reconstructables of the family. It is therefore done with the TF-RTA, here in version G4.

This “family” rebuildable therefore exists in several versions: a version called TF-RDTA and two RTA versions: the TF-RTA G4 and the TF-RTA G2, to which must be added the possibility of an optional mono-coil plate. If you've already given up on the statement of this complex genealogy, know that I don't blame you in the least, having had trouble understanding myself. 

So, on this beautiful day, we are testing the G4, we will call it by its small name, it will be shorter, which has the particularity of offering a quadruple-coil assembly, unlike the G2 which, for its part, does not give access than a double-coil, the stingy! When at the G20, we don't do coils there, alas, but you will grant me that it's a hell of a bag of knots ...

Anatomy of the exotic creature.

SMOK TF RTA pack 2

Physical characteristics and felt quality

  • Width or Diameter of the product in mm: 24.5
  • Length or height of the product in mm as sold, but without its drip-tip if it is present, and regardless of the length of the connection: 48
  • Weight in grams of the product as sold, with its drip-tip if it is present: 72
  • Material composing the product: Stainless steel, Pyrex
  • Form Factor Type: Kayfun / Russian
  • Number of component parts without screws and washers: 4
  • Number of threads: 11
  • Quality of the threads: Very good
  • Number of O-rings, Drip-Tip excluded: 3
  • Quality of O-rings present: Sufficient
  • O-ring positions: Drip-Tip Connection, Top Cap - Tank, Bottom Cap - Tank, Other
  • Capacity in milliliters actually usable: 4.5
  • Overall, do you appreciate the quality of manufacture of this product with regard to its price? Yes

Rating of the vapelier as to feelings quality: 4.8 / 5 4.8 5 out of stars

Reviewer's comments on physical characteristics and perceived quality

The G4 is a beautiful beast. Diameter imposing 24mm at the base and a chouïa more tank level, consistent weight, take it in hand makes its small effect anyway. 

The aesthetic is successful, classic but made attractive by the massive appearance of the object and a quality of manufacture that some high-end atos would envy it. We are truly on an atomizer whose manufacture / price ratio is perfectly balanced, for once, in favor of the user.

SMOK TF RTA ato

The steel is a good thickness, the threads are completely functional and smooth, and the seals do a pretty admirable job of keeping everything tight. We are on the middle-market, as “y” say, but we are there.

The tank is made of pyrex and has a large surface area that could be problematic in the event of a fall. Smok has planned everything by adding a “vape band” to the packaging, a sort of silicone ring, which you would be well advised to position around the tank to avoid breakage.

SMOK TF RTA eclate

The G4 is equipped with an airflow regulator in the form of a ring, which turns easily while maintaining its position once in place. It is the same for the juice regulator which will allow you to adapt your atomizer to the most indecent viscosities.

In short, here is an adventure that starts well!

Functional features

  • Connection type: 510
  • Adjustable positive plot? No, a flush mount can only be guaranteed through an adjustment of the positive pad of the battery or the mod on which it will be installed
  • Presence of air flow regulation? Yes, and variable
  • Diameter in mm maximum of the air regulation possible: 1
  • Minimum diameter in mm of the air regulation possible: 0.1
  • Positioning of the air regulation: From below and benefiting the resistances
  • Atomization chamber type: Bell type
  • Heat dissipation of the product: Normal

Reviewer's comments on functional features

In the category of features, the G4 is no exception. I will briefly remind you of what we have already seen: the quadruple-coil assembly (only on the other hand ...), air regulation and liquid regulation.

So I add the filling from the top of the atomizer. Indeed, we rotate the top of the top-cap on itself and this releases a vast space, occupied by a piece of white delrin, ensuring the tightness of this part of the ato, or a hole is drawn to fill the atomizer. This hole being of good size, it will take all the devices into account easily. All you have to do is close and block the two parts using a steel tenon-mortise system that works perfectly. It's fluid, easy, it makes you want to fill it and that's good because you will fill it often!

SMOK TF RTA filling

The positive pin of the 510 connection is not adjustable but, given that the low possible resistance of the atomizer and its size are intended primarily for electronic boxes for greater safety and power and that these boxes are, in general, equipped with floating pine, I do not see a major drawback.

Drip-Tip Features

  • Drip tip type: 510 Only
  • Presence of a Drip-Tip? Yes, the vaper can immediately use the product
  • Length and type of drip-tip present: Short with heat evacuation function
  • Quality of the drip-tip present: Very good

Reviewer's comments on the Drip-Tip

The supplied drip-tip is, in itself, a little marvel of ingenuity.

Indeed, contrary to appearances, it is not steel but glass! And this glass pipe, whose diameter corresponds to that of the chimney, is surrounded by a sort of “crawl space”, itself surrounded by a double steel wall. This stacking therefore acts as a heat shield and I am pleased to see that it works very well.

SMOK TF RTA drip tip

You will object to me that such a system reduces the flow of steam. Unfortunately, yes. And, if the external diameter of the drip-tip is 13mm, the internal diameter is reduced, for its part, to about 5.8mm. Therefore, this will have an impact on the general aeration of the atomizer and on the production of vapor.

Hell is said to be paved with good intentions, and while Smok's intention was laudable, the method chosen is arguably not perfect.

Evaluation of the packaging

  • Presence of a box accompanying the product: Yes
  • Would you say that the packaging is up to the price of the product? Yes
  • Presence of a user manual? Yes
  • Is the manual understandable for a non-English speaker? No
  • Does the manual explain ALL features? Yes

Vapelier's note on packaging: 4 / 5 4 5 out of stars

Reviewer's comments on conditioning

The packaging is typical of Chinese products in general and those of Smok in particular.

Thus, we find a rectangular cardboard ring, with all the blah-blah, the things to scratch (I never won anything!) QR codes on it, which surrounds a more sober black hard cardboard box. It is, of course, this second that interests us.

SMOK TF RTA pack 1

It contains, on the first floor, the G4 and a spare pyrex tank. 

Below, we find:

  1. The famous vape band with the logo of the manufacturer.
  2. A Phillips screwdriver
  3. A spare-part pouch containing: replacement seals, 4 replacement screws for tightening the posts and an additional soft delrin ring for the top-cap filling part.
  4. Something extra to scratch (no change when scratching, I will wait for the draw ...)
  5. An instruction manual, succinct but which covers all the crucial points, in English only. (sniff)

 

SMOK TF RTA pack 4

 So, exemplary packaging that does the brand honor. For such a price, it's really ok.

Appreciations in use

  • Easy to transport with the mod of the test configuration: Nothing helps, requires a shoulder bag
  • Disassembly and cleaning facilities: Easy but requires a workspace
  • Filling facilities: Super simple, even blind in the dark!
  • Easy to change resistances: Difficult, requires various manipulations
  • Is it possible to use this product throughout the day with several vials of EJuice? Yes perfectly
  • Was there leak after one day of use? No
  • In the event of leaks during the tests, descriptions of the situations in which they occur:

Vapelier's note on ease of use: 3.7 / 5 3.7 5 out of stars

Reviewer's comments on the use of the product

Mounting :

You will need to be very patient to install the coils. Not being, I first tested it with the original capton coils (around 0.25Ω) then I started a personal assembly, based on kanthal in 0.50 (0.20Ω). The principle is determined by the topography of the plate which uses a gantry-shaped pestle to slide your four coils. One screw on the designated locations on the top for the positive and one screw on the bottom of the plate, in the corresponding plunge hole, for the negative.

Said like that, it sounds simple. And I'm not saying it isn't. I'm only saying that you have to have time to redo an entire “coilage” on this machine, to be meticulous, precise and, once again, patient. If you are a fan of plug & play atomizers, look elsewhere, the G4 is not for you.

SMOK TF RTA deck

I advise you to cut the legs well beyond the screws that would exceed screws, especially those at the bottom, if you do not want to galley to introduce your cotton thereafter. Because I remind you that these screws are located in the holes of diving which will be used later to position your capillary.

The screws are very small, very short and have a small diameter head. This means that you should not loosen them too much for fear of seeing them fall to the ground and that you will have a hard time making sure that the heads correctly hold the legs of your resistive. But we're getting there though. With time.

SMOK TF RTA deck 2

 

The capillary:

After successfully passing the first level, we move to the second: the dosage of the capillary.

There again, the principle remains simple but the realization will require time and thoroughness. My first advice: avoid coils that are too long or of large diameter otherwise you will have to have a prescription for anxiolytics from your doctor. Indeed, not only the space is measured but in addition, it is necessary to calculate with exactitude the length and the thickness of your capillary so that it is well in the plunge hole by thinking that a second cotton strand will join it. just after.  

Indeed, each plunge hole will therefore contain two ends of the wick. It's up to you to manage them as best as possible so as not to obtain a blocking effect, which is detrimental to the capillarity. The best trick, in my opinion, is to use small diameter coils, around 2.5mm, as they will determine a lesser amount of cotton from the start. Then, when your wicks are positioned and cut to the right length, cut the V-shaped ends so that the end touches the bottom but that the amount of cotton can coexist with the neighboring wick without blocking the hole. 

With a little time, you get a good result.

Filling :

Last level of the game before meeting the Big Boss. It's simple but you have to remember this principle of common sense. If you want to avoid any leaks, close your airflow and juice-flow fully before filling and even open your top-cap to do so. Thus, you will have no problem with leaks, neither during filling nor after. You can fill the tank to the brim, it won't change that. Moreover, over 48 hours, I had absolutely NO leakage problem with the G4 (apart from my wife who leaked from the room!). Also remember, during any transport, to close the hatches.

Rendering :

Surprisingly, don't expect to deliver a colossal vapor. Indeed, it is here that the chimney / drip-tip system plays the role of preventing vape in circles. Even though the G4's 4-cylinder engine allows it to largely achieve its vapor creation goals, it's in the exhaust where it gets tough. Well, that being said, I want to reassure you all the same, you will have a very abundant vapor but which will not be more impressive than that generated by a dual-coil made for. On the other hand, the vapor is of a very high density, with a texture very present in the mouth and in the throat, almost palpable.

In terms of the restitution of flavors, it's very good. The aromas are felt, the taste is pronounced, we are on bases identical to that of a typical flavor ato. Impressive.

Hit level, I hope you like the full bodied! The hit is strong, brutal and deep. In direct inhalation, it penetrates into your lungs without any problem. Tested with Sugar Baron in 20/80 and 3mg / ml, it's a waking dream, the vape is hot, loaded with aromas and the hit is present, even at such a low rate. Tested with Boba's in 12mg / ml, it's Stalingrad! The hit becomes devastating, especially on the first jobs. It shakes its guy!

In terms of power, I stopped around 70W, whatever the setup. Indeed, the vape, already hot, quickly becomes difficult because it rises in temperature once this limit is exceeded. We see that the aiflow would need to be more efficient to cool all that.

By the way, even though it gets hot inside, the ato itself does not get hot. It remains lukewarm, even with chainvapant and the drip-tip, it remains cold against the lips. Pleasant. However, given the specific vape that the G4 provides, I would rather recommend it on gourmet, tobacco or gourmet tobacco. It is, in my humble opinion, to be avoided on fruity or fresh.

As for the rest, it is very comfortable. No problem of thwarted capillarity, no problem of leakage. It works and quite well. We even forget, after a while, that we are on a quad-coil so the constraints due to this type of assembly are low.

A last point on consumption: gargantuan! A tank of 4.5ml = 1 / 2 hour of vape. 

SMOK TF RTA pack 3

Recommendations for use

  • What type of mod is it advisable to use this product with? Electronic
  • With which mod model is it advisable to use this product? An electro mod that can send 70W and more
  • With which type of EJuice is it advisable to use this product? All liquids without problem
  • Description of the test configuration used: Reulnks RX200 + Liquid in 20 / 80 + Liquid in 100% VG
  • Description of the ideal configuration with this product: A fairly large and powerful box

was the product liked by the reviewer: Yes

Overall average of the Vapelier for this product: 4.5 / 5 4.5 5 out of stars

Link to a video review or blog maintained by the reviewer author of the review

 

The mood ticket of the reviewer

In summary, here is an excellent rebuildable atomizer that Smok offers us. Powerful, hot, developing a very dense vapor and not forgetting to make us enjoy realistic flavors and consistent with the aromas, the G4 is a good little soldier who deserves a look as long as you are attracted to this type. specific atomizer and that we like to take the lead with knitting coils and complex trays.

For the others, there is the G2, with a velocity-type chainring that is easier to coil and which, I guarantee, will be a formidable challenger in the category. In any case, the new Smok Family is not here to play the spectators and to put it mildly. 

(c) Copyright Le Vapelier SAS 2014 - Only full reproduction of this article is authorized - Any modification of any kind is totally prohibited and infringes the rights of this copyright.

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About the Author

59 years old, 32 years of cigarettes, 12 years of vaping and happier than ever! I live in Gironde, I have four children of whom I am gaga and I like roast chicken, Pessac-Léognan, good e-liquids and I am a vape geek who takes responsibility!