October 1, 2025

Dripping vs Sub Ohm Tanks: Which Is Better

When you start exploring the world of advanced vaping, you will soon come across two popular options: sub ohm tanks and RDAs, also known as rebuildable dripping atomisers. Both have passionate followings, and both can transform your vaping experience. The question is, which is better for you?

Sub ohm tanks are designed for convenience and cloud production, offering a straightforward way to enjoy big vapour without much hassle. RDAs, on the other hand, appeal to hobbyists who enjoy building their own coils and dripping e-liquid directly onto the cotton for maximum flavour. Each approach has strengths and tradeoffs that make it more suitable for different types of vapers.

At Tidal Vape we help customers choose the right setup every day. In this guide we will explain what a sub ohm tank is, what an RDA is, which delivers the biggest clouds, which coils last longer, what the costs are, whether safety is an issue when building coils, and finally which option might be right for you.

What is a sub ohm tank

A sub ohm tank is a pre-built tank system designed to use low resistance coils, usually below one ohm. These coils allow more power from your device to heat the e liquid, which produces bigger vapour clouds and more intense flavour. Sub ohm tanks are usually paired with high wattage mods and work well with high VG e liquids.

The big advantage of sub ohm tanks is that they are easy to use. You do not need to build your own coils or constantly drip e-liquid. Instead, you fit a premade coil, fill the tank, and you are ready to vape. This makes them a popular choice for vapers who want performance without the learning curve of rebuilding.

Uses premade low resistance coils
Produces big vapour clouds with high VG e liquid
Simple to set up and maintain
Works well with powerful mods
Designed for convenience and consistency

What is an RDA

An RDA, or rebuildable dripping atomiser, is a device where you build your own coils and drip e-liquid directly onto the cotton. Unlike a tank, it does not hold a large reservoir of liquid. Instead, you drip a few drops onto the cotton, take a few puffs, then drip again.

RDAs are favoured by enthusiasts who enjoy customising every aspect of their vape. You can experiment with coil builds, cotton placement, and wicking methods to fine-tune flavour and vapour. RDAs often deliver more flavour than tanks because the coil and cotton are directly exposed to the liquid without extra parts in between.

Let's you build your own coils for custom setups
Requires dripping e-liquid directly onto the cotton
Known for excellent flavour and vapour control
Demands regular maintenance and attention
Appeals to hobbyist vapers who enjoy tinkering

Which delivers the biggest clouds

Cloud chasing is one of the main reasons people choose sub-ohm vaping or dripping. Sub ohm tanks can produce very large clouds thanks to their low resistance coils and high wattage capability. They are designed for consistent cloud output without much adjustment.

RDAs, however, can push things even further. Because you build your own coils, you can design setups that prioritise vapour production above all else. With the right build and enough power, RDAs are often the go to choice for competitive cloud chasers. That said, sub ohm tanks are more than enough for most vapers who just want big clouds without rebuilding.

Sub ohm tanks: large consistent clouds with minimal effort
RDAs: potential for even bigger clouds with custom builds
Tanks are convenient, RDAs allow extreme customisation
Choice depends on whether you want easy clouds or maximum performance

Which type of coil will last longer

Coil lifespan varies depending on how you vape, the e-liquid you use, and how well you maintain your device. Sub ohm tank coils are pre-made and generally last one to two weeks before flavour drops off. They are easy to replace but can feel costly if you vape heavily.

RDA coils, on the other hand, can last much longer. The wire itself may be used for weeks or even months, as long as you maintain it. You will need to replace the cotton regularly, but that is a minor cost. Many RDA users find coil building more economical in the long run once they learn the process.

Sub ohm coils: 1 to 2 weeks average lifespan
RDA coils: wire can last weeks or months with upkeep
Cotton in RDAs needs replacing often but is inexpensive
Building coils requires time but saves money over time

What are the costs involved with sub ohm tanks and RDAs

Costs are an important factor for many vapers. Sub ohm tanks are straightforward but rely on pre-made coil heads. These coils can add up if you replace them regularly, especially if you use your vape heavily. On the plus side, you save time and effort by not having to build.

RDAs have a higher upfront learning curve and may require tools, wire, and cotton. However, once you are set up, the running costs are lower since wire and cotton are inexpensive. For those who enjoy the process, the savings can be significant compared to buying coil packs every week.

Sub ohm tanks: higher ongoing cost due to pre-made coils
RDAs: cheaper long term once you buy wire, cotton, and tools
Tanks save time, RDAs save money with DIY effort
Choice depends on whether you value convenience or savings

Is safety an issue when you build coils

Safety should always be considered with RDAs. When you build your own coils you must understand Ohm’s law, battery safety, and the limits of your device. A poorly built coil can cause problems if the resistance is too low for your battery or mod.

Sub ohm tanks are much safer for beginners because the coils are designed by manufacturers with safety tested resistances. If you are new to vaping and not comfortable with electrical knowledge, a sub ohm tank is the safer option. For experienced users who know the basics, building coils can be safe and rewarding.

RDAs require knowledge of Ohm’s law and battery safety
Risk of unsafe builds if resistance is too low
Sub-ohm tanks are safer for beginners
Experienced builders can use RDAs safely with proper knowledge

Which option is right for you

Choosing between sub ohm tanks and RDAs depends on your priorities. If you want a simple way to enjoy big clouds and strong flavour without fuss, a sub-ohm tank is ideal. It is convenient, safe, and widely supported by brands at Tidal Vape.

If you enjoy tinkering, experimenting, and chasing the ultimate flavour or vapour, an RDA might be better. It requires more effort but rewards you with control and lower long term costs. There is no single right answer, only the right option for your style of vaping.

Choose sub-ohm tanks if you want convenience and safety
Choose RDAs if you enjoy custom builds and maximum control
Tanks are beginner-friendly, RDAs suit advanced vapers
Both options deliver excellent vapour, just in different ways

Tidal Vape’s advice and products

At Tidal Vape, we stock a wide range of sub ohm tanks, RDAs, coils, and accessories. We understand that choosing the right setup can feel overwhelming, so our team is always ready to guide you based on your preferences. If clouds and ease are your goals, we will show you the best tanks. If you want to dive into coil building, we can recommend reliable RDAs and the tools to get started.

We carry products from leading brands such as Geekvape, Vaporesso, Uwell, and OXVA, along with cotton, wire, and coil kits for rebuilders. Whether you want a tank for everyday use or an RDA for weekend cloud chasing, we make sure you have access to quality options.

Conclusion

Both sub ohm tanks and RDAs offer amazing vaping experiences, but the right choice depends on you. Sub ohm tanks give you convenience and consistent performance, while RDAs let you customise and save on long term costs.

At Tidal Vape we stock everything you need for both paths, along with the advice to help you decide. Visit us today and find the setup that matches your vaping style.