Redraw – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

A Redraw is the single, deliberate inhale taken from a vape device after it has been freshly dripped or refilled with e-liquid. In the world of RDAs (Rebuildable Dripping Atomizers), a redraw is the first puff that pulls the new juice into the coil and wick, saturating the cotton and establishing flavour. Its purpose is to ensure the wick is fully saturated before normal vaping resumes, preventing the dry, burnt taste known as a Hit“>dry hit. The term is also used—though less strictly—when topping up an RTA or RDTA. A proper redraw delivers instant flavour and dense vapour, signalling that the coil is ready for chain vaping.

Technical Details

Technically, a redraw relies on capillary action combined with negative pressure created by the user’s draw. When you inhale without firing the mod, the vacuum pulls e-liquid from the deck or tank wells into the wicking channels and onto the coil. Most Australian vapers use a 2–3 second, medium-tight (≈15–25 l/min) airflow to achieve this. Variations include:

• Cold redraw: No power applied, purely wicking.
• Warm redraw: A 5–10 W pulse while drawing to thin high-VG juice in cooler climates.
• Dual redraw: Two quick consecutive draws on multi-coil RDAs to balance saturation.

Coil resistance (0.1–0.4 Ω) and wick density (Scottish roll vs. standard cotton) influence how much liquid is absorbed. Over-drawing can flood the deck; under-drawing risks hotspots.

Usage & Tips

Always perform a redraw after dripping 3–5 drops per coil or refilling your refillable tank. Listen for a slight gurgle—this indicates saturation. If flavour tastes muted, repeat the redraw; if you hear gurgling into the DripTip“>drip tip, blow gently through the atomizer while firing at 20 W to clear excess. Avoid chain vaping until the cotton glistens. Safety note: redrawing on a dry coil can still scorch cotton, so visually inspect the wick first. For new builders, count drops: start with 10 total on dual coils, then adjust.

History & Context

The term emerged in early Australian vape forums circa 2013 when cloud-chasers began documenting wicking tricks for RDAs. As mesh strips and complex decks evolved, the redraw became a universal checkpoint before every cloud comp, cementing its place in local vaping culture.