Russian Tank – What is it in Vaping?

Definition

The Russian Tank is a 22 mm, Rebuildable Tank Atomizer (RTA) that blends the flavour intensity of an RDA with the convenience of a refillable tank. Designed for Australian mouth-to-lung (MTL) and restricted-lung vapers, it houses a user-built coildeck beneath a 2.5–4 ml e-liquid reservoir. By wicking juice upward to the coil, it delivers consistent flavour without frequent dripping, making it ideal for on-the-go vaping and nicotine salts.

Technical Details

The original Russian 91% (most common variant) features:

  • Deck: Two-post, single-coil build deck accepting 26–28 AWG Kanthal or Wire“>Ni80 wire for 0.8–1.6 Ω builds.
  • AFC: Dual cyclops airflow slots adjustable from 1 mm (tight MTL) to 2.5 mm (restricted lung).
  • Fill Method: Bottom-fill screwport or optional top-fill cap on later clones.
  • Material: 316L stainless steel tank section with Pyrex glass tube and PEEK insulators.
  • 510 Pin: Spring-loaded, gold-plated for hybrid-safe connection.

Common variations include the Russian 91% V2 (larger post holes), SXK clone (improved o-rings), and the Mini Russian (19 mm for stealth mods).

Usage & Tips

  • Wicking: Use Scottish roll method with tight cotton through the coil, then trim so tails just touch the juice channels—too thick causes dry hits, too thin leads to leaking.
  • Coil Placement: Position coil 1–2 mm above the air-hole for best flavour; centre it to avoid shorts against the chimney.
  • Problem Solving:Gurgling usually means flooded deck—close airflow and take a few sharp draws without firing. Leaking often indicates worn o-rings; replace annually.
  • Safety: Always check resistance on an ohm-meter before firing; the small chamber can overheat above 25 W.

History & Context

Launched in 2013 by Russian modder Kebo, the Russian Tank answered vapers who loved Kayfun flavour but wanted easier refills. It quickly became a cult classic in Australia during the early rebuildable boom, later spawning affordable SXK and YFTK clones that remain popular for MTL nic-salt setups today.

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