Reshaping a classic — in-depth review of the HASTUR MTL RTA atomizer

This issue provides a detailed analysis of

the recently launched atomizer by Cthulhu Company, which features extremely precise airflow control,

the HASTUR MTL RTA.

Although I am not very familiar with this brand,

receiving the HASTUR MTL RTA made me very excited,

prompting me to learn about and explore this brand.

To be precise, this brand should be called Cthulhu MOD,

which was founded in 2014

and is named after the Cthulhu Mythos created by American writer H.P. Lovecraft.

It is also a relatively long-established brand focused on developing original DIY products.

HASTUR MTL RTA (Hastur) According to the Cthulhu official website, the packaging of the Hastur atomizer
continues the classic jewelry box style made of burlap,
compact and exquisite, yet memorable,
with high recognition.

The packaging includes the Hastur atomizer body,
a spare frosted glass tank,
a drip tip of different diameters made of PEI,
five different diameter airflow kits,
a flathead screwdriver,
a pack of spare screws and O-rings,
and a manual (in English).

The Hastur atomizer has a diameter of 24mm,
a height of 43mm,
and an official stated e-liquid capacity of 3.5ml.
The entire metal part of the atomizer is made of 304 stainless steel,
and the overall design features simple lines for decoration,
giving it a high aesthetic appeal.

The Hastur features a top-fill design,
but the top fill cap does not have mainstream threading,
instead, it uses a simple snap-on design.
You only need to twist the square connector below the drip tip
to align the pointed ends of the top cap with the notches to open it.
The top has dual side fill holes,
but be careful not to lose the O-ring on the fill hole when opening the top cap,
or it will not seal properly.

Due to the Hastur's build deck being of the GTA type,
the build deck is placed high relative to the lower part of the tank,
so the actual airflow path is not as long as one might imagine,
with an inner diameter of only about 4mm.

The build deck features a semi-open dual post design with four holes,
allowing for smooth installation of coils in either direction,
but due to the limited space in the chamber,
it is recommended that the coil diameter does not exceed 3.0mm for optimal performance.

The Hastur features a classic bottom L-shaped airflow design. However, I want to highlight the precision airflow kit design, which is the most notable feature of this atomizer.

The airflow holes at the top of the build deck can accommodate five different diameter airflow kits included in the packaging. These include 1.0mm/1.6mm/2.0mm/2.5mm/3.5mm. There are also additional multi-hole airflow kits available for separate purchase (1.2mm/1.4mm/1mmx2/0.8mmx3). These different diameter precision kits can cater to different airflow preferences.

The bottom sides also feature larger airflow holes. According to my rough measurements, each side's opening is about 3x6mm in size. However, the presence of the adjustable airflow ring allows for more precise airflow control. The resistance of the airflow adjustment ring is moderate, and its sealing is good.

Through different diameter kits and two different diameter drip tips, combined with the adjustable airflow ring, it can mimic the airflow resistance and flavor of various classic MTL RTA atomizers, and even surpass them in flavor.

The GTA-style build deck design features negative pressure oil guiding and active oil guiding,
which greatly reduces the likelihood of leaking.
The oil guiding surface is not as high as that of five-hole atomizers,
and with a highly adaptable and simple coil installation structure,
even beginners can quickly get the hang of it.

During my nearly half-month continuous experience with this atomizer,
I found that the drip tip condensation issue that has always plagued MTL atomizers
has not completely escaped the Hastur either.
However, reasonable matching of drip tip diameters can reduce condensation.
Since the Hastur is designed for MTL use,
it basically does not require puffing,
so bottom airflow condensation is virtually zero.

However, in the current market environment filled with high-density vapor e-liquids,
it is almost impossible to find suitable high-density e-liquids for MTL use.
I used a dual-core Clapton single coil at 0.22 ohms at 27 watts,
paired with a three-hole 0.8mm airflow kit fully open,
and experienced a very rich flavor with my custom 12mg e-liquid.
Here, I personally recommend that the Hastur atomizer is best used with high-density e-liquids.
The 3.5ml e-liquid capacity is sufficient to support one or two days of consumption for MTL atomizers.

I highly recommend this MTL atomizer for three reasons:
Reason 1: There are currently too few authentic MTL atomizers available for purchase.
Reason 2: There are too few options for MTL atomizers.
Reason 3: There are too few atomizers that achieve high flavor/playability/compatibility.

Let me explain why this atomizer is referred to as an RTA.
Although the Hastur atomizer's airflow kits are designed for MTL resistance,
it can also provide a restricted direct lung experience without installing the kits.
During multiple communications with the manufacturer, this issue was also mentioned.
The ability of the Hastur to provide a restricted direct lung experience is why it is defined as an RTA rather than an RBA.
Returning to the origin, reshaping a classic work.
Can it awaken those dormant veteran players?