The Era of Pod Systems Compatible with RBA Has Arrived

The era of e-cigarettes has coincided with the rise of rebuildable atomizers (RBA). The rapid growth of pre-filled pod systems and nicotine salt e-liquids has somewhat delayed the development of "player products," as the technical barrier for using e-cigarettes has lowered, while the number of e-cigarettes with playability has decreased... This has been the general environment for e-cigarettes since the second half of 2018.

Recently, SMOANT launched a kit called PASTIO, which caters to the needs of players in the current environment. It features a compact overall design, a POD system, and is compatible with both mouth-to-lung (MTL) and direct lung (DL) vaping. The key highlight is that this device is compatible with the long-awaited RBA kit.

Upon opening the packaging, you will find detailed parameters of the device. In addition to the basic data such as the main unit size and pod capacity, it clearly states that the PASTIO is a device with five power settings, ranging from 10W to 25W, fully meeting the data needs of RBA players beyond pre-made coils.

The factory packaging includes a 1.4-ohm NI80 MTL coil and a 0.6-ohm mesh DL coil. Whether the RBA accessories for rebuilding will require additional purchase is yet to be confirmed by the official retail version. Notably, the PASTIO uses a Type-C charging port, providing a faster charging experience.

The main unit uses SMOANT's own ANT CHIP, which has been proven stable and quick to fire in many of its devices. With a built-in 1100mAh battery, if you use low-output MTL data or MTL coils, it can last a whole day without needing a recharge...

The upper part of the main unit features a non-standard drip tip interface for the pod system, with a visible "switch" component nearby. In fact, this is the airflow adjustment switch for the PASTIO. Pushing it from the corner towards the center increases the pod's airflow. For example, the two included coils have the DL coil directed towards the center for increased airflow, while the MTL coil is directed towards the corner for reduced airflow. Even when the airflow is fully pushed to the minimum, it still retains a slight draw resistance for MTL, rather than being completely closed.

The main unit features an aluminum oxide surface and PC veneer treatment, with a strong magnetic connection between the pod and the main unit, ensuring a tight fit without any looseness. The atomizer core shown in the image above is the RBA core, and the specific operation and experience of this core will be described further in the article below.

SMOANT is a brand that is continuously progressing in the e-cigarette market, and the craftsmanship of the main unit and pod is commendable. The gold-plated electrodes are square-shaped, perfectly fitting into the grooves inside the pod, creating a locked structure that facilitates easy access for refilling or installing the atomizer core. This is a clever design.

If you do not wish to use the rebuilding feature, the two included coils can be used directly. The official has further analyzed the output of these two coils, suggesting that the 1.4-ohm MTL coil is best used at 10-13W (1-2 settings), while the 0.6-ohm DL coil is recommended for 20-25W (4-5 settings), allowing for a seamless experience with low-concentration nicotine salt e-liquids and regular high-vapor e-liquids.

Of course, choosing the right e-liquid is crucial. Even with the MTL coil, those who do not smoke or are new to e-cigarettes may find it difficult to handle the impact of 5% nicotine salt e-liquid, so using a concentration of 2%-3.5% is more reasonable.

Regarding the RBA aspect, the overall concept of the PASTIO is similar to the design philosophy of rebuildable atomizers from the "KFLP MTL era," achieving multiple functionalities through the RBA accessory. Friends who have been in the e-cigarette scene for two years will surely remember similar historical products like "mini tank atomizers" and "geometric atomizers."

The PASTIO's pod does not use a traditional 510 atomizer interface, so the RBA accessory comes with a 510 adapter, allowing for wire burning operations on this RBA core. After completing the wire burning, this adapter must be removed to correctly install it into the pod.

Upon opening the interior, you will see that the core has a common dual-post single-coil structure. Whether using loose or tight wraps, the wire legs need to be bent slightly to fit into the locking holes for a perfect center coil installation. This aspect of the structural design could certainly be improved, and if there is a future upgraded version of the PASTIO, I hope it will feature a smarter locking structure to accommodate more novice users...

The distance between the electrode posts is basically at the limit for a 2.5mm diameter coil, and the size of the cotton oil slot determines that it is suitable for using single wire coils of 2.5 or 2.0mm diameter. However, the diameter, loose or tight wraps, and number of wraps are very subjective data that need to be experienced personally. My experience in this article is that using a 2.0mm diameter coil makes it easier to work with the cotton.

Once the coil and cotton are completed, simply cover it with the cap to finish the rebuild of this RBA. Although the rebuilding operation of the PASTIO is slightly more technical than many MTL RTAs on the market, achieving the compression effect of a small atomization chamber like the PASTIO with an overall compact design and feel is not easy. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and there is no absolute good or bad.

For novice users of RBAs, there are a few points to note, especially since many new users have entered through pod systems:

1. The accessories in the red box are only for tight wire burning; as shown in the image, they cannot be inserted into the bottom of the pod for smooth assembly.
2. When using a 2.5mm diameter coil, the cotton needs to be thinned out; too much cotton will block the oil slot and cause poor wicking.
3. The wire gauge of 28G is almost the limit; the small atomization chamber volume will increase heat and ruin the flavor.
4. Choose the output level and airflow based on the heating characteristics of the coil to find the best flavor.

In this era of "ready to use" pod systems, many manual rebuilding products may be labeled as "troublesome," but for many players who have experienced the RBA boom, this kind of playability is precisely the fun and sentimentality of e-cigarettes. The emergence of the PASTIO is exactly what these seasoned users have been looking forward to...

Players in the e-cigarette world are called "players" because the devices must have elements of play. When products on the market are merely about buying and using, the number of products that can be played with is decreasing, and those who truly enjoy e-cigarettes feel that this once playful item has lost its charm. Products like the PASTIO, which can be rebuilt, are exactly what veteran players are looking for.
The upcoming market trend will inevitably return to a state where "player" devices are compatible, and SMOANT's PASTIO provides a new toy for all veteran e-cigarette users in this low-technical-threshold pod system era. Moreover, SMOANT, known for its competitive pricing, has yet to announce the retail price of the PASTIO, which is expected to become a popular item among veteran users...