One of the more popular sub-ohm tanks on the market, it is easy to see why the Kanger Subtank Mini appeals to many users. It is easy to refill, rebuild, and is highly leak-resistant. Flavor is more pronounced than other tank systems, and the vapor production is superb.
Table of Contents
Kanger Subtank Mini: First Impressions
Design
The Kanger Subtank Mini is a very stylish tank, with a metal frame, red O-rings that act as highlights, and a robust tank. There is also an airflow control ring at the bottom that clicks into place. This helps reduce accidentally turns during transport or use. Inside the tank, there is a chimney that is attached to the top part of the tank. Unlike older tanks that have the chimney attached to the bottom part, the updated design allows users to replace the coil head, or even rebuild a new one, without having to empty the tank first. This design takes away some of the frustrations people had with older tanks.
Build Quality
The Subtank Mini is very robust with some heft to it, though not too much as to become unwieldy. The frame is made of high-grade stainless steel while the glass is crafted from shatter-resistant pyrex, which makes it tougher than the usual glass tank. There are rubber O-rings that prevent leakage and overall, the tank itself looks like it could last many years. Despite its ruggedness, users should still take care not to drop the tank. Though pyrex is tough, it can still break if abused.
What’s in the Box
Users who buy a Kanger Subtank Mini will get one OCC 0.5 ohm head, one OCC 1.2 ohm head, two RBA 0.5 ohm coils, one Japanese organic cotton piece, one mini RBA base, one Pyrex glass tube, one tool kit, one set of seal rings, and one instruction manual.
Vaping Experience
Usability
The Kanger Subtank Mini is designed for beginners and advanced users alike. Using it is very easy compared to other tanks and it is a great entry tank for new vapers to get into sub-ohm vaping. The tank is easily customizable as well to make it the go-to tank for advanced users.
For new vapers who do not know how to build their own coils, the Subtank Mini has replaceable coil heads that users can easily screw on once the old one gives way. There are two replacement heads included in the box, and additional heads can be purchased separately.
Advanced users who would rather build their own coils will find a rebuildable head in the box that is easy to work with. Coils are caught on to the two posts, making it easier to screw on tight, and the deck itself is large enough to give ample space to work with.
New users who want to use the rebuildable deck can try their hand at it since there are pre-built coils and cotton included in the box. They just have to attach the coils and thread the cotton in. This can be good practice so new users can learn how to make their own coils and save money in the process.
The Subtank Mini is designed as such that when replacing the head or rebuilding a new coil, users do not have to empty the tank first. Even on a full tank, users can remove the top part and replace the head or rebuild a new coil without spilling or wasting any e-juice.
Refilling is also very easy, one simply unscrews the tank and fills the top part with e-juice. Just make sure no e-liquid gets in the center chimney lest you want your hands full of e-juice.
The airflow control is simple to operate, and users can choose from a single air hole, dual air holes, or an open slot that gives maximum airflow. The wheel clicks into place as well to prevent accidental turns.
Vapor Production and Performance
Vapor production from the Subtank Mini is excellent. Whether one uses the included 0.5 ohm or 1.2 ohm head, vapor from both is stupendous. However, many users would rather rebuild their own to customize the vapor production.
If one experiences dry hits with their tank, it is most likely a case of user error rather than the tank’s fault. Dry hits can happen when the airflow is wide open, but the cotton is not wicking enough e-juice. When one starts to get dry hits, it is best to tighten the airflow a bit first and taper down the wattage settings on your mod. It will take some trial and error, but once the perfect combination of settings is achieved, users can expect plumes of tasty vapor.
Overall performance is great. The tank is pretty leak-proof. However, there might be times when some leakage can occur. Users who report leakage often find that this is due to a misalignment of O-rings or improper wicking of the coil. To fix this, remove the tank and attach it again slowly, making sure not to over tighten it. For wicking issues, take some time to research the various wicking tips other users employ. Most users prefer the ‘pancake wick’ on their Subtank Minis, and it is a technique well worth learning.
Battery Life and Atomizers
The Subtank Mini does not use any batteries though it can affect battery life on your mod. As a general rule, the lower the ohms on your tank, the faster your battery drains. So users who prefer longer battery life should stick to above 1 ohm resistances while those who would rather get thicker vapor can choose sub-ohm resistances.
The atomizer inside the Subtank depends on the user. There are two pre-built coil heads and an RBA base for rebuilding. The quality of the vape from the tank depends on which coil one uses, or in the case of the RBA, what kind of coil they rebuild. There are many videos and discussions on the internet as to the best atomizer setup, but in the end, it all boils down to user preference.
Kanger Subtank Mini Specifications
| Tank Capacity in Clearomizer Mode: | 4.5ml |
| Tank Capacity in RBA / RTA Mode: | 4.5ml |
| Thread: | 510 |
| Coil Type: | Bottom-Plane-Dual-Coil (BPDC) |
| Tank Material: | Pyrex Glass |
| Casing Material: | 304 Stainless Steel |
| E-Liquid Capacity: | 4.5ml |
Pros & Cons
The Positives
- Great appearance and a flush fit on most mods
- Tank 5 ml
- Comes with 0.5 ohm and 1.2 ohm pre-built coils
- RBA head included
- Excellent performance
- Easy to use
- Airflow control settings to suit mouth-to-lung or direct-to-lung hits
- High-quality manufacturing
The Negatives
- A little expensive
- Bottom-fill design
- RBA head can feel a little cramped when rebuilding
Summary
There’s a reason the Kanger Subtank Mini is one of the more popular sub-ohm tanks on the market today – it works superbly. The build quality is top-notch, it is easy to use, and most importantly, it performs excellently.
New users will find comfort in how easy it is to replace the coil heads while advanced users will appreciate the easy to build deck and tremendous vapor production.
Most sub-ohm tanks are usually designed for advanced users, but the Kanger Subtank Mini is made for vapers of all levels. No matter your vaping experience, the Subtank Mini is worth a try. It performs so well that you might make it your primary tank after trying it.
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