2017 Vape Tanks

G’day, vapers and hardware enthusiasts. Cast your mind back to 2017. In the world of vaping, it was a year of thrilling innovation and fierce competition, particularly in the realm of vape tanks. Sub-ohm tanks had moved well beyond their infancy and were engaged in an all-out war for cloud dominance and flavour fidelity. Today, we’re putting on our analyst hats to look back at the legendary 2017 vape tanks through a modern lens. This isn’t just nostalgia; it’s a quantitative evaluation of which designs truly stood the test of time, and where a discerning vaper in Australia might still find value in these classics. As a specialist reviewer, I’ll assess these icons against key performance dimensions to deliver a conclusive ranking for today’s context.

For vapers seeking a reliable source for exploring both modern and legacy hardware components, a visit to a specialised retailer like Auvape VAPE Store can provide valuable access and insights. Now, let’s dive into the cloud-filled arena of 2017.

The 2017 Landscape: What Defined the Era?

Before we rank, let’s set the scene. 2017 was characterised by several key trends:

The “Coil Wars”: Manufacturers raced to produce tanks with ever-lower resistance coils and larger wicking ports, chasing massive vapour production.
Mesh’s Mainstream Debut: While mesh coils existed earlier, 2017 saw them begin a serious push into mainstream sub-ohm tanks, promising better flavour and longevity.
High-Wattage Dominance: Tanks were designed to handle 100W, 150W, even 200W+ power levels, demanding high-capacity batteries and robust mods.
Build-Your-Own (RBA) Sections as a Standard Inclusion: Many tanks included an RBA deck, bridging the gap between pre-made coil convenience and rebuildable customisation.

Our Evaluation Framework: The Five Pillars of Performance

To rank these 2017 vape tanks fairly, we’ve established five core dimensions for quantitative scoring (each out of 10):

Innovation & Influence (I&I): How groundbreaking was the tank at launch? Did it start a trend or redefine expectations?
Flavour Fidelity (FF): The primary goal. How accurately, intensely, and cleanly did it deliver the chosen capacity’s profile?
Build Quality & Durability (BQD): Materials, threading, leak resistance, and overall longevity of the tank itself.
Airflow & Cloud Production (ACP): The adjustability and smoothness of airflow, and its potential for vapour volume.
Modern-Day Viability & Availability (MDV): Can you still easily find coils? Is its performance still competitive compared to 2023/2024 tanks? Does it have a nostalgic or collector’s appeal?

The Contenders: Deep-Dive Reviews & Ranking

Here, we dissect the most notable tanks that defined 2017.

H2: The King of Clouds: SMOK TFV12 Cloud Beast King

Overall Score: 38/50
Breakdown: I&I: 9 | FF: 6 | BQD: 7 | ACP: 10 | MDV: 6

Analysis:
The TFV12 Cloud Beast King was less a tank and more a statement. It epitomised the high-wattage coil war. Its innovation was sheer, unadulterated power, offering coils like the T12 (12-coil!) that demanded 200W+. The airflow was ludicrously vast, earning its “King” title for cloud production. Flavour was good but often secondary to volume. Build quality was typical SMOK of the era: functional but with occasional quality control on coils. Today, its viability is niche. Coils can still be found, and for a specific type of vaper chasing pure, extreme cloud nostalgia, it’s unmatched. However, it’s a thirsty, battery-hungry relic that feels outdated compared to efficient modern mesh tanks.

H3: The Flavour Champion: Uwell Crown 3

Overall Score: 41/50
Breakdown: I&I: 8 | FF: 9 | BQD: 9 | ACP: 8 | MDV: 7

Analysis:
While the original Crown (2015) was legendary, the Crown 3 refined the formula into a 2017 powerhouse. Uwell’s “Born for Flavour” mantra shone here. Its parallel coil design (often 0.25Ω and 0.5Ω) provided outstanding, balanced flavour at manageable 80-100W ranges. The build quality was superb, with excellent machining and a reliable, leak-resistant top-fill system. Its innovation was in perfecting a known formula rather than breaking new ground. Its modern viability remains surprisingly high. Coils are often still in production, and many vapers consider its flavour profile warmer and richer than some cooler-running modern mesh coils. It’s a classic for a reason.

H4: The Mainstream Mesh Pioneer: Vaporesso NRG Tank

Overall Score: 39/50
Breakdown: I&I: 8 | FF: 8 | BQD: 8 | ACP: 8 | MDV: 7

Analysis:
Shipped predominantly with the renowned Vaporesso Revenger mod, the NRG tank was a solid, all-rounder workhorse. Its significance in 2017 was boosted by its early adoption of GT Mesh coils, which were a revelation for many. It offered a fantastic balance of very good flavour, solid cloud production, and reliable performance. Its build quality was consistently good. While not the absolute first to mesh, it brought the technology to a huge mainstream audience via kit bundles. Today, the vast GT Coil family is still expanded by Vaporesso, meaning the NRG remains a highly viable and versatile tank. It’s a testament to a well-designed platform.

H3: The Leak-Resistant Innovator: Geekvape Zeus RTA

Overall Score: 40/50 (Note: This is an RTA, included for its massive 2017 impact)
Breakdown: I&I: 10 | FF: 8 | BQD: 9 | ACP: 7 | MDV: 8

Analysis:
The original Zeus single-coil RTA wasn’t just a product; it started a revolution. Its top-airflow design, channeled down and under the coil, promised (and largely delivered) near-total leak resistance. For rebuildable fans tired of seeping, this was a game-changer. Its flavour was excellent for a single-coil tank, and build quality was typical robust Geekvape. It innovated profoundly, spawning countless imitators and a whole product line. For modern-day rebuildable users, the Zeus concept remains extremely viable and relevant. It’s easier to build than many dual-coil RTAs and is perfect for flavour-focused vapers who value peace of mind.

H4: The Powerhouse Performer: Sense Blazer 200

Overall Score: 37/50
Breakdown: I&I: 7 | FF: 7 | BQD: 8 | ACP: 9 | MDV: 6

Analysis:
The Blazer 200 was a direct competitor to the TFV12, often praised for having slightly better build quality and flavour from its monstrous coils. It was a no-nonsense, high-performance cloud tank. Its innovation was minimal—it was an iteration in the power race—but its execution was top-tier. Coils like the 0.2Ω hex-coil provided immense vapour. Today, like the TFV12, it’s a specialist’s item. Finding coils can be trickier, and its design philosophy has been superseded. However, for those who experienced it, it’s remembered fondly as a premium alternative in the cloud-chasing segment.

The Final Verdict: 2017 Vape Tanks Ranking for the Modern Vaper

Based on our multidimensional scoring, focusing on a balance of historical impact and modern-day viability, the ranking is conclusive:

Uwell Crown 3 (41/50): The timeless all-rounder. It wins for delivering enduring, top-tier flavour, exceptional build quality, and maintaining decent coil availability. It represents the peak of the pre-mesh, wire-coil flavour era.
Geekvape Zeus RTA (40/50): The revolutionary game-changer. Its impact on RTA design is undeniable, and its leak-resistant design remains highly desirable and effective for rebuildable users today.
Vaporesso NRG Tank (39/50): The accessible pioneer. It bridged the gap to mesh technology for millions and remains a supremely viable option thanks to Vaporesso’s ongoing and extensive GT coil support.
SMOK TFV12 Cloud Beast King (38/50): The iconic cloud legend. It scores highly for sheer influence and cloud production but is let down by its niche, inefficient nature in the modern context.
Sense Blazer 200 (37/50): The premium powerhouse. A well-made competitor that has, unfortunately, faded from mainstream availability and relevance more than others on this list.

H2: Where Does This Leave Today’s Aussie Vaper?

The journey through 2017 vape tanks teaches us that good design is perennial. While disposable devices dominate the convenience market, the dedicated tank-and-mod segment lives on, driven by enthusiasts seeking specific experiences—be it flawless flavour, creative rebuilding, or massive cloud production.

For Australian vapers interested in exploring these classic pieces of vaping history or sourcing compatible coils, partnering with a knowledgeable retailer is key. Specialists who understand both legacy hardware and current trends can be invaluable. Exploring the curated collections and expertise offered by establishments like Auvape VAPE Store{:target=”_blank”} can help bridge the gap between past innovations and present-day vaping needs. Whether you’re revisiting an old favourite or discovering a classic for the first time, the legacy of 2017’s finest tanks continues to influence the market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

H3: 1. Why look back at 2017 vape tanks? Aren’t today’s tanks much better?
Today’s tanks are more efficient, often using advanced mesh coils. However, 2017 tanks represent a pivotal, high-innovation era. Reviewing them offers historical perspective, highlights enduring design principles, and can help vapers understand the evolution of their hobby. Some, like the Crown 3, still offer a distinct, warm flavour profile some prefer.

H4: 2. Can I still buy coils for these 2017 tanks in Australia?
For some, yes. Tanks like the Uwell Crown 3 and Vaporesso NRG (GT coils) have such widespread popularity that coils often remain in production and stock. For more niche cloud tanks like the TFV12, availability can be sporadic and may require searching through specialist online retailers or older stock.

H3: 3. What’s the main difference between a 2017 sub-ohm tank and a modern disposable device?
Fundamentally, a sub-ohm tank is a reusable atomiser. You attach it to a separate battery mod, fill it with your choice of capacity, and replace only the coil head when burnt. A disposable is a single, integrated, non-rechargeable, non-refillable unit designed for ultimate convenience and disposal after use.

H4: 4. Were 2017 tanks prone to leaking?
Leaking was a more common issue compared to many modern designs, especially in bottom-airflow tanks. However, innovations from the period—like the top-airflow design of the Geekvape Zeus—specifically addressed this problem and paved the way for more leak-resistant future designs.

H3: 5. Which 2017 tank is best for a vaper who prioritises flavour over huge clouds?
Hands down, the Uwell Crown 3. It was engineered specifically for flavour clarity and intensity, operating at a wattage range that accentuates taste rather than just vapour volume.

H4: 6. Do I need a powerful mod to use these old tanks?
Most from this era, especially cloud-focused ones, performed best on mods capable of at least 80-100 watts of consistent power. Always check the recommended wattage range on the coil you plan to use.

H3: 7. Is there any collectible value in these tanks?
Generally, not significant monetary value, as they were mass-produced. However, for vaping enthusiasts and historians, certain iconic tanks in good condition with original packaging can be nostalgic collector’s items that represent a specific moment in vaping history.

H4: 8. Where can I learn more about the technical aspects and history of vaping hardware?
For deep dives into hardware evolution, troubleshooting, and community discussions, enthusiast forums and dedicated technical review channels on platforms like YouTube{:target=”_blank”} remain invaluable resources. They provide visual guides and user experiences that complement written reviews.