DaveJ
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Post by DaveJ on Jul 20, 2018 6:12:52 GMT
A little while ago I purchased a couple of these. I've had them in regular use for a few weeks now, so thought I'd put my impressions down. I certainly have not had enough experience with different atties to allow me to draw too many comparisons. This is simply how I found these. I MTL. I like a tightish draw. The oldie Kayfun Lites (both original and the V2) were about perfect for me. For several years my mainstay RTA has been the UD AGA-T5. Both the UD and the Kayfun have airflow holes beneath the coil that measure 2 mm or less. That's perfect for me. I've tried a few other atties over the years - but most have disappointed for various reasons. These Sirens, though, are keepers. Starting off then: 24 mm diameter which is a fail on some mods. About 4.5 ml capacity. I avoided the TPD compliant 2ml versions as I want the larger tank size. The original box also includes spare O-rings, a 3-way screwdriver tool and a spare glass tank.
An airflow control ring around the outside of the base fine tunes that already tightish draw. It works well and holds its adjustment nicely without being difficult to alter when you want to. It allows you to "choke" the air right down to original Evod/Protank levels if that's your wish. There is no Juice Flow Control. None is needed. Several weeks of use in rotation with my regular atties, a couple of rewicks and numerous refills ... and not a drop of juice leaked or seeped anywhere at anytime. Refilling is "tool-less" from the top. Unlike many tanks nowdays, the top is not threaded to the body. The top is pressed into place and then twisted about 1/8 turn to lock it down. I suffered no leaks or gurgles after refilling. Coil chamber is elevated within the tank - along the lines of the popular "Doggystyle" tank. Wick recesses within the base of the coil deck suit my 3 mm diameter coils without issue. Unlike the KFL, DoggyStyle or my AGAs, the coil is not trapped inplace under a screw head. Rather, it is locked into place by the end of the screw. Pics below ought explain it. Disappointingly the screw that does the trapping is a "slotted" head rather than a hex head. But the tools supplied in the box work well with it and the screw head does seem robust and "up to the task". The base can be unscrewed from the tank to rewick or change coil without dumping the contents of the tank - somewhat in the style the old Evod/Protanks. I found no particular issue mounting the coil or wicking. I used 3 mm diameter kanthal contact coils, with wicking to suit. I normally "comb out" the wick ends wich also thins them a little - and that ended up being the perfect amount to set into those "wick recesses". A coupla dabs of juice holds the wick in place for re-assembly. Worked right the first time for me. I've no idea how these compare to other modern, recently released "MTL" RTAs - but I'm liking the two I have. I'll be buying more of these. A couple of pics of the insides from when I last rewicked. Note the inverted tank still holding juice. For reference, the coil shown is 26 gauge kanthal, 8 wraps @ 3 mm diameter approx 1.1 ohm which I run at 16 watts.
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stu1873
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Post by stu1873 on Jul 20, 2018 11:03:10 GMT
I have one and have been using it for a fair bit now. I really like it and much prefer it to my Innokin Ares tank that seeps liquid from the sliding top cap.
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kailey
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Post by kailey on Jul 22, 2018 7:49:52 GMT
I currently have one of these on its way to me. I am hoping the draw is not too tight. I tend to like a loose draw even for MTL. I also have an Ares which I like very much apart from the tiny bit of seeping from the top cap. I have had to lower my nic from 18mg to 12mg and think I could perhaps go even lower. Is this normal with RTAs or just a normal progression after vaping for so long?
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DaveJ
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Post by DaveJ on Jul 22, 2018 8:11:03 GMT
Hi kailey. I couldn't say if the Siren will be too "tight" for you. Full open they are a little more airy than the original KFL if that means anything to you. They certainly will not suit those who like very open, free breathing atties. Many do reduce their nic levels over time. For me , when I moved onto "better" gear that delivered "more hit", I found I needed to drop my nic ratio. Perhaps it's similar for you too. Others have said over time they needed less nic even without changing the gear they use, although I've not found that myself. I reckon use what ratio works for you.
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kailey
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Post by kailey on Jul 22, 2018 8:29:23 GMT
Ah, thanks DaveJ . I used to own a very early Kayfun and, from what I can remember, it was okay. Yep, I think you are right. I have dropped my nic with stock coils and will try even lower nic with RTAs. I have only just started to experiment with new gear again (after being content with what I had for about 2/3 years but not available any more) and feel a bit of a beginner.
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stu1873
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Post by stu1873 on Jul 22, 2018 19:11:31 GMT
I currently have one of these on its way to me. I am hoping the draw is not too tight. I tend to like a loose draw even for MTL. I also have an Ares which I like very much apart from the tiny bit of seeping from the top cap. I have had to lower my nic from 18mg to 12mg and think I could perhaps go even lower. Is this normal with RTAs or just a normal progression after vaping for so long? They are similar airflow wise. So it isn't just me that has a leaking/seeping topcap on the Ares. I contacted them and was fobbed off with the excuse that i must have not installed an o-ring. Replied back and was ignored. Last time i deal with them if that's the way they deal with customer problems. For me personally the more airflow i use the less nic i use.
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kailey
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Post by kailey on Jul 22, 2018 22:55:23 GMT
They are similar airflow wise. So it isn't just me that has a leaking/seeping topcap on the Ares. I contacted them and was fobbed off with the excuse that i must have not installed an o-ring. Replied back and was ignored. Last time i deal with them if that's the way they deal with customer problems. For me personally the more airflow i use the less nic i use. They are similar airflow wise.
That's reassuring. Thanks, stu1873I only use the Ares at home but after a bit of vaping I find the top of the glass just under the fill hole gets slightly damp. I thought perhaps it was because I use the extension tube but apparently the early Ares had a seeping/leaking problem. I thought they were replacing them since they acknowledged the problem. I don't know when you contacted them but it may be worth contacting someone else in their company again. Mine isn't too bad but I always keep it upright and it doesn't leak anywhere else. I ordered the Siren for something a bit different as a back up. I am looking forward to seeing how it compares. For me personally the more airflow i use the less nic i use.
That is very interesting. I need to experiment a bit but the thought of lowering my nic further makes me feel slightly anxious. Silly, I know.
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DaveJ
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Post by DaveJ on Jul 23, 2018 7:20:39 GMT
... but the thought of lowering my nic further makes me feel slightly anxious. Silly, I know. Not silly.
Getting nic here is somewhat more of an issue than for you in the UK. I tend to get a little anxious iffn I've less than several years worth stashed.
Keep your nic ratio where you feel comfortable. Iffn you are not comfortable dropping the level, then don't. No problem. That said, if you do want to put it to the test, it doesn't hurt to try mixing up a couple of different ratio juices - one weak and the other strong. Run the two mixes in two atties "side by side". See how you go with the light weight one knowing you have the "safety blanket" close by if needed. Way back, in my early days, I had one atty loaded with a super heavy duty, high octane unflavoured nic (*) just for those times. Didn't use it often but it was so good to have handy the odd occasion when I needed it.
* On reflection, maybe I really needed some WTA ... but that's a whole different story
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kailey
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Post by kailey on Jul 23, 2018 14:18:45 GMT
I have just noticed where you are, DaveJ . I understand completely and you have my full sympathies. The thought of what may happen here makes me anxious enough. I just hope all those in power will see some sense one day. That's a good idea for a transitional phase which I may well adopt. ETA: I think the heat we have in the UK has totally fried my brain. Of course I have seen your lovely photos of your trip. Just didn't make the connection. Doh!
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DaveJ
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Post by DaveJ on Jul 24, 2018 8:52:06 GMT
hehehe kailey ^^^ " Oh, yeah - he's that guy!" So it's still running hot there, huh? Just this morning, I read Japan is having record heat too. One city reported suffering thro an all time record high of 41, with another week to run for them. Not here at the moment though. Middle winter for us. + About our laws - it's not so bad for those of us already established vapers. We do what most of you in the UK do - poke our credit card into the computer and sometime later some kind person delivers vape goodies to us. It's bad for those currently looking for an out from smoking though. For the potential new vaper, finding their way around to get started is the hard one. We agree about hoping sense eventually prevails (all over), but I'm not holding my breath. AND - to sorta get back on topic - the sirens. I was reading a thread over at ECF of one fellow who drilled out his siren to achieved more airflow. When you get yours, if it's too tight, yell out and I'll see iffn I can find that thread again.
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kailey
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Post by kailey on Jul 24, 2018 12:25:11 GMT
My Siren 2 arrived today! First impressions are that it seems very well built. The threads are very smooth and it seems pretty solid. I need to give it a wash and then I think I will install one of the pre-made coils it comes with and wick it with some cotton bacon. Yep, DaveJ and I am not too good with the humidity. Apparently we are in for even hotter days towards the end of the week. However, these temps are probably on the cool side for you.
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DaveJ
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Post by DaveJ on Jul 25, 2018 8:11:16 GMT
My Siren 2 arrived today! Yay! ...
So you've had the thing for at least 10 hours now .... Howzit? Inquiring minds wanna know!
Hopefully it suits you *fingers crossed* Yep, DaveJ and I am not too good with the humidity. Neither am I. .... However, these temps are probably on the cool side for you. Yeah, but it's no different to me really feeling single digit max temps (like on our recent roadtrip east) - knowing at least some of you guys are thinking " ... is that all?"
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kailey
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Post by kailey on Jul 25, 2018 13:40:00 GMT
Sorry to keep you waiting, DaveJ. I wicked it late yesterday and thought I had done a bad job so I wanted to try again today but I haven't gotten around to it yet. However, I have been using it happily all day today. At first it was giving me a bit of burnt taste if I chained vaped and it leaked a tiny bit from the air holes overnight although there did not seem to be any leaking during the time I was awake. I tried to keep the cotton away from the airflow holes and the posts but I think I need to put a bit more cotton around the coil and/or thin the ends a bit more. I'm very surprised at how it vapes though as I knew my wicking wasn't that brilliant as I was doing it. Just didn't have the energy to redo. Flavour and airflow are good and I am sure that once I experiment a bit I will get better. It's been a long time since I have used a RTA (except for the Ares) so I think it is just a matter of practice. It seems a bit more tricky than the Ares to get right. I am happy with this tank though and looking forward to experimenting with it. Thanks for asking, DaveJ.
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DaveJ
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Post by DaveJ on Jul 26, 2018 7:43:23 GMT
... Flavour and airflow are good and I am sure that once I experiment a bit I will get better. Yay! Good to hear and hopefully the issues you mention will be resolved with a bit of a play with wicking.
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kailey
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Post by kailey on Jul 26, 2018 8:11:48 GMT
Thanks, DaveJ. I put in a new coil yesterday and no leaking overnight this time. I made sure there was plenty of cotton in the coil and then thinned the ends a little. It seems more or less perfect now. I am itching to make my own coil but it is just too hot to faff at the moment. I love how easy it is to check the coil and to fill it up. I have the silver one but I am starting to see the black one in my future.
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