Who uses xc-116 ceramic wick?

**NatureBoy** · 01-19-2012, 04:25 AM

Call me paranoid or crazy, but I just don't trust the fiberglass wick. The fact that it falls apart and turns into a fine dust when rubbed between my fingers creeps me out.

I recall seeing a discussion about the xc-116 ceramic wick material, but I can't seem to find the thread now.

- What's involved with using this material?
- Where can I order it?
- Is it the same process as other wick material?
- Is it stronger (and safer) to use than fiberglass and other synthetic materials?

**fright88** · 01-19-2012, 04:33 AM

To use the Nextel wick you either have to modify the ceramic or debraid the wick. It is also best if heat treated but if a kiln isn't available you have to at least torch it to burn off the sizing.

Unfortunatly it is only available to order in the US

Same process except you have to burn or heat treat it

It also flakes although not as badly if it is heat treated. So it is hard to say if it is safer as I don't think anyone has done any actual lab testing on it.

**NatureBoy** · 01-19-2012, 04:48 AM

Unbraiding doesn't sound too difficult. I don't have a kiln, but I do have torches. How difficult is it to work with once its been heat treated? Do you heat it before or after its unbraided?

Do you order yours from here? http://www.omega.com/ppt/pptsc.asp?ref=XC_XC4_SLEEVING

Which size should I get?

EDIT: oh, it's not available for export. now what...

**fright88** · 01-19-2012, 05:00 AM

You know being completely honest that is why I don't recommend it and highly recommend the stock wick. I know it flakes ect but every wick I have tried does that and most all of them unbraid and can be a PITA however the stock wick has health certs which makes me feel a little better about it. It's only drawback is you either have to get it from your GG vendor or you have to order some stupid length like 5km. On the other hand if you check out the how to make a dual coil in ody thread they mention another wicking option but it may also be fiberglass so I guess it is a pick your poison kind of thing.

**NatureBoy** · 01-19-2012, 05:05 AM

lol, 5km...

alright, well for the time being i guess i'll continue to use the stock wick and try to be more careful while handling it.

do you know if anyone has ventured into the SS wick territory yet?

**fright88** · 01-19-2012, 05:15 AM

It was done on iAtty but I don't think it has been done on Ody yet the main drawback is since the mouthpiece threads directly over the wick you would have to covet the ss with something so the carbon doesn't get scratched off but still allows juice flow onto the mesh. It has been theorized that putting a piece of the stock wick between the ss mesh running down the channels and the mouthpiece might work but I don't think anyone has tried it yet

**NatureBoy** · 01-19-2012, 05:26 AM

Ah, yeah that's what I was thinking of doing.. but considering the wick barely fits in the channel, I have a feeling it'd be a really tight fit to have both in there.

I don't think I'll try it just yet. I'll let someone else be the guinea pig!

Loving this Ody! Kinda wish I'd have waited for the SS Stealth though.. there's too much brass for my eyes.. lol (especially since I don't have anything to polish it with).