The Phenomenon has certainly gone thru a LOT of updates, which was kinda frustrating to keep up with.
Here is a breakdown, I think I have it in the right order:
Phenomenon tight draw, taste is great , hence the name
Phenomenon " Zest " more air
Phenomenon "lite" even more air, and PIMMA (? spelling ) Less stainless parts, less expensive
Phenomenon "lite" V2 ? larger tank, more air
Now there is a new "Zest" with more air ( I have just the base ) dont really see a big difference, and trying to work out the build.
All of them can be filled top or bottom, unless of course you got one of the versions that had the top cap ( part with the heat sink) that had fill holes. Those also had some that had one hole and other that had 2.
It is "jewelry" level machined and hand finished. The Zest (V2 also ) or original is the best looking. I like the "full metal jacket" look.
The extreme chimney vs original has a higher dome shape and circulates air better, ( I think ) less hot.
I think they also added some engraving on the newer ones, pretty, but not really necessary. I do enjoy the extreme more. THe Zests and the Original Phenom came with both chimneys.
Is it really hot where you live , h00ligan? Like the KFL , the Phenom works on pressure , if the temp spikes fast , it will tend to ooze or even leak if not really tight. It is a pain to fill and get used to working the parts/ sections.
I honestly have to admit its the most "fiddly" of all my atties, BUT the taste and looks have me hooked. I would say they ( I have 5 now ) that is not a summer friendly atty. I dont have air conditioning so my Phenoms can drive me nuts sometimes. I have resorted to adjusting my wick builds depending on time of year and use them at night more than during day.
Sometimes I want to sell a few, but then I love them and I know I will miss them. Its my "Jaguar" atty, as in they require work but damn if they dont perform and look so beautiful.