Mac I just looked at xc116 Nextel and it's a no go. Way too many negative things talking about how this thing needs to be treated in super high temperature in order to make it "less toxic".
Good morning and thanks for the comeback just. You obviously ran into the same frustrating phenomenon as I was looking at this from the outside trying to decide if I should try to quit more than 3 years ago. I'm unsure how you came about this impression. However, I know that the misinformation and hysteria on 3M Nextel as a wick was overwhelming and a disappointment to me as I tried to find answers then.
Being on the outside I instead relied on industry data and published science on the product to conclude that as a wicking media it represented an extraordinary opportunity for safe effective temp stable vaporization. A potential boon to vaping if its best attributes could be harnessed.
This was extremely important to me as I am an at-risk user. It has turned out to be
for me the single most important factor in my long-term success.
(It allows me to run a great many devices relatively maintenance free compared to other wicking and a long-term consistent performance. Without this I could not enjoy the variety of alternatives that I do.)
Now
that I wouldn't want to see anyone denied of due to inadequate or inaccurate information.
Having accomplished some considerable research I concluded for myself that there was some risk although none which represented any potential of permanent or chronic injury. At most and seldom, for some, a minor irritation. This prompted me to undertake a long-term study of the media's effectiveness and safety sharing in the process I believe more relevant observations here than anyone on results. I'm well aware of the successes and am most grateful for all of you who've undertaken your own experiments providing feedback.
3M Nextel fiber braid is amorphous alumina. Essentially what also exudes from Kanthal when adequately heated to form the alumina oxide layer beneficial and optimal to the wire's performance. The sizing (or stiffener) present in Nextel is introduced by the maker to facilitate handling of the braid for its design purpose (wire insulation). The additive is not easy to correctly remove without the necessary technical training. However, the supplier presently kiln processing the material employs the precise technology and methods to properly prepare the media for our application (vaporization) excising the additives
as specifically outlined by the maker. 3M braid is not "toxic". It is ceramic. It is used in a wide variety of human materials contact applications.
Like so many new
developments by users in the vaping community, an exuberant but reactive communal synergy took over when Nextel was suggested. Many folks hopped on it for wicking promoting the "untreated" use of the raw media without understanding its industrial characteristics. There were frequent reports of adverse or unsatisfactory results consequently. These incidences continue to leave a wrongful impression which is difficult to correct despite the available science and favorable anecdotal reports of thousands of vapers here.
I would recommend all should do their own due diligence. But let me suggest that if conclusions are to be drawn about ceramic braid to please touch base for an opinion (as you have here) with those who understand what this material is, have been successful using it and creating effective winds for it. If a negative is found, please let's have a reference so we can determine the accuracy of the source and data.
This media as wicking may not be the ideal for everyone for any number of reasons. But it could be an important tool or complement for many of us given its appropriate use.
Hope these remarks and info I've posted elsewhere may be of use to those of you really needing a consistent, low-maintenance and rewarding vape. Some of us just don't have the time or means for anything more. Some need to have a tight control of their vaping results. For these and other reasons as well as it's outstanding neutral performance Nextel is an awesome alternative.
Good luck just and all the rest.
