Focalecig ... A new Fasttech??

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Nikkita6

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Review: hcigar Taifun GT

In the wake of what seems to be a resurgence in popularity surrounding the Taifun GT, it had found its way to my “must have” list. This was spurred on by the realization that the Taifun GT clone available at Focalecig is in fact the 1:1 clone made by HCigar, who happens to be regarded as the best manufacturer of clones for the most popular advanced e cigarette products, specifically high end mechanical mods, and RBA’s.

While there are at least two Taifun GT clones on the market, The HCigar Taifun GT is distinguished by a genuine 1:1 cloning, a 100% stainless steel construction, which includes the building deck/base, as well as the catch screws for the coil leads. In addition to the size, weight, diameter, and materials finish, the knurling on the body of the Taifun GT is also a 1:1 match to the original Taifun ( unlike the larger knurling of the Rainbow Heaven version), as well as a one piece top cap and air tube, which cannot be separated from the top cap. It was believed by some at one point that only the HCigar Taifun GT presentation box featured the registered trademark “R” on the box, but this is not true. The current Rainbow Heaven Taifun GT’s clones box bear this symbol as well.

Some other unique features of the HCigar Taifun GT is their included parts package, which contains an extra 1.2mm air tube (1.5mm air tube already installed), in addition to several orings, nichrome wire, and a fair amount of what appears to be 3mm silica wick. The Rainbow Heaven Taifun parts package only includes a mini screwdriver, with some wire and wick. The Rainbow Heaven Taifun GT is also made with a chromed brass base, and it is worth noting that while Rainbow Heaven has made an all stainless steel base available for purchase as a replacement, customer reviews as recent as 2/5/14 still report a chromed brass base upon receipt, with stainless steel replacements being shipped separately. So even as Rainbow Heaven claims to have produced a 1:1 clone, it in fact is not based on body detailing, and overall device construction.

I have offered up these variances between Taifun GT clones so that you as a consumer are better able to distinguish the available clones by eye. It is fair to note that according to consumer reports, both clone variances perform well, and provide a satisfying vape experience. It has also been reported by consumers owning the original Taifun GT that the HCigar clone variant is interchangeable with the authentic Taifun GT, which is a definite plus for those who own the original and may be in need of replacement parts.

Like every other advanced Rebuildable Atomizer system presently on the market, your ability to build this device properly will be the true determining factor in the quality of your overall vape experience, which includes the prevention of leaking, and flooding. The common build for the Taifun GT, as recommended by the original creator of this device is a 3pc-2mm silica wick build, although this device can be rebuilt with ss mesh, and cotton wicks. For my build, I chose to follow the suggestion of youtube reviewer Phil Busardo, and went with a ss mesh and silica top wick build, and it has been very successful for me.

For my build I chose to pre-oxidize my mesh, with which I used twisted 32 gauge Kanthal wire, and a 4/5wrap which metered out to 1.2 ohms. For the sake of testing constancy, I have rebuilt my Taifun twice using the same method, for which I received the same result in terms of my overall vaping experience, and which was nothing short of pleasant.

With this build I did not experience any leaking, or flooding to my atomizer, although I think it is important to note that I also use 80% VG juices. How this build will stand up to a thinner eliquid, I don’t know. I can say that I did not experience any issues with wicking while using a thick eliquid. I did prime the silica wick with eliquid (not too much) prior to replacing the chimney cap, and filling with eliquid. Below are a few photos to demonstrate what my build looked like.



Build quality/construction: The overall construction of this device is excellent. All parts are 100% stainless steel (except the polycarbonate section of the tank), and are well machined, and finished. The threading of the top cap, and polycarbonate sections are smooth, and easy to screw on and off. I did find the threads on the chimney cap section to be a little grindy, and mildly difficult to catch when reinstalling this piece however, removing it is quite easy.

The collapsing deck shield is also well made, and moves up and down with ease, perhaps too easy, so be mindful when you have completed your build, to ensure that you pull the deck all the way back up until you feel the slight catch in the deck, otherwise it will pop back down rather easily. Likewise, be careful not to pull too hard on the deck wall, as you will pull it out from the base, which is only a good thing while you are dissembling for cleaning. If the deck wall is ill fitted once you have filled the device with eliquid, you will flood your atty. The stainless steel catch screws are very easy to work with, and I did not have any problems with catching my leads while building.

There had been some reports of a certain batch of HCigar Taifun’s that had air flow issues, which are not present on the device that I have received. I found the air flow with the 1.5mm tube installed to be rather perfect. It is neither tight, nor loose, and airy, just a very comfortably smooth, effortless draw. If you do happen to receive one that seems to have an overly tight draw, you will need to remove the air tube, followed by the plastic insulation inside the air hole of the base. Once removed, snip a tiny portion of the insulator off of the bottom, and reinstall, and your air flow issues should be fixed. You may also use the Taifun GT with no air tube at all for a 1.8/2mm air hole draw.

The polycarbonate tank section also feels quite sturdy, and while I do not vape very many high citrus fruit flavors, I did run approximately 10mls of strawberry eliquid through this tank without issue. All in all, this is a device of excellent quality, and good craftsmanship.

Flavor/Throat Hit/Vape quality: It has been my experience that it takes a few hours, to a full day of vaping on this device before you will experience the full flavor of your chosen eliquid. Now this may very well be dependent on what kind of build you are using however, with my ss mesh, and silica build, this is what I found. This is certainly not a con in my eyes as I find this to be true for most devices, with very few exceptions.

So far I have used two different eliquids of slightly varying nicotine levels on this device, and I feel that the throat hit is the same as I have experienced with most other devices, using the same eliquid. It is not however, in my opinion, on par with the flavor, and throat hit produced by a Genesis style atomizer, which is far more pronounced, and clear. The overall vape experience is very pleasant and enjoyable to me, most of which I attribute to the draw of this device, which I love. I can’t say enough times that for me, it is perfect, and definitely the defining factor in the overall vape experience.

One last note is the filling of this device … you cannot get an easier, or less complicated device to fill. Back while I was using Kanger Evods, I had often wished it were bigger, and more aesthetically appealing because I otherwise enjoyed the vape so much … Well, my prayers were answered, and I finally got my giant Evod! The HCigar Taifun GT from Focalecig.com is definitely a must have for any experienced vaper who is serious about their vape game, and gear collection. While I can’t say that it would end up being your favorite device, it is a device that most would be quite happy to have in their arsenal.
 
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Nikkita6

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My order info says


ProcessingStatus
Notes
System
2/7/2014 12:13:10 PMInstant Order ReceivedOrder has been received. Order appears to be paid. Please check transaction records before shipment.
paul
2/8/2014 7:26:02 AMCollecting Products Now

I wonder when it will ship?

It should ship in the next day or so, unless it was otherwise noted. Once it hits the collecting phase, it usually goes out within the next 24-36 hours I would say.
 

Nikkita6

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Think I found the cause with the Turbine, a tiny edge of one of the positive lines was touching a coil, wangled it out and its now sitting on my Sentinel M16 really catching me breath, what seems to help too is that nZonic head I got on the M16 to replace the useless alloy threaded head, according to my voltmeter I have 99.5 voltage throughput to the connector :)

Focale don't seem to be putting anything new up :*( Have to put Doris into the naughty corner for this :p

ahahahaha ... the naughty corner, I love it. The only things that I have gotten wind of are Caravela 18500 and 650 tubes, and replacement glass for the Krakens, which is good(but hasn't posted yet last I checked). I am happy about the Caravela tubes because I want to run it in 18500 for the added battery life, while still keeping it relatively small in size. Replacement glass for the Kraken is always a good thing, but I also feel like that threaded sleeve goes a long way to preventing damage while removing.

Doris said there will be more things, but she didn't say what beyond what I already mentioned ... so we will have to wait and see. Apparently the suppliers are really bogged down with trying to recover from the Holiday close. Let us not forget that most of these suppliers provide inventory for not just Chinese vendors, but for US, and UK vendors as well...
 

Cranky99

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Review: HCigar Taifun GT

In the wake of what seems to be a resurgence in popularity surrounding the Taifun GT, it had found its way to my “must have” list. This was spurred on by the realization that the Taifun GT clone available at Focalecig is in fact the 1:1 clone made by HCigar, who happens to be regarded as the best manufacturer of clones for the most popular advanced e cigarette products, specifically high end mechanical mods, and RBA’s.

While there are at least two Taifun GT clones on the market, The HCigar Taifun GT is distinguished by a genuine 1:1 cloning, a 100% stainless steel construction, which includes the building deck/base, as well as the catch screws for the coil leads. In addition to the size, weight, diameter, and materials finish, the knurling on the body of the Taifun GT is also a 1:1 match to the original Taifun ( unlike the larger knurling of the Rainbow Heaven version), as well as a one piece top cap and air tube, which cannot be separated from the top cap. It was believed by some at one point that only the HCigar Taifun GT presentation box featured the registered trademark “R” on the box, but this is not true. The current Rainbow Heaven Taifun GT’s clones box bear this symbol as well.

Some other unique features of the HCigar Taifun GT is their included parts package, which contains an extra 1.2mm air tube (1.5mm air tube already installed), in addition to several orings, nichrome wire, and a fair amount of what appears to be 3mm silica wick. The Rainbow Heaven Taifun parts package only includes a mini screwdriver, with some wire and wick. The Rainbow Heaven Taifun GT is also made with a chromed brass base, and it is worth noting that while Rainbow Heaven has made an all stainless steel base available for purchase as a replacement, customer reviews as recent as 2/5/14 still report a chromed brass base upon receipt, with stainless steel replacements being shipped separately. So even as Rainbow Heaven claims to have produced a 1:1 clone, it in fact is not based on body detailing, and overall device construction.

I have offered up these variances between Taifun GT clones so that you as a consumer are better able to distinguish the available clones by eye. It is fair to note that according to consumer reports, both clone variances perform well, and provide a satisfying vape experience. It has also been reported by consumers owning the original Taifun GT that the HCigar clone variant is interchangeable with the authentic Taifun GT, which is a definite plus for those who own the original and may be in need of replacement parts.

Like every other advanced Rebuildable Atomizer system presently on the market, your ability to build this device properly will be the true determining factor in the quality of your overall vape experience, which includes the prevention of leaking, and flooding. The common build for the Taifun GT, as recommended by the original creator of this device is a 3pc-2mm silica wick build, although this device can be rebuilt with ss mesh, and cotton wicks. For my build, I chose to follow the suggestion of youtube reviewer Phil Busardo, and went with a ss mesh and silica top wick build, and it has been very successful for me.

For my build I chose to pre-oxidize my mesh, with which I used twisted 32 gauge Kanthal wire, and a 4/5wrap which metered out to 1.2 ohms. For the sake of testing constancy, I have rebuilt my Taifun twice using the same method, for which I received the same result in terms of my overall vaping experience, and which was nothing short of pleasant.

With this build I did not experience any leaking, or flooding to my atomizer, although I think it is important to note that I also use 80% VG juices. How this build will stand up to a thinner eliquid, I don’t know. I can say that I did not experience any issues with wicking while using a thick eliquid. I did prime the silica wick with eliquid (not too much) prior to replacing the chimney cap, and filling with eliquid. Below are a few photos to demonstrate what my build looked like.



Build quality/construction: The overall construction of this device is excellent. All parts are 100% stainless steel (except the polycarbonate section of the tank), and are well machined, and finished. The threading of the top cap, and polycarbonate sections are smooth, and easy to screw on and off. I did find the threads on the chimney cap section to be a little grindy, and mildly difficult to catch when reinstalling this piece however, removing it is quite easy.

The collapsing deck shield is also well made, and moves up and down with ease, perhaps too easy, so be mindful when you have completed your build, to ensure that you pull the deck all the way back up until you feel the slight catch in the deck, otherwise it will pop back down rather easily. Likewise, be careful not to pull too hard on the deck wall, as you will pull it out from the base, which is only a good thing while you are dissembling for cleaning. If the deck wall is ill fitted once you have filled the device with eliquid, you will flood your atty. The stainless steel catch screws are very easy to work with, and I did not have any problems with catching my leads while building.

There had been some reports of a certain batch of HCigar Taifun’s that had air flow issues, which are not present on the device that I have received. I found the air flow with the 1.5mm tube installed to be rather perfect. It is neither tight, nor loose, and airy, just a very comfortably smooth, effortless draw. If you do happen to receive one that seems to have an overly tight draw, you will need to remove the air tube, followed by the plastic insulation inside the air hole of the base. Once removed, snip a tiny portion of the insulator off of the bottom, and reinstall, and your air flow issues should be fixed. You may also use the Taifun GT with no air tube at all for a 1.8/2mm air hole draw.

The polycarbonate tank section also feels quite sturdy, and while I do not vape very many high citrus fruit flavors, I did run approximately 10mls of strawberry eliquid through this tank without issue. All in all, this is a device of excellent quality, and good craftsmanship.

Flavor/Throat Hit/Vape quality: It has been my experience that it takes a few hours, to a full day of vaping on this device before you will experience the full flavor of your chosen eliquid. Now this may very well be dependent on what kind of build you are using however, with my ss mesh, and silica build, this is what I found. This is certainly not a con in my eyes as I find this to be true for most devices, with very few exceptions.

So far I have used two different eliquids of slightly varying nicotine levels on this device, and I feel that the throat hit is the same as I have experienced with most other devices, using the same eliquid. It is not however, in my opinion, on par with the flavor, and throat hit produced by a Genesis style atomizer, which is far more pronounced, and clear. The overall vape experience is very pleasant and enjoyable to me, most of which I attribute to the draw of this device, which I love. I can’t say enough times that for me, it is perfect, and definitely the defining factor in the overall vape experience.

One last note is the filling of this device … you cannot get an easier, or less complicated device to fill. Back while I was using Kanger Evods, I had often wished it were bigger, and more aesthetically appealing because I otherwise enjoyed the vape so much … Well, my prayers were answered, and I finally got my giant Evod! The HCigar Taifun GT from Focalecig.com is definitely a must have for any experienced vaper who is serious about their vape game, and gear collection. While I can’t say that it would end up being your favorite device, it is a device that most would be quite happy to have in their arsenal.

Thank you for this. Very good info for me as I get close to trying rebuilding.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-T217A using Tapatalk
 

Nikkita6

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What would you recommend as a shopping list for me and where should I buy from? This looks less intimidating after watching some videos and I think I will be happier when I have more options. Most of the things I find that I want to buy for the way they look require rebuilding.

Thanks.

You can get your "starter building" supplies from Lightingvapes on Ebay ... If you go to Ebay and search Kanthal A1 or silica wick, it will return results and you should be able to find this seller, who is reputable and a nice guy. He sells combo packs of silica wick w/25ft of Kanthal wire for free, and it cost $4 buck w/free shipping.

I would get at least 3ft, if not 6ft of 2mm silica, and like I said 25ft of Kanthal 32 gauge will be free with the purchase, and is more than enough to get you started, still I have my original purchase supply from him, and I got it back in October. Since you are new I recommend 32 gauge, as anything lower will return low ohms, which is better suited for advanced devices. Once you get the hang of rebuilding, and find your resistance setting of preference, you can look into lower gauge wire.

Aside from this you will need tweezer, small scissors, small philips head screwdriver, pliers, and a lighter or a chef's torch ... and you are good to go. Most people have a lot of that stuff in their house. To wrap your wire, you can either do it directly on your silica wick, or you can use a syringe needle, a round toothpick, or drill bit. The size of the wrap tool directly affects the resistance level. As a beginner you should be aiming for 1.8-2.5 ohms.

There is also a section of this forum for rebuilding as well, and you already know that Youtube has alot of tutorials as well.

DO NOT BUY YOUR SUPPLIES FROM A REGULAR ONLINE VENDOR, THEY CHARGE A LOT OF MONEY FOR VERY LITTLE!
 

Cranky99

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You can get your "starter building" supplies from Lightingvapes on Ebay ... If you go to Ebay and search Kanthal A1 or silica wick, it will return results and you should be able to find this seller, who is reputable and a nice guy. He sells combo packs of silica wick w/25ft of Kanthal wire for free, and it cost $4 buck w/free shipping.

I would get at least 3ft, if not 6ft of 2mm silica, and like I said 25ft of Kanthal 32 gauge will be free with the purchase, and is more than enough to get you started, still I have my original purchase supply from him, and I got it back in October. Since you are new I recommend 32 gauge, as anything lower will return low ohms, which is better suited for advanced devices. Once you get the hang of rebuilding, and find your resistance setting of preference, you can look into lower gauge wire.

Aside from this you will need tweezer, small scissors, small philips head screwdriver, pliers, and a lighter or a chef's torch ... and you are good to go. Most people have a lot of that stuff in their house. To wrap your wire, you can either do it directly on your silica wick, or you can use a syringe needle, a round toothpick, or drill bit. The size of the wrap tool directly affects the resistance level. As a beginner you should be aiming for 1.8-2.5 ohms.

There is also a section of this forum for rebuilding as well, and you already know that Youtube has alot of tutorials as well.

DO NOT BUY YOUR SUPPLIES FROM A REGULAR ONLINE VENDOR, THEY CHARGE A LOT OF MONEY FOR VERY LITTLE!

Thank you. I had heard it mentioned that the online sellers overcharge for this. That's why I asked, knew you would steer me right. I left my ipad at work so its nice that ebay doesnt require me to pull out my cc. :p

Sorry for hijacking this thread. I have been doing a lot of reading but sometimes it's almost too much information. It all runs together.
 

Nikkita6

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Thank you. I had heard it mentioned that the online sellers overcharge for this. That's why I asked, knew you would steer me right. I left my ipad at work so its nice that ebay doesnt require me to pull out my cc. :p

Sorry for hijacking this thread. I have been doing a lot of reading but sometimes it's almost too much information. It all runs together.


Ahahaha ... you're welcome hun, glad to help. After you get your supplies, you can always pm me with questions too. :)
 

Nikkita6

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Thank you. I hope so. I have been very disappointed every time I see the KF style and like it so much.

Do you have a topper that's 23.5 mm to match the mod? so far everything seems to be 22 except one that is not very appealing and it's 23.

The Kayfun would still look good on it though .. there aren't many 23mm RBA's out there, and the two that exist I have, which is the Taifun GT and the Fogger V3 .. I wouldn't suggest the Fogger for you, but I would suggest the Taifun when you are ready. But again, I do think a Kayfun would look ok with the Crystal Big Nasty. :p
 
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Nikkita6

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I'm not sure about the Sigelei 8w, but we were actually talking about 23mm RBA's ... Cranky just bought a 23.5mm mech like mine, and finding RBA's that meet that diameter is hard because there aren't that many .. hopefully that will change in the future because there are a fair amount of 23mm+ mods out there.

I try not to be too obsessive about matching the diameter of mod and topper ... The Kraken and Caravela from Focal have a 2mm difference between them, but I still think it looks good.
 
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