Gus ESTIA ~ A Tri-Coil Powerhouse
---------------
PICTORIAL
---------------
It took many months in the making. A dream project by GUS, which was conceptualized early 2013, but not released immediately (in fact not as yet - as I write) and went into systematic testing (including field trials) before it releases next week! I am one of the lucky few involved with this project and now that it has passed the Prototype phase I am happy to introduce you this amazing device ~ The Gus-ESTIA!
What is it?
————————————————————————————
A bottom fed RBA. A SRTA (Silica based Rebuildable tank Atomizer), which is designed for “tri-Coil” setups. If you are into Kayfuns and Aqua (and you should be!) - you'd be thrilled with the ESTIA. It is basically a mix of both. At point blank, this RBA is highly inspired by the Aqua's format, but isn't the same. It has bettered that concept. Added performance enhancements, more girth & tank real estate, better air-flow system and looks different with an industrial facade, which is in-line with everything Gus.
KEY FEATURES
————————————————————————————
1. Designed for Three Coils (can also be setup as Single or Dual Coils)
2. And in such cases the non-utilized air-holes can be plugged (screws provided)
3. Phillips Screws on posts
4. Multiple Air-channels around the base (qty-4)
5. Air-flow Control (AFC)
6. Juice Control
7. There are two Tank options:
9. Telescopic Post is embedded with Fuse* (similar to the Gus mods)
10. Hybridized Base with M20/1 threads (not a 510 post)º
_____________________________________________
*12A Fuse in this case, b'coz of Sub-Ohm builds (can safely fire till 0.3Ω coils)
ºThus can directly screw onto similar threaded mods like the GUS (obviously), Paps, Caravela, JM22, Magnetic Dragon, Ba Gua 22, Element, Vanilla etc.
Estia Tanks (v23, Normal tank and v25, Fatty tank)
Built & Materials
————————————————————————————
Essentially made of Stainless Steel (Food Grade SS-304), except the Telescopic Positive Pin (which is brass and outside the body) ~ the ESTIA looks like a "mean machine" feels robust, strong and heavy (tho in comparison it is lighter than the K'fun Lite). At 40mm length it is also 11mm shorter than the K'fun Lite (which is 51mm)
There is a 'fuse' at it's base, the POS which connects into the mod and makes contact with the battery. The fuse is rated 12A and thus can safely handle extreme Sub-Ohm builds till 0.3Ω. And as usual, this 'fused post' can be replaced with any POS Pin from any other mod (most would fit, if not all).
DIMENSIONS:
————————————————————————————
1. Outer Diameter/s:
3. Juice Capacity:
Detailing & Finish
————————————————————————————
In the looks dept this is a stunner. Yes, it is subjective, but I find the grooves all around the circumference of the top-cap, the angular slot-cuts on the drip-tip connector, the slightly obese tank section and the overtly visible air-holes (4 in the bottom and 2 on the top of the tank tube) very attractive. Like I stated before, the overall theme is very Gus like, the same industrial design concept as is evident on all Gus products. If you like the detailing of Gus mods ~ you'll like the ESTIA too.
The ESTIA comes in two finishes. Mirror Polished (like in my pics) and Matte. The buyer has a choice on selecting either while purchasing. At the same time one can also opt to purchase the 'fatty' tank (v25, details above) at an additional cost. The ESTIA comes stock with the 'slim' tank (v23).
Imp Tip: After disassembly apply a bit of Vaseline on all O-rings before reassembling.
INTERNALS:
————————————————————————————
This is my favourite area of the ESTIA One look and you'd know that this atty means business. Tho it looks overwhelming at first glance - but let me assure you that this is one of the easiest 'advanced' attys to build. What with all that deck space! The amazing POS Centre Post! A design ingenuity indeed!
That "crowned" top of the Centre Post is actually there to "trap" multiple wires. So, all our Coil ends can be easily placed there (make a "U" between two of the cuts) without tightening the screw every time you place one coil. And there's no messing between coil tail connections. This is a whiz kid innovation!
Setting Up the ESTIA
————————————————————————————
Hereunder I show one of my setups, which utilizes all the terminals of the ESTIA. This is with three Microcoils fed with Cotton. I've tried all the possible builds on it, single, duals, S'n'C Yarn, Silica, Ekowool etc. Everything works perfectly and churns out the plumes. Here's one of my builds.
Estia 0.3Ω Tri-Micro Setup
———————
CAUTION: Extremely Dangerous. Do not attempt this build if you are not an advanced vaper.
———————
Estia cleaned thru a soap water bath:
Microcoils prepared:
28AWG Kanthal, 6/7 wraps over a toothpick each, 1.2Ω each coil.
Microcoils Mounted and Trimmed:
Setup Resistance Checked:
Final reading minus Base Reading equals 0.3Ω
Test Fired:
Cotton Yarn Wicks:
Important: S’n’C Cotton Yarn must be boiled for 20 mins or more before using. Pls see my pictorial on its preparation >Here<
Cotton Ball Wicks:
It is not necessary to use S’n’C Yarn. Even our regular Organic Cotton Ball wicks work fine
Sizing up the Wicks before / for Trimming:
Cutting the Wicks to size:
Saturating the Wicks:
Vapor Check:
Assembly, Chimney and Tank:
Note: It's all O-ring fit, nothing to screw anywhere. Just place one over the other and press gently. Remember, like I said before, to apply Vaseline on the O-rings. Else it'd be a Pita to assemble & disassemble.
How to Fill the ESTIA Tank:
————————————————————————————
The process is exactly like the Aqua:
Close Air-holes > Close Juice Feed (if opened) > Remove top cap > Fill Juice > Attach top cap, but don't press it in fully > Inverse the Estia (drip tip facing the floor) > open the Air-holes > Now Press Fit the top cap > Let it remain in this position for a few seconds > Then get it upright and it's now ready to vape.
VAPE EXPERIENCE
————————————————————————————
First Draw
Second Draw
Final Thoughts
————————————————————————————
I have used many attys (listed in my signature) and swear by my Kayfuns and the Aqua. However, the ESTIA steps up the game and challenges both with a splendid VTF*. Obviously tri-coils will go with a bang ~ and the fact that this RBA is designed for the same - makes it a "game changer". And this is not a RDA (dripper), which tho known to give the best out of our juices, are a PITA when out-n-about. This is a "tanked" RBA which gives the "same" vape satisfaction of a tri-coiled Dripper, without the botheration of carrying a juice-bottle!
Around many tanks thru I'm yet to get any hints of over-wicking or under-wicking. It seems to handle any build with ease. And given the deck space, with enough room around the terminal posts and a unique post design at its positive end - this is one of the easiest advanced attys to build as well. On a scale of 1-10, where 10 being the best, I will rate it as: Vapor Production = 10/10, Throat Hit = 8/10, Flavor = 9/10. This is a "Killer Atty"
*Vapor, Throat Hit and Flavor
Estia, Mail Day
CONCLUSION
————————————————————————————
There are many nice gears coming out of Greece since vaping gathered some steam. The ESTIA is one such Hellenic product. A quality device - built to perform. The attention to detail is visible in every aspect of this RBA. It feels right at hand and works like a dream. Yes, it takes hints from the Aqua - but unlike the Russian/s it is not a direct take on the Kayfun/s - it demonstrates its own elements and gets superlatively stronger, nicer and richer in design, construction and performance. Vaping this device is an experience by itself.
Three cheers to Gus Mods for creating this Superb RBA√
---------------------------------------------------------
CAUTION: This being a sub-Ohm build it is intended for "advanced users"; and definitely NOT RECOMMENDED for new vapers. It is also to be noted that all batteries cannot handle continuos excessive discharge. For sub-Ohming you must use a battery rated 10C or above, higher the better. I'm firing this build with a Sony 30A 18650 and the likes.
---------------------------------------------------------
ESTIA Available at: www.gus-mod.gr/estia
---------------
PICTORIAL
---------------
It took many months in the making. A dream project by GUS, which was conceptualized early 2013, but not released immediately (in fact not as yet - as I write) and went into systematic testing (including field trials) before it releases next week! I am one of the lucky few involved with this project and now that it has passed the Prototype phase I am happy to introduce you this amazing device ~ The Gus-ESTIA!
What is it?
————————————————————————————
A bottom fed RBA. A SRTA (Silica based Rebuildable tank Atomizer), which is designed for “tri-Coil” setups. If you are into Kayfuns and Aqua (and you should be!) - you'd be thrilled with the ESTIA. It is basically a mix of both. At point blank, this RBA is highly inspired by the Aqua's format, but isn't the same. It has bettered that concept. Added performance enhancements, more girth & tank real estate, better air-flow system and looks different with an industrial facade, which is in-line with everything Gus.
KEY FEATURES
————————————————————————————
1. Designed for Three Coils (can also be setup as Single or Dual Coils)
2. And in such cases the non-utilized air-holes can be plugged (screws provided)
3. Phillips Screws on posts
4. Multiple Air-channels around the base (qty-4)
5. Air-flow Control (AFC)
6. Juice Control
7. There are two Tank options:
Slim Tank (v23) : comes as stock
Fatty Tank (v25) : optional purchase
8. Telescopic Post under the base (for adjusting against battery rattle, if required)Fatty Tank (v25) : optional purchase
9. Telescopic Post is embedded with Fuse* (similar to the Gus mods)
10. Hybridized Base with M20/1 threads (not a 510 post)º
_____________________________________________
*12A Fuse in this case, b'coz of Sub-Ohm builds (can safely fire till 0.3Ω coils)
ºThus can directly screw onto similar threaded mods like the GUS (obviously), Paps, Caravela, JM22, Magnetic Dragon, Ba Gua 22, Element, Vanilla etc.
Estia Tanks (v23, Normal tank and v25, Fatty tank)
Built & Materials
————————————————————————————
Essentially made of Stainless Steel (Food Grade SS-304), except the Telescopic Positive Pin (which is brass and outside the body) ~ the ESTIA looks like a "mean machine" feels robust, strong and heavy (tho in comparison it is lighter than the K'fun Lite). At 40mm length it is also 11mm shorter than the K'fun Lite (which is 51mm)
There is a 'fuse' at it's base, the POS which connects into the mod and makes contact with the battery. The fuse is rated 12A and thus can safely handle extreme Sub-Ohm builds till 0.3Ω. And as usual, this 'fused post' can be replaced with any POS Pin from any other mod (most would fit, if not all).
DIMENSIONS:
————————————————————————————
1. Outer Diameter/s:
Base = 22mm
Slim Tank (v23) = 22.8mm
Fatty Tank (v25) = 24.8mm
2. Visible Height: 40mm (without driptip)Slim Tank (v23) = 22.8mm
Fatty Tank (v25) = 24.8mm
3. Juice Capacity:
Tank v23 = 2.5ml approx
Tank v25 = 5.0ml approx
4. Weight: 55 gramsTank v25 = 5.0ml approx
Detailing & Finish
————————————————————————————
In the looks dept this is a stunner. Yes, it is subjective, but I find the grooves all around the circumference of the top-cap, the angular slot-cuts on the drip-tip connector, the slightly obese tank section and the overtly visible air-holes (4 in the bottom and 2 on the top of the tank tube) very attractive. Like I stated before, the overall theme is very Gus like, the same industrial design concept as is evident on all Gus products. If you like the detailing of Gus mods ~ you'll like the ESTIA too.
The ESTIA comes in two finishes. Mirror Polished (like in my pics) and Matte. The buyer has a choice on selecting either while purchasing. At the same time one can also opt to purchase the 'fatty' tank (v25, details above) at an additional cost. The ESTIA comes stock with the 'slim' tank (v23).
Imp Tip: After disassembly apply a bit of Vaseline on all O-rings before reassembling.
INTERNALS:
————————————————————————————
This is my favourite area of the ESTIA One look and you'd know that this atty means business. Tho it looks overwhelming at first glance - but let me assure you that this is one of the easiest 'advanced' attys to build. What with all that deck space! The amazing POS Centre Post! A design ingenuity indeed!
That "crowned" top of the Centre Post is actually there to "trap" multiple wires. So, all our Coil ends can be easily placed there (make a "U" between two of the cuts) without tightening the screw every time you place one coil. And there's no messing between coil tail connections. This is a whiz kid innovation!
Setting Up the ESTIA
————————————————————————————
Hereunder I show one of my setups, which utilizes all the terminals of the ESTIA. This is with three Microcoils fed with Cotton. I've tried all the possible builds on it, single, duals, S'n'C Yarn, Silica, Ekowool etc. Everything works perfectly and churns out the plumes. Here's one of my builds.
Estia 0.3Ω Tri-Micro Setup
———————
CAUTION: Extremely Dangerous. Do not attempt this build if you are not an advanced vaper.
———————
Estia cleaned thru a soap water bath:
Microcoils prepared:
28AWG Kanthal, 6/7 wraps over a toothpick each, 1.2Ω each coil.
Microcoils Mounted and Trimmed:
Setup Resistance Checked:
Final reading minus Base Reading equals 0.3Ω
Test Fired:
Cotton Yarn Wicks:
Important: S’n’C Cotton Yarn must be boiled for 20 mins or more before using. Pls see my pictorial on its preparation >Here<
Cotton Ball Wicks:
It is not necessary to use S’n’C Yarn. Even our regular Organic Cotton Ball wicks work fine
Sizing up the Wicks before / for Trimming:
Cutting the Wicks to size:
Saturating the Wicks:
Vapor Check:
Assembly, Chimney and Tank:
Note: It's all O-ring fit, nothing to screw anywhere. Just place one over the other and press gently. Remember, like I said before, to apply Vaseline on the O-rings. Else it'd be a Pita to assemble & disassemble.
How to Fill the ESTIA Tank:
————————————————————————————
The process is exactly like the Aqua:
Close Air-holes > Close Juice Feed (if opened) > Remove top cap > Fill Juice > Attach top cap, but don't press it in fully > Inverse the Estia (drip tip facing the floor) > open the Air-holes > Now Press Fit the top cap > Let it remain in this position for a few seconds > Then get it upright and it's now ready to vape.
VAPE EXPERIENCE
————————————————————————————
First Draw
Second Draw
Final Thoughts
————————————————————————————
I have used many attys (listed in my signature) and swear by my Kayfuns and the Aqua. However, the ESTIA steps up the game and challenges both with a splendid VTF*. Obviously tri-coils will go with a bang ~ and the fact that this RBA is designed for the same - makes it a "game changer". And this is not a RDA (dripper), which tho known to give the best out of our juices, are a PITA when out-n-about. This is a "tanked" RBA which gives the "same" vape satisfaction of a tri-coiled Dripper, without the botheration of carrying a juice-bottle!
Around many tanks thru I'm yet to get any hints of over-wicking or under-wicking. It seems to handle any build with ease. And given the deck space, with enough room around the terminal posts and a unique post design at its positive end - this is one of the easiest advanced attys to build as well. On a scale of 1-10, where 10 being the best, I will rate it as: Vapor Production = 10/10, Throat Hit = 8/10, Flavor = 9/10. This is a "Killer Atty"
*Vapor, Throat Hit and Flavor
Estia, Mail Day
CONCLUSION
————————————————————————————
There are many nice gears coming out of Greece since vaping gathered some steam. The ESTIA is one such Hellenic product. A quality device - built to perform. The attention to detail is visible in every aspect of this RBA. It feels right at hand and works like a dream. Yes, it takes hints from the Aqua - but unlike the Russian/s it is not a direct take on the Kayfun/s - it demonstrates its own elements and gets superlatively stronger, nicer and richer in design, construction and performance. Vaping this device is an experience by itself.
Three cheers to Gus Mods for creating this Superb RBA√
---------------------------------------------------------
CAUTION: This being a sub-Ohm build it is intended for "advanced users"; and definitely NOT RECOMMENDED for new vapers. It is also to be noted that all batteries cannot handle continuos excessive discharge. For sub-Ohming you must use a battery rated 10C or above, higher the better. I'm firing this build with a Sony 30A 18650 and the likes.
---------------------------------------------------------
ESTIA Available at: www.gus-mod.gr/estia
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