I got some steel mesh but I plan on using cotton for most builds. Looks easier and better wicking results. But I will learn as I go. Like all suggestions though. All info is good info
Cotton is easier; no question about it. The learning curve is steeper with mesh; but once you've got it, you've got it. A lot of people get frustrated and give up on mesh. But if you stick with it, there's ot much better than a well built mesh genisis except maybe a dripper.
The advantage to cotton is that it's easier to use. The down side is that you have to change wicks often, and that you can't dry burn your coil to clean it with the cotton in it.
Mesh wicks will last for months. The coil can be cleaned by dry burning with the mesh wick n place.
A lot of people are under the impression that cotton is a better wicker than mesh. It's not. Mesh actually wicks faster than cotton. Cotton holds more juice, It swells when it's saturated, but from dry to wet, it's actually slower than mesh.
Personally, I use cotton in my horizontal coil devices, like Kayfuns, Taifuns, Squapes, and drippers. I use mesh only in genisis devices.