Kayfun is kicking my @$$, seeking suggestions

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Technohydra

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So, I recently did some PC work, and the proceeds from that kinda thing always get to go into my vape gear budget. Having gotten the requisite amount, I finally made the purchase I've been wanting for a long while; a kayfun Lite Plus. Here's where my issues begin.

For the last couple of months, I have been mainly using an iClear30s (flavor wicks removed from top coil) an a microcoiled Trident V1 with a 70/30 6mg flavored and a 75/25 12mg unflavored, to great success. As soon as I got my new KFL cleaned up, I built a 1.8 ohm microcoil and cottoned it up. After filling and vaping for about 3 minutes, I was coughing, wheezing, and felt like I was sucking the apocalypse into my throat. Not to be deterred, knowing the KFL has a hell of a punch, I pulled it all apart, recoiled with a 2.4 ohm MC, and tried again. Same thing.

Ok, so maybe the MC is too much...tried again with a 2.2 ohm regular coil (imagine my horror after microcoiling for a year). Took a pull with great hope...and had the same thing happen as before. A little concerned at this point. Is there a secret to this RBA, or does the harder hit just take some getting used to? I am willing to play with coils or wicks at this point, I want to get good use out of the KFL. Additional info, I am through-wicking, horizontal coil, 28 ga Kanthal, airflow about 85% open, 9 watts on a VTR, mouth to lung inhale, anywhere from 1-5 second draws, and all are giving the same results.

If anyone has any tips for making this a better experience, I am all ears. I feel like the throat hit is psychotic on this device. I unfortunately do not have a high VG option available to me, so I can't eliminate the PG part of the equation.
 

novamatt

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Here are a couple of things to look at:

If it's REALLY harsh and has a burnt flavor, you may be burning your cotton. Is it brown when you're taking it out? If so, head to youtube, watch some builds, and pay special attention to the wicking portion of the video. With a Kayfun, the coil is easy, but wicking is an art form. The short version is that you want to use enough to completely fill the coil, but not so much that it actually pulls on (as in moves) the coil as you're pulling it through (I use about 1/3 the width of an unrolled cotton ball in a 3/32 inch microcoil). I've had the best results when I pull the cotton straight up, put the bottom piece of the chimney on with the cotton sticking out, cut it even with the chimney part, and then gently use my screwdriver to tuck it in. Then you juice it up.

If you're not burning cotton, then it might just be that it hits a lot harder than you're used to. Most people find that they need to reduce their nicotine level when they switch to rebuildables. When I got my kayfun, I very quickly found out that I needed to drop from 12mg to 6mg. If you're doing everything right with the wick, you probably need to step the nicotine down. The kayfun is much more efficient than the iClears you're used to.

In general, I wrap my coils with 28 guage kanthal at about 1.5 ohms on a 3/32 inch mandrel (drill bit, screwdriver, etc.). Hope that helps!
 

Technohydra

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Definitely not dry hits, although I did burn the wick on my first attempt to build due to too much cotton; I omitted that result, as it was pilot error, pure and simple. I am going to try reducing the cotton further, and see if that's the answer. I would think that if I can blast on a Trident, I should be able to lightly pull on a KFL.
 

novamatt

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I would think that if I can blast on a Trident, I should be able to lightly pull on a KFL.

Yeah, I would totally agree with that. One more question: Did you clean it REALLY thoroughly when you got it? Some of the kayfun style tanks can come in with machine oil still on or in them. That could definitely be causing a harsh hit.

If it helps, I've tried several different coil and wick styles, and this is what works the best for me:



And FWIW, I have a hard time blasting on a dripper with a mech mod, so you should be fine if you're getting it right. :vapor:
 

anumber1

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I have found that I don't need to add flavor shots to my MBV juices when using them in a kayfun. Strong juice is something that may be a factor also.

Just an example, MBV thug juice in a protank. I used to buy it 50/50 with 2 flavor shots using protanks, I find it to be much tastier in my kayfun with one flavor shot and 1/2 the nic. (from 12 to 6 mg now).

The kayfun just puts out so much more vapor and flavor my existing juice was too strong for me.

I also agree that proper wicking is an artform. quite a learning curve but once i got it right... Wow. My old clearos really muted the flavor!
 

anumber1

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I use a micro coil on mine (5/64 drill bit 30 gage kanthal A1) for 1.5 ohms. I can use 11 to 12 watts consistently this way so it works on my regulated mods or my mechs.

I Wick it with walmart "Peaches and Creme" brand Ecru yarn (its un dyed and unbleached, I give it a boil to remove any residual nasty).

Cotton balls work a little better (can run a lot more watts before getting dry hits on my regulated mods) but I have issues getting the "perfect" amount of cotton consistently. As you know, a full tank of good juice with a poor wick job sux. It will either flood or get dry and emptying and refilling to adjust/redo my wicks gets old in a hurry.

With the yarn, I just cut to the right length and its done.

The flavor the kayfun puts out when I have it right though! Man o man! On par with dripping in my RDA and portable!
 
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jp_cfc09

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Cotton balls work a little better (can run a lot more watts before getting dry hits on my regulated mods) but I have issues getting the "perfect" amount of cotton consistently. As you know, a full tank of good juice with a poor wick job sux. It will either flood or get dry and emptying and refilling to adjust/redo my wicks gets old in a hurry.

thats the only reason I went for the taifun gt first, some say its harder for a beginner but I found it handy as you dont need to drain the thing to rewick or tweek it. im glad I did as im getting really good at hitting correct amount of cotton and going for the kayfun next. I think I would of gave up if I had to drain and refull that much at the start, at the beginning I pulled the taifun apart quite a bit on my first few builds.
 

bluesbishop

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I have tried micro coil, but found larger coil wraps ( 3/32 , 2.4 mm) with LESS cotton is best. I always keep my wraps the same ( about 8/9) and simply vary resistance with wire size. For me perfect flavor and warmth comes from 24g about 8 wraps for around .6 ohms....I also use 100% VG juice, and find if I try a PG/VG blend I've had to use higher resistance.

Sent from my LG G2 on the Sprint Spark Network
 

crxess

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Did not state if Original or one of the many(mostly decent) Clones.

One thing I Preach is Complete dis-assembly, thorough cleaning and full inspection of every aspect of the device.

I have yet to find a Kayfun that was perfectly clear of some tiny debris. Even after a thorough cleaning something may be hiding in a dark place (i.e. the Air flow adjustment hole) and can dislodge and come out to bite you. <happened yesterday on a 2 month old KFL+>:facepalm:

If you are not getting Dry/burnt and the heat is not to high - AIR Flow is the likely culprit.
Visit my blog for some info and my way of getting the Kayfun to Pop.
 

Technohydra

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No I didn't mention, and I should have. This is a really really good EHPro KFL clone. I have compared it to a real one, and I don't find any really noticeable differences; however, I'd rather spend $40 on a new type of device to determine if I like it. Then if I do, I can buy the real McCoy and use the clone as an alt or backup. It's also nice to be able to let a co-worker try out the KF experience without risking a $100 piece. If the clone got broken, I would barely shed a tear.
 
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