noob needs help with smoktech zmax/kanger PT2

[awanger]

Hi all, I just started vaping with a smoktech mini/kanger protank 2 and am having almost no vapor, throat hit, etc. prior to this i was using an eonsmoke disposable (which was suitable for a time but after trying a friend's mod/cartotank i knew i had to swap). it's only been 2 days and am getting near zero vapor or "hit" and it's getting frustrating. i've searched all over the site and tried different fixes but nothings working.

things i've tried:

1. it's a 2 day old atomizer head (2.8 ohm) so i don't think it's burnt out. plus i changed it after 2 days with a fresh one, no help.
2. running different voltages anywhere between 3.0 to 5.0 volts, no help. (when i increase the V i can hear it "bubbling" a bit more but the result is unchanged)
3. changed batteries, charged batteries, let one run to dead and recharged it (and let it rest) no help (running single 18650 flat top).
4. cleaned out the whole thing, dried it, refilled, no help.
5. went to local shop to get different e-juice, didn't help. (of note, all the juices i've tried are cheapo chinese/import stuff).

the only thing left is a higher quality e-juice. i have a sampler pack of Halo menthol flavors en route and it can't arrive soon enough, i PRAY that solves the problem otherwise i don't know what to do.

i can taste it so it's "working" but the result is wholly unsatisfying and i'm pretty sure it's not working properly, does anyone have any suggestions? i've actually resorted back to my eonsmoke (which produces more vapor but no taste, no TH, and kind of a step backwards) and i'm worried all this frustration and disappointment is going to make me go out and buy a pack of camels. please help! thanks!

 

[JustMe2]

With a 2.8 ohm head you want to be at 4 volts minimum. Take long slow pulls (puffs, what ever you want to call it). Some heads have a break in period before they work their best.

Next time try some 1.8 and 2.0 ohm heads as a comparison till you find what works best for you.

 

[gary f g]

have you tried pulling the atty down so you make a better connection with the center pin? i think pbusardo has a video on it

 

[BaDaBooM]

Try removing one of the top wicks.

Edit: you can also prime the coil.

 

[gary f g]

also whats your pg/vg ratio and also nicotine level? Both of these will effect your vapor production and throat hit.

 

[BaDaBooM]

A PBusardo Review All About The EVOD - Includes Recoiling - YouTube good video about the evod its the same as the mini/kanger protank 2

 

[awanger]

wow thanks for the responses, going to give them a try.
going to try lower resistance atty heads but as i've got no good local vaping stores it's going to have to be mail order.
trying different draws/puffs hasn't helped.
i'm not sure how to remove the top wick or re-coiling, but i've seen some of pbusardo's vids and will search and give that a try.

i don't know my PG/VG ratios, i'm stuck with cheapo juice for now; my nicotine is always the same @ 18mg (1.8%).

 

[BaDaBooM]

wow thanks for the responses, going to give them a try.
going to try lower resistance atty heads but as i've got no good local vaping stores it's going to have to be mail order.
trying different draws/puffs hasn't helped.
i'm not sure how to remove the top wick or re-coiling, but i've seen some of pbusardo's vids and will search and give that a try.

i don't know my PG/VG ratios, i'm stuck with cheapo juice for now; my nicotine is always the same @ 18mg (1.8%).

He shows you here A PBusardo Review All About The EVOD - Includes Recoiling - YouTube takes about 10 secs to do it.

 

[awanger]

so i followed PBusardo's vid and removed the top wick, no help. i don't have the proper wire or wick material, so i can't attempt re-coiling, but for argument's sake let's say i did it and it DIDN'T work, any other suggestions?

i came across a "Zmax owners tips tricks, etc" thread and many suggestions were to start at LOWER voltage (3.0) than you'd use for other batteries/mods with worsening performance as you up the volts, that didn't help either.

any other tips? if new/better quality juice doesn't help i may try a whole different tank/atty to see if that helps, any suggestions?

 

[BaDaBooM]

so i followed PBusardo's vid and removed the top wick, no help. i don't have the proper wire or wick material, so i can't attempt re-coiling, but for argument's sake let's say i did it and it DIDN'T work, any other suggestions?

i came across a "Zmax owners tips tricks, etc" thread and many suggestions were to start at LOWER voltage (3.0) than you'd use for other batteries/mods with worsening performance as you up the volts, that didn't help either.

any other tips? if new/better quality juice doesn't help i may try a whole different tank/atty to see if that helps, any suggestions?

Try different pg/vg %, pg=thinner liquid vg=thicker liquid.

Aspire BDC is better imo than the kanger bottom coils. If you want something that works EVERY TIME then go with the kayfun, if the kayfun is too pricy there are plenty of clones out there like the ehpro that vape just the same. Kayfuns are just hassle free and are easier to rebuild than evods/protanks and cheap to run (no more buying new coils).

Edit: Also the the kayfun vapes 10 times better than evods.

 

[BaDaBooM]

Real thing SvoeMesto Kayfun Lite - Cloud 9 Vaping

Clone Kayfun Lite Clone by EHPRO - Eciggity

Clone Hcigar KAYFUN 3.1

kayfun review The Kayfun Lite IS truly fun! - YouTube

clone vs real thing Nick's RBA Reviews...The Kayfun 3.1 by Svoemesto vs The Kayfun 3.1 by EhPro Clone - YouTube

You can get really cheap clone from fasttech too but those ones have issues.

I got got a ehpro 3.1 clone and real lite + they vape pretty much the same. The clone has a whistle sound sometimes and a little tighter draw (maybe all 3.1's have a tighter draw?).

 

[windnsea26]

Wish I would have saw this thread earlier. I bought a PT2 and got frustrated with all the leaking that I went straight to a dripping atty. This for me was easier to deal with than the PT2.

 

[Fenario]

When I used PTs, I would get almost no vapor production if even a little juice got in the center tube. You can try blowing through it into a paper towel and see if that helps. Good luck.

 

[awanger]

sounds good, thanks for the tips. i'm gonna try new liquid, a different tank (gonna try smoktech DCT), new atty heads, and if all that fails i'll try a full rebuildable like the kayfun. thanks for the help again, i'll be back to let you know how it works.

edit: was writing this before i saw all the other posts. windnsea, i considered that, skipping all this tank business and go to dripping but i need to be able to be out and about and able to vape so that idea is on hold.

fenario, i found that leaking wasn't a huge issue unless i was drawing REALLY hard (which had no effect on improving vapor), or if the tank was getting low (< 33%). agreed, blowing through or topping off the tank seemed to help the leak/gurgle but still no vapor.

 

[short_guy]

The air intakes on the PT2 are around the base of the 510 connector. Airflow can be an issue if you have to screw it so tightly to the ZMax that the holes are blocked by the connector. I've got the Sigelei v5, and the head on that one has air channels cut into the top. Mine always seems to work better when the holes line up with the channels to allow more air through. See if yours has the same and give it a shot. You can also try an air flow controller (AFC), a piece that screws in between the mod and the atty and allows you to adjust the draw. Good luck!

 

[RubyRoo]

The air intakes on the PT2 are around the base of the 510 connector. Airflow can be an issue if you have to screw it so tightly to the ZMax that the holes are blocked by the connector. I've got the Sigelei v5, and the head on that one has air channels cut into the top. Mine always seems to work better when the holes line up with the channels to allow more air through. See if yours has the same and give it a shot. You can also try an air flow controller (AFC), a piece that screws in between the mod and the atty and allows you to adjust the draw. Good luck!

YESSS!!! This is also what I wanted to say as I read through the thread. You are not getting enough airflow to your 510 connection with the Protank. Try backing off the tank on your connection and see if that helps. Don't crank it all the way down onto your mod. Also try an AFC. This will more than likely solve your problems. AIRFOW AIRFLOW AIRFLOW!!!

 

[awanger]

So just wanted to post an update I found a local vape shop who had a PT2 and PT3 both worked fine on my zmax. Every variable in my mind has been ruled out I think I just got a bad tank. I bought a cheap ish X9 "protank clone" which is working fine. I'm waiting for some stuff in the mail including a glass cartotank but for now I'm vaping and happy. Thanks for all the tips and help!

 

[edyle]

the protank has a reputation for leaking; a fresh coil works for a day for me then it starts to leak.

i keep mine upside down to prevent leaking

shake and vape.

the mini protank apparently does not have the leak problem. the mini protank uses the eGo outside threading not the 510 inner threading so airflow on the mini protank is better