Striker. I had a little issue getting my top coil to stop shorting. I oxidize the heck out of my wicks. They are completely black, and I also burn/quench in VG. They wick great, almost to good at times. I see people holding their Orions, Katanas, and Zens at a 2 o'clock position to vape in videos, and just don't understand that with a full tank. If I do that, mine flood. I have to hold mine @4-5 o'clock when full, and only hold it up like that when my tank gets low, like almost empty. I have gotten in the habit (good or bad) of re-using a wick, just hitting it with a torch and quenching it. Especially if I have a wick that works particularly good.
Anyways. The Orion has the two washers to hold the kanthal. I leave some kanthal hanging so I can adjust if need be. I wiggle the kanthal @the base screw to break/cut after wrapping the coil, but leave enough after trimming at the top so that I can pull it out. I just tuck it down so it doesn't touch the cap.
So then I fire and quench my coil with some more VG to start seasoning a little. Looking for hot spots. I try not to dry burn to much. IF I can't get a hot spot out, which usually seems to be that top coil on the Orion so far... I just try the nudge first.... Still no luck... I pull it from the washers. And unwrap just the top coil if that is the culprit, and then rewrap it in a slightly diff position... or maybe a little looser or more snug, until I get it. It takes patience... but it works for me. I like the washer/spring setup for this reason. When I am good, I watch it while it fires on a WET wick to ensure I see vapor being produced by ALL coil wraps. Also, on my new V2.1, I noticed some burrs in the bottom of the wick hole because my wick did not slide through easily. This was a short waiting to happen, so I cleaned them out.
On another note. I picked up a V2 so now I have a backup. The finish is MORE matte then the V2.1, and has more texture to it, whereas the 2.1 is has texture, but less. I like the button on the 2.1 SOOO much, I am going to cut the button down on the V2. I also need to open the mouth piece a little on the V2. I went to clean the V2, as it was used... The washers had build up on them where the kanthal makes contact!!! and it didn't come off to easy. I ended up using an fine emory board (thanks 2 my wife) to clean it off. I also have a ton of these washers from RC days... Check your washers!!! especially if your Orion is not "hitting" like it should.
@tierrataz, the v2.1 is treating me great. I took it out with me to my son's HS graduation, and dinner after. I pocketed it without any firing, and it worked great in stealth mode all night... well almost stealth, as the plumes attracted a little unwanted attention!
The only thing I want now is Pailpoe's new VW switch x2. That way I have a backup switch. Since these aren't mechanical, that is my only worry
Thus mesh company that you mentioned, does it have an online store? If yes, could you share the link?
