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Merlin Mini Review by DeucesJack

ej1024

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Ok guys, need a little help here.

Just got home and installed a beaut9coil built by @raymo2u wicked her up with apple dumpling drop max vg (thanks @ej1024 ) and fired it up with coil reading .21 at 73w and i am getting loads of juice straight into my mouth....

Insight as to where im going wrong?

Also should mention I'm also experiencing lots of steaming hot liquid spraying into the back of my throat... Not that it doesnt taste amazing...just doesnt feel that awesome..

Shut the jfc... it doesn't totally close but shut it... put ur tank up side down let the excess jooze flow out, when dripping is finished VAPE IT


 

Deucesjack

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Shut the jfc... it doesn't totally close but shut it... put ur tank up side down let the excess jooze flow out, when dripping is finished VAPE IT


Sounds like he's gotta rewick with more cotton. Fluff that stuff up and tuck it in there.

Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all it's flavour.

-William Cowper
 

BPROSEK

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Thanks for rhe input, im trying to upload pictures from my phone but its saying they're too large... I'll try to figure that issue out so I can show how its wicked.

I do have a fair amount of cotton in there though.

I thought that there wasnt a juice control on the tank as per Ray?

Let me fiddle with the pictures so that I can get input as to too little ot too much cotton etc.
 

Deucesjack

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Deuce -- do you see / feel a JFC on this atty? I sure don't. From what I can tell, it relies completely on how much cotton is stuffed into the juice holes.
It's not really a jfc. I vape it closed.

Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all it's flavour.

-William Cowper
 

raymo2u

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Its not a true juice control but it can be used as one and you can dial it in to a locked setting if you turn the deck itself to how you want it when completely tight rather then have the topcap loose.

You cotton should be fluffy and take up the entire juice port, if it does not then rewick so it does. Be sure to close your AFC when refilling also
 

PhantomOp

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I hate to disagree, but in this case I'm going to have to.


it can be used as one and you can dial it in to a locked setting if you turn the deck itself


There is a distinctive juice channel that can not be closed when you rotate the tank on the base. It runs the entire diameter of the tank and allows juice to flow between the juice inlet holes. The only way to keep it from pissing all over you is to make sure the cotton is well stuffed into the juice holes.

IMG_20170123_222456644 (Small)_marked.jpg
 

BPROSEK

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I dont know if this might be part of the problem, but i did remove the center air pin screw. I may have misread that part in the op?
 

raymo2u

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I hate to disagree, but in this case I'm going to have to.





There is a distinctive juice channel that can not be closed when you rotate the tank on the base. It runs the entire diameter of the tank and allows juice to flow between the juice inlet holes. The only way to keep it from pissing all over you is to make sure the cotton is well stuffed into the juice holes.

View attachment 72625
I said the same thing but it does close the flow down slightly compared to the opening stuck right where the juce is.....if you put a hole behind a wall and water can seep in its gong to be at a slower rate then the hole having no wall directly infront of it. It takes pressure to move the juice through the channel to the hole if its behind the wall....just because theres pen space for volume doesnt mean it will be at the same rate as no channel at all.

Its not a JFC but it can be used as one to a degree, wicking however should always be properly installed with or with a JFC.
 

PhantomOp

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I said the same thing but it does close the flow down slightly compared to the opening stuck right where the juce is.....if you put a hole behind a wall and water can seep in its gong to be at a slower rate then the hole having no wall directly infront of it. It takes pressure to move the juice through the channel to the hole if its behind the wall....just because theres pen space for volume doesnt mean it will be at the same rate as no channel at all.

Its not a JFC but it can be used as one to a degree, wicking however should always be properly installed with or with a JFC.
Yes, that I can agree with. :)
 

BPROSEK

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Btw, those raymo2u coils are legit, they fucking last forever....


For sure, they rock! This was actually one of my last ones of his from an order a while back. Gonna have to place a new order soon.

Got it rewicked and it is working much better. Im only getting a little spitback right after filling, but overall a vast improvement!

Thanks for all the help everyone! I'm gonna save the pics from ray and phantom so I can have them to refer to!

Y'all rock!
 

PhantomOp

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Wicking Technique for the Merlin Mini
(Single Coil & Dual Coil Base -- same technique for both)

I use Labo Cotton sheets, so this technique is based on this type of cotton.

1) Cut a strip approximately 13-15mm wide. Then remove the two outer skin layers to expose the fluffy cotton pad.
IMG_20170123_225700510 (Small).jpg IMG_20170123_225800482 (Small).jpg

2) Tight roll one end of the cotton strip so that it will slide through the coil. Hold both ends firmly and it will slide through with ease. There will be some tension while pulling it through, this is OK.
IMG_20170123_225901984 (Small).jpg IMG_20170123_230010974 (Small).jpg

3) Now the most critical part. The reason this is the most critical part is because if you don't use enough cotton in the juice channels, this deck will leak all over the place when you fill it up and while vaping it.

3.1) Pull down the cotton strip at an angle and cut it just at the length of the O'ring on the base on both sides.
IMG_20170123_230054971 (Small).jpg IMG_20170123_230245568 (Small).jpg

3.2) Fluff up both ends of the newly cut to length cotton strip. This will allow the juice to wick better in the juice flow channel.
IMG_20170123_230331265 (Small).jpg

3.3) Now start tucking in the cotton from the bottom layer of the fluffed cotton. Once the bottom layer is tucked in, start folding down the top layer into the juice channel. Once done, clean it all up and make sure it is tucked down to the bottom of the juice flow channel. Now do the other side the same exact way.
Once done, make sure that the air flow is completely free of any cotton. You want the best airflow possible to cross the coils.
IMG_20170123_230422001 (Small).jpg IMG_20170123_230547966 (Small).jpg IMG_20170123_230757890 (Small).jpg

You are now ready to prime the cotton with your juice.
 

PhantomOp

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For sure, they rock! This was actually one of my last ones of his from an order a while back. Gonna have to place a new order soon.

Got it rewicked and it is working much better. Im only getting a little spitback right after filling, but overall a vast improvement!

Thanks for all the help everyone! I'm gonna save the pics from ray and phantom so I can have them to refer to!

Y'all rock!
Just posted the entire wicking technique for ya!
 

ej1024

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For sure, they rock! This was actually one of my last ones of his from an order a while back. Gonna have to place a new order soon.

Got it rewicked and it is working much better. Im only getting a little spitback right after filling, but overall a vast improvement!

Thanks for all the help everyone! I'm gonna save the pics from ray and phantom so I can have them to refer to!

Y'all rock!

The spit back is coming from the coil you have in there... blow outside,inhale on it you should be good to go


 

BPROSEK

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There will be more wicking picture/details in my review once I get it posted. I was trying to keep it limited to the 10 images p/post.
Thank you! Ive been using cotton bacon but may swith over to pads as it seems they might be easier to get consistency with.

Again, many thanks!
 

CDroverNL

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I got my merlin mini in on Monday, I put a 26/36 all kanthal fused clapton at 6/7 wraps ohming out at 0.48 or 0.51 depending on the mod, in the single coil deck. Ive been running it between 35 and 40 watts. The flavor is kinda muted, I find. Any ideas? One other question, about wicking, do you want the holes in the side completely covered or do you want to make sure the top of the juice channels are completely stuffed?
 

PhantomOp

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I got my merlin mini in on Monday, I put a 26/36 all kanthal fused clapton at 6/7 wraps ohming out at 0.48 or 0.51 depending on the mod, in the single coil deck. Ive been running it between 35 and 40 watts. The flavor is kinda muted, I find. Any ideas? One other question, about wicking, do you want the holes in the side completely covered or do you want to make sure the top of the juice channels are completely stuffed?
CD, holes stuffed. Go take a look at the review I just posted as well, I put full detail and pictures of my wicking technique.

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KingPin!

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Thanks Deucesjack nice review buddy need to find your white bone one now!
 

antikryst

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Can't find my flavor here too. Last night I installed 5/6 wrap of 26 g twisted kanthal .4 ohms and vaped at 60 watts. Bland.

Installed a 26 30 SS clapton 5/6 wrap at .49 ohms and flavor was amazing for the first 3 pulls. Overpowering really with flavor and sweetness. Then it was bland after that.

No dry hits with both builds on chain vaping. Is it my wicking? My build? Or is this just plain vapers tongue?

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Deucesjack

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Can't find my flavor here too. Last night I installed 5/6 wrap of 26 g twisted kanthal .4 ohms and vaped at 60 watts. Bland.

Installed a 26 30 SS clapton 5/6 wrap at .49 ohms and flavor was amazing for the first 3 pulls. Overpowering really with flavor and sweetness. Then it was bland after that.

No dry hits with both builds on chain vaping. Is it my wicking? My build? Or is this just plain vapers tongue?

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Even though it's not really a jfc try opening it up so the cotton is fully exposed.

Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all it's flavour.

-William Cowper
 

antikryst

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Even though it's really not really a jfc try opening it up so the cotton is fully exposed.

Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all it's flavour.

-William Cowper
Yeah it's always fully open now. Really frustrating. Just had a cigarette earlier. Good thing I could just buy 1 stick.. if I bought a pack that would be bad.

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Deucesjack

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Yeah it's always fully open now. Really frustrating. Just had a cigarette earlier. Good thing I could just buy 1 stick.. if I bought a pack that would be bad.

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Did you look at the wicking tutorial in this thread? It's one of the best made by one of the best coil builders I know.

Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all it's flavour.

-William Cowper
 

antikryst

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Did you look at the wicking tutorial in this thread? It's one of the best made by one of the best coil builders I know.

Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all it's flavour.

-William Cowper
Yes. Followed it to the dot. Also tried fully following other wicking tutorials from YouTube.

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Deucesjack

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Yes. Followed it to the dot. Also tried fully following other wicking tutorials from YouTube.

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How does it taste after you take a few hits of menthol?

Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all it's flavour.

-William Cowper
 

KingPin!

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Same bland air.

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Don't want to sound condescending but

1)are you in power mode and not temp control mode on your mod?
2) have you tried changing flavours to something else, does the menthol taste ok on another tank you own?
3) is your resistence jumping about? Take tank off and reset it ...could have a lose coil leg
4) are you running dual coils? If you are way try pushing past 60w see if that helps
5) if you can't do 4 put in a simple wrap at a lower wattage just to check everything is working
 

antikryst

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Don't want to sound condescending but

1)are you in power mode and not temp control mode on your mod?
2) have you tried changing flavours to something else, does the menthol taste ok on another tank you own?
3) is your resistence jumping about? Take tank off and reset it ...could have a lose coil leg
4) are you running dual coils? If you are way try pushing past 60w see if that helps
5) if you can't do 4 put in a simple wrap at a lower wattage just to check everything is working
Yeah I'm in power mode. .48 ohms 26 32 SS clapton 5/6 wrap right now on 60 watts. Been switching flavors a lot too. Fruity menthol on my RX mini and serpent alto tastes muted too. Also wicked with way less cotton than I'm used to and it's still the same.

Just new to vaping having recently quit smoking 5 weeks ago so I'm not sure if it's my build.. my wick.. my juice.. or vapers tongue that I have been reading about. Or if I'm just expecting way too much. Right now it's just super light flavored air whatever I do. Though I've had first pulls after a fresh wick and a new clapton that just tastes awesome and intensely sweet and flavorful.. now I'm just getting maybe 10 to 15 percent of that flavor. Would be happy with 60 or 70 percent.

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Deucesjack

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Yeah I'm in power mode. .48 ohms 26 32 SS clapton 5/6 wrap right now on 60 watts. Been switching flavors a lot too. Fruity menthol on my RX mini and serpent alto tastes muted too. Also wicked with way less cotton than I'm used to and it's still the same.

Just new to vaping having recently quit smoking 5 weeks ago so I'm not sure if it's my build.. my wick.. my juice.. or vapers tongue that I have been reading about. Or if I'm just expecting way too much. Right now it's just super light flavored air whatever I do. Though I've had first pulls after a fresh wick and a new clapton that just tastes awesome and intensely sweet and flavorful.. now I'm just getting maybe 10 to 15 percent of that flavor. Would be happy with 60 or 70 percent.

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I think it may be vapers tongue. Stay hydrated and this to shall pass.

Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all it's flavour.

-William Cowper
 

KingPin!

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Yeah I'm in power mode. .48 ohms 26 32 SS clapton 5/6 wrap right now on 60 watts. Been switching flavors a lot too. Fruity menthol on my RX mini and serpent alto tastes muted too. Also wicked with way less cotton than I'm used to and it's still the same.

Just new to vaping having recently quit smoking 5 weeks ago so I'm not sure if it's my build.. my wick.. my juice.. or vapers tongue that I have been reading about. Or if I'm just expecting way too much. Right now it's just super light flavored air whatever I do. Though I've had first pulls after a fresh wick and a new clapton that just tastes awesome and intensely sweet and flavorful.. now I'm just getting maybe 10 to 15 percent of that flavor. Would be happy with 60 or 70 percent.

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Is this clapton single or dual coil ...,?
 

antikryst

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Is this clapton single or dual coil ...,?
Single clapton. Not beefy at all. Glows even when fired. Everything tight and centered above the airflow hole. It's at 60 watts 5.42 volts already. 70 watts doesn't do much too on this setup.

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antikryst

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Single clapton. Not beefy at all. Glows even when fired. Everything tight and centered above the airflow hole. It's at 60 watts 5.42 volts already. 70 watts doesn't do much too on this setup.

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291640dc6140a8a558c8b81379e6c099.jpg


Here's a pic I just took now.

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antikryst

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Looks fine to me. Nice and juicy.

Variety's the very spice of life, that gives it all it's flavour.

-William Cowper
Good to know. So it's vapers tongue then. Won't know what vaping really is until this goes away.

BTW I flipped the tank over and took it out since it was still a third full when I took the pic. So everything looks good?

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KingPin!

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Vapours tongue have to agree with deuces

The only other thing I can suggest is try heading over to the flavour DIY section pick a few recipes and try making your own ;) can tinker with flavour concentrate, VG/PG levels control your own nic level there really is no substitute

When I first gave up had to have flavour concentrates much high percentages than I do today to taste them

Also try not using menthol in a flavour just to see ...it can overpower your senses to the other flavours if to much of it ...if you can now taste it make some with less menthol in ;)
 

Briandesimone

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I have to agree. The Merlin mini does not have great flavor imo. I really wanted to like it but the flavor just isn't there for me. My two cents.

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