Innokin Coolfire Z80 Nex Kit sent free of charge by HealthCabin, with whom I have no working relationship or receive any payment. It consists of the CoolFire Z80 Mod and the new Zenith Nex. Revisions (or sequels) of flagship products in Innokin's catalog. The Coolfire Z80 is a compact single 18650 battery mod, with bottom battery insertion and various vaping modes. The Zenith Nex Tank features top airflow, aiming to make a significant impact in the world of MTL coil-head atomizers.
The packaging is visible in the upper photo, featuring a plasticized cardboard sleeve protecting a heavy cardboard box. Inside are the CoolFire Z80 Mod, Zenith Nex, and a spare tank. The 3 white bags contain o-rings, a second drip tip, and a Z Coil, with a second one already installed in the Zenith. Finally, there's a USB Type-C cable and a manual.
The Zenith, always a competitor to another popular MTL coil-head atomizer, is Innokin's attempt to relaunch with this new version called Nex. It weighs 61 grams and has a generous 26 mm diameter, compensating for its height of 41 mm (excluding pin and drip tip), as well as its 5 ml capacity with the straight tank. Innokin decided to reintroduce the entire Z Coil series with it. The included drip tips are made of plastic; one is designed for MTL vaping, the other for an open MTL. Both have a height of 10 mm excluding the base, while what differentiates them is the bore diameter: 4.5 mm for the MTL one, 6 mm and a few tenths for the open MTL one.
I would describe the top cap as "courageous" since Innokin attempted the move of placing the airflow on one side and the refill port on the other, all adjustable via the top cap/airflow ring. This solution was certainly found to save space compared to designing an efficient sliding top cap or system, but it still works.
To refill, you need to rotate the top cap and then unplug the stopper, so it's two operations compared to just opening a slide or unscrewing the cap. In terms of leak reliability, it's comparable to atomizers with a threaded top cap; it's impossible to open it accidentally. I don't know its long-term durability since the top cap essentially rotates over it. I tried to extract the top cap both when "open" and "closed," and it wouldn't budge: I assume it's press-fitted.
The top airflow system is another way to prevent leaks at the cost of some flavor intensity. There's only one airflow slot, not a double one like on other top airflow atomizers. You can choose between one or two open holes, after which you can adjust the larger slot to your liking in addition to the holes. Precisely because there's only one slot, I'll state right away that it's an MTL - open MTL atomizer, despite compatibility with more powerful RDL coils. The 5 ml tank is held in place by two o-rings. If the 5 ml capacity seems strange, almost all the liquid ends up in the "hidden" area of the domed top cap. The cap-airflow block can be separated from the bell by rotating it once the glass is removed. Unscrewing the two parts reveals a semblance of a chimney, quite narrow at 5.5 mm diameter. On the bell block, you can see the feeding holes that allow liquid to flow into the coil.
The airflow system is similar to many existing DTL atomizers, except here the slots are much smaller. If you're concerned that the Zenith Nex might be too airy, with one small hole, the draw is somehow very tight, with two holes there's resistance, but it's less, yet still MTL. The press-fit of the Z Coils is mandatory as there are two guides indicating the correct orientation, so they align with the holes on the bell.
The inside of the base is perforated because the chosen Z Coil, in addition to being a coil, also acts as the actual 510 pin, allowing the Zenith Nex to be read by the mod. On the outside of the base, there are CE and disposal logos, along with the signatures of Phil Busardo and Vaping Greek/Dimitrios Agrafiotis. Finally, this is how much the Z Coil should protrude and align with the guides when correctly inserted; you can aid insertion by slightly wetting the Z-Coil's o-rings.
There are no new developments on the Z-Coil front, with a roster that remains well-assorted, offering 8 possibilities:
1.2Ω: 9-13W
0.6Ω: 9-13W
1.6Ω: 10-14W
0.8Ω: 14-17W (included in package)
0.48Ω: 12-16W
0.5Ω: 12-16W
1.0Ω: 20-25W
0.3Ω: 30-40W (included in package)
6 out of 8 are MTL, which speaks volumes about the real target and what the Zenith Nex performs best at. The 0.3Ω included in the package is usable, given the substantial mass of 61 grams (so the atomizer doesn't get too hot unless chain vaping), but it remains a forced choice given the chimney's size and the 510 drip tip connection. The 0.8Ω is much more natural and suitable for on-the-go vaping if you want to use coil-head tanks.
The CoolFire Z80, a new entry in the Coolfire family, maintains compact dimensions and weight with all the conveniences of having an interchangeable 18650 battery. It weighs 94 grams; I would have expected something less, but it's forgiving given its apparent solidity. The finish in my case resembles brushed steel but lacks mirror-polished inserts (as was the case with the Kroma). It's not tone-on-tone with steel RTAs, but it's close.
Innokin's 510 are always aesthetically pleasing, with a stylized target-like design that allows heat dissipation and prevents the atomizer from sticking completely if screwed down tightly, even without needing to install a spongebox. The cap diameter is 17 mm, while atomizers up to 26 mm can be installed without protruding from the body. The 510 threading features a spring-loaded gold-plated pin.
Laterally, there's a nice novelty compared to mods from other manufacturers, with the + and - buttons installed along the body. This solution is well-suited for right-handed users, while a left-handed person might find them covered by their palm depending on how they hold the CoolFire Z80. I'll also preemptively state that there's very little to navigate in the circuit, so 90% of the time, these buttons will be used exclusively to adjust wattage.
On the back, in my color scheme, it's a hybrid of padded fabric covered with eco-leather, but two colorways exist where it's only eco-leather, without spongy fabric and slightly more sober. Innokin, probably aware of the problem that affected old fabric Coolfire models, used a vaguely water-repellent coating; if you grab it with wet hands, the fabric doesn't soak, but I'd still be careful.
On the bottom, the steel battery cap also serves to keep the CoolFire Z80 balanced in an upright position, but fortunately, a small part of the body also rests on the surface. There are 4 vent holes present, which I always appreciate when manufacturers remember their importance. Flush with the cap's body, there's a lever that can be lifted to help unscrew it. Only 18650 batteries are supported. The cap threading is well-made, with the usual recommendation not to overtighten and to ensure you've caught the thread before starting to screw it in.
The fire button is on the front, with the elegance of a golden profile, at least in my colorway. Its size is well-judged and easy to reach regardless of how the CoolFire is held. The screen is a 0.96-inch TFT with unmodifiable but reasonably good brightness. Below the screen, a lock/unlock switch has been installed, complete with a padlock silkscreen print for quick fire button locking. Finally, there's a USB Type-C port.
The circuit is very minimalist, but what's there is well-executed. First subtlety, the 0.5W increment at a time between 6 and 20 watts, perfect for MTL vapers, while from 21 to 80 (maximum output), the increment is 1 watt. On the main screen, the wattage is large, and below it are a 4-digit puff counter, volts, puff timer, and coil ohm value.
Navigation:
3 clicks of the fire button to turn on or off
+ and - buttons pressed together to enter wattage selection
Fire and - buttons pressed together to enter the menu
Fire and + buttons pressed together to enter the screen showing battery voltage and to reset puffs
Menu items:
Screen timeout adjustable from 5 to 180 seconds
Output cutoff adjustable from 3 to 18 seconds
Device ID: to view the 14-digit ID
Unfortunately, the circuit has removed the refresh functions, which I found to be a nice addition, but it retains the ability to modify screen timeout and puff cutoff. Here too, Innokin's habit of offering mods that are perpetually in standby returns. If a button is pressed when "off," the screen turns on, advising to press the fire button 3 times to power on. It doesn't seem to affect consumption if left still for two days with the battery inserted. Protections include the usual output cutoff based on settings, low voltage (without specifying at what voltage it kicks in during firing), overheating, and short circuit.
The CoolFire Z80 is undoubtedly valuable for its compact size, which is usually the most sought-after feature in devices in this price range. The Zenith Nex's biggest pro is its 5 ml capacity without a bubble glass, and using the "empty" top cap to contain the liquid is a stroke of genius. This makes it possible to use it to cover a workday with an MTL Z Coil without needing to refill. I would have also appreciated a third small airflow hole before the large slot, but it's fine as is.
The Innokin Coolfire Z80 NEX Mod Kit 80W 5ml is available on HealthCabin
https://www.healthcabin.net/innokin-coolfire-z80-nex-mod-kit-80w-p/30421.html in 6 colors with the code "SUMMER" active on all items to be entered at checkout for an additional 15% discount.
I thank the e-cigarette forum community and staff for the space.
