Innokin Coolfire z80 Kit Reviewed

Innokin have been doing some really cool stuff lately. In particular their new “F0” mode which switches your device into a sort of Pulse Width Modulation mode, pulsing the coil in order to minimise any harm to it, in effect prolonging your usage. They’ve also introduced a “Refresh” function that allows the device to run a short burst of lower power to your coil, again, in order to prolong your coil life. We saw both of these options in the Innokin Sensis, and now we are seeing them roll onto other devices including today’s product that I’ll be taking a look at.

Functions and device aside, this kit also seems to be the launch pad for Innokin’s new Zenith 2 tank. A collaboration between Phil Busardo, Dimitris Agrafiotis and Innokin as the successor to the orignal Zenith tank. I’m pretty excited to be putting this review out, as there doesn’t seem to be a lot of information out there about the Zenith 2, so you’ll not only be getting my opinion, but some much needed info about it at the same time!
(Update: Both the Coolfire z80 and the Zenith 2 tank has been launched with more information now available on the Innokin website)

Let’s take a look at Innokin’s latest Coolfire z80 kit with the Zenith 2 tank!

Big thanks goes to Innokin for sending this directly through to me for review!

General Info & Photos

Something that I didn’t mention in the last Innokin Sensis review, was the use of their new packaging. Innokin have embraced re-usable and recyclables by making all of their packaging out of recyclable cardboard and paper packets. They’ve done a great job here and the recyclable packaging gives the product quite a modern look.

The Innokin Coolfire z80 kit is their latest release of the range, which not only consists of all previous Coolfire devices, but the previously released younger sibling the Coolfire z50. Where the z50’s maximum wattage was 50 watts, the z80’s is 80 watts (of course).

The z80 is a device + tank kit, giving you the best of both worlds while also leaving you open to putting other tanks on top if you wish, or using the tank on other devices. If modularity is important to you, then this might be right up your alley.

With a modern brushed steel design, the z80 boasts a maximum of 80 watts of power, 5.5ml e-liquid capacity, simple twist to fill action, as well as adjustable airflow to suit both MTL and RDTL vapers, USB Type-C fast charging, Innokins new “F0” and “Refresh” modes, clear colour screen, and uses a removable 18650 battery for power.

The Body

Made from a zinc alloy, the z80 mod is not only stylish but really well built with quality finishing. There are various options to choose from, Ash Grey and Cloudy Grey both have Suede padding, and there are also leather versions in black and in white. All look remarkably clean and refined, they are very sleek looking setups.

You’ll notice that this is very much a tube shaped device with a chipset toward the front, hence the shape, the main body having quite a smooth titanium look to it, with the heel or grip, being made from suede or leather, which is also padded for comfort. The z80 certainly does feel great in the hand and is a very ergonomic device, with buttons easy to reach and where they are expected to be.

Up top you’ve got a gold plated spring loaded 510 connection so you’ll be able to throw pretty much any tank on it. It’s recessed nicely with the tiniest bit of protrusion so that you dont scratch the top when putting your tank on, but not enough to even notice a gap between the tank and device when fitted.

On the back is of course the padded heel, but on the other side, the front face, is where all of the magic happens. You’re presented with a decent sized chamfered fire button, smaller operating buttons, for adjusting your wattage and using the menu functions, a nice clear colour screen, and USB Type-C port for charging and updates.

As an aside, I notice that the fire button has a copper coloured chamfer around it, which in my opinion looks really nice, it’s a good contrast against the grey or steel finish of the device. I’m sure there’s someone in the Innokin factory that looked at it and didn’t want it to be that colour, but in the designer’s defence, it works really well 😉

Last but not least, the base, where you have a screw in battery cap, covering the 18650 battery bay.

The Tank

The Zenith 2 Tank. It’s new, it’s the latest and greatest from Innokin, Phil Busardo and Dimitris Agrafiotis, and at the time of writing this, there just isn’t a lot of information floating around about it. Innokin don’t have it on their website yet, and there are no individual listings on any of the usual suppliers websites. Only listings for the kit. So it seems that this, the z80 kit, might be it’s launchpad.
(Update: Both the Coolfire z80 and the Zenith 2 tank has been launched with more information now available on the Innokin website)

The Zenith 2 measures in at 26mm in diameter and around 52mm in length including the drip tip and 510 connection, making it a medium sized tank. It’s based on the Zenith Pro tank, and it has a twist to fill design, with strengthened Pyrex glass, a 5.5ml e-liquid capacity, MTL and RDTL adjustable airflow ring at the base, and takes Innokin’s new Z coils.

Not unlike other Zenith tanks, this one features a twist to fill top, where twisting the top cap reveals a silicone grommit that you insert your eliquid nozzle into to fill. It’s a genius design and really easy to use. Worth taking a look at the images above to see how it works. I’ve been removing my drip tip to fill, but you really don’t need to, most e-liquid nozzles should “just” reach the opening without needing to remove it.

Just as simple to use is the airflow control ring, which gives you a nice blend of airflow options to choose from. There is a larger cyclops style airflow hole for RDTL vaping as well as several smaller airflow holes, for those who love to vape with a tighter airflow. You can adjust the airflow from a medium restricted DTL airflow right down to a really tight MTL vape with the airflow completely closed off. (which still lets the smallest amount of air through)

The MTL setting, while using one of the higher resistance coils, gives you a really nice tight airflow, similar to some of the more diehard MTL tanks in performance, which is pretty incredible considering that you can get a restricted direct to lung vape from this tank also!

Innokin have done away with the e-liquid lock from the Zenith Pro in favour of being able to pull the Zenith 2 apart for cleaning, the top section now unscrews, and you can pull the glass from it’s cradle in order to clean the tank completely, or replace the glass should you need to.

Battery

The z80 is a single 18650 device with the battery bay cap on the base of the mod.

It has a little lever that swings out so that you can grip it correctly, and unscrew to get at the battery bay. This swing lever is a little stiff but I expect it to loosen up a little over time. Inside the battery bay, is the usual “red cross” indicating that batteries should be inserted positive first, but there is no negative stamped into the cap. The cap does have four small vent holes in it though, which is a nice touch. So many devices these days don’t have them.

Of course, this mod also has a USB Type-C charge port, for charging in an emergency, or upgrading your software.

Any Leaks?

Absolutely none, even though this is a bottom airflow device, Innokin’s Z coils have not flooded nor leaked any e-liquid from them. There is a nice tight seal from an oring around the base of the tank where the threaded coil makes contact with the device, so no leaking from there either.

Usage & Features

The Coolfire z80 has a vibrant colour screen that can be easily seen during the day and in sunlight, with everything displayed clearly, and legible. Operating the device is quite simple too.
“F0” mode is set by default, and you can adjust both your frequency (Hz) and wattage (W) to get the perfect vape, but if you don’t like the new “F0” mode, there is also a Wattage mode available from the menu.

As far as physical operation is concerned, the buttons feel really nice, they are all chamfered with a pattern on them, so that your finger doesn’t slide off, the action and travel of the buttons is fantastic also, feeling really nice to push without being clicky, or cheap. One thing I did notice, was the buttons stick after a while on my copy. They free up a little after on push though, so it hasn’t been an issue.

Here is how you operate the Coolfire z80!

• Turn off/on : x5 clicks of the fire button
• Adjust wattage: Hold up OR down button until numbers flash, then proceed to adjust. Press fire button to set.
• Access menu: Hold up AND down buttons simultaneously. You’ll be taken to a menu that gives you the following options… (F0, Power, Refresh, Settings, Exit) I won’t explain what each of these does, as I’ve already been through it earlier in the review.
• Lock device: Press fire + down button simultaneously.
• Clear puffs: Press fire + up button simultaneously.

Pros:

• Excellent build quality and design
• Comfortable and very ergonomic
• Removable 18650 battery
• Adjustable airflow for MTL > RDTL
• Easy twist to fill top cap
• Innokins new “F0” and “Refresh” functions
• Brilliant flavour and vape
• Super simple to use

Cons:

• Slightly sticky buttons

Where to Buy:

If you’re looking to buy the Innokin Coolfire z80, head on over to Innokin’s online store, they’ve only just been released. You’ll also be able to pick one of these awesome kits up from most popular vape stores once stock goes out. I’m unsure what the price will be locally, but the Innokin store has this kit for the $90.23 USD price point.

Conclusion

I have to hand it to Innokin, they’ve done a really fantastic job with both the z80 device and the Zenith 2 tank. Huge props for innovation on the new features available in the software, the F0 and Refresh modes work wonderfully, and the Zenith 2 tank is phenomenal in both flavour and ease of use.

The Coolfire z80 device is super comfortable and stylish in it’s own right, but combined with the new Zenith 2 tank, it really is a lovely combo that is both classy and striking in appearance.

Favourite features? The twist to fill top cap, the ease of switching between MTL and RDTL style vaping, the F0 and Refresh modes, and the general look and feel of the entire setup. This kit does have a lot going for it!

I did have a little issue with the buttons sticking a little on my device, I’m guessing that these will free up over time, and they have not stuck permanently, I think it’s just the tight tolerances between the buttons and the surrounds.

All in all, the Coolfire z80 kit ticks all of my boxes, and is a fantastic example of not only quality craftmanship, design and purpose, but something that is ergonomic, simple to use, and puts out some fantastic flavour no matter how you have it set up!

Fantastic work Innokin, what a winner of a kit!

Shane Presser

Shane Presser has been vaping since 2013, and has extensive experience with advanced equipment, coil builds and DIY mixing. He is the man behind VapersGarage, and also more recently Aussie Vape Stores, a resource to help vapers find their nearest Vape Shops, and eLiquid Vendors.