The Zeus Non-Rebuildable 'Sub-Ohm'
Intro
This guide is based upon Minty's experience with the Geekvape "Zeus" and "Z", with 0.15Ω, 0.2Ω, 0.25Ω dual, and 0.4Ω coils.
Sub Ohm tanks are classed as rebuildable or non-rebuildable types. If configured correctly, these have somewhat comparable performance but non-rebuildables are simpler to acquire and set up. Simplicity, controlability, vapour smoothness and dose consistency make non-rebuildables an extremely attractive option for first-timers.
Rebuildable vs Non-Rebuildable Atomisers
Left is the rebuildable "Zeus X" deck with an installed coil/wick. Right is a non-rebuildable pre-manufactured coil/wick unit being inserted into a "Zeus Z" atomiser
In general, the buying/setup of the Z non-rebuildables is much simpler, although from experience so far (depending on the chosen coil/device) they appear to be somewhat less foolproof in use than rebuildable.
Non-rebuildables (compared to rebuildable 'sub-ohm')
Simpler procurement of parts - coil/wick unit is purchased ready-made as simple a plug-in unit (known simply as a 'coil')
Simpler and quicker to set up
Requires no additional peripherals such as vaping wire, cotton wick, tools, or magnifying glass etc
In my experience so far, the above points are the only advantages of non-rebuildables. In almost every other respect, rebuildable atomisers significantly out-perform them
Coil performances for the non-rebuildable Zeus appears to vary considerably, but all tested so far are more prone to heat damage through excess Wattage and/or long toke than rebuildable equivalents
With the Zeus non-rebuildable (and likely other on-rebuildables of similar design), D-juice can leak right through or past the coil under certain circumstances (e.g. long toking, cap left off, missing cap seals) and collect in the base. See this section for more details. With bottom airflow devices this would probably result in serious external leaking. On rebuildable top airflow devices, the design of the wick and build deck means that this cannot happen in the same way
Owing to any increased likelihood of coil scorching, that some or most non-rebuildables are better suited to multiple-toke comeups rather than for single toke blastoffs using high Wattages/long tokes
Temperature Control is not commonly supported on non-rebuildables. Therefore it's highly recommended to closely monitor the d-juice level when the tank runs low to avoid risk of unpleasant dry hits.
Unless the manufacturer specifically states temperature control compatibility, coils cannot be expected to perform a true TC function, even if they are advertised as made from SS316L, SS904L or other TC-friendly materials
Why The Zeus?
I'm sure there are many other non-rebuildable tanks that work just as well, my reasons for choosing to review the Zeus series were ...
Previous reliable positive feedback as inexpensive, no-frills, highly functional devices for d-juice vaping
Ubiquitous commonality, with easy availability of both the genuine and knockoff versions
Top airflow, so assumed reduced risk of external leakage compared to bottom airflow devices
Wide range of available coils, with another just released (Sept 2022), the Z0.15 XM
Continues to serve the vaping community after many years with only very minor changes between the updated versions
Parts Needed
For vendor links, see links section below
Mod box & battery
Non-rebuildable atomiser tank, i.e. Geekvape Zeus, Geekvape Z or Geekvape Z(2021)
Spare coils - Be sure to avoid unsuitable coil versions, see our compatible coils page for the Zeus, Z, Z(2021), S(SE) and Z(Fli). The Z0.15 is the highest recommended.
Extended curved driptip
Ejuice (PG and VG) - for instructions on making juice see our d-juice page
1ml glass luer-lock syringe with 14ga blunt tip needle
Optional - Syringe filter (or a cotton bud will suffice) for info on clogging & filtering, see this section
Weighing scales
Mod Box & Battery
The standard 510 connector on a Geekvape Aegis Solo
Any mod with the standard 510 connector and which can easily deliver 35-40W in Power Mode (Temperature Control is not needed). If you don't already own a mod then suggest viewing our recommended mods for emesh just in case you ever decide to try emesh.
If your mod takes an external battery, get a flat-top, unprotected cell of reputable make that has a CDR (Continuous Discharge Rating) of at least 15A, and pref 20A or more. Examples of good 18650 li-ion cells are Samsung 25R, Molicel P26A See Minty's video guide to vape batteries for more details.
Non-Rebuildable Atomiser/Tank
The Zeus-series atomiser tanks comprise the original 'Geekvape Zeus', 'Geekvape Z', 'Geekvape Z (2021)', 'GeekVape Z SE', and 'Geekvape Z Fli'. All of these tanks are equally and fully compatible with the entire range of Z-series coils, and likely offer almost identical vaping experience
Zeus-series atomiser tanks. From left to right, the original "Zeus", the later "Z" and the later models (with the "lightning fist" logos) the "Z (2021)", and latest "Z (SE)" and Z (Fli) with slighty higher juice capacity and cap opening gimmicks.
The only apparent non-cosmetic difference between the Zeus-series atomisers.The Z(2021) has extra electrical contact points on the base cap as shown on the right. Perhaps added to handle the increased Amperage of the newer Z0.15Ω 80-90W coil. Also the SE/Fli are specified to hold a max of 5.5ml, the others 4.5ml, and has different cap fittings
Genuine Or Knockoff?
Knockoffs of the original Zeus (I haven't seen knockoffs of the other Z models ) are available from Wish, Aliexpress, and DHgate. My own knockoff version provides indistinguishable vaping experience to my genuine "Z", although physical quality is slightly inferior with less smooth sliding/screwing fittings and a less obvious feel for a correctly-seated coil insertion.
Another notable difference is the lack of spare O-rings included in the accessories - just two with my own knockoff Zeus compared to 14 for the genuine "Z"
These rings are of unusual sizes and I have not yet found a source for spares either individually or in kit form for this model.
I recommend the genuine tank in preference to my own knockoff (there may be other clones which have higher build quality and supplied with a complete O-ring set).
Coils
Correct choice of coil is crucial to provide potent smooth vapour without scorching. See our dedicated Z coils page
My current top recommendation is for the Z0.15Ω, and second choice the Z0.15XM, then the Z0.2Ω. Avoid the Z0.4Ω and Z0.25 (dual mesh) both of which I've found extremely prone to heat damage and "leak through". I have only limited feedback on the Z0.15 SS316L.
Extended Driptip Mouthpiece
I consider these essential to reduce the risk of spitting ingestion. Available in either the 510 or 810 size, but the 810 (shown in pic) fits directly into the Zeus and other similar tanks. The 510s will only fit with an 810 to 510 adapter. Several users have reported success from using simple tubing of suitable diameter in the place of a manufactured driptip
Other Parts Required
Propylene glycol & vegetable glycerine
For instructions how to make the D-juice see our d-juice page
If intending to filter the juice (described below) then get individual bottles of each. Otherwise a blend of nicotine free PG/VG with recommended minimum PG content 50% (Dimitri is barely soluble in VG). Flavouring is optional/unnecessary.
Freebase Dimitri
At least 500mg to get started - cleaner, fluffy, non-waxy product is highly recommended to maximise coil life/make filtering easier
1ml glass syringe with luer lock, plus 14ga blunt needle
Used for measuring and transferring juice. The rubber syringe plungers become stuck after a while so recommend buying a multipack or a higher quality syringe (see kit links below)
(Optional) Ejuice filters
For instructions on filtering, see this section on our d-juice page
1µm syringe filters are ideal, 0.45µm are just about OK if your mix isn't overly cloudy, but 0.22µm (the most common type) are impractical.
PTFE and Glass Fibre membrane types have been tested OK, but apparently Cellulose Acetate (CA) is incompatible with PG. It's important to use the smallest diameter filters available to minimise losses, 13mm are recommended, no bigger.
See the original my Instagram post and the membrane compatibility chart
Cotton Bud Filter - As described in the video at this point, the end of a cotton bud can suffice in the place of a filter. Take care not to pack too hard into the blunt tipped needle or it will be hard to push the liquid through, plus it'll be tricky to retrieve upon completion.
Scales, bits & pieces for measuring and weighing
Lab quality scales are unnecessary. As long as they'll measure 500mg with roughly ±20mg accuracy, the effects of slight inaccuracy likely dwarfed by other factors in the mixing process. 3-5ml glass vials with lid are ideal for mixing/storage
Kit Links
Please report broken links to Minty Love via the Discord
Z0.15Ω coils (Amazon) (highly recommended)
Z0.2Ω coils (Amazon) (work OK, but get the Z0.15 instead if you can)
Note - Z0.4Ω & Z0.25 Dual coils not recommended - avoidExtended curved driptip from Wish Select the 810 version (which won't need an adaptor)
For ejuice-making kit links, see the links section of our D-juice Wiki Page