The Innokin CoolFire Z80 Zenith II Starter Kit is a compact single-18650 box-mod kit built around flavor control (FØ/Refresh) and an MTL-to-RDL friendly tank, landing in the sub-$60 “serious starter” range; it’s strong on draw tuning, consistency, and day-to-day usability, but less ideal for cloud-chasing or anyone who hates swapping batteries mid-day.
Product Overview
| Device | Overall Score | Pros | Cons | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Innokin CoolFire Z80 Zenith II Starter Kit | 4.3/5 | FØ + Refresh control; wide MTL/RDL range; sturdy hand feel | Single 18650 limits heavy use; tall kit in pockets; FØ takes dialing-in | Flavor-first MTL/RDL users; commuters who carry a spare cell; people who like simple menus |
Final Verdict
The Z80 + Zenith II pairing is one of those “quietly competent” kits: it feels stable, hits consistently, and gives you two genuinely useful tools—FØ mode for subtle flavor/heat shaping and Refresh for keeping wicking behaving—without drowning you in menus. The trade-off is simple: a single 18650 is practical, not endless, and the full kit rides tall.
- Who It’s For
- MTL users who want a smoother, more refined draw without going disposable
- RDL-curious users who want a controlled step up in warmth and airflow
- Anyone who values consistent output and coil-friendly features
- Who It’s Not For
- High-watt DL users chasing big, hot clouds all day
- People who refuse external batteries or hate battery-cap swaps
- Ultra-minimalists who want a tiny pocket pod instead of a tank kit
Test Method
We ran the kit across MTL and restricted-DL sessions using the included 0.8Ω and 0.3Ω Z coils, logging Flavor, Throat Hit, Vapor Production, Airflow/Draw, Battery Life, Leak Resistance, Build Quality, Ease of Use, and Portability. We compared straight wattage vs FØ mode at multiple frequency settings, then used Refresh between sessions to see if wicking and flavor stayed steady. Battery behavior was tracked by real daily carry (commutes, desk breaks, evening sessions), plus a heavier “chain” block to surface heat and stability issues.
Field Notes
Day one started with the usual ritual: prime the Z coil, fill the Zenith II, set the mod up for a clean baseline in wattage mode, then begin nudging settings like you’re tuning a radio station. I ran the 0.8Ω coil right in its comfort zone (I landed at 16.5–17.5W most of the week), and the draw felt tight-smooth rather than scratchy—more “dense and rounded” than sharp. Marcus (tall, heavy DL habits) lived on the 0.3Ω coil around 34–38W and kept commenting on how the warmth ramps evenly instead of spiking. Jamal (lean, always-on-the-go, pocket carry) cared most about how quickly it settled between quick pulls; with the airflow slightly cracked open, it stayed consistent without that soggy first puff.
The feature that actually mattered in practice was Refresh—not as a magic button, but as a way to keep the coil from getting that slightly “tired” note after a long stretch. When I toggled into FØ mode and set frequency conservatively, I got a more even mouthfeel on the same liquid: less edge on the inhale, and a cleaner finish on exhale, especially on the 0.8Ω coil.
- What we liked
- Smooth MTL that doesn’t feel dry; RDL that stays controlled
- FØ/Refresh features that translate to real, noticeable consistency
- Zenith II top-fill and coil system stayed low-mess in our week
- Who it is best for
- Flavor-first MTL users who want an “upgrade kit” without complexity
- RDL users who don’t need massive airflow or extreme wattage
- Daily carriers who prefer a dependable mod + tank workflow
- Where it falls short
- Single-18650 runtime dips fast at higher RDL wattages
- Tall profile makes it less pocket-friendly than pods
- FØ settings need a little patience to dial in per coil/liquid
Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Stable, consistent output feel FØ mode offers real tuning flexibility Refresh helps wicking stay predictable Zenith II supports both MTL and RDL draws Solid chassis and grip texture |
Single 18650 can mean midday swaps for heavy use Full kit height isn’t “small pocket” friendly FØ adds a learning curve if you just want set-and-forget RDL coil warmth is limited compared with true sub-ohm kits |
Specs
- Price: $49.99
- Device type: single-battery regulated mod + refillable tank kit
- Output: 6–80W adjustable; 0.1Ω–3.5Ω resistance range
- Battery: external replaceable 18650 (not included)
- Charging: USB-C; 5V/1.7A
- Tank: Zenith II; 5.5 mL capacity; twist top-fill
- Coils: Z-Coil platform; kit includes 0.8Ω (MTL) and 0.3Ω (RDL)
- Dimensions: 83.55 × 38.30 × 27.60 mm (mod only); 131.75 × 38.3 × 27.6 mm (with tank)
Scorecard
| Metric | Score | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | 4.6 | Z coils deliver clean flavor, especially on the 0.8Ω coil; FØ tuning can refine edges. |
| Throat Hit | 4.3 | Smooth and adjustable via power/airflow; stays controlled rather than harsh. |
| Vapor Production | 4.1 | Solid for MTL and RDL, but not a cloud-first kit. |
| Airflow/Draw | 4.5 | Wide usable range; MTL can be tight and quiet, RDL stays stable. |
| Battery Life | 4.0 | Excellent at MTL wattages; expect faster drain when living in the mid-30W range. |
| Leak Resistance | 4.4 | Top-fill design and coil system stayed low-mess with normal handling and carry. |
| Build Quality | 4.6 | Metal alloy body and grip texture feel durable and “daily-driver” ready. |
| Ease of Use | 4.2 | Straight wattage is simple; FØ/Refresh adds depth without clutter, but needs a learning pass. |
| Portability | 3.8 | Mod is compact, but the full tank height and glass make it less carefree than a pod. |
| Overall | 4.3 | A practical, flavor-forward MTL/RDL kit with useful tech and few real weaknesses. |
Buying Fit: Innokin CoolFire Z80 Zenith II Starter Kit
Choose this kit if you want (1) a true MTL-to-RDL range, (2) a simple wattage workflow with optional FØ/Refresh tuning, and (3) the flexibility of replaceable 18650s. Skip it if you demand long runtime at higher wattages or want a pocket-sized device.
If you want a more rugged, higher-output “outdoors” kit, look at the GeekVape Aegis Solo 3 Kit (more power headroom and durability focus).
If you want an MTL-leaning kit with a built-in battery and a classic flavor tank setup, consider the Aspire Zelos 3 Kit paired with the Nautilus 3 Tank.
Limitations
The Z80 kit is strong, but its compromises are obvious once you live with it.
- Single-18650 runtime can feel tight for heavy RDL sessions
- Full kit height and glass are less forgiving for pocket carry
- FØ settings are rewarding, but not “instant obvious” for set-and-forget users
Z80 vs Alternatives
- Why choose these models
- Balanced MTL/RDL range in one tank platform
- FØ and Refresh features help consistency and coil behavior
- Solid daily-driver feel without complex modes
- Alternatives to consider
- GeekVape Aegis Solo 3 Kit: tougher build, more power headroom
- Aspire Zelos 3 Kit: built-in battery convenience, MTL-forward setup
- VOOPOO Drag 5 Kit: higher power ceiling and broader “big kit” capability
Pro Tips
- Start in wattage mode first; only add FØ after you know your coil’s “happy” power range.
- With the 0.8Ω coil, keep it in the 15–18W neighborhood before chasing warmth.
- With the 0.3Ω coil, stay in the 30–40W window and tune airflow before adding power.
- Use Refresh after long sessions or after the device sits—treat it like “wick reset,” not a gimmick.
- Don’t overfill: stop just below the top of the glass to reduce pressure and seepage.
- Keep a tissue handy for the airflow ring area; condensation happens faster with warmer RDL pulls.
- If you carry it, close airflow slightly before tossing it in a bag and avoid laying it on its side for long periods.
- Keep your spare glass and O-rings in your kit drawer—Zenith II parts are easy to swap, and it’s worth being ready.
- Treat the 18650 as part of the system: rotate cells and charge them consistently for steadier day-to-day performance.
FAQs
Is the Z80 kit better for MTL or RDL?
It’s strongest as an MTL kit that can do a convincing restricted-DL when you swap to the 0.3Ω coil and open airflow.
What wattage worked best in your sessions?
I settled around 16.5–17.5W on the 0.8Ω coil for a smooth, dense MTL; Marcus liked 34–38W on the 0.3Ω coil for warmer RDL without harshness.
Does Refresh mode actually help?
In our week it helped keep the coil “fresh” between longer sessions, especially when the tank sat for a while and the first pulls would otherwise feel slightly off.
How’s the leak performance of the Zenith II tank?
With normal filling and careful coil swaps, it stayed low-mess; most of what we wiped away was condensation rather than true leaking.
About the Author: Chris Miller
