It's a real PITA but I haven't found an alternative screen yet.
Use a flat head screwdriver to shove the screen in where the metal lip holds. It gets scary and frustrating, but when it comes free you will think you've poked through it, lol. The last few I've done where way harder than the first two, finally tore the last little bit instead of gently pulling it out. I tried separating the metal lip without any avail, but maybe I did loosen it up a bit.
There isn't much being held by the little lip, but I'm weary about cutting screens because of the jagged edges left behind.
Yeah it is pretty forgiving unless you draw really really slow relative to your heat. I find the best draw is using diaphragmatic breathing, not so much just sucking.
...I used to struggle with the temperature setting until I eliminated the gap difference between HC and material. First hit would shrink my load, so even if the first hit was good, the second would be wispy. Now I move the screen closer/farther, depending on load size.
I was getting the same problem with my e-nano, until I started using a screen as a spacer.
I should try your technique with the screwdriver to remove the screen from the ring. I just cut around that ring, but ended up with a screen that is too small for my wand.
Instead, I've shoved a short length of whip inside my wand with a screen underneath and on top. This creates a raised platform for my load closer to the heat. However, not surprisingly the narrower bore has increased the restriction.
Bringing my stuff closer closer to the heat improves the extraction. After years of consistently being unable to get my flowers beyond a medium brown, I'm finally able to achieve a dark, even extraction. The hits are also denser.
There was a thread elsewhere discussing the ability to turn up the heat to improve the extraction. My experience is that cranking the heat does not overcome deep bowls. I know that I tried many times - high heat, long sessions, etc - and the load would consistently achieve the same color. Generally, my sessions go from about 12.30-2.30.
Agree too with Tweak's experience regarding shrinking loads as well as diaphragmatic breathing.
So, if some are having issues with hit quality and extraction consider buying a less deep wand, the EQ screen mod, or some other tweak to bring the load closer to the heat.
Counting seconds down, making the days go ultra slow. Damn excitement.
. Anyone have any ideas? I'm so jealous of everyone else's experience lol
