The Nano GonGs are definitely it's weak spot. Epic needs to up it's game and get better GonGs, or PlanetVape should get into the game. I've ordered one from Joda but it hasn't arrived yet. I had problems with my first epic gong and had to RMA it. I'm using the fixed glass screen stem and gong now, so as to avoid any screen issues.
GonGs seem to be hit or miss from Epic, at least from reviews here. IME every one of the 5 or 6 I have is different (pretty sure all from different orders at this point), but all perform well with no screen issues as described by others. Would think the differences and screens probably all coming off the same pressing rig may be part of the problem here. Just another reason I always suggest people stretch their screens a little if having issues.
Joda (vaped&confused) does some really beautiful stuff, too! I have a GonG I got from him about a year ago when he was first starting out and a carbed GonG that I got more recently. They are both nice, but I still prefer the Epic GonGs. I'm not real crazy about the air restriction with the carbed one. It does function well and allows plenty of air through, but not nearly as much as wide open when you just pull the GonG. Doubt all will feel the same on this, but I had my nano GonG routine down for more than a year before I got my first Joda GonG and even longer by the time I got the carbed one. The other one is beautiful, but a little longer. So, you end up grabbing the whole GonG and lifting the nano with it. Probably OK, but not as simple as what I usually do with an Epic GonG.
My technique is the same as others have described recently. Keep the silicone on and roll it down about halfway over itself. When you are ready to clear, let your pinky or ring finger (or both) drop down and catch the lip on the rolled silicone, and lift it still connected to the nano when you pull it to clear. No need to pull it off more than out of the bubb. When done inhaling, put both together back on the bubb and pull just the nano if not taking another hit. This should eliminate any blowback, too. Pretty sure my lengthy post with screen tips and a picture of the silicone is still on the best of thread.
When I use the carbed GonG it feels weird to hold the carb, and once I get a few hits in me I have to consciously remember to NOT pull the GonG. So, kind of a PIA now that I am conditioned to my regular routine.
Screens will have to be tweaked or replaced with either (at least this is the case with my older Jodas). In use and especially removal and reinsertion for cleaning they will get tapered in and not hold to the inside of the glass as well. Really can't say for my carbed Joda. It gets very little use. Usually only when a noob is sharing.
Also of note, if you happen to have an older nano (V1, I guess - attached cord, shiny bottom), be sure to let Joda know when you order from him. When I got my first carbed GonG it was a tad too big and the nano heating element slipped right through and knocked the screen and load right down into the bubbler. He was quick to get a new one that was properly sized right out to me, but what a friggin mess!
If I'm going dry stem? Joda all the way!! The stem I got from him with the first GonG is just stellar. It looks really nice (especially considering where he was in his rapid progress as an excellent glass blower) but function is amazing! Still not sure exactly what is is with this one, but stock Epic stems just don't come close. It is somehow magical for me! One of the odd things is that it hits a bit cooler than a stock stem, even though it is shorter. Aerodynamics? Hole size? Psychological? Hell if I know! But, is the only way I like to go dry. Know I would be crying if I ever broke it.
I had to see what all the hype was with water so I picked up a cheap straight tube bong. For me the high was less intense then dry and short lived. Took the water out of my tube and now I have a cheap 16" steamroller. It really packs a punch! I noticed the tube cools off the vapor perfectly without water. No throat irritation or cough drops for me anymore.
Ice can be a nice change of pace. OR, put just a little warm water in the bubb. Even if not enough to cover the perc and make it fire properly, just a little splashing around in there will moisturize your hits and sooth your throat without taking too much flavor at all.
EDIT: Meant to mention.... you may find the nano does a bit better with water with more of a bubbler type of piece. I honestly haven't tried mine with a straight tube, but the few times I used my EQ with one it was NOTHING like using it with a bubbler. IMO old style straight tubes like that are only good for throwing some schwag in and lighting up - and that only for nostalgia! Even at that.... icky poo poo.
Lately my sinus allergies are bothering me. And when I use a water tool, I start gagging. Damn allergies!
That's funny. When my sinuses are acting up - pretty much always this time of year - I have a lot of trouble going dry. Try the little bit of warm water trick above. This is when I use that technique the most. It seems to make it easier for me to not overdo it with too big of hits, too (like I sometimes do with regular water levels). My 2-3 hit loads sometimes become 3-5 during allergy season. But, all good. Just have to hit it a couple more times and makes me feel like my consumption is even less!