You're not alone... The Zeus has to be the most frustrating RTA out there. When it works, it's astonishing. When it works. Every time I think I have it figured out, it seems to change what it wants. Either you get dry hits, or no dry hits but the flavor is muted. It's crazy.

I do think I figured out the wicking issue with 100% VG juices. I've found that if I cut the wicks short so that they barely go into the wicking holes, I don't get dry hits. I've also found that if I put about half my cotton in the wicking holes, and then bunch up the other half on either side of the coil to form a "reserve", it acts as a reservoir and I don't get dry hits. I'm still playing around with different methods, but so far this one hasn't failed me.

I've also found that putting the coil closer to the build deck decreases dry hits, but at the same time you lose flavor. I'm sure there's a sweet spot in there, I just haven't found it yet.

I ordered an OBS nano which has the same single coil/top air flow that I love. I'm hoping to have better luck with that one... But I'm not giving up on the Zeus yet.

Good luck.