Every intermediate Pyro knows the puff-and-sting technique:

1. Ignite opponent
2. (Optional) Airblast them to a wall or corner
3. Hit them with the Axtinguisher
4. ????
5. PROFIT!

The Degreaser with its fast weapon switch bonus makes this a quick and deadly combo attack.

However, having only less than a few weeks of Axtinguisher time myself, I'm finding this combo pretty difficult to pull off, especially on Soldiers who know I'm coming. I puff a flame, push the opponent back, press 3 or Q... but before I'm able to swing my Axtinguisher, the Soldier has turned back and crocketed me.

Knowing that the enemy will attempt a counter-attack, if it's an explosive I usually end up using reflects to kill them instead of approaching them and taking out melée. It's a slower kill with less predictable DPS, but it's easier for me. In fact, I'm probably the only Pyro out there with a higher success rate of killing with reflects than with the Axtinguisher. Embarrassing, I know.

Anyway, how can I perform the Axtinguisher combo more effectively and ensure I get a kill?

Every intermediate Pyro knows the puff-and-sting technique:

1. Ignite opponent
2. (Optional) Airblast them to a wall or corner
3. Hit them with the Axtinguisher
4. ????
5. PROFIT!

The Degreaser with its fast weapon switch bonus makes this a quick and deadly combo attack.

However, having only less than a few weeks of Axtinguisher time myself, I'm finding this combo pretty difficult to pull off, especially on Soldiers who know I'm coming. I puff a flame, push the opponent back, press 3 or Q... but before I'm able to swing my Axtinguisher, the Soldier has turned back and crocketed me.

Knowing that the enemy will attempt a counter-attack, if it's an explosive I usually end up using reflects to kill them instead of approaching them and taking out melée. It's a slower kill with less predictable DPS, but it's easier for me. In fact, I'm probably the only Pyro out there with a higher success rate of killing with reflects than with the Axtinguisher. Embarrassing, I know.

Anyway, how can I perform the Axtinguisher combo more effectively and ensure I get a kill?