It took me an age to break through RT. I spent over $300 on favorably reviewed kavas from good suppliers. In that time I had all of 2 very good experiences, the rest being either like what you're describing, or simply feeling nothing at all. I gave up trying at some point a couple of years ago.
Before Xmas I decided to buy a lb of kava king micro on iherb, simply because it's cheap as chips and gets decent enough reviews. After drinking 2 flat tablespoons of that every morning for about 2 weeks, I was finally feeling something consistently. It's not a premium kava, but I think it's absolutely the most ideal and cheapest way as to break RT.
So this time around I broke through RT for less than 20 dollars, rather than the 300+ previously that was largely a waste. I would say it's effects are subtle, and more sedating than anything for me (a good anxiety reducer) but it works. I find that it's also a cheap way to get more out of more expensive kavas. If I use ghk moi micro on its own, I only need use half as much as usual if I take a couple of tablespoons of kava king first.
