The Firefly 2 vaporizer

[petey]

I have brushed the gasket, lightly, with 70% alcohol pads like those supplied with the FF. It does get sticky and picks up little bits of material.

Did I miss something in the instructions that warned us not to touch the gasket with pads? All I remember is how quick and easy it was to clean with a wipe -- not big caveats about very carefully creating a margin around the gasket that is never touched.

 

[JCat]

The gasket seems to be a silicone to me ... I would imagine a platinum cured high temp one ... not sure about the glue, but again, I would assume an FDA approved food safe high temp silicone adhesive.

To be honest, if/when it comes time to replace mine, I plan on doing exactly what I mentioned above, finding a silicone baking sheet/pan with a same size thickness as the FF2 silicone, remove the other one and clean well, and glue the new one on with a high temp FDA approved, food safe silicone adhesive. You can find these adhesives that are good to 500F + ... and I doubt it gets anywhere near that temp at the gasket, even at the highest heat and boost settings.

 

[Pimpslapper]

On page 9 of the manual where it says to use the alcohol wipes it says undet it in bold
To avoid damaging the gasket
DO NOT WIPE THE GASKET ITSELT

Seems pretty clear to me.

 

[petey]

On page 9 of the manual where it says to use the alcohol wipes it says undet it in bold
To avoid damaging the gasket
DO NOT WIPE THE GASKET ITSELT

You're totally right! I did not see that. In fact, you made me realize I never actually downloaded that manual -- I just picked up instructions and tips from chat forums.

What's missing from their guide, then, is how to clean the gasket (or how they can expect people to avoid ever touching that precious gasket with a wipe!). Still, I'm betting I got one of the bad lids, since I was always very gentle in my cleaning. I can't believe everyone else has faithfully avoided ever touching their gaskets. (And doesn't this design really undermine the idea that the FF allows full access to air path for streamlined cleaning?)

 

[JCat]

Clear but ridiculous. The gasket is in the vapor path and will get coated with resin and will require cleaning ... or I suppose to stay clean to my standards I suppose I could buy a lid a month! If the seal falls off I will re-fasten it ... if it degrades I will replace with a custom one if I can not buy a seal on its own from FF

 

[Pimpslapper]

Dish soap and warm water for the gasket?

 

[fogbank]

Clear but ridiculous. The gasket is in the vapor path and will get coated with resin and will require cleaning ... or I suppose to stay clean to my standards I suppose I could buy a lid a month! If the seal falls off I will re-fasten it ... if it degrades I will replace with a custom one if I can not buy a seal on its own from FF

I agree, the lid and gasket get dirty and I feel the need to clean both with ISO. I clean the gaskets of both my FF2 lids with ISO when they get too dirty for my liking. I try not to use too much and I try to wipe it off quickly, but I do use ISO. I replaced one of my FF2 lids recently due to the gasket coming off almost entirely, but that was after multiple ISO cleanings. The lids are not cheap but I feel that replacing them occasionally is "the cost of doing business" with the FF2.

 

[JCat]

I agree, the lid and gasket get dirty and I feel the need to clean both with ISO. I clean the gaskets of both my FF2 lids with ISO when they get too dirty for my liking. I try not to use too much and I try to wipe it off quickly, but I do use ISO. I replaced one of my FF2 lids recently due to the gasket coming off almost entirely, but that was after multiple ISO cleanings. The lids are not cheap but I feel that replacing them occasionally is "the cost of doing business" with the FF2.

This seems ridiculous though ... we should be able to come up with a $5 solution to replace a lid gasket! Just seems very wasteful too ...

It's not just about the cost ... it's the principle!

Once I figure this out I'll post repair instructions

 

[Bamafan86]

I'm on the fence between the Firefly 2 and DaVinci IQ. Really I think it would be hands down Firefly 2 but with some of the issues others have had, and steep learning curve has made me afraid to pull the trigger.

 

[RalphsBlend]

I don't know if I would call the learning curve "steep", but there is learning curve.

That said, I've found that it's almost impossible to go wrong with med-high or high temp and alternating slow and fast draw speeds during the same draw. I think of it like a wave, draw slowly to start and speed up, then slow down again, speed up. The slight whistling noise you get when drawing actually gives you a really consistent auditory signal for how fast your draw speed is (I actually get worse draws when I have headphones on for this reason). Usually I start with the whistle at the point where it becomes easily audible in a low ambient noise or quiet room for the "slow" draw speed, and then increase it from that baseline for the faster draw. Towards the second half of the draw I usually speed up more as the material is warmer so slowing down isn't necessary to promote additional vapor production. At this point you can usually feel the vapor so it's easier to adjust based on what you're feeling.

This sounds complicated but I had it figured out pretty consistently in about 2 days flat.

Remember, convection, so slow draw speed increases the temp of the material whereas faster draw speed decreases it. I find that "riding the wave" (as above) gets me tasty clouds with properly cured bud, but your mileage may vary.


I was also originally on the fence between these two vapes and went FF2 ultimately. I've been happy with it (especially after the recent app/firmware update) but it's almost the opposite of the IQ in many regards so I'd make that decision based mostly on what you want.

Some things to consider:

Spoiler

1) the IQ is a better session vape, FF2 is better for on demand. The FF2 is a terrible party vape (IMO), for example. If you have friends, and like smoking/vaping with them frequently, the FF2 is likely not the best device to buy.

2) The FF2 is better for concentrates in that it was designed for them and (though I don't use concentrates) all the reviews I've seen say that it works quite well with them. I can say from experience that the concentrate pads can be a bit snug and hard to remove, but again, your mileage may vary.

3) The app for the IQ definitely has more features than the FF2 app, the FF2 app is fine, but rather spartan. It is also certainly arguable that even after the firmware/app update the FF2 is more App reliant than the IQ (you can change FF2 temps to the 7 presets without the app now, but the fine tuning absolutely requires it).

4) Technique required. Near as I can tell the IQ has nearly zero technique required to use effectively.

5) Can't speak to the draw resistance on the IQ, but the FF2 is somewhat restricted. I don't mind it at all, but it is something to take into consideration if you do mind draw restriction.

6) Ease of cleaning. I don't know if the IQ is so much hard to clean as the FF2 is very easy to clean, as long as you respect the gasket.

7) The flavor the FF2 provides is amazing. That said the IQ is known to provide great flavor for a conduction vape.

8) Bowl size. One FF2 bowl is enough to get me all time, iirc the IQ has a bigger bowl but I hear it can be half-packed.

9) Water tool compatibility. IQ has 10mm compatibility out of the box with the long mouthpiece, the FF2 requires an adapter. I honestly never use the FF2 through water though (even though I have the adapter), the flavor is better without it.

 

[Pimpslapper]

I have had both and Ralph's post is spot.on.
If you mostly vape alone and just like a hit or two now and then=ff2. A full bowl will do the job for one very nicely.
It is like a sneak a toke.
If you vape with others iq (or crafty)

 

[Bamafan86]

@RalphsBlend @Pimpslapper Thanks for the help guys my decision has gone more towards the IQ. I still want the ff2 but maybe tax time! Lol

 

[Pimpslapper]

I got the external charger and the ff2 is now complete. Absolutely happy now.
Weed on demand is just pimp!!!
Batteries can be charged discreetly and quickly and they hold much longer.
The stock cradle is shit.

 

[WarpaintFree]

I got the external charger and the ff2 is now complete. Absolutely happy now.
Weed on demand is just pimp!!!
Batteries can be charged discreetly and quickly and they hold much longer.
The stock cradle is shit.

Are you suggesting that by charging the batteries independently of the device, that they hold a charge longer?

 

[mucsusn]

Wow, just wow. Haven't posted on this thread in awhile. This device with concentrates is just about perfect. Flavor.......nothing but flavor, but wait, nice clouds also. I only pull this bad boy out every 6 to 8 weeks, but what a treat!

 

[Marley420]

Is this vape still worth buying or should i wait for the firefly 3?

 

[JCat]

Is this vape still worth buying or should i wait for the firefly 3?

It's definitely worth buying! It's had recent upgrades and am not sure where on the horizon a v3 is.

 

[Pimpslapper]

They seem to be charged properly now at least.
The dock station mine had to be set on the counter just right or it wouldn't charge (dodgy connection).or would indicate full charge but the battery died after five hits.
Got blinking red lights at least five times each warm up before it was ready to go.
Actually got an rma from vaposhop for it but they sent me the charger free to try. Awesome service btw!!!!
Since then not one flashing lights and I got about twenty good draws each off the last.two batteries (15 sessions for me).
I can charge them at work (discreet) and they charge super fast on my computers usb .
I think it should come standard with the external charger tbh...makes it complete for me. Ymmv

I absolutely love i for solo use. I only bring out the crafty when friends come over.
Recommend buying for sure!

 

[mitchgo61]

Is this vape still worth buying or should i wait for the firefly 3?

Could be a long wait. Nothing planned ATM.

 

[Marley420]

It's definitely worth buying! It's had recent upgrades and am not sure where on the horizon a v3 is.

My local shop has been selling this since early last year so i might get old units. Are the upgrades on the firmware? I read alot of bugs when the ff2 first came out

 

[mitchgo61]

My local shop has been selling this since early last year so i might get old units. Are the upgrades on the firmware? I read alot of bugs when the ff2 first came out

Yes. Once you have the FF just download the app to your phone or tablet and you’ll be able to update the firmware on the device.

 

[JCat]

My local shop has been selling this since early last year so i might get old units. Are the upgrades on the firmware? I read alot of bugs when the ff2 first came out

Yes, they are on the firmware. I read the same thing and shied away from this vape at first ... it caught my attention recently due to another member recommending it highly for portable concentrate usage. I got one on a trade w/ another member, and am super happy with it; works amazing for concentrates and flowers!

As far as I know there have been no hardware upgrades ...

 

[Tranquility]

Yes, they are on the firmware. I read the same thing and shied away from this vape at first ... it caught my attention recently due to another member recommending it highly for portable concentrate usage. I got one on a trade w/ another member, and am super happy with it; works amazing for concentrates and flowers!

As far as I know there have been no hardware upgrades ...

I agree. And, as to "portable concentrate usage", there is a new syringe out there that makes loading on the go very simple.

https://jettyextracts.com/products/dablicator

I make no claim to the quality of the oil inside. It seems fine, but, I have no idea of quality or testing so won't. It is the mechanical part that makes it great. (You twist the black portion which will expose a white button that is pressed to get the oil out of the metal pip. It also helps with dosing by counting the number of clicks on the twist to set up the plunger. Two clicks will load the FF2 concentrate pad quite nicely.)

 

[biohacker]

Wow, just wow. Haven't posted on this thread in awhile. This device with concentrates is just about perfect. Flavor.......nothing but flavor, but wait, nice clouds also.

Damn! I may have to pull the trigger on this one just for rosin convection dabs!

 

[JCat]

Damn! I may have to pull the trigger on this one just for rosin convection dabs!

That's what I've been telling you! Also looking forward to the Divine Tribe Quartz Quest ... but this has been doing the job quite nicely for me