I was also curious how the taste from the GH is generally regarded... I did try some bowls at lower temps (2.6~) and got what I would consider to be good flavor and lots of bright terps. However, I was wondering if anyone who is more sensitive to the metallic taste from some vapes/heating elements found the Ti 'hopper to be better tasting? Or rather, more taste neutral?
It's got good flavour and a great terpene profile, especially at lower temps, but it doesn't last all too long. It's not the tastiest unit, but it does a good enough job for me. It's tastier than some and not as tasty as others.
But if there's one thing, you can just about tell when the bowl is done or how the unit is working just by the flavour.
I've never tried a Stainless Hopper, but do have an SS and Ti PFE. In general I would guess there is no real appreciable difference between the units - the assembly and design of the chambers and heaters are identical, and the rather short path thereafter isn't too impacted by the metallic nature. The PFE does introduce more mass and is slightly longer with a larger ID, so there is extra surface material in the vapour path. This helps to cool it slightly, but I still prefer to cool it further for big hits (usually I use a 14mm glass dome from old style oil rigs).
I would say the SS can introduce some flavour, but I don't really notice this over the vapour. The Ti PFE I have never tasted at all, even with the device off, so I would say this is the better option for that reason and a few more.
The SS heats up with usage and retains heat better than the Ti, the Ti PFE is much lighter and cools down faster, which lends itself to more favourable usage.
I dropped my SS PFE and it deformed slightly, the Ti is much more durable. You can also heat treat a plain Ti PFE with a butane torch, it's a fun and quality material. But you can't go wrong either way.
And just for simple one handed hits with that sake bottle, it'll be very worthwhile.
What is everyone's preferred way to load/unload their 'hopper?
I just load by hand straight from the BCG. I'm finding the medium plate or fine plate is my go-to.
I do have a GH Feeder, which is really great for stealth packing in public, but otherwise I don't really use it. I should recommission it soon though, it's been a while.
I've also got a knock-off NewVape scoop from eBay/china. It's okay, it does fit the GH chamber rather neatly. It's great to scrape it clean. I normally use this to handle CBD shatter, but find it doesn't pour herb all to well. I guess the proper NewVape tool has more smooth machining, but I would look at the Delta3D scoop over it - he has a nylon printed scoop that would be ideal for the GH + BCG too. However for the price I paid for the bootleg scoop, and the amount I use it, I can't complain.
I'm happy just loading it by hand, this is how I manage all my units. Where you can suck it up straw style (18mm baskets, dynavap, etc.) I don't like it as you can inhale small particles, but it is neat and convenient in a pinch. Using that method, or a scoop, or the GH Feeder, it is sometimes a good idea to avoid handling the porous herb as much as possible so it doesn't sap heaps of oils and juices only to be immediately sent express to the lungs and bloodstream, but I've never had a problem trying to keep my hands clean or vaporising residue, but it's handy to be able to avoid this if need be.
how do people use concentrates in their 'hopper?
I just sandwich it between herb and try to keep the mouthpiece pointing downwards. It works quite well, but I get what I need from dry herb in the hopper, and I guess prefer dabbing or double deckers in the sub. But definitely, when the stash gets low or the tolerance gets too high, the GH with concentrates is a good time.
Yeah buddy! That's what I'm talkin' bout. Out of a damn pen. I've had to stop flying to curb my carbon emissions.
