Discontinued The RBT Milaana (unregulated single 18650)

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cybrguy

Putin is a War Criminal
Sorry- I don't think I can handle rereading this thread. Could someone either point me to the page with the link or re add the link to get the adaptor that fits with the correct joint.
If you order something from oregonglassblower.com just tell him you need a US joint. This is his standard M2M. When he made mine one side was US and the other ISO. He will do anything you ask. I also asked him to lengthen mine and it had no lump.

Stuff on Ebay will rarely say whether it's ISO or US so you have to go by how it looks. You can ask the seller and they might know or be able to measure it. Most glass blowers and some dealers will know the difference. 2 out of the 3 M2Ms I have gotten with China glass have been US jointed.
 
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AJS

Calm Consistency
Easiest solution is getting one of those universal adapters, I think delta3d makes them, and that'll slide over the shorty stem and make it mate to a 14mm or 18mm.
Or slide silicone over the shorty stem, should make it easily mateable.
 

Shit Snacks

Milaana. Lana. LANA. LANAAAA! (TM2/TP80/BAK/FW9)
So the door clears the glass on some but not others...?

Seems there could be some variation in the earliest units sent out? Likely that the fit and finish would improve with each batch as the manufacturer gets more and more experience with them I suppose. Hasn't been addressed but I suppose someone could order a second to arrive later and compare? Probably minor differences. Glad you're sticking around by the way, in the end FC really does (or should) have a place for (almost) everyone imo ;)
 

Bandoo

Well-Known Member
A Zion in Zion.
As a Zionist here in the real Zion we here in Jerusalem should be getting a Zion to test out for the publicity purposes alone!! :brow:
Alas last week I ordered a Milaana in the meantime while I wait...:)
Hope he sends his international orders by regular USPS and not UPS or Fedex! Customs 'plays' with those orders..:goon:
 

killick

But I like it!
Man, if I havta wait for International I may change my address and drive the 27 minutes to the border and pick it up! Anyways, I was thinking today about instant on herb vaping... My usage is going down because of it. I've been using Zion much more than others (besides oil pens) and the only reason I can think of is instant on. Not having to wait for a device to heat up, or be driven by a timer to decide your session, has a huge impact. I'm not refilling 3 times during a 20 minute session... Thats Zion.

I anticipate Milly will be the same, but with less battery life. And you know what? I have 2 sets of batts on rotation with Baby, but Milly will likely last a good 8 hour day on one. I'm really looking forward to testing all my preconceived notions of what I expect Milly to be like. If I'm *way* off I may eat one (doubtful, but if I were a betting man I'd feel safe taking bets ;)

Is the battery door thing really that much of a concern? or is it something a washer with a small divot taken out will cure? Or a teeny, wellplaced brad nail? Life is too short to get wrapped around an axle about something, especially for a device that is gonna help us all be nicer people ;)
 

AJS

Calm Consistency
I anticipate Milly will be the same, but with less battery life. And you know what? I have 2 sets of batts on rotation with Baby, but Milly will likely last a good 8 hour day on one. I'm really looking forward to testing all my preconceived notions of what I expect Milly to be like. If I'm *way* off I may eat one (doubtful, but if I were a betting man I'd feel safe taking bets ;)
i got 3 batteries waiting next to my D4 at 40%, and one will come with the Milaana making it 4. I originally bought 2 batteries for the Zion, 1 for the Milaana...but the Zion will be a while, so I'll just take the infinite battery rotation with a solid 4 batts dedicated to Milaana.

I expect I know the feeling of hitting the milaana through all the descriptions. I've had a Nano, LSV, and MFLB...I imagine the smooth and warmness of the Nano stem, the unregulated rising temp like the MFLB, and the power of the LSV. Maybe throw a Lotus in there somewhere to "ride the heat".

I've imagined the low temp hits, the feeling of reaching towards combustion, the in between, ahhhh, If it's anything like I imagine, it's wonderful. And the thing is... I'm pretty sure it's gunna be better than what I think.
 

flotntoke

thoroughly vaped
i got 3 batteries waiting next to my D4 at 40%, and one will come with the Milaana making it 4. I originally bought 2 batteries for the Zion, 1 for the Milaana...but the Zion will be a while, so I'll just take the infinite battery rotation with a solid 4 batts dedicated to Milaana.

I expect I know the feeling of hitting the milaana through all the descriptions. I've had a Nano, LSV, and MFLB...I imagine the smooth and warmness of the Nano stem, the unregulated rising temp like the MFLB, and the power of the LSV. Maybe throw a Lotus in there somewhere to "ride the heat".

I've imagined the low temp hits, the feeling of reaching towards combustion, the in between, ahhhh, If it's anything like I imagine, it's wonderful. And the thing is... I'm pretty sure it's gunna be better than what I think.

Sounds like you're pretty close. Not that it is indescribable, but kind of hard to get until you hit it. The biggest thing I wasn't expecting is the totally wide open airpath. It is as open as an EQ (not using elbow pack), if that helps.

There is no resistance at all. I guess there would be if you really packed a load, but I haven't tried that and seems like it might negatively effect vapor production. Come to think of it, might have to try that tonight.
 

little maggie

Well-Known Member
Does anyone know if the arizer air battery will work with the Milaana? It looks like the milaana ones but I'm not sure if it's the same.
 
little maggie,

Scrimshaw

Vaped Crusader
I don't see how aesthetics are somehow irrelevant to this vape. I was just offering brutally honest feedback from someone with a finer eye for detail than mine. I received a note from the manufacturer, conceding:

"The first batch of wood is a little rough...The next batch of wood is much better and it was build using production tooling as your wood was prototype tooling. We are also improving our gluing technique and processes as everything takes practice."

If I had this information prior to my review, I may have been more lenient. Now back to your regularly scheduled cheerleading...
 

tblast

Well-Known Member
Does anyone know if the arizer air battery will work with the Milaana? It looks like the milaana ones but I'm not sure if it's the same.

My understanding is that not all 18650s will work with milaana, because of the high wattage requirement. You will need 18650s with higher amp limits. Samsung 25rs, the Sony VTC series, and certain LGs are your best bets.

On the flip side, I think any battery that works for milaana will work on the Air, Though I'm not positive on that.
 
tblast,
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Shit Snacks

Milaana. Lana. LANA. LANAAAA! (TM2/TP80/BAK/FW9)
Does anyone know if the arizer air battery will work with the Milaana? It looks like the milaana ones but I'm not sure if it's the same.

Not sure about that, but battery specs were discussed heavily before... They might? The LGs from RBT are still the best though, I don't know too much about batteries so those and the two Samsung 25Rs I have are all I use (ofcourse I had sold my Air too, the 25Rs I had used for the xmax, maybe that's why they're not quite as good as the new LGs, aside from the man differenece). It may just depend on the A for the Air batteries since they are flattops...

I find it kinda funny, how in no other thread that I am aware of, the passionate owners useage posts get written off as cheerleading etc. (not directed at you scrimshaw btw). How many perpetually posititive VapCap and Apollo posters, Arizer whathaveyou, go through that? I just don't understand how some people can choose to ignore overwhelmingly positive reviews, like they don't believe someone can like a device that much? I've seen it in nearly every thread and no one seems to think anything of it, it leads to more users and feedback. Yet here people like to pretend they never happened, as if the vape's performance couldn't possibly offset the "rough" way it was brought to market...

Yes not all reviews are positive, but to me the positive ones speak volumes. I guess it is a bit similar to the Elevape, but that had more polarizing performance for some. I guess Firefly too, but people didn't seem to write off the fanboys there as much. I don't know it just strikes me as odd, maybe the more users that pop in here, that's when it gets offset and we can start just talking about performance, useage styles, and various tips, like how those threads evolved over time... Pretty annoying for new people to not get good info until so late in a thread, there should be like a disclaimer post on the first page (here and in GH lol)

Regarding physical appearance and style, again very subjective, I think the mflb is ratchet as fuck, and the Air lacks personality imo, the Milaana is targeted at both of them, so I find it to be the best of both worlds with open airflow pure convection power like a plugin. Some will love the design, some will hate it, I think most won't care either way bc it is functional and the performance ultimately can speak for itself...

@flotntoke yes packing tighter would cause draw restriction. It can still work though, but you need to draw slower and have to stir more to break up the load after a couple hits. I too find looser better, but some resistance is helpful to create air turbulence to extract the load evenly. I know some like whole nugs here, but I've found a medium grind to be well a happy medium! Effortlessly versatile here too!
 

nosmoking

Just so Dab HAppy!
My predictions are:

8 Milaana's will make it to their owners today. 11 Milaana's will still be afloat in route to their destination (1 is return to sender?). These are all from last weeks shipments.

More Milaanas will ship this week. I should start seeing new tracking numbers by Wednesday as the current batch of Milaanas is moving towards final testing as all units are tested prior to shipment.
 

cybrguy

Putin is a War Criminal
OK, I have a complaint. Well, it's not me, really, it's Venus. She says I don't love her anymore. I've tried to explain when there is a new member in the harem that they get the bulk of attention for a while but she is very unhappy. She says she hasn't had her batteries changed since last Wednesday and she has never had the same batteries in her for more than 2 days in a row since she arrived. I'm sure she'll be OK but take this as a warning, don't neglect the other family members...

As far as the battery compartment, it is really not a problem, just something to be aware of. Some joints appear to be sunk deeper in the wood than others. I don't know if that is later Mi s and reflects a change or are more random differences. I suspect the former. But either way the mass of the copper is unlikely to be enough to damage the rim. I really only brought it up because sometimes people develop a pattern behavior without realizing it, and if they are thinking about it they can stop. Like clicking a pen while talking. I could see someone holding the Mi and flipping that copper piece absently, and that could eventually do harm. I'm just sayin...
 

pakalolo

Toolbag v1.1 (candidate)
Staff member
RBT invited me to take a Skype tour of his factory and gave me permission to post my impressions, so here they are.

First, I want to say something about the frequent criticism that all RBT had to do was take 15 minutes to communicate with his customers. It actually takes longer if you want to do a decent job, but the point here is not that he couldn't find the time. It's a matter of priorities. The time was better spent getting the Milaana ready to ship, since without it, the Zion would be dead. The Zion is a high-cost boutique vapourizer that will only appeal to sophisticated users such as we have on FC. There is no mass market appeal in it. The Milaana, on the other hand, is a small powerful convection device with a user-replaceable battery that you can buy at any e-cig store. It's where the sales potential lies. In order to stay afloat, RBT had to spend his time on building a Milaana production line. Remember, the Milaana was just a concept in February. Today, they're shipping and should be available next-day in a couple of months. How did this come to be?

Well, since February RBT completed the design, built proof-of-concept, tested it, finalized the design, secured factory space, procured the materials and tools needed to build the Milaana, set up the production line, acquired and trained staff, assembled units and shipped the initial batch to customers. Let me repeat: since February! It's amazing he found time to sleep, let alone get into a back-and-forth with potential customers, many of whom can't be satisfied and probably will never buy anything from him.

The factory itself is an 800 foot line consisting of two separate areas. One has the glass saws and woodworking machines, the other is a clean assembly area where units are built, tested, and packaged. There is a considerable investment in equipment and space, far exceeding the income from Zion and Milaana pre-orders. Each station along the line has step-by-step instructions and a quality control checklist. From start to finish it is an impressive accomplishment, and it's clear that RBT and his new business partner are in this to make it a success.

I don't want to get into how I or anyone else thinks he should do things. He made difficult choices under a huge amount of pressure, and not just because of Zion/Milaana, there were personal issues as well. I've said before, there is absolutely nothing to be gained by thrashing this out over and over. I didn't post this to revive that controversy, I did it to show that regardless of what you think about RBT or the way he conducts business, he is serious about producing a terrific device that fills a hole in the market. I think he's done a great job on that with the Milaana, but I'll leave my impressions for another post. The atmosphere in here made this one more urgent.
 

Stu

Maconheiro
Staff member
First, the customer is not always right. I don't know what world (or time in history) you live in to think that is the case, but it hasn't been in the US for quite some time. And, more and more businesses are telling pain in the ass or whiny customers, "Don't come back. I don't want your money." I have a few small businesses besides my day job and I make no qualms about it. If the headaches, relentless bitching, moaning and whining (like we've seen too much of here - some not even from customers!) starts seeming like it outweighs the profit margin - it only makes sense to cut those people loose. Not that it is phrased like this, but I think that may be much of the sentiment in RBT's refund - and i know it is why I (and suspect others here) regularly suggest to incessant whiners to just get their fuckin refund and be on their merry way.

Second, I don't know what you thought you were getting. Maybe I totally missed what you read, but I thought all along I was getting a revolutionary, kick-ass, portable heater and an all glass airpath. Handmade (or close to it), yes. But, handcrafted? No. If the initial posts and the way RBT and his friends closeby described it didn't tip you off, all of the pictures of an unfinished piece of wood should have. I don't know why it would be any surprise the copper door would swing around - it looks pretty obvious to me in all of the pictures. The glue shouldn't be like that, nor should the corners - but just taking a guess here... they may have been working as quickly as possible to get them out the door for those who have been waiting. And, I really couldn't give less of a fuck about what a dealer in fine antiques thinks about it. I didn't buy a fine antique (neither did you in case you're wondering). I bought a portable convection vape that was supposed to deliver the power of convection desktops. Focus group feedback? Really? I better stop, but maybe you should as well (or should have before this post).

That's why I wrote what I did (that you quoted). You came on, said you didn't like it and why - then sold it. Done, right? Be done then, would you?

From a different perspective.... I'm loving my Milaana!! Yes, it is just a hunk of unfinished wood (though considering what stain i want to put on it every time I use it). Corners look fine and there is just a bit too much glue where the bottom is glued to the body. Kind of figure that will pretty much disappear with the staining. Yeah, it's got glass and yeah the copper battery top will hit it if you try to change the battery with the stem in. But, why would I? Why would anyone? It's pretty obvious the stem should only be in there in use - not while changing a battery.

Which brings me to the main point, and the best thing about it. It produces AMAZING vapor without a cord. Pure convection, flavor city with huge clouds on demand. It does take a little practice to get the technique down (and gleefully enjoying that practice by the way!), but it ain't rocket science. So, I can be sitting at home, out on a hike, cruising a country road, wherever whenever and getting great vapor on demand just how I want it right then. Thinner, low temp "headier" vapor? Easy - no problem! Feel like ripping a big cloud? Just feather the button less and adjust draw a little. Want to go through water? No problem - change to an M2M and have at it. I'm blow away by it. Was all I was hoping for and then some.

One more thing I wanted to throw out here before I get off this rant... I read somewhere above some suppositions by someone who doesn't have an Mi. Never a good idea by the way, though I have seen it happen here and in the other RBT thread more than a few times. Anyway.... someone said something about drawing faster to cool the heater. They obviously don't have one. There is no drawing past the heater on your first couple loads on a fresh battery. I instinctively tried when it was getting a little hot, and I was too buzzed to remember to release the button. I just pulled like I do with any other portable (and a few desktops) to cool it down. Bad idea, and last time I'll do that! When my 5 minute coughing session finally let up, I went and scraped my lung off the wall 10' away!

EDIT: Forgot to include, if you pre-ordered you're getting a first run new product that is now barely in production. And, no matter how long you're waiting - you're still ahead of true "consumer" production. If you might have problems with a few warts in the looks or issues that have yet to be found, you should wait a couple months and buy one from a true consumer vendor. You'll also probably get the customer service more than a few have been whining about here. But, you won't get the pre-order discount, and you won't get your Milaana as soon as some others. If you pre-ordered and want those things, please get your refund - and pay retail when it is available. But, whatever the case realize what you're getting into and keep your expectations realistic. If waiting after payment, unexpected shipping, lack of CS or other such quibbles are going to be an issue for you don't pre-order. Not this or anything else, vape or otherwise.

You must've missed Pakalolo's post (5 posts above yours) where he said:
RBT supporters likewise need to note that it is the moderators who are responsible for keeping the critics in line. Admonishing other members simply causes friction and leads to flames. If someone is breaking the rules, report it and do not respond; otherwise, ignore it or use a PM.

Please leave the thread moderation to the staff and report (or ignore) messages that you find rule-breaking or out of line.

As always, your cooperation is appreciated.

:peace:
 

Mulehead

Well-Known Member
RBT invited me to take a Skype tour of his factory and gave me permission to post my impressions, so here they are.

First, I want to say something about the frequent criticism that all RBT had to do was take 15 minutes to communicate with his customers. It actually takes longer if you want to do a decent job, but the point here is not that he couldn't find the time. It's a matter of priorities. The time was better spent getting the Milaana ready to ship, since without it, the Zion would be dead. The Zion is a high-cost boutique vapourizer that will only appeal to sophisticated users such as we have on FC. There is no mass market appeal in it. The Milaana, on the other hand, is a small powerful convection device with a user-replaceable battery that you can buy at any e-cig store. It's where the sales potential lies. In order to stay afloat, RBT had to spend his time on building a Milaana production line. Remember, the Milaana was just a concept in February. Today, they're shipping and should be available next-day in a couple of months. How did this come to be?

Well, since February RBT completed the design, built proof-of-concept, tested it, finalized the design, secured factory space, procured the materials and tools needed to build the Milaana, set up the production line, acquired and trained staff, assembled units and shipped the initial batch to customers. Let me repeat: since February! It's amazing he found time to sleep, let alone get into a back-and-forth with potential customers, many of whom can't be satisfied and probably will never buy anything from him.

The factory itself is an 800 foot line consisting of two separate areas. One has the glass saws and woodworking machines, the other is a clean assembly area where units are built, tested, and packaged. There is a considerable investment in equipment and space, far exceeding the income from Zion and Milaana pre-orders. Each station along the line has step-by-step instructions and a quality control checklist. From start to finish it is an impressive accomplishment, and it's clear that RBT and his new business partner are in this to make it a success.

I don't want to get into how I or anyone else thinks he should do things. He made difficult choices under a huge amount of pressure, and not just because of Zion/Milaana, there were personal issues as well. I've said before, there is absolutely nothing to be gained by thrashing this out over and over. I didn't post this to revive that controversy, I did it to show that regardless of what you think about RBT or the way he conducts business, he is serious about producing a terrific device that fills a hole in the market. I think he's done a great job on that with the Milaana, but I'll leave my impressions for another post. The atmosphere in here made this one more urgent.

Damn! ^that^ makes me appreciate this big cloudy hit even more!

Perfect timing and great post Pak! Very well worded and thought out, thanks for the insight!

Yep, proof is in the pudding er puffin, or something like that.
I own another more or less on demand convection that's a plug in, that doesn't seem to keep up, or scratch that perpetual itch. (It also cost me more than SIX times the Mi price!) Mi & Zi scratch that itch, and if you don't have self control they can draw blood!

I find it kinda funny, how in no other thread that I am aware of, the passionate owners useage posts get written off as cheerleading etc.

I agree SS, but I can also kinda understand how beta members could get accused of cheerleading. Y'all did make Zion seem too good to believe. At one point early in the Zi thread I too felt maybe the beta team was sugar coating a bit.
Then my Zion made it to me.
I got it, I understood, and I then believed!
I think that's ultimately what has to happen, use it for yourselves, and y'all decide.
It's like falling in love, you want to shout it from the mountaintops!
IMO now, it was the FC brotherhood in the Z team that turned them into cheerleaders.
They're just looking out, shouting from the mountaintops, brothers and sisters come join in the thick, flavorable, on demand vapor!!

As the Mi makes it out, this thread will get on to the place we all want it to be.
I for one hope that everyone that cancelled gets an opportunity to try it. I think most that cancelled had a very legitimate reason. It's not about being right or wrong, it's about scratchin that itch!
Sorry that was the cheerleader in me coming out.
 

Copacetic

Somewhere North of The Wall
RBT invited me to take a Skype tour of his factory and gave me permission to post my impressions, so here they are.

.............

Never had any doubts myself, but all this is good to hear nevertheless, :cheers: Paka.

Damn! ^that^ makes me appreciate this big cloudy hit even more!

Perfect timing and great post Pak! Very well worded and thought out, thanks for the insight!.............

.............As the Mi makes it out, this thread will get on to the place we all want it to be.
I for one hope that everyone that cancelled gets an opportunity to try it. I think most that cancelled had a very legitimate reason. It's not about being right or wrong, it's about scratchin that itch!
Sorry that was the cheerleader in me coming out.

HIGH FIVE!, c'mon.....don't leave me hangin' guys!
 
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