Discontinued Zion vaporizer

Ryan is asking if everyone on the train check the e-mail they used to paypal with, some mails have started going out for those on the first carriages.

Ryan has just asked me via Instagram if people could now keep an eye on their email inboxes. Its happening! Stand by the platform everyone arrival is imminent

edit: Haha You saw it same time as me then @Cl4ud3

This is turning out to be a couple of days worth of great vape news for me. First I get a pm from Dan Morrison saying I had been selected as one of the first 25 Nomad customers ....now the Zion Train is about to arrive too. Happy days!

Latest RBT blog, copied direct from the site:-
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With Milaana taking a breather and Splinter Beta test underway, Zion is now getting all the Love. Not only was the Zion design refined by the FC Z-team (respect) the initial pilot units in the field reviled issues with the voltage control knob, heater performance, battery fit and finish refinements that have made the production units the best that they can be. With the early reliability issues in the rear view mirror it is a pleasure to deliver Zion with confidence that the need to use the limited lifetime warranty will be rare. Zion is built with tried and true power electronics driving a nearly indestructible heater. It's simple analog design is reminiscent of the 50's when things where build to last rather than build for fashion. It's not the most attractive block of wood but it is sure to become a cult classic. Thanks to all that have held in there and had faith, as today the Zion train is on the tracks and picking up steam.

Five initial units made it through the final process validation. Having these units come together with all the knowledge and learning from the Z-Team as well as the whole RBT FC community has been a feeling that dwarfs any satisfaction that I have had in 20 years of engineering design and development. Not because the ZIon is a high-tech vaporizer that meets the demands of the tech savvy, but quite the opposite. It is because of the teamwork and communal effort that it took to make it happen. Many products are rushed through the design and testing with little interaction with the customer... Zion was designed by the customer. So many people believed and reached out to help along the way. All of you know who you are, and I can only hope that you know how much I appreciate all of you for helping me achieve my crazy dream of being a vapor maker.

Now it's time to finally share Zion with all those amazing people on the pre-order! The 5 initial units will go out in the next few days. The last few weeks have been non-stop Zion work and it has been a blast! Much of the work in Zion is creating each and every part from raw materials. 20-30 Zion bodies are in the final stage of finishing and all the parts are in-hand to assemble them. Right close behind another 40-50 Zion bodies are working their way through sanding and routing. One final batch of 30-40 units will complete the pre-order units. Depending on how smoothly things go all Zions should be complete by November. At that time we will restart Milaana and finalize the production of the Splinter towards the end of 2017.

Â

Peace

Ryan RBT

So glad to see things moving along well, and that it looks like most (if not all) will be getting their Zions within the 2 year mark, too. Guess this is kind of a random deadline, but something I was counting on after everything that came before. For me, I decided to stay on board and re-evaluate whether I should continue to wait at 2 years. My Zi got here 11 days before. Certainly not perfect - but I'm OK with it. Hope all with mid-August dates get theirs in the next month. Don't think anyone will be disappointed when they arrive. FWIW, I named mine Lucy. She's not loose, but GD's Loose Lucy got in my head during an early sesh, and it's just kind of stuck.

I've had her for almost 10 days, and guess it is time to give a bit more of a review. Had hoped to chat with Ryan first, but haven't got around to calling him. Will probably try later today. Either way, think most here know I'm going to be brutally honest - so same review either way.

TLDR below.

I'll gladly confirm all earlier reports..... ZION IS A FUCKING BEAST!!! It can be a heavy hitter, a light hitter, or anywhere in between with pretty sensitive heat adjustment. The design/layout is as cool as expected, and I'd say even a little cooler. Wood working is gorgeous, and I'd give fit and finish 8.5 of 10 stars (more on that below). My color changing glass hasn't shifted color much, but the purple/lavender color is starting to shift and is beautiful new. I've been using 2 HG2's and getting way more hits than I expected (2 batts seems to give more than double what 1 batt does in Mi). I had 2 brand new ones waiting for her, and just charged them last night for the second time. How many loads? Not sure (haven't been counting), and think this is different for different users with different techniques material, load sizes, etc. Took a few loads to really dial it in (and changed a little with new strain in the mix), but think mark on my dial is around 4, 4:15, maybe even 4:20 , o' clock looking at it with "open" side down. Replace 4's with 1's if looking at it with trigger button up.

Am finding best hits when I hold button for 3-5 seconds before heating. From there you can hold button down through load, or hold while hitting and release for a minute or less while digesting your hit. It doesn't loose much temp over that minute, so she's still giving vapor well nearly as soon as you hit button for following hits. Of course no need to feather button at all. She stays right at temp you've set (whatever that may be). This is great, but can be a little dangerous while coming from Mi or MVT. It's easy to lose track and take WAY too big of a hit. Have adjusted, but many coughs in first few sessions!

Design: she's a little big for out and about IMO, but had a larger bag that came with a BT speaker that she fits well in. Have taken her to visit a few friends, but won't be an out & about vape. Probably great for camping, but decided to leave her home while tailgating for a game because of how it would look in plain view.

The lid is easy to pull open from magnet and drops right back into place easily when you put it back on. Not only is the stash (with cork/thumbscrew) cool as shit! - it's very functional. I haven't loaded it to full capacity, but it will hold many loads easily. Stir stick is right there, too. Nice touch, but I've got to find a way to hold it in. It's pretty loose in there, and will slide out easily with just a tilt of Zi. Looking for a rubber/silicone handle (sleeve?) for it that may work to tighten things up, but no luck yet in trying to scavenge from stuff I have around the house. Maybe a dab of rubber cement down in there that I can work a hole of right diameter into? Don't know, but am sure I'll figure something out.

Stem sitting there ready to go is also cooll as shit!!! Have preloaded stem a few times and put it back into its hole for transport/storage. No spillage at all, and is quite a great feeling to pop the cap and have it loaded and right there ready to go. Also, have been stirring with stirrer after a few hits, then after a couple more stir and dump into the cavity in lid where GonG rides for a good load flip. Just suck it back up into stem for a couple more hits. Genius! And, very practical.

How does she hit? Like a dream! Flavor is awesome & vapor is awesome and easy to adjust to your liking. The dial is lovely and seems pretty sensitive. It has good tension, and the smallest of tweaks are perceivable. Nudge it this way or that for tweaking heat, and is very responsive. Can't even begin to explain how well and constant she hits. I'm really good with my Mi. I'm to the point where I can ride the button with feathering and think I get the most that can be had out of her. Even with that, it's hard to compare to Zi. Once you get your dial set, it just hits so fucking perfectly every god damned time! Many know I am nano fanboy #1, and have been looking for a cordless I enjoy as much. Zi is definitely it! IMO MVT is closest for out and about (enjoy the refined heater a bit more than Mi), but Zi is light years beyond that.

Have tried it with long stem, which provides cooler vapor. But, like the regular stem better because it fits into unit and is cool enough for me. I'm used to much shorter stems on Mi & MVT, so all good here. Have run a few loads through water, and she shines here. But, seem to like hitting it more native for time being.

Being cordless, she is usually hanging out next to my computer or traveling around the house or out on the porch with me. This is fun, but see myself vaping a bit more because of it. I can reach computer from vape station with nano or WoodScents, but usually don't. Have to take cords out to full length and stretch across where they aren't practical to leave. So, usually just vape in regular spot. Zi goes everywhere with me, and is sometimes a little too convenient sitting at my desk! Also, have a nice chill spot at far end of backyard where dog and I hang out regularly - usually after dinner. Often get my first few hits of the evening in out there with whatever portable is choice of the day. It's a nice routine for me and for him. Zi can also be dangerous out there - especially with large stash in lid. Was stuck in an Adirondack chair out there for more than an hour the other night, and still have the skeeter bites I wasn't noticing while stoned.

Mine has this odd wind-tunnel sound when hitting because so much air is moving through it while hitting. It's not too loud (don't even usually hear it with tunes or TV on), but it is such a cool fucking sound! I've turned down whatever other noise in room just to hear it. It goes very well with the power you have in your hand.

Fit and finish is pretty good. 2 quibbles..... seam of lid to body isn't perfect. Body is a little high on one side in front, and small gap across front is a little thicker on one side. No big deal for handmade, and no problem for me - but thought worth mentioning. I'll probably smooth out the high spot soon when I give her a light sanding and put my preferred finish on her (bee's wax and walnut oil these days). A bit more annoying is "wobble" of battery cover. It doesn't sit fully flush on body, and "see-saws" just a bit. Seems like this is caused by magnets (half way down either side of door and its place on body). Think magnets being just a little bit more recessed (mm or 2) would eliminate problem. No big deal really, and may try to fix sometime in future. Will definitely fix if magnets come unglued as others have encountered in past, but think Ryan has fixed this issue. Mine seem stuck on very well. I kind of like toggling it back and forth while I'm hitting anyway. Beats the Hell out of a fidget spinner!

I think that's all I wanted to report other than below.

TLDR/Short version:

Amazing vape that has been kicking my ass!! Power and consistency are spot on. Great layout and function make it practical and fun to use. Battery drain is better than expected, and while you may have to hold button a bit longer to get to temp, she seems to stay pretty consistent until batts down to 3.6V each - time to charge anyway IMO.

The good:

• Dynamite fucking hitter!
• Great flavor (best of any portable I've used)
• Beautiful, sensitive adjustment knob
• Get to temp quickly (3-4 seconds), hold button and go as long as you like
  
• Holds temp well between hits. 1-2 second button hold and she is right back where she was on previous hit
• Lid with stash and stem/stir tool under it is practical and too fucking cool!
• Hits very well on water piece and can white-wall whatever you put her on
• More I'm forgetting I'm sure

The bad:

• Maybe a little too good? Tending to vape a little more since I have her too close at hand
• Time it took to get here - but am totally over that now that I have her

The ugly? Not too bad, but a couple quibbles that I think I'll work out on my own

• Stir tool is loose in its hole. Slips out a bit too easily if not careful
• Finish of lid to body could be a little tighter, but no big and adds to "handmade"-ness
• Battery door a bit wobbly/"see-sawing". Seems magnets that hold it should be recessed another mm or 2

....great review.,,,glad to hear you're happy....will be with you...soon.

turk said:

....great review.,,,glad to hear you're happy....will be with you...soon.

Click to expand...

Am sure you and everyone else are going to love yours, too! IMO it lives up to the legend and certainly all of my expectations.

Forgot to say above, I have to get some good pictures of her. I tried to take a few but was in very harsh morning sun and came out horrible. Not like everyone here doesn't know what a Zi looks like anyway!

@TeeJay1952 ... thanks for the Bootsy!! Who doesn't love Boots to get the juices flowing? So fucking cool and bass for days! Now I'm going to need some of him & P-Funk to get through lunch and get my ass back to work! Fridays I'm usually working from home, but often end up here too long and working later than I planned. Kind of fucks up going out for dinner and beers with the GF. Boots at full blast on the stereo is probably just what I need to re-motivate! Well, that and a couple more light hits from Lucy of course!

Awesome to see others starting to get their Zion's!

My beta Zion with the upgraded heater is still pumping out tasty vapor daily, can't wait for everyone else to get theirs.

@flotntoke i think it was karmawhore who suggested bending the stir stick in two places slightly until it holds in place in the storage compartment. Works like a dream.

Great review!

Thanks for the review, sounds great!

Here's hoping we all squeak under the 2 year line...

The silver lining is that this thing has tested my patience on a level which only stern meditation can. "Tao" indeed!

I will be joining you fine fellows soon, my zion's en route

I wonder how to check and see if I have the upgraded heater. From the message that came with mine I think that Ryan didn't do much to it but make sure it works. Any idea who to contact?

@flotntoke i was in the same dilemna as you with regards to the stir stick. I first tried to use a o-ring from my dynavap to make a little friction fit. In doing so the o-ring broke. I then just fed the broken o-ring into the hole for the stir stick and pushed in the stir stick, it's actually worked perfect for me ever since. The broken o-ring never comes out on its own and I can even turn it upside down and shake hard without worries!

@stickstones great suggestion!

Cut a styrofoam cheerio out of coffee cup and make a holder.

flotntoke said:

I'll gladly confirm all earlier reports..... ZION IS A FUCKING BEAST!!! It can be a heavy hitter, a light hitter, or anywhere in between with pretty sensitive heat adjustment. The design/layout is as cool as expected, and I'd say even a little cooler. Wood working is gorgeous, and I'd give fit and finish 8.5 of 10 stars (more on that below). My color changing glass hasn't shifted color much, but the purple/lavender color is starting to shift and is beautiful new. I've been using 2 HG2's and getting way more hits than I expected (2 batts seems to give more than double what 1 batt does in Mi). I had 2 brand new ones waiting for her, and just charged them last night for the second time. How many loads? Not sure (haven't been counting), and think this is different for different users with different techniques material, load sizes, etc. Took a few loads to really dial it in (and changed a little with new strain in the mix), but think mark on my dial is around 4, 4:15, maybe even 4:20 , o' clock looking at it with "open" side down. Replace 4's with 1's if looking at it with trigger button up.

Am finding best hits when I hold button for 3-5 seconds before heating. From there you can hold button down through load, or hold while hitting and release for a minute or less while digesting your hit. It doesn't loose much temp over that minute, so she's still giving vapor well nearly as soon as you hit button for following hits. Of course no need to feather button at all. She stays right at temp you've set (whatever that may be). This is great, but can be a little dangerous while coming from Mi or MVT. It's easy to lose track and take WAY too big of a hit. Have adjusted, but many coughs in first few sessions!

Design: she's a little big for out and about IMO, but had a larger bag that came with a BT speaker that she fits well in. Have taken her to visit a few friends, but won't be an out & about vape. Probably great for camping, but decided to leave her home while tailgating for a game because of how it would look in plain view.

The lid is easy to pull open from magnet and drops right back into place easily when you put it back on. Not only is the stash (with cork/thumbscrew) cool as shit! - it's very functional. I haven't loaded it to full capacity, but it will hold many loads easily. Stir stick is right there, too. Nice touch, but I've got to find a way to hold it in. It's pretty loose in there, and will slide out easily with just a tilt of Zi. Looking for a rubber/silicone handle (sleeve?) for it that may work to tighten things up, but no luck yet in trying to scavenge from stuff I have around the house. Maybe a dab of rubber cement down in there that I can work a hole of right diameter into? Don't know, but am sure I'll figure something out.

Stem sitting there ready to go is also cooll as shit!!! Have preloaded stem a few times and put it back into its hole for transport/storage. No spillage at all, and is quite a great feeling to pop the cap and have it loaded and right there ready to go. Also, have been stirring with stirrer after a few hits, then after a couple more stir and dump into the cavity in lid where GonG rides for a good load flip. Just suck it back up into stem for a couple more hits. Genius! And, very practical.

How does she hit? Like a dream! Flavor is awesome & vapor is awesome and easy to adjust to your liking. The dial is lovely and seems pretty sensitive. It has good tension, and the smallest of tweaks are perceivable. Nudge it this way or that for tweaking heat, and is very responsive. Can't even begin to explain how well and constant she hits. I'm really good with my Mi. I'm to the point where I can ride the button with feathering and think I get the most that can be had out of her. Even with that, it's hard to compare to Zi. Once you get your dial set, it just hits so fucking perfectly every god damned time! Many know I am nano fanboy #1, and have been looking for a cordless I enjoy as much. Zi is definitely it! IMO MVT is closest for out and about (enjoy the refined heater a bit more than Mi), but Zi is light years beyond that.

Have tried it with long stem, which provides cooler vapor. But, like the regular stem better because it fits into unit and is cool enough for me. I'm used to much shorter stems on Mi & MVT, so all good here. Have run a few loads through water, and she shines here. But, seem to like hitting it more native for time being.

Being cordless, she is usually hanging out next to my computer or traveling around the house or out on the porch with me. This is fun, but see myself vaping a bit more because of it. I can reach computer from vape station with nano or WoodScents, but usually don't. Have to take cords out to full length and stretch across where they aren't practical to leave. So, usually just vape in regular spot. Zi goes everywhere with me, and is sometimes a little too convenient sitting at my desk! Also, have a nice chill spot at far end of backyard where dog and I hang out regularly - usually after dinner. Often get my first few hits of the evening in out there with whatever portable is choice of the day. It's a nice routine for me and for him. Zi can also be dangerous out there - especially with large stash in lid. Was stuck in an Adirondack chair out there for more than an hour the other night, and still have the skeeter bites I wasn't noticing while stoned.

Mine has this odd wind-tunnel sound when hitting because so much air is moving through it while hitting. It's not too loud (don't even usually hear it with tunes or TV on), but it is such a cool fucking sound! I've turned down whatever other noise in room just to hear it. It goes very well with the power you have in your hand.

Fit and finish is pretty good. 2 quibbles..... seam of lid to body isn't perfect. Body is a little high on one side in front, and small gap across front is a little thicker on one side. No big deal for handmade, and no problem for me - but thought worth mentioning. I'll probably smooth out the high spot soon when I give her a light sanding and put my preferred finish on her (bee's wax and walnut oil these days). A bit more annoying is "wobble" of battery cover. It doesn't sit fully flush on body, and "see-saws" just a bit. Seems like this is caused by magnets (half way down either side of door and its place on body). Think magnets being just a little bit more recessed (mm or 2) would eliminate problem. No big deal really, and may try to fix sometime in future. Will definitely fix if magnets come unglued as others have encountered in past, but think Ryan has fixed this issue. Mine seem stuck on very well. I kind of like toggling it back and forth while I'm hitting anyway. Beats the Hell out of a fidget spinner!

I think that's all I wanted to report other than below.

TLDR/Short version:

Amazing vape that has been kicking my ass!! Power and consistency are spot on. Great layout and function make it practical and fun to use. Battery drain is better than expected, and while you may have to hold button a bit longer to get to temp, she seems to stay pretty consistent until batts down to 3.6V each - time to charge anyway IMO.

The good:

• Dynamite fucking hitter!
• Great flavor (best of any portable I've used)
• Beautiful, sensitive adjustment knob
• Get to temp quickly (3-4 seconds), hold button and go as long as you like
  
• Holds temp well between hits. 1-2 second button hold and she is right back where she was on previous hit
• Lid with stash and stem/stir tool under it is practical and too fucking cool!
• Hits very well on water piece and can white-wall whatever you put her on
• More I'm forgetting I'm sure

The bad:

• Maybe a little too good? Tending to vape a little more since I have her too close at hand
• Time it took to get here - but am totally over that now that I have her

The ugly? Not too bad, but a couple quibbles that I think I'll work out on my own

• Stir tool is loose in its hole. Slips out a bit too easily if not careful
• Finish of lid to body could be a little tighter, but no big and adds to "handmade"-ness
• Battery door a bit wobbly/"see-sawing". Seems magnets that hold it should be recessed another mm or 2

Click to expand...

Hey bud,
GREAT Review man.. Sums it up quite nicely..can only second your impressions. Thanks for sharing with us!
Funny thing is, I too have my hellish heavenly beast set to about 420. Perfect setting!!
As you mentioned that slight turbo whistling - tried to provoke something like that and knowing I'm more of a sipper, I was literally blown away when accelerating my draw and keeping it there (I'd say around a good +40% draw speed to what I'm used to). DAMN! I could feel the glass getting hot around my lips and I thought, wow, this is gonna be a huge hit... I mean damn huge..that heat transferred so well it was producing vapor in turbo mode due to the draw speed and high surface kick ass RBT tech heater.
Kaboom... Managed to suppress coughing but I felt like even farting vapor all over..escaping from everywhere..
Definitely 1 of the most memorable vapor experiences I've ever had. It's Tales from the Zion.. And there'll be plenty more chapters written by you guys.

@grokit Yeehaw, soon, very soon!! Be sure to have those batts all charged up!


Peace

Caution:
Zion...it may make you fart vapor

stickstones said:

@flotntoke i think it was karmawhore who suggested bending the stir stick in two places slightly until it holds in place in the storage compartment. Works like a dream.

Great review!

Click to expand...

Thanks! So simple and sounds effective. Can't believe this one never even crossed my mind. Gonna try this today.

virtualpurple said:

@flotntoke i was in the same dilemna as you with regards to the stir stick. I first tried to use a o-ring from my dynavap to make a little friction fit. In doing so the o-ring broke. I then just fed the broken o-ring into the hole for the stir stick and pushed in the stir stick, it's actually worked perfect for me ever since. The broken o-ring never comes out on its own and I can even turn it upside down and shake hard without worries!

@stickstones great suggestion!

Click to expand...

Thanks for the tip! I just tried a DV o-ring yesterday. Mine didn't break, but kept rolling up and down the shaft and got stuck in there once. Not too bad to get out, but not something I want to do regularly. Gonna try the bend and may do this also if necessary.

Really glad for all (and Ryan) there are more shipping out. Hopefully all will be receiving theirs very soon. Was out all last night and wish I had taken Lucy with me. Did OK with my regular portables, but was really missing her. Couple more chores to knock off the list, then we're gettin busy together.

EDIT: Tried bending the stir stick to keep it from slipping out. PERFECT!!! Genius idea. Thanks @stickstones for suggesting it above and @karmawhore who came up with it. 2nd load of day awaits!

Love everything here, cept I could not for the life of me figure out what that 420 setting on the dial meant at all (relative to what I am used to, notch pointing up away from you is noon 0% curve in left palm thumb on trigger) lol This may be a simpler standard for everyone to use: what is that setting in percentages if knob maxed out is 100% ? (or maybe it's just me coflnfused since I've been back on Milaana lately so yeah )

little maggie said:

I wonder how to check and see if I have the upgraded heater. From the message that came with mine I think that Ryan didn't do much to it but make sure it works. Any idea who to contact?

Click to expand...

RBT

duff said:

Caution:
Zion...it may make you fart vapor

Click to expand...

Hey! Just ask @HD Springer's granny friend. I believe she is the authority on this "feature"...

Whoever gets #113 is lucky indeed, watching Ryan assemble that one live was really enjoyable. He seems to be having a good time, which is really nice.

I can't wait to get mine! (again, after feeling kinda jaded a few weeks ago.)

Did anyone get one of those spalted cap units yet?

muunch said:

Whoever gets #113 is lucky indeed, watching Ryan assemble that one live was really enjoyable. He seems to be having a good time, which is really nice.

I can't wait to get mine! (again, after feeling kinda jaded a few weeks ago.)

Did anyone get one of those spalted cap units yet?

Click to expand...

I don't think any of those spalted capped ones have guts yet, bodies still being worked on stage of the process I believe. They do look cool

Shit Snacks said:

I don't think any of those spalted capped ones have guts yet, bodies still being worked on stage of the process I believe. They do look cool

Click to expand...

Someone should mention to RBT that he should put it on his list to add rough exotic caps down the road that the reciever could finish sand to fit their Zion. I would buy one as a replacement cap just for kicks if it was not too much cost.

Flew into Knox and saw this. It's a sign (literally ...)!! The jeans n sandals really make this.

AJS said:

Flew into Knox and saw this. It's a sign (literally ...)!! The jeans n sandals really make this.

Click to expand...

Hahahha. Great pic.
And is that snow while hair behind that heavenly chart? You should have looked. Pretty sure it was god... You know... No one has ever seen his face to this day! Well.. Errm. And that Zion hint for sure..


Soon, soon...



Meanwhile breaking in my @DDave mi v3 cooler with the Zi. Thanks bro!
Feel like I have to draw a bit harder to get a good airflow in comparison with the stock stem?



Enjoy your weekend everyone!