Discontinued The Firefly Vaporizer

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Gonzo

Slightly Stoopid
I don't think that code applies to Firefly orders. I just tried it and it didn't work.
 
Gonzo,

olfos

that´s no smoke....it´s called vapor
still no success to get it to germany! please someone....just one person who could deal with me via paypal...
 
olfos,

mitchgo61

I go where the thrills are
I think part of the problem is that the draw is not fast enough for us. In fact, it takes me a lot of will-power to maintain an even draw at the right speed, and I have to take some deep breaths before starting so I won't feel like I'm running out of oxygen. I wish I could draw faster, and I wish the Firefly was able to better regulate the temperature independently of draw speed.

Another annoying thing about the Firefly is that there is no capsule system, so once I start a bowl of XXX, I've got to finish it. Even if I feel like switching to YYY. But, you know, my needs change. Sometimes, I want more CBD, sometimes I want something to wake me up, or something to make me sleepy. My tolerance is low, so I don't always feel like finishing off that bowl of high THC Stavia that I started. But I don't want to waste them, either...

Interesting. So when you draw as fast as resistance allows, but no faster, you still have issues? That should work for you...the only time I find that approach doesn't work well (i.e. I feel like I'm running out of breath) is the tail end of a bowl, where I'm working harder to pull vapor. But in the early and mid stages of a bowl, if the FF is working right, this shouldn't happen to you...you shouldn't get anywhere near to a "run out of breath" stage, because your lungs will fill with vapor way before you run out of inhalation power/capacity. If that isn't happening, you aren't getting big enough hits and something is wrong. (Make sure you preheat for a four count before drawing...this'll front load some of the heating power before you put your lungs to use.)

As for wanting to finish the bowl, I'm not sure I understand the problem....is there an issue with putting the FF away and finishing the bowl later?

I've been using Arizer basket screens with great success. I was envisioning a "capsule" like you and I believe someone here recommended them. I love them because I like more finely ground herb. Once it's spent I pop out basket and replace with another basket with different strain into chamber. I'm locked and loaded (literally:-)

These do work, with (IMO) the following important caveats: 1. for me, it totally killed the taste of the FF. Makes life easier and neater, but adds a metallic taste that totally defeats the purpose of the FF for me (amazing flavor)....2. adding metal to the chamber can cause additional heat mass and even a little conduction when the metal heats up (likely the source of less than ideal flavor). For folks with a hottish FF, adding screens and/or baskets has caused combustion problems.

Finally, nice little piece on HuffPo this AM. Check out the top pick on their list. (Also interesting to note they include the Grasshopper, which is surprising given its non-availability.)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/...3.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000013&ir=Politics
 

Mrbinky

Well-Known Member
Interesting. So when you draw as fast as resistance allows, but no faster, you still have issues? That should work for you...the only time I find that approach doesn't work well (i.e. I feel like I'm running out of breath) is the tail end of a bowl, where I'm working harder to pull vapor. But in the early and mid stages of a bowl, if the FF is working right, this shouldn't happen to you...you shouldn't get anywhere near to a "run out of breath" stage, because your lungs will fill with vapor way before you run out of inhalation power/capacity. If that isn't happening, you aren't getting big enough hits and something is wrong. (Make sure you preheat for a four count before drawing...this'll front load some of the heating power before you put your lungs to use.)
Yes, if I draw at my Firefly's "natural speed", without forcing it, I feel like I'm sipping through a very skinny straw. I feel uncomfortable, like I'm running out of oxygen unless I allow some air through my nose or around my Firefly's mouth piece.

If I really suck hard, its better, but I don't think I'm supposed to do it that way, and the vapor seems kinda weak.

And, yes, I do let it preheat for a few seconds before sucking. I tried pulsing it, but sometimes it partially scorches. One thing I like to avoid is when parts of my bowl scorch, and then the whole bowl smells and tastes like popcorn before its time.

As for wanting to finish the bowl, I'm not sure I understand the problem....is there an issue with putting the FF away and finishing the bowl later?

As long as I don't want to smoke something different, that works fine.

But, if I want to stop smoking XXX, and switch to YYY, I'm out of luck. I'm reluctant to dump a half-smoked bowl, yet its not what I want at the moment. I guess I could try to store the half-smoked flower someplace...but, seems kinda messy and awkward...

 
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Mrbinky,

mitchgo61

I go where the thrills are
Yes, if I draw at my Firefly's "natural speed", without forcing it, I feel like I'm sipping through a very skinny straw. I feel uncomfortable, like I'm running out of oxygen unless I allow some air through my nose or around my Firefly's mouth piece.

If I really suck hard, its better, but I don't think I'm supposed to do it that way, and the vapor seems kinda weak.

And, yes, I do let it preheat for a few seconds before sucking. I tried pulsing it, but sometimes it partially scorches. One thing I like to avoid is when parts of my bowl scorch, and then the whole bowl smells and tastes like popcorn before its time.

Hmmm....sounds like something isn't quite right to me. You should feel some restriction in draw, but not "skinny straw" restricted. And again, you should feel like you've gotten a pretty big hit long before you strain your lung capacity. (I agree pulsing the button isn't a great idea and FF usually recommends against it, but some have gotten good results with it.) I wonder if your FF is operating hot enough? If working correctly you should get a hit big enough to keep you from exhausting your lung power, WAY before it gets to that.

Apologies in advance for this stupid question, but I have to ask in this context...you are making sure you aren't blocking any of the six side/front vents with your fingers when drawing, yes? (Told you it was a stupid question!) Also, though I personally find the FF works best with a full, somewhat packed bowl (I don't seem to get enough thermal mass going on small loads) it might help to ensure you aren't compacting too much...that can have a dramatic effect with regard to airflow restriction.
 
mitchgo61,
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Mynameismud

Accessory Maker
Accessory Maker
Yes, if I draw at my Firefly's "natural speed", without forcing it, I feel like I'm sipping through a very skinny straw. I feel uncomfortable, like I'm running out of oxygen unless I allow some air through my nose or around my Firefly's mouth piece.

But, if I want to stop smoking XXX, and switch to YYY, I'm out of luck. I'm reluctant to dump a half-smoked bowl, yet its not what I want at the moment. I guess I could try to store the half-smoked flower someplace...but, seems kinda messy and awkward...
I dont know if anyone else has experienced this. But its almost as if i broke in my firefly or something. I always had a restricted draw and couldnt really tell if i was drawing unless i inhaled forcefully or until i exhaled...now im drawing the same but i can actually hear the air coming through (its equivalent to how i used to forcefully draw except with little to no effort...

As for switching/emptying before its done...get a mason jar or something like that. Dump in that instead of a toilet. Collect enough and use it to make butter or something. Works like a charm
 
Mynameismud,
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2 Paces

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Yes, if I draw at my Firefly's "natural speed", without forcing it, I feel like I'm sipping through a very skinny straw. I feel uncomfortable, like I'm running out of oxygen unless I allow some air through my nose or around my Firefly's mouth piece.

If I really suck hard, its better, but I don't think I'm supposed to do it that way, and the vapor seems kinda weak.

I think I understand (and agree) with what you are saying. It sounds like you are saying you can't take in enough air (and vapor) quickly enough which makes you feel out of breath, not that you have no more lung capacity before the hit is done (like mitchgo61 thought you were saying).

Is that right? (my apologies to both posters if I misinterpreted).


I have found that for me the optimal Firefly draw speed for vapor production is slower than feels natural to me. So when using the Firefly, I have to consciously pull softer than I would naturally. As you mentioned, if I don't slow down my draw, the vapor is too wispy for my tastes. But I often take my mouth off of the FF a little during a hit to take in some outside air (like you mentioned) because I find myself wanting to speed up my draw too much if I don't.

I don't have any advice, I just wanted to let you know you're not alone. I just always use the vape with a slow draw. I consider it like a Launch Box in that respect: Rewards slow draws with nice hits, penalizes fast draws with light or no vapor.

Every one seems to have different results with this vape, so this certainly isn't meant as a be all end all on how to use it. But I don't think your experience necessarily constitutes a faulty Firefly. I just think it takes some getting used to the necessary slow draw. I don't find myself out of breath from it, and it is now habit for me to draw slowly when using the Firefly. But after 3 months I still find myself pulling too hard every now and then if I'm not paying attention.
 

Volteric

Well-Known Member
Interesting. So when you draw as fast as resistance allows, but no faster, you still have issues? That should work for you...the only time I find that approach doesn't work well (i.e. I feel like I'm running out of breath) is the tail end of a bowl, where I'm working harder to pull vapor. But in the early and mid stages of a bowl, if the FF is working right, this shouldn't happen to you...you shouldn't get anywhere near to a "run out of breath" stage, because your lungs will fill with vapor way before you run out of inhalation power/capacity. If that isn't happening, you aren't getting big enough hits and something is wrong. (Make sure you preheat for a four count before drawing...this'll front load some of the heating power before you put your lungs to use.)

As for wanting to finish the bowl, I'm not sure I understand the problem....is there an issue with putting the FF away and finishing the bowl later?



These do work, with (IMO) the following important caveats: 1. for me, it totally killed the taste of the FF. Makes life easier and neater, but adds a metallic taste that totally defeats the purpose of the FF for me (amazing flavor)....2. adding metal to the chamber can cause additional heat mass and even a little conduction when the metal heats up (likely the source of less than ideal flavor). For folks with a hottish FF, adding screens and/or baskets has caused combustion problems.

Finally, nice little piece on HuffPo this AM. Check out the top pick on their list. (Also interesting to note they include the Grasshopper, which is surprising given its non-availability.)

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/...3.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000013&ir=Politics

I appreciate what you are saying but I am one who finds the FF short on flavor compared to the Pax. Interesting how we all have differing experiences. The Arizer basket added or substraced no noticeable taste to me. If anything I do agree that it is probably adding a little conduction that is providing me an even ABV and lessons my debris problem in general. IMO, if you use a basket you should use a fine grind. I have found that to strangely up the flavor.

You sir just made my life a lot easier. I've been wanting a capsule like loading system. Thanks :D
Were you able to see my photos? If not its on pages 76.
 
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Volteric,

mitchgo61

I go where the thrills are
I dont know if anyone else has experienced this. But its almost as if i broke in my firefly or something. I always had a restricted draw and couldnt really tell if i was drawing unless i inhaled forcefully or until i exhaled...now im drawing the same but i can actually hear the air coming through (its equivalent to how i used to forcefully draw except with little to no effort...

I kinda thought I was going a bit bonkers, but I did experience something similar (though entirely different too) with my Red FF. I've been thinking for a couple weeks that it has "settled down" since its first ten days. When I first got it I was convinced that A. it was heating a bit cooler than my original Silver, requiring longer button times and extracting slightly less and B. the heat button was "mushy", ie it didn't have a satisfying detent click when pressed (I would find myself thinking it was pressed, but the green light was solid...hmmm...)

After about ten days or so, it seemed as if both problems just righted themselves. The button is authoritative and consistent...the temp profile is identical to my old (and new replacement) Silver FF....seems to run hotter, extract to a darker level, and require shorter button times than I was originally experiencing. I wasn't imagining the earlier state of these features (I don't think)...somehow the device just kind of settled and righted itself. Makes no sense, but that's what appears to have happened. (And yes I'm pretty pleased with these developments.)

I've never noticed any difference in draw resistance, either over time or from FF to FF. So far.
 
mitchgo61,

Volteric

Well-Known Member
Yes I just did. Looks like a perfect fit. How many sessions do you get out of each screen?

Hmmm, I seem to either take monster rips or not fully cashing out my herb because I only get about 6 rips per screen basket which is about the same I get without the screen basket. Others are reporting 10+ rips per chamber I'm baffled as to why I can get only around 6.
 

2 Paces

Well-Known Member
I only get about 6 rips per screen basket which is about the same I get without the screen basket. Others are reporting 10+ rips per chamber I'm baffled as to why I can get only around 6.

I have always gotten about 6 hits per bowl. I have always been confused by those that say they get 10+.

You are not alone.
 

Mrbinky

Well-Known Member
I think I understand (and agree) with what you are saying. It sounds like you are saying you can't take in enough air (and vapor) quickly enough which makes you feel out of breath, not that you have no more lung capacity before the hit is done (like mitchgo61 thought you were saying).

Is that right? (my apologies to both posters if I misinterpreted).


I have found that for me the optimal Firefly draw speed for vapor production is slower than feels natural to me. So when using the Firefly, I have to consciously pull softer than I would naturally. As you mentioned, if I don't slow down my draw, the vapor is too wispy for my tastes. But I often take my mouth off of the FF a little during a hit to take in some outside air (like you mentioned) because I find myself wanting to speed up my draw too much if I don't.

I don't have any advice, I just wanted to let you know you're not alone. I just always use the vape with a slow draw. I consider it like a Launch Box in that respect: Rewards slow draws with nice hits, penalizes fast draws with light or no vapor.

Every one seems to have different results with this vape, so this certainly isn't meant as a be all end all on how to use it. But I don't think your experience necessarily constitutes a faulty Firefly. I just think it takes some getting used to the necessary slow draw. I don't find myself out of breath from it, and it is now habit for me to draw slowly when using the Firefly. But after 3 months I still find myself pulling too hard every now and then if I'm not paying attention.

Yeah, exactly what I'm experiencing.

In fact, after reading some of the other replies, where people have sworn there was no "sucking through a straw" resistance, I actually wrote to Firefly to complain.

They even gave me an RMA to return my unit, but I'm wondering if there's really any point if that's just the way it works.

I guess, when I read "almost no resistance", I had in mind a quick enough draw speed that I wouldn't start to feel uncomfortable towards the end.

Maybe a Firefly is just not capable of that? Maybe I'll ever be able to use my current unit without sucking air around the mouthpiece. Not ideal, but I seem to recall smoking that way, back in the day. I could learn to live with it.

If I'm willing to pay the cost of shipping to Washington, and be without my vaporizer for a while, I'll know for sure...
 
Mrbinky,
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2 Paces

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tiny lungs = smaller hits = less time on button = more hits

Then there are material differences to consider. Maybe those getting 10 hits have more dank shit?

Smaller hits make sense, I always go big.

I don't think dankness is an issue on my end ;)
 
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vapin baby boomer

Active Member
Yeah, exactly what I'm experiencing.

In fact, after reading some of the other replies, where people have sworn there was no "sucking through a straw" resistance, I actually wrote to Firefly to complain.

They even gave me an RMA to return my unit, but I'm wondering if there's really any point if that's just the way it works.

I guess, when I read "almost no resistance", I had in mind a quick enough draw speed that I wouldn't start to feel uncomfortable towards the end.

Maybe a Firefly is just not capable of that? Maybe I'll ever be able to use my current unit without sucking air around the mouthpiece. Not ideal, but I seem to recall smoking that way, back in the day. I could learn to live with it.

If I'm willing to pay the cost of shipping to Washington, and be without my vaporizer for a while, I'll know for sure...

I find that if I put my lips loosely around the mouthpiece and suck air from the middle of the mouthpiece, as well as from the sides of my mouth it seems to work very well with little or no resistance. Also, I have bad lungs, so I fully exhale before taking a lengthy hit. Seems to work very well for me.
 
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Mrbinky

Well-Known Member
I find that if I put my lips loosely around the mouthpiece and suck air from the middle of the mouthpiece, as well as from the sides of my mouth it seems to work very well with little or no resistance. Also, I have bad lungs, so I fully exhale before taking a lengthy hit. Seems to work very well for me.
Just tried that now. No visible clouds, but at least I was able to get a lungful of something. :-) And that something was medicated.

Not what I was hoping for, but functional. However, I'm not sure I could 100% recommend someone go out and buy one (especially at the current price.)
 
Mrbinky,

mitchgo61

I go where the thrills are
I guess, when I read "almost no resistance", I had in mind a quick enough draw speed that I wouldn't start to feel uncomfortable towards the end.

Maybe a Firefly is just not capable of that? Maybe I'll ever be able to use my current unit without sucking air around the mouthpiece. Not ideal, but I seem to recall smoking that way, back in the day. I could learn to live with it.

If I'm willing to pay the cost of shipping to Washington, and be without my vaporizer for a while, I'll know for sure...

I am a little mystified by the variety and disparity of FF experiences here. In fact, the FF *is* capable of that kind of draw speed. I find I have to draw faster than every other portable vape I've used in order to pull big hits from the FF. Slow hits just do not yield good results. I really think that if you are experiencing anything other than moderate resistance (certainly way less than the Solo) something isn't quite right. Just my 2 cents. (Again make sure all the vents are free of obstruction...same with the five holes on the steel plate on the bottom of the bowl; hold the heat button down while the bowl is empty and make sure the holes are all unblocked.)
 
mitchgo61,

vapin baby boomer

Active Member
Just tried that now. No visible clouds, but at least I was able to get a lungful of something. :-) And that something was medicated.

Not what I was hoping for, but functional. However, I'm not sure I could 100% recommend someone go out and buy one (especially at the current price.)

I get very visible vapor with that method. draw steadily, not too fast or too slow. It will feel cool at first. like you're not getting anything, then you will feel a little tingle build in your lungs. As soon as you feel that, let off the button but keep drawing steadily and that's when the concentration of the hit multiplies. The vapor should be very visible.

If you look back on this thread you will find several others who started out exactly like you: Disappointed. Those same posters perfected their technique and now swear by the Firefly. Go back and look at Wildchild's posts.
 
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vapin baby boomer,
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marduk

daydreamer
I've had two Fireflys. The draw on the first one was much more restricted than the current one, which I have been using for over 2 months. :2c:
 

Mrbinky

Well-Known Member
I get very visible vapor with that method. draw steadily, not too fast or too slow. It will feel cool at first. like you're not getting anything, then you will feel a little tingle build in your lungs. As soon as you feel that, let off the button but keep drawing steadily and that's when the concentration of the hit multiplies. The vapor should be very visible.
OK, second try, and I definitely felt it more. But I also think I might have burnt the flower a bit. There's an art to it, I guess...
 
Mrbinky,
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