Hiya Hammerheadz, A friend recently received his first vape, the Hammer, and we're struggling a bit.
A little background: He's a regular, light smoker of the herb via a small glass pipe. He's had occasional vaporizing experience over the past couple of years via sessions with my SSV or PNP and friends' Solos. He has decided that he prefers smoking and the smoking high. However, a recent bout of bronchitis has spurred the decision. We chatted about the options, I made some recommendations, and he jumped on the 420 sale.
He wants something cheap, easy to use, effective, durable, and preferably portable. The Lotus was a good candidate (as well as providing a smoking-like ritual), but the Hammer won due to possible easier use and especially it's cheaper price at the time.
We received the unit yesterday and had a bit of a messy, but stoney time of it. We immediately struggled filling it, then understanding the fuel level indicator, then seeing the blue indicator, then seeing the ignition. But then my friend took the first hit and it was impressive. The second hit was after another 25 second warm-up which resulted in combustion and now we know better.
Out came the 2nd stem and we continued. We then managed to have hit after impressive hit through 2 stems worth. I was amazed at the easy, huge clouds. Biggest and bluest vape clouds I've seen.
Later we tried another stem, but had nothing but issues. The blue indicator wasn't appearing within 30 secs and ignition was only occasional. Likewise, with our attempts this morning. The inconsistent ignition is especially a nuisance. We would try checking the blue indicator, squinting at the fuel level indicator, attempting another refilling, giving it a rest, etc.
We certainly were feeling good, but it was pretty messy - we combusted a bowl, spilled another bowl (from a floppy stem) and went through gross amounts of butane (Colibri).
Too many things are unclear, sloppy, or inconsistent - the fuel level indicator, the ignition (sometimes subtle), the butane filling, and attaching the stem. I think if we can get the ignition sorted, this thing might deliver for my friend. It has to be easy or he'll reach for pipe and lighter.
Personally, I was amazed by its performance. Once working properly I would trade this for my PNP easily - far superior performance and taste. Though what it's got me really thinking about is the Lotus.
The ideal vape for my friend would be easy and enjoyable to use (simple, unfussy) and able to deliver big clouds and a stoney high within just a few hits. I'd say the Hammer delivered the goods, but was too frustrating. Help ...
