Arizer Solo

With all the praise about the Solo there's one aspect that really puts me off and I rarely hear it addressed: it can't do low temps runs! Don't you guyz miss this ability?

From Arizer website:

• Level 1-50°C / 122°F (15 sec)
• Level 2-185°C / 365°F (1 min)

Meaning on level 1 you can only decarb or dry buds, and on level 2 it's already super thick and you cook most of the fine terps and flavs. If I start my Ascent at 185°C the taste is somewhat altered and the vapor is more irritating. For many of my strains having delicate tastes (ex: Pineapple/tropical fruits in C99, or some menthol-like compounds for instance in others) if I don't start between 170-173°C, most of the fine taste details are "lost in translation"! Heck I even vape at 160°C sometimes...

What's your take on that point? That and the draw resistance are still show stoppers for me with this device. Sorry if this has been discussed before, but let's be honnest, at this point nobody will ever care to read 1000 pages of back-log....(and it's a problem overall with this forum, past some point threads are just useless (impractical), and people have to repeat more and more the same things until they get bored and stop answering noob's questions altogether...)

KeroZen said:

With all the praise about the Solo there's one aspect that really puts me off and I rarely hear it addressed: it can't do low temps runs! Don't you guyz miss this ability?

From Arizer website:

• Level 1-50°C / 122°F (15 sec)
• Level 2-185°C / 365°F (1 min)

Meaning on level 1 you can only decarb or dry buds, and on level 2 it's already super thick and you cook most of the fine terps and flavs. If I start my Ascent at 185°C the taste is somewhat altered and the vapor is more irritating. For many of my strains having delicate tastes (ex: Pineapple/tropical fruits in C99, or some menthol-like compounds for instance in others) if I don't start between 170-173°C, most of the fine taste details are "lost in translation"! Heck I even vape at 160°C sometimes...

What's your take on that point? That and the draw resistance are still show stoppers for me with this device. Sorry if this has been discussed before, but let's be honnest, at this point nobody will ever care to read 1000 pages of back-log....(and it's a problem overall with this forum, past some point threads are just useless (impractical), and people have to repeat more and more the same things until they get bored and stop answering noob's questions altogether...)

Click to expand...

My take is it is a non-issue. 185C on your ascent might not be 185 on the solo since it depends where the temperature is being measured and other factors. I can say on 2 it depends on the strain I am vaping. Some strains barely give me vapor and I usually start at 3. Other strains vap at 2 better but still its not like I get huge clouds. I would not like it if 2 was even less hot TBH

Vicki said:

I asked Vapor Nation about the power adapter issue. Here is a copy and paste of the conversation: (I have to say, I am confused)

"Arizer recently updated the Solo to work with only the standard wall charger."

"If you cannot turn it on to heat up while charging right now, the power adapter will allow you to use the unit, but it will not charge the battery."

"We have not had any issues with batteries failing due to use with the power adapter."

Click to expand...

They are saying pretty much as expected. The "If you cannot turn on to heat up while charging right now" means if you have an older model.
And if so, the power adapter can be used as it always was. The first line is saying about the new models and the change to "charge and vape" functionality which makes the PA outdated.
Really sounds like he isn't sure which vintage you got.

Hope this helps somewhat.

Pipes said:

They are saying pretty much as expected. The "If you cannot turn on to heat up while charging right now" means if you have an older model.
And if so, the power adapter can be used as it always was. The first line is saying about the new models and the change to "charge and vape" functionality which makes the PA outdated.
Really sounds like he isn't sure which vintage you got.

Hope this helps somewhat.

Click to expand...

Thanks!

He should know. He sold me the unit.

I've not had any problem with the draw on the solo at all and now the flow is even better, to me about the same as the DV, wispr or no2.

I have found the second heat level to be low enough for me and using ed's stem cools it down a few degrees for sure. I think the thinking is that most users will stay in the 365-390 vape range. I start sessions at 350 with my DV and the results are as if it were hotter then the solo at 2, so you never really know until you use a given vape how it'll do for you. That's my thought right now anyways.

KeroZen said:

With all the praise about the Solo there's one aspect that really puts me off and I rarely hear it addressed: it can't do low temps runs! Don't you guyz miss this ability?

From Arizer website:

• Level 1-50°C / 122°F (15 sec)
• Level 2-185°C / 365°F (1 min)

Meaning on level 1 you can only decarb or dry buds, and on level 2 it's already super thick and you cook most of the fine terps and flavs. If I start my Ascent at 185°C the taste is somewhat altered and the vapor is more irritating. For many of my strains having delicate tastes (ex: Pineapple/tropical fruits in C99, or some menthol-like compounds for instance in others) if I don't start between 170-173°C, most of the fine taste details are "lost in translation"! Heck I even vape at 160°C sometimes...

What's your take on that point? That and the draw resistance are still show stoppers for me with this device. Sorry if this has been discussed before, but let's be honnest, at this point nobody will ever care to read 1000 pages of back-log....(and it's a problem overall with this forum, past some point threads are just useless (impractical), and people have to repeat more and more the same things until they get bored and stop answering noob's questions altogether...)

Click to expand...

Have you had the opportunity to try out the Solo?

No CK, I haven't had this chance yet and I was asking quite naively after reading Arizer website. I'm under the impression the draw restriction issue is largely something of the past? If so please correct me so I don't continue spreading misinformation.

I know there's a difference in temperature readings but we're talking about a 20°C difference between the minimum temperature I enjoy and the first usable Solo level. I also note that most people don't use it above level 4 dry, meaning you only have level 2, 3 or 4 to chose from?

At 160°C there's no visible vapor under normal lighting conditions, never. At 170°C (after fixing my vapor/air ratio) I can get some visible vapor but most people going only by visual feedback would say there is nothing and it's wispy. Yet if you shine a flashlight a new world of marvels unravels!

KeroZen I know what your sayin'
I do enjoy low temp sessions often, just not with the solo it can't serve those needs but makes up for it in other ways. I'm not going to grab it for a quick high temp pain med bump or those extra low temp sessions.

But for me using the solo for longer sessions taking one bowl from it's lower temp to it's highest over a half hour or so is #1 in my portable line up. It is cool that we have choices and can find what suits our needs and our fancy.

That's so great we don't have just one choice, I have several vapes that I use.

The restricted air flow has been eased, I like that feature, not as restricted. You need a little restriction, too airy isn't good either. Folks have been using the PVHES stems with the older model Solos to help with the draw restriction. Some of us need the higher temps for pain. I start out at heat level 3 but use 4 and 5 dry. I use the higher temps 6 and 7 with my WT.

All of us have different needs. The herb makes a huge difference far as what temp you use. IMO it's difficult to know whether or not you like a vaporizer, if you haven't tried it. Maybe the Solo wouldn't be for you.

Here's a vid for you all demonstrating the solos power. This tank definitely rivals some plug in vapes IMO

KeroZen said:

No CK, I haven't had this chance yet and I was asking quite naively after reading Arizer website. I'm under the impression the draw restriction issue is largely something of the past? If so please correct me so I don't continue spreading misinformation.

I know there's a difference in temperature readings but we're talking about a 20°C difference between the minimum temperature I enjoy and the first usable Solo level. I also note that most people don't use it above level 4 dry, meaning you only have level 2, 3 or 4 to chose from?

At 160°C there's no visible vapor under normal lighting conditions, never. At 170°C (after fixing my vapor/air ratio) I can get some visible vapor but most people going only by visual feedback would say there is nothing and it's wispy. Yet if you shine a flashlight a new world of marvels unravels!

Click to expand...

Im not sure then. I know at 1 I have tried to use it but barely get an flavor at all it isnt hot enough to be usable for me.

@RUDE BOY and @CarolKing:

For dry:
Maybe im a weirdo but want to know if any of you guys have tried going from either 2 or 3 and then working your way upto 7? For me starting at anything above 3 gets me coughing. But if I start low 2/3 and then keep vaping until that level doesnt vap then I go up 1 level and do the same thing until I end at 7.

For water I will start around 4 and then use the same technique

Sometimes I go up 2 levels if im not getting the vap I need but roughly what I enjoy.

Mrmrmrmr said:

Here's a vid for you all demonstrating the solos power. This tank definitely rivals some plug in vapes IMO

Click to expand...

I agree! I also own an Herbalaire, and I haven't even used it since I got my Solo. The Solo can actually be set hotter than the Herbalaire on setting 7.

I always start out lower and work my way up. I usually don't go above 5 dry, I have had herb where I was able to go to level 6 dry, like at the end of the session to get all the goodies out. I don't use level 1 or 2. I have tested the Solo at level 2, and I get vapor, not big.

We all have different tolerances, some folks like the lower temps.

CarolKing said:

I always start out lower and work my way up. I usually don't go above 5 dry, I have had herb where I was able to go to level 6 dry, like at the end of the session to get all the goodies out. I don't use level 1 or 2. I have tested the Solo at level 2, and I get vapor, not big.

We all have different tolerances, some folks like the lower temps.

Click to expand...

I hear you, its why having 7 levels is nice. Im only asking out of pure curiosity. So after 5 or 6 dry it becomes too harsh?

Hi Everyone,

I've had an opportunity to throw a thermocouple on the Solo and wanted to share some results. I've found the crucible temps (as measured by hand holding temp sensor centered on bottom of crucible) as published by Arizer - to be very accurate. That is, the steps follow the advertised 50C; 185C;....;210C. But when I place the temp sensor in the middle of the 'load' (in this case stock straight stem, fine screen, med-fine grind, 'inhaled' med-packed load) the temps (and the temp range that is attainable via convection) are dramatically different. Here's a little chart (middle of the load temps):

Code:
Step# Temp No Draw. Temp With Draw. Arizer Temp
1. 37.8C 52.0C 50C
2. 98.5C 187.9C 185C
3. 108.7C 197.1C 190C
4. 117.1C 205.2C 195C
5. 123.9C 214.0C 200C
6. 131.2C 223.1C 205C
7. 140.2C 231.0C 210C

While we can't 'dial in' a specific 'low' temp (something in the 160-170C range that was posted earlier), one can dial in step 2 (with its' almost 90C wide range) and via a combination of conduction/convection - derive the medicinal benefits found at those vaping temps. Give it a shot?

NN

Edit: nuts, can't align chart properly. Please read as follows:

Step #2 ; Temp No Draw=98.5C; Temp With Draw=187.9C; Arizer's Published Crucible Temp=185C.

Edit#2: THIS TEST WAS DONE ON THE 'OLD STYLE' (Can't charge and heat at 'same' time) SOLO.
I FOUND THE RANGES TO BE UP TO 20 degrees C NARROWER WITH THE 'NEW' SOLO DUE TO THE INCREASED AIRFLOW (TOO MUCH COLD AIR BEING DRAWN IN).

I do use 7 dry a lot but working up to it from lower temperatures makes it easier on the lungs for me so I can vape on 7 without coughing its still kind of rough on my throat sometimes. My observations on the solo are only based on a little over a months use and 10 days or so with a proper stem/bowl so I'm a solo nube.

CarolKing said:

Have you had the opportunity to try out the Solo?

Click to expand...

Old School!
I should get the new one.
However this old one still medicates?

Nopart/Q,

Thanks for sorting this out for me. 'Testing' has apparently taken it's' toll.

NNNN

NoName said:

2. 98.5C 187.9C 185C
3. 108.7C 197.1C 190C
4. 117.1C 205.2C 195C
5. 123.9C 214.0C 200C
6. 131.2C 223.1C 205C
7. 140.2C 231.0C 210C

Click to expand...

This is very similar to the results I got. Please note two things. First, the step sizes are actually much larger than advertised. Arizer says 'five degrees C per step increase', it's actually 8 or 9. I measured in degrees F but of course got the same 'almost twice as big' answers. While they match fairly well at the point THC starts to happen, the higher you go the further you disagree.

Secondly, 231C is like 450F. Everyone knows that means combustion, right? IMO a lot of what passes for convention wisdom could stand some examination. I have no doubt at all that at least some part of the load is reaching 450F.....and without combustion.

My take is if you're happy about the performance, the details are just that, details. Many vapes work just fine with no numbers in sight.....

Thanks for the info NN.

OF

Mrmrmrmr said:

Here's a vid for you all demonstrating the solos power. This tank definitely rivals some plug in vapes IMO

Click to expand...

That's some really nice vapor! are you using a PVHES? and what heat level are you using? sorry if you mentioned it in the video my sound doesn't work right now.

Also what screens do you guys use in your solo? I'm using some brass tobacco screens I got off amazon (I got 200 for $3) but I hear people say stainless steel is the way to go! what do u guys think?

Stainless steel all the way. I'm at 5-6 in the vid and am using the stock stem that comes with the solo , surprise right

Mrmrmrmr said:

Stainless steel all the way. I'm at 5-6 in the vid and am using the stock stem that comes with the solo , surprise right

Click to expand...

Awesome I'm gonna try to get that type of thickness with my stocky. How hard do you draw? like you're hitting it as you would dry or hitting it a bit harder?

I find that finely-ground material gives me thicker hits but less. Medium/no grind gives me longer vapor time but not quite as thick.

Just ordered one yesterday. Can't wait ! Will post experience asap.