Discontinued Indica Vaporizer

I'm looking for a discrete and classy session oriented portable for snowboarding, mountain biking, and nights out. I've had my eye on this vape since it first came out. I'm currently leaning towards the Goboof Alpha or the Indica as a boarding/out and about vape.

My daily driver (and only remaining vape) is a Lotus. Amazing vape but not the most discrete! I'm a fan of quality, discreteness (smell, transporting, storage), tastey vapor, simplicity, easy cleaning, and reliability in my vapes.

From what I gather:

Win Alpha:
- I prefer the look. Smaller, less conspicuous looking, and more discrete in use and probably easier to use with a downhill/motorcycle helmet that covers one's chin without the clasp lid. Both seem high quality.
- The Alpha's warm up time is ~30 seconds while the Indica is ~80 seconds. This is pretty big for me.
- The Alpha has better controls then the Indica imo. It seems like the Alpha's dial would be easier to use with gloves on. AT and AP sound cool and three temp settings seems like plenty.
- Indica has lots of gaps above the bowl for stuff to get trapped. Someone mentioned that the Alpha has a narrow gap near the bottom of the bowl but I cant see one? I saw that 3d printed filler on here. Maybe I would be disciplined enough to use it. Advantage Alpha.
- The Indica has that cheap looking plastic base when you open the lid (they should have frosted it esp on the matte black model).
- Alpha is US made and few/no reports of off gassing. I've been seeing a lot of reports of off taste initially, off gassing, and other QC issues here. Furthermore, with a vape with a non user replaceable battery quality is extra important. :/

Win Indica:
- The pin in the Alpha bowl looks annoying. I get why they added it. I can just see myself getting burnt on it and dreading emptying the bowl because i can't find a toothpick or i'm out and about. I guess i could just keep a pick in my abv container and wait until i get home and it's cool to empty it. But then i'm carrying around a potentially smelly unit. The indica on the other hand wants you to carry around a full unit and seems to take smell into account with it's design/lid. I suppose the indica has a deep bowl which is going to be a pain to empty as well.
- The indica seems like it has a nicer bowl lid (which probably contributes to that area getting dirty). I dig that it sticks to the side of the unit. The Alpha's looks weak but there haven't been issues with it yet. Perhaps this doesn't matter.
- Indica uses a usb changer which is preferred as i could connect it to a usb power bank (living with my parents). Alpha use a DC barrel connector which imo is more durable. I guess i could make/buy a usb to dc cable.
- The Indica's box looks soo nice!

Tied/Wash:
- Sounds like smell isn't a major issue when not in use for either? Intuitively I would assume the indica would be less smelly when in storage.
- I have mixed feelings on the bigger bowl of the indica. As a session travel vape a big bowl seems nice and from what i've read here the taste doesn't get worse over the coarse of the bowl or when you come back to an old bowl. I assume the effects would change however. The Alpha's I'm typically a small bowl vape sorta guy because i'm cheap.
- From what I gather vapor quality is similar, customer service is similar, and price is similar.
- The black indica and this both have silicon mouthpieces/mouthpiece covers. This will be important when out in the cold. Slightly prefer the Alpha's all silicon mouthpiece as i could see the silicon sleeve getting lost, stretched, or ripped with time. But there are replacements so it isn't a deal breaker.
- Indica is rated 6-8 uses or 1.5 hrs. Alpha is rated at 2 hours and sounds like it lasts 1-2. Both have plenty of charge for me.
- Neither have replaceable batteries. I guess I just need to accept it will only last 200 charges. That is ~400 uses...

Big differences that are standing out to me currently.

Does anyone have both? Which do you prefer and why?

Questions:
- How does vapor quality compare?
- How does efficiency compare?
- How does smell, particularly ambient smell when warming up, after vapeing, and in storage compare? It sees like the Indica would have an edge.
- It sounds like I can pack a bowl, go snowboarding and hit it with my friend, come home, and use it later that night or the next time we go out without any major change in herb flavor or effect? Would i get better flavor and more 'well rounded' effects from packing a bowl each time with the alpha?
- Are quality issues with the Indica as common as they seem?

Thanks for the input!

Ps. I posted a very similar post in the Alpha thread to get options on both sides. Hope that doesn't break any rules.

Just got my replacement unit! I've had a couple units die on me now, so what's the best way to preserve battery life? I'm going to wait 15-20 minutes for the unit to cool down after sessions before I begin charging.

I'll also try to unplug it as soon as it finishes charging, though I've read that batteries nowadays are unaffected by charging past 100%

I don't have both so I can answer those direct questions, but the bowl was never a problem, either in size or in emptying. The indica comes with spacers so you can pack a half bowl, IMO this produces the best vapour clouds and you can cash a bowl faster too. Emptying isn't a problem either coz it comes with a pick and I had mine attached to my key chain. Was very handing for hooking out the spacer and the abv.

Hope that helps a bit

With the Indica you have the best of both worlds. You can pack a large bowl or you can use the spacers. I usually use the one spacer, it's the perfect size for me. You can even use 2 spacers with just a little of the meds. You could get a long time with a full bowl. It depends on your needs whether it would last all day. You may need to reload.

This unit has excellent vapor flavor too. If you close the lid you really can't smell anything. It smells the least of all my portables. I think it would be a great companion taking it along on some sporting activity such as snowboarding or just running or walking the trails.

It's a very nice looking well made vaporizer and the company really listens to the customer's needs.

Buying a vaporizer can be a tough decision and a lot of money sometimes.

pjwalm said:

Alpha use a DC barrel connector which imo is more durable

Click to expand...

@Indica Vaporizer opted for Mini USB over Micro USB for the durability reasons. I would not be concerned in the least about the durability of the USB Connector on the Indica

pjwalm said:

The Alpha has better controls then the Indica imo.

Click to expand...

I'm not very familiar with the Alpha, but once you know the color settings, it's easy. I can easily turn my Indica on while it's in my pocket, and set the temperature without ever taking it out of my pocket. I only take it out once to check and confirm the temp setting, but otherwise, it's very easy to control as long as you can press a button......

pjwalm said:

I saw that 3d printed filler on here. Maybe I would be disciplined enough to use it.

Click to expand...

Yeah, the loading funnels are helpful to prevent getting bits of material in the crevasses of your vape. If you're not the OCD clean type of person this isn't a big deal. You don't need my funnels to load this vape, it's simply a handy tool

pjwalm said:

The pin in the Alpha bowl looks annoying. I get why they added it. I can just see myself getting burnt on it and dreading emptying the bowl because i can't find a toothpick or i'm out and about. I guess i could just keep a pick in my abv container and wait until i get home and it's cool to empty it. But then i'm carrying around a potentially smelly unit. The indica on the other hand wants you to carry around a full unit and seems to take smell into account with it's design/lid. I suppose the indica has a deep bowl which is going to be a pain to empty as well.

Click to expand...

I personally use a toothpick to unload my Indica, I don't know how easily it can be unloaded without any tools.....

pjwalm said:

- Sounds like smell isn't a major issue when not in use for either? Intuitively I would assume the indica would be less smelly when in storage.

Click to expand...

Actually, the smelliest part of the Indica vaporize is the mouthpiece. With the lid closed, I cannot smell my dirty mouthpiece. With the lid open, I can smell my Indica mouthpiece when holding it 2-feet from my nose

Thanks for the responses guys! They both look like such nice units! I had missed that bit about being Mini USB rather then Micro USB. But yea Micro usb is really a terribly designed plug...

I found an old style cell-phone belt-clip holder that fit my Indica. I thought I could carry a credit-card in with it. Then I set the Indica on a tin lid. I didn't realize the oven-lid magnet is in the Indica. I don't know why I thought the oven-lid was the one that was magnetic, (it is slightly). Watch what you set the Indica on. It might erase something.
Happy vaping. Dynalowrider

Hello!
I recently used an Apple iPad charger to charge my indica, as I could not find my usual adapter, and the oven stopped heating. Has anyone here had a similar problem?

From what I understand, the battery will only take as much current as it needs to charge. Technically, I don't think the charger itself is the root cause of your issue.

There have been several reports of premature heater failure in a batch from several months ago. I suggest you contact Indica to initiate a warranty replacement.

Yea that sounds right. Voltage matters, clean power matters, not over/undercharging matters. Charging with a different amount of current could matter depending on the chemistry and charging boards but likely won't with small electronics.

Edit: Just noticed the iPad charger despite being USB is 12v. It should drop down to 5v if the device doesn't support 12v (Moto X2 turbo chargers do this - works great) but maybe it didn't...

Using the wrong power supply can impact the settings on a multiple setting vape.
Not a good idea, as you found out.
Teaming,

Jeff

I've heard folks that had various vaporizers that they decided to plug it into the wrong adapter or battery that have problems afterwards.
It's important to know your plugging you're unit into the right power source or using the right battery.

I picked one of these up at puffit up for 99 and I got a ss one. For how little this thing is, it definitely gives some nice clouds. Ive noticed the clouds are much more dense when I take the mp off and just hit it over the plastic.. I haven't burned myself yet but the airflow is just better without the mp. ive only been going on the purple and red and I really like the performance of this lil guy... Its e z to clean, I clear the air hole everytime I get finished because ive noticed my herbs are getting stuck in the air path. but maybe my herb is just to fine of a grind. Taste is good I think I didn't have a metal taste at all. I did one burn off. sweet form factor, its going to be great to use when im playing softball at tournys no one would have any idea. Indica is winner in my book and beat the hell out of the pax I used to have.

Welcome to a great vape! Go back and see how Dr. vape enlarged the path by drilling the mouthpiece. Will help you keep it on!

Teaming,

Gardenerjeff

Hey friends, Puffiup has the open box sale going for "last call" Indicas for $99. They will go fast at that price. Puffitup is fair if something is wrong with it within 30 days or so they will make it right. You don't get the full warranty though. If I didn't have one I would be interested. I don't think it's the Noir, check it out.

They had other stuff too.

Out of stock dang!

I see it on the last call section at puff it up

Hello Guys,

Do you know a way to buy a mouthpiece for the Indica, it's not on their website .

I would love to drill a Mouthpiece for testing a different draw.

Thanks !

GoGlass said:

Hello Guys,

Do you know a way to buy a mouthpiece for the Indica, it's not on their website .

I would love to drill a Mouthpiece for testing a different draw.

Thanks !

Click to expand...

I'd like to know as well!

The mouthpiece is the only part of my Noir I EVER really needed to clean (and by far the smelliest part of the whole vape I've found). It'd be nice to swap mouthpieces with a clean one when necessary

I purchased Ratchett's "Charging Dock" recently. It is a well thought out stand for charging and filling the vape. It is snug enough to sink any charging heat away. Any spillage from filling is caught in the tray. Combined with the "Loading Funnel", this is a must have gadget.
While I'm at it, the "Silicone Adapters" he sells are great for adapting the Indica for use with MFLB's "Orbiter". The hose fits in the adapters without any adjustments at all. Just put it together, turn it on, sit back and rip.
This is an unpaid product endorsement. (In other words "I like em".) Thanks Ratchett.
Dynalowrider

I purchased the Indica as my first vape back in June, and last night, I packed it and turned it on, and the light never blinked to indicate that it was warmed up to the desired temperature. So I unpacked it and cleaned every part of it thoroughly, and it still won't heat up at all. Has anyone had this problem before? I contacted mike via pm and sent an email to Indica's support.

yes and Mike will take very good care of you. These things happen.

Teaming,

Gardenerjeff

Dangles said:

I purchased the Indica as my first vape back in June, and last night, I packed it and turned it on, and the light never blinked to indicate that it was warmed up to the desired temperature. So I unpacked it and cleaned every part of it thoroughly, and it still won't heat up at all. Has anyone had this problem before? I contacted mike via pm and sent an email to Indica's support.

Click to expand...

Yes, it's a known issue with a batch of Noirs. Contact Mike and wait for a reply. He gets very busy sometimes but he'll get back to you and sort you no problem.

Much to my chagrin, my 2nd Noir had a brainfart and quit heating over the weekend.I'm going through the motions to get a new one. So far so good. Indica Support was helpful, as they were the first time, (it's on the way.) I sure do miss this little sucker. My backup is my MFLB. Oh well, it's all good. Dynalowrider

Dynalowrider said:

Much to my chagrin, my 2nd Noir had a brainfart and quit heating over the weekend.I'm going through the motions to get a new one. So far so good. Indica Support was helpful, as they were the first time, (it's on the way.) I sure do miss this little sucker. My backup is my MFLB. Oh well, it's all good. Dynalowrider

Click to expand...

Hah! Mine too! My Noir seems to have died over the weekend.

The crazy part is, my wife and I went away this weekend for a romantic getaway. I had a bad feeling that my Indica would die on the trip and and I'd be stuck without a vaporizer. I had no reason to suspect it would die, aside from the recent reports on this forum.

Sadly, between sessions on Saturday, the Indica stopped heating. I finished a load, emptied the Indica and reloaded it. Charged it full, and then tried to have a second session about an hour later. Only to discover my Indica had died!

Fortunately for me, I did bring a spare vaporizer with me (Lotus) and it performed admirably. This was my first vacation since fucking combustion that I actually brought a spare vaporizer with me, and I'm sure glad I did!

I called the support hotline, but misdialed at first (221 instead of 211), and when I told the support rep that my "Indica Vaporizer just died" - he told me "wow, that must suck! Wish I could help you out" - and then went on to explain that they only do student loans. And then we laughed, he told me good luck, he said he had a vaporizer die on him last year and it sucked. Small world, wonder if he's on FC...

Re-dialed the correct 800 number and left a message with the after hours representative. Hopefully I can get CS to replace my Indica soon!