Discontinued The Herbalizer

pakalolo · Feb 16, 2015

notoriousLrg said:
uisge-beatha, can you give us the rundown on how you use these herbs: do you use them in standard herbie bowl, do you get visible vapor, where you were able to find them, have you tried mixing with cannabis? I'm quite interested.

A lot of us are interested in this kind of information but it isn't specific to the Herbalizer, so further discussion belongs in the Vaporizables sub-forum. Thanks for your cooperation.

IAmKrazy2 · Feb 16, 2015

Am i the only one who actually likes the sqweeze valves of the herbie better than the Volcano solid valve? My GF and everyone here seems to like the solid valves better. I think the herbie system is even easier to use.

Madcap79 · Feb 16, 2015

They don't bother me at all but I've never used a Volcano so I cannot compare.

John Lewus · Feb 16, 2015

Sinclue said:
My metal plunger has a rubber gasket around it to make a seal when it closes.Visible also in the video when he takes it apart. Perhaps yours is just missing? Also, I'm sure you realize the plunger screws in so if you do have a gasket maybe its not screwed down enough to seal properly?

~

I watched the video at

and as far as I can tell I have all of the parts. I took mine apart just to make sure. At 1:06 in he pulls apart the spring from the solid valve. I figured out where my leak is coming from and as best as I can tell it is a design flaw. The valve cylinder goes into the solid valve housing with the spring. The valve cylinder has 3 rectangular cutouts at the top that when it is depressed in goes up into the balloon to allow the air to flow into the balloon. When it is fully depressed while filling the metal cap that is attached to it on top of the blue O-ring pushes up into the ballloon and the air flows through the inside of the valve cylinder and outside the rectangular cutouts into the balloon. However, whenever there is any back pressure from the balloon it pushes the air back down around the outside of valve cylinder between the plastic housing and the spring. The design seems to rely on the fact that a metal compressed spring on the outside will make a decent enough seal with the plastic housing that air won't push back through. However, my valve cylinder has a bit of give left and right while in the plastic housing which gives air a path to flow back through the outside of the valve cylinder which was what was coming out of the slits. I confirmed this without a balloon by wrapping my entire mouth around the outside of the plastic housing and blowing back through. If the spring is not depressed at all then the metal cap makes a good seal with the blue o-ring and no air comes back. However, if I push the valve cylinder up and then cover the other end of the valve cylinder and wrap my mouth around the solid valve housing and blow back through air freely pushes out through the outside of the valve cylinder.

This is why mine is leaking and I can't think of anyway to fix it. I think that every solid valve housing would have this problem to varying degrees and the ones that don't leak just have enough of a seal between the metal spring and the plastic housing when compressed that the pressure of the balloon is not enough to push much vapor through the outside of the cylinder. I should note that if I don't use the spring and just push it through then I can effectively seal the blowback from pushing through as the rim of the metal valve cylinder makes a decent enough seal with the plastic rim inside the solid valve housing. The spring allows just enough of a crack that air pushes through.

I will try contacting Storz and Brickel but at this point I would caution anyone who is about to buy a Volcano solid valve for the Herbalizer. I would caution anyone from buying a Volcano solid valve for anything because the design does not seem good. The ones that are not getting this blowback I think are lucky.

Been Vapin · Feb 16, 2015

The solid valve offers so many advantages over the SqueezeValve. Just scraped this up from the solid valve. No solvents used to reclaim this. Just pure herbie condensed vapor. Not the best picture.

John Lewus said:
I watched the video at

and as far as I can tell I have all of the parts. I took mine apart just to make sure. At 1:06 in he pulls apart the spring from the solid valve. I figured out where my leak is coming from and as best as I can tell it is a design flaw. The valve cylinder goes into the solid valve housing with the spring. The valve cylinder has 3 rectangular cutouts at the top that when it is depressed in goes up into the balloon to allow the air to flow into the balloon. When it is fully depressed while filling the metal cap that is attached to it on top of the blue O-ring pushes up into the ballloon and the air flows through the inside of the valve cylinder and outside the rectangular cutouts into the balloon. However, whenever there is any back pressure from the balloon it pushes the air back down around the outside of valve cylinder between the plastic housing and the spring. The design seems to rely on the fact that a metal compressed spring on the outside will make a decent enough seal with the plastic housing that air won't push back through. However, my valve cylinder has a bit of give left and right while in the plastic housing which gives air a path to flow back through the outside of the valve cylinder which was what was coming out of the slits. I confirmed this without a balloon by wrapping my entire mouth around the outside of the plastic housing and blowing back through. If the spring is not depressed at all then the metal cap makes a good seal with the blue o-ring and no air comes back. However, if I push the valve cylinder up and then cover the other end of the valve cylinder and wrap my mouth around the solid valve housing and blow back through air freely pushes out through the outside of the valve cylinder.

This is why mine is leaking and I can't think of anyway to fix it. I think that every solid valve housing would have this problem to varying degrees and the ones that don't leak just have enough of a seal between the metal spring and the plastic housing when compressed that the pressure of the balloon is not enough to push much vapor through the outside of the cylinder. I should note that if I don't use the spring and just push it through then I can effectively seal the blowback from pushing through as the rim of the metal valve cylinder makes a decent enough seal with the plastic rim inside the solid valve housing. The spring allows just enough of a crack that air pushes through.

I will try contacting Storz and Brickel but at this point I would caution anyone who is about to buy a Volcano solid valve for the Herbalizer. I would caution anyone from buying a Volcano solid valve for anything because the design does not seem good. The ones that are not getting this blowback I think are lucky.

There is probably .5mm or less of play in my valve cylinder. Sounds like your valve housing is defective like @Highland7

John Lewus · Feb 16, 2015

Been Vapin said:
The solid valve offers so many advantages over the SqueezeValve. Just scraped this up from the solid valve. No solvents used to reclaim this. Just pure herbie condensed vapor. Not the best picture.

I want to love the solid valve but not if it leaks. Lets hope Storz and Brickel can take care of me. I know very little about their customer support but I emailed them. I will try calling the head shop I bought it from but they clearly said "all sales final"

Been Vapin said:
There is probably .5mm or less of play in my valve cylinder. Sounds like your valve housing is defective like @Highland7

Here is a pic of my plastic housing looking inside. It seems to be a bit warped although I don't know that this is the problem since the seal is good without a spring.

Vitolo · Feb 16, 2015

IAmKrazy2 said:
Am i the only one who actually likes the sqweeze valves of the herbie better than the Volcano solid valve? My GF and everyone here seems to like the solid valves better. I think the herbie system is even easier to use.

I hate the solid valve, and like the squeeze valve.
I have both systems for my volcano, and I use the solid valve maybe once a year, just to show new users why I do not like it.
For Volcano I only use EZ Valve, and for Herbie I use Herbie Bags.

Been Vapin · Feb 16, 2015

John Lewus said:
I want to love the solid valve but not if it leaks. Lets hope Storz and Brickel can take care of me. I know very little about their customer support but I emailed them. I will try calling the head shop I bought it from but they clearly said "all sales final"

Here is a pic of my plastic housing looking inside. It seems to be a bit warped although I don't know that this is the problem since the seal is good without a spring.

My solid valve is a different version than yours. Mine is almost 9 years old and does not have any metal inside of the valve housing. Its is all plastic. Looks like they replaced the plastic ridge with a 3 metal pieces? Storz and Nickel has great customer service and will take care of you.

Edit. Maybe try a different/stronger spring?

Sinclue · Feb 16, 2015

Vitolo said:
I hate the solid valve, and like the squeeze valve.
I have both systems for my volcano, and I use the squeeze valve maybe once a year, just to show new users why I do not like it.
For Volcano I only use EZ Valve, and for Herbie I use Herbie Bags.

Unfortunately I haven't had your success with the stock bags. I'm on my 7th (of 8) and every one of them has leaked from the beginning. Very disappointing in a very high end ($) machine.

Prompted me to try the solid valve which has worked like a charm for me. I do prefer the feel/action of the soft valve and tried several with other bags, but could never stop the leaking. Any special techniques you have for success or do your bags just work?

And wasn't there something a while back about new type bags or valves?

:peace:

~

John Lewus · Feb 16, 2015

Been Vapin said:
My solid valve is a different version than yours. Mine is almost 9 years old and does not have any metal inside of the valve housing. Its is all plastic. Looks like they replaced the plastic ridge with a 3 metal pieces? Storz and Nickel has great customer service and will take care of you.

Mine is all plastic. It is reflecting the flash from the camera which is why it looks metallic. I also have 3 indents in the plastic as you can see that IMHO should be flush with the other plastic as this probably contributes to leaky paths. It certainly does not help having that there.

BTW I am trying to reply to Vitolo's quote and everytime I hit the +Quote button it says message added to multi-quote but then never shows up in this window. I am using Chrome and have this problem across two computers now. Before it used to add it to the bottom of whatever I was typing.

Vitolo said:
I hate the solid valve, and like the squeeze valve.
I have both systems for my volcano, and I use the squeeze valve maybe once a year, just to show new users why I do not like it.
For Volcano I only use EZ Valve, and for Herbie I use Herbie Bags.

Sorry for the double post but it won't let me added this quote when clicking on +Quote. Does your solid valve leak? I like the herbie bags except they rip easily after 20 users or so for me. The solid valve seems better in this regard as long as the stupid thing does not leak like in my case.

Been Vapin · Feb 16, 2015

I feel like the SqueezeValves are designed for the casual bag user. The design forces heavy users to continue to purchase expensive replacements every few months. A SqueezeValves seems to have limited number of uses even after replacing the bag. I wouldn't be surprised if Herbalizer recommended using the bags for XYZ number of times before throwing them out. Shelia learned a thing or two about sales in her years of selling Avon.

Not to mention the plastic and nylon in the direct airpath of the SqueezeValve.

Vitolo · Feb 16, 2015

My solid valve does not leak.
It is just "clunky" and takes time to clean
Regardless....
For Herbalizer I uniquely use Herbie squeeze valve if I use the bag.

Halfqq · Feb 16, 2015

I had to play around with my solid valve a lot before it stopped leaking

Make sure bag spacing is nice and there aren't large portions bunched up... Where are the leaks coming from .... The plastic o ring area?

I sometimes use an elastic in addition to the rubber o ring... I haven't found a need for it ever since I got the new housing

BTW I think your housing is defective, they'll send you a new one without a single question (except for your address) great customer support

Also..: way back someone posted good methods to keep the herb down in the bowl... The one I was interested in was the metal screen... Sits on top of the herb while vaping. You get thicker clouds when the load is pressed down somewhat (like the plunger for volcano)

IAmKrazy2 · Feb 17, 2015

The Herbie wows me more everyday. So quick, so precise. Enjoying temps now 330 or 335 on flowers and full blast with concentrates and getting those huge clouds I was seeking.

despite gripes about the bowl, price point, and lack of backup items in the package, this vape is pretty fuckibg awesome.

hoptimum · Feb 17, 2015

Vitolo said:
My solid valve does not leak.
It is just "clunky" and takes time to clean
Regardless....
For Herbalizer I uniquely use Herbie squeeze valve if I use the bag.

@Vitolo, I'd like to know how you compare the Volcano as a bag blower and valve system to the Herbalizer

IAmKrazy2 · Feb 18, 2015

*I meant 430 and 435 on my last post.

vape4health · Feb 18, 2015

Yeah I'm really happy with the herbie. After kids bedtime it's straight get it in, throughout the day it's more of a few minutes here and there and it's working great for that. I loosely load the bowl to the bevel and don't pack then start blowing bags from about 360 and up, sometimes it's hours between bags and sometimes it's bang bang untill the load is spent at around 430F. As much as I didn't enjoy bags before I really have been liking them these last few days.

CorruptedHart11 · Feb 19, 2015

Well as I stated , two of the herbie bowls failed on me.

Called them, they said was epoxy issue and would send out two more that would solve issue.

Of course one of those has already failed the magnetic ring

Now it is causing the plastic around the failed metal ring to melt and deform.

Pics have been emailed to Carrie Heath about the issue with the bowls , see if this will be resolved because the device is now melting plastic around since it doesn't magnetic seal the heat channel.

I am looking forward to hearing back from Herbalizer as this is obviously a huge concern as it damaged my device now and they clearly have a bowl manufacture issue.

Just hoping I didn't pay $750 dollars for something that couldn't get a proper application of JB weld.

http://imgur.com/MiNXzwE,3mi7Vj4,3fUZfXO,zun2p1Q

Images attacthed via IMGUR.

CorruptedHart11 · Feb 19, 2015

Thank you very much for letting me know about this! I can't believe this has happened to you again and I'm wondering if, somehow, our warehouse is sending out old bowls that they shouldn't be. I've initiated an inquiry.

I would like to propose sending you a completely new unit, since the damage has been caused by the bowl failures that were our fault. I'd then create a label so you can send your old unit back to us. Hopefully, this would help mitigate your frustration, just a little.

^^ Herbies response.

Awesome Customer Support.

Vicki · Feb 19, 2015

CorruptedHart11 said:
Thank you very much for letting me know about this! I can't believe this has happened to you again and I'm wondering if, somehow, our warehouse is sending out old bowls that they shouldn't be. I've initiated an inquiry.

I would like to propose sending you a completely new unit, since the damage has been caused by the bowl failures that were our fault. I'd then create a label so you can send your old unit back to us. Hopefully, this would help mitigate your frustration, just a little.

^^ Herbies response.

Awesome Customer Support.

Yes, I think so. :nod:

Vap2.0user · Feb 19, 2015

John Lewus said:
-----Answer to Vaping with oil on hemp fiber----

I bought degummed hemp fiber online. I can't recall where but I got a huge box of it for $20 or $30 shipped in the US. It will take me years to go through all of this one tiny pinch at a time.

I am not sure exactly what question you are asking. I am not vaping oil. I am vaping flower but some of the thc condenses onto the hemp fiber filter and I can then vape that off like an oil hit. It is very similar to oil but a different thc profile. Oil is extracted usually through butane or high grain alcohol. In my case I am boiling off the thc/cbd and some of that condenses out before it makes it to my lungs. It would not be the same as oil but it affects me similarly. When I can get some oil to my friends I will try to compare effects on different days.

I think the question you are asking is "what % of my hit am I losing by using the filters" I would guess that it is 10% less strong but it is not lost because after about 15 sessions I have enough oil build up for 1 or 2 sessions off just the reclaim hemp fiber. I feel it is even more efficient because my glass never gets that honey buildup that you see others get over time. My glass stays fairly clean at the intake joints but my hemp fibers get really gunked up as well as a nice honey buildup on my glass adapters. I have been cleaning them in a jar of iso every month or so and that jar is now really dark brown. I am tempted to let that evaporate off to see how the reclaim is but I may end up just tossing it since there is a lot of particulate matter in there I don't want to deal with.

Check out my detailed post and follow up posts in the Vaping with Cotton forum. I have pics and a little bit of a scientific experiment showing how my hemp fiber grew in weight over 29 EVO sessions and how I was able to vape that off to get back to my original hemp fiber weight. I would say an EVO session uses and condensates about as much oil as a herbalizer session.

http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/vaping-with-cotton.9892/page-9#post-487531

-----Question on Volcano Solid Valve-----

I have a question for those using the Solid valve system. I broke down and bought this really wanting to try it out but for some reason vapor leaks like crazy through the plastic slits. I found a post from mma fighter with the same issue but did not see anyone else have this. I don't have a Volcano to try out but it seems like this problem would happen on a volcano as well. Does anyone have any recommendation on how to fix this?

I also have some newbie questions on using the solid valve that anyone whoever used a volcano probably knows but I don't

1. How much do you fill the volcano bowl when using with the herbalizer letting the thing sit on top? That is a huge bowl
2. Do you use the plunger to pack down the herb or do you leave it fluffy. If you pack it down then how tightly do you pack it down?
3. Do you remove the plunger when attaching the bowl to the balloon? I left mine in but maybe that is wrong. It seems like it would work either way.
4. How do you keep vapor from leaking through the plastic slits? Looking inside it seems like a plastic on plastic seal which would explain the leaks. What am I doing wrong here? I watched a Volcano tutorial video and I am doing exactly the same thing as them yet mine leaks. Do I have a bad solid valve set? I have a good seal to the yellow ring to the herbalizer so I would imagine it would be the same as a Volcano as far as air flow.

Thanks JohnLewus I just placed an order from hemptopia so I'll follow your recommendations. Glad to hear you got the results for your neck issues. Looking forward to adding your closed loop system to my setup.

John Lewus · Feb 20, 2015

Vap2.0user said:
Thanks JohnLewus I just placed an order from hemptopia so I'll follow your recommendations. Glad to hear you got the results for your neck issues. Looking forward to adding your closed loop system to my setup.

It is always better to have one more tool in the toolbox. :tup:

turtleatabeach · Feb 20, 2015

Herbalizer customer support sucks. I have had the product for less than a month and already needed "service" yet a month after the unit is received Carrie still can't get back to me on what was wrong with my unit. Bags are still sticky as hell and don't last a quarter of the time volcano bags do. I wish i could get a refund, for spending over $1,000 in total i was expecting something amazing. The volcano at $350 will do the trick. Do not buy a herbalizer if you are thinking about it, I wanted to support this beta product but have only seen the negatives out of it.

stickstones · Feb 20, 2015

turtleatabeach said:
Herbalizer customer support sucks. I have had the product for less than a month and already needed "service" yet a month after the unit is received Carrie still can't get back to me on what was wrong with my unit. Bags are still sticky as hell and don't last a quarter of the time volcano bags do. I wish i could get a refund, for spending over $1,000 in total i was expecting something amazing. The volcano at $350 will do the trick. Do not buy a herbalizer if you are thinking about it, I wanted to support this beta product but have only seen the negatives out of it.

Sorry to hear about your struggles. How'd you spend $1,000 on Herbie? And give me the link to that $350 Volcano...

CorruptedHart11 · Feb 20, 2015

I have to say that's odd.

I have had a few bowls go bad, but the service is beyond outstanding. I ALREADY have the replacement unit we were emailing about YESTERDAY. This company will work with you if your having a headache just file a ticket and give em a call, American company through and through.

As per the bag issue, you do know you can remove the bag from the Herbie valve and just replace it with volcano bags like I have done ?

Its a simple push/clip system valve, saves me from having to order when out of stock.

Don't quote me that the mouth pieces can be used forever, but I'm on about fill 400 of this mouthpiece, fifth or sixth bag replacement. Just hold it down and save money like a boss!

Btw kinda giddy, I went from serial number HAR-A 2374

DOWN TO 51 !!! WOOT WOOT. Guess they were keeping the low numbers for themselves

Discontinued The Herbalizer

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