Discontinued The Firefly Vaporizer

Legal in Washington State said:

You see, I'm coveting the Pax 2. To me, it seems like the Apple of vaporizers--elegant, sleek, and minimal fuss so the device disappears. Plus, the company is clearly here to stay (I don't want to be a pioneer with a new company/product).

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mitchgo61 said:

There are stealth- and group-related situations for which the Pax is perfect, and times when you want the flavor only the FF will deliver. Or you want just one or two hits, and on-demand vapes like the FF are perfect for that application.

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A HUGE consideration for me is the smell that a vape produces during a session. I haven't tried a Pax 2 yet, however when comparing the Firefly to the original Pax (or any other vape that I've used for that matter) I will say that none of them come close to the Firefly in the odor stealth department. The original Pax can easily fill a room with odor before the first draw. The Firefly, on the other hand, produces virtually no odor as long as you don't open the lid. Pax (original), Pinnacle Pro, and Inhalater XP all produce significant odor during use, due to the constant heating of the material. Even the Solo produces more odor than the FF, although I would have to rank the Solo 2nd in the "odor stealth" department.

For this reason I would not add another portable vape to my lineup unless it could match the FF in odor stealth. I'm assuming that the FF2 will perform equally as well in that department.

fogbank said:

For this reason I would not add another portable vape to my lineup unless it could match the FF in odor stealth. I'm assuming that the FF2 will perform equally as well in that department.

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And IME the Solo, thanks to being mostly conduction, throws quite a bit of odor. The FF is definitely odorless...but hoo boy, open the lid, and it's game over....

mitchgo61 said:

but hoo boy, open the lid, and it's game over....

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EveryDayAmnesiac said:

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EDA is so damn fluent in youtube.

Poostuff said:

You can't replace the screen in the Firefly properly without removing the screws from the top plate, it's the way the thing is assembled. However doing this probably voids your warranty & maybe that's why no one really mentions it. I referenced the Best Of thread here when I dismantled mine, it was very helpful.

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So technically unscrewing the top plate doesn't void the warranty....but if you cause the FF to malfunction when replacing the plate, that will void the warranty. There's a potential to cause a misalignment of the ceramic rings around the coil, since they are held in place by the top plate's pressure...so there's risk of affecting the performance negatively. It isn't the recommended way to replace the screen, obviously.

And yeah, it's been mentioned many times, but in 200 pages it's easy to miss.

The warranty thing doesn't worry me, mine was second hand but all I was saying is that I've seen the instructions & the way the Firefly is designed it looks almost impossible to remove the screen & refit another properly without pulling it apart. It'll pull bits of o-ring & stretch everything, it's probably best left alone but it makes sense that people want to clean it. Anyway I appreciate everything you guys are saying & that's my dumb opinion is all. If someone has managed to do it (especially with one of those little plastic picks they provide) then good on them.
I've never needed to remove my screen but I've tried, however I did pull it apart to adjust the coil & stop it combusting & I was able to clean the screen then. I like it & I still use it occasionally.

Speaking of concentrate pads, . . . . , This is an update to my first review of the new pads for the Firefly. The use of the pads represents another iteration of the FF experience, along with a different technique. Here is what I have learned thus far. The pad needs to be "seated" , gently, down into the bowl. When properly situated, it occupies about half of the bowl volume. I am using some magnificent "Blue Dream" wax, at 87.5 % THC & .3 % CBD. I make a ball about the size of a single peppercorn, and then gently mash it into a cute little pancake, and I place it onto the screen. I pre-heat for 2 green light blinkies, and then draw while heating for about 15 seconds. Little vapor production after the first draw. On the second draw, I pre-heat for 1 green light blinky, and then heat/draw for 2 blinkies, release the heat button, and continue to draw for another 20 seconds. Big , fluffy clouds-o-vapor. I repeat the second draw scenario 3 more times. Yes, it is official now: "Shit the bed, Ted". The residue left after I get "waxed" is different than for herbs. The porthole in the lid is glazed with a sticky residue, which must be cleaned, lest an herbal vaping session be compromised by untimely herbal adhesion to aforementioned surface.

Poostuff said:

The warranty thing doesn't worry me, mine was second hand but all I was saying is that I've seen the instructions & the way the Firefly is designed it looks almost impossible to remove the screen & refit another properly without pulling it apart. It'll pull bits of o-ring & stretch everything, it's probably best left alone but it makes sense that people want to clean it. .

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Here's the thing...if you remove the screen, and clean underneath it every few bowls, or at least every week or so, you will avoid having the kind of build-up that can dislodge the o-ring. Across 8 FFs and more screen-cleanings than I can count,
I have yet to dislodge the gasket, have a screen stick to it, or even get any real glimpse of the o-ring.

Yes, it's annoying to change it. Yes, the screens degrade each time they removed and replaced. And yes, the designer really doesn't think of the screen as needing to be cleaned or removed. But, despite his best intentions and efforts, the screen does need to be removed and cleaned periodically. Failure to do so causes enough buildup to affect the FF by degrading and/or dislodging the o-ring...which causes way more problems than the annoyance of screen changing.

mitchgo61 said:

Here's the thing...if you remove the screen, and clean underneath it every few bowls, or at least every week or so, you will avoid having the kind of build-up that can dislodge the o-ring. Across 8 FFs and more screen-cleanings than I can count,
I have yet to dislodge the gasket, have a screen stick to it, or even get any real glimpse of the o-ring.

Yes, it's annoying to change it. Yes, the screens degrade each time they removed and replaced. And yes, the designer really doesn't think of the screen as needing to be cleaned or removed. But, despite his best intentions and efforts, the screen does need to be removed and cleaned periodically. Failure to do so causes enough buildup to affect the FF by degrading and/or dislodging the o-ring...which causes way more problems than the annoyance of screen changing.

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You guys talking bout the rubber gasket on the level where the screens sit? like right beside it? Mhh nope i havent seen my gasket coming loose either, and i have taken in/out my screen some 10 times.

The rubber o-ring there is not really glued on top of the metal plate but is really held on place by sheer force from the base metal place that is screwed on top with the hex screws.

At least from what i noticed when i opened up my FF a few times (to fix coil alignment issues)

I could imagine if the pressure in the device isnt high enough to keep it in place, trying to lift the screen out with a tooth picker or the rubber toothpicker thst came with the device could deposition it.


Talking about the coil, it has been some month since i fixed my coil and no combusting or even near since.

FF rulez!

Marctraider said:

You guys talking bout the rubber gasket on the level where the screens sit?

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Yes.

Marctraider said:

The rubber o-ring there is not really glued on top of the metal plate but is really held on place by sheer force from the base metal place that is screwed on top with the hex screws.

At least from what i noticed when i opened up my FF a few times (to fix coil alignment issues)

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You are correct. Pretty much all of the essential pieces are held in place by the pressure of the plate....that's why it's so risky to remove it, and why it can potentially void the warranty.

Have had my FF for a little over a year now, I have two batteries and it has been working quite well with both. Currently however my batteries last significantly less than when I first got the unit. I know the warranty is still effective, but just curious if any of you guys have experienced this?
Also I understand the particular uniqueness that the FF has to offer, however I have only managed that "good and flavorful" draw a little under 10-15 times. Once I first got the unit it, the first time I breathe through it was flawless. However the next several times weren't as good and that even prompted me to contact their support. They opted to have mine sent in but I thought I could work on the technique a tad bit more. Being over a year it hasn't improved.
Perhaps a new unit is whats needed?

bgioan said:

Have had my FF for a little over a year now, I have two batteries and it has been working quite well with both. Currently however my batteries last significantly less than when I first got the unit. I know the warranty is still effective, but just curious if any of you guys have experienced this?
Also I understand the particular uniqueness that the FF has to offer, however I have only managed that "good and flavorful" draw a little under 10-15 times. Once I first got the unit it, the first time I breathe through it was flawless. However the next several times weren't as good and that even prompted me to contact their support. They opted to have mine sent in but I thought I could work on the technique a tad bit more. Being over a year it hasn't improved.
Perhaps a new unit is whats needed?

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If you have the old 750 batteries, there are two batches. The first, which were pretty good, are likely the ones you have since you've had them for a year. They tend to lose life and power over the course of 300-plus cycles...so yours are probably just old and losing life. Buy one or two of the new 770 batteries...can't make claims about lifetime yet, they're too new, but they have a charge that lasts up to 2x of the older ones.

As for the rest...sounds like technique issues. Give a spin through the "Best of FF" thread for lots of good technique advice.

http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/best-of-the-firefly-vaporizer-thread.16628/

mitchgo61 said:

If you have the old 750 batteries, there are two batches. The first, which were pretty good, are likely the ones you have since you've had them for a year. They tend to lose life and power over the course of 300-plus cycles...so yours are probably just old and losing life. Buy one or two of the new 770 batteries...can't make claims about lifetime yet, they're too new, but they have a charge that lasts up to 2x of the older ones.

As for the rest...sounds like technique issues. Give a spin through the "Best of FF" thread for lots of good technique advice.

http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/best-of-the-firefly-vaporizer-thread.16628/

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The SOLO is head and shoulders better than the firefly.

Mine came with 550 mah battery.
I will buy a 770 when available!
If I can't make it work looks like I'll drive it to a recycle center.

Just wanted to drop in a line to say that now that I've gotten a hang of the Firefly, it is truly incredible. I did a ton of reading to try to understand the technique before even having the device in my hands, and seriously, nothing beats the "Best Of" thread on here. So many different approaches and any new user WILL find a method that will work for them. I graduated from the MFLB to this and the only thing keeping me from selling all of that stuff off is sentimental value. As far as portability goes, sure, the battery isn't the best (albeit improved recently) but I quite like how solid the thing feels - Build quality and all that jazz. If you're having doubts, stick it out; once you hit your stride with this little guy, the experience is so satisfying. This forum is a wealth of information and I appreciate the hell out of you users that did the leg work for vape noobs like myself. Thank you all so much!

Concentrate pad update # 2 : First of all, I am using a smaller dab than I did initially. I have some magnificent "Blue Dream" wax, assayed at 87.5 % THC. After gently seating the steel pad into the bottom of the bowl, I place a little pancake-shaped blob-o-wax weighing about .03 grams. Yes, that is the correct amount. I press the heat button for 1 greenlight blink, then I take a 25 second draw, heating all the while. This yields minimal vapor. On the second draw, I depress the heat button for 1 blink, then begin a 25 second draw, releasing the heat button 2 blinks into the draw. Big, fluffy, swirling clouds-o-vapor . Schwenggggggg ! At this point the pad has become hot enough to take 3 more draws without having to depress the heat button at all. The forecast has called for clouds. Big ones. The only negative aspect of concentrate pad use in the Firely is the sticky glaze residue, especially on the lid porthole. ISO and a cotton-tipped swab clean things up though. Also, remember to remove the pad with the pick while it is still hot, lest it become glued to the bowl after cooling.

UpUpnAway said:

Just wanted to drop in a line to say that now that I've gotten a hang of the Firefly, it is truly incredible. I did a ton of reading to try to understand the technique before even having the device in my hands, and seriously, nothing beats the "Best Of" thread on here. So many different approaches and any new user WILL find a method that will work for them. I graduated from the MFLB to this and the only thing keeping me from selling all of that stuff off is sentimental value. As far as portability goes, sure, the battery isn't the best (albeit improved recently) but I quite like how solid the thing feels - Build quality and all that jazz. If you're having doubts, stick it out; once you hit your stride with this little guy, the experience is so satisfying. This forum is a wealth of information and I appreciate the hell out of you users that did the leg work for vape noobs like myself. Thank you all so much!

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Welcome to FC...nice first post. Really glad to hear folks are finding the "best of" thread helpful. It's a good place if you're looking for more signal and less noise. Not that the noise isn't fun too....

My firefly is still in rotation. I still love it and have a odd attachment to it. It certainly is a special vaporizer. Although i love my esv more than anything atm but my ff still gets mad respect and i don't know a single person that doesn't enjoy hitting it.

420democrat said:

My firefly is still in rotation. I still love it and have a odd attachment to it. It certainly is a special vaporizer. Although i love my esv more than anything atm but my ff still gets mad respect and i don't know a single person that doesn't enjoy hitting it.

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The Firefly I made work today.
The SOLO is easier.
I will use the Firefly in rotation.
Can't wait until the new battery is available.

new battery

ataxian said:

The Firefly I made work today.
The SOLO is easier.
I will use the Firefly in rotation.

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The Solo is easier. No question.

Ah, but the Firefly rewards the persistent and the patient with cool, sweet, delicious vapor. I also use the FF in rotation...

More thoughts about life with a Firefly....

Cleaning really is easy. After each session, I sweep the bowl and top plate with the included brush (takes less than a minute). Every 3-4 sessions, I use a cotton ball moistened with isopropyl alcohol and wipe down the bowl and top plate (takes 2-3 minutes). I'm impressed with how thoroughly it cleans with minimal effort. There's no need to take anything apart or soak parts. Everything is very durable--not at all delicate. Stoned fingers welcome!

Although I've been tempted by other vaporizers, the more I research, the more I realize the Firefly is the perfect vaporizer for my needs. It's not the smallest. But, it's plenty portable. As far as stealth goes, it all depends on what is meant. Unlike a conduction vaporizer which constantly heats herb and thus potentially emits odor, because the Firefly heats on demands, there's less odor. To me, this is stealth. However, since I'm not interested in breaking any laws using marijuana outside of a residence, I have no need for stealth. Mine is an at-home vaporizer for which the Firefly is perfect.

The battery is fine. Not great; not bad. I get about 3 sessions per charge. Good news is the very fast charge time and ability to swap. I'm never without my Firefly due to battery issues. But, I really wish there was a battery meter.

Yes, there are lots of different ways to grind, pack, and draw hits. In that sense, it's a variable experience. I suppose this is a drawback if one wants a more mindless session. However, the strength of the Firefly is the ability to alter the technique for different desired effects (e.g., more or less vapor). From what I've read, all vaporizers have requirements for grinding, loading, hitting, etc., so I can't imagine the Firefly is particularly difficult.

After reading about the Pax 2's lip sensing heating technology, I thought it would be great if the next Firefly had an "automatic" mode which used lip sensing to activate the heating. This would make for a more simple experience. I'd still like the option of manual heating via the button.

In case anyone missed the "Throwback Thursday" FF Facebook post today....

"Throwback to the original Firefly lab. Did you know the first Fireflys were made in co-founder Sasha Robinson's basement? #vape#vaporizer#macgyver#tbt#throwbackthursday#fireflylab#inventor"

mitchgo61 said:

In case anyone missed the "Throwback Thursday" FF Facebook post today....

"Throwback to the original Firefly lab. Did you know the first Fireflys were made in co-founder Sasha Robinson's basement? #vape#vaporizer#macgyver#tbt#throwbackthursday#fireflylab#inventor"

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I remember a similar picture being posted in some interview.

Still waiting for that FF flask to hit the market.

They seem like tequila drinkers to me.

EveryDayAmnesiac said:

They seem like tequila drinkers to me.

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Mmmm, tobacco and tequila. Yeah, the FF folks know how to live.

Of course, there are worse combinations...

@mitchgo61 Did you ever check out the fireflyers doc? That photo reminded me of the basement shot where they had all the old prototypes.