The Arizer Air

I believe I have determined that the stem with the mouthpiece sucks ass. Even though it's nice for me to have an extra stem ready to go at my couch (that is, away from my "station"), I just don't use that stem anymore (even though I've only had the AA for like a week).

If I get more stems, should I buy more of the all-glass stems, or should I look into other kinds of stems? (I know no one can answer that, but you know what I mean.)

You know what I know about stems, aside from the fact that I don't like the one with the mouthpiece? Nothing.

Quetzalcoatl said:

However I don't think it's enough to make a very noticeable change in any effects. For one, the acids are non-psychoactive. And they decarb when vaporized (due to the heat)...

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That's sort of my thinking on the matter. Improvements would likely be very small and 'lost in the noise'. That is the natural variations are likely to be larger and mask any effects.

And, as you say, at least part of the theoretical gains would happen anyway with vaping temperatures.

Fun idea, though.

Thanks.

Aimless Ryan said:

If I get more stems, should I buy more of the all-glass stems, or should I look into other kinds of stems? (I know no one can answer that, but you know what I mean.)

You know what I know about stems, aside from the fact that I don't like the one with the mouthpiece? Nothing.

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Funny, some love the Air stems, some don't. Good show there are options.

In addition to the all glass Air stem I suggest considering both Solo stems. One is just a longer version, the other bent (which is popular although many went back to straight?). Some like the PVHES, I'm not so big on them, but they too are worth considering.

And if you're really serious, consider one of Ed's fine wood stems. How about a 'bog Oak' one, from a recovered tree older than the pyramids in Egypt?

OF

Bravesst said:

1. Store in mason jars, cvaults with boveda 62 (keep dark). This is long term storage where THC levels are supposed to rise over 2 months, 'final cure'. Be sure not to store too much in each jar, because the idea is to keep it closed.

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.................................

Not scientific but I believe that a proper longterm cure does NOT raise the THC level but does mellow out all the non THC/CBD etc goodies--- think chlorophyll and other generic plant material.
The vaping then becomes smoother and better---- like what happens to a great quality red wine over time----smoother, mellower, tastier, but not stronger

I have tried a # of stems with my air , I like them all but the stock stem always yields me the most vapor and I am always going back to it. @OF I'd like to thank you for your advice here on pbw ( powdered brewery wash). I have been so lazy lately and busy that my stock stems have been to dirty to use. I ordered some pbw after your advice and just got around to using it yesterday , I took about a teaspoon of it with warm water and soaked my stem , it was almost perfectly clean in 10minutes of soaking , I than took a old mug and poored it in , put it in the microwave for about 45seconds with my stem and it was brand new again. I know you didn't mention the microwave method but figured I'd try it instead of using more solution and it worked greAt . I have always used some alcohol and salt or some 420 cleaner but this method has yielded great results and it was quick and easy. Also had a quick question , I never tried a bent solo stem in my air and was wondering how it works compared to a stock stem ? Ty

Justpassedu said:

@OF I'd like to thank you for your advice here on pbw ( powdered brewery wash).

Also had a quick question , I never tried a bent solo stem in my air and was wondering how it works compared to a stock stem ? Ty

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Glad you like it, PBW is good stuff for sure. Heat is definitely important, I use hot tap water at least. I'm a bit shy about boiling it, I worked with a guy how got seriously injured with a similar 'mild but still caustic' detergent when his rig boiled over and spit some in his eye. Goofed him up good and proper. Please be careful. I'll stick with cooling down a bit in use.

Stems I usually wash in a 'travel tube' (really a soft drink bottle preform), like PV sells. I put the stem and a dash of PBW and fill it up (leaving a bit of air space and cap it. The put the lot in a cup/glass full of hot tap water which I keep the tap trickling into. It probably doesn't lose more than a few degrees? I also gently invert the tube several times to force the fluid through the tube so it's not stagnant.

It also degrades some over time, the 'oxyclean action' drops off and you lose that ability to get under stuff.

It's kinda fun to give guys a small jar of it. They invariably bring out a long neglected bong too nasty to use again (which is why the put it up...). They get 'little kid gleeful' watching the nasty stuff drift up on it's own. Pretty fun.

Straight and bent stems vape the same I think. Blindfolded you'd never tell the difference. I think it's more a matter of continence than anything else? Or maybe we should say 'style'........

Thanks for the feedback, glad you like it.

OF

I prefer curved to Solo Straight stems, and I think I could tell the difference blindfolded, with mine at least. I have two straight and two curved, both curved ones have significantly bigger holes in the stem compared to the Straight ones, aiding airflow without the noticeable dilution you get from PVHES style channels in the bowl. The holes are a bit more like the ones in the Stock all glass Air Stem. I also find curved ones easier to use when lying back on the sofa in the evening watching TV, personal preference for when I'm being lazy.

I've considered trying to open up Solo Straight stem holes to match using a Dremel with diamond bit, but guessing I could mess it up and the thought of somehow inhaling bits of broken glass has put me off for now. I still prefer the longer air path from the Solo Straights to the stock Air stems, even with the slightly higher draw resistance.

It's possible Solo Straight Stems exist now that also have the larger holes, if so I'll buy some new ones as mine are six months old. Does anyone know if this is true?

spiggot said:

I prefer curved to Solo Straight stems, and I think I could tell the difference blindfolded, with mine at least. I have two straight and two curved, both curved ones have significantly bigger holes in the stem compared to the Straight ones, aiding airflow without the noticeable dilution you get from PVHES style channels in the bowl. The holes are a bit more like the ones in the Stock all glass Air Stem. I also find curved ones easier to use when lying back on the sofa in the evening watching TV, personal preference for when I'm being lazy.

I've considered trying to open up Solo Straight stem holes to match using a Dremel with diamond bit, but guessing I could mess it up and the thought of somehow inhaling bits of broken glass has put me off for now. I still prefer the longer air path from the Solo Straights to the stock Air stems, even with the slightly higher draw resistance.

It's possible Solo Straight Stems exist now that also have the larger holes, if so I'll buy some new ones as mine are six months old. Does anyone know if this is true?

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I've done the dremel thing, and flame-polished the rim. After it cooled, I did a very thorough rinse (keeping in mind that there was glass). I also used a respirator while doing this, as I was grinding glass. I used proper ventilation. Please keep in mind that glass particles are not something you want to breathe into your lungs. This is why I took precautions and thoroughly washed the stem. I suggest you do the same if you want to do that.

The other route is much easier, and that's buying a "turbo" stem from Planet Vape in your desired configuration. It's the exact same thing but factory made, it is an open bore with a rim to hold a screen. That's about as open as you can get the airflow. Joda Glassworks on PuffItUp is also an open bore stem. Personally I prefer turbo/open bore stems myself. There's no restriction which I like, but since there's no restriction you also have to adjust how you hit it. At the lower temperatures it's much easier to overwhelm the heater, and even at 7 and saturated with heat on a second or third round, if I pull hard enough I can drop it to 5. It's a little more reactive to changes in your draw, but for me it was easy to get used to. Some people like it, some people don't.

I already have a turbo PVHES. Way too much dilution for me, even when drawing very slowly. I want four slightly larger holes like the curved, not one massive one like the turbo PVHES. Less resistance but still with awesome tasty, dense hits. I also dislike the channels in the bowl of the PVHES for the same reason.

I've just ordered a couple more curved yesterday, I might just stick with those. It also fits in my pocket better with a curved attached, rather than sticking out with a straight. Although a recent curved one I brought was so loose in the Air it's fallen out a couple of times while reclining on the sofa mid session. A Hot herb shower isn't good when trying to relax. Hope the new ones don't have that problem.

So many stems for the AA (and solo) are what make it so great. I have probably every one (all the stock stuff, PV stuff, Joda, Ed's TNT - did I miss one?) Truth is I'll go through phases of loving a particular stem, then wind up back at one of the stocks. I'll give you a brief rating of what I think of each stem, but remember, it's based on my ability to get results, maybe others might be more or less skilled.

STOCK STUFF
Tip - tip rocks for pulling harder. Resistance is greater through the hole, but the pressure must go up as your lungs suck through a tiny port. I can work this bad boy, with breath, tongue in front of the hole. I can make the vape seem like warm velvet swimming across the top of my tongue. Taste top notch... I can lift the stem a hair off the bottom to increase flow, sometimes I'll spin, sometime stir. With the new drying technique, I can usually start at blue and kill it before the second green session. Super stealth.

ps - I finally got one of those tip stems that water condenses in, so strange that only one does it

No Tip
Almost the same but takes a bit more skill with the tongue. You can produce almost the same effect as the tiny hole in the tipped stem, but using your tongue as a 'flap' over the stem opening gives you lots of control (like playing the flute). Sometimes the feel of all glass is what I want, not the concentrated opening of the plastic tip (which has no taste BTW).

Bent Stem
I love the bent stem. Definitely gets a bit cooler as it travels around that 45 degree angle. I love to be lying down, AA standing up on my chest, bent stem right at mouth level. It might swivel a bit (on my smaller ones???), but no big deal. I have a couple that are quite tight. Smooth, satisfying, a bit cooler. Love to lean the stem from side to side to play with the seal and suction (you can actually do this will all the stems to a degree).

Long Straight
Just like the bent but straight. Maybe the angle on the bent cools a hair more, maybe my tongue hits it different and makes it seem that way. But I like the long stems sometimes when stealth isn't important.

PlanetVape
Regular vs Shorty / 30% smaller bowl. All use screens (stock stuff does not). My favorite is the vortex shorty.
Vortex - stems narrows to a smaller diameter just above the bowl.
Turbo - stem is wide open all the way through
They also have a bent, and I think stubby's (I don't have as stubby).

On all PV stuff, you have the air vents (like Ed and Joda) to increase air flow. Does this reduce vapor density? I guess it has to, it is mixing air into your vape. Still tastes great, cooler, smooth, but not as dense.

Ed
Awesome if you like wood. Super stealth on the short guys. I love the short one in my AA for on the go. Gotta bump up a hair in temp to overcome the SS. You can pick up a wood flavor here, you might like that, you might not.

Joda
Tight, but nice. I finally got my Joda to seat nicely in one of my AA's last night, great thick vapor. I'll have more to report about this little gem. The glass is thicker, and I guess holds the heat, but the experience changes, still learning it.

I'm sure I'm missing something, and this is not bible, just my experience. You may have different results with different stems based on so many factors. Usually, as @OF always points out, I wind up back with the stock stuff (which is also the easiest to clean and maintain - no screens).

As a side note, not sure if my AA buddies saw this!

Aimless Ryan said:

I believe I have determined that the stem with the mouthpiece sucks ass.

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I may have been full of it when I said that. Or half full of it. So instead of doing a 180, I'm going to do a 90.

I definitely prefer the all-glass stem, but I probably don't think the other stem sucks ass. I think what's really going on is that after forming one screen into a dome shape, I stopped using one of my stems because I was too lazy to do the same thing with another screen. (I still don't think I like that stem, though. Maybe I'll give it another chance later, now that I have another usable screen.)

Thanks, everyone who has replied to my potentially-redundant questions lately. It's very difficult to explain this, but I have cognitive difficulties (from MS), which I didn't used to have. A lot of things just don't 'click' like they used to, in my head. A lot of the things I've read lately seem to have kind of gone straight through me. However, when people answer my questions directly, even though I may have already read the same answers elsewhere, something does click. So my apologies if my questions become annoying. (I don't think that's happened, but just in case.)

We received our new AA Wednesday ... charged the 2 batteries in the i2 Nitecore charger - works well :-)

Good results, but not great Thursday & Friday ... Saturday (yesterday) great results - WOW !!!

Difference? DRIED THE HERB more thoroughly ... wow ... much denser clouds than we're used to with our 5 week old Arizer ExQ balloon system - sipping'

With the AA last evening, we were ripping' ... and not by design. It was Judy's first sesh with the AA and she exhaled her two biggest clouds yet - by far ... same for me ... that AA hits!

I can only attribute the improved performance and results to the drier herb ... first two days I'd need to prime the pump, so to speak, with a pull or two before it got going ... yesterday with the dried out bud: the big results on the first pull that I'd seen on videos and read about here.

I'm glad dry herb and RelativeHumidity has been a topic here of late ...

Received the domed screens FRI - they work great, of course - I place the domed screen's open end even with the stem's opening ... the domed side is plenty clear of the four holes and holds a much more reasonable amount for around the house.

My eBay deal included:
(1) 2 stem caps ... I was very happy to read on the Arizer website that the stem caps are made out of medical grade rubber and compatible with a hot stem that needs to be changed out :-)

(2) an extra battery ... for sure ... if it was my only or even just primary vape, at least three.

Those nice clouds? Vaped at the lowest (blue 356F/180C) setting ... very happy with that.

The only learning curve for us (besides me drying the bud enough) will be how to sip it more, ease off the throttle some.

Draw resistance wasn't an issue at all ... enjoyed both stems - I expected the stem with the tip to have a smaller bowl, but they're the same size, fortunately.

I have noticed, though, that my throat is a little bothered by the AA ... relative to the balloon hits, the AA hits have been much more dense.
I can see why the water devices are a popular alternative ... I might look into a simple bubbler in the future ... I'm not looking to complicate the vaping process any more than it already is ( but I'm not complaining at all ... smoking weed everyday for 30 years, and now 5 months back from a 9.5 yr tolerance break, vaping is like I died & went to heaven :-)

I have a black skin on order ... kinda slippery without a skin IMO ... read a little about not covering up the vents - better for the electronic was the concern.
The skin is 4.75" L ... I cut the bottom 1.75" off ... the remaining 3", inverted, so as the top of the skin is now actually the bottom.
The result: the buttons remain exposed, and the skin covers the rest of the area between the vents and the battery cap - the skin is no longer in the way at battery change out time.
Only drawback IMO is that the charger plug in back is covered ... and in hindsight, I would have left 3.2" and cut off a little less ... all FWIW

We're both quite pleased with our new Arizer gear, vaping in general, and this fine FC community ... thanks everyone :-)

Question: if I only take a hit or two on a fresh bowl, do I need to take the stem out so that the rest of the load doesn't degrade further from the oven's heat?

Please, with all the help I got around here, I'm happy to share what little knowledge I have...

Aimless Ryan said:

However, when people answer my questions directly, even though I may have already read the same answers elsewhere, something does click. So my apologies if my questions become annoying. (I don't think that's happened, but just in case.)

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@TomC1315
For me, as the RH on Long Island went up, my vape experience went down. No longer could I just leave out to dry just before vaping. Once I figured how to dry, I wound up getting the herb way drier than I've ever had before. From cannabis experts around here (and you know who you are), I learned going right from boveda 62 into the vape is not the BEST thing. I came up with a bulb system to dry to almost crispy, and got results like your experiencing. Great wealth of knowledge here.

IMHO it's always best to kill a bowl, but I have sometimes had to cut a session short and come back to it. Ideally that's not best for the herb or the vaporizer, but in a pinch, you'll lose some tastes for sure. There are lots of ways to use screens and grind methods to load less and still get the results you're having. Domed screens are really popular to take up some of the air space on the stem's bowl, in all sorts of configurations. Search this thread for endless ideas. That's what makes the AA and Solo so awesome, the endless combos!

Also, with a better dried herb, you can probably use lower temp setting and ease harshness somewhat. Longer stems might help here too, as would the Planet Vape stuff.

TomC1315 said:

Difference? DRIED THE HERB more thoroughly ... wow ... much denser clouds than we're used to with our 5 week old Arizer ExQ balloon system - sipping'


Question: if I only take a hit or two on a fresh bowl, do I need to take the stem out so that the rest of the load doesn't degrade further from the oven's heat?

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Glad you've caught onto the advantages of being sure your load is well cured (dry). It's more important in some vapes than others I think.

Many do remove the stem to stop a session, I don't. I just shut the power off and stand it up. I believe that the THC is not 'lost' (it simply condenses elsewhere in the load) if you don't suck it away. Some of us have left loaded stems in our 'stem vape' (in my case a PD) overnight and found the taste gone but the effect still there. For sure any loss is very minor.

OTOH, if you pull the stem, it's still hot (and the glass retains heat well) but with the open end you definitely lose something.......you can smell as much?

OF

TomC1315 said:

I have noticed, though, that my throat is a little bothered by the AA

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Glad you mentioned that. I was getting that kind of feeling at first (a week ago), but it's not happening now. Or at least I haven't consciously noticed it lately.

Aimless Ryan said:

Glad you mentioned that. I was getting that kind of feeling at first (a week ago), but it's not happening now. Or at least I haven't consciously noticed it lately.

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It can get hot, your throat is close. I found as my "technique" improved, this became less and less of an issue. Longer stems help, water (which I don't use) helps, lower temps help, better grind helps, dumping earlier helps, mixing cool or moist air in your mouth really helps. This is what you had to do with combustion, especially some pipes (why I always used doobs, cooler). Many, many ways to find a cooler vape session. Read all of what others have done here.

Water tools probably cool and moisten (dry is also the enemy here) the best, but change the experience (for me) the most. I was never a bong or water pipe guy. Sipping a cool drink (must keep the environment in your mouth moist and cool), or eating ice cream (amazing effect ice cream and vaping) help also.

Stay cool!!!

Aimless Ryan said:

Glad you mentioned that. I was getting that kind of feeling at first (a week ago), but it's not happening now. Or at least I haven't consciously noticed it lately.

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Practice and experiment with everything. That has worked wonders for me. Six months in with the Air and it's still getting better all the time, mostly thanks to a lot of good folk on this site.

You just never know. I'm currently using an PV shorty vortex, small amount of herb, and blue is killing it. I'll bump to white, but I bet this load will be spent before I can get to green. Nice and cool is cool, but I tend to get impatient some times and try and rush things (with temp bumps). The drier start can keep the session in the 350F to 380F range (blue to green I believe?), and keep it sweet and potent, and still pretty cool, especially with a PVHES.

Speaking of drying herb, Otis (my OCD alter ego) has taken thing way too far. I can now dry my herb from six feet away, while I get a sunburn. Thank God I fought fires for a living...

Can anyone share a good source for Boveda? I have some in my Amazon cart, but I don't want to pull the trigger until I know I'm not making a poor choice.

Aimless Ryan said:

Can anyone share a good source for Boveda? I have some in my Amazon cart, but I don't want to pull the trigger until I know I'm not making a poor choice.

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I bought mine direct last time, it was the only place I could find the 54% packs.

I've bought my Boveda packs through Amazon, same with my Cvault containers. If it's cheaper somewhere else go for it.
Earlier was out on my bike and stopped half way through my ride and sat down on a bench by our tiny local creek. I had my Air in my pack, also had an already loaded stem with a rubber black cap, the little ones you can buy through PIU. I was able to enjoy a short 5 min session, then was ready to be on my way.

This little vaporizer is so convenient. It's always ready when you are with the extra batteries that the user can replace. It's easily put away when you're ready to be on your way.

so i ordered an Air, but i gifted it to a friend. i still have never used an Air yet, but my homie is really loving his. i ordered it from PIU and Randy set us straight! i know your watching

anyway, PIU is really a great place to order an Air from. dirt cheap price and free 2nd day shipping. Thanks again Randy!!!

The discussion of Boveda packs has raised a question or two in my mind.

1. could you use desiccant packages (like found in vitamins etc) to dry out humid medication?

2. Could you use enough desiccant packages to actually decarb the medicine?

Anyone with experience with these Humidity packs (from adding and subtraction humidity)?

sickmanfraud said:

The discussion of Boveda packs has raised a question or two in my mind.

1. could you use desiccant packages (like found in vitamins etc) to dry out humid medication?

2. Could you use enough desiccant packages to actually decarb the medicine?

Anyone with experience with these Humidity packs (from adding and subtraction humidity)?

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1. Yes, but you'll need a lot of the little ones. There are better options as I suggested a week or so back. Be careful, some of the packs remove oxygen (not water), not what we went.

2. No, you need heat.

OF

OF said:

1. Yes, but you'll need a lot of the little ones. There are better options as I suggested a week or so back. Be careful, some of the packs remove oxygen (not water), not what we went.

2. No, you need heat.

OF

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@OF, I understood that the action of decarboxylation process (turning THCA to THC) was achieved by time and proper storage of the material or by heat, speeding up the drying process.

I know that I have read somewhere that you can decarb cannabis in a food dehydrator.

Low heat (this is probably about 20 to 30 degrees above air temp) to lower RH. This is what I've been messin' with