VaporGenie

aero18, like I say, I'm no chemist and am just speculating based on observations. But you're right, I didn't mean "heating it does need to be done". What I meant was that heating it seems to bring out more of the medicinal and recreational properties of the herb.
I do recall reading something in a book about cannabis, ages ago, that said something about heating it just a bit - like sauteing some in a frying pan with a tiny bit of oil, maybe even no oil if it's like an old cast iron pan - does bring out the propah propahties. That doesn't mean it's true, but at least someone printed it in a book.

Hey guys I just wanted to throw up a link to a VaporGenie tutorial that I made..it's really pretty easy to use the VaporGenie, you just have to be patient.

MoeOnTheMoon, I saw your post on page 35 where you said you are having trouble with it now, but you weren't at first..I had to same problem after about a month of using my VaporGenie. I think the problem is that I got too cocky and was in such a hurry to vape that I wasn't being patient enough and letting the herb heat up slowly like it is supposed to.
Also, you can use a bic or other flint lighter as long as you spark the flint away from the bowl and then move the flame up to the bowl. Also, hold the lighter so that the flint is underneath the flame since hot air rises and will melt your flint right out of the plastic casing.

Peace
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qob_65N94nA

Hey Rin, No, I got it working again. What I had done was try to use a "flame thrower" type lighter and it just did not work right. Once I went back to the Barbecue lighter and held the flame the right way I got it to work just fine, again.

For me, the key to using the vapor genie is to hold the flame right over the top bowl, and let it dip a little into the crater, but not too much when you breathe in; then don't breathe in too strongly, just a medium to light inhalation. But, then back off the lighter before it burns... Sounds more complicated than it is. It does take some practice but it's not hard. I think when you use it day in and day out you get a feel for it.

aero18 said:

I don't think heating it needs to be done since you can watch dogs who have eating some raw cannabis just look completely dazed and lack any good coordination. Also, I have heard of some anecdotal accounts where people got a little buzzed after eating quite a bit.

Who knows whether it was just a placebo affect on people, but it does have a pronounced effect on dogs so I think there is some decarboxylized THC in the bud.

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AFAIK, there is some decarboxylation during the curing process but it is minimal. You still need to heat it to >~ 100C to fully convert the cannabinoic acid to the psychactive cannabinoids that we like so much.

MoeOnTheMoon said:

For me, the key to using the vapor genie is to hold the flame right over the top bowl, and let it dip a little into the crater, but not too much when you breathe in; then don't breathe in too strongly, just a medium to light inhalation. But, then back off the lighter before it burns... Sounds more complicated than it is. It does take some practice but it's not hard. I think when you use it day in and day out you get a feel for it.

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Exactly haha

It has never gotten old either, still new and exciting!

I bought a VaporGenie 3 months ago but never got the hang of it, then bought a Myrtlezap and a Launchbox and didn't look back. Thought I would revisit the VG now that my vape skills have improved.

I'm enjoying the VaporGenie now. I think my initial problem was trying to rush the process. Obviously, you have to get the heating element hot enought to vaporize, and that takes time. Trying to use a butane lighter was the other problem. The beeswax hemp wick makes a world of difference. The first drag or two goes to get the unit up to temp, usually on the third slow drag (if you can hear a hiss from the pipe you are sucking too hard) I can feel the heat on my tongue, then I remove the flame and suck hard like I'm hitting a bong. I'm getting very tasty, visible vapor clouds that hit hard now. Then I stir the herb and get one more hit out of the bowl. Whether using the hemp wick or a lighter I just let the flame slightly penetrate the bowl and take my time. Makes all the difference.

My impression now is that the VG is a keeper. Almost as stingy with the herb as the Zap. A bit easier on the draw than the Zap and I seem to get harder hits. Not as convenient as the Zap though. I'm going to emjoy having the VG in my rotation, especially for hash. It definitely can be made to work and work well, you just need to be patient. Smoking a warm pipe is very comforting. Funny that I had to use a couple other vapes before I could come back to the VG and get it to work for me.

Just perusing FC and thinking about my Vapor Genie, and you know what the best selling point of the VG is imo?

It's just fun to chill with a pipe. I don't think I would ever get rid of it for any other vaporizer, for that reason alone.

And I mean damn does the thing just work for something so simple

sneezyjesus said:

Just perusing FC and thinking about my Vapor Genie, and you know what the best selling point of the VG is imo?

It's just fun to chill with a pipe. I don't think I would ever get rid of it for any other vaporizer, for that reason alone.

And I mean damn does the thing just work for something so simple

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I enjoy that about the vg also-- you can just chill and hold it in your hand between or after hits. Something natural about just holding it, absorbed in a movie or just the carpet, genie in hand, ready to serve at a moment's notice.

I agree, I love holding it even when I'm not vaporizing...I always keep it in my desk and pull it out a few times a day haha, even now that I'm taking a break from Cannabis. I just can't believe that such a tiny little piece of wood and metal has brought me so much pleasure and such a great experience with Cannabis.
<3
I'm hoping to get a glass VG soon, I've been selling VaporGenies to my friend for a small profit and after selling 20 I have finally made $100 that I will most likely spend on the beautiful glass piece...once they have some more in stock

I really like the fact that once you get down the technique you can get a really great thick hit with the Genie. I haven't tried hash with it but I hope to, some day in the near future.

I also have always used pipes for smoking and so using a pipe has a certain appeal for me. The only part about using the Genie I don't like is having to pre-heat it. If there was some way to easily pre-heat it better without having to use a flame, then they'd really have something! But it's not really a problem, just a bit of an inconvenience. If you could like sit the heater on a hot plate or something, put it in some kind of little heating device for a minute...

Is there a consensus on how safe this thing is? I would like to get a small portable pipe like vape for my father for christmas. he has never used a vape and probably never heard of one either. how about the magic flight box too? he's old and has high blood pressure. I would like to get him the most smoke free one possible.

I would lean towards the VG as a gift in your situation. The ritual of smoking is somewhat satisfied when using the VG because it works like a pipe. I found when I first started vaping and had several vapes I would gravitate towards the VG sometimes because the ritual felt like smoking. There's nothing in the VG that isn't already in lots of smoking pipes.

stickstones said:

I would lean towards the VG as a gift in your situation. The ritual of smoking is somewhat satisfied when using the VG because it works like a pipe. I found when I first started vaping and had several vapes I would gravitate towards the VG sometimes because the ritual felt like smoking. There's nothing in the VG that isn't already in lots of smoking pipes.

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thanks. so you think it's better than the flight box? i think i have narrowed it down to those 2. do they produce any smoke?

Once you learn how to use it, the VaporGenie doesn't produce smoke. There's always the chance of overheating it and getting a bit of combustion, but with practice that doesn't happen. The last time I burnt mine at all was months ago.

I can't help you compare it to the Flight Box though, as I've never used it, sorry

The LaunchBox is a great little unit. But I think for a conversion to vapor gift to someone who has smoked for a long time and never vaporized, I would get the VG. The VG can combust, and I think the Box can too.

stickstones said:

The LaunchBox is a great little unit. But I think for a conversion to vapor gift to someone who has smoked for a long time and never vaporized, I would get the VG. The VG can combust, and I think the Box can too.

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Both have the potential to combust material. In fact, I think every vaporizer has the potential to combust herb to some degree. It's virtually always due to user error.

For me, I thoroughly enjoy the vapor from Launch Box over my VaporGenies any day. The soot from the lighter doesn't make vapor as appealing to my sensitive palate than the Launch Box. Plus, soot in your lungs is not as healthy or ideal when compared to electric vaporization.

now I dont know which one to get! Which one is easier to use? I saw that you have to right the vapor genie the right way to get it not to burn. but it is cheaper isnt it? and the launch box is smaller and cleaner?

The genie is a great first vape...like SS said, it is looks and feels like a regular pipe, so it's not as big a transition for a smoker. Simple design, no moving parts. But I'm biased, not have tried Launch box.

freeman dyson said:

now I dont know which one to get! Which one is easier to use? I saw that you have to right the vapor genie the right way to get it not to burn. but it is cheaper isnt it? and the launch box is smaller and cleaner?

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Both are not difficult to use. I do think that the launch box is easier to use since you just plug a battery in and you are off. I think the VaporGenie is easier to use with other substances, like salvia, because you can heat up the material inside very quickly.

And yes, the Launch Box is a bit cleaner and more stealthy than the VaporGenie. You are not inhaling soot from the pipe. You aren't inhaling soot from the lighter nor are you waving a lighter in the air. My friends were almost caught by the police since the device looked suspicious.

I like both, don't get me wrong. It's just that the Launch Box has slightly better features in most aspects.

Oh I almost forgot! You can easily hook up the vaporgenie to a bong whereas you can not really (or as not as easily) hook up the launch box to a water pipe. That is a big pro going for the VaporGenie IMO.

Just Ordered my Black VaporGenie from VapeWorld today. I should have it on Monday. I am so stoked to get this and start disassembling the Vapir!!

aero18 said:

freeman dyson said:

now I dont know which one to get! Which one is easier to use? I saw that you have to right the vapor genie the right way to get it not to burn. but it is cheaper isnt it? and the launch box is smaller and cleaner?

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Both are not difficult to use. I do think that the launch box is easier to use since you just plug a battery in and you are off. I think the VaporGenie is easier to use with other substances, like salvia, because you can heat up the material inside very quickly.

And yes, the Launch Box is a bit cleaner and more stealthy than the VaporGenie. You are not inhaling soot from the pipe. You aren't inhaling soot from the lighter nor are you waving a lighter in the air. My friends were almost caught by the police since the device looked suspicious.

I like both, don't get me wrong. It's just that the Launch Box has slightly better features in most aspects.

Oh I almost forgot! You can easily hook up the vaporgenie to a bong whereas you can not really (or as not as easily) hook up the launch box to a water pipe. That is a big pro going for the VaporGenie IMO.

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I figured this would come around eventually and actually I'm surprised there isn't a whole Launch Box Vs. Vapor Genie thread.

I have the VG and have used the LB a friend has, many times.

Here's my take on the comparison:

Yes, the LB is easier to use. The VG requires a bit more of a learning curve. They both can combust but the VG will combust "worse" if you are not careful or don't have the technique down. Occasionally I get a very large combustion from the VG if I'm not careful. Again, this is totally user error and the more you use it the less chance there is of this happening. I only got combustion on the LB the first time I used it, never again. Also the VG requires that pre-heating with the match or lighter which annoys me a little as I usually only take one good hit at a time. If I were a choo-choo-er I don't think it would annoy me quite as much.

The LB is more discreet, smaller and quicker to use. It may still "look suspicious" if you are using it but it only takes 20 sec. to get a hit whereas the VG takes a while to get warmed up for the first hit which leaves you more open to being seen, plus using the lighter with the VG.

As to using the LB with a water pipe, we have done it with much success. Just attach one end of one of the "nubs" to a piece of vinyl or silicon tubing and attach the other end to a water pipe intake nub. Works great. I have used both with a water pipe; ah, but an old school type not the all-glass type.

Overall, my preference is for the LB because it's easier and cleaner and more portable. However, I have never gotten as big of hits off the LB as I can get with the VG. Maybe the LB my friend has is a little cooler-running than it should be? Not sure. But what I like about the VG is that you can get very big hits if you are in the mood to, yet also get light smaller hits if you want. One thing I have noticed with the LB is that it works better if you load the trench up about 3/4 full. With the VG I can load as little or much as I want.

So for me it's a toss-up EXCEPT that I feel the LB is more stealthy for outdoor use. For most purposes they are different but one is not necessarily BETTER than the other. I slightly prefer the LB and would like to get one. But I would not get rid of my VG.

got a black one today and got the hang of vaping on the 1st bowl.

xantichristx said:

got a black one today and got the hang of vaping on the 1st bowl.

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Ive learned this one thing in my learning curve...ITS ALL ABOUT FLAME SIZE!!! Too big and you WILL combust and create soot. Too small and youre gonna run outta lungs before you get a good hit going. I have my flame right around 1"-1 1/4" and it seems to be working PERFECTLY. Good luck with yours & happy vaping!!

First... thanks to all of the posters here!!! This is by far the best forum for vape info. I think part of the reason is because it's hard to end up here on accident. This is a thriving and exciting community.

I've had a VB vape for about five years, but I figured I'd wait for the technology to advance before getting another one. Wow! There are so many options now; it's great to have all of these choices! I chose (thanks in large part to this forum) the VG to be my next one.

Anyways, here's my take so far. My first use was today, and I must say that it is perfect for me. I like to conserve, so efficiency is key. I wanted my first try to be with as little as possible. I loaded just enough dry grind to cover about 5/8th of the screen. Originally, I had the whole screen covered, but I decided to really test it.

Success! This thing works quite well. I'm sure I could have used less. The technique was pretty much as has been described in this thread, but here are some things I noticed:

1. I did barely touch the wood closest to the bowl, and now there's a little mark there. It doesn't look burnt, though; it looks like it has been lightly stained. Any more of that, and it would more burnt. I blame myself for this since I moved the jet flame around a bit too much.

Notice that this was the VG and not the dry grind! The grind was nowhere near burnt at the end of the session.

2. If you use a jet flame, then you really don't need to move it around all that much. I moved it around a bit too much, which led to the mark on the wood. Really, some minimal movement (if any at all) of the flame is necessary for even coverage.

3. For those who do want to use a jet flame, keeping the flame above the bowl is perfect. There is no need at all for the flame to even enter the bowl. I think this is where some people erroneously burn their loads. Just a series of two or three seconds on/ one second off of the torch (with a nice, slowly paced draw), and there will be no worry at all about burning. Even after reading and watching videos, I am pleasantly surprised with the results.

EDIT: just noticed FEAR420's post. Yes, absolutely use the lowest setting on a jet flame lighter. There's no need to turn it up at all. Good call, FEAR420.

I was able to get about four nice hits. It is very efficient. Form start to finish, it took about three minutes tops. I checked the grind two or three times during the session, and the top part was more warm than hot. Burning yourself from that shouldn't be an issue unless the sessions are quite long. If there are several people, I'd suggest waiting awhile in between people.

For my next vape, I would like to get the PD, but the wait list is so long. Honestly, the brass thing for the MZ scares me. Perhaps the DBV or the SSV. Are my current (standard VB-type) whips compatible to either one of them?

The VG is definitely a winner in my opinion. It is portable enough for me. I wouldn't be able to vape with it on the bus, but I wouldn't want to with any other vape, either.

If anyone has any questions, I'll be glad to answer them. I will probably give updates every now and then. It is solidly built and looks like it'll last a very long time.

interesting fear420...never thought about that...I will pay attention to it