I received my Ti Woody VapCap (in beautiful Cocobolo) as well as my DynaStash (in also-beautiful Paduak) on Christmas Eve, a few days before schedule- a happy surprise. I won't be able to use it again for awhile, but I figured I'd document my experience up to this point.
So far, I've used it exclusively with my Zippo, as it is the only lighter I have. I seem to get the best results when I hold it about 1/3-1/2 of the way up the flame, pack with coarsely-ground material, and pack loosely- no more than 75% full after tapping it a few times to settle the material. I always get 2 clicks for both informing me of sufficient temperature and informing me of cool down. My unit developed a crack on the first night, I want to say it was the 3rd load. That said, it is still completely functional, doesn't impede the function in any way, and unless something goes cataclysmically wrong, I won't be sending it back.
I do save my ABV, but as several of you have said, I agree that there likely isn't much point, as I vape the material several times (usually stirring after every cycle, which also helps the unit cool down- I pull the cap off and stick it to the DynaStash's magnet while I'm stirring to help speed cooling along a little.) and by the time I retrieve it, it is dark brown. I also concur with those who have reported clouds are absolutely not correlated with potency for the VapCap- the most potent loads I've ever had had no clouds, but I'm a cloud chaser so I've refined my technique to where I stay between the clicks for the first cycle or 2 for maximum potency, then I'll heat several seconds after the heating clicks for the last cycle or 2 to get those clouds. I mostly don't bother using the carb, but I'm still experimenting with it. The carb seems to work best for me when the unit has already gone through a few heat cycles and the material is loosely packed.
Re: logistics, I coarsely grind my material in a small Space Case, then load from there by dipping the tip into the material, twisting, tapping it a few times to settle the material, then applying the cap and firing away. To my knowledge, I've never combusted, even after heating a for quite a bit after the clicks. I only vape at home, so I use the DynaStash to store the VapCap itself, but I don't store my material in it. I requested my DynaStash come in Paduak wood, and it's gorgeous. If I were any happier with how beautifully it pairs with the Cocobolo I requested my VapCap in, I would need to resort to interpretive dance. I don't think I could be any happier, they're both so well done.
I do have a question on how best to clean it, and I'm sorry if I've missed this information being shared previously. How do I clean my Woody without damaging that beautiful wood? I would twist the tip and the cap off carefully, soak in Isopropyl Alcohol, and then dry before reinserting, right? How can I best clean the airpath? Is there a tool anyone has found especially helpful with that?
Background on me and my experience in the vaping arena: I am still refining my technique and learning as best I can, as I've only been vaping for 6-ish months. This is my first lighter-powered vaporizer, and my 3rd vaporizer overall- I also own a Firefly as well as a V2 Series 3, neither of which have been touched since receiving my VapCap and I don't see that changing anytime soon. I bought this VapCap because after initial satisfaction with my Firefly, it quickly developed heating problems, and eventually stopped working altogether. I sent it for repairs, and while the issue I sent it for seems to have been fixed, it now seems to have another issue. Between that and the expensive batteries that deplete quickly and seem to die sooner than they should, I was more than a little disgusted and wanted something nice that worked well, but simply, with a minimum of hassle and gimmicks. I strongly considered the DaVinci Ascent, almost bought the Pax 2 several times, and was warily considering the Grasshopper. Then I found this thread. Search= over.
I have raved about the VapCap to as many people as I could. I am very, very happy with my purchase. I would like to thank George for his hard work, attention to detail, and dedication, and I'd like to thank the members of this forum for the information you've shared. I'm new to this and still find it a bit overwhelming, it is nice to have somewhere to come for good information.
