Discontinued herbalAire

the HA was my first plug in unit. I remember the early reviews which claimed it to be as good as a volcano at 1/3 the cost. demos of people throwing it or dropping it from ladders... well, since I couldn't afford a volcano at the time I took a chance on the herbie. other vapes have come and gone but the HA is still in my rotation and remains extreemly respectable. A good friend recently bought one and never hesitates to tell me how amazing it is. It's hard to limit yourself to just one vape, but it's still among my favorites.

I just got an HA2.2 and I'm trying to figure a couple things out. I'm already getting ceramic screens as this thread recommends, but is there anything else I should be doing to get more vapor? I'm getting pretty light vapor right now, nothing close to this example:
It's light enough that it's sometimes hard to tell if a filled bag has vapor in it or not, so I feel like I'm doing something wrong. I have the same issue whether in whip mode, direct draw, bags, vapebonging etc.
Also, when I use the vape in bag mode it blows bits of plant matter into the bag. Is there any way to prevent this?

I found the vapour quality of the hA to be unlike any vaporizer i've ever used, much more airy and whispier. You don't get that thick, dense, vapour.... the best I can compare it to from my experience, is using a Solo with a PVHES or PVHEgong vs using a Solo with a stock stem...... the PVHES just makes the airflow better, but that added airflow "dilutes" the vapour......much more easier to take, but perhaps not as satisfying for some.

I think using more product, or modding like @lazylathe with an adjustable dome screen could yield better results, but overall IMO that hA isn't the best vape for micro-dosing. Both my wife and I have recently realized that we get much more medicated with the S&B Mighty than the hA, using the same amount (0.05-.1g).

With the bags, same thing here.....I suppose a finer screen is needed....what's worse is that the bags like even when new.

Have you considered a PV gong for your hA?

biohacker said:

I found the vapour quality of the hA to be unlike any vaporizer i've ever used, much more airy and whispier. You don't get that thick, dense, vapour....

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I'm surprised to hear this. I get thick dense bags each and every time I use my herbalAire h2.2. My instructions are in the how to guide posted in the resource section.

Maybe that's why, I should have been more precise and mentioned that I exclusively use it with a PV gong or the tong/crucible. Vapour density/cloud size are all subjective i've learned, but still in comparison, for direct hit or vape bonging, the hA is the most airy least dense vapour clouds i've experienced out of any vape i've ever owned or tried. Not saying this is a bad thing, as the airflow is incredible, and the clouds can be massive forsure, but i'm starting to realize that gram for gram, it takes me much longer to get through a hA sesh compared to the Mighty.

The pump driven bag mode is the most efficient method of extraction with the herbalAire.

mikek9 said:

The pump driven bag mode is the most efficient method of extraction with the herbalAire.

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I agree!
0,05 in the TonG gives endless whispy hits. First hit is great with a heat soak but after that very light vapor.

0,05 in the TonG with bag gives dense vapor that is thick and tasty!
Much better in the bag!

Today I found one of the smoothest ways to rip my Herbalaire. I put the chamber of my Arizer Extreme Q over my TonG adapter. Although I can already connect this adapter to any glass piece, the Extreme Q chamber, which fits perfectly on top, allows me to hit the Herbalaire through a whip and also offers a possible second nug chamber. Also, using a Nector Collector metal nail attached to the end of the whip (that also acts as a mouthpiece), I can whip it through the bong, which offers additional cooling as opposed to just the Herbalaire connected through the TonG adapter.

biohacker said:

I found the vapour quality of the hA to be unlike any vaporizer i've ever used, much more airy and whispier. You don't get that thick, dense, vapour.... the best I can compare it to from my experience, is using a Solo with a PVHES or PVHEgong vs using a Solo with a stock stem...... the PVHES just makes the airflow better, but that added airflow "dilutes" the vapour......much more easier to take, but perhaps not as satisfying for some.

I think using more product, or modding like @lazylathe with an adjustable dome screen could yield better results, but overall IMO that hA isn't the best vape for micro-dosing. Both my wife and I have recently realized that we get much more medicated with the S&B Mighty than the hA, using the same amount (0.05-.1g).

With the bags, same thing here.....I suppose a finer screen is needed....what's worse is that the bags like even when new.

Have you considered a PV gong for your hA?

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I've been using the GB-187-S with the hA, and getting similarly light vapor. The light vapor doesn't bother me too much, because I do get medicated and the product is brown throughout after a session. The only reason I care at all is because I see videos/posts describing thick vapor coming from this thing, so if it's possible to get that then I guess I'd prefer it. Is the vapor you get out of the PV gong anything like that video I linked?

I've been using a pretty good amount of product, and have done some experimenting with how I pack it, screens, etc. I've also been using it at high temperatures (375-400) if that's relevant. I took the screen out of my crucible, and I've been putting product (unground) in the crucible, placing the screen on top, and then packing it down really tightly using a AA battery. I also put a finer screen on top of the stock screen to keep anything from blowing into the bags. This has been getting pretty good results for the first bag, but after a few bags (3-4) I stop getting anything (this seems pretty consistent with the review from @mikek9). Is the hA just a really fast vape? Using the bags, I get about a 5-6 minute session where I put a bag on, and as soon as it's done I swap it for a new bag and inflate that one while I inhale out of the first bag. All the methods I've tried (whip, bag, direct draw, TonG to GB-187) seem to give me lighter vapor than I see on reviews, videos, or from reports on this board. I'm going to try putting the screen halfway down the crucible and using a lower heat setting. Also, what is the dome screen mod you mentioned?

The PV gong is awesome, it's a must have IMO to have as an accessory, and given the choice I would take it over the tong, since i'm mostly a vapebong guy. The dome screen mod is just that, a PV gong (regular size) with a basket screen used to vary any load size (think e-nano basket screen).

friarderry said:

I've been using the GB-187-S with the hA, and getting similarly light vapor. The light vapor doesn't bother me too much, because I do get medicated and the product is brown throughout after a session. The only reason I care at all is because I see videos/posts describing thick vapor coming from this thing, so if it's possible to get that then I guess I'd prefer it. Is the vapor you get out of the PV gong anything like that video I linked?

I've been using a pretty good amount of product, and have done some experimenting with how I pack it, screens, etc. I've also been using it at high temperatures (375-400) if that's relevant. I took the screen out of my crucible, and I've been putting product (unground) in the crucible, placing the screen on top, and then packing it down really tightly using a AA battery. I also put a finer screen on top of the stock screen to keep anything from blowing into the bags. This has been getting pretty good results for the first bag, but after a few bags (3-4) I stop getting anything (this seems pretty consistent with the review from @mikek9). Is the hA just a really fast vape? Using the bags, I get about a 5-6 minute session where I put a bag on, and as soon as it's done I swap it for a new bag and inflate that one while I inhale out of the first bag. All the methods I've tried (whip, bag, direct draw, TonG to GB-187) seem to give me lighter vapor than I see on reviews, videos, or from reports on this board. I'm going to try putting the screen halfway down the crucible and using a lower heat setting. Also, what is the dome screen mod you mentioned?

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You can't get milky white bags of vapour with the herbalAire bag mode? Have you read my how to tips in my review? I assume you have but with very little I am able to achieve at least one full bag of dense vapour with as little as 0.15g loaded and get properly medicated. I also don't have a low tolerance.

What quality of cannabis are you using as well? Does it have good trichome coverage?

mikek9 said:

You can't get milky white bags of vapour with the herbalAire bag mode? Have you read my how to tips in my review? I assume you have but with very little I am able to achieve at least one full bag of dense vapour with as little as 0.15g loaded and get properly medicated. I also don't have a low tolerance.

What quality of cannabis are you using as well? Does it have good trichome coverage?

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Quality could be an issue, I'll see if I can test another strain and find a difference. I'm getting the first couple bags to fill with much thicker vapor now, but nothing close to this:
http://www.herbalaire.com/uploads/1/6/1/3/16138330/270327_orig.jpg
which seems to be about how most bags look if you google "herbalaire bags".

I think unit using true convection doesn't "milk" bubblers but when you exhale vapor seems thicker....that's I experienced with such units as the HA, Vrip and the MV. On the other side conduction based unit can milk like crazy but less impressive at exhale...

Strains make definitly a big difference although the HA shine to give you a pleasant session even with low grade buds!

no grind and bags are the way to go with this vape I've found. why doesn't the bag system get more love? I believe other than using a water tool maybe, the bags are the best. simple to use, here's a tip. buy the elite bag valve, it's way better than those yellow clamps. I use them on my 2.2 and love them.

What bags do you use? Or do your stock bags not leak at the seams like mine? I also notice leakage at the valve. Have the yellow clamps on the way with the High Output pump.

Heya guys, I also noticed some leakage around the valve a few times but I thought the bags were just worn, I still got 6 of them or something so I've been using em for a while! I had the Herbalaire on the mind today, what an awesome vape signature! I used to think I just got real high because I use more weed, but it's definitely more than that, there is something just so unique about the type of stone I get from it

I threw together this little video after my first session today with the HA. I also timed the heatup for the hell of it, 1:52:30 to get to 375 Hope you guys enjoy this, I had a lot of fun engineering it together, just was high and toying around with stuff and this is what happened, I had seen it done before but it was a fun little thing to do after work today, reaping the results now

In my experience the problem of whispy vapor is one attributable to airflow.

The airflow is pretty wide compared to portables like the Solo and, as such, the density of hits won't be the same.

That said, the increased airflow makes for a brilliant rip - try pulling incredibly hard on your HA with the Solo stem mod and if you're not getting the same volume of clouds (read, volume not density) that you would in a Solo, something's wrong with your grind/cure/vape/pack. I ALWAYS loose fill the stems, rip hard and fast and let the glass heatsoak when I'm looking for a little more conduction-y vapor.

It should really be noted, though, that clouds generally mean more particulate in the vapor and are not necessarily an indication of dosage.

This has been stated numerous times in the thread. Anyone having troubles should re-read the first fifty or so. The majority of mods and tweaks mentioned are to do with airflow - one of which was drilling out the stock mouthpiece, another was a bigger ID whip for whip users. I tend to think the HA performs best with a heavy draw.

Take from this what you will. All I can suggest is further experimentation. When changing things I generally keep all other factors as steady as I can so as to really pinpoint the issue/most important factor.

Edit: I'm loving my HA, by the way. The only thing I've used since I've had it is my Vapman for quick on-the-goes (Vapman is a whispier vapor in my experience, too, and I'm very fond of how effectively they work on me).

Totally agree about the airflow and wispier clouds.... I think convection plays a factor in this as well.

@HellsWindStaff That vape signature is awesome! It's VOODOO! The hA extraction is absolutely incredible. I actually own an Elite, and calibrated it to MAX, so essentially it goes to 213c instead of default 200c (or 400f whatever), and can get some serious cloudage.

Curious, since you own an EVO, what do you think of it compared to the hA? I've owned the Cloud, Cloud+, and EVO, and much prefer the hA over them for so many reasons.... heatup time, durability, versatility, maintenance, cost, digital precision, extraction, etc. I just see so much hype for some vapes, but then the hA and Elite get such very little love on FC!

Looking forward to my HO pump on monday, so I can use wall power (Elite the pump plugs into the unit itself), especially since my Herbalizer arrives on monday too! Both amazing versatile whip bag and bong vapes with great heatup speed and incredible extraction!

It is such a good time to be alive!

@biohacker

I seriously forgot how much I love it, and I have never even truly used the "espresso" mode until today! So sick! Loadedup a .3 nug, fully extracted after a nice long relaxing session! I'm still feeling the effects I usually load the full nug in the crucible, or more often than not I grind up and put in the crucible.

I agree the hA is CRIMINALLY underrated! It's a great vape! I actually was feeling so inspired after the session earlier, I took another .3 nug, smeared wax all over it, and then rolled it all over a bunch of kief! I threw that moonrock in their and am just waiting to get blasted off!

This is tough. I very rarely use the hA and I use the EVO all the time, and I would say I think I prefer the EVO but that's not a knock on the hA by any means. Perhaps my opinion will change more, because I had only used the whip one time and thought the draw was crazy restrictive......I used it today and it wasn't the case. I think I forgot to unplug the pump last time

The reasons I think I prefer it are because it is easier to clean and deal with. Those little straws get gunked up quick with the pump, and I can't really clean out my crucible screen that well :/ plus, you can dab out of the EVO. The ability to pair with water is great too and I think it excels in water, not that the hA can't but I've only been able to use it with my hydratube or that setup yesterday

That's also something, I use the hA dry all the time, and I never use the EVO dry. But the hA signature is very unique and strong I love the bags, and I've been loving the whip. I'll try DD sometime, I used it once when I brought the hA out but I forgot the stems, only had the teflon mouthpiece, so a bit hot.

I like bringing it out to groups or parties though, I never have to worry about anyone breaking anything and don't have to monitor my equipment. I love bringing all my vapes out, but this is one where I'm not feeling anal retentive about how some drunk is gonna knock over my hydratube or drop a log on the ground or something.

I think they each have their place though and I ALWAYS recommend the hA to people who are looking for a budget vaporizer, because it does everything and it does it well IMO the function far exceeds the price point.

Truly a great time!

@HellsWindStaff:

A couple of suggestions:

For easier cleaning of the HA crucible screen, straws, and any pieces, soak in alcohol (isopropyl works fine). I also soak my glass bubbler and other pieces and after a while, I harvest the brown isogoo that is oh so nice to vape!

Try using your HA inverted into your glass, this is where it really shines, imo. Although I prefer it with my 18mm bubbler, it does quite well with my roor bong, as well.

Espresso mode with this method make for a monster vaping experience.

Can you just pop the screen out the Nylon mouthpiece? That is the dirtiest part it looks like. Also, I am ISO soaking the straws but there is just some gunk deep in there, can't see to blow it out either. I should have a paper clip handy somewhere.

I cannot use this with any of my 18 mm glass. It doesn't make a seal and just goes down too far. It can psuedo work with a 14mm it makes a seal but I can't hold it hands free. I will try it inverted with the 18/18 female I have, where it narrows in the adapter it makes a seal on the hA Teflon piece, and throw the other end on a rig. Kind of like the setup I used yesterday minus all the other parts I look forward to giving it a go!

HellsWindStaff said:

Can you just pop the screen out the Nylon mouthpiece?

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Yes, easily. I use a toothbrush handle to push in on the screen to dislodge it, then the metal tool (anything will do) to push the screen out from the other end. Be careful to aim so if it pops, it won't go down the drain (or wherever). You'll be pleasantly surprised at how easy it is to fit the screen back in place after all's cleaned with ISO and Q-tips.

Edit: I soak the whole thing for awhile before removing the screen, etc. Doubt it matters.

Yeah, I popped that screen right out of the teflon mouthpiece long ago and never used one again. You have the option of re-using it, as Amoreena suggests above.

I just add a fine mesh screen on top of the load in the crucible, which prevents tiny pieces from flying into the air stream. If you can clear your tube out this time and soak pieces semi-regularly, you shouldn't have any problems going forward, I find.

I still use my old HA 2.1, which came with the original mouthpiece. It worked ok, INSIDE my 18 mm female bubbler, but wasnt the most stable, horizontally, so I got the TonG mp from HA, and dremmel cut about 1/4" off the top of one of my crucibles. This TonG fits into my 18mm female so much better (deeper), and is very stable. I'm not sure what 2.2 owners have done to adapt it to glass, perhaps any who use it in this manner will pipe in.

Have fun with your testing in the name of

I'm super lazy and use a very small safety pin to poke through the holes in the screen if it get's clogged. When the inside of the mp get's gunky I use the little spoon tool they sent with my ha to scrape it out.

Does anyone else notice a difference in speed of extraction with tamping/packing? I chunk it up and was tamping it to the bottom of the crucible to make it more of a plug, but leaving it loose so far seems to actually extract quicker. I think someone else mentioned something about that making the air more turbulent which extracts better because science.

I often clean the pieces which I used to hit the HA through with 420 Cleaning Solution. However, because I can't soak the chamber in this solution, what is the most effective way to clean the HA chamber? The air holes look a little clogged, which I guess could effect the Espresso Mode due to constricted air flow.