VaporGenie

MoeOnTheMoon · Dec 4, 2009

aura said:
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.

[deleted for brevity]

I had trouble using a jet flame and in fact I burnt the hell out of the top-side of my VG with one before I decided a jet flame was not optimal. If it works for you, great, but as I recall the VG web site even recommends not using a jet flame, probably because it is a bit difficult for some to do it right with a jet flame.

I use about a 1" flame on a barbecue-lighter-style ignition lighter (the kind with a trigger, it's red and black, from the 99 cent store), and hold it above the VG and let the flame dip about 1/4" into the bowl with my inhale. Usually about 10 seconds of that is enough to start to get some vapor so I exhale at that point just to see if I've reached vaporization yet. If so, then I start the flame again and with my tongue curved up so I can feel and taste the vapor, I can tell how hot and tasty it's getting and once I feel/taste it a certain way that comes with experience, then I take a deeper faster draw and man! I get big vapor hits that turn the bud brown but don't burn it.

I also like to be very efficient and I notice that the VG seems more efficient than the LB, not in the ultimate sense of using less bud per stone, but in the sense that you can LOAD less bud into the VG than into the LB and still get great results. With the LB I have found that best results come - as the Magic Flight people recommend - with about 3/4 of a "trench" loaded. But with the VG I can load 1/3 that much and still get great results. "Why load less?", you may ask. Because sometimes I just want a hit of one strain, then later I want a hit of another strain, and only one or two hits each, which doesn't use much bud at all in either of these vapes. So it's just that you can LOAD less in the VG, in my experience, and still have it work great.

One other slight advantage that the VG has over the LB is that it can vaporize hash or other things and the bud does not need to be ground or dried real well for the VG. With the LB better results by far are obtained with grinding the bud very fine and let it dry, or use the LB itself to dry it then grind it more with your fingers once it's dry.

I think well ground and dried bud may also work better with the VG but it's not AS important with the VG as it is with the LB.

aura · Dec 4, 2009

Good points, MoeOnTheMoon. I agree that it is challenging. The slow draw is very important. The tiniest bit burnt is enough to be off-putting (trust me). Happened on second try.

It was just barely the edge of a little piece. I was pulling too fast. A nice, even pace is ideal.

The choice for a portable vape came down to the LB and the VG. The two sticking points were the 3/4 trench loads and the battery life. The 3/4 seems like a bit much to me. I was wondering how long an average charge would last for a 2000 mAh rechargeable batteries. Probably a load or two? It wouldn't be that hard to carry batteries around, though.

AGBeer · Dec 10, 2009

I just got my VG the other day, and surprisingly the learning curve was MUCH simpler than I had anticipated. I even took it by to show a buddy of mine and he was very impressed with its simplicity and overall efficiency.

I Would even go so far as to say this is my new favorite vape. (I even like it more than my other portable unit) that has to go to a far away land for repairs... :uhoh:

The VG is my friend!

stickstones · Dec 11, 2009

I've been going back to my VG lately. My current rotation includes the PD, SSV and the VG. Loaned my LB to a friend and my II to my brother. I don't know if it is because it was my first protable or not, but the VG seems to be my preferred travel vape. It hits hard and fast and is actually realtively efficient. I don't think you can beat it for the price. I'm now using it several times a week when I need to go outside (away from the crowd) to toke up.

sneezyjesus · Dec 11, 2009

Deep down in your consciousness stickstones, you know it's because hitting the pipe is just the most fun thing in the world :ko:

haha
It's my reasoning at least.

By the way, would anyone appreciate some pictures? I've got some on a card somewhere, if anyone wants some wonderful vape porn just drop a note

illadelph · Dec 11, 2009

if you tilt the VG to the side, it makes lighting it easier and you have better control of how much flame to let in. :2c:

sneezyjesus · Dec 11, 2009

Very true, and there doesn't seem to be any burning issues with a lightly packed bowl either. Also, with some cheaper lighters it's the only way to keep the lighter lit, i know

freeman dyson · Dec 16, 2009

I'm just about to order this for my dad for christmas. He has never used a vape before. Any suggestions from anyone?

aero18 · Dec 16, 2009

freeman dyson said:
I'm just about to order this for my dad for christmas. He has never used a vape before. Any suggestions from anyone?

Have you looked at other inexpensive vaporizers? The Launch Box is a great alternative to the VaporGenie and it is also a little easier to use.

freeman dyson · Dec 16, 2009

aero18 said:
freeman dyson said:

I'm just about to order this for my dad for christmas. He has never used a vape before. Any suggestions from anyone?

Click to expand...

Have you looked at other inexpensive vaporizers? The Launch Box is a great alternative to the VaporGenie and it is also a little easier to use.

How is the launch box easier?

alucard · Dec 16, 2009

Many VG users have trouble avoiding combustion when first getting started with it. I didn', but I can see where they're coming from. The LB can combust too, but it doesn't seem to be as much of a problem.

I think your dad will be fine with a genie, especially if he is a pipe smoker. It emulates the experience.

Vapor Trail · Dec 19, 2009

I hate how the paint is chipping away around the bowl :/

illadelph · Dec 19, 2009

paint doesnt seal into wood. if it did, im sure it would affect the vapor somehow. i would get straight wood if i were to ever buy another VG. my teak is a beaut though. :cool:

aero18 · Dec 19, 2009

illadelph said:
paint doesnt seal into wood. if it did, im sure it would affect the vapor somehow. i would get straight wood if i were to ever buy another VG. my teak is a beaut though.

I wish I had ordered a teak custom instead of the walnut. I also bought a painted genie which I sanded down to a nice size and shape.

I thought that the painted ones looked tacky.

josh · Dec 20, 2009

Going back home for the holidays tomorrow. Since I am the only one in my family that partakes it will not be possible for me to be able to get high around an electric outlet so my PD is staying at home. Time to get familiar with the VG again. I was thinking of getting a jet flame lighter but after reading the above think I will stick with regular lighter. Time to hone my skills today while watching some football.

DevoTheStrange · Dec 20, 2009

has anyone else noticed this? The filter in my vaporgenie seems too much thinner than it used too be. Reason I say this, is when I look down into the genie the filter seems lower than when I originally bought it. When you open it up and look in. the filter is where it should be, but when you look from the outside part, it is at least a few mm lower then when I bought it. The top of the Ceramic filter was flush with the bottom of the metal insert that keeps the wood from burning from a flame. Now there is a noticeable gap between the metal sleeve and the top of the ceramic filter. This only leaves one conclusion... the filter is slowly shrinking in height over time.
was wondering if anyone else noticed this, and if I should be concerned that the filter is doing this?

Bananiq · Dec 20, 2009

I think I ve noticed that too, but I was like, 'the filter is like before and I am little bit paranoid', so I forgot about that..
now when you noticed that also I am wondered about this issue as well.

Anyway it is maybe a normal reaction of silicon carbid filter and they have lifetime warranty so there is nothing to worry about.

DevoTheStrange · Dec 21, 2009

Only problem is... at the rate it shrank.. filter is going too be gone by this time next year if I use it as often as I have this year. So what is the average life span of a filter of this size? two years and have too buy a new vaporgenie?
is it supposed too shrink? one would have too wonder where the lost bits of filter go... inhaled maybe? and from my understanding it is not too healthy too inhale bits of what this filter is made of.

aero18 · Dec 21, 2009

DevoTheStrange said:
Only problem is... at the rate it shrank.. filter is going too be gone by this time next year if I use it as often as I have this year. So what is the average life span of a filter of this size? two years and have too buy a new vaporgenie?
is it supposed too shrink? one would have too wonder where the lost bits of filter go... inhaled maybe? and from my understanding it is not too healthy too inhale bits of what this filter is made of.

This is concerning. I really do not want that filter to end up in my lungs or gone from my vaporizer. Has anyone else noticed this?

Bananiq · Dec 21, 2009

I dont think the filter will be 'gone'. Silicon carbid is really resistant.. it is used for disc brakes of Bugatti Veyron, Lamborghinis etc... Material is not the issue, I think it's the 'sponge' design which cause the heigh shinkage. But I wonder why did nobody noticed this and I didn't find any answer on vaporgenie.com, only this.

VaporGenie.com said:
Does the filter release particles or gases?
Absolutely not! The ceramic filter is made of high purity silicon carbide, SiC. SiC is completely inert in the conditions in the pipe. It does not react, or release gases or particulates. Also, the ceramic filter is monolithic (it is made of a single, continuous piece of ceramic). It is not made of sintered particles that can break off and be inhaled.

DevoTheStrange · Dec 21, 2009

Well for now, all we have is the word of Vaporgenie that nothing is happening too the filter... even though simple observation of the filter of a VG that gets used at last once every few days after a while shows other wise. The only other thing I can think of that would explain this is they have two filters in the VG and there was a space between them. That would be the only "Safe" thing I can think of that could have happened too account for the difference I noticed. And for some reason I do not think this is the case.
I also have a few friends who have knock offs of the VG, and a few with a VG, and I notice the same thing happening too their pipes.... even more so on the knock offs. So I know its not just my VG that this is happening too...
So I can say, it is a bit alarming too read what Vaporgenie has too say about their filter on their FAQ, and see something happen that they say isn't supposed too happen.

well I just contacted them... they pretty much told me the only way the filter will get thin is if people clean it by touching it... I never touched my filter.. nor have I cleaned my filter with any means of physical contact.

now don't get me wrong, I am all about about the VG. Love the hell out of it. I am not coming out of left field trying too bash the product. Nor am I trying too get anyone too buy a different product. This is an issue that popped up that concerned me. I am not satisfied with the answer I got from VG themselves. I'll wait for their second reply.

Vapor Trail · Dec 21, 2009

I was thinking about sanding it, I'm glad to hear it worked out for you. Did you use an electric sander or did you sand it by hand?

aero18 · Dec 21, 2009

Vapor Trail said:
I was thinking about sanding it, I'm glad to hear it worked out for you. Did you use an electric sander or did you sand it by hand?

You can see my results on page 32. The vaporizer was turquoise and you can still see some blue tint from the paint in areas of the grain. It seeped into the wood when it was painted, so do not expect that you will be able to sand all of paint away for a completely natural look.

You also need to treat the wood with some preservative (a coat of wax or oil) since you will lose the protective gloss.

Now to answer your question more directly: I sanded it by hand. Took a lot of time but it made me love the end product more since it was partly my own. Hope yours ends up looking nice!

lwien · Dec 21, 2009

DevoTheStrange said:
I am not satisfied with the answer I got from VG themselves. I'll wait for their second reply.

Please keep us posted on this, Devo.

Vapor Trail · Dec 21, 2009

Nice work on that genie aero18. Mine is ugly, but I'm more concerned about paint falling into the bowl.

Thanks for emailing VG Devo.

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