This is a detail review of the digital version of the Focus that came in the Focusvape Pro ‘Premium’ package. The Premium package contained a bubbler as well as the digital version of the Focus. I am consolidating some of the Digital Focus review info I already discussed so it's all in one place.
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Having already done a very detailed review of the analog version of the Focus (includes a detailed comparison to the Xmax Pro V2) I’ll concentrate on just the differences here. Please read the detailed review of the analog version before reading this review.
http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/focus-vaporizer.20357/page-5#post-956284
Summary: The biggest difference between the previous analog unit I reviewed and the new Premium packaged version of the Focus is:
· The new version has been upgraded to allow you to select any temp between 176 F and 464 F via an OLED display.
· The Focus Bubbler is included in the package I received. Please note that the bubbler can also be used with the analog/previous version of the Focus and can be bought separately.
· A new more powerful 3200 mAH 18650 battery is included. The previously supplied battery was a 2500 mAH.
Other Differences:
· The base of the mouthpiece has a slightly different material to hold onto the glass mouthpiece. It has slightly more give to it but holds the glass mouthpiece in place a little better.
· The OLED displays the actual temperature as it climbs (or declines) in temp to the temp selected for vaping. It’s fun to watch the unit quickly reach temp like that.
· The digital buttons are much more tactile and easier to use.
· The temperatures have an extended range. Previous unit: 6 settings, 320 F, 338 F, 356 F, 374 F, 392 F, 428 F. New unit: Any temp between 176 F and 464 F.
The incredibly fast ‘speed to temp’ is still the same. It does take an additional couple of seconds to get to the highest temp on the new version which is to be expected since its 36 degrees higher.
One of my concerns with the new higher temps and such a strong oven/heater was that it may combust now. To test this concern I lightly packed the oven and hit it at the old max temp of 428F till there was nothing but dried out, well used dark brown ABV. I then started a new session, selected the new max temp of 464 F and left the unit on for 5 minutes until it went into sleep mode. This way I could be sure the ABV was completely heat soaked. I then immediately woke the unit and waited a minute after it reached max temp again to begin hitting it hard with the bubbler in place. I ignored the musky taste and hit it for 5 long, slow, pulls before turning the unit off. When I checked the ABV it was charred and dark black, resembling charcoal. There was no ash and no smoke. IMO… I pushed right up to the combustion line but the unit never stepped over it.
I really like the feel and functionality of the digital version display and buttons versus the analog version. Being color blind and needing reading glasses made it necessary for me to become more ‘familiar’ with the analog version of the device and increased the learning curve somewhat. The OLED display and better buttons on the digital version have completely eliminated these issues for me.
Vapor Smoothness: The Focus is way smoother than the Xmax, the MFLB, about the same as the Solo (high praise here) and slightly less smooth than my EVO. In my original detailed review I pointed out that I could use the Focus at the highest temp without suffering dry throat burn, unlike the Xmax. I also removed the 'ceramic puck' in the Focus mouthpiece and replaced it with a stainless steel screen I place on top of the oven because I prefer a little more harshness and it would be easier to clean. I thought the ceramic puck was the major 'smooth' factor but removing it didn't increase the harshness by any significant measure.
Focus Bubbler: If you’re looking for an expensive piece of glass art work, keep looking. The bubbler is simple to use, inexpensive, sturdy, works great and is an amazing addition to the Focus. I’ve dropped it on a granite counter top twice without an issue. Unfortunately the third drop did cause a crack. Most glass bubblers wouldn’t have survived the first two drops. What I've noticed about using the bubbler is that the clouds come INSTANTLY at the very start of the draw so the cloud is pushed deep into the lungs and then levels off at the 1/4 end of the draw so you eliminate wastefully filling the top of the lungs, airway and mouth. The conduction heat conditions the herb at the very start and the bubbler allows you to draw the high heat hard enough to cool it down a bit toward the end without it being too harsh. It’s not necessary to use the highest temp either but it’s nice to know you could.
It’s hard to find something I don’t like about the upgraded digital unit but waking the unit from sleep mode would qualify. To wake the unit you hold any button for 2 seconds. A little less than 2 seconds and the display shows the current temp and immediately goes back to sleep. So it’s natural to hold the button until you’re sure it is going to wake up. The transition between showing you the previous temp selected and attempting to heat up to that previous temp when waking is so fast that you end up changing the temp instead as it wakes. The visual of seeing the temp being set differently is how I’m noting the unit has come out of sleep mode. When I see the selected temp increase I drop it back to the original temp I wanted. It’s a minor frustration to be sure, because of how quickly the unit reaches any temp. The 5 minute work/wake mode and 3 minute sleep mode is one of the functions I've come to appreciate in comparison to other vapes with this same form factor. I love the fact that the oven is turned off in sleep mode to conserve battery but goes back to a working 5 minute cycle when woke. Even when the oven sleeps there is generally enough heat for a hit or two left in it.
Conclusion: The analog unit had already impressed me and the new digital version has taken an excellent cigar pen and made it even better. I introduced the bubbler to someone using the analog version as a daily driver and they loved it so much they use it every time they use their Focus. Absolutely love the upgrades but wouldn’t hesitate to pick up the previous analog version if the price is reduced when the digital version hits the market. You can pick up the bubbler separately for an unbelievably low, reasonable price.
Please let me know if you have any other questions.
