Vapor Brothers Mini Hydrator Review

I received this sweet little bubbler yesterday afternoon. I got a quick four pulls off the VB HF, dry and with the Mini. It was actually a LOT nicer than I expected (both ways). I've noted VB (and several forum members) often mention pieces being "vaporcentric". Hell, any of us with Glass Disease knows ALL about different styles, size, etc, that can have an effect on whatever vape you're using.

So I think that word "vaporcentric" is actually quite fitting a description for the Mini Hydrator. Obviously, its going to work well with the VB Hands Free, it was designed primarily using it, I'm sure.

For the night/early morning session, I knew I was going for the HI. Though, I passed my Saxo, The BDV... even my SSFG (gasp)... and grabbed this little sucker. Let's see how it handles a juggernaut, the size of a large Tootsie Roll, under a little harsher conditions.

Passed with flying colors. VERY enjoyable, as a matter of fact. Its a little chugger, for sure. The way the slits are cut... it can't help but be. I'd still like to see a round showerhead, or SYN-type downstem on this. But, that's not likely to happen, right now. But, then I ask... does it really need to do that? Here's a $89.99 bubbler, that does what a LOT of people are asking for. Its a smaller piece (mini... duh, I know). But, it smooths vapor very well, even taking thick vapor pulls of AVB off the HIsaber Sumac. Pretty good test of a bubbler, imo. I know its smooth with the VB, MFLB and THE Vapor BOMB HI.

Dimensions
Height top of the can: 4"
Height top of the mouthpiece: 7"
Upper wall: 45mm (wall dimensions are an semi-accurate ruler guesstimate)
Bell wall: 60mm
Clearance from mouthpiece @ curve to Dewaar: 1 1/2"
Clearance from mouthpiece @ end to Dewaar: 3"

Quality: The glass is boro and has a very clean, smooth feel to it. In fact, it reminds me slightly of an SSFG piece, it has the same roundness to its curves. Thickness-wise, not sure... I doubt its 5mm, this small. But it feels solid, has a nice clunk, instead of clink to the glass. Feels solid all the way thru, even the mouthpiece and tube. Dewaar downstem, is quite thick and sturdy, the seams are close to flawless. The laser etching of the logo, is well... laser accurate. Its beautifully cut. Nice touch, with the Made in USA. It may qualify for Cheap Bastard material, but this is a NICE piece.

Some pics. Sorry its a little dirty. AVB tends to make a mess.




(angle makes mouthpiece look crooked. its not. perfect vertical rise)




If you're in the market for a FC Bubbler and you're one of the ones, that's looking for something smaller, dewaar, specifically a vapor piece, well-made, high quality... then give the Vapor Brothers Mini Hydrator a close look.

I ended up buying this piece. I was looking for a bubbler like this that I could use with my PD. The base is solid, so I can leave the PD on top of the stem. Works great that way. I agree that the thing feels great in the hand - small but solid.

My only complaint: it is hard to get the downstem out (any hints would be appreciated).

very hard indeed, especially because it isn't a removable downstem.

btw, its one of my favorites for oil.

Oo, how did I miss this thread.

I've been DD'ing my Mini Hydrator for some months now, and overall I'm very satisfied with it. Seems to be well made and sturdy glass, it does have more of a 'clunk' than a 'clink' to it. The diffusing slits, though simple in design, are cut cleanly and function well. The dewaar joint and integrated downstem are what ended up selling me on it. Once you learn to look through the obnoxious sandblasted labels, it's really a well rounded piece. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a bargain.

Ah, this is embarrassing. Thank you for sending me back to look again. I have this one:
http://www.vaporwarehouse.com/vaporbrothers_hydrator_clear.html

Based on this, I amended my earlier post about the cost. The issue with the downstem (I have removed it in the past!) still stands.

Lucky you! That's a nice piece, I'm sure, as its the same quality as my Mini. I didn't even know they had it, except for a passing comment by Linus one day.

Speaking of my Mini-Hydrator, it came up in the rotation of my Close-Up, Slow-Mo perc series.

(HD, blow it up)

I picked up one of these from Chief Cottonmouth about a week ago and have been putting it to good use:


Picked up a nice 14mm to 18.8mm adapter


And put a nail and dome on it


Thought I'd try a curve and swing as well


To the nitty gritty - lovin' it!


Haven't connected it to the Pax yet, but I got some ideas

The mini really is a versatile piece. A lot of people don't believe I use it that often, but I love matching it with my SSFG inline. The really nice thing about both the Mini and the regular Hydrator, is they have a very low center of gravity, plus are excellently balanced. You can stick some pretty hefty percs on there, without the slightest bit of wobble or lean. I haven't ever tried a 90 degree AC, but the 45 degree fit/work just fine.

Here you go.