Discontinued Zion vaporizer

thekarmawhore

Well-Known Member
Been meaning to put this together for awhile, caution long post ahead...

Pro Tips for the Zion


In general, when first learning to use the Zion it is very helpful to see what is happening as a result of your technique. Practicing with a small LED or other suitable light source (not too bright) will let you view what is happening to the vapor stream during use and will help familiarize you with the timing of the vapor production throughout a session, it comes on faster as the unit come up to temperature, and you may even start dialling the voltage back eventually to slow things back down if necessary. This is also a good way to see what speeding up and slowing down your draw and other techniques will do for example, micro-pumping during the draw seems to beef up a hit. One thing you’ll want to learn is how long it takes for you to post-cool the load and halt vapor production. The “training light” is a great way to hit the stem running!


The Zion is an amazing tool for the slow, meticulous sampling the spectrum of active compounds available in a given strain as it allows you to start low enough and stay low enough to “shave” off everything available at a particular evaporation level (is that what we’re doing? evaporating? whatever it is….) You can sip those early floral notes until they are no more, (the exhaust at this level smells wonderful to me, like how flowers must smell in heaven) then nudge the dial up a bit (or adjust your draw technique) and sample the compounds next in line and so forth, as far as you care to go. The key to doing this is going slowly and taking care not to let the unit get too heat-soaked.


A good, though counterintuitive way to cool things down, or “flatten the curve” if you ever sense temperature/vapor overload coming, or otherwise want to control the process is to increase draw speed. The open air path of the Zion gives the user a virtual “dial” to help control extraction. The extra air velocity that comes with increasing your draw speed quickly controls temperature and thus vapor extraction. Conversely, reducing or eliminating draw speed allows temperatures to quickly accumulate. You’ll soon learn when to speed up and when to slow down draw speed to achieve your desired results.


For times when you’re starting cold and want to get things moving along quickly, you can “pop the clutch” by cranking the voltage for the first few seconds then slowly dial it back to where you want to run before inserting the stem and beginning to draw. This extra high temp preheat will help shorten the time it takes for internals to come up to temp and get the vapor production started more quickly. This is also a good technique for times you want to be “one-and-done”, as it allows for a more robust hit across a broader spectrum of active compounds. It’s also a great way to accidentally combust if you get carried away, so work up to perfecting this technique slowly. If you think you overdid it “ride the clutch” a little by starting the inhale before seating the stem to mix a little fresh air with the hot.


All of this versatility will leave you with deliciously gacked up stems and a great way to reclaim nearly every bit of it is this... First, you need a pushing tool long enough to reach all the way through the stem, and large enough in diameter to push the screen evenly, like an unsharpened pencil. Start by reaching all the way through the stem with your pushing tool and push the screen out the gong end, being careful not to disturb the gack. Next, insert the screen open side first into the end of the stem you draw from, and slowly push it all the way through the stem in this orientation. It will scrape the sides of the stem and collect everything inside the cup of the screen. If it leaves a line of unscraped material big enough to matter to you, make another pass with the screen rotated a little and it should scrape that off as well.


“What you do afterwards with the gack you’ve collected is up to you, but do have something sturdy to hang on to nearby when you do” rapped thekarmawhore.
 

Shit Snacks

Milaana. Lana. LANA. LANAAAA! (TM2/TP80/BAK/FW9)
What kind of VAS are you using? And are all Zion's named or will the final adoptees be open for naming?

Only the first couple units were named by RBT, from Kero onwards we have all been naming these beauties ourselves ;)

@thekarmawhore very nice write up! Yes the temp stepping in the Zion works so well! I like to start at 40% and with a 10sec preheat can get a great big hit quickly with the low temp heady effects, amazing taste.

Once I actually post my beach experiences it will reveal a lot of temp stepping bowls every few hits by 10% increments and you really can feel (and taste) the different temps and corresponding effects.

Even with my larger than normal air intake, and my weakish lung power, I was still able to get clouds quickly at low voltages, especially with good quality herbs its actually super easy. With adequate preheat time, any voltage can work for a nice strong hit on demand
 
This news is all delightful to hear.

The real question on my mind is directed @DieHard -- where on the dial is the tastiest sport for flowers? Is your slightly amped up unit able to meet the same standards for flowers as your bender? I'm hoping it can still hit all the tasty notes that the slightly lower power units can w/ flowers, while still delivering a nice convection oil experience. It certainly sounds like it delivers on the dual use, just curious how low it's capable of going, and how easy it is to dial in a temp.
 
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VegNVape

Increase the Peace
Company Rep
:) Hey hey :)

Just thought I'd check in with a little Zion-I update for y'all to let you know how the experimentation (and bonding) is going . . . .

Now y'know, I've learnt that in life the very best relationships are built up over time - and this relationship is no different. While Johnny & I are definitely still taking a little getting to know one another, we are also becoming more & more in tune with every passing day! :D

Having a dabble . . .
So yup, concentrate-wise I have now managed to have a couple of goes with some Sublimate in Johnny Zion by simply putting a lovely fat golden dab onto my Mighty concentrate pad. The pad is just a tiny bit too big for me to squeeze it into a Zion stem but it does wedge into my bent m2m GonG adapter with a little persuasion.

I used it in combination with my J-hook last night & the flavor was really tangy & nice. Even at full power and without water the hits were still so smooth. And the clouds just kept coming! It was probably a good 5-10 minute session from that one fat dab. Most enjoyable!

I've got some other weird CBD oil knocking around here somewhere that I'm gonna try too, all in the name of science of course.

Anyone remember Scrappy-doo? Well that's just like Johnny - "Lemme at 'em, LEMME AT 'EM ! ! !" :goon:

Ahhh so cute!

Scrappy-doo.png


:peace:
 

VegNVape

Increase the Peace
Company Rep
Had a dream I met RBT last night & I said "all in the name of science" and he looked at me like "WTF?!!!" :rolleyes:

Then I somehow dropped my green stem on the floor & it snapped in two! :\

Oh the random dream induced trauma!

Then I woke up, gave Johnny a BIG hug & I felt much better! :luv:


:peace:
 

cybrguy

Putin is a War Criminal
Sometimes I am happy to wake from a dream. Sometimes, not so much. Rarely if they include a supermodel...
Overdid it a little last night. At least when I wake up in the chair at 5:00 AM it isn't snow on the TV like it used to be... (What? say the <40s)
Venus really is doing the trick for me. I occasionally bring out another vape like the Lotus just for grins but rarely use it for more than a session or 2 before going back to Venus. She is SUCH a good girl...
 

Shit Snacks

Milaana. Lana. LANA. LANAAAA! (TM2/TP80/BAK/FW9)
Sometimes I am happy to wake from a dream. Sometimes, not so much. Rarely if they include a supermodel...
Overdid it a little last night. At least when I wake up in the chair at 5:00 AM it isn't snow on the TV like it used to be... (What? say the <40s)
Venus really is doing the trick for me. I occasionally bring out another vape like the Lotus just for grins but rarely use it for more than a session or 2 before going back to Venus. She is SUCH a good girl...

Haha yesh, I have had the "wake up in the early am on the couch" symptom from my late night Zion bubblering on a weekend before as well...
 

HD Springer

Well-Known Member
While I toy around with the smallest creation of RBT the 18350 battery/10mm stem I find myself wondering what the full Zion could actually be capable of. Hell I bet a full power Zion could actually weld somthing if givin the chance. But seriously this whole heater design of RBT is fun to experience and experiment with.
 

Shit Snacks

Milaana. Lana. LANA. LANAAAA! (TM2/TP80/BAK/FW9)
Today I did an experiment with Ziggy to attach him to my 14mm tube with ice pinch. I have a 14-14 male to male adapter only (was waiting here for mini...), but I have an 18-14 reducer. So attaching the reducer to the male to male then connects to 18mm Zig.

The 14mm male to male doesn't fit all the way in the reducer, so this allow me to create a two part glass bowl. But placing a screen at the edge of the adapter like this

smkhy2M.jpg


so its as flat and secure as possible. Then placed the reducer on, and it becomes a wide glass bowl (no steel mesh on the sides even, only underneath), a little more Firefly bowl feeling than Underdog basket style.

l1aLX0n.jpg


WTTAKCE.jpg


MTOvVyv.jpg


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Very big smooth hits this way, perhaps even too big kind of in some ways... Tastes great, the bowl is trickier to stir perhaps but nice. Just gotta be careful of glass lock since they all fit together pretty snug, not a problem with the reducer rim and adapters middle to hold one to though. Also now I'm ready for a small hydrotube bubbler of some kind as well:

cVaJGqZ.jpg


Ah the wonders of standardized glass!
 

VegNVape

Increase the Peace
Company Rep
Hey :)

So, I took Johnny on a little outing today - just usual business out and about in my little corner of the world.

I am getting into this vape so much right now. It really feels like a step up from my other battery powered portables which are either conduction or a combination of both convection and conduction.

A few of the reasons for this may be:
-Pure convection in a battery operated portable is a real treat.
-I love being able to hit & quit at any time without fear of the load cooking during heat up & cool down.
-I love not feeling like I'm in a rush to finish a load due to constant cooking between hits.

I actually didn't get many out of the ordinary looks from other people as I strolled along enjoying my Zion today.

I did see a few people take a second look however. But not bad considering.

I set Johnny down on the counter while making purchases in several shops & he always got a comment.

The chap in my local health food shop was particularly intrigued - he really liked the look & feel of it, even though he had no idea of it's function. When I told him it was a vape his reply was that he does not smoke. "Me neither" I said.

I got the same responses elsewhere, including the "I don't smoke" comment once they heard it was a vape. They consequently got the same reply.

One particular sales assistant knew the score however, & the Volcano got a mention to prove it. Ahhh, there is hope ;)

Final stop was a head shop where I had a good idea that the staff were gonna love my little Johnny Zion.
They did not disappoint. They all thought the Zion looked & felt absolutely awesome, and they were totally loving the standard GonGs and batteries of course.

Such a good response. And Johnny looked right at home . . .


I love this town :D


:peace:
 
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cybrguy

Putin is a War Criminal
I wish I could take Venus out and show her around. I am afraid, however, that neither one of us would be sure to be going directly home after, and Venus probably not at all. She would probably end up going home with a cop...
 

VegNVape

Increase the Peace
Company Rep
I wish I could take Venus out and show her around. I am afraid, however, that neither one of us would be sure to be going directly home after, and Venus probably not at all. She would probably end up going home with a cop...

:whoa: Woah :whoa:
Are e-cigs, vaporizers and box mods etc. outlawed in your state?


:peace:
 
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cybrguy

Putin is a War Criminal
Hey, I could be in Oklahoma or Nebraska. At least they are decriminalizing here, but cops are irregularly applying the laws as they see fit. I suppose it helps that I am an older white guy. And that seriously sucks.

Anyway, Venus is able to make me VERY happy at home and at the occasional friends place. I don't NEED to get high out and about, tho I'd like to on occasion. I am hoping that the Zion Mini will allow me to do that without being conspicuous. I haven't gotten high on the beach since I gave up combusting joints. :)
 

VegNVape

Increase the Peace
Company Rep
I am hoping that the Zion Mini will allow me to do that without being conspicuous
Exactly :tup:

Regarding Zion, just a quick comment to say that I successfully carried Johnny in my combat style shorts side pocket today with ease. They were baggy enough that you could hardly tell that young JZ was hiding inside! :ninja:

Handy.

On a bit of a silly note . . . earlier on, after loading a stem & dropping it end up in it's storage slot ready to transport, I picked up the Zion cap to put it on top & suddenly had the urge to play 'hoopla' using the stem and gently toss the cap onto Johnny so as the magnets would attract & snap the cap into place.

It took 1 or 2 attempts but that successful try was real satisfying!

There's a definite technique and it looks slick when you get it right.

Not that I recommend this type of behaviour.

Just sayin is all . . . :rolleyes:

:tup:


Take care out there peoples!


:peace:
 

mindful1

Well-Known Member
Spent 2 hours with @thekarmawhore tonight finalizing the design for the stash spot and stir stick. So close to getting this think locked down and into production I can almost taste it. After all the Beta team input and testing this thing is gonna be right tight.
Yay! I needed this to uplift my spirits after the despair on the Grasshopper thread! Show'em how it's done right RBT! Looking forward to my Zion! :clap:
 
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