EVOLV Cricket

[florduh]

Nice!

Looking forward to seeing some more reviews.

I busted out my M22 energized SiC for the first time in a couple months. Fast hitting crucible vapes really are a cut above indirectly heated options like Puffco and Divine Tribe. Tricky to pull off though. I wish Evolv luck!

 

[80Sixed]

So I got mine a little over a week ago and here are some preliminary judgements.

• a bb is too much for this thing, half bb seems to get the least amount of splatter and be about one decent sized hit.

• the trench weld is a bit sloppy, leaving open holes in all four corners that more than anything catch cotton from swabs something awful.

• the packaging was missing two parts included in the instructions- the chimney cleaner and the alan wrench.

•the use of silicon as the concentrate container seems like a bit of a step backwards.

•the bucket, being titanium, rocks a nice skid mark now from the center being the main heat point.

All in all I’d say it’s solidly not worth the price, but it’s fun.

 

[florduh]

So I got mine a little over a week ago and here are some preliminary judgements.

• a bb is too much for this thing, half bb seems to get the least amount of splatter and be about one decent sized hit.

• the trench weld is a bit sloppy, leaving open holes in all four corners that more than anything catch cotton from swabs something awful.

• the packaging was missing two parts included in the instructions- the chimney cleaner and the alan wrench.

•the use of silicon as the concentrate container seems like a bit of a step backwards.

•the bucket, being titanium, rocks a nice skid mark now from the center being the main heat point.

All in all I’d say it’s solidly not worth the price, but it’s fun.

Thanks for this. How’s the taste? Any Ti/metallic twang to it? Is the vapor comfortable with that short air path?

The most concerning part of your review is the q-tip catching and tearing. We’ve been able to dab off of metal coils since the Bush Administration. It just sucked because you couldn’t q-tip between dabs without leaving cotton behind on the coil. Preventing that is like the #1 advantage of crucible wax pens.

 

[80Sixed]

Thanks for this. How’s the taste? Any Ti/metallic twang to it? Is the vapor comfortable with that short air path?

The most concerning part of your review is the q-tip catching and tearing. We’ve been able to dab off of metal coils since the Bush Administration. It just sucked because you couldn’t q-tip between dabs without leaving cotton behind on the coil. Preventing that is like the #1 advantage of crucible wax pens.

Honestly taste is dank, no twang I can speak of, although I never really step the heat up past 500. Temp wise, absolutely no discomfort on the inhale or exhale, v smooth

If I were more savvy I’d close the little tiny pinholes that catch, but yeah as it stands my v5 is still seeing action just because there’s one less step of making sure there’s no stray strands.

 

[felvapes]

So I got mine a little over a week ago and here are some preliminary judgements.

• a bb is too much for this thing, half bb seems to get the least amount of splatter and be about one decent sized hit.

• the trench weld is a bit sloppy, leaving open holes in all four corners that more than anything catch cotton from swabs something awful.

• the packaging was missing two parts included in the instructions- the chimney cleaner and the alan wrench.

•the use of silicon as the concentrate container seems like a bit of a step backwards.

•the bucket, being titanium, rocks a nice skid mark now from the center being the main heat point.

All in all I’d say it’s solidly not worth the price, but it’s fun.

Cheers for the user feedback
That's a mighty small load it takes

 

[florduh]

Hmmmmmm. Well kind of a mixed bag. I like small dabs. And in a portable, you probably don't wanna be taking down 1 grab dabs out and about. And in fast heating crucibles... you can always just load another. Not like you're torching for 30+seconds.

Evolv still might be on to something here if they solve some of these issues. For me, the biggest one is the q-tips catching.

$400 is still gonna be a tough sell. Although reading this review, my first thought was "I'm gonna end up eventually having to drop like $400 on that AVS M22 mod, aren't I?"

 

[80Sixed]

Hmmmmmm. Well kind of a mixed bag. I like small dabs. And in a portable, you probably don't wanna be taking down 1 grab dabs out and about. And in fast heating crucibles... you can always just load another. Not like you're torching for 30+seconds.

Evolv still might be on to something here if they solve some of these issues. For me, the biggest one is the q-tips catching.

$400 is still gonna be a tough sell. Although reading this review, my first thought was "I'm gonna end up eventually having to drop like $400 on that AVS M22 mod, aren't I?"

If Evolv put out a SLIGHTLY higher quality trench, I think I’d be all in for the price point. The weight in hand, the amount of hits between charges, and the what seems like tight manufacturing of every other piece here, I’d say easy 300$ device. But with the extra step of trying to use my fingers to pull strands of cotton out of corners of a janky weld, really brings the whole experience down a notch.

 

[felvapes]

Hmmmmmm. Well kind of a mixed bag. I like small dabs. And in a portable, you probably don't wanna be taking down 1 grab dabs out and about. And in fast heating crucibles... you can always just load another. Not like you're torching for 30+seconds.

Evolv still might be on to something here if they solve some of these issues. For me, the biggest one is the q-tips catching.

$400 is still gonna be a tough sell. Although reading this review, my first thought was "I'm gonna end up eventually having to drop like $400 on that AVS M22 mod, aren't I?"

I don't want to take gram dabs whilst out (I don't do gram dabs as is)
But a bit more than half a BB might be nice
Likewise while out I don't want to be re loading all the time because I only get half a puff each time I pull out my hot knife and container

A little from column A a little from column B

It's interesting, high price point with some manufacturering issues re q-tips catching etc
$300 definitely sounds better than $400, even that is a lot if it isn't amazing at its job for a portable

 

[florduh]

If Evolv put out a SLIGHTLY higher quality trench, I think I’d be all in for the price point. The weight in hand, the amount of hits between charges, and the what seems like tight manufacturing of every other piece here, I’d say easy 300$ device. But with the extra step of trying to use my fingers to pull strands of cotton out of corners of a janky weld, really brings the whole experience down a notch.

Yeah I don't disagree with that. Puffco is selling the Proxy for $300 with $60 atty replacements. If Evolv ever decided to do some marketing, they could take a drink or two out of Puffco's milkshake. But yeah, they'd need to fix that trench first.

You have a v5, right? Does the Cricket get hot as fuck after a dab, or can you comfortably slip it back into a pocket?

Likewise while out I don't want to be re loading all the time because I only get half a puff each time I pull out my hot knife and container

That's a good point. Honestly loading on the go is a pain in the ass no matter what, which is why 9 time out of 10 I'd probably just opt for throwing a 710 Labs Rosin pod in my pocket.

On the hot knife, my experience with the M22 makes me think you wouldn't need that type of device with an instantly heating crucible. Just pulse the button and melt the dab off on the side of the dish.

 

[felvapes]

Yeah I don't disagree with that. Puffco is selling the Proxy for $300 with $60 atty replacements. If Evolv ever decided to do some marketing, they could take a drink or two out of Puffco's milkshake. But yeah, they'd need to fix that trench first.

You have a v5, right? Does the Cricket get hot as fuck after a dab, or can you comfortably slip it back into a pocket?




That's a good point. Honestly loading on the go is a pain in the ass no matter what, which is why 9 time out of 10 I'd probably just opt for throwing a 710 Labs Rosin pod in my pocket.

On the hot knife, my experience with the M22 makes me think you wouldn't need that type of device with an instantly heating crucible. Just pulse the button and melt the dab off on the side of the dish.

Yea but then you have a sticky dab tool to pocket or store or whatever

My hot knife ($4 off AliExpress) has a cap and can go in my pocket with a small silicone container and whatever device I end up using on the day

I think the proxy is overpriced honestly - but yea, when it is $300 with spare attys like you said this one would want to shine at $400

 

[florduh]

My hot knife ($4 off AliExpress) has a cap and can go in my pocket with a small silicone container and whatever device I end up using on the day

Yeah, I think they're nifty devices. With some e-rigs/waxpens they'd be clutch. I just think you could replicate that whole deal with a small dab tool with a cap. I take tiny dabs of sauce consistency rosin. My "dab tool" is a titanium toothpick with a holder. Something like this:

I think it only emulates a hot knife with fast heating crucibles though.

I think the proxy is overpriced honestly - but yea, when it is $300 with spare attys like you said this one would want to shine at $400

Yup. And you think $300 is pricey with Puffco's massive marketing budget running interference. That's why I think Evolv trying to sell a $400 device with zero marketing is gonna be tough.

 

[felvapes]

Yeah, I think they're nifty devices. With some e-rigs/waxpens they'd be clutch. I just think you could replicate that whole deal with a small dab tool with a cap. I take tiny dabs of sauce consistency rosin. My "dab tool" is a titanium toothpick with a holder. Something like this:

I think it only emulates a hot knife with fast heating crucibles though.



Yup. And you think $300 is pricey with Puffco's massive marketing budget running interference. That's why I think Evolv trying to sell a $400 with zero marketing is gonna be tough.

I like that little pick you have there - before my hot knife I would have liked that - although I can see my stoner self clogging that lid up trying to put it away too quickly

And yup I agree about the marketing etc
Puffco could spend less time with Forbes magazine and more time improving their already nice thermocouple tech hahaa

The cricket has some nice traits, but also a hard slog entering the market as it has and at such a price - I'd probably grab a peak pro or Carta 2 if forking out $400
I've got a peak pro clone (tech not looks) coming with half off codes, the "pockety" lol
Same thermocouple tech as the pro at a lot cheaper price $145 with sic or aln vs $400 and Forbes magazine lol

I mean it has my interest to keep watching up to this point
But I'll definitely be watching for more user reviews especially after hearing this one

 

[80Sixed]

You have a v5, right? Does the Cricket get hot as fuck after a dab, or can you comfortably slip it back into a pocket?

Surprisingly, after like two or three in a row, I’d argue the cricket is still FAR less hot than the v5 in the cub after one.

 

[marduk]

If Evolv put out a SLIGHTLY higher quality trench, I think I’d be all in for the price point. The weight in hand, the amount of hits between charges, and the what seems like tight manufacturing of every other piece here, I’d say easy 300$ device. But with the extra step of trying to use my fingers to pull strands of cotton out of corners of a janky weld, really brings the whole experience down a notch.

You mentioned the amount of hits between charges... how many hits are you getting? And how long does it take to recharge the battery?

 

[Herbie Hancock]

I purchased one of these a few days after the thread started. Papa Smokes hooked it up with shipping, no problem. I have to agree with 80sixed almost exactly. Same packaging issues, no wooden poker, no Allen key for the trench.

Luckily I have a pretty clean weld, with no snagging of q tips.

It can not handle a BB sized load as it is, due to the splashing. The flavor is top notch, not harsh at all…. Way better flavor than my proxy.

I think it needs a slower ramp up curve to reduce splashing. The trench cleans out easily, with little waste. However, the “waste” is actually getting sucked up in the cap. So I believe this would be greatly improved with a slower heat up. I used Escribe and lowered the wattage from 60 down to 40. No noteworthy difference.

That being said. I have to clean and blow out the cap to dry it at least once or twice a day. But a nail or terp slurper need a cleaning after every dab…. Sooooo, what does that mean.

The size is pocketable, but due to it needed to be cleaned so frequently I’m not sure it’s the best portable choice yet. I’ve been using it for almost all dabbing since I got it. The flavor is that good.

 

[florduh]

It doesn't sound like the Cricket was beta tested. For a Beta device, these reports are promising. For a production product with a $400 price tag.... not so much.

Appreciate the reviews, fellas!

 

[felvapes]

Cheers for the honest feedback everyone
This kind of user experience really helps us all

 

[florduh]

I will say, as a M22 user, I get liking a product despite some deficiencies. Energized crucibles provide surprisingly smooth hits.

I agree with wanting to tone down the instant heating on these things a bit. A slightly slower ramp up is better for splatter, but is also a great way to get some up-temp hit action.

 

[BleuEyedGuy]

I will say, as a M22 user, I get liking a product despite some deficiencies. Energized crucibles provide surprisingly smooth hits.

I agree with wanting to tone down the instant hearing of these things a bit. A slightly slower ramp up is better for splatter, but is also a great way to get some up-temp hit action.

I saw something about using a M22 atomizer with a eLeaf Pico mod, would the MCT be a better option?

 

[florduh]

I saw something about using a M22 atomizer with a eLeaf Pico mod, would the MCT be a better option?

Ehhh. If you're willing to mess with e-cig mods and a software called Arctic Fox, it's maybe the best wax pen out there. Heats up in a couple seconds. Clean SiC flavor. But to get true temp control, you'll either need their proprietary mod, or a DNA mod. And their proprietary mod has been 2 weeks from shipping for a year or two now. On a Pico with Arctic Fox, you can set up wattage curves that emulate temp control pretty well. Tastes better than the DTv5 with TC, for example.

I don't think a Pico and atty combo is as pocketable as the Cricket. And while it doesn't get quite as hot as the DTv5, I'd be uncomfortable just throwing it in my pocket immediately after a dab. Needs at least 10-20 seconds to cool off. But the DTv5 needs a few minutes or it'll burn your balls off.

 

[80Sixed]

You mentioned the amount of hits between charges... how many hits are you getting? And how long does it take to recharge the battery?

Honestly I haven’t counted either, but if I were to ballpark hits, easily 10+. As far as charge time, I don’t know I usually throw it on a charger when I go to bed and unplug when I use the bathroom in the middle of the night lol

 

[chillmike]

very curious about very thin, perfect-fitted high thermal conductivity material inserts that would be perfect to be paired with this (such as sic or aln or sapphire), as well as a better longer cooling/splash-resistant mouthpiece (maybe something with an interchangeable mouthpiece stem so you can choose glass or zirconia ceramic or a mirror-polished titanium or something else similarly cool)...

 

[ontopofclouds]

glad we finally have some non-biased feedback in this thread

 

[80Sixed]

Recent update:
Now the cricket device constantly shows as “cap off” and no amount of finagling will get it to register the cap is on. There’s a moment while the cap is being applied where it shows the higher temp, but once seated reverts back to “cap off” and the lower temps. I’m kind of at a loss as to who to bring this info to besides y’all, the retailer I brought it from, or Evolv as it’s their product? Either way this one seems best left on the shelf for a while longer.

 

[florduh]

Recent update:
Now the cricket device constantly shows as “cap off” and no amount of finagling will get it to register the cap is on. There’s a moment while the cap is being applied where it shows the higher temp, but once seated reverts back to “cap off” and the lower temps. I’m kind of at a loss as to who to bring this info to besides y’all, the retailer I brought it from, or Evolv as it’s their product? Either way this one seems best left on the shelf for a while longer.

That's a bummer. I'd contact Evolv directly, since you paid to beta test their product. Pretty disappointing to see this kind of QC coming out of Evolv. I hope they tighten this design up a bit because I think it has potential.