Arizer Solo

Hashtag46&2

Trichome Technician
@biohacker ..
I have both units, but I need to order a crucible for the HA.

I'm planning soon, but the Solo purchase was already a splurge on a very tight budget (waiting on a disability hearing)

I will/should order before Christmas and keep ya updated.

(Knowing you, you're probably going to have one before myself though :p )

I can say that I've seen some testimony stating its amazing for VaporBongin.

Edit; many also use the pre-soak tech with the HA.
 
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OF

Well-Known Member
Does anyone here have a Solo AND Herbalaire here? Just curious on comparisons/similarities, etc.

I've got both, but don't think they really compare. One is corded (unlimited power, big advantage), true convection (another), holds a larger load (a third), uses a low thermal mass coercible you put into a warmed chamber (another....), has variable (rather than fixed step) temperature control. and 'Blows bags' if you want. Solo has none of those but might be easier to keep clean depending on your technique/desires.

While they both stand up, HA has no glass to break and features a glass filled nylon body that's close to indestructible.

Both make vapor, but the lack of a cord means my HA got less use from the day my first Solo arrived.

Edit; many also use the pre-soak tech with the HA.

By all means try, but tricks/techniques/experiences from conduction vapes don't always carry over. Indeed, there's a lot of variation between say conduction vapes, but convection is a whole other deal in terms of the way they work. For instance, hitting convection (like HA) harder (like cloud chasing....) doesn't call for the same sacrifice in in production (both total mgs of THC delivered and dilution with intake air) as is typical in conduction vapes.

Unlike Solo when you pull the hot stem out, the HA action stops instantly when you pull the top and dump the crucible out (very low thermal mass, barely at vaping temperatures). Very handy for resuming the session later.

Another place HA does have an edge is loading that large crucible with ABV from other vapes and squeezing the last bits out. Being CBD rich, it's good for MMJ types, especially before bed.

When you get down to it, I think they are more different than alike really.

OF
 

biohacker

H.R.E.A.M
My PVHES stem is tight-ish in my Solo but nice, not important as I dont "GonG" it! Maybe they pay more attention that the gONgS slip in and out better. Or maybe you just got a slim one by chance?!!

I think I read that the regular gong are just OEM stock stems that were cut, but PVHES are actually blown from scratch IIRC. That could explain it....either way, i'll be picking up more gong's for backups.

I've got both, but don't think they really compare. One is corded (unlimited power, big advantage), true convection (another), holds a larger load (a third), uses a low thermal mass coercible you put into a warmed chamber (another....), has variable (rather than fixed step) temperature control. and 'Blows bags' if you want. Solo has none of those but might be easier to keep clean depending on your technique/desires.

While they both stand up, HA has no glass to break and features a glass filled nylon body that's close to indestructible.

Both make vapor, but the lack of a cord means my HA got less use from the day my first Solo arrived.

I should have clarified -> Solo with PV GonG and HA with PV GonG....no crucible, no interest in bags, whips, strictly vape-bonging with water tool via GonG. I think they are much more similar in this respect when you take out all the other fluff.....right down to price essentially.

I don't think the HA is primarily a convection vape, because bud will roast if left in it since it does get hot down there. Isn't it similar to the Solo in heat technology in this respect? I know both will do whole unground buds effortlessly.

What i'm looking for in the HA is for it to be a plug-in super Solo essentially. I have seen the PV gong vids with HA on youtube and they looked impressive, just was looking for direct user experience comparisons between the two with gong's.

I'll be testing out the HA shortly with @lazylathe since he picked up @Vitolo's in the classifieds! Way to take one for the team again brother! :rockon:

I still day dream constantly of ARIZER creating a Solo that can be used as a desktop once again sans battery. It really is that impressive of a vape, and I just bought and returned an EQ because I favoured the Solo so much more!

My obsession with tightly packed gong's is now over and i'm much more favouring no tamp loose pack <.07g loads! I'm getting way more cloudage too!
 

Sasquatch_Jr

Well-Known Member
After my experiments the other night I'm thinking I should pick up a proper GonG rather than using a silicone adapter stretched over a stock stem.

I've got a 2012 Solo with the slightly reduced airflow. Does this mean I should be going for a PVHE GonG rather than a standard PV GonG? I like some resistance but I'm afraid a regular GonG with the restricted Solo will be too much.

I'm pretty happy with the airflow using stock stems with a domed screen but feel things are just a bit too tight through my bubbler without a screen which has me leaning towards the regular. Just wanted some feedback before pulling the trigger on a small Solo accessories order with PV.
 

biohacker

H.R.E.A.M
Regular is the exact same as your mod, as long as your seal is legit. IMHO with the older model solo, the regular gong is too restricted for a pleasant experience. I think you'd be better off with the pvhes gong, but even better off with a newer model solo with more flow + reg gong. Just my :2c: based on experience with all mentioned.
 

OF

Well-Known Member
I should have clarified -> Solo with PV GonG and HA with PV GonG....no crucible, no interest in bags, whips, strictly vape-bonging with water tool via GonG. I think they are much more similar in this respect when you take out all the other fluff.....right down to price essentially.

I don't think the HA is primarily a convection vape, because bud will roast if left in it since it does get hot down there. Isn't it similar to the Solo in heat technology in this respect?

Yep, that part makes it a whole other question. You're on your own there, while I have a PV GonG for the Solo/Air, I'm using an Air stem instead these days. And I've been happy with the HA's plug when that urge strikes. I'm afraid you're on your own when you clarified the conditions.

They are not really the same. HA has a thermal mass (lots of surface area, high conduction) mass that preheats the air which takes the load from 'idle' temperature to the magic temperature very quickly. Much like Volcano. The more air you draw the more heat is added to the load to make vapor it doesn't draw heat from the vaporization like convection does, since the air comes in already hot. To back this up the temperature control is much more precise. Where Solo/Air work just fine with a 'turn on' and 'turn off' temperatures to wonder between since their largely 'averaged out' (really a damping) by the conduction nature, not so in HA. It's what's called "Proportional Control". Like the Cruse Control in your car. It senses the temperature, notes how far off target it is and applies or backs off power to correct. And like your car, it monitors how that's going and decides to add still more power, then more until it gets results. And then to watch how fast it's approaching the ideal and slacks off so it doesn't overshoot. So called "PID" controls.

Anyway, Conduction, Convection and Radiation are Thermodynamic terms. They describe how heat moves from a hotter thing to a colder thing. Heat in calories, not degrees. Since in Solo this happens by conduction (mechanical contact) over time you have a limit on both the total heat and how fast you can move it deep into the load. The air is a heat sink in this system, it needs heat energy to go from room to vaping temperature. It 'robs' energy that could otherwise make vapor. Not so with convection like in HA and Volcano for that matter. Here the air enters the system already hot, it's bringing energy to the party. It contributes energy to make vapor rather than removing it.

Radiation, like is done in Bender, is another thing again. One of the rules there is the source has to be much hotter than the target. The emitter in Bender glows red. Like your bathroom heater element.

So I'll maintain that by the rules of Thermodynamics HA is convection. He heat (in calories) to make vapor comes in with hot air flow.

Thanks for listening.

OF
 

CarolKing

Singer of songs and a vapor connoisseur
Thanks @OF.... very comprehensive explanation! Can you use a pv gong (Solo/Air) with the HA? Or is it just way too small?
Do you have an Enano? It's a log vaporizer that needs to be plugged in. Similar draw and about the same or a little less cannabis needed than the Solo. I love the ability to go cordless with the Solo. Enano a great addition to the vaping family. I meant to reply to your previous post. I won't mention any more because it's the Solo thread.
 

Hashtag46&2

Trichome Technician
Thanks @OF.... very comprehensive explanation! Can you use a pv gong (Solo/Air) with the HA? Or is it just way too small?
Look what I found, as I was searching for alternatives for your PV GonG...

I figure I'll just get it straight from PV, but was hoping for discounts..

The Solo was my early Christmas present ..might have to part with some of the GRAIL and trade off for a PVHEGonG.

Anyhow, this is what I found, haven't seen it before, so hopefully I'm not posting something that has been seen a hundred times already. (Solo Crew anyhow)


Would you recommend the Turbo Version? I like the idea of Turbo.

Wondering if it'll take away that epic Solo sourced FLAVOR?
 

OF

Well-Known Member
Thanks @OF.... very comprehensive explanation! Can you use a pv gong (Solo/Air) with the HA? Or is it just way too small?

You're welcome.

I can't say, I never tried. I suspect the Solo/Air is too small (and short). The seal on HA is unique, it's made of two pieces of Teflon. One is a ring at the top, the other the plug. They have no rings or other seals, rather depend on the material and precision. The plug just barely fits in when it is cold the the ring hot. It then expands and grips.

IIRC half inch is the screen you can lay flat on top of the crucible to keep fouling easy to deal with. The entire crucible has to fit through the hole. I think Solo will be too thin, but have loaned my HA out but as a guess I'd say you were about 1/8 inch too small?

However, since HA is convection, seal is not important. If you can draw air into the WT, it has to be hot air from Solo that enters the stem?

To work, a glass piece would need to make that seal (precise size) and be long enough to reach the bottom of the chamber I'd think, if the PV stem does that I'd give it a try.

OF
 

biohacker

H.R.E.A.M
Do you have an Enano? It's a log vaporizer that needs to be plugged in. Similar draw and about the same or a little less cannabis needed than the Solo. I love the ability to go cordless with the Solo. Enano a great addition to the vaping family. I meant to reply to your previous post. I won't mention any more because it's the Solo thread.

I had 2 Nano's in the past, but sold them...I found them a little inconsistent, especially if you went above low/med heat, I would get tastes and charring that I would prefer to never see or taste again. I think the problem perhaps was that the Nano holds too small of an amount for my tastes, and I was strictly using the adjustable basket screen which I found a pain to maintain and keep clean. I do have another interest in the Nano simply because of the all glass honeycomb gong (that i'd use a screen with), but I think the airflow is too restricted (I find my new Solo more open). I'm also a bit apprehensive with my airways and respiratory system because I seem to be very sensitive to convection type vaporizers. The Solo just doesn't irritate me for some reason (perhaps restricted convection?) as the Nano did. The main reason I miss the Nano is because it did convection dab hits of shatter better than any vape i've ever owned. Instant thick white walls, and flavour like i've never experienced. The other thing I loved about the Nano was the excellent aromatherapy capabilities it had. Thanks for bringing it up, I think i'll re-subscribe to the Nano thread, maybe i'll give it another shot.

Would you recommend the Turbo Version? I like the idea of Turbo.

Wondering if it'll take away that epic Solo sourced FLAVOR?

I don't think there is a huge difference, perhaps a bit more airflow - maybe too much? Kind of like the PVHES in general with the newer Solo's, IMHO that much airflow starts to decrease the benefit of it. It may actually IMPROVE flavour if it's a bit cooler with more flow though.

Thanks again @OF. Did you see the HA/Solo gong vid above? Looks like alot of coughing though! I'm wondering if the HA is too much convection for me compared to the Solo and will cause the same coughing spasms?

I'm really surprised nobody has somewhat copied the Solo design and made it into a desktop. Actually now that I think of it, I remember not long ago a new portable that looked scarily similar to the Solo, but was still different, thought maybe it came out of europe, i'll have to do some digging....it had the same button design/temp, etc. but the mouthpiece heater may have been different, just can't recall ATM. I'll check!
 
It may actually IMPROVE flavour if it's a bit cooler with more flow though.

I have to respectfully disagree on this point. In my experience water robs a LOT of the tastiness, so much so that I usually sneak in 1-2 dry terpy hits at 2-3 before putting it to glass. This goes for my 18" bong as well as my d020. There is a definite compromise for the smoother, bigger hits vaping through water provides.
 
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biohacker

H.R.E.A.M
I think you may have messed up your quote - as it was me who wrote that. While I generally agree with your assessment, I think you completely missed my point. I was comparing a reg gong vs pvhes... with respect to the older model solo (with more restriction) and the turbo open bore gong. The added airflow creates MORE vapour which means more flavour.

As for compromise, everyone has different preferences, I like huge smooth moisturized filtered cool vapour that gives me taste in one big smack. I too sometimes enjoy the Solo on 2 or 3 dry as well for pure flavour.
 

OF

Well-Known Member
Thanks again @OF. Did you see the HA/Solo gong vid above? Looks like alot of coughing though! I'm wondering if the HA is too much convection for me compared to the Solo and will cause the same coughing spasms?

I guess you can cough with just about anything, I can even cough when I'm not vaping.....

I actually think HA is better than most here. Since the temperature of input air is carefully controlled, so can the vaping be. No hot spots and such. And when you add the 3 foot or so whip (although I did replace the tacky tube they provide with high temperature Silicone tube) definitely cools it a lot. I actually seek it out when my throat is raw (the reason it's out on loan again right now). When I want to do water too I usually attach a small bubbler to the tube and leave the HA on the deck or in my lap.

I think if anything convection as practiced with HA is actually the ideal at controlling such stuff? There's really only one way to find out for sure how it suits you.......

OF
 
I think you may have messed up your quote - as it was me who wrote that. While I generally agree with your assessment, I think you completely missed my point. I was comparing a reg gong vs pvhes... with respect to the older model solo (with more restriction) and the turbo open bore gong. The added airflow creates MORE vapour which means more flavour.

As for compromise, everyone has different preferences, I like huge smooth moisturized filtered cool vapour that gives me taste in one big smack. I too sometimes enjoy the Solo on 2 or 3 dry as well for pure flavour.

Ooops :nod: I fucked that all up! I'll chalk that up to no coffee.
Wondering if it'll take away that epic Solo sourced FLAVOR?
The way he said this is what led me to my comment on water/taste. However I don't have both gongs to compare. Have you used ed's TNT gongs? Any comment on the airflow? I admire the looks of ed's stems but don't like what I hear about them being a thicker diameter. Most my stems are already looser fitting than I prefer aside from my gong.

For the record I prefer vaping through water as well, but I fancy higher temps to begin with. D020 is fairly new as well so I may be honeymooning a bit. :science:
 

biohacker

H.R.E.A.M
hey @nondarb I kinda figured that's what happened :)

okay so here goes my experience.... I have not used Ed's TNT gong's... I think that's because they are made from wood? Maybe i'm confusing with another accessory maker.... I have no interest in anything made from wood, simply due to cleaning OCD with ISO. I also am quite picky now with gong's that are 3rd party, because I don't want to stretch my Solo out like my last one. I used to use an EpicVape e-Nano gong until they changed their sizing...some fit, some didn't, but the one that did fit would super tight and stretched the teflon ring forsure.

With my newest Solo i'm quite anal and only use stock which is why I prefer the reg gong (made from stock stems). It fits quite loose but I prefer that because I love pulling the Solo off without the gong coming with it. I'm starting to use this technique nearly constantly as it really preserves flavour and avoids conduction if you don't want it.

We sound similar, I much prefer higher temp vaping, mostly because of effects, but also for the cloud chasing dragon in me!
 

sickmanfraud

Well-Known Member
I had 2 Nano's in the past, but sold them...I found them a little inconsistent, especially if you went above low/med heat, I would get tastes and charring that I would prefer to never see or taste again. I think the problem perhaps was that the Nano holds too small of an amount for my tastes, and I was strictly using the adjustable basket screen which I found a pain to maintain and keep clean. I do have another interest in the Nano simply because of the all glass honeycomb gong (that i'd use a screen with), but I think the airflow is too restricted (I find my new Solo more open). I'm also a bit apprehensive with my airways and respiratory system because I seem to be very sensitive to convection type vaporizers. The Solo just doesn't irritate me for some reason (perhaps restricted convection?) as the Nano did. The main reason I miss the Nano is because it did convection dab hits of shatter better than any vape i've ever owned. Instant thick white walls, and flavour like i've never experienced. The other thing I loved about the Nano was the excellent aromatherapy capabilities it had. Thanks for bringing it up, I think i'll re-subscribe to the Nano thread, maybe i'll give it another shot.



I don't think there is a huge difference, perhaps a bit more airflow - maybe too much? Kind of like the PVHES in general with the newer Solo's, IMHO that much airflow starts to decrease the benefit of it. It may actually IMPROVE flavour if it's a bit cooler with more flow though.

Thanks again @OF. Did you see the HA/Solo gong vid above? Looks like alot of coughing though! I'm wondering if the HA is too much convection for me compared to the Solo and will cause the same coughing spasms?

I'm really surprised nobody has somewhat copied the Solo design and made it into a desktop. Actually now that I think of it, I remember not long ago a new portable that looked scarily similar to the Solo, but was still different, thought maybe it came out of europe, i'll have to do some digging....it had the same button design/temp, etc. but the mouthpiece heater may have been different, just can't recall ATM. I'll check!

Realizing that this is the SOLO thread I still feel it is worthwhile to mention that the Vape Critic just reviewed the e-nano in the last few days.
 

vaporvaper

Well-Known Member
I have both vapes aswell. I agree with @OF the two are not alike. HA is more like the crafty/mighty imo, but has slower extraction. Solo @ 5 and HA @ 200 will give me simular sized clouds. Solo's is only slightly more dense but the HA has much better flavor and flavor retention. Solo does best with .1- HA does best with .1+ Solo has a tighter draw, the HA is wide open. Which may explain why vapors are less dense, and why some people cough when using the HA.

If load size and vapor density is important to you, then Solo is the better vape. HA wins In pretty much every other dept tho, imo of course.

And FWIW .3 in the HA gets me more high than 3 .1s in the solo. I can chain vape micro loads easily, usually need two or three stems at least!!! Sometimes the same amount in the HA can be hard to even finish.

That being said, there's not many portables that can produce such big clouds, off such little material like the solo does, and that's what most people are looking for, I believe.

SOLO = A LEGENDARY VAPE!

:peace:
 
Yes, thank you. His review made me remember and realize why I sold the Nano and prefer the SOLO.
Ack, I've always heard high praise for the nano. Been considering purchasing it or the UD since joining. Then again comments like you just made preferring the solo to a desktop is one of the main reasons I got a solo. I found dozens if not hundreds of comments sharing the same sentiment concerning other vapes and the solo.
Realizing that this is the SOLO thread I still feel it is worthwhile to mention that the Vape Critic just reviewed the e-nano in the last few days.
I lost alot of respect for Bud/vapecritic upon reading his gpro/open (titan 1) review.. He was either paid for a high score or simply has poor taste. Regardless I take his reviews with a few extra grains of salt at this point. He scored the titan 80/100 and the solo 85/100. I'm no all knowing vape wizard but that's fucked up. I'm really glad I didn't take his solo review to heart.
 

biohacker

H.R.E.A.M
@vaporvaper HUGE BIG UP ON YA for that post bro! EXACTLY what I was looking for! THANK YOU.

Ack, I've always heard high praise for the nano. Been considering purchasing it or the UD since joining. Then again comments like you just made preferring the solo to a desktop is one of the main reasons I got a solo. I found dozens if not hundreds of comments sharing the same sentiment concerning other vapes and the solo.

The Nano is an incredibly excellent vape, one of the best - it's just not for me, that's all. I've owned two (old style with attached cord, and newer style with detachable) and I just have too many pet peeves with it to justify owning one at this time. My mind changes like the weather, I buy and re-buy vapes all the time and test, test, and re-test, because I like doing so. So like VapeCritic, you should read my posts with a grain of salt too! ;-) I just consider the Solo a superior cordless version, because it does what I need. I think that's been my problem along my journey of vapes....trying different breeds, and it's fun, but in the end it has helped me learn MYSELF. I know really know HOW I like to vape....and that means a water tool, and adapter or gong (glass), and a source of heat (from above) that can be removed. Gimme a quick heat up time, a decent battery, durability, AAA customer support, a decent temp spectrum; and efficiency and i'm in cloud city heaven - the Solo does what I need.

I lost alot of respect for Bud/vapecritic upon reading his gpro/open (titan 1) review.. He was either paid for a high score or simply has poor taste. Regardless I take his reviews with a few extra grains of salt at this point. He scored the titan 80/100 and the solo 85/100. I'm no all knowing vape wizard but that's fucked up. I'm really glad I didn't take his solo review to heart.

His reviews are great but are just that - reviews....no different than anyone elses....it's up to us to think critically and take what we want from it. I just watched the Nano review, and he brought home many points that are bang on.
 
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