Aromazap/Myrtlezap/CeramicRockZap

[StealthGrower]

i came home from college today to find my new CRZ and bubbler waiting for me.
first thing i noticed was that everything is so small!
the VV PS is smaller than i thought which is great, and the bubbler even after being told they are smaller than they look is much smaller than i thought, which isn't really a good or bad thing, the zap is also much smaller. i was expecting it to be the same size or very similar in size, but it's considerably smaller.
the next thing i noticed was the wood is BEAUTIFUL! the pictures are great, but in person this thing is amazing looking.
the bubbler looks great, feels very solid, you can pull on it as fast as you want and water doesn't splash up, it doesn't restrict airflow.
one big difference between my old brass zap and this one is where the stems go in. in the brass one it's a very snug fit, with the new SS there is some wiggle room. it's also much easier to stick the stem in because the edges are rounded.
the only thing is one of the stems i received has some type of paint or something on the metal tip. it's got letters on it that say ASTM and then disappear under the plastic. i don't know what this is, or if it poses any safety issues. it is slightly raised up, but not enough to cause any noticeable interference with putting it in the vape.
i really couldn't be any happier
if i can post pictures later i will.

 

[Jeppy]

Congrats Stealth. Vape stems can be confusing,,,,can't they? Did anybody ever see a vape stem before they saw a log vape? When someone who never vapes,,sees a vape stem , they think of using it to 'blaze'.

 

[Nycdeisel]

^


Stelth that is great! Nice recount of your first impressions upon opening up your zap package. I believe I have seen that text you are talking about. Clean with iso as you should all new vape tools that can be cleaned that way, and itll be fine(let them dry completely, too, of course!)

 

[StealthGrower]

Hey Rick, i got a chance to use my vape, and i'm still figuring out the VV PS, but this vape has a very definite taste. it's very noticeable even with a fresh hit of weed.
i can easily smell it from about 4 feet away.
i'm having a really tough time getting good vapor. i get a couple of wispy hits and then it's done. as opposed to multiple milky hits in my old myrtlezap. i even tried it with the regular power source to make sure it wasn't just me not knowing how to use the VVPS well enough, and same results.

 

[Rick]

Stealth, thanks for the comments on looks and size and everything else. As you recall, that wood was labeled "Unknown" as I do not know the species. I do remember working it and it had a wood smell different than anything in the past, another confirmation it was something never turned by me before.
My suggestion would be to leave it on for awhile to let the wood smell burn off. I also suggest 13.5 to 14.5 volts on the VV PS. The CRzs can take that heat easily. What volt setting did you have the VV on originally?

That block of wood turned out to be one of the nicest blond curlys I have ever done as far as looks go. Could very well be the wood species is not good for a Zap but I doubt that. I have done incense Cedar and other very fragrant woods for the CRZs and they all 'cleaned up', wood smell wise, in a day or two when left on.
Run her in the high 13s to low 14s if you have not done that yet. And keep it on 24/7. Nothing over 14.5 volts for any length of time. Leave yours on regular(13.5-14.5) heat when not in use for the first few days to determine if the wood smell goes away.
We did test it before it left Zapville and it worked fine. I did have it in the high 13's though for testing.
Our log vape likes 13.5 to 14.3 volts and will run at that voltage forever with no problems.

We will fix you up Stealth if the problem persists. If an Aromazap does not work as it should, we will replace it. Sometimes it does take a little time to get them in the comfy zone.

 

[Elluzion]

Hey Rick, i got a chance to use my vape, and i'm still figuring out the VV PS, but this vape has a very definite taste. it's very noticeable even with a fresh hit of weed.
i can easily smell it from about 4 feet away.
i'm having a really tough time getting good vapor. i get a couple of wispy hits and then it's done. as opposed to multiple milky hits in my old myrtlezap. i even tried it with the regular power source to make sure it wasn't just me not knowing how to use the VVPS well enough, and same results.

Check your grind and dryness of the herbs too. You want VERY dry herbs, i have experimented a bit with this after being slightly frustrated with hits and it makes a big difference! Also, your draw should be SLOW and consistent like you are drinking your favorite milkshake.., & last of all be patient with the zap. It takes time to build the forever lasting relationship. It isn't always love at first site, but she'll give you the love you deserve if you stick with her, i promise.

 

[reece]

StealthGrower has experience with using Zaps so it isn't (shouldn't be?) a technique issue. I wonder, has any other Zapateer (not to be confused with Zappateers, Frank Zappa fans) had to relearn when getting a CRZ?

I have not had a problem. I continue with the same technique as with my old Zaps. I use VERY frozen herbs. NOT dry at all. Well ground for as much surface area as possible. I lightly pack the stem and I try not to fill it. I've been doing it that way for well over a year. There is no NEED to dry the herb, only PREFERENCE...Some do indeed WANT very dry herbs. Others do not.

 

[StealthGrower]

Stealth, thanks for the comments on looks and size and everything else. As you recall, that wood was labeled "Unknown" as I do not know the species. I do remember working it and it had a wood smell different than anything in the past, another confirmation it was something never turned by me before.
My suggestion would be to leave it on for awhile to let the wood smell burn off. I also suggest 13.5 to 14.5 volts on the VV PS. The CRzs can take that heat easily. What volt setting did you have the VV on originally?

That block of wood turned out to be one of the nicest blond curlys I have ever done as far as looks go. Could very well be the wood species is not good for a Zap but I doubt that. I have done incense Cedar and other very fragrant woods for the CRZs and they all 'cleaned up', wood smell wise, in a day or two when left on.
Run her in the high 13s to low 14s if you have not done that yet. And keep it on 24/7. Nothing over 14.5 volts for any length of time. Leave yours on regular(13.5-14.5) heat when not in use for the first few days to determine if the wood smell goes away.
We did test it before it left Zapville and it worked fine. I did have it in the high 13's though for testing.
Our log vape likes 13.5 to 14.3 volts and will run at that voltage forever with no problems.

We will fix you up Stealth if the problem persists. If an Aromazap does not work as it should, we will replace it. Sometimes it does take a little time to get them in the comfy zone.

after being left on all night the smell is almost gone, and it's not enough to notice a taste anymore. you are right about it smelling different. i thought it was a wood smell, but it does smell a little different from wood smells i'm used to so i wasn't sure what exactly it was at first.
i'm getting much better hits and more hits with the CRZ than i was yesterday, i'd say it's performing just about on par with my MZ now, and i'll probably perfect the technique more in the next few days.
so the zap is working fine all is good. i got some nice milk in the bubbler today.
the bubbler is the best thing ever! it's seriously awesome.

one thing about this wood is it gets pretty hot. not hot enough to burn you, but it can get uncomfortable to touch around the top.
there is a very thin ring of weed that has gotten stuck around the edges of the screen in the vape. they started getting stuck from the first time i used the vape, and they wont blow out. i don't think it's effecting performance, but don't know because it happened immediately so i can't compare it to anything. is this common with CRZs?

 

[momofthegoons]

It can certainly happen if you take your first hit with the stem tip pointing down into the heatport. Loose material can fall down in there. I use a solder brush occasionally and just whisk it out. Once it browns up and dries, it will be easiest.

Glad to hear you've got your mojo working with your new Zap.

 

[Rick]

The screens in the heatport are very tough. You will not dislodge them. Pick at it with a toothpick to get the little crust off the screen, then tip it over and shake or blow it out with compressed air. Those screens are in there for the duration.

http://aromazap.com/accessories/vv-ps-15
http://aromazap.com/accessories/vv-ps-pc

Enjoy the view mom. We will be thinking of you.

 

[Jeppy]

Rick,,,,is the heat up time shorter with those new fangled jobbies? If so I'm gettin one in Canary yellow,,,,I said I'm gettin one in Canary yellow.

 

[momofthegoons]

Enjoy the view mom. We will be thinking of you.

Thank you Rick! Headed to the airport in just a few. I'll be thinking of you all while looking down at the clouds below...... wishing I was blowing them myself!!!

Behave, you Zapsters, while I'm gone. Don't do anything I wouldn't do.

 

[OhTheAgony]

Not a zapper (yet..?), but I'll try to be good anyways

I've missed where you're going, but have a good trip anyways mom!

 

[Nycdeisel]

Have a good trip mom! Hope you decided to opt out

 

[Vitolo]

Be safe!

 

[Ed's TnT]

Wow Rick the new VV PS is like adding a super charger to the already loaded CRZ, congratulations!!!

Yee be safe Mom!

 

[Jeppy]

Thank you Rick! Headed to the airport in just a few. I'll be thinking of you all while looking down at the clouds below...... wishing I was blowing them myself!!!

Behave, you Zapsters, while I'm gone. Don't do anything I wouldn't do.

Have a safe trip, mom. I will be vaping,,,which is something you 'won't' be doing. No hash caps? Nothing? I'll vape for you.

 

[THCMuscle]

Wow Rick the new VV PS is like adding a super charger to the already loaded CRZ, congratulations!!!

Yee be safe Mom!

It always had a super charger, now it just has a throttle

 

[TheDudeNextDoor]

Hey zapsters (still like zapheads better), take it from me, you are better off ordering the Stealth vv ps with cord directly from Rick than to buy them separately. I know Rick says above that the best bet is to buy the unit from the tattoo place and either make your own cord or buy the cord from him. About the only way you might save a couple bucks is to make the cord yourself, but I cannot imagine anyone would save more than $1-2 once you take into account the price of supplies.

I bought the unit from the tattoo place for $25 plus shipping of $8. That's $33 if you're doing the math.

Then I bought the cord from Rick for $12. That's a total of $45 if you are doing the math. Rick solders the connections on the cord if I am not mistaken and uses a nice protective sleeve over the cord. I just cannot imagine anyone can make a nice cord like that for much less than $12 after costs, not even taking the pain-in-the-assness of making it.

Personally, I'd rather send that same amount to Rick as I know the cord is made by an expert zapman and he tests the unit to make sure it's working correctly and includes instructions specifically for the zap. I don't know how much money Rick makes off these units, but it cannot be much. If I could do it over again, I would order directly from Rick.

 

[Ed's TnT]

It always had a super charger, now it just has a throttle

True!!!

 

[MM..Food]

Ordered the VV ps and I can't wait to be able to control the temperature! Also got the car adapter...the next thing I would order is one of those plain jane tubes but I'm waiting for it to be in stock.

Also have a good one mom!

 

[Rick]

TheDude, thanks for the comments about our VV PS. I did try to keep the price down while still making a few bucks. It is always a battle, with me anyway, pricing smaller items and items I buy for re-sale. The book says mark it up X amount to stay in business. We never quite get to X but do stay in business and have fun at the same time.
I just finished a dozen power cords to go out with todays orders. They turned out nice with extra quality and support at the VV PS plug which must be soldered to the power wire. Lots of soldering experience and just the right size heat shrink tubing make the plug install almost bullet proof. We are also getting good at installing the little green and black plugs for a neat and very strong connection. Remember, our plugs, as opposed to the factory installed black ones, can also be re-installed easily with a small Phillips screwdriver.
The first batch of VV Power supplies with cords and individual power cords shipped today and should arrive Monday. The process happened smoothly and quickly which is always nice for a first time effort. The small black tube caps for a finish trim on our steel rod on/off switch even came in on time. They look much nicer plugged in to the left port with that little cap on them. Almost looks like there is just one port which is cool because we only use one output port on these type of Tattoo power supplies.

I even got some instructions done to go with them! Pretty unusual for me. As I said earlier, I believe these things will be self limiting. If the voltage is too high, early signs of combustion will happen. Nobody wants that. The sweet spot here is 13.5 to 14.2 volts, less than one volt difference between the low and high range.

 

[StealthGrower]

I really want to provide a review with pictures, but i currently don't have a method to upload them, so it will just be written.
This bubbler is incredible. i can't express how much i am loving it. seriously i don't think i will vape without it again if i don't have to.
every time i use the CRZ it gets better. i am getting more and more used to the VV PS, and i'm getting a more even roast every time i use it. the nice small wood and new shape feels much nicer to hold than my old MZ. the new SS stems hold slightly more weed then the brass stems, but the difference is very small. this soft wood gets hot if you leave it on operating temps permanently, my mz gets hot as well sometimes, but i think the crz gets slightly hotter. this isn't a big deal though because i have the VV PS and so can turn it down to like 10 volts when not using and crank it up all the way for about a minute and a half, and then turn it down to 14.25 which seems to be about the sweet spot for this vape, and i get a nice even brown roast, not too dark, but darker then golden brown. this way the wood stays comfortable to hold, and so far i haven't found it to be an inconvenience. the old MZ screens had smaller holes and were brass. the new ones are SS and have bigger holes. this seems to cause more weed to stick to the screens. i use a pretty fine grind. the CRZ takes more power then the MZ. the standard DC plug isn't strong enough to heat the CRZ hot enough, but heats the MZ up to the perfect temp. again not a problem as i have the VV PS. i've gone up to 14.5v and that didn't cause combustion, but it turned the center of the weed black. so that's the max temp.
i have gotten some great milks with the bubbler. if you put some keif in there it really is milky.
very happy with everything. Thanks a lot Rick!

 

[Jeppy]

Right on Stealth! I'm heading out to the vapor garage even as we speak to vape some fullmelt in your honor.

 

[collegerower]

Thanks for the review Stealth! Always fun to hear of Ricks work!

Also cool to hear about the VVPS doing just what you want. I think this is a very exciting advancement for us log vape lovers!