Aromazap/Myrtlezap/CeramicRockZap

[Alan]

They are not compatible, but they can be.

The Toasty Tubes can be easily modified to fit the Zap by threading on a brass roasting tip.

The Zap tubes can be easily modified to fit the Toasty Top by inserting the stainless steel portion of the Toasty Tube into the Zap tube. A silicone band seals between the brass Zap tube and the stainless Toasty Tube.

Lots of flexibility and interchangeability.

Here is a shot gvape provided of the TT in a brass tube tip.

 

[momofthegoons]

Yes, if they had more tubing, that would help. I have one of Ed's first vapor tubes, which has a longer stem than his current one. Even with that, though, it didn't work that well. The stem is just a wee bit too small in diameter and it wobbles around too much. Not enough contact is made.

And no. The TT vapor stems do not work with the Zaps. Not even the new ones.

edit: see what happens when you walk away from your computer before submitting? Thanks Alan. I had forgotten about this. I might be doing a bit too much testing....

 

[steiner666]

Wow, I'm away for a day or two and I come back to yet another new type of zap lol. I'm kickin myself for not waiting a bit longer to order my zap now. But i'm sure i can justify purchasing another after the rockzaps are perfected and readily available.

I'd just love to see a zap out of amboyna burl... or even a nice ebony or blackwood,.

 

[stoney]

I'd love to see a zap made completely out of concrete. While I'm not sure if that is possible, I think a pyramid shaped zap with a removable top covering the heatport (super stealth!) would be pretty neat.

 

[return2heaven]

i picked up my 2nd zap a month too early!!!

the new sss zaps are making me drool...

 

[Aqua]

Damn Rick, now these are some wonderful innovations! The only complaint I have with my brand new Purple Days is how easily the heat exchanger clip can be knocked out of place. Sounds like a RockZap might be on my horizon...

 

[WatTyler]

I want add my congratulations in here too for Rick. Congratulations. I think these are impressive developments in the design, and has me sold. Just hoping for that potential development in the international supply channels . I tried to get on the Zap train a couple of years back, but they weren't being sent flying over any oceans. Maybe I'll get on yet Watching and waiting...

 

[Rick]

Thanks to all regarding comments on our SSS heatport.
I am at a big crossroad here this Monday morning. I am ready to get a good early start on a very busy day. I want something before I get too carried away in one direction or another.
I want to hear some feedback on the SSS heatport installed as always, direct into the wood. There are several out there now in a few FC members hands. We know how we feel about the new design but I also need to hear from customers.
I realize this request could be a "watch out what you ask for" type moment and if so that is fine. I want to hear if you think it is better or the same or worse than the brass design we have traditionally used. I want to hear about the heat or lack thereof if that is the case.
Under normal situations I would not do this but we have also let out the rockzap plan yesterday. Probably not business smart to do that so early but it is done now so we must adjust accordingly if need be.
I am very confident about the insulating properties of the concrete cup and the heat of the vaping air produced by that design. I frankly am wondering if I should consider making all Zaps with the insulating liner?
I know this is alot of change here in Zapville. Now I am looking for a clear direction and need some help from recent customers.
Perhaps my plan for the 'traditional' with SSS and "rockzap" with SSS is not the best course to follow?
Thanks for any help. Feel free to comment in any direction you desire.
edit for:
We did a design change(SSS)that was a big improvement.
Then we improved on that design(too quickly?) with the concrete insulator in our opinion.
Should we just go with the most improvement and call it done?
With the liner: no charring ever, no rattle of any kind ever, and very important, a steady supply of higher end vaping air with a wider selection of wood.

 

[biojuggernaut]

I don't have any of the experience to tell you whether you are or are not going in the right direction. However seeing how much traffic the SSS ports have even produced here in the forums I'd say you're making great strides forward for all of us. Even all your competitors use stainless steel heatsinks.

I like your original plan the most. Discontinue the brass, and sell strictly SSS and RockZaps. This will cater to your moderate spectrum guys, and the more broad spectrum guys.

 

[al bundy]

^^^^^
i agree with the above post.
just curious of the durability of the rock zap.
i know its encased in wood but is there any chance of cracking the cement if dropped?
keep up the great work.

 

[the ob]

Thanks to all regarding comments on our SSS heatport.
I am at a big crossroad here this Monday morning. I am ready to get a good early start on a very busy day. I want something before I get too carried away in one direction or another.
I want to hear some feedback on the SSS heatport installed as always, direct into the wood. There are several out there now in a few FC members hands. We know how we feel about the new design but I also need to hear from customers.
I realize this request could be a "watch out what you ask for" type moment and if so that is fine. I want to hear if you think it is better or the same or worse than the brass design we have traditionally used. I want to hear about the heat or lack thereof if that is the case.
Under normal situations I would not do this but we have also let out the rockzap plan yesterday. Probably not business smart to do that so early but it is done now so we must adjust accordingly if need be.
I am very confident about the insulating properties of the concrete cup and the heat of the vaping air produced by that design. I frankly am wondering if I should consider making all Zaps with the insulating liner?
I know this is alot of change here in Zapville. Now I am looking for a clear direction and need some help from recent customers.
Perhaps my plan for the 'traditional' with SSS and "rockzap" with SSS is not the best course to follow?
Thanks for any help. Feel free to comment in any direction you desire.
edit for:
We did a design change(SSS)that was a big improvement.
Then we improved on that design(too quickly?) with the concrete insulator in our opinion.
Should we just go with the most improvement and call it done?
With the liner: no charring ever, no rattle of any kind ever, and very important, a steady supply of higher end vaping air with a wider selection of wood.

Honestly, the only way to be able to do this for you is for someone to have both a new sss and a rockport to compare the two. it is one thing to be like apple, where you have new innovations (sort of) coming out every nine months. At that rate you can keep getting people to buy new things that often. I think if you found a new innovation and you feel like that is going to be it for a while, you need to start using that innovation right now. It would probably be better to streamline production as well.

My feeling is that if you feel really good about the new rockzaps and price dictates that you think everyone will want those, then start making all zaps with them now. I think where you will continue to see some great interests is in all the new wood choices that will be available.

maybe also, you can retrofit peoples new SSS ones? If not, we can live with those. I think so far the SSS is a huge improvement over the brass. That being said, I would want a new rockzap as well.

hope this makes sense. I just got up after a really long day yesterday.......

 

[SirElton]

The SSS heatport works phenomenally well. I have no intention of buying a traditional brass Zap ever, since I'm so impressed by the SSS in both looks and function. Moaning Myrtle is very new still, but I found heat retention to be a slight issue. I live in an AC house with a fan on usually. If I don't have my Zap in a cozy and the fan isn't turned off, the vapor is wispy-er than I'd like. If the RockZap improves insulation, it'll be a welcome improvement. Other than that, I see no issues with the current SSS Zap. As long as it puts out the best quality vapor, it works.

I don't know how the rock+concrete works or even if it'll improve anything, but I am attracted using any kind of wood. If the RockZap puts out better (or at least, just as good) vapor as the normal SSS Zaps, the price stays to around where it is, and its not a pain in the ass using different woods, then my name will be on a RockZap receipt in the future.

 

[Vitolo]

Knowing your heart and the kind of man you are, I can see where your conscience has guided you Rick.
When we spoke, I heard the tone in your voice.
You will not feel right if one of the units in your eyes is not as good as the other.
There was something I heard also that told me you could not let any Zap fan have less than what you felt was best!
I think you know what to do.
The fact that you said that you decided to make no price change for the upgrade to the RockZap concept again shows that you are in this for all of us!

Thanks Rick!
Now I return to my place in line to await arrival of an AromaZapSSS

 

[the ob]

Knowing your heart and the kind of man you are, I can see where your conscience has guided you Rick.
When we spoke, I heard the tone in your voice.
You will not feel right if one of the units in your eyes is not as good as the other.
There was something I heard also that told me you could not let any Zap fan have less than what you felt was best!
I think you know what to do.
The fact that you said that you decided to make no price change for the upgrade to the RockZap concept again shows that you are in this for all of us!

Thanks Rick!
Now I return to my place in line to await arrival of an AromaZapSSS

this 100%. I think this was part of what I was trying to say. he just said it better. that and the streamlined manufacturing.

 

[guardian]

RICK, i read a few posts back that time from order to shipping is 2 weeks, is this still true? or only for the sss zap as it must take them a while to machine enough heat exchangers. thanks edit: really vito? i thought for sure he was still cobbling together those brass ones for years to come

 

[Vitolo]

All Zaps are now SSS Zaps!

 

[stinkbud]

Got what looks like a lovely hunk of walnut zap goodness. The grains are very nice and the zap polish brings out so much more. Too bad i am at work right now, but I have half a mind to go to the drug store next door to get some aromatherapy oil I also intend to see how well the aromatherapy cup works with the synthetic cannabanoid juice I have been working with. I am not sure how to do it logistically, but I will figure it out somehow. Experimentation is half the fun. I assume the copper cup that comes with the Best Deal is simply meant to rest atop the SSS heat port?

 

[momofthegoons]

Real nice Zap stinkbud. Yes, the copper cup rests on top of the heatport. It's best to pour the oil in when the cup is not on the Zap. You do not want any going down into your heatport.

Yes, SSS is the wave of the future. But, what Rick wants to hear is some feedback on the SSS without the concrete. Not a comparison to it. He wants to know if there's anyone out there who feels they would still want brass and the comparison between the brass and the stainless. ob, you would be a good person to do this, as you have both. Maybe when you are up to it, you can check it out.

The decision then, if I am understanding Rick right, is whether or not to just make them all in concrete. That comparison is yet to come and it's a tough decision. The costs increase for one thing. But, as Vito said, it is important to him to make the best Zap there is for his customers. This will mean scrapping many $ worth of brass that he had ordered when the heatport change was made originally a year or so ago. And that still isn't an issue to him, as long as his customers are getting the best he can produce. THAT, my friends, is what sets Rick apart, IMO.

So, come on folks.... those of you with both brass and SSS....speak up! Help Rick with this important decsion.

 

[RumbleShorts]

Mom,
If you where going to pony up for a new Zap today would you opt for the SSS Rock Zap or a standard SSS? I know you have only had the RockZap for a couple days but, I'm sure your gut has a favorite allready.

Sorry to put you on the spot but as a customer with an order pending I value your input.

 

[Rick]

stinkbud, nice looking Zap. I'm sure everyone was also trying to peek at the top as it gives an entirely different 'feel' to the zap. Yes, the cup rests on the top as always. There is more SS surface area and mass that it rests on. We have found they run hotter than the old version. The handmade Aroma Flower does slide over the top port so is very stable and will slide off nicely, again different than the old days. Anxious to hear how she rips.
guardian,we are still shipping between one and two weeks from order date. We do not anticipate any longer wait than that, no matter how the bell rings. I want to get back to a week or less but it is not going to happen right now. Way too much happening here in Zapville besides the fabrication part that I have to get on the correct track.
I will not make another brass Zap. I have some old ones I may give away but only SSS as Vito mentioned.
Thanks for the comments so far. Add this to the mix. There will be no price increase no matter which direction I go on the heatport. Either direction uses the same SSS heatport. The only price upgrades will be for exotic woods and/or exotic turning.
SO?
offer SSS on(in) wood and SSS in concrete liner, then wood ...(two options) or
offer SSS in concrete liner only(one option)
I will offer those in line the liner option at no charge if I go to only one option but there will be a delay in production.
We are getting there. Much thanks to all.
Edit for:
I know the SSS is better than brass in several ways for heatport construction. As said above, I will not ever do a brass heatport again and yes, I have many dollars tied up in custom brass washers that I ordered last year by the 10,000 qty. No biggee as that is business. I am curious if the SSS in wood units that are out there perform in the hotter range from the customers point of view. They do from our perspective but we are incredibly biased and we only tested a few(in wood only) before releasing the SSS.
Yes, Steiner, you were very clear in your review and we appreciate that. Just looking for a few more opinions, especially those with the new pretty Myrtle.

 

[the ob]

go for it and offer all in the concrete from now on.

release the hounds.

 

[RumbleShorts]

Well looks like it's settled then! (hound 1)

Rick sign me up for a RockZap covered in the gnarliest, funky, strange piece of wood you can find. I don't mind being a Guinea Pig for anything you want to "check out".

Still would like to hear what Mom has to say

 

[momofthegoons]

Rumble, here's the deal.... I haven't tried the SSS in the wood only. I've got to believe it's a good, solid hitter from steiner's review. I have a proclivity towards getting things in pretty woods. So, the concrete option is good for someone like me who is constantly pestering Rick about specialty woods. (Right Rick? ) But one thing does stand out in my mind. A few posts back, SirElton said that if his room is cold, his SSS Zap runs cooler. As I said in my review, I did not feel ambient temperature affected my concrete Zap as much as my brass Zap. I suppose that might hold true for the SSS in wood only too. The concrete acts as an insulator, so it would insulate the heat port against cold as well as holding heat in, I would think. There is no way I would need to use a koozie or sock on this new Zap, IMO.

So, I guess my vote would be for the concrete version. Even if the wood does end up charring or the heatport does end up coming loose, it would still be a more constant, true and retained heat while you had it. My feeling is that these things probably wont happen with this new design, but just saying.

edit: Sorry Rumble, you beat me to it! Now you know how I feel...

 

[RumbleShorts]

Thanks Mom!
I appreciate the input. It seems to make the choice easy. RockZap it is.

The idea of a concrete liner around the heating element sits well with me. I'm not at all concerned with charring or the supply coming loose. Not because these things wouldn't happen... Instead, if they did I am pretty confident Rick would do what he could to make it right. That's all I could ask of any business.

Just as a side thought, what if time
If the concrete & SS works out well enough, how cool would it be to be able to pick up slide on sleeves that Rick would be able to turn as interchangeable covers. I know I would want at least two separate woods. I'm sure there would be a good way to keep the sleeves on so the concrete doesn't turn into a toe smasher as it slides out.

P.S. sorry Mom, I was under the impression that you had a all wood SSS as well as the concrete.

 

[Rick]

Hi noon here. Time to end the confusion. I got here with comments on the forum, turning a few logs out and a good quiet break.
We will continue with the standard SSS in wood install for the immediate future. I have too much in the way of fabrication techniques to work out with the concrete lined version and we have to pour and bake several cups ahead of time. Along with that I have too many SSS orders I will not put off any longer.
When we are ready to go with the insulated version, I will announce that. I apologize for releasing that info before we were really ready to produce the product.
In the meantime, anybody in line who wants the concrete version, let me know and we will do that at no extra charge. Your order will be delayed from our normal schedule because I have to perfect(almost) my install. The product is here but needs some assembly finese.
Those that want a rockzap and are not in line, hang in there for a week or two at least.
My apologies for the confusion. I can be that way sometimes.
The one who is getting a Myrtle rockzap still is, nothing changed there.