Best semi portable for my needs?

[Submisfit]

I've been smoking pot off and on for ~10 years, and had the opportunity to use a launch box for the first time about a week ago; I was amazed that portable vapes could have that kind of efficiency/power. Prior to that I'd only used a friend's volcano, which I knew was out of my price range, and I was content to just use a bowl. Now I'm really looking to get my own vape.

Me:
-Smoke 3-7 days per week; multiple bowls on days I do smoke.
-Relatively low tolerance; my favorite bowl holds about .15-.25g, and that's enough to get me pretty well ripped. 2 bowls of well grown indoor kdawg had me on my ass.
-I have MILD asthma, and only smoke high end because the amount of mid i need to smoke can affect my lungs. Just a bit of resistance on normal breaths for a few minutes, but it's something I want to avoid.
-Half an eighth/week when I'm REALLY busy with school, to as much as a quarter ounce per week when I've got a lot of free time.
-Roughly 45% smoke at home alone, 35% smoke at home with friends, 20% transporting my shit elsewhere.

What I'm looking for:
-I want to get as much out of my weed as I can. Big hits are nice, but I'd prefer ABV that isn't smoke-able to thick plumes, if I'm choosing one or the other.
-Taste is a pretty big deal for me. I tried a budget whip vape once (a friend's,) and all I tasted was the plastic.
-Digital temp if possible; some semblance of control at least, as long as it'll be consistent.
-Flowers and kief. Concentrates aren't big here.
-Ability to attach it to a nice water pipe eventually is a nice plus, but by no means necessary.

What are my limitations:
-I'm a student, so I don't have a lot of money. Right now I could probably spend 200-300 on one, and could increase that by as much as 100/mo that i wait; would prefer not to spend a ton though.
-I don't mind a learning curve, but nothing so complicated that I can't demonstrate for a friend who hasn't used it so that they'll see how.
-It doesn't need to be Pax level portable, but I want to be able to load it up and drive to a friend's house with my gear without it being an ordeal. A lot of friends go to uni about 15 minutes away, and it's pretty typical for me to bring the weed while they cover the hookah/food.

What I'm considering:
-In terms of portables, I liked the all glass pathway of the Ascent. I also considered an SSV, but IDK how portable it is; being able to imbibe in the car or at festivals isn't a big deal for me. I just don't really know HOW MUCH better a ~portable desktop would be as compared to one that fits in a purse. I do smoke socially for fun, but weed helps me with some medical shit more than any pills ever have, so something that I can use before going to class/work (biochem lab,) is my main focus. Really, I know very little about vaping, so the only vapes I know are the big brand names. Any sort of guidance or suggestion would be really, REALLY appreciated.

 

[SpruceGruve]

The ssv comes with a free padded bag for travel its not too large to bring around.
If you check their site it should have a photo.
I just measured mine it's 9inch by 9inchs at the largest parts and it tapers down to 7inches on one side

Log vapes such as underdog,enano,and HI are also small and portable

If you want something that's portable but hits hard enough to be used at home,look into the solo.

Also if you don't mind using butane the lotus is a great vape,it hits hard and is very small.for home use it has a 14mm bong attachment

 

[syrupy]

It's very difficult to beat the Solo. Of the first five vapes I've purchased, it's the only one still in steady rotation. I love my Nano, but it's not as portable. Both are in your price range.

 

[Submisfit]

Thanks for the advice. I saw the travel bag wth the SSV, and liked that about it; I also liked that the relatively low number of components reduces the risk of a clumsyperson like me breaking something. I'd worried about the solo (and comparing the fully portables, I liked the idea of the ascent more,) just because the separate glass pieces really worry me. I kinda feel like I'd end up leaving it as my desktop unit for fear of breaking it, and buying a different portable when I had the money. If this is what I was going to do, I'd just get the desktop and smoke with friends until I could afford a nice portable to complement the home unit.

I've heard good things about log vapes, but I don't know anyone who has one. The aesthetic doesn't do it for me, but that's a fairly trivial factor. I looked briefly at the Lotus (and a few others that require a torch,) but I'm worried that I'd burn myself. Tremor+torches=not so good.

I was also worried that Logs wouldn't have a lot of temperature control; one thing that sold me on vaping was being able to selectively vape at a low temp and get a fully functional buzz, without worrying about getting TOO high before going out in public.

 

[clouded vision]

The solo sounds like the perfect vape for you, get a plastic cigar tube to carry the stem in. You will not regret it, there's a reason it's the most popular thread on FC. I have had a dozen different vapes and the solo was the first one I bought and one of only 2 I still own.

 

[grokit]

If you get a 12v log (they all are besides the e-nano),
you can get a variable digital controller for it.
There's some excellent ones being made by fc forum members

 

[Seren]

The Solo is a great portable if you're looking for the convenience of portability rather than super stealth characteristics (that said - the paper cup fix does make it very stealthy IMO) - as mentioned you can get holders for the glass stems, or alternatively a carry case or wooden stem if you're worried about breaking the glass stems.

The E-Nano also comes in a nice little bag for transporting it - again you could use a wooden stem or stem case. The nano comes with a built in temperature control dial, unlike the other logs.

The Firefly may also be another option for you - I haven't tried that one myself - but the vapour pathway is clean and it apparently delivers great tasting hits. Both the Solo and E-Nano taste great too.

 

[grokit]

+1 for the firefly

 

[stickstones]

Lotus.

 

[max]

Any vape can be moved from one place to another, so semi-portable is not a good term. The ease of hauling an AC model around is going to vary with the individual, and trying to create a semi-portable category is a losing proposition. You need to decide whether you want a home model (AC powered) that you can run in car, etc., or a true portable that's designed to operate without AC. Then narrow your selection down from there.

 

[ataxian]

I've been smoking pot off and on for ~10 years, and had the opportunity to use a launch box for the first time about a week ago; I was amazed that portable vapes could have that kind of efficiency/power. Prior to that I'd only used a friend's volcano, which I knew was out of my price range, and I was content to just use a bowl. Now I'm really looking to get my own vape.

Me:
-Smoke 3-7 days per week; multiple bowls on days I do smoke.
-Relatively low tolerance; my favorite bowl holds about .15-.25g, and that's enough to get me pretty well ripped. 2 bowls of well grown indoor kdawg had me on my ass.
-I have MILD asthma, and only smoke high end because the amount of mid i need to smoke can affect my lungs. Just a bit of resistance on normal breaths for a few minutes, but it's something I want to avoid.
-Half an eighth/week when I'm REALLY busy with school, to as much as a quarter ounce per week when I've got a lot of free time.
-Roughly 45% smoke at home alone, 35% smoke at home with friends, 20% transporting my shit elsewhere.

What I'm looking for:
-I want to get as much out of my weed as I can. Big hits are nice, but I'd prefer ABV that isn't smoke-able to thick plumes, if I'm choosing one or the other.
-Taste is a pretty big deal for me. I tried a budget whip vape once (a friend's,) and all I tasted was the plastic.
-Digital temp if possible; some semblance of control at least, as long as it'll be consistent.
-Flowers and kief. Concentrates aren't big here.
-Ability to attach it to a nice water pipe eventually is a nice plus, but by no means necessary.

What are my limitations:
-I'm a student, so I don't have a lot of money. Right now I could probably spend 200-300 on one, and could increase that by as much as 100/mo that i wait; would prefer not to spend a ton though.
-I don't mind a learning curve, but nothing so complicated that I can't demonstrate for a friend who hasn't used it so that they'll see how.
-It doesn't need to be Pax level portable, but I want to be able to load it up and drive to a friend's house with my gear without it being an ordeal. A lot of friends go to uni about 15 minutes away, and it's pretty typical for me to bring the weed while they cover the hookah/food.

What I'm considering:
-In terms of portables, I liked the all glass pathway of the Ascent. I also considered an SSV, but IDK how portable it is; being able to imbibe in the car or at festivals isn't a big deal for me. I just don't really know HOW MUCH better a ~portable desktop would be as compared to one that fits in a purse. I do smoke socially for fun, but weed helps me with some medical shit more than any pills ever have, so something that I can use before going to class/work (biochem lab,) is my main focus. Really, I know very little about vaping, so the only vapes I know are the big brand names. Any sort of guidance or suggestion would be really, REALLY appreciated.

GET a SOLO!
ADD more vaporizers as you have more money!
Accessorize = GonG's = STOCK or PHVES
Stems, Travel Tubes, Bubblers, Ash Collectors, JHOOKS
or just use it the way it comes!

Just to manage one can be a lot of work!

I tried a bunch of different ones and like them alot.

The SOLO I use the most!

Get a SOLO and forget about it!

 

[llamaman001]

Is recommend an underdog and one of citizins travel battery packs so it can be portable as well. You can control the temp very well with a vvps and with the battery pack you can have about 4 hours of portable battery life, perfect for the beach!

 

[Crumpet]

Another vote for the Solo, with one of the custom PVHES stems if the draw resistance of the original is too high. In my opinion it fits all of your criteria other than the digital temp readout (and it does have good temperature control, just no display).

 

[thisperson]

From what you described as your needs.

Student. Small Clouds. Ease of use. Portable.

You should check out the vapormax v flowermate.

I haven't tried it but reading about it it's said to produce small to medium clouds at a consistent medium temperature.

It has a holding compartment for the mouthpiece, leaving it as a little box when not in use. It is also very simple to use, 5 button on, 5 second hold to turn on oven. It costs 75 dollars shipped from china.

The only downsides are that it doesn't have temperature control which is something that you were interested in.

http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/flowermate-vapormax-v.13786/

 

[Submisfit]

If you get a 12v log (they all are besides the e-nano),
you can get a variable digital controller for it.
There's some excellent ones being made by fc forum members

I actually got a 2 year degree in electromechanical engineering before finding my biochemist calling, so this is dangerous hobby ground for me, haha .

Any vape can be moved from one place to another, so semi-portable is not a good term. The ease of hauling an AC model around is going to vary with the individual, and trying to create a semi-portable category is a losing proposition. You need to decide whether you want a home model (AC powered) that you can run in car, etc., or a true portable that's designed to operate without AC. Then narrow your selection down from there.

I suppose I wasn't clear on that. I guess I'd want something that I can move around that can be used while charging, so if I'm in a group of say, 6-7 people (really never more than that,) it won't be dying too early. When I said portable, I think that in my head I was comparing a 30 dollar 8 inch honeycomb bubbler that I take with me to my 18 inch honeycomb/8 arm tree perc with ash catcher. The latter stays home because while it COULD be moved, it'd be a pain. Portable for me means fitting in my backpack with enough padding that I won't be worried.

GET a SOLO!
ADD more vaporizers as you have more money!
Accessorize = GonG's = STOCK or PHVES
Stems, Travel Tubes, Bubblers, Ash Collectors, JHOOKS
or just use it the way it comes!

Just to manage one can be a lot of work!

I tried a bunch of different ones and like them alot.

The SOLO I use the most!

Get a SOLO and forget about it!

Another vote for the Solo, with one of the custom PVHES stems if the draw resistance of the original is too high. In my opinion it fits all of your criteria other than the digital temp readout (and it does have good temperature control, just no display).

I've skimmed through (it's over 1000 pages...) the solo thread, and the fact that some people are saying the newer versions have an easier draw, and a PA that allows the unit to be used while charging pretty much sell me on it. My only remaining concern would probably be that the lowest vape temp is still significantly higher than THC flash point, and that it might not be good for using at a low temp like say, 340F before work, just to get that energetic and slightly happy high. I'm basing my knowledge of temps off of some questionable sources though.

From the sound of some of the posts, it can compete with the desktop vapes, which is interesting. Just out of curiosity, why does it seem like it's favored over the ascent?

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

Just out of curiosity, why does it seem like it's favored over the ascent?

Having both, and IMO, I'll say that durability, dependability, ease of use, and ease of cleaning, and of course price, all go to the Solo. Battery life seems pretty much the same, but with the Solo, you can switch out the battery. Taste, I'd say a slight edge to the Solo, but negligible. Taste-wise, for "semi portables," I'd go with the Firefly all day long. So long as you don't singe your material...

About the only thing the Ascent has in its favor, IMO, is a bit more stealth and the fact it's all in one unit and it can reach those lower temps that you're looking for. When using it at those lower temps, I do find better-tasting vapor than the Solo, but when vaping at the same temp, I'd take the Solo. Ascent hooks up with glass as easy as the Solo, I suppose.

But the Ascent is still new enough to be iffy. Considering how much time you vape alone at home, I'm not sure the Ascent would be quite right. I am enjoying it MUCH more these days using it only as my on-the-go portable, and never at home.

It can be really handy out there, being able to pack a big ol' bowl, keep it at really low temps, and not have to carry around anything extra but the unit. And with the decent battery life and pretty good flavor, it's been working pretty well.

But I'm also on my fourth Ascent (all warranties)...

 

[Submisfit]

But I'm also on my fourth Ascent (all warranties)...

Ugh, glad I came here then. I don't have a lot of patience for that sort of thing. Thanks for that heads up.

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

Ugh, glad I came here then. I don't have a lot of patience for that sort of thing. Thanks for that heads up.

Remember, I'm just one customer. But it's no secret that a few of us FC'ers have been through a few Ascents. Curse of the early adopters... Although perhaps the happiest Ascent user is still on his first...

AFAIK, the situation has greatly improved in that regard. But I'd still be hesitant to suggest an Ascent to anyone...

 

[Crumpet]

My only remaining concern would probably be that the lowest vape temp is still significantly higher than THC flash point, and that it might not be good for using at a low temp like say, 340F before work, just to get that energetic and slightly happy high. I'm basing my knowledge of temps off of some questionable sources though.

When I vape and work (and I got into vaping specifically to help me focus for work), I keep the temperature at a setting of 2 or 3 on the Solo (dependent on what I'm using and how it's been cured) and draw lightly - it keeps me in a good focusing place. Your mileage may of course vary.

 

[smokie]

Remember, I'm just one customer. But it's no secret that a few of us FC'ers have been through a few Ascents. Curse of the early adopters... Although perhaps the happiest Ascent user is still on his first...

AFAIK, the situation has greatly improved in that regard. But I'd still be hesitant to suggest an Ascent to anyone...

Agree, I'm waiting on my fourth replacement ascent. While I have a solo that has been a daily driver for over a year with no problems.

 

[DDave]

GET a SOLO!
ADD more vaporizers as you have more money!
Accessorize = GonG's = STOCK or PHVES
Stems, Travel Tubes, Bubblers, Ash Collectors, JHOOKS
or just use it the way it comes!

Just to manage one can be a lot of work!

I tried a bunch of different ones and like them alot.

The SOLO I use the most!

Get a SOLO and forget about it!

Love the Solo! So 2nd everything said about the unit so far!

 

[RUDE BOY]

If your going to use it regularly with six or seven other people I don't think your looking for a portable. Sorry but as much as I like the solo or the davinci neither are going to cut it in a group that size.

I would say look at a plug in like the Herbalaire or something but a 'personal' portable like the solo in a large group like that is pretty near useless in my opinion.



Seven or eight people and a Solo is laughable to say the least, Any portable I know of would fall short in that size group not what they are made for. Let's all get real now.

 

[ataxian]

If your going to use it regularly with six or seven other people I don't think your looking for a portable.
Seven or eight people and a Solo is laughable to say the least, Any portable I know of would fall short in that size group not what they are made for. Let's all get real now.

Let's all get real!

Portable = SOLO
Party vaporizer = WATER = LSV
Party vaporizer = DRY = SSV

If I was recreational I would just smoke joints.

A pack of ZIG ZAGS are cheaper and better for large groups.
Just get a chillum and call it a day.

Get a vaporizer when you have a pay check!

 

[Submisfit]

If your going to use it regularly with six or seven other people I don't think your looking for a portable. Sorry but as much as I like the solo or the davinci neither are going to cut it in a group that size.

I would say look at a plug in like the Herbalaire or something but a 'personal' portable like the solo in a large group like that is pretty near useless in my opinion.



Seven or eight people and a Solo is laughable to say the least, Any portable I know of would fall short in that size group not what they are made for. Let's all get real now.

I'd read that the Herbalaire's fan/balloon system were pretty mediocre, making it essentially a decent whip vape that would probably be outshone by the SSV for my personal and entirely subjective needs. I don't regularly use with 6-7 people, but it happens occasional; if I'm with others, 3-4 would be "typical." The bulk of my smoking is 3 or less though, and like half the time it's just me. I imagine I'd just be best off buying something for me for now, and expanding later if that works out.

When I vape and work (and I got into vaping specifically to help me focus for work), I keep the temperature at a setting of 2 or 3 on the Solo (dependent on what I'm using and how it's been cured) and draw lightly - it keeps me in a good focusing place. Your mileage may of course vary.

I'd like this post more than once if I could, because it really answers a question that I should have explicitly asked and didn't. I'm bipolar, which pot helps, and I have a brain thing that's really similar to MS without being progressive, which it also helps. I really can't do intricate lab work stuff that I need to for my job without being high, but I hate that numb body/laziness/mild couch lock once you sit down thing that I get from smoking say, half a bowl.

Let's all get real!

Portable = SOLO
Party vaporizer = WATER = LSV
Party vaporizer = DRY = SSV

If I was recreational I would just smoke joints.

A pack of ZIG ZAGS are cheaper and better for large groups.
Just get a chillum and call it a day.

Get a vaporizer when you have a pay check!

I have a decent pay check now (for being a student; ) I'm just a little bit anal about my finances and only allow myself to set aside a certain amount each month for "fun" stuff. A vape would be a "fun" item.

 

[nicelytoasted]

I'd read that the Herbalaire's fan/balloon system were pretty mediocre

You "read" wrong...