Hey guys, here's a review I posted over on Reddit. Figured it fits here.
Intro
The Camouflet Convector XL is a fucking beast (pardon my language). The increased size of the chamber and cap provide extra surface area for exceptional vapour production which has been a game changer. While it’s not required, when paired with the Inductor this combination is end game level when it comes to satisfaction in the level of efficiency and performance when looking at desktop and portable vaporizers. So here is my experience and what I’ve found along the way.
Performance / Airflow
Whether I’m trying to hit a bowl in a single snap or temp step for flavour and efficiency, both I have found easily attainable with the CXL. I’ve been able to dial in the perfect hit with the Inductor and digital IR thermometer so that I get the most complete consistent extraction that I can’t seem to get with other vaporizers without stirring.
I feel like if you enjoy dabbing you will find this to be a very enjoyable experience in the same way you get while dabbing concentrates. By that I mean heating it up, the brief cool down and then temp check prior to hitting, it’s just very familiar in that sense. All while giving you that incredibly heavy head hitting effect, but that’s ultimately dependent on the quality of your flower, this really helps you unlock that.
The larger chamber and cap size is the biggest game changer in this due to the increased surface area allowing a lot more heat retention to give you all the goods. Its incredibly low air resistance allows you a very open and smooth draw. It’s on par or very close to some ball vapes in terms of airflow while just chucking out clouds of vapour. On a scale of 1-10 and 1 being a triple thick milkshake, and 10 as breathing freely, I’d give it about a 8.5.
With that said, comparing this to a Dynavap in a 10mm dab rig is almost night and day in terms of airflow. I have a dual uptake recycler that fails to function properly with the airflow of a Dynavap but with the CXL it’s almost 2-3x more open getting that water moving quickly. It really makes for a much more comfortable hit.
Versatility
Heating the cap with a torch is still a very viable option with the CXL but will take a little longer depending on the size of the flame. My favourite method is definitely with the Inductor at 25v. I rotate the end of the cap on its side while on the F-Core for about 5-7 seconds as it gets red hot. I then let it cool down to 550-570F and that allows me to get the perfect one hit extraction almost every time. Obviously at little cost to flavour but it’s a given at these higher temperatures. You can dial in your perfect temperature for what suits your needs. I personally enjoy giving it more heat right away so that it takes a little longer to cool down so I can draw out my hits a little longer as it will retain heat a little longer. The quicker you hit this the faster it will cool down but it doesn’t slouch on retention at all. Since it’s an analog vaporizer there is obviously the risk of combustion but you’d rather have the power than not have it as it can make vaping concentrates a much better experience when using a substrate like hemp fibre or just flower itself.
Temp stepping is another alternative way to heat this device. Put the flame or Inductor directly on the end of the cap, letting it get red hot and drawing within a second or two after letting off the heat. You can quickly re-heat as it cools down very quickly but will also heat up a little faster as well. I find the Inductor works so well with this cause it heats up so fast and you can always play with the voltage to really dial in what you like. When using a smaller torch it will end up building up more heat and you may get inconsistent results. You will have to get comfortable with timing and your torch when not using a thermometer.
I find I get really lovely flavour when hitting it with this method. If the cap is too hot to take off just give it a few more puffs and I’m sure that will cool it off quick enough to remove it with your bare hands. Since it has such an open draw it helps the cap cool much quicker.
Portability
I don’t tend to take analog vapes like this on the go very often but last night (as I write this) I was out watching the fights with friends and my kit was set up as:
- CXL
- Terpometer IR
- Travel Storage/Debowler
- Honest Triple Torch
- Small Bubbler
and I was thoroughly satisfied with this. This fits comfortably in a sling bag minus the bubbler but it wasn’t a necessity anyways. I brought hemp fibre and some dabs as well. The speedy heat up and thorough extraction provides that quick and satisfying session that was fairly easy to share as well.
Modularity
The Convector XL uses the same ID-OD on the chamber that allows you to swap it out with any stem/body out on the market allowing for a customizable experience to one's preference and previously owned collection. Should you have other similar products you’ll be able to play around and get something totally unique. Whether you have some 3rd party gear or other custom artisanal stems, this should still be compatible with them.
I’m sure Camouflet will also have some alternative options available from them in the future but if you have a regular convector you can put the XL chamber on that to utilise the 10mm tapered mouthpiece.
Maintenance
One of the nicest things about this device is it's incredibly low maintenance. The more you get used to it the less instances of combustion happen which just obviously stretches out your required cleanings. I find myself using this most of the time through a piece of glass whether that's a bubbler or j-hook so I don’t feel like the condenser is necessary and then there are even less things to clean. The screen that comes with it is coarse enough to allow good airflow but also never gets clogged for me even if I’m forgetting to empty the bowl after a session.
The cap itself doesn’t really get dirty but should you need to clean the inside of it a damp q-tip of ISO and wipe down should be all you need. Give it a heating and cool down just to be sure the ISO is dry. The chamber and stem can be quickly cleaned with iso and q-tips as well, and wash the o-rings in hot water only. I always monitor underneath my cap to make sure no bits of weed get stuck. The holes are pretty small so you'd need to have a very fine grind for it to get lost in the cap.
Summary
The Camouflet Convector XL is a powerful and efficient vaporizer that has become a staple amongst my collection. Its increased chamber and cap size enhance vapour production and heat retention, allowing for temperature control suited for both big quick hits and or low and slow for maximum flavour. The device offers versatile heating methods, with the Inductor being my favoured method for more consistent results. Maintenance is minimal, with the screen and cap remaining relatively clean during regular use. Overall, the Convector XL stands out and holds its weight in both portable and desktop vaporizer categories for its performance and ease of use. I find myself reaching for the CXL more than any other vape I have in my collection as it’s just far quicker to heat up while still having a commendable load size to deliver incredibly powerful effects.
Camouflet is also having a Black Friday sale right now so check that out if this review has you intrigued at all. I can't recommend it more. Feel free to ask me any questions if there is anything you think I may have missed.
Some Media:
Demonstration with Inductor
CXL Highlights from my IG Stories.