Crafty/Crafty+ by Storz & Bickel

[Hammahead]

does this include a new housing?

Nah, I'm pretty sure it doesn't.

an economical replacement that one can do with a very small amount of mechanical aptitude.

and that it absolutely is, you did a great job there! But then there's the people who have two left hands... or worse.

I agree though - the costs for the S&B Service in N-America are a bit over the top...

 

[JCat]

I've completed my initial testing (I'm pretty high after a dozen sessions with the crafty since last night ... plus a couple with the hopper ...!).

I posted my results above for the Sony VTC6 which is by far the winner. This battery significantly outperforms the rest including the stock battery!

After testing the VTC6, I tested the LG HG2, which did quite well:
- 1st session: 1:22 heat-up, heat recovery and retention was good, maybe a little better than stock
- 2nd session: 1:32 heat-up, heat recovery and retention was good, but a long, powerful draw can drop the temperature by 10deg (similar to the stock 18650PF)
- 3rd session: 1:40 heat-up, heat recovery and retention pretty good, recovery a little slower
- 4th session: 1:50 heat-up, heat recovery and retention acceptable, recovery a little slow

After 4th session there were 2 bars left. Pretty sure it would handle another session or two, but I wouldn't go beyond 4 just like I never went beyond 4 with the stock battery because the retention/recovery becomes way too annoying. I actually find the magic # to be 2 or 3 sessions w/ the stock battery when it's good, and similarly I think 2 or 3 would be good w/ the LG.

I also tested 4 sessions w/ my homemade Panasonic NCR18650PF and found the performance and timing to be what one would expect, which is basically similar to the stock battery (not surprising since they are the same):
- 1st session: 1:30 heat-up
- 2nd session: 1:40 heat-up
- 3rd session: 1:50 heat-up
- 4th session: 1:55 heat-up

Battery quite low after 4 sessions ... don't think it would make it through a 5th.

So, in summary:

1. Sony US18650VTC6, 3120mAh, 30A max continuous: By far the leader. This battery had much better heat retention and recovery and heat-up times. It's performance across multiple sessions was notable. This battery does 3 sessions with no decrease in performance, and the 4th session performance is still as good as a 1st or 2nd from a brand new stock battery. One gets 3-4 sessions easily w/ no sacrifice. After 4 sessions battery still shows half (in the App).

2. LG INR18650-HG2, 3000mAh, 20A max continuous: Slightly better than stock, but only slightly

3. Panasonic NCR18650PF, 2900mAh, 10A max continuous: Stock battery. Homemade performs as would be expected.

 

[DarkSm0ke]

In Germany (Europe?) S&B offer a replacement of battery and wear parts of the Crafty, including a function control for a lumpsum of EUR 75 which I don't find too expensive, keeping in mind the service is done by a professional company in the medical equipment trade.

I made and inquiry to Storz and Bickel in December regarding cost of a battery replacement for an out of warranty Crafty:
"Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry.


To have the just the battery replaced will be $129.00 USD.


Storz & Bickel America, Inc.

1078 60th St.

Oakland, CA 94608

oakland@storz-bickel.com
www.storz-bickel.com"

@JCat battery solution is very cost effective IMO. On the other hand sending it to Stroz and Bickel will get you the newest firmware update with your new battery. Still $129 is pretty spendy. My

 

[Hammahead]

It will probably be hard to believe, but part of Germany's economic success, especially within the Euro zone, is our extreme low wage level. A skilled technician gets a comparably shitty salary. I guess Techies at S&B USA earn better than those in Germany. But still.. that's > 50% more than here. Dayum... You don't pay an extra 50 perce on Beamers and Benzes, do you?

 

[Shieldsab]

Just got my crafty back from RMA with firmware v2.51 - really love the new feature of the light vibration sequence before the auto-shutdown. And great service again ( for the 3rd time now ) I was asking for RMA exactly 2 years after I bought it. My problem was "vibration sometimes does not work" - and no questions asked I got a brand new crafty with all the extras.
But I think next time I will try to repair myself so thanks for all users sharing their photos and experiences regarding this!

This post made me finally connect my Crafty to the phone and check out the firmware. It's 2.11. I guess the stock in the US must not be going as fast.

 

[Hammahead]

This post made me finally connect my Crafty to the phone and check out the firmware. It's 2.11. I guess the stock in the US must not be going as fast.

Hm, I got my Crafty from a quite popular german reseller and the Crafty are one of their better selling units, my FW is 2,1ish. No idea what this has to say.

 

[JCat]

Thanks. I'm curious how you did it to. I'd love to learn something today

I just realized I never answered you on this even though you asked twice (I was looking for some info on how I did it too ... )! Sorry!

At any rate, it was really quite simple, all I did was I found the check where it was going "if password = password entered, then" with "if 1 = 1, then" or "if true, then" (can't remember exactly). In the code it was doing a check of the entered password against a hashed/encrypted password, so just tweaked the if statement condition.

 

[Little Bill]

I got a fair deal on a second hand Crafty so I now have a rotation.

 

[blackstone]

I got a fair deal on a second hand Crafty so I now have a rotation.

Just when I thought I needed treatment for wanting a Crafty to go with my Mighty, a Bi-Crafty owner says hi!
These units are nice performers and what I'm finding is, there doesn't seem to be that much else around if you want a consistent, user friendly performance portable.
Unless you're open to Pax 3, expensive FF2, or all that wood glass hold-yer-finger-here jiggymapokery, there's almost a shortage of other worthy competitors.

I've always loved the look of the Crafty too, they're like the original modern art icons!
If you like real style, a cheaper knock-off is rarely going to work for you.

 

[ktmstick]

Crafty and mighty are a great combo, and then Crafty only gets used occasionally which I think suits it much better than a daily driver. All parts are interchangeable including cooling units.

 

[blackstone]

The Crafty would stay nice and clean with strong battery!
Capsules would make it great too.
I'm tempted to go for a Pax this time just for variety and small size, but I'll have to see!
It's also easier to put the Crafty on the long finger when my Mighty is going like a train.

I might prefer the easier draw with the Crafty now that I think of it.


If all parts are interchangeable then.. yes..
did anybody see these yet for the Crafty and Mighty?:

http://www.vaporisateur.net/accesso...-embout-buccal-en-verre-mighty-et-crafty.html

On the big side. I don't know if they wedge in there tight or you hold it. It would give cooler vapor and probably tasty as any glass MP?
A novel sighting indeed!

 

[vapviking]

I'm tempted to go for a Pax this time just for variety and small size, but I'll have to see!
It's also easier to put the Crafty on the long finger when my Mighty is going like a train.

I might prefer the easier draw with the Crafty now that I think of it.

My first vape was a Pax and I then went to a Pax2 but by that time I also had a Crafty. BIG difference. Next I got a Mighty and now a couple of Grasshoppers. The Pax2 is almost never put to use these days.

The PaX2 works very well, is small, beautiful and extremely well made. Imo it has been out-classed in the actual vape production category.

 

[ChooChooCharlie]

I like picking up the Crafty after using Mighty, and marveling at how light it is. Also love the way it's shaped, how it fits the hand so well. Actually stealthier than Grasshopper. (in appearance, not time)

@ktmstick - have seven Crafty CUs, and they don't fit on my Mighty well at all; I won't try forcing it on.

Don't think people are gentle enough with CU. I press down slightly while twisting gently.

 

[Mr Mellish]

It's a sad day in Who-ville.

Last night my Crafty refused to heat up. I assumed the battery was dead and set it aside. This morning, it is doing the red/orange flash. The app reports that the device has 4 bars of battery and the temp is currently 482F (it isn't...I popped the top, pulled out the capsule and it was cold).

This was the replacement I got in month 23 of my original < 400 s/n Crafty. Got it in Nov/Dec and it only has 7 hours on it. She was so young and vibrant...

 

[TeeJay1952]

@Mr Mellish

 

[Largemusician]

I was wondering how I go about sending my volcano back too storz-bickel and I am having problems with my crafty as the charger keeps poping and sometime just stops charging


and I have only done 108 hour is anyone else having this problem

 

[vapviking]

It's a sad day in Who-ville.

Last night my Crafty refused to heat up. I assumed the battery was dead and set it aside. This morning, it is doing the red/orange flash. The app reports that the device has 4 bars of battery and the temp is currently 482F (it isn't...I popped the top, pulled out the capsule and it was cold).

This was the replacement I got in month 23 of my original < 400 s/n Crafty. Got it in Nov/Dec and it only has 7 hours on it. She was so young and vibrant...

Well this sucks.
I know that the warranty is 2 years and you my be on the 'expired' side of that -- I think the published warranty does refer two years from date of purchase. But I once asked for clarification about my specific case and the answer came that back (twice) informed me that my two years began on the day the original device was received by them for first warranty claim.
Interesting and coincidental that this pushed my warranty end date by a few weeks and it just expired on March 19, 2017! even though my date of original purchase was Jan 27, 2015. For you, @Mr Mellish it might add almost two years?!?! and still get you a replacement Crafty.
You may PM me for any other ?'s about this.
Good luck, should you choose to pursue this.

Of course, your could always try to reason with them, like, "WTF!, seven hours is, like, bullshit, man!" (which actually might work; they're that good with customer satisfaction...)

First one from S&B;
"Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry. In regards to the warranty - the first date we received a defective device is when the two year warranty period begins.

Sincerely,

Storz & Bickel America, Inc"

and the second from S&B;

"Greetings,

We are sorry for the confusion. The warranty would begin from the first date we received the device for warranty service, which in your case would be March 19, 2015. Hope this clears things up. Thank you and have a nice day.

Sincerely,

Storz & Bickel America, Inc"

I was wondering how I go about sending my volcano back too storz-bickel and I am having problems with my crafty as the charger keeps poping and sometime just stops charging

Have you tried another usb charger for your Crafty? Sometimes it's just the wall adapter gone bad, and if you tell S&B (via email) that you've checked it, they will send a new charger without making you return everything.

Have you registered your devices at the S&B website? There is now an online application process (it's very easy to fill out) and then S&B will advise, often giving you a .pdf file with a per-paid shipping label.

 

[Mr Mellish]

Well this sucks.
I know that the warranty is 2 years and you my be on the 'expired' side of that -- I think the published warranty does refer two years from date of purchase. But I once asked for clarification about my specific case and the answer came that back (twice) informed me that my two years began on the day the original device was received by them for first warranty claim.
Interesting and coincidental that this pushed my warranty end date by a few weeks and it just expired on March 19, 2017! even though my date of original purchase was Jan 27, 2015. For you, @Mr Mellish it might add almost two years?!?! and still get you a replacement Crafty.
You may PM me for any other ?'s about this.
Good luck, should you choose to pursue this.

Of course, your could always try to reason with them, like, "WTF!, seven hours is, like, bullshit, man!" (which actually might work; they're that good with customer satisfaction...)

First one from S&B;
"Hello,

Thank you for your inquiry. In regards to the warranty - the first date we received a defective device is when the two year warranty period begins.

Sincerely,

Storz & Bickel America, Inc"

and the second from S&B;

"Greetings,

We are sorry for the confusion. The warranty would begin from the first date we received the device for warranty service, which in your case would be March 19, 2015. Hope this clears things up. Thank you and have a nice day.

Sincerely,

Storz & Bickel America, Inc"




Have you tried another usb charger for your Crafty? Sometimes it's just the wall adapter gone bad, and if you tell S&B (via email) that you've checked it, they will send a new charger without making you return everything.

Have you registered your devices at the S&B website? There is now an online application process (it's very easy to fill out) and then S&B will advise, often giving you a .pdf file with a per-paid shipping label.

Thanks for the good thoughts, @vapviking. I registered an rma and have approval to send it back. I'm curious to see what happens.

 

[t-dub]

This was the replacement I got in month 23 of my original < 400 s/n Crafty. Got it in Nov/Dec and it only has 7 hours on it. She was so young and vibrant...

 

[vapviking]

Thanks for the good thoughts, @vapviking. I registered an rma and have approval to send it back. I'm curious to see what happens.

Good for you!
Yes, we're all curious so please keep us posted.

 

[dgenge]

Went through 4 Craftys and S&B allowed upgrade to Mighty. I only hope S&B can solve issues because Crafty was sweet when it worked. Love the mighty but Crafty was just smaller and more stealth. Love to see what they are working on for future.

 

[vapviking]

Went through 4 Craftys and S&B allowed upgrade to Mighty. I only hope S&B can solve issues because Crafty was sweet when it worked. Love the mighty but Crafty was just smaller and more stealth. Love to see what they are working on for future.

My trail is the same, 4 Crafty's left in the dust.
The issues you're talking about (I think!) generally do no crop up with Mighty. Maybe sometimes the broken switch...
They look similar but are really different animals. Mine's at 18 months and going strong!

 

[Joaon]

Hi buddies,
About Craftys issues, I just confirmed with myself that I'm pretty sure the problem is the heater connections.

Here is a Mighty, the heater element is connected by grey wires on the left, and another plug behind the right red/black cable.
All is firmly connected:

Here is a pic of a Crafty, and the faulty push/fit connections :

I guess we now know why the Mighty is much more reliable than Crafty ^^

@Vambo1980 did a great job, soldering those faulty connections improved the overall thing (as well as changing the batteries..), as can attest his +600H Crafty ..

Crafty Devil eh?

Edit: Original post:

Well it didn't last long, I have the red and yellow lights of death, but never fear after investigation I've found another design fault, and possibly why it's failed and why the base gets so hot! The heater is remove able (not soldered to the board) the leg of the internal 10a fuse is a push fit and so is the yellow lead next to it. I can see where the joint has oxidised and become a resistive joint, I'm assuming it's this that has caused the internal 10a thermal fuse to blow causing the flashing lights.
I still have the correct resistance across the heater post fuse so I maybe tackling a fix ( if temporary I need my meds)

VJ

I'll update if I fix it. If it was easy to put pics on I'd do that too.

Fixed! Removed the fuse (temporarily) soldered the heater to the board switched on working just got to rebuild it for a vape! Was starting to get worried I'd have to get the extreme q out!

I'd say what I've found is a serious issue!! Heat up time from cold is now super fast!!!! The temp jumps is 3-4 degree at a time right the way up I didn't time it but it was about 1.30 at a guess.


Edit: Just timed it from 24c to 190c comes in at a super speed of 1 minute 18 seconds


Happily back vaping!!!

I suppose being a geek with electronics has helped me a bit but I hope I can help others!!!!

Thanks Hairy fish for the info enabling me to post this photo

another one .. :

I wouldn't call myself legendary but i have managed to keep my crafty going and documented it's in this thread somewhere.. Ive swapped out the battery a few times since original, purely for performance/heat up times. Soldering the heater cables to the main board and removing the blown thermal fuse is all i have done to keep her ticking, and it still performs like it always has.
up to 453 hours on my long standing companion.

I too have the problem randomly, with the unit going into max temp. It happens not very often and I'm not sure what causes it. A reset resolves this, i have a feeling this might have been resolved with updated firmware as i don't hear people mention it much. It did also do it on my first unit what firmware is you're crafty?

 

[vapviking]

Hi buddies,
About Craftys issues, I just confirmed with myself that I pretty sure the problem is the heater connections.

Here is a Mighty, the red/black connections are for batteries (x2),
the heater element is connected by grey wires on the left, and another behind the right Red/black cable.
All is firmly connected:

Here is a pic of a Crafty, and the faulty push/fit connections :

@Vambo1980 did a great job, soldering those faulty connections greatly improved the overall thing,
as can prove his +600H Crafty ..

I like your photo work!
I thought @Vambo1980 had soldered the Crafty battery connections, eliminating the modular plugs. Are you also able to/intending to solder or otherwise repair that 'resistive joint'?
Thanks for contributing to the Knowledge.

 

[Joaon]

Nothing in this post is mine, I'm just gathering infos
Back in the days when I had a Crafty, I soldered it directly after unboxing it!

Surprising that S&B still haven't reacted to this ..
a simple plug instead of that push/fit would greatly reduce RMAs in my opinion ..
and greatly improve user experience ..!