Crafty or Solo II

[m0sh]

Hey guys, its been a while since I asked questions and such...

I have been using the cloud EVO for a long while and it is amazing, but now, I need a portable vaporizer.
Every year I get 2 weeks of work for a medical leave where I stay in a hotel at certain place where I get treatments.
For the past few years I took my EVO and it was great, tho last year, I got security in my door telling me that there is a smell and blah blah, that caused me to worry a bit (even tho I could probably leave the window open all day and it won't be an issue), but the real issue I think is that the EVO is very fragile and maybe it is better that I spend 2 weeks with a portable vaporizer that cannot just break?
Having the EVO in the hotel instead of my home will more likely to break by an accident so it might be better to leave it home and have 2 weeks without.

So with that being said, I want a portable vaporizer, and I have 2 options in my budget, its either the Crafty or the Solo II.

I have used the crafty once and really enjoyed it, the design is very practical and super easy to use, I guess it works pretty wonder as a portable, tho using water is possible? I've seen something about it but I'm not sure.
As for the Solo II , I haven't tried but as far as the first one goes, for me it was amazing, tho I'd be honest, I needed to buy those extra stems and stuff to take it to the next level, it made it less practical as a portable but a really great home portable.
I'm going to assume the Solo II is quite the same since the design is pretty much the same, to be able to attach it to water was very important and I remember that I used it instead of the Cloud sometimes because it was faster to use.


So what I'm asking here, is for an opinion, is the crafty much more easier to use?
Should I give up water use on a portable just to it will be easier to use?

Years ago I took the solo to the beach and I have to carry some stuff with it, I'm guessing I'd have a much easier time with the crafty, I just want to be sure I'm making the right choice, I need to hear it from some other users haha.

If you made it until here, I salute you
Thanks.

 

[CarolKing]

I love my Solo 2 but it does have a smell. More so than some of my other vaporizers. I do enjoy it even for the smell. It's easy to use , doesn't use a lot of product and doesn't require much maintainence. There aren't a lot of pieces to buy all the time , other than stems made from glass. I've had my Solo since the end of May and haven't broken a stem. I love the digital screen so I can dial in my exact temp. Arizer took care of the milkshake draw, this unit has a fairly easy draw if you don't give a tight pack. It has very good flavor. I haven't been using a screen. The stems stay fairly tight in the unit. Mine doesn't fall out yet but it's a little loser than when I bought it. I can turn the Solo 2 up side down and the stem won't fall out. It's my fave portable right now.

I would suggest a Grasshopper if they weren't still so finicky. They are very stealth. The smell is low too. I bought me a new one and I have some issues with it and hoping I can work through them. If not I will be sending in for an RMA and start the return process. It has a lifetime warranty. The company does try to get the customers to keep buying extra new parts that they come out with. The unit has been out in the public for almost 2 years this August. It can be a gamble especially if you are on vacation.

When and if HL gets the Grasshopper right it might be the best portable out there.

I don't have a Crafty. I've thought of buying the Mighty but not the Crafty because of the short battery life.

You will probably get a lot of suggestions for the VapCap.
A log vape doesn't put out a lot of smell. I have the Enano and the Woodscents. They aren't portable but you could make them portable.

Edit
I see the Milaana was mentioned by @AJS I would suggest that one also. I have one and it hits almost as heavy as the EVO and not much smell.
I would get an essential oil defuser and take that along. There are several different kinds. If you can get a microwave your room and pop some popcorn that takes care of smell pretty well. The most important thing is getting a room with a window you can open. A wet towel under the door if there's a gap will help as well. I always worry about smells slipping under the door or along the side.

I've used various vaporizers in hotel rooms without any problems.

 

[AJS]

In use, both will most likely smell as the loads cook while standby. Cooled down, my Solo 2 doesn't smell much. I keep the cap on and that holds most of it in.
If you go for an on demand convection vape you'll notice much less smell...
Tubo, Milaana, Mistvape Touch

 

[Little Bill]

These two are my go to vapes. The Crafty is more discrete since it will fit in a cargo pants pocket. Both Crafty and Solo 2 are very easy to use and keep clean with just a little discipline. When clean neither smells that much. Solo 2 is more solid and has better battery life and should be more reliable. Solo 2 is easier to change temps. Either should be fine in a hotel room.

I do use a screen with the Solo 2 to keep very fine particles from getting in my mouth and gums. I use a liquid pad with the crafty on top of the load as a filter and to keep the Crafty cleaner. I just heard that Crafty now ships with a stronger battery cell.

Both vapes work very well for me and provide good taste and clouds at my preferred temps of 165c to 185c. I tend to finish a session with the Crafty in 5-8 minutes. With the Solo 2 its 14-20 minutes. I think the Crafty cooks the load faster (more conduction) than the Solo 2. The other factor is that I use the Crafty when out and about and the Solo 2 at home in an easy chair.

 

[flotntoke]

Going to second what @AJS says above. For less smell in use, you'd probably be better off with convection. Solo II and Crafty are both at least part conduction, and that roasting (whether hitting or not) will always lead to more smell in use.

I prefer the MistVape Touch to the Milaana - though I think I'm in the minority here. I don't think any Milaana's are currently available (tho they do pop up on the FC classifieds thread). Not positive, but think MistVape Touch is available now, even though there may be a short waiting period.

Both of these vapes will produce tasty convection vapor and won't roast (or smell) unless you're drawing on them. Actually, I find that neither of them really smell in use, it's your exhale that does.

However, either requires using 18650 batteries that have to be charged outside the unit. IMO best to have at lest two batteries and a two battery charger. This way you can be charging one, while using the other. Or, you can throw both on the charger at the same time for a few hours and have a spare ready to go.

Sounds like either may be a good choice for the situation you describe above. And, don't forget the damned towel under the door that @CarolKing mentioned! With a window open or vent on, this should keep smell in the room. And, with a convection vape and ventilation that smell should dissipate in about 1/2 hour.

 

[little maggie]

I'm just curious, with all the good, affordable vapes out there what led you to narrow it down to these 2?

 

[Little Bill]

I also own an MVT and it is full convection which does have advantages. But the MVT is not regulated so you can't set a temperature and just draw when you want to. With enough practice and a will to learn you can get it to perform very well. You always have to deal with drawing technique and an occasional stirring of the load. Not for everybody and certainly not as "easy" as either Crafty or Solo 2. It could wind up as your favorite vaporizer because the taste is great and it is efficient.

 

[flotntoke]

I also own an MVT and it is full convection which does have advantages. But the MVT is not regulated so you can't set a temperature and just draw when you want to. With enough practice and a will to learn you can get it to perform very well. You always have to deal with drawing technique and an occasional stirring of the load. Not for everybody and certainly not as "easy" as either Crafty or Solo 2. It could wind up as your favorite vaporizer because the taste is great and it is efficient.

Well said! I've come to like unregulated because it is easy to adjust your heating/hitting without having to change a temp setting. Don't find it too difficult once you get a feel for your particular unit - probably a few sessions for most to get it working OK - and after a while it becomes second nature. Only time I have issue is if I'm drunk AND not paying attention at same time. That is to say I can work it fine drunk, if I pay attention to it. And, not too bad if not paying close attention as long as I'm not drunk.

The only downsides when I screw it up or no vapor (not on button enough), or a slightly scorched load - which isn't the worst thing and as long as only slightly scorched only requires a dump and reload. A little smoke when expecting vapor will usually give me a cough or two, tho.

 

[little maggie]

I tend to use either the MVT or the tubo. The tubo is fairly similar to the MVT except that it is regulated. It's simple to use, operates on batteries, uses stems or a whip, and can be set for whatever temp you want. Plus it has "cruise control" which you can set for 90 seconds or longer and it will run without having to hold the button down. You can hold the button or not depending on how you use it, It's hand made by someone here so it's not as well known as vapes made by major companies.

 

[m0sh]

Hey guys, thanks for the response.
The reason I went for these 2 is the price range and availability mostly.

I am on probation for one more year, therefore I'm trying to be careful, using the EVO in a hotel brings a lot of smell, using either the crafty or solo would not be the same, its not that I'm looking to vape outdoors, its the other way around, I try to avoid it.

I have 2 vapcaps, I don't use it too much, but still, I have it.
Vapcap is not practical if I went to the beach due to the winds.

I want a portable that can bring me desktop results or at least close to it.
With the first solo I had, I was very happy, I remember taking it to Amsterdam and having a blast.
In a big room with an open window, the smell from a small vaporizer wouldn't be an issue.

I'm afraid about the Crafty malfunction that I heard so many people are suffering and on the other hand I have experience with the first solo that I truly loved.
I do wonder in terms of vapor production, which of the 2 really shines.
I'm pretty sure I'll need to buy an extra stem for the solo 2 (PVHES), right?

So all in all, I don't really care about portable vaping in terms of going out and about, I would only use it I'd go to the beach where I feel safe or in a friends house, but not in public.
I care about getting the best results.
I just don't want to take my EVO because it is very fragile and noticeable.

 

[little maggie]

I've already expressed my opinion about the tubo. But if you had a solo and really liked it getting an improved version seems to make the most sense.

 

[m0sh]

I did not ask about that tho...

I did love the solo, it was super easy to use, but it seems that the crafty is even easier.

I'm going to use it for like 8-10 times each day in my room, and therefore I wonder which of them I should go for.


Now, an update - my friend is willing to give me his crafty for these 2 weeks, but I'm worried about it not working, if I use it like 8-10 times a day (charge after every-time), I do worry about reliability that I have heard.

@AJS - it term of vapor production, which one you feel produce better results?

 

[sickmanfraud]

If you are happy with the EVO for home use you need a portable for a short amount of time.

I know this was not on your list, but I think it should have been. That is the Vivant Alternate. it is like a crafty with removable batteries.

Puffitup.com (a Sponsor of FC) has the Alternate on sale for $59 right now.

I have it on VERY good info that a Crafty 2 and Mighty 2 (not sure of names) are already past beta testing.

 

[Little Bill]

If you would need it only for the two weeks the Crafty loan would be ideal. Just charge it after a few sessions when the blue light blinks fast on shut down. Set up your two temperatures (base and boost) and use the light to decide when there is a need to recharge.

For ongoing use the Solo 2 would be better as you have described your need. You could charge it every couple days even with heavy use. Also I like to go through 3 different temperatures as I vape a bowl; and the Crafty is difficult to do that with. The Solo 2 comes with two stems and retailers throw in more including water adaptors, stems, etc. Solo 2 can be had for $200 or less.

Great vapor can be had with both units depending on temperature and draw technique. Taste is more important but both units have that too. Damn I need a bowl as soon as the spouse leaves the house!

@sickmanfraud thanks for mentioning the Vivant Alternate. I'll swing by that thread and check it out.

 

[guyonthecouch]

I would suggest a grasshopper for your requirements.

 

[flotntoke]

I would suggest a grasshopper for your requirements.

Yeah, but think OP said he was going to need it for 2 weeks. What should he do after GH shits out after first week? Most unreliable vape ever? Not sure, but definitely a contender, right?

 

[m0sh]

Haha, well guys, I can get both the solo and the crafty in matter of days and I know for a fact the solo 2 is reliable.
My friend has the GH and it only works sometime lol...

My question still stands.
I really do want to take the EVO, but I prefer keeping it home and safe, so results are most important, either the loan or the solo 2. because I know the crafty is not that realiable and I'm going to use it pretty much the whole day for 2 weeks straight, I'm a little worried.

BTW, correct me if I'm wrong, there's no PVHES stems for solo yet, right?

 

[CarolKing]

Haha, well guys, I can get both the solo and the crafty in matter of days and I know for a fact the solo 2 is reliable.
My friend has the GH and it only works sometime lol...

My question still stands.
I really do want to take the EVO, but I prefer keeping it home and safe, so results are most important, either the loan or the solo 2. because I know the crafty is not that realiable and I'm going to use it pretty much the whole day for 2 weeks straight, I'm a little worried.

BTW, correct me if I'm wrong, there's no PVHES stems for solo yet, right?

You don't really need a PVHES stem with the Solo 2. The milkshake draw has very much improved. I use the 2 stems that comes standard with the unit without a screen. You will have an easy draw as long as you don't pack a puck and you keep the holes clear in the stem. I love mine. We've only seen a couple that needed to be sent back for warranty on the Solo 2 thread.

The flavor and the ease of use plus all the new upgrades makes this unit worth the price and much more. I took it on my vacation and glad I did because I ended up losing my Grasshopper. The GH being so small it's easily lost.

 

[Maine420]

I agree with Carol King. I just retired my Solo ones, invested in Solo 2. The absolute best purchase ever. What an improvement! You don't need to hit very hard to get a good hit, the unit stays at the temp you set it at. I used the Solo 1 for 3-4 years. I hope they enjoy their extended vacation.

 

[m0sh]

Sweet, so no need for PVHES is awesome!
Sounds like I would only need a gong stem then!

So it down to either buying the solo 2 or lending the crafty for 2 weeks...
Now I'll ask one more time, it there a good chance the crafty will stop working after 2 weeks of non stop usage?

 

[justcametomind]

If you want to use it 8-10 times a day you should think about getting a Mighty imho. It's too much use for a Crafty in my experience. This would lead to overheating and increased risk of battery failure.
Mighty can be compared to Cloud Evo in terms of potency. I only tried the Air, not Solo 2 but it's not in the same league of the Mighty or Evo if you are a heavy user.
I own the Evo, Crafty, Mighty myself among many other vapes. If you use the Crafty 8/10 times a day especially if at full temperature your battery will degrade soon, I'd go with a Mighty.

 

[m0sh]

Battery degradation is something different.
With these new batteries it is important to keep them charged as much as possible so if you wear both batteries out, it would suffer the same issue.
I was under the impression that the crafty stops working after some times, that's why I was worried.
I'm going to keep the battery charged.

But still, I wasn't looking for a mighty.

 

[Maine420]

I am a heavy user of the Solo 2. It is very powerful. I use it more than 10 times a day, and sometimes, 2 of us are hitting off it (just like a joint-great session vape!) I last charged mine Thursday night, it is now Sunday morning, the battery is at the half way mark. Will I use it enough today (10x plus) to wear the battery down? Probably not. This Solo 2 is amazing. You don't need to hit hard to get vapors, the vapors flow easily from Solo to you. You can't go wrong. ALSO: it is very efficient with the amount of cannabis you use. Not much.

 

[m0sh]

Maine420, you make me wanna own it, you can see from my signature which are my favorite vaporizers...

Can you please compare it to the first solo, it was also very efficient IMO.

 

[Maine420]

@m0sh come over to the Solo 2 forum read over several pages....look at vids on you tube! It's a 100% improvement over an excellent Solo 1!