Desktop vs. Portable

[Vicki]

I just realized that I only own portables now, first time since I started vaporizing back in 2006. I donated a lot of my vaporizers, including my Herbalaire, because of my current disability. Being tied to cords can be dangerous for me, and are not as easy for me to use. I've had more than one "oh shit" moment where stuff almost hit the floor and broke.

As long as I have back-up vaporizers (in case one stopped working), I'm good. I just need the easiest way to medicate, and with my current daily driver's, I have that. I know people will say that the Solo and Iolite are not heavy hitters, same with the MFLB. However, I don't believe you need a heavy hitter to get your medicine and help your pain, nausea, etc. At least that is the way it is for me. That being said, I have been able to get great clouds from my Solo, and thick visible vapor from my Iolite and MFLB. I also like being able to carry my vaporizers around the house to medicate while doing things. I do like dabbing as a supplement to vaping flowers. I am not lumping that into this equation because there are so many ways to dab and I am mostly talking about cannabis flowers.

I know most people say that a good desktop unit is a must, but is it really?

 

[herbivore21]

Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: Not necessarily.

Lol, ok, there is more to it. IME it is nice when at home to have one nail/enail with it's own rig, and one desktop always on flower rig (like an e-nano) with it's own bubbler.

This way, while in the house, huge hits are only the amount of time it takes to pack a gong/do a dab away

It is about efficiency. You have enough extraction power in this kind of setup (and indeed, better higher end flower vapes) to spend way less time in front of the bubbler/pipe and spend more time doing whatever it is you do!

I find that my w9 gear has me completely covered when away from home, but I love the flavour of a perfectly seasoned nail and a perfectly executed dab

I find that the 5-40 seconds I spend getting hits of my w9 gear leaves all portable vapes for dead when it comes to oils (except for some other pens, even then w9 is superior construction quality and materials, plus the herc is unparalleled in its ability to inflict stonedness!).

I find that an e-nano or some of the other high end, high priced alternatives will get the goods out of tiny amounts of flower really quickly and with incredible taste and even baking. The solo's .3g of flowers can't give me even half the clouds that my E-nano can give me with .05g.

Basically, give yourself the chance to really relax at home, get some desktop vapes

 

[stickstones]

There is absolutely a difference, Vicki. You just can't get the power from the mobile source you can from a wall outlet. the difference plays out in bigger hits and using bigger amounts, if you want.

But the reality of cannabis use is we will adjust to whatever we do. So I tell people that if they are happy with the medicating effect of a mflb, don't get anything else. Stick to the great effects from a cheap, stealthy portable. As soon as I went to an SSV/Cloud/Herbie/(insert your favorite heavy hitter here), the mflb no longer satisfied because I needed those thicker hits to get where I wanted to be. The mflb is perfect except for the weakness of the hits (for me), and I keep coming back to it with new stuff like the glyph batts to see if it will satisfy. I just got a finishing grinder that I will put to use when I get my box back, and I really hope it does what I want it to. But, if not, I have only myself to blame for running to heavy hitters that increase my tolerance.

Do yourself a favor and stay away from the big hitters as a daily driver until your condition calls for it.

 

[Curiousone]

I agree with what Sticks said almost completely. For me, getting a heavy hitter was a must. I don't like spending a lot of time getting where I want to be...a heavy hitter can def. get me there faster. I realized after a year of using the Solo that I was spending ALOT of time medicating. The plenty def helped with that and it allowed me to use more at once in order to get back to my life quickly.

Obviously, my tolerance shot up. That's the tradeoff. I loved the Solo, but there is no comparison between a good home unit and the Solo or any other portable. However, if your needs don't justify the purchase, don't. It will cost you more in materials on top of the purchase price, lol.

Considering your disability, corded units just may not be for you despite their benefits.

 

[Vicki]

Thank you for the responses so far!

When I made this post, I didn't even consider tolerance in the equation. I don't want my tolerance shooting through the roof. I need the amount I am using to work. I will take a dab here and there, occasionally. I think that is making up for anything I could be lacking with the flower vaporizers, if I am lacking at all. I honestly get where I need to be using the vaporizers I am using now, sometimes too medicated. I'm also trying to keep my costs down due to medical bills.

I've used many desktop vapes over the years, and have now given them to other people that need them more than I do.

I guess my original question is subjective. Perhaps it just depends on the person.

 

[thisperson]

I agree with your sentiments OP. I had tried dabbing but never on my own until last week.

I chain smoked and ruined my tolerance.

Now it is either wait for it to go down or buy more dabs, since my usual set up (weed oil in clearomizer) doesn't work for me anymore. And I do like the weed oil better for convenience.

I have a gabapentin prescription for the meanwhile but would prefer my herbs.

The real kicker? Even dabs were not doing much by the end of my three and a half grams of waxes week. Four and a half if you include hash.

So keep this in mind if this is important to you.

As for the question. I prefer the convenience of portables because you can take a hit at anytime. My clearomizer goes with me everywhere.

Sure there is more power in ac but as you pointed out you don't need that to medicate. Especially if you have low tolerance.

I should disclaim that I do not own a desktop vape but have tried it out. My pen medicates me.

Well I am now staying at home a lot more so maybe I will look into a desktop vape as well but I am thinking an e nail is what I am saving for.

Maybe taking dabs once at night will not increase tolerance.

 

[Vicki]

The real kicker? Even dabs were not doing much by the end of my three and a half grams of waxes week. Four and a half if you include hash.

So keep this in mind if this is important to you.

Holy crap, yeah, that's a lot of wax per week. I think I could make 3 1/2 grams of wax last a month if I were careful, probably longer, honestly.

 

[Egzoset]

Salutations Vicky,

Being tied... ...easiest way... ...great clouds from my Solo, and thick visible vapor from my Iolite and MFLB. ...while doing things.

Looking at your selection criterias it seems to me the "portable" profile does matter beyond all else indeed and hence i suppose you'd only get frustrated trying to adopt a machine that runs on 60 Hz A.C. household power.

Among those companies who demonstrated some real interest for portable ergonomics in the past i'd think iOLite and Vapir made some useful contributions, by showing us what concepts work best or not...

Could you please browse through these 2 suggested panoramas and tell us what you love/hate most in these pictures from my links provided below?

Google Images: "iOLite Vaporizer"​

Google Images: "Vapir Vaporizer"​

I know most people say that a good desktop unit is a must, but is it really?

There's no such thing as a "Plan-A" for me so far, this quest requires patience in abundance.

You might be luckier though. Good day, have fun!

 

[Chill Dude]

I agree with everything Couriousone and Sticks stated. I too have the Solo and while it is a fine vape it takes a lot of time to medicate. It takes me close to 20 minutes ( maybe 20 hits) to finish a stem and achieve full extraction. The power simply isn't there. In contrast, I can put the same amount of herb in my Herbalizer and be done in 5 minutes...maybe 5 or 6 rips. On top,of that I feel much more medicated after a Herbie session. I've also heard similar stories from others who use top of the line plug ins.. Ie. Evo Cloud , E Nano etc. on the other hand, the solo is great for as you said medicating around the house and going from room to room and you don't mind the amount of time needed to medicate. Some people like leisurely extended sessions and some don't. Just my 2 cents....

 

[Vicki]

Could you please browse through these 2 suggested panoramas and tell us what you love/hate most in these pictures from my links provided below?

Google Images: "iOLite Vaporizer"​

Google Images: "Vapir Vaporizer"​

I had a Vapir/Voodoo vaporizer that looked like this:

I gave it away after only using it about 10 times. I truly hated it.

I like the looks of this one a lot more, but I have never tried one.

This is the Iolite that I have now, and I really love it. It can get very hot, so I have to be careful in that aspect.

 

[lwien]

In regards to tolerance between portables and desktops, I've found that I can easily keep my tolerance in check using my LSV simply by taking less hits. For me, the LSV get me to where I want to be faster than with other vapes that don't provide this kind of hitting power but I can also get to where I want to be with less hits.

I also don't agree with the statement that all exhaled vapor is wasted vapor. This just hasn't been my experience, but then I also do a lot of ghost-hitting. Can I get as high without blowing out huge clouds. Yup, but it will take me a lot longer to do so with the end result of the amount of weed being consumed being close to the same.

Hope that makes sense.

 

[VaporsVaporizer]

I've been kicking myself in the ass for ignoring desktop vapes for so long. Yeah i've had a Volcano for 12 years, but haven't really used it much in the last 5 years because it's so bulky and harsh, and i liked my portables The UD has given me a new appreciation for power cords. This vape is so easy and efficient. i'm using less herb and getting very medicated.

The Solo is great, but it takes time to get where i wanna be. My lotus and Hammer are great too, but there's always a chance i will combust-and i have . I'm not a big fan of my Indica-hate the taste and my Pax is OK for outside and stealthy.

I love my dog so much, i ordered another one to add to my arsenal for when i'm on the left coast

 

[MinnBobber]

HI,
I recommend a miniVAP but they are priecey. List for $850 but VaporNation has for $519 and often a 15% off sale ($450ish). It's kind of like best of desktop/portable combined. Not stealthy portable but that's not a concern for you. Great taste. Very efficient. LiIon battery good for 3 hours on lowest temp. Also a charging dock where you could use and set in there to further extend time. Has a little wire basket they say is for pollen but I use for flowers---almost never have to clean.
Search for YouTube Vapefeind review, great review of unit.
It is pricey but medical grade, was developed in Spain for MJ study and they wanted best piece to deliver THC.
I debated over price issue but thought it's a lifetime purchase and for a little over the price of an OZ of CO rec bud----I got it and glad I did

 

[paytonpenn]

In my opinion if you have a portable capable of going to any temperature then a desktop unit may not be needed. Its even better when the unit is capable of convection.

I feel the Hammer or Lotus or other powerful convection vapes capable of combustion should satisfy well enough. But the Solo, IO, and MFLB aren't one of those. I am still thinking you should get a Hammer it delivers equivalent to a desktop if not better than most.

 

[max]

An AC vape is not necessary for anyone. It may be preferred by some, and may make more sense for some regardless of preference, if you always vape where you have an AC outlet available. I could certainly get by with only a portable if I had to, although my preference is to only use one if I'm on the go. The downside to portable use is extra expense- either batteries (even lithium ion bats die eventually) or butane, but if avoiding cords is important to you, portable use may be the better choice. In the end, finding the vape that's suits you best, whatever your particular criteria may be, is what's important. One size doesn't fit all. That's why there's room for so many different models in the vape market.

 

[CarolKing]

I just have portables I gave my No. 1 to a friend, I also gave away my MFLB, too much hassle with the battery.

Currently I have these vapes, my fav is the Solo, I have the older model as well as the 2014 Solo. I have 2 more Pinnacle Pros, I was really excited at first with the Pnps.

The No 2 was my first portable vaporizer, a very dependable and a durable unit.
The Pinnacle Pro has a weird looking mouthpiece because the stock one doesn't suit my needs. This is an idea from FC member BarnBoy. The hack job baby nipple cut out helps keep the Gong on. There are some problems with the Pinnacle Pro, it's a loooong story.

The Ascent is a nice portable that gives out lots of vapor for you cloud chasers and has very good flavor. It's very easy to use once you get past the slight learning curve.

I have thought about buying a portable for a daily driver but the Solo plugged into the PA gets the job done for me. It's very easy to use and has wonderful flavor. It's easy to use with a WT and it's fun to change out to a different stem, such as wood or a specialized glass stem.

The Dabbler vape pen I just bought a couple of weeks ago, I forgot to include it in the pic. I like crumbling up wax with herb in my Solo better. I save the wax for night, too potent during the day. I have things to do. I don't want to be couched locked all day.
We are all so unique and have different needs.

 

[RUDE BOY]

I know you have plenty of butane on hand so the hammer would be a great addition but we're totally talking from a VAS point of view.

Portables are fun and all but for me don't really replace a plug in unit just for the inconvenient heat up times and charging. My Vapolution is left on throughout the evenings and most weekends and is so much simpler to just pull off a few hits then set it aside and then later stuff another pellet in the stem and do it again when the mood strikes. No worry about how much charge is left and the ability of the heater to keep up with my hits is a big plus for me.

Vicky the Cord on the Herbalaire is a major PITA(to me) it would drag that little vape around the table every time I don't have that problem with the vapes in my Sig below.

 

[Tweak]

I just need the easiest way to medicate, and with my current daily driver's, I have that.

I've found that above all else, this is what drives my VAS. Finding the next vape that just makes it easier to get medicated. I feel the same with water pipes, no matter the cost, it has to be ergonomic above all else.

Which is why I prefer a desktop. Can be left on 24/7 and there is no hurry to finish a session.

Can't wait for Wireless Power, no more battery packs, yay.

 

[Vicki]

Are there a lot of people that only use portables?

 

[hoptimum]

Vicki, what do you think of the log vapes? The HI has been a revelation to me with its ease of use and power.

 

[Vicki]

Vicki, what do you think of the log vapes? The HI has been a revelation to me with its ease of use and power.

I've never used the HI, or any other log vap. I seriously considered getting a Purple Days (before I broke my wrist), but they stopped production. I know they are known to conserve herb like nobody's business.

 

[hoptimum]

I've never used the HI, or any other log vap. I seriously considered getting a Purple Days (before I broke my wrist), but they stopped production. I know they are known to conserve herb like nobody's business.

There's a waiting list for the HI, but it's worthwhile getting on it since it's free and there's no obligation to buy. But the eNano and Underdog are also nice options, and a log would fit right in with your portable lineup.

 

[stickstones]

Vicki...I just got an Underdog that I am playing with...a twig. What I just found out that really excited me is that it can use all the PD stems I have, making it very efficient due to smaller bowls. I get all the efficiency benefits of using a PD but the quick heat up benefit of using the new log vape tech.

After all my vape use, I still haven't found anything that forces me to use less herb than the PD did...except this dog with the PD stems.

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

Are there a lot of people that only use portables?

http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/what-type-of-a-vaper-are-you.14416

You may find this thread a fun read! Assuming you haven't read it already.

(I've never been able to find a legitimate reason to use that spidey emoticon, but it is fun to use randomly for no reason...)

 

[Vicki]

Vicki...I just got an Underdog that I am playing with...a twig. What I just found out that really excited me is that it can use all the PD stems I have, making it very efficient due to smaller bowls. I get all the efficiency benefits of using a PD but the quick heat up benefit of using the new log vape tech.

After all my vape use, I still haven't found anything that forces me to use less herb than the PD did...except this dog with the PD stems.

If I could get my hands on a PD, I would. Do you still have yours?