Discontinued Elevape SV

[RelaxedNow]

........ after flashing my ESV a month or two ago with the new firmware, I found it to work much better. However, I felt that my old temp settings were then too high. Well, last night I finally got around to resetting them, to 320, 340 and 360. As I had just previously finished a session on my Herbalizer, I went to bed without trying it out. I think I'll be testing it while roasting the turkey today.

!

Hmmm, is quoting myself kinda like an obnoxious selfie?

Anyway, I tried the lower temps, and wasn't satisfied. I've never considered myself to be a cloud chaser, but perhaps I'm guilty. I'm now at 340, 360, and 380, and might even boost each another 20F. Of course, it might be my weed that requires thes temps. It's homegrown Purple Pineberry, nicely cured and stored with Boveda 62 packs. One thing I'm convinced of though, is that one doesn't want to pack the bowl at all. Small loads, just dropped in loosely.

On a sorta related note (see the quote), my turkey was fabulous! Learned a new trick; a handful of whole coffee beans, tossed inside the turkey, imparts a wonderful, toasty/smokey, flavor. Not identifiable as coffee flavor at all. Got the tip from chef Tom Douglas in Seattle, on a TV news segment.

 

[OF]

For sure it stays cleaner than the original coarse screen in the lid. But now it doesn't seem to vape as evenly. i get speckled herb, everything from green to brown to black in the bowl. And i can see a very clear hot spot on the screen.

I'm with vapen00b here, a cardinal rule of troubleshooting is when you make things worse, change the last thing you did. "What was the last thing you did just before the lights went out?".

I suspect you've disrupted the airflow somehow my guess is by adding more restriction at that point. This may have been reflected as less restriction (in relative terms) below (between heater and load) making the flow there more uniform (as opposed to turbulent). Perhaps adding screens as the Dr. does there? Normally screens are 25% open spaces, but fine mesh ones push that even tighter. But thicker screens don't bend well (best used flat), perhaps a decision made as part of the design?

Bottom line: you've made a blind man lame. I first suggest you reverse that?

As I said before, I've never tried this mod. Thanks for the feedback, I think I'll move it further down the 'try this' list. At present I'm not sure what I'd expect to improve/fix.

Good luck with it.

OF

 

[OyVape]

Yep, roll back to v1.0.....common sense there. But where else does the Good Doctor put this screen you referred to? coarse or fine?

 

[Mr Mellish]

Ahh, the morning after...great food, great company, great vapes, Blue Dream, White Widow, Sour Diesel and who knows what else we had to be thankful for! ESV was a huge hit of course.

So before the holiday I took apart and completely cleaned the critter for the first time. amazing how many sticky small particles were all over the little lens and around the coil legs. I Left the coil in its factory state with no tilt, but I made a bottle cap lid to replace the one with the screw in the middle, using the fine screens from @OF and @Mr Mellish. For sure it stays cleaner than the original coarse screen in the lid. But now it doesn't seem to vape as evenly. i get speckled herb, everything from green to brown to black in the bowl. And i can see a very clear hot spot on the screen. Maybe air flow is restricted around the rim of the lid that the sides of the bottle cap screen now cover?

Go back to the original lid screen? Try a coarser bottle cap screen? Tilt the coil? All of the above?

Don't know if my screens are any different than those sent by @OF but I get a pretty even color to my ABV with no stirring.

 

[RelaxedNow]

With further testing, I decided that I didn't want to increase the temps again. However I felt something wasn't right. It was then that I remembered a post from @vapen00b, in which he described his chat with Joe.

For brevity's sake, Here's the relevant piece of his posting;

Had a chat with Joe some daze ago and would like to share some info on the coil setup:
Joe recommends to tilt the coil from 15-20 degrees to focus it correctly and about 4 mm away from the bottom of the power module. This way you get very precise temps (no false reading from the sensor and avoiding radiant heat and hotspots). Of course the draw speed is a variable too as he has mentioned here before. An average human male's lung capacity is approx. 6 liters. Based on that the microprocessor is calculating out what is the energy needed to maintain the temp. in the 8 secs - that's the temp you're adjusting with the program - kinda cruise control.

Since my coil was bent at what appeared to be approximately 35-40 degrees, I looked up the above post, to verify what I seemingly recalled. I then reduced the angle on my coil, to about 15-20,, and the initial results were excellent. As there are other factors at play (strain, moisture level, grind, draw speed, etc.), I know I may not be done, but I think I'm making progress toward actually becoming a proficient user of the ESV. I loaned (or is it leant? Or maybe "gave")my Firefly to my daughter last night. Doesn't matter, because the ESV had already become my favored portable of the 4 I've purchased.

 

[OF]

Don't know if my screens are any different than those sent by @OF but I get a pretty even color to my ABV with no stirring.

I think it's possible to do so, many report having done it, I just am thinking it effects the tune of the ESV 'upstream' calling for tweaking other things. My first step would be to try to understand the effect of adding/removing it.

Once 'dialed in' I suspect pulling the fine screen out and going back to stock would also introduce other issues.

A pretty individual beast when you get down to it. "No two exactly alike"?

OF

 

[slartibartfast]

Just wanted to give everyone an update.
1. I enjoyed my stay in CO so much that while I was supposed to fly home on Tuesday, I'm still here. Flying back tomorrow.
2. Really liking this Elevape, I don't regret it at all. I personally have it on max temp with the bottle cap, my personal experience was that the screw was definitely causing the herb to stick to the cap as well as uneven heating. Put the bottlecap on, even herb. Big huge clouds. The effect is just what I'm looking for, I vape right below the combustion point because that's what gets you the stoney feeling.
3. Really blown away by how cool the vapor is. This is the first portable vape that I haven't wanted to water cool.

Joe, you're the man. Thanks again.

 

[OF]

I enjoyed my stay in CO so much that while I was supposed to fly home on Tuesday, I'm still here. Flying back tomorrow.

No, that should read 'Flying back tomorrow if they can catch me'. Think positive.

Glad it worked out well.

OF

 

[kapattack]

Would you guys recommend this for rookie vapers? I've read awesome things about the esv, but it also seems a little difficult to use, which is really the only negative I've read.

 

[OF]

Would you guys recommend this for rookie vapers? I've read awesome things about the esv, but it also seems a little difficult to use, which is really the only negative I've read.

Honestly, no. It's a great vape but takes some understanding.

Rather I suggest something like Solo/Air or maybe MFLB if you're into battery power. Otherwise, VG and VM should be on that list. Vapes with wider capability, less fiddling, and shorter 'learning curves' I think. Other vapes with excellent reputations. And lower cost.

Then again, passing on a $250 ESV is something you're likely to regret later........

OF

 

[Mr Mellish]

Would you guys recommend this for rookie vapers? I've read awesome things about the esv, but it also seems a little difficult to use, which is really the only negative I've read.

I've found no issues with using the stock unit (plus bottle cap). I don't think the learning curve is that significant. Draw slowly but not so slow as to let the light go out before it starts flashing. Boom. Money.

 

[OF]

I've found no issues with using the stock unit (plus bottle cap). I don't think the learning curve is that significant. Draw slowly but not so slow as to let the light go out before it starts flashing. Boom. Money.

Interesting. Is that from a rookie POV, or did you bring significant vape experience to the meeting?

OF

 

[Mr Mellish]

Interesting. Is that from a rookie POV, or did you bring significant vape experience to the meeting?

OF

Not a noob but certainly not someone who can walk with the W9 folks.

Vapman has a learning curve.
Pax 2 (apparently, according to Ojan) has a learning curve.
MFLB has a learning curve.
Hercules has a bit of a learning curve.

The vapes that have seemed effortless are: ESV, Crafty, PnP. That isn't to say that the results were immediately awesome. They were good with low stress tweaking to improve. Do I have them dialed in? Probably not.

 

[OF]

Not a noob but certainly not someone who can walk with the W9 folks.

Vapman has a learning curve.
Pax 2 (apparently, according to Ojan) has a learning curve.
MFLB has a learning curve.
Hercules has a bit of a learning curve.

Cool, thanks. The OP specified "rookie", I took that as first requirement. Most, if not all, vapes have a 'learning curve' of some sort I think, but most involve basically a single variable to try to get a grip on, not several interrelated ones like ESV. And, unlike ESV, they tend to support session use better (easier learning again), as opposed to vapes like ESV and Summit which seem more 'one hit at a time' in design?

Not a good vape out of the box to be working out some newbie issues? Like 'I don't see big clouds like on UTube'......

While I think many vapes are 'good for everyone', ESV is not on that list IMO. A great vape for many (but not all) owners or uses. Right now the price is right, and that can change the decision as well.

OF

 

[Mr Mellish]

Cool, thanks. The OP specified "rookie", I took that as first requirement. Most, if not all, vapes have a 'learning curve' of some sort I think, but most involve basically a single variable to try to get a grip on, not several interrelated ones like ESV. And, unlike ESV, they tend to support session use better (easier learning again), as opposed to vapes like ESV and Summit which seem more 'one hit at a time' in design?

Not a good vape out of the box to be working out some newbie issues? Like 'I don't see big clouds like on UTube'......

While I think many vapes are 'good for everyone', ESV is not on that list IMO. A great vape for many (but not all) owners or uses. Right now the price is right, and that can change the decision as well.

OF

Each vape has a profile that will appeal to some more than others. As far as the ESV, my point was that I was able to get good results with limited effort. I didn't have to think about multiple variables. I played with draw speed and have done a tiny bit of playing with temps. I didn't have to concentrate while using the ESV to get results.

 

[RelaxedNow]

Would you guys recommend this for rookie vapers? I've read awesome things about the esv, but it also seems a little difficult to use, which is really the only negative I've read.

I don't think it's all that difficult to use, though there's a learning curve on the way to best results. If you want something that "just works", you're willing to spend $400 on a portable, and you're ok with conduction, the Mighty is a good option. No learning curve there.

EDIT: IMO, of course.

 

[vapen00b]

@RelaxedNow and @OyVape

This is what my ABV looks like after finishing @380F. Coilt tilted 15-20 deg., 4mm away from bottom of the power module, bottlecap. Starting at 315F, then 345F and 380F at the end of the sess. Final draws at temp3 a little stronger.

I call that pretty even (the green bits to the right got stuck somewhere in the lid.. and wanted to partake for this shooting. They shouldn't have been there!

 

[Shit Snacks]

Cool, thanks. The OP specified "rookie", I took that as first requirement. Most, if not all, vapes have a 'learning curve' of some sort I think, but most involve basically a single variable to try to get a grip on, not several interrelated ones like ESV. And, unlike ESV, they tend to support session use better (easier learning again), as opposed to vapes like ESV and Summit which seem more 'one hit at a time' in design?

Not a good vape out of the box to be working out some newbie issues? Like 'I don't see big clouds like on UTube'......

While I think many vapes are 'good for everyone', ESV is not on that list IMO. A great vape for many (but not all) owners or uses. Right now the price is right, and that can change the decision as well.

OF

Well it is all relative though, I was a total know nothing when me and my buddy each got a T1, and that has plenty of quirks and learning curves, but it helped make it an easier transition bc it works and hits more like a pipe vs a Solo or FM (Summit is equally no brainer conduction session btw). I think as a beginner its a good opportunity to start with something good, bc really pure on demand convection like this is more comparable to actually smoking from a pipe, I think a noob might pick it up right away without being used to a session style device, which functions more like a joint, no brainer but so wasteful (and in this case weaker), not a good way to really give up smoking imo. As long as he's well informed (easy to be here) he can make any choice

 

[RelaxedNow]

@RelaxedNow and @OyVape

This is what my ABV looks like after finishing @380F. Coilt tilted 15-20 deg., 4mm away from bottom of the power module, bottlecap. Starting at 315F, then 345F and 380F at the end of the sess. Final draws at temp3 a little stronger.

I call that pretty even (the green bits to the right got stuck somewhere in the lid.. and wanted to partake for this shooting. They shouldn't have been there!

Yep, that's some pretty evenly cooked ABV, @vapen00b. Thanks for the detailed setup info.

Unfortunately, I won't be trying out any changes for a while.....I had my ESV on the charger late last night, and knocked it to the floor. The USB cable remained in the port, and damaged it. The Port is now an empty hole, with the female connector somewhere inside the unit. I'm going to email Joe in a moment, hoping it can be repaired. if I hadn't just spent a bunch of money on travel, I'd buy another on the current sale!

 

[nosmoking]

Yep, that's some pretty evenly cooked ABV, @vapen00b. Thanks for the detailed setup info.

Unfortunately, I won't be trying out any changes for a while.....I had my ESV on the charger late last night, and knocked it to the floor. The USB cable remained in the port, and damaged it. The Port is now an empty hole, with the female connector somewhere inside the unit. I'm going to email Joe in a moment, hoping it can be repaired. if I hadn't just spent a bunch of money on travel, I'd buy another on the current sale!

The USB port on my first ESV dislodged itself from the ESV body and I could not plug the cable into the port anymore because it would push back into the hollow space inside the body of the ESV. I sent it back to Joe and had it back within 6 days from the day I shipped it. Im east coast too but we both used 2 day priority. It might cost you a little for the the pair work but it can be done. Only Ipuffusa can do this repair as it requires a hard reset of some sort that we can not do ourselves.

 

[RelaxedNow]

The USB port on my first ESV dislodged itself from the ESV body and I could not plug the cable into the port anymore because it would push back into the hollow space inside the body of the ESV. I sent it back to Joe and had it back within 6 days from the day I shipped it. Im east coast too but we both used 2 day priority. It might cost you a little for the the pair work but it can be done. Only Ipuffusa can do this repair as it requires a hard reset of some sort that we can not do ourselves.

I emailed Joe, and he replied 16 minutes later. I expect to be billed, as I don't think the warranty covers operator clumsiness. It'll be worth it though.

 

[ginolicious]

When packing a half bowl do you need to place a screen on top to keep your herb in place?

The bowl is reverse with the heating element at the top oppose to the bottom. I'm scared if I only pack a half bowl that it will fall to be bottom and not hear evenly or properly.

 

[Shit Snacks]

When packing a half bowl do you need to place a screen on top to keep your herb in place?

The bowl is reverse with the heating element at the top oppose to the bottom. I'm scared if I only pack a half bowl that it will fall to be bottom and not hear evenly or properly.

No, any amount, doesn't matter, convection airflow, more room to move around even.

 

[Vape Dr.]

As @Shit Snacks said no you don't need to put a screen on top @ginolicious.
You can put a pinch to 3/4s chamber and get fantastic results.

Remember, just because the light is on top you are not restricted to holding it that way to hit it. You can hold it any way you want.

I often hold mine upside down (light facing down), and with the mouth piece straight up (light facing right or left). I feel that in doing this it allows the herb in the chamber to move around while its warm which IMO may also help to keep the herb from caking up a bit.

That and tapping the chamber lid on my knee or table in between draws. This is how I "stir" the chamber and I get great results with nice uniform ABV.

 

[ginolicious]

Well I'm sold on this over a crafty now. I prefer desktop vapes for minimal draw resistance but do need a portable for when I'm out and about or don't feel like sitting by my desktop lol.