Epic Vape Review:
Pictures to follow. Been having computer issues the last few days so excuse me, writing this from my cell phone will likely end in some typos and such. Oh well.
First Impressions:
Really a nice looking vape, IMO. Pictures will speak a thousand words, but i am partial to wood vapes. None two the same, and elegant. This unit is much improved over the original beta in finish and production. Can't overlook, HANDMADE IN THE USA.
Ease of use:
Well above average. Plug in, get fat clouds. No worries with proper technique or fiddling with temps like the vast majority of other vaporizers. Likely the easiest to use wood vaporizer i have ever tried... I personally dialed it down a little from the original temp, but once you find what you like, you can just keep it right there. This temp will rise if the unit is on for hours, and you may have to dial back a little to keep favorite temp.
One thing, is you do have a few pieces to keep on hand when you include the tool, dome screen, and whip. This would be true with a lot of vapes ala Supreme, VXC, Extreme, and many other i have tried and use. Just something to consider vs. a standard log-style vape, with only one part; the stem. A way to attach the tool to the cord or unit would be cool if possible. True cloud pleaser for the first time vaporist.
Taste:
I'd say it is on par or slightly better then a standard GonG whip vape. I think it delivers slightly better taste then say my Extreme, with a less direct air path thru the electronics and bottom of unit. When adding the LSV glass delivery tubes (sorry forgot what they're called) taste is even better but IMO too hot for constant direct use with herb. This isn't a knock on the Epic, because the vapor likely comes out even cooler then the LSV when using the same tube. I have a hard time using the LSV constantly too without becoming irritated with the hot vapor. On the regular, i tend to water cool my vapor. which bring me to the next category.
Water Use:
I have not tried to hook directly to water tool through use of male GonG adapters and so-forth like others. I have used an 18mm whip adaptor to filter hits through water to good success. This vape has less drag thru water then a standard log vape style. The vapor is cooled, and you can take nice big hits. This isn't the glass juggernaut something like the VXC is, but very nice to not have to fiddle with temp like i do on my LSV and sometime VHW. Less restricted airflow then the VHW too. There is a multitude of ways one could figure out to hook the Epic up to a water tool.
Efficiency:
Above average. With the temp the unit comes on, i think about anyone could evenly brown a load of herb with little to no learning curve. Pop the screen to break down and stir a couple times, you'll be all set. If you keep your herb moist, or don't use a grinder, it might require a little more breaking down and stirring to expose more surface area to herb. I have had no problem getting even coloring at any temp with a couple of stirs, and a little "dedication" on those last few hits. You can load just a little herb for good results for those lightweights - although not my personal style.
Bowl Design/Function:
Although not the most refined looking bowl with screen stacked on top of screens, it functions very well. Kindof a similar concept to the EZ load bowl of the soon to be released VXC, although again, less refined- but it still functions very well. Don't judge a book by its cover. I havent worried about flipping and dislodging screens like the vast majority of other whip style vapes. I for-see more vapor companies working with similar bowl design concepts that are capped off in the future, it simply works well. Really above average to almost top tier in the actual function of the bowl. Once again, this concept requires you to keep track of several pieces.
Note: i would need more time to work with the VXC EZ load bowl to see if this function better. It does change the temp slightly, and i have not liked adjusting the Epic now that i found my sweet spot.
Hash Use:
A pleasure to use with some fine dry sift kief. i have a whole bunch of the 90micron blonde Apollo 13 kief and more then a couple loads saw use in the Epic. Great big clouds, not too hot from the whip, easily in the temp range, and browned up about perfectly. I also have ripped some good bubble hash in using both the whip and the LSV vapor tubes (once again forgot their proper name). i really like some good bubble on boost mode, but at my standard temp + boost it is a little bellow where i like to finish my bubble hash. I like my current Epic temp too much for herb to adjust it, because i dont want to lose that V spot. I also have other vape options to use with bubble hash. So with a little patient, and temp adjustment, the Epic probably would be an epic vape to use with some bubble has after you have already gummed up your screen a little bit.
Story/Pictures:
Still to come, i wrote this on my droid damn it! I'm done for now... I have no idea how long this is, and no spell check. I went back and proofread a few times, but sure i missed some stuff. Anwways, more to come all.