FlashVAPE

[OF]

I can see this is not how it was originally designed to be used given its S1 design.

Agreed. But like some other excellent vapes this one is able to deal with owners using a radically different technique without dire problems.

FWIW, I consider heat build up to be a small deal indeed compared to not working at all in such an unintended mode. A testament to a solid, simple design with lots of margin built with excellent quality. Even if I don't use mine this way, it's comforting to know it's possible.

FV seems to be a powerful contender with lots to offer 'special needs' owners. A top recommendation IMO. Mine's a keeper, even if the S2 grid thing never gets sorted out (which I'm sure it will).

OF

 

[stickstones]

Well, the heat certainly isn't going to stop me from using it. It's not like the PhytoLite that would absolutely give you burns if held after use. It's just to the point where I move my hands around at the end of the session because it is uncomfortable, not scalding.

I agree that it is a testament to the design and engineering of this unit that it could be used so radically different from it's original intent. We are taking a unit that was made to have short power bursts in succession. Now we are putting even more powerful batteries in it and keeping the power on consistently. That's a lot of unintended stress! I think that if the main use of this unit is as an S2, then some redesign considerations could help.

The good news is that I am medicated by the time it gets hot...I just like to milk everything I can out of a bowl sometimes.

 

[pakalolo]

Well, the heat certainly isn't going to stop me from using it. It's not like the PhytoLite that would absolutely give you burns if held after use. It's just to the point where I move my hands around at the end of the session because it is uncomfortable, not scalding.

I agree that it is a testament to the design and engineering of this unit that it could be used so radically different from it's original intent. We are taking a unit that was made to have short power bursts in succession. Now we are putting even more powerful batteries in it and keeping the power on consistently. That's a lot of unintended stress! I think that if the main use of this unit is as an S2, then some redesign considerations could help.

The good news is that I am medicated by the time it gets hot...I just like to milk everything I can out of a bowl sometimes.

I just finished my stickstones test: 3.7V battery, 20 seconds on alternating with 20 seconds off. By the end of the fifth cycle it was uncomfortably hot at top where it starts to widen for the bowl. I measured it at 50.9°C (123.6°F) and I did not test further. There was still juice left in the battery and I think the next cycle would have made that area even hotter, although you'd still be able to hold onto the FV without trouble. Conclusion: your FV is probably not especially hot, you just make it that way.

 

[ShipDit]

Would some kind of thermo cover help with the heat issue,or would it be bad for the Vape to keep the heat in the unit for a longer time? I'm thinking maybe something like a motorcycle/bicycle grip trimmed to fit. I use black heat tape on my bikes exaust pipe to prevent leg burns,so maybe something like that?
I think this may have been covered already,but I'm lazy so I'll ask anyway; how's the performance if you use the 3.7 batts in the standard setup,not using the spacer or top screen?
I'm still waiting for my black FV to ship,so if I'm asking stupid questions it's because the impatience has set in. Well that and I'm stupid,but I hide it pretty well.

 

[pakalolo]

Would some kind of thermo cover help with the heat issue,or would it be bad for the Vape to keep the heat in the unit for a longer time? I'm thinking maybe something like a motorcycle/bicycle grip trimmed to fit. I use black heat tape on my bikes exaust pipe to prevent leg burns,so maybe something like that?
I think this may have been covered already,but I'm lazy so I'll ask anyway; how's the performance if you use the 3.7 batts in the standard setup,not using the spacer or top screen?
I'm still waiting for my black FV to ship,so if I'm asking stupid questions it's because the impatience has set in. Well that and I'm stupid,but I hide it pretty well.

Actually there's a really easy solution: don't do what I did. I think my test was extreme even for sticks usage, but maybe not. If you use shorter hits or space them out, there is no problem at all with it getting hot. I think you might be confusing the FV with another new portable.

You can use the 3.7V batteries without the spacer, you just have to adjust your timing and be quick on the button. It's really easy to make a mistake.

 

[Stu]

I'm stupid,but I hide it pretty well.

What makes you think that you hide it well?

While I haven't tried to hit it rapid fire like Sticks, I haven't noticed it getting too warm in my hands at all. It's never gotten beyond 'warm' for me.

 

[ShipDit]

Well that settles that. Thank guys,I really appreciate the info!
Now back to the wait,the horrible horrible wait. Good thing I've got some killer bud and my trusty MFLB to help pass the time.

 

[kelper]

Well that settles that. Thank guys,I really appreciate the info!
Now back to the wait,the horrible horrible wait. Good thing I've got some killer bud and my trusty MFLB to help pass the time.

I am a manic button pusher on this thing - like a lab chimp pushing the button repeatedly to get his next coca-infused twinkie. And though mine can get very hot, I never felt like it was going to burn me.

I will be experimenting soon with less button pushing and cloud chasing since I like that effect better anyway, as I've learned with the VB2. More pakalolo-style restraint.

 

[stickstones]

thanks paka...that makes a lot of sense. I think i use it like jka does. but i'm not saying i know what I'm doing...i by no means have my technique down. this is just what i did at first.

who's got a great technique for those vitolo like hits?

 

[pakalolo]

thanks paka...that makes a lot of sense. I think i use it like jka does. but i'm not saying i know what I'm doing...i by no means have my technique down. this is just what i did at first.

who's got a great technique for those vitolo like hits?

That wasn't a criticism of your technique, but if you're not satisfied yet there are lots of others to try. You can build a big hit with microhits, 2-3 seconds on and off, letting it accumulate in that huge cavern before you actually pull it in.

 

[FlashVAPE]

Well, paka, you dust described perfectly how I use it, I turn it on, wait til a count of four and keep it depressed throughout the entire draw. So it's on for probably a full fifteen seconds striaght, three to eight times in a row with about 20 to 60 seconds off in between hits (usually the breaks between hits are on the shorter end of that time spectrum).

I can see this is not how it was originally designed to be used given its S1 design.

Actually, the FV is by design able to handle the S2 with no problem. However, with the added power and heat of the STAGE-2 setup, obviously, you will feel it a little more on the hand (especially after prolonged use). Personally, I think its a good indicator as to when to give the FV a little rest between uses, which is good for the battery.

 

[kelper]

Stock FV and VB2 comparison: Slowed down on the FV button and went for wispier hits. Clouds were still bigger than with the VB2. The effect wasn't much different than when I go heavy on the FV button, except shorter in duration. The FV has more of a sedating effect. I find the VB2 to be trippier than the FV and with more of the electric paranoid edge and overall mental effect I like - gets my spidey sense going. Must have more to do with temperature. Even with the stock FV I'm guessing it runs hotter than the VB2 on 3. Convection may have something to do with it also. FV is good when I just want to chill though.

 

[ru_frothi]

So I've pretty much got the s2 down now, I can roast a bowl to a nice milk chocolate brown without combusting! Buuut... the air is just too hot I can manage it with tubing or sacrificing my tongue instead of my throat to the heat god but tbh I've been missing stage 1 for a while now:

Goodbye stage 2, and thanks for all the fish! Time to buy some extra stage 1 batt's

(I think my unit runs a bit hot, I think I'm the first to complain of burning hot air?)

I think mine is cool. There is no such thing as chocolate ABV and the vapor is quite cool compared to say an INH or a T1

I can stay on the power for 40+ seconds without hot vapor or massive clouds or combustion.

I'm gonna call FV and request a replacement as mine unit is not performing the way it sounds like many others are...

 

[stickstones]

Personally, I think its a good indicator as to when to give the FV a little rest between uses, which is good for the battery.

I agree. Last night I used the FV for my nightcap and went with more of a pulse type method. I would press it on for about four seconds and then start a slow draw for about four seconds with it on. Then I would let go and take a stronger draw to empty the chamber. I could do this about two or three times in succession for one hit. These hits were more satisfying than the hits I was getting before. At no point was the unit as hot as it was before. It doesn't take much of a rest to get it from getting as hot as before.

And I have yet to reload this thing after a session. One bowl almost half full of fluff is kicking my ass for good!

jka...were you using the S2 like I was with constant power? I'm sure you tried it with pulsing, as you are pretty thorough, but I just wanted to make sure.

 

[JoeKickass]

jka...were you using the S2 like I was with constant power? I'm sure you tried it with pulsing, as you are pretty thorough, but I just wanted to make sure.

Kinda of a hybrid, with the s2 I literally can't take more than a few seconds of drawing at full speed (fast enough to keep it from combusting) before my throat heats up big time. So I do end up taking rapid few-second hits

Edit: Srry I forgot to mention full speed is fast for me since it's so hot, it's only a few steps down from as hard as humanly possible!

 

[Tweek]

Lately, I have just been holding the button down and puffing it somewhat like I used to with my launch box, regulating my draw speed based on the heat I feel on my tongue/taste.

 

[kelper]

I think mine is cool. There is no such thing as chocolate ABV and the vapor is quite cool compared to say an INH or a T1

I can stay on the power for 40+ seconds without hot vapor or massive clouds or combustion.

I'm gonna call FV and request a replacement as mine unit is not performing the way it sounds like many others are...

How are your threads? Differences in thread contact might be one way there are variations. 40+ seconds is along time on the button without clouds unless you have wet material or you suck too much (no pun intended).

 

[pakalolo]

Lately, I have just been holding the button down and puffing it somewhat like I used to with my launch box, regulating my draw speed based on the heat I feel on my tongue/taste.

This is where I ended up as well. That's what I meant when I wrote that at some point you sort of bond with the FV and you can tell what is happening from the taste and the heat. You get the feeling that you can make it do whatever you want.

 

[nicelytoasted]

I was introduced to the FV by a friend (and well known FC poster) some time back and have had many weeks to “test” it properly.

Right away, I liked the fit and finish, and the “feel” in my hand. I started with the S1 and enjoyed that mode right away as it let me interact with the vape to optimize the technique required to get the best results. I also like the option of using it in the S2 mode, when I just want to quickly do a couple of hits, or just chill as I hit. Flexibility is always nice.

I intended on doing a full review, but that would be redundant by now, so perhaps a quick summary will suffice:

Pros:

- 5 second heat up time!
- Overall vapour taste and how it holds the taste well throughout a session
- Minimal draw restriction
- Overall build quality, modularity, ruggedness
- Swivel head is so handy, window is a nice plus
- ease of use

Cons:

- The ceramic spacer problem (which can be rectified)
- The battery life (topping up diligence required)
- Charging intervals, especially for heavy users (the price we pay for portable, instant heating)

Miscellaneous:

- The free air flow and battery power allows for sips or huge rips, and anything in between
- Regular users may want to get 2 batteries and cycle them between charging/using
- I always use mine with my micro bubbler, it just seems to mate with the FV so well, and smoothens the hits even more, I find
- I prefer the pulsing method with the S2, always starting with 4-5 seconds of button down, then altering the button on/off (as needed) whilst I inhale, playing off that


Summary:

It seems to me that the FV is somewhat like the solo (which I haven’t used ---- yet), in that it’s a home-portable hybrid, with the power to meet all demands, but not quite the stealthiest, either.

The FV, with the S1 and S2 options is an excellent, all round, home or portable vaporizer. The price, even with the S2 is quite competitive, and it’s forging its way into my lineup.

 

[FlashVAPE]

I was introduced to the FV by a friend (and well known FC poster) some time back and have had many weeks to “test” it properly.

Right away, I liked the fit and finish, and the “feel” in my hand. I started with the S1 and enjoyed that mode right away as it let me interact with the vape to optimize the technique required to get the best results. I also like the option of using it in the S2 mode, when I just want to quickly do a couple of hits, or just chill as I hit. Flexibility is always nice.

I intended on doing a full review, but that would be redundant by now, so perhaps a quick summary will suffice:

Pros:

- 5 second heat up time!
- Overall vapour taste and how it holds the taste well throughout a session
- Minimal draw restriction
- Overall build quality, modularity, ruggedness
- Swivel head is so handy, window is a nice plus
- ease of use

Cons:

- The ceramic spacer problem (which can be rectified)
- The battery life (topping up diligence required)
- Charging intervals, especially for heavy users (the price we pay for portable, instant heating)

Miscellaneous:

- The free air flow and battery power allows for sips or huge rips, and anything in between
- Regular users may want to get 2 batteries and cycle them between charging/using
- I always use mine with my micro bubbler, it just seems to mate with the FV so well, and smoothens the hits even more, I find
- I prefer the pulsing method with the S2, always starting with 4-5 seconds of button down, then altering the button on/off (as needed) whilst I inhale, playing off that


Summary:

It seems to me that the FV is somewhat like the solo (which I haven’t used ---- yet), in that it’s a home-portable hybrid, with the power to meet all demands, but not quite the stealthiest, either.

The FV, with the S1 and S2 options is an excellent, all round, home or portable vaporizer. The price, even with the S2 is quite competitive, and it’s forging its way into my lineup.

Thank you for the detailed review nicelytoasted ! I am sure many members will find this information to be very helpful!

We are indeed working on the S2 spacer problem, and I am happy to report that a prototype will be available for show and tell sometime next week. It will be posted here first.

... a BIG "thank you" to everyone for their patience and understanding while we work to fix this problem with the S2 spacer... please rest assured that a solution is on the way!

 

[stickstones]

my S2 is still together after about eight sessions

 

[Willeh]

Upon closer inspection of my S2's spacer, not just one but all the spokes were cracked off but just holding together in position. I lightly touched them and they all fell out freely. I've been using the spacer with no spokes and it works pretty good but has a hot spot where the screen dips down. I'll gladly pay for a new-design spacer right away though hopefully it's available soon .

 

[scarhead]

Hey all, this is my first post and this thread helped me with my decision to get a FlashVape. I have a potentially stupid newb question for you all.
Inside the bowl, there is a screen obviously, am I supposed to install the tabbed screen on top of that screen? Or is that screen replaceable too? I may have not been paying attention, but the directions weren't clear on wether or not to install the tabbed screen before loading the FV. My FV came without a tabbed screen installed, just a screen at the bottom of the bowl that looks non-replaceable. Any info will be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[pakalolo]

Upon closer inspection of my S2's spacer, not just one but all the spokes were cracked off but just holding together in position. I lightly touched them and they all fell out freely. I've been using the spacer with no spokes and it works pretty good but has a hot spot where the screen dips down. I'll gladly pay for a new-design spacer right away though hopefully it's available soon .

Those tabbed screens are not as delicate as you might think. If you can ease it out without disturbing the broken spacer, you can form the screen so that the centre is raised up a little and it will hold its shape. The spokes are so fragile that I have doubts that they contribute much to supporting the screen. If you are careful you can probably find a position with no hot spot.

On the other hand, it you're happy with the way it's working now then leave it alone. FlashVAPE is about to show us a new prototype and I expect that means a new spacer will be released not too long after that.

Hey all, this is my first post and this thread helped me with my decision to get a FlashVape. I have a potentially stupid newb question for you all.
Inside the bowl, there is a screen obviously, am I supposed to install the tabbed screen on top of that screen? Or is that screen replaceable too? I may have not been paying attention, but the directions weren't clear on wether or not to install the tabbed screen before loading the FV. My FV came without a tabbed screen installed, just a screen at the bottom of the bowl that looks non-replaceable. Any info will be appreciated. Thanks!

If the tabbed screen isn't installed then yes, you should install it. The proper configuration has two screens, the bottom non-removable heater screen with a tabbed screen atop that. If you have the S2 spacer, it goes between them.

 

[Slightly Medicated]

Well so far so good with my V2 spacer. I am trying to be extraordinarily carful. I am enjoying it so far. Video review to come in a few weeks. So far I like the spacer setup over the original. I get mixed results sometimes though. I think it is mostly my technique. Sometimes I get amazingly thick hits without much effort... other times it takes more finesse.