Discontinued FlowerMate V8.0 by Smiss

[KeroZen]

Alright, I received my pre-production sample of this new vaporizer this morning. I'm creating a new thread as to not pollute the VaporMax/FlowerMate V5 thread. This is clearly a completely different product and not a new version of the FM5.

Unfortunately I'm overwhelmed by work today, so I will not post a review for now. But I took the chance to ask Smiss a few questions because I must admit I was a bit puzzled at first when I unboxed it. They kindly answered everything (like they did for the FM5 already, kudos!)

Here's a picture of the beast:

And here is a size comparison with my other portable vaporizers:

It's a tank but it's also to my knowledge the first vaporizer to use 3 Li-Ion batteries (2000 mAh each) for a whopping operating voltage of 11V! Yes you read that right, I will need to measure but the heating time is incredibly fast on this one. I'm still waiting for Smiss to tell me how many watts it can output, it might be a power-house!

Temperature is variable by 1°C (or 1°F) increments from 40°C to 230°C inclusive (104°F-446°F), it has glass in the vapor path and a ceramic bowl, very promising. As you can see it shares some similarities with the Ascent, which I happen to also own, so I will be able to do a comparison. I also have the FlowerMate V5 and 5S to compare with.

Please keep in mind that I'm testing a pre-production unit and there will likely be changes and adjustments based on our feedback. I have strictly no ties nor vested interests with the company, they kindly sent me a preview sample because they were interested in getting a fair review, and also because I contacted them several times in the past to share some feedback about the V5 and 5S.

Last but not least, here's the picture they sent me to explain the air path, it's self explanatory (but more on that later when I will do the full review)

 

[cityslang]

Saw the 1st one on uk ebay £125

 

[KeroZen]

First update: I got the answer from Smiss and as I suspected, this thing is a power monster! We're talking about way way more than the S&B Mighty here! (actually 4x more as the Mighty peaks at 30W if I'm correct) Here is what they said:

"The max power output is 120W and the average power is 40W."

It just heats incredibly fast, just did a quick test going from cold (room temp 20°C) to max temp (230°C), it took 18 seconds. I think it could go faster but the IC seems to limit the power output once the temperature is close to the setpoint, surely to avoid any overshoot. You can see it climbing very fast on the OLED display then at some point it slow downs and reaches the setpoint more gently.

Now I will have to see how it performs in the vapor department but I'm still doing the empty burn-ins to get rid of the factory / new device smells. I don't use any water tool unfortunately so I will not be able to test how strong and fast it can milk, but with that much power available it surely could handle an elephant draw! (for those curious: yes you can use the Ascent GonG adapters with it, they fit perfectly)

 

[Mr. Gweilo 420]

It is certainly interesting. Looking forward to hearing about vapor production. A low priced competitor to the Mighty possibly? lol lets wait and see but such a vaporizer would certainly shake up the marketplace

 

[Breathemetal]

Video!

 

[Shit Snacks]

Yeah 3 batteries is insane, no wonder its so huge. Probably worth it to have great battery life on a device like this, but like the mighty its not superportable. Very curious to hear how this one peforms, thanks @KeroZen !

 

[Just Justin]

Is the heating chamber in the swing out lid -or- is it in the main body of the unit behind the cooling holes? Also, is the glass pathway two pieces?

 

[tdriver]

@KeroZen

when you do the review can you do also a comparison with a common vape,
so people can get a better understanding of vapor quality/quantity...?

 

[max]

The max power output is 120W

The 7th Floor vapes go to combustion and beyond and never draw more than 25W, so I don't know what you mean by 120W output. Quicker to reach vaping temp? The other two FM models are plenty quick enough for me. Maintaining temp under heavy draw depends on the circuitry used, along with whether or not a heat exchanger is used for heat retention. You can always overcome the heating element in a portable with a really strong draw.

A low priced competitor to the Mighty possibly?

Just don't suggest that in the Mighty thread. There are already a lot of low priced competitors to the new S&B portables. The FM 5.0 compares to the Crafty, both with multiple set temps. Plenty of digitally adjustable models like the Mighty too. This FM model is a deluxe version of the 5.0. I don't know why they decided to make it so much larger. For me, as with the Mighty (which is almost the same weight as a Solo), the size of this version takes it out of the pocket vape category. It's more pocketable than the Solo, but it's more like a jacket or backpack vape than one for the shirt or pants pocket. I would probably use this for portable vaping at home, camping, back yard cookouts, but not stealthy 'on the go' use. For me, use wise, it would be more comparable to the Solo than the other FM's or other stealthy models.

Is the heating chamber in the swing out lid

No. It's just a swing out cover no different than the slide on the V.

a better understanding of vapor quality

How do you define vapor quality? Are you talking about thick vs. thin vapor? That's a result of the diameter and length of the vapor path, along with how much you load and the grind consistency. Otherwise, vapor from the most expensive models on the market is no different than vapor from a homemade vape, assuming you're at the same temp. Vapor production is a pretty simple process and the vapor itself is the same, regardless of model. There can certainly be differences according to how the vapor is delivered, like your MF vs. Solo, but when those two actually produce the vapor, it's the same, assuming the same temp. I would expect the vaping experience from the 8 to be very similar to the V and V5.0. There won't be any major design difference between them. Should be interesting to see if battery life is significantly different. This brand seems to be very good with battery life.

 

[Pain]

I'm such a fan of the FM5 that I have to get in on the eBay FM8 pre-order for $125. With three FM5 I have plenty of small portibles. Can you leave it plugged in most of the time?

 

[Hippie Dickie]

You can always overcome the heating element in a portable with a really strong draw.

not if it really has 120w output ... heck, even 72 watts is enough

 

[vapordab]

This company has a very promising future, and I'm stoked to see what the "Flowermate" looks and performs like 3 models later. I think it will only take a year at this rate. Lol!

But in all seriousness, it sounds like they are making solid changes, based on our feedback. You can guarantee that they read the threads here.

To smiss(if your reading): please release a convection, and home vaporizer model. Im sure that we would all be VERY interested in what you could create. its very clear that you are a company with great capabilities and many resources. Keep on putting them to use in creating a safe, efficient, and innovative vaporizer, and we will happily fork out our hard earned cash!

 

[stark1]

I for one am underwhelmed by its(y) size. Blink!

Wonder what its mass is. Ogling it, it is a Goliath!

 

[HillaryClinton]

Even though its big it looks pretty easily pocketable based on the shape, so its an all glass air path? No iffy stuff like with the V5(Yes I know most say its safe, just looked iffy to me which is why I never bought it.)

 

[weenstoned]

Assuming you can use it without really pulling out the straw (like how the ascent can be used I think?) it could possibly pass for a big smartphone at least from far away. Not sure I will pick one up unless the taste is really great as my original flowermate gets the job done well enough.

 

[Breathemetal]

What is the best place to order flowermate products?

 

[GoSFGiants]

What is the best place to order flowermate products?

Other users have had success with authorizedvaporizerdealer.com. If you'd prefer to go through a more mainstream route, I and many others have had success with the eBay seller Arigato_books

 

[virtualpurple]

I'm also expecting a beta unit. But sonofabitch....looks like my unit is stuck at customs. TNT shipping left me a voicemail, want to know more about the package. I'm not really certain what to tell them.

 

[Breathemetal]

Tell them it is your new tobacco vaporizer?
Your new essential oil device?
A fancy e-cig mod?

 

[Just Justin]

I was wondering if you could describe the glass vapor path? 1 -or- 2 piece? How is it assembled? Is it easy to clean?

Also, is the heating chmaber the same one they use in the other Vapormax V vaporizers? Dose it light up like the others?

 

[virtualpurple]

TNT is asking me for my social.

 

[tdriver]

There are already a lot of low priced competitors to the new S&B portables. The FM 5.0 compares to the Crafty, both with multiple set temps.

can you really compare the FM 5.0 to the crafty? (do you have a crafty?)
or do you mean they all have just adjustable temp settings so they are kind of similar ...?

I'm reading that the S&B portables only cools 2 degrees C while hitting hard, without any restriction,
I can't say the same on my FM V even my newer solo (better air flow) cools a lot if I hit it hard....

btw.
that is what I meant by "vapor quantity/quality".

 

[TheDudeNextDoor]

Safety power duration of 5 minutes. Does that mean it automatically shuts off after 5 minutes?

 

[stark1]

Gotta luv the free market!

Someone raised his price on FleaBay! & a nutter enterprising vendor is only asking two bill$! Two C notes! Sing on.



AVD does not have the latest VM VIII from Flowermate. Yet.

 

[scottg402]

TNT shipping left me a voicemail, want to know more about the package. I'm not really certain what to tell them.

Aromatherapy device is what I would go with.

TNT is asking me for my social.

Fuck that noise! Why do they need your social?