FlowerMate Vapormax V/V5.0/V5.0S/V5 Pro

[virtualpurple]

Last week I received two units with the 3 temp settings and glass mouthpieces. My contact at SMISS even sent me spare glass mouthpieces because I slightly overpaid during transaction.

After doing 4-5 burnoffs on the highest temps I set the units aside until the last day or two while I recovered from a nasty cold.

After finally being able to use the unit, I would say that I am very satisfied. As others have mentioned, the unit begins heating as soon as you press the button 5 times. I don't think the unit has lost much, but it definitely gets hotter quicker.

I have used it too much because I tend to avoid medicating during my work week. But both the blue and magenta settings are quite nice. The red setting, even with my F-bomb, still caused me to cough heavily, I did not give it the proper respect and it corrected me quickly!

There are two aspects that are disappointing to me though.

1. The glass mouthpieces are slightly larger than the silicone, and in my units they get locked up when the compartment door is closed, and in order to remove them I have to pry up on the door prior to sliding. I think they should shorten the mouthpiece a little to correct that.

2. With the glass mouthpieces I received (2 different styles), neither style will couple with my F-bomb. To me, that is a big disappointment, as I had high hopes their glass mouthpieces would pair up nicely. In order to use my F-bomb I have to take off the glass mouthpiece and use a silicone one.

Anyone familiar with a U.S. based company that sells replacement silicone mouthpieces? My girlfriends got chewed up by her puppy and I would like to purchase a few silicone mouthpieces to have handy. She prefers the glass, but I prefer to have spares.

 

[scottg402]

I got the white silicone one but no glass in the unit.

 

[archangelz001]

I got the white silicone one but no glass in the unit.

I got my unit today via Massdrop. The glass MP was inside the unit. The silicon MP was packaged separately in the lower section of the package. It charged up to green in about 1.5 hours. Need to do a burnoff before using.

 

[KeroZen]

Hi,
Im a newbie sorry if this questions its already answered but ... i would like to know what can i try in it apart from herb?

Welcome @popeye10, please make sure to check the "Vaporizables" section in this forum, this will give you plenty of information about other plants that can be used.

What colour did you get? mines black.

Nice choice, the black is really good looking! My gf has a red one and I got a blue, and my friend a black like you. Black is beautiful but blue and red are stealthier inside a purse, they really pass for some old ipod or USB hard drive.

I can't work out how to get it to turn on (chamber LED) without heating up like the old one is supposed to. As soon as i click the button 5 times the bowl lights up and it starts to heat.

Yeah we lost that ability with the new version but at the same time we have one action less to perform to enjoy! Note that when it times-out, you end up in that state (bowl off and LED on) and as you all will notice at your expense: it's pretty common to end a long session by letting the bowl auto shut-off, and set the device aside, forgetting it's still on but in standby mode! Happened to me twice already (as when it's closed you don't see the LED excepted slightly through the venting holes)

What is the ideal "burn in" routine for this unit?
- Should it be run empty? I don't mind using a sacrificial load if this is somehow beneficial.
- Should it be run as it arrives (as I understand it, it should have a partial charge)? Or should it be fully charged first?
- Should it then be run until "empty"? Modern lithium batteries are fine to run down, correct? No more "memory" issues?
- How to clean the moutpiece? The glass one, weirdly, has a really nasty "plastic" taste when drawn through cold and dry.

- No problem running it empty (I would be really wary of any vape that could be damaged just by running on its own anyways)
- It's said that the initial charge is really important and that you should leave it charging for several hours after the light turned green. That being said, the units are already cycled at the factory so it might have been done for us already.
- No more memory issue but I read it's still good to do a full discharge at first (for devices having a battery indicator it's needed to reset the correct range at least)
- Strange that two of you guys reported having a smelly glass mouthpiece. But as with anything new, Chinese or not, it's best to clean it thoroughly.

If anything, my first impression is that it is a bit too hot... I was getting popcorn flavor and slightly harsh vapor pretty quickly.

Well don't forget that the blue setting is already medium-high temperature (and the red setting or unique setting for the V version is high temperature) so yes it's cloudy and the popcorn taste comes when you reach high temps too fast (it's like you overcook some components before they had a chance to be vaporized) For the V version you get that popcorn/ABV taste right from the second or third hit and it only gets stronger afterwards.

That reminds me that so far only two people answered my prefered temp settings poll a couple pages ago. Please do tell what you would like and we will try to make Smiss adjust them in the future.

Visible vapor is desirable because it is evidence of a more thorough extraction.

That's a pretty bold claim to make, and I'm not convinced personally.

On further examination the glass MP doesn't seem to have any removable filter, while the silicone one has a white 2 stage filter. Is the one in the silicone mp the same as previous ones?

Yes, same shit, throw it away!

The documentation is fairly humorous (unintentionally)... love the line "Do not use the device when charging, though it can be used when charging." Plus the sweet message, "Your life,we care!" on the back of the booklet. Awwww.

I really think they do care though, so it's cool yes.

As others have mentioned, the unit begins heating as soon as you press the button 5 times. I don't think the unit has lost much, but it definitely gets hotter quicker. There are two aspects that are disappointing to me though.

The glass mouthpieces are slightly larger than the silicone, and in my units they get locked up when the compartment door is closed

My girlfriends got chewed up by her puppy and I would like to purchase a few silicone mouthpieces to have handy. She prefers the glass, but I prefer to have spares.

It heats faster but also time-outs faster. Also the time to go from one temp setting to the next is super short.

Yes the glass mouthpiece sometimes gets stuck in the bottom lid, but sometimes not, it's strange. It's slightly too big yes.

My gf prefers the silicone one, I prefer the glass but... the other day I was walking in the street with the device and my movement got too fast and bam! I hit my teeth against the bloody glass mouthpiece a couple of times, twas a bit painful! Beware guys!

 

[scottg402]

Anyone familiar with a U.S. based company that sells replacement silicone mouthpieces?

You can get them on ebay. I did a quick search and found a black one for $13.

I am sure you can probably find them cheaper but I didn't feel like fucking around for a few bucks.

That sucks about your glass.

 

[cityslang]

Has anyone worked out how you know the battery is in need of charge? Keeps flashing and never stops?

If you draw very slow and long (solo style) it gets very hot.

A full load gets me nicely medicated took it to a friends today whacked some double dutch through it and went go. karting in Gran Turismo 5 and 3 hours later was still medicated.

It gives even abv beyond my expectations.

 

[max]

Visible vapor is desirable because it is evidence of a more thorough extraction. You can definitely can high from seshes with no visible vapor (shouts to the original iolite), but you probably aren't vaporizing all of the cannabinoids in your product. That's fine if you plan to do something with your AVB, but if not it is kind of a waste (unless you really hate body high).

Visible vapor depends on the amount of herb involved and the temp you're using. Visible or not also very much depends on the lighting you have to view it. Exhale into bad lighting and you're likely to decide 'no more vapor available here'. Use good lighting and it can be a very different story.

As for the iolite or any other vape NOT providing visible vapor when the temp is within vaping range, it's just not true. With good enough light I've always been able to see my iolite exhales, even with a light load. In top quality lighting (streaming sunlight where you can see dust particles is the best), you'll see vapor exhaled even when your lungs are telling you the bowl is shot and you're just getting hot air.

My shipment from Massdrop arrived today as well. It came white a silicone mouthpiece. It's supposed to have glass right?

Yep. "FlowerMate Vapormax V with Glass Mouthpiece"

 

[scottg402]

Yeah that's what the packing slip said too. I am really curious if anyone else was missing it.

I didn't know for sure if it would have the silicone so I picked up a black one on ebay. I prefer the black anyway but also want glass.

I emailed massdrop yesterday and asked them if a glass one could be mailed out to me.

At least I have two different ones now to keep up with my cleaning rotation.

 

[vaporonly]

I might try one of these. My VAS is back. I want something portable that is moron simple. I don't want to rip on any other portables by name but a person gets sick of techniques and what end up being long sessions with other portables.

Are you flowermate owners happy with session time? The reviews say it has the simple part down.

 

[HSIHP]

I might try one of these. My VAS is back. I want something portable that is moron simple. I don't want to rip on any other portables by name but a person gets sick of techniques and what end up being long sessions with other portables.

Are you flowermate owners happy with session time? The reviews say it has the simple part down.

I'm in the same boat. My nano has had me happy for a while bit I an craving something new.

How Big is the average load with this? Does it have to be packed light like the pax or does it do will with loose loads?

 

[Sporegasm]

So I just spent a considerable amount of time reading through the first 20 pages (and the 3 most recent ones). Now it's getting really late, and my attention span is depleted. Quite interesting reading the initial awe turn into distaste due to shady buisness practice.

However, I'm quite interesed in getting one of these to convert my still combusting mates. But I'm still left with two important questions.

1. What's the final verdict on the vapor path? Safe/FC approved?
2. Is Vnice/Flower still the go-to vendor?

Thanks heaps to all contributors! Without the awesomeness that is FC, I would probably still be combustng.

 

[KeroZen]

Has anyone worked out how you know the battery is in need of charge? Keeps flashing and never stops? (...) If you draw very slow and long (solo style) it gets very hot (...) It gives even abv beyond my expectations.

Keeps flashing means it's completely spent, and that imply you are surely past the safety 80% discharge point. In theory it would be better for battery life to recharge before reaching that point. The most important is to never let it sit for a long time in that fully depleted state, once it blinks charge it ASAP or do at least a partial charge immediatly if you don't have enough time.

Yes it tends to get hot, the alu body acts as a radiator. I do very short hits, moderate to hard draw, and it's enough to make me cough sometimes.

The ABV is super even yes, and if you tamp the bowl a bit with the provided tool, when you empty it later it produces a tiny brown cylinder that holds together... a real poop machine!

I don't want to rip on any other portables by name but a person gets sick of techniques and what end up being long sessions with other portables. Are you flowermate owners happy with session time?

With the V version sessions are bit short for me, it cashes a load in one or two timer periods. With the 5S you have more control, but overall sessions are shorter than with my Ascent. I reach for it whenever I need a quick fix, I use the Ascent when I can afford to be more laid back or if I'm not in a hurry.

How Big is the average load with this? Does it have to be packed light like the pax or does it do will with loose loads?

I think with conduction, packing works better. I usually pack the 5S with the provided tool, not too firmly but enough to make a little puck. I tried over packing several times, it worked but didn't provide any noticeable improvement.

The bowl is kinda small, but I rarely fill it completely. I would say I use between 0.05g and 0.1g on average. You could do less probably though. Dunno the max capacity.

What's the final verdict on the vapor path? Safe/FC approved?

I recently forwarded what Smiss told me about the materials. Nobody commented since, even if I imagined someone would say something about the Nickel screens (I'm fine with them though)

The vapor path seems clean. The air-path draws mostly from the venting holes, but there's no strict separation with the rest of the device internals. In the event of a battery failure you could *in theory* ihnale some of the fumes, but with a device catching fire in your hands I imagine you would have other worries to cope with!

 

[cityslang]

@KeroZen

So if the constant flashing means it's too low to heat a bowl due to low battery how do you work out when to charge?

As long as it doesn't fail quickly I think it's great for what it is and it really works well with the herbal puck method and once you work out the controls which took a few sessions as the manual is for the previous model I can't fault it.

The only downside is the taste is not great and it misses out the lower temp flavours the solo gives on 2 or 3 and the 1st few warm up vapes on the solo.

Other than that if I can get 10 sessions on a charge it will be a great addition.

How many sessions has everyone got off a charge.

 

[vaporonly]

With the V version sessions are bit short for me, it cashes a load in one or two timer periods. With the 5S you have more control, but overall sessions are shorter than with my Ascent. I reach for it whenever I need a quick fix, I use the Ascent when I can afford to be more laid back or if I'm not in a hurry.

Thanks!

Is the 5S the one with the 3 user settings while the V is the non user select one?

 

[G Hog]

Hey there everyone: Received my Massdrop unit the other day and overall I am pretty impressed. Kinda wish I would have waited for the variable temp settings one, but I guess I'll just have to get that one of these days, too.

Anyhow, just wondering if anyone out there has tried using glass flowers a la Davinci Ascent in their V5? I've read the thread but I don't seem to recall this being mentioned. The bowl is looking pretty big for a weed miser like myself (plus I am running low on stock at the moment which makes me even more stingy) so I immediately started packing it with glass flowers and ceramic pipe screens (3 stacked on top of each other at the bottom of the bowl to act as a spacer). Seems to work OK but I'm wondering if any others can share their experiences? Am I making a mistake here? Sounds like "the puck" method works pretty well and I am going for the loose pack with a bunch of glass and ceramic to take up the space. I will continue experimenting around but lemme know if you have any input guys. Thanks to all and especially to KeroZen and Vape Dr. whose research and reporting on this little bargain vape convinced me to get it.

G Hog

 

[ScottFL]

Hi all,

Been doing lots of reading and kept going back and forth between the Pax & Solo when I stumbled across the Vapormax. I've never used a vape and figured I would give this one a shot as most people look upon it very favorably. I looked around the web and found a V5 for $85 on Ebay, now I just have to wait a few days.

I've read about the "burn in", is there a consensus about how many one should perform before using it? Also, when doing a burn in, how long do you cook the chamber and should I let it cool completely before doing another? I also need a grinder, is it worth it to drop the bucks on one of the space cases or will a cheap grinder get the job done? Also, what consistency should the grind be? Should it look like tea or more fine, could I just use the shake from the bottom of my jar for now?

Thanks,
Scott

 

[KidFated.]

Hi all,

Been doing lots of reading and kept going back and forth between the Pax & Solo when I stumbled across the Vapormax. I've never used a vape and figured I would give this one a shot as most people look upon it very favorably. I looked around the web and found a V5 for $85 on Ebay, now I just have to wait a few days.

I've read about the "burn in", is there a consensus about how many one should perform before using it? Also, when doing a burn in, how long do you cook the chamber and should I let it cool completely before doing another? I also need a grinder, is it worth it to drop the bucks on one of the space cases or will a cheap grinder get the job done? Also, what consistency should the grind be? Should it look like tea or more fine, could I just use the shake from the bottom of my jar for now?

Thanks,
Scott

I would let the unit cool before starting another dry run just for the batteries sake. I'd give it one two but offs and you should be good. As far as grinders go, Santa Cruz shredder seems to be the FC favorite as far as grinders but any grinder will suffice. I've been using a diamond grind that I got for $20 and it works great no issues. You should be okay with a medium/fine grind, but yes shake will work until you reup

 

[upriver]

Hi all,

Been doing lots of reading and kept going back and forth between the Pax & Solo when I stumbled across the Vapormax. I've never used a vape and figured I would give this one a shot as most people look upon it very favorably. I looked around the web and found a V5 for $85 on Ebay, now I just have to wait a few days.

I've read about the "burn in", is there a consensus about how many one should perform before using it? Also, when doing a burn in, how long do you cook the chamber and should I let it cool completely before doing another? I also need a grinder, is it worth it to drop the bucks on one of the space cases or will a cheap grinder get the job done? Also, what consistency should the grind be? Should it look like tea or more fine, could I just use the shake from the bottom of my jar for now?

Thanks,
Scott

Cheap grinders scare me because of materials issues, not because they don't work. I really don't want to be vaping plastic particles, nor strange cost-saving alloys. High-end grinders are not that expensive in the big picture, and should last a very, very long time. The good news is that if you are on a budget, $15 electric coffee/spice grinders work pretty well. They are loud and not portable, so not the "stealthiest", but the end result is fine. These can also be convenient for grinding larger quantities in advance.

Some people will put the material into a shot glass and attack it with small scissors. Also works ok but takes a lot of patience.

The resulting grind is much finer than tea, more like coffee grounds. You can surely google images of "grind for vaping" or similar and get lots of photos. The needed grind varies from unit to unit. I have a SSV (a desktop/whip unit), and you can basically stick a whole nug in there and it works pretty well. As it vapes/dries, stirring it in place crumbles it to a powder, effectively grinding it in place. I don't usually do this... just noting it is possible. The MFLB, on the other hand, really does work better with an ultra-fine grind (they even have their own style of grinder as an upgrade), especially if you are wanting maximum efficiency from your herb. The flowermate seems somewhere in the middle. I've been loading it with herb straight from a Mendo Mulcher and it seems just fine. I'll try it with my MFLB finishing grinder at some point and see if it is any better.

The "burn in" is sort of a flying-blind scenario, it is pretty tricky to quantify how effective it is, and is almost more of a ritual to leave you feeling good. My unit seemed clean out of the box, no smell. Being leery of all things imported and mass-produced, nonetheless I ran 3 cycles dry, again really just to feel better about any manufacturing dust in there. I then swabbed out the oven with vinegar and after that a baking soda in water solution, and then ran one more cycle to ensure it was dry. This is probably overkill.

The mouthpiece, on the other hand, smelled/tasted fairly bad. I soaked it in vinegar and then in baking soda/water for 2 hours. Totally solved the issue. This was the glass piece, weirdly. The silicone piece smelled fine, but I gave it the same treatment to be sure.

 

[mcdanel1771]

Hi, I'm new here. I got the V (non variable) based on reviews here, and must say I'm very pleased. The most important thing I've noticed is that I was wasting my herbs the first week, because I get the same effect from a pinch as I did from a full chamber.

When to charge? I charge overnight, every night, just like my e-cig and my phone.

 

[ScottFL]

Thanks for the replies. After a whole bunch more reading I ordered:

SCS 4pc 2.75" - green
SC 4pc 2" - silver
SCS Storage Container - black

It's like Christmas in September, just made a call to order some more product. It's gonna be tough trying out all my new toys. I'm thinking a Solo is gonna be in my future now, or since I'll have the Vapormax should I just get a real home unit?

 

[max]

Cheap grinders scare me because of materials issues, not because they don't work. I really don't want to be vaping plastic particles, nor strange cost-saving alloys. High-end grinders are not that expensive in the big picture, and should last a very, very long time.

I hate to even post this, since it's off topic, but it's just so off base. There are no cost saving alloys used in inexpensive grinders- they're aluminum, and the quality is good. As for lasting, my $15 Smart Crusher looks as good, and grinds as well as it did when new, and the tooth design is better than the diamond shape on the Space Case or the too squared off shape of the SCS. I'd certainly avoid gimmick grinders with cranks and see through tops, but affordable, plain aluminum Chromium Crusher, Cali Crusher brands, etc. are proven performers. Expensive grinders like SCS and Space Case are machined to perfection, but a few burrs have nothing to do with performance or reliablity.

The most important thing I've noticed is that I was wasting my herbs the first week, because I get the same effect from a pinch as I did from a full chamber.

You seem to be saying that any more than a pinch in this model is completely wasted. If true (and I don't see any way it can be), that would be drawback of the design. No matter what temp is used (as long as it's high enough to produce vapor), applying heat releases vapor and it's all available for inhale. If you're convinced that you're not getting sufficient vapor when loading large, then you may be losing vapor to conduction heating between hits, like a cig burning up while sitting in an ashtray. The cig smoke is available, but the cig smoker isn't getting it.

 

[vaporonly]

You seem to be saying that any more than a pinch in this model is completely wasted. If true (and I don't see any way it can be), that would be drawback of the design. No matter what temp is used (as long as it's high enough to produce vapor), applying heat releases vapor and it's all available for inhale. If you're convinced that you're not getting sufficient vapor when loading large, then you may be losing vapor to conduction heating between hits, like a cig burning up while sitting in an ashtray. The cig smoke is available, but the cig smoker isn't getting it.

I read it differently that he is getting to where he wants to go with the small amount so packing any more for him/her is a waste.

 

[cityslang]

@mcdanel1771

I'm not sure about when to charge. So far 6 vapes and I recharge it. I'm going to try 10 if I can keep count.

I find the opposite if I really pack it then the popcorn taste takes longer and I'm definitely more medicated.

 

[caliwisp]

@KeroZen thanks for this <<I recently forwarded what Smiss told me about the materials. Nobody commented since, even if I imagined someone would say something about the Nickel screens (I'm fine with them though)>>

Unfortunately I will have to avoid this one since I have a Nickel allergy. Those are not uncommon. Having it on my skin a short while gives me a nasty rash, can't imagine what inhaling microscopic bits might do to my lungs over time. boo!

 

[Amazingkaddycap]

Get a solo...