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

[OF]

My second V5.0S stopped working today, it's only a few months old, it's the one I bought after my first V5.0S stopped work, it's was only a few months old when it stopped working.
Guess I should switch brands for my next vaporizer.

Bummer indeed. You buy gear to use.

Perhaps the brand is fine, you should switch Dealers? It's warrantied for a year, if you buy through Randy (PIU) you'd be covered for this. He has a history of having the replacement in the mail to you the day you report trouble and has been known to pay return shipping for the dud. To me this kind of support is sound insurance worth a few dollars over Ebay or MD? In such a case you'd have a replacement on the way to you so you'd be back 'on the air again' by the weekend. You'd be using your third unit and only have paid for the first one? Better to not have failures, of course, but they do happen.......best to have a solid backup and a plan if it does.

It's strange indeed when a guy has two such failures with a product that most owners have none with? I won't bore folks with the numbers, but statistically this stands out and in a former life (where I did CS) would call for searching for side issues. I'm not saying it never happens, please don't flood me with personal examples, just that statistics says something more than random distribution is going on.........

Better luck with your next choice. Perhaps something like Solo/Air which seems to never die?

OF

 

[max]

It's warrantied for a year, if you buy through Randy (PIU) you'd be covered for this.

With FM products I've found a basic 'either-or' scenario. Either I cross my fingers and buy from a dhgate seller, for a great price, or pay more and get a warranty from Randy and PIU. If you're in North America it doesn't pay, IMO, to return an inexpensive vape to China for warranty svc., so you get the best price and hope it holds up. So far, both my early editions of the V5.0S and V5.0 are working fine, and this FM design seems pretty reliable. I'd expect to see more issues with the Pro, since there's more to go wrong, but so far so good with that one too, AFAIK.

 

[Episode666]

My mini is on the way from PIU! I can't wait to try it.

 

[OF]

My mini is on the way from PIU! I can't wait to try it.

Unfortunately you'll have to wait. Somehow. Not even Randy can fix that part......

One thing sure, it's most likely to be the shortest wait possible short of a LHS.

Hang in there, you'll love it when it's in your hand. Then you'll want to know 'what took me so long to get this?'.

OF

 

[stinkytofus]

how does this fare compared to

1. crafty
2. haze
3. arizer air
4. pax 2

 

[max]

how does this fare compared to

1. crafty
2. haze
3. arizer air
4. pax 2

We're not going to get into a bunch of comparison opinions here on 5 different models. The Flowermate vapes are reliable, have great battery life (less for the Mini, obviously, due to smaller size), and will do the job at a lower price than the other vapes you list. It looks like you're new to vaporizing and have done enough research to get a handle on some of the most popular portables. I suggest you continue to read up on the strengths and weaknesses of the models that interest you and narrow your list. Some of us who have used and owned more expensive portables have ended up liking the FM models quite a bit, and it's become maybe the most popular low priced brand on the market. They're easy to use and maintain, and paying more doesn't always get you a better vaping experience.

 

[danthepan124]

Still using my v5.0s, works like a god and always gets the job done, phew so glad i found it

 

[Bangjr]

Thought I share with you my experience with the Mini.

I have not used any FlowerMate products in the past. I have had a lot of the vape pens with coils and glass globes in them. I used these mainly with trates. These vape pens caused me to have heavy heaving dry coughs after my sessions. Hence the need to find something that really vapes not combust.

I ordered the Mini on June 29th and received it on July 1st courtesy of Randy @ PIU. Excellent, excellent service from Randy as usual. Can't say enough about Randy and PIU!!

I charged up the Mini that night and proceeded to do some dry burn offs @ the lowest temp first. I have to admit - now I know what "robot farts" are. It was bad but I just continued with the burn offs at mid temps for 6 more times. It was late so I laid the Mini to rest for a while.

Next evening I got to try my first load and WHOA!!! The Mini got me really vaked!!! Totally vaked, after 4 hits. The vapor was visible, although I am not a "cloud chaser" it was great to see them.

I used the Mini for the rest of the long weekend (July 4th) and I was seeing some stars and stripes that's for sure. Now comes the "maintenance" part - super easy. Unload the chamber, dip a Q tip into some ISO, turn the Mini upside down and proceeded to "roll" that Q tip in the chamber. At the same time, I dropped (gently) the mouthpiece into some ISO too. Oh yeah, without the metal part of the mouthpiece. And that was it! It looked brand new again!! Took less than 5 minutes to do this.

Next up is to score some organic cotton and try a little daba daba doooo...

Needless to say I am impressed with this little guy. I love, love, love it!!

I just hope it will last me for a while...

Last but not least - FUCK COMBUSTION!!!!

 

[Koby]

Next evening I got to try my first load and WHOA!!! The Mini got me really vaked!!! Totally vaked, after 4 hits. The vapor was visible, although I am not a "cloud chaser" it was great to see them.

Last but not least - FUCK COMBUSTION!!!!

I came from a MFLB, never got me to the point I wanted to be and the batteries wore off really fast so I decided to upgrade to a Flowermate 5.0s...

Now my Flowermate is some months old, I still love it. When you're using the device a bit longer you will get more and more aware of the flaws it has -(mouthpiece gets extremely hot, screen clogs very fast, bottom screen is hard to clean) - but with knowing the flaws you can adapt to get the most of your Flowermate.

Have fun experimenting with the temperature, it's possible to achieve different highs
http://www.zamnesia.com/content/284-vaporizer-temperatures-for-cannabis

As you said, the clouds are amazing, but I'm not in the position to compare it to other devices...
(E-nano coming soon *_*)

EDIT: http://lcdn.portablehookahs.com/8010CB4/portablehookahs/media/wysiwyg/temperature-chart.jpg INFOCHART

 

[max]

mouthpiece gets extremely hot, screen clogs very fast, bottom screen is hard to clean

I've used both the glass and silicone mouthpieces, and although the glass version can get pretty warm, I'd disagree with "extremely hot", which to me means unusable. Mine has never gotten hot enough to be uncomfortable to use. You can pick up a silicone mp on eBay to give your lips a break.

The mouthpiece screen will always suck up your herb, but unless you grind really fine it shouldn't actually clog your draw as long as you clean it with alcohol on a regular basis. You don't even have to take it apart. I've used this type of portable for years (mostly the DaVinci, which the FM design pretty much copies), and herb on the mp screen is a nuisance, but has never been a clogging issue for me. With the FM, I would also definitely recommend replacing the OEM screen with a plain stainless steel screen, which has a much better air flow and needs less maintenance. Just brush it off and swab it with ISO every few bowls.

Frequent cleaning (in place) with ISO and a cotton swab is also the answer for the pesky bottom screen, and if you ever do remove that screen, I'd also ditch it for a standard ss screen (even stacking two regular screens would be better IMO).

 

[danthepan124]

Has anyone tried the wood mouthpiece from Ed? I want one, does anyone know if that one heats up as much as the glass (My guess is no)

 

[OF]

Has anyone tried the wood mouthpiece from Ed? I want one, does anyone know if that one heats up as much as the glass (My guess is no)

Yes, I have one and like it. My only complaint is it rattles even more than the stock (it's a bit shorter). Ed said that (being shorter) was based on a request from a full size version owner concerned about the door jamming. I said I didn't see why it couldn't be at least factory length. He was going to look into it, so it might well be different by now.

I think it heats slower, but I never found the glass to be all that big a deal. I kind of like the oval shape of the factory stem, but still like/use the wood one a lot as well. Remember you need a base, but I figure that just means I have a spare glass MP.

OF

 

[Koby]

I've used both the glass and silicone mouthpieces, and although the glass version can get pretty warm, I'd disagree with "extremely hot", which to me means unusable. Mine has never gotten hot enough to be uncomfortable to use. You can pick up a silicone mp on eBay to give your lips a break.

The mouthpiece screen will always suck up your herb, but unless you grind really fine it shouldn't actually clog your draw as long as you clean it with alcohol on a regular basis. You don't even have to take it apart. I've used this type of portable for years (mostly the DaVinci, which the FM design pretty much copies), and herb on the mp screen is a nuisance, but has never been a clogging issue for me. With the FM, I would also definitely recommend replacing the OEM screen with a plain stainless steel screen, which has a much better air flow and needs less maintenance. Just brush it off and swab it with ISO every few bowls.

Frequent cleaning (in place) with ISO and a cotton swab is also the answer for the pesky bottom screen, and if you ever do remove that screen, I'd also ditch it for a standard ss screen (even stacking two regular screens would be better IMO).

Well it's not about the heat at the top, it's about the heat at the bottom where it connects to the device. Mine gets really hot so that I have to wait untill I can unscrew it.

And for the other suggestions: Thank you, I will look what I can learn out of it. As I said, the more you learn about the device, the better you can adapt to it.
I should add, the Flowermate is still an amazing portable vaporizer and worth the money

And for the screen in the mouthpiece, what diameter do you suggest? Or do you cut them?

 

[comeatmebro]

I just purchased the FlowerMate 5.0s and Universal Adapter from PuffItUp. I got the universal adapter so that I can run the vapor through water. But what I learned today is that the universal adapter is too large for my Pinnacle Pro Water Tool. (Or the Pinnacle Pro Water Tool is to small for the universal adapter ).

Does anyone have both the flowermate and PNWT? What adapter are you using? I was hoping to be able to use it this weekend but it looks like shipping times may not allow once I find the solution.

 

[OF]

Does anyone have both the flowermate and PNWT? What adapter are you using? I was hoping to be able to use it this weekend but it looks like shipping times may not allow once I find the solution.

Yes, I have both and find a suitable fit with the smallest step on the male part of the adapter from PIU. Very solid seal, quite stable. I guess I don't understand what your problem is? Is the shoulder for the next step up keeping the adapter from entering the PMWT completely?

OF

 

[comeatmebro]

Yes, I have both and find a suitable fit with the smallest step on the male part of the adapter from PIU. Very solid seal, quite stable. I guess I don't understand what your problem is? Is the shoulder for the next step up keeping the adapter from entering the PMWT completely?

OF

The PNWT is too tight for the Universal adapter. I would say about a centimeter of the universal adapter goes inside the PNWT. The PNWT could no balance on its own on top of the PNWT. I must have my hand on the PNWT at all times. Maybe that is normal? I just assumed it would use up all of the 14mm space and sit on top of the 18mm shoulder.

 

[OF]

The PNWT could no balance on its own on top of the PNWT. I must have my hand on the PNWT at all times. Maybe that is normal? I just assumed it would use up all of the 14mm space and sit on top of the 18mm shoulder.

I think it's normal. You can't go waving it around but it's not going to fall off if you're careful I think. I have no problem holding it by the bottom at least. I trust you're not talking about standing the lot upright on the table?

I'm not sure it's realistic to expect the shoulder to come up flush, glass pieces seem to vary some in length, what fit one that way might be too short for the next? And if it was even at tiny bit short it'd hold the joint open for a nasty air leak.

I say enjoy it for what it is. Or get Ed's Wong stem?

OF

 

[Enchantre]

I've used both the glass and silicone mouthpieces, and although the glass version can get pretty warm, I'd disagree with "extremely hot", which to me means unusable. Mine has never gotten hot enough to be uncomfortable to use. You can pick up a silicone mp on eBay to give your lips a break.

The mouthpiece screen will always suck up your herb, but unless you grind really fine it shouldn't actually clog your draw as long as you clean it with alcohol on a regular basis. You don't even have to take it apart. I've used this type of portable for years (mostly the DaVinci, which the FM design pretty much copies), and herb on the mp screen is a nuisance, but has never been a clogging issue for me. With the FM, I would also definitely recommend replacing the OEM screen with a plain stainless steel screen, which has a much better air flow and needs less maintenance. Just brush it off and swab it with ISO every few bowls.

Frequent cleaning (in place) with ISO and a cotton swab is also the answer for the pesky bottom screen, and if you ever do remove that screen, I'd also ditch it for a standard ss screen (even stacking two regular screens would be better IMO).

Well, Max, on mine, the Mini V5.05, the steel (?) ring at the bottom of the glass mouthpiece is OUCH hot, by the time it's ready to shut itself off. When I'm on Blue.

Tolerances do vary.

 

[crisallin]

Greetings fellow vaporists, I've been using the Arizer Solo for exactly a year now and I've managed to break both glass stems that come with it. I'm looking to buy a Flowermate now but I need help deciding which one to go for.
I'm stuck between the Flowermate mini, V5.0s or the V. What's the difference between the Flowermate V and the V5.0s? I know the mini comes with half the battery but has the advantage of micro USB charging, I'm leaning towards the mini at the moment but I wanted to get some insight from Flowermate users, how is it compared to the Solo in terms of vapor production and efficiency?

 

[OF]

Well, Max, on mine, the Mini V5.05, the steel (?) ring at the bottom of the glass mouthpiece is OUCH hot, by the time it's ready to shut itself off. When I'm on Blue.

Too bad you didn't get the full size V5.OS. It comes with a label on the top, "Caution Hot". And the side of the metal end of the stem is engraved "Caution Get Hot" (sic). So, if you want to know were the
"S" at the end of the model name came from, now you know.......it slipped off the stem?

IMO it's not surprising that it gets hot, there's 400F stuff going on close by, but reminders beat burns. Then again, such burns lead to not needing reminders any more?

Caution is advised.

OF

 

[mr_shady]

Hey guys just wanted to share brought the Pro version for just $82 including shipping from koncare.en.alibaba.com/ Bout to test it out for the first time now!

 

[Koby]

Well, Max, on mine, the Mini V5.05, the steel (?) ring at the bottom of the glass mouthpiece is OUCH hot, by the time it's ready to shut itself off. When I'm on Blue.

Tolerances do vary.

When I'm having a longer vapesession, I normally can't unscrew the mouthpiece. The glass isn't too hot to touch, but if you try to unscrew it by the glass, it only turns in the silicon (not sure if it's silicon) with no affect, so I have to wait until I can touch the steel ring to refill or to clean the chamber. Still far away from a deal breaker.

 

[max]

Well, Max, on mine, the Mini V5.05, the steel (?) ring at the bottom of the glass mouthpiece is OUCH hot, by the time it's ready to shut itself off. When I'm on Blue.

Tolerances do vary.

It certainly is hot, but since you don't have to touch that part during use, I don't think it's fair to just list "mouthpiece gets extremely hot" as a negative. I think it's misleading to potential buyers.

I have to wait until I can touch the steel ring to refill or to clean the chamber.

This is not the case with the glass mp on the larger FM's, at least not with the ones I've used. I'd say FM needs to make a change there.

 

[KeroZen]

Don't screw the MP too hard, it's not required. I unscrew it by twisting the glass and avoid touching the metal ring, which indeed has a warning label on the big versions.

I'm glad all the newcomers are enjoying their devices.

I failed to answer some of the previous posts in time, but I remember someone telling he would use the FM5-Mini as a powerbank for his other vape (Crafty?) and well, hm... it's not a magic device you know! The charging process wastes a lot.. so if you have one single cell of capacity C and use it to recharge a device with a single cell of similar capacity, it's like trying to use one bottle to fill another bottle of the same size, while pouring a good part of the water on the floor... Oh well, do as you please after all...

For the other question above I don't see any reason to buy the orignal FM5 (V version fixed temp) over the FM5-S. The single temp version is a tad cooler than the temperature of the red level in the S version. It's great to introduce smokers to vaporization as it starts so high in temp you get a lot of visible vapor without much effort, but the taste is spoiled in 3-4 hits. The S version can do that too but it's more versatile. I still do find the blue setting too high and the purple setting useless, but I said that so many times already and Smiss is not going to change the levels anyways (they told me not enough people complained about it...)

 

[OF]

This is not the case with the glass mp on the larger FM's, at least not with the ones I've used. I'd say FM needs to make a change there.

I have both and you couldn't prove it by me one is significantly hotter than the other. IMO both get hot enough to merit due caution. Why they decided to stop labeling the danger I don't know. Maybe they don't have Lawyers where then come from? It's on thing to not label stuff folks should know is hot but another one entirely to take a warning off a product line without a very very good reason.

OF