Pen Focus Vaporizer

[priestsmiler]

@Shieldsab What model vapcap did you decide on? I'm sure you will not regret your decision and yes most definitely get a focus. It is comfortable to use and to me is a very desirable bit of kit, a vape that is a solid part of my daily rotation. The grasshopper is also a very useful device. All 3 have subtly different usage scenarios but all share similar beneficial attributes like fast heatup, cigarette to cigar type form factors, stealthy(ish) form factors. All pluses for me. I have used all 3 in public places and have received no untoward attention whatsoever.

 

[moondog]

So I haven't actually vaped anything in my Focus Pro yet, but I am in the middle of my second max temp burn off and holy New Jersey does this thing give off some nasty gases. If that doesn't go away after a few burn-offs I'm going to need to return it, but I'm not giving up yet.

I cannot see any lights shining through the bottom screen even in a totally dark room, so it seems as if my outgassing is not due to the problem that Franz had. Hopefully things will clear up.

 

[Shieldsab]

@Shieldsab What model vapcap did you decide on? I'm sure you will not regret your decision and yes most definitely get a focus. It is comfortable to use and to me is a very desirable bit of kit, a vape that is a solid part of my daily rotation. The grasshopper is also a very useful device. All 3 have subtly different usage scenarios but all share similar beneficial attributes like fast heatup, cigarette to cigar type form factors, stealthy(ish) form factors. All pluses for me. I have used all 3 in public places and have received no untoward attention whatsoever.

The OG. I'm visually impaired, and have never used a lighter beyond lighting candles, so I wanted to get the cheapest one in case I either broke it figuring it out or didn't like the method. If it works out though, I'll upgrade at some point.

You've convinced my altered mind. The Focus goes on the purchase list.

 

[priestsmiler]

The vibration to let you know the focus is up to temperature will be useful for you as well @Shieldsab ...an aspect I had not considered.

 

[priestsmiler]

@moondog if by anychance you have some degummed hemp fibre or rolling papers might I suggest filling the chamber with these while doing 1 or 2 of many maxtemp burnoffs to help thoroughly heatsoak the whole chamber and ensure any and all factory residue is thoroughly purged

 

[Shieldsab]

Yes that will definitely help @priestsmiler that's one of the main reasons the Crafty was my first vape. So I could be sure when to hit to figure out what vaping was supposed to taste like and such.

 

[moondog]

@moondog if by anychance you have some degummed hemp fibre or rolling papers might I suggest filling the chamber with these while doing 1 or 2 of many maxtemp burnoffs to help thoroughly heatsoak the whole chamber and ensure any and all factory residue is thoroughly purged

Thanks for the tip Priestsmiler. Unfortunately, I don't have either of those things. Guess I'll just keep running those burnoffs at 464F and hope for the best.

 

[priestsmiler]

Out of curiosity @moondog does the offgassing cease at a temperature of 420degrees f or 220c I personally dont vape above those temps and would not worry if no offgassing would occur at a temperature I would vape at. Just my

 

[MonkeyTime]

Thanks for the tip Priestsmiler. Unfortunately, I don't have either of those things. Guess I'll just keep running those burnoffs at 464F and hope for the best.

Use some ABV as a load to help condition it.

 

[moondog]

Out of curiosity @moondog does the offgassing cease at a temperature of 420degrees f or 220c I personally dont vape above those temps and would not worry if no offgassing would occur at a temperature I would vape at. Just my

Good point. I never vape that hot. I'll check that out. Thanks.

Use some ABV as a load to help condition it.

Great idea! I'll try that as well.

 

[mikeb6109]

Just finished uploading my review/unboxing of the FocusVape Pro Premium Kit that includes the bubbler.

 

[moondog]

Just finished uploading my review/unboxing of the FocusVape Pro Premium Kit that includes the bubbler.
Please take the time to like and subscribe!

Nice video. Looks like the only difference between the premium package and non-premium is that instead of the bubbler you get with the premium version, the non-premium gives you a soft plastic cover that fits over the glass mouthpiece while it's attached. This protects the mouthpiece in transit and keeps it from being accidentally pried off. Pretty nice, actually.

Did you notice any outgassing when you first used the Focus? I'm on my 5th burnoff and it still smells pretty bad even though this last one was at 425F instead of 464F. I'll keep dropping the temp to see if I find the point at which the outgassing stops and also try an ABV load for curing.

 

[mikeb6109]

Nice video. Looks like the only difference between the premium package and non-premium is that instead of the bubbler you get with the premium version, the non-premium gives you a soft plastic cover that fits over the glass mouthpiece while it's attached. This protects the mouthpiece in transit and keeps it from being accidentally pried off. Pretty nice, actually.

Did you notice any outgassing when you first used the Focus? I'm on my 5th burnoff and it still smells pretty bad even though this last one was at 425F instead of 464F. I'll keep dropping the temp to see if I find the point at which the outgassing stops and also try an ABV load for curing.

I did a good burn out like I do to all my new vapes. Basically turn it up to its highest temp and let it turn off by itself and repeated for a good 4 or 5 times. Then on the first session I did faintly taste a little something but was short lived . The silicone mouthpiece cover never came with my first Focusvape I was under the understanding that it was an optional add ........

 

[PPN]

Maybe the problem is you are making burn-offs at very high temp without pumping air through the device like it is designed for, so the heat soak increase a lot more than under normal use and is maybe affecting some components which are offgassing....just my 2 cents.

In another hand this vape is a bit overpowered imo, the 200°C abv is darker than most unit (I speak about the firqt version, I will get the pro in 1 or 2 weeks), so i suspect it heat a bit more than expected.

I love it to vape my very light in color abv with a drop of reclaim or a pinch of kief on 200°C for a whole session paired with my Orbiter, thick clouds after thick clouds...only the last are a bit smaller and thinner.

 

[moondog]

Maybe the problem is you are making burn-offs at very high temp without pumping air through the device like it is designed for, so the heat soak increase a lot more than under normal use and is maybe affecting some components which are offgassing....just my 2 cents.

I suppose this is a possibility, but I've never had a a vape outgas like this. It is definitely making me nervous. No way I want to inhale any of what's coming off that thing at this point. As of now I've done 6 outgas burns and it still smells pretty bad.

 

[His_Highness]

More importantly, if you plan to buy a spare battery, be aware that the spares are 2,500 mAh and the unit ships with a 3,200 mAh battery. Again, that is clearly stated on the page for the battery, I just didn't read carefully before I ordered. The 2,500 should still work in the Pro, right?

The 18650 2500 mAH will definitly work. I'd suggest using Amazon and purchasing Samsung 18650 25Rs. The Samsung 25R set the standard for 18650s. There are stronger batteries out there if you're willing to do the homework and find a retailer your comfortable with but you can't go wrong with the Samsung 25R. It'll be about half the price of PIU. Purchase from a reputable seller by reading a few reviews to make sure you're not getting counterfeits.

So I haven't actually vaped anything in my Focus Pro yet, but I am in the middle of my second max temp burn off and holy New Jersey does this thing give off some nasty gases. If that doesn't go away after a few burn-offs I'm going to need to return it, but I'm not giving up yet.

I'm a little concerned about the off-gassing being reported. I always expect there will be some manufacturer defects and I read somewhere that a 1% issue rate is considered good. Without knowing how many were sold and how many had a nasty taste/smell it's hard to tell if the manufacturing train has jumped the tracks. As part of my testing both the analog and digital versions for off-gassing and battery life..... I did all of my testing at the highest temp and completely discharged a full battery in the process. Both of my units had little to no nastiness past the third max burn off and even at the beginning it wasn't bad at all. I didn't even come close to having to 'season' the oven with ABV. BTW-Seasoning the oven that way may just mask the issue. Seasoning only makes sense if the smell/taste issue is minimal. If you continue to experience serious off-gassing and/or a nasty taste past 5 max temp burn-offs I'd seriously consider contacting Focus support or PIU.

EDIT: One of the major benefits and selling points of the Focus is a sealed air-flow, high grade ceramic oven and a glass mouthpiece. Minor 'new electronic smells' at the beginning of use is expected but should disappear after a bowl or two based on my tests and continual use.

 

[MonkeyTime]

The 18650 2500 mAH will definitly work. I'd suggest using Amazon and purchasing Samsung 18650 25Rs. The Samsung 25R set the standard for 18650s. There are stronger batteries out there if you're willing to do the homework and find a retailer your comfortable with but you can't go wrong with the Samsung 25R. It'll be about half the price of PIU. Purchase from a reputable seller by reading a few reviews to make sure you're not getting counterfeits.



I'm a little concerned about the off-gassing being reported. I always expect there will be some manufacturer defects and I read somewhere that a 1% issue rate is considered good. Without knowing how many were sold and how many had a nasty taste/smell it's hard to tell if the manufacturing train has jumped the tracks. As part of my testing both the analog and digital versions for off-gassing and battery life..... I did all of my testing at the highest temp and completely discharged a full battery in the process. Both of my units had little to no nastiness past the third max burn off and even at the beginning it wasn't bad at all. I didn't even come close to having to 'season' the oven with ABV. BTW-Seasoning the oven that way may just mask the issue. Seasoning only makes sense if the smell/taste issue is minimal. If you continue to experience serious off-gassing and/or a nasty taste past 5 max temp burn-offs I'd seriously consider contacting Focus support or PIU.

EDIT: One of the major benefits and selling points of the Focus is a sealed air-flow, high grade ceramic oven and a glass mouthpiece. Minor 'new electronic smells' at the beginning of use is expected but should disappear after a bowl or two based on my tests and continual use.

Great point on the ABV masking other potential issues. I've never had an off-gassing issue, one burn in, one burn in with ABV, start playing!

Imho, if you've done 5-6 at full temp and you still smell anything, much less strong smells or visible vapor (yikes), it's an RMA I'd be starting. One replacement, the second does the same and it's a permanent return.

No reason to play with it, not worth the risk.

 

[His_Highness]

@MonkeyTime - Good point on the 2 tries and out. As my mother used to say....the first two are on you...the third is on me. Lets hope it doesn't come to that and based on my experience with the Focus ... it shouldn't.

It's important that we get as much ON-GOING experience documented via this thread as possible so we can develop some metrics. I hope everyone will post their initial experiences, both good and bad, because if you are going to run into a serious taste or smell issue it looks to be showing up at first use and I haven't seen enough to count the fingers on one hand. Just to be clear I'm not worried about minor new electronic smell/taste at unboxing. I'm talking about 'nasty'.

 

[MonkeyTime]

Mine arrives tomorrow along with their little bubbler and MonG, you can expect at least a first impressions post.

 

[Elac]

The only smells coming from my unit after initial burn off are residual from the foam it was cradled in it's box and the silicone wrap around the unit.
Expecting those to dissipate over a few days.

 

[His_Highness]

The only smells coming from my unit after initial burn off are residual from the foam it was cradled in it's box and the silicone wrap around the unit.
Expecting those to dissipate over a few days.

Yours may be a good example of what I hope is the norm. It's what I experienced and it didn't affect 'taste', even at the beginning.

 

[MonkeyTime]

The only smells coming from my unit after initial burn off are residual from the foam it was cradled in it's box and the silicone wrap around the unit.
Expecting those to dissipate over a few days.

@moondog , is yours visibly off-gassing or just very pungent? If it's just smelly, read on....

Mine missed the Sunday delivery with my LED sunglasses, what junk, buy good ones. It did however show up today. I had a 3000mAh, 35A 18650 charged and waiting.

The first thing I noticed was the smell. Wow, the unit itself really smells. @Elac , I really can't tell if the foam imparted the smell onto the unit or if that's their new silicone coating. What ever it is, it's really strong.

The burn in's showed no visible gasses and I got my backdrop and lights set up because of yours moondog. On the third and final, towards the end I took a little pull thru their bubbler just to see how hot it was at 464F and could taste that smell instantly, even thru the water. Had I been asked, I would have declined ever finding out what a smell like that tastes like, and I have nothing to compare it to for the rest of you lol!

The biggest drawback I'm seeing at the moment is that the air intake holes are surrounded by this coating and I can tell the air going thru the unit is being affected. To verify it wasn't coming from inside the bowl, I drilled out a piece of plywood and put the unit underneath, without access to the body, I didn't smell anything except a very faint smell of the abv I used on the last run. Move the unit off center of the hole so you can see some of the body and the smell is there instantly.

As for the actual usage, I really like the bubbler, and am holding judgement of the vaporization/unit until I have something different to try in it. What I did today either isn't up to snuff (pulled out of long storage and was water cured so pretty flat tasting) but it should still have provided more visible vapor.

On a positive note, for those of you that like to roast your herb to the very last, this thing has gotten some of the darkest I've every created, no burning, but very dark and very even.

What have you guys found best for packing? I'm guessing a fairly fine grind and firm pack works the best like most conductive ovens, but haven't played enough yet.

As for the Flowermate canisters, they do fit just fine and seem to be made really nicely. I won't judge these either until I've ran something better thru them. First impressions are that you'll want to bump up your temps 20-30F from your normal temp and let them soak at temp for a bit.

The MonG works ok, it's just a bit sloppy in both of my 18mm pieces, they both seal ok, but wobble ever so slightly. It will probably be what I use for water, it seems very easy to clean and maintain and didn't get too hot in use that I couldn't take it off and replace it with the glass one.

All leave further impressions for another time, I have to get back to the lab for more testing.......

MT out!

**Edit, just ran some stuff from the same grind thru my Mighty at 350F and got nice clouds and great taste. Back to the drawing board.....guessing I didn't pack tight enough

 

[moondog]

@moondog , is yours visibly off-gassing or just very pungent? If it's just smelly, read on....

Mine missed the Sunday delivery with my LED sunglasses, what junk, buy good ones. It did however show up today. I had a 3000mAh, 35A 18650 charged and waiting.

The first thing I noticed was the smell. Wow, the unit itself really smells. @Elac , I really can't tell if the foam imparted the smell onto the unit or if that's their new silicone coating. What ever it is, it's really strong.

The burn in's showed no visible gasses and I got my backdrop and lights set up because of yours moondog. On the third and final, towards the end I took a little pull thru their bubbler just to see how hot it was at 464F and could taste that smell instantly, even thru the water. Had I been asked, I would have declined ever finding out what a smell like that tastes like, and I have nothing to compare it to for the rest of you lol!

The biggest drawback I'm seeing at the moment is that the air intake holes are surrounded by this coating and I can tell the air going thru the unit is being affected. To verify it wasn't coming from inside the bowl, I drilled out a piece of plywood and put the unit underneath, without access to the body, I didn't smell anything except a very faint smell of the abv I used on the last run. Move the unit off center of the hole so you can see some of the body and the smell is there instantly.

As for the actual usage, I really like the bubbler, and am holding judgement of the vaporization/unit until I have something different to try in it. What I did today either isn't up to snuff (pulled out of long storage and was water cured so pretty flat tasting) but it should still have provided more visible vapor.

On a positive note, for those of you that like to roast your herb to the very last, this thing has gotten some of the darkest I've every created, no burning, but very dark and very even.

What have you guys found best for packing? I'm guessing a fairly fine grind and firm pack works the best like most conductive ovens, but haven't played enough yet.

As for the Flowermate canisters, they do fit just fine and seem to be made really nicely. I won't judge these either until I've ran something better thru them. First impressions are that you'll want to bump up your temps 20-30F from your normal temp and let them soak at temp for a bit.

The MonG works ok, it's just a bit sloppy in both of my 18mm pieces, they both seal ok, but wobble ever so slightly. It will probably be what I use for water, it seems very easy to clean and maintain and didn't get too hot in use that I couldn't take it off and replace it with the glass one.

All leave further impressions for another time, I have to get back to the lab for more testing.......

MT out!

**Edit, just ran some stuff from the same grind thru my Mighty at 350F and got nice clouds and great taste. Back to the drawing board.....guessing I didn't pack tight enough

MT, I didn't have any visible gas, but you describe the smell well. That is not something I would ever, EVER choose to inhale. It doesn't just smell bad like "I stepped in something". My body physically recoiled like "Whoa, that stuff will hurt me!". And that wasn't inhaling, that was just waving it under my nose.

I'm not sure I can visualize your plywood test, but are you saying that based on the results, you're confident that the small has to do with the air passing through the intake holes? Not everyone's unit is displaying this odiferous behavior, so I wonder what's going on?

That said, I really, REALLY want this vape to work out. The form factor, the fit and finish, the look, the heft, the control scheme... I love this thing and I have yet to actually use it. My Pro will be heading back to PIU in tomorrow's mail for an exchange. Hopefully the new unit will not have any problems.

 

[MonkeyTime]

MT, I didn't have any visible gas, but you describe the smell well. That is not something I would ever, EVER choose to inhale. It doesn't just smell bad like "I stepped in something". My body physically recoiled like "Whoa, that stuff will hurt me!". And that wasn't inhaling, that was just waving it under my nose.

I'm not sure I can visualize your plywood test, but are you saying that based on the results, you're confident that the small has to do with the air passing through the intake holes? Not everyone's unit is displaying this odiferous behavior, so I wonder what's going on?

That said, I really, REALLY want this vape to work out. The form factor, the fit and finish, the look, the heft, the control scheme... I love this thing and I have yet to actually use it. My Pro will be heading back to PIU in tomorrow's mail for an exchange. Hopefully the new unit will not have any problems.

Basically yes. I believe that the smell is coming from the outer covering. When you draw in, the air passes past the covering and takes on that smell. Or at least that's my theory.

Ok, so going with it, mine is a Green Textured Pro. If you have had the odor problem, chime in with version, color and texture. Maybe there's a correlation? Maybe the texturing process cures it differently? Maybe a certain color dye (green) has the issue. Who knows, but we only need to hear this if you HAVE A SMELL ISSUE. If everyone chimes in it will be hard to keep track (at least for me!)

My wood test..... picture a table with a hole in it, the Focus is pushed up from underneath and you can only see the gold rim of the bowl (actually where it's tapered in). I had the air holes closed and from above, smelled nothing, even when heating. Then if I moved it so you could see the body color, the smell came back instantly, heating or not.

I've continued down this journy and as I type, I think I may stop for a bit. My throat is getting dry, either from fumes or too much vaping lol!

I can say that the smell has decreased, especially on the end with the heater. I can still smell it on the battery cap end, but the bowl end is clear.

Love the bubbler! Sweet little unit, not sure if it's the novelty or if I really like it, but right now I have no interest in running it thru other glass.

Two tips, when filling it, fill it upside down and when you flip it over, draw a little, it keeps a lot more water in the unit (got that from Early at WavyVaporizors). Second, when putting it on, if you've already heated the chamber, draw slowly on the glass as you put the vape in, you won't push all that soaked vapor out the intake holes!

Also saw a review that mentioned not being able to take the glass off right side up because you'll draw water into the unit. It must be working some because my stoned ass tried it both ways just to see what would happen. Nothing and I think I had a fair amount of water in it.

Back down to the lab......

MT-out

 

[moondog]

Basically yes. I believe that the smell is coming from the outer covering. When you draw in, the air passes past the covering and takes on that smell. Or at least that's my theory.

Interesting. But I didn't notice any smell from the unit itself if I was just holding it (unheated).

Ok, so going with it, mine is a Green Textured Pro. If you have had the odor problem, chime in with version, color and texture. Maybe there's a correlation? Maybe the texturing process cures it differently? Maybe a certain color dye (green) has the issue. Who knows, but we only need to hear this if you HAVE A SMELL ISSUE. If everyone chimes in it will be hard to keep track (at least for me!)

I've got a Black textured Pro. I'm not sure the Pro is available untextured. At least, I didn't see it as an option at PIU.

My wood test..... picture a table with a hole in it, the Focus is pushed up from underneath and you can only see the gold rim of the bowl (actually where it's tapered in). I had the air holes closed and from above, smelled nothing, even when heating. Then if I moved it so you could see the body color, the smell came back instantly, heating or not.

Ah, thank you for that. Now I see. That is really strange. I don't know what to make of that.

Thank you for your diligent research.