Discontinued G43 and SledGhammer

[VCBud]

Hey guys what's up!!

I'm extremely happy to hear the positive field reports, and also about any issues that have popped up, thank you guys for posting about it I really appreciate it.

Here's our current status:

We're up to #132 on the waiting list, getting out 10-15 units per week. I've been clearing my plate of other duties and delegating them to Hazel so that I can spend more time building, and we also have a helper now doing some of the pre-wiring for me to speed things up. I'm still putting them together and testing each one myself to make sure everything's gravy before sending them out. I have a goal set to get up to #200 on the list by 4/20, it's ambitious but I like to dream big.

I'm constantly thinking of ways to speed this up and we may take on another helper if I think it makes sense. We've also been working with Mike at OGB on our next batch of glass slides, so things are looking good and I don't think there will be any gap in availability when I run out of the original batch of good slides.

There are some new accessories in the shop now for the G43 that we didn't have in time for some of the early adopters - a nice 18mm glass stand and a dual 18mm adapter: https://shop.vapelife.com/collections/parts

We're still working on the healthstones... it's been such a pain trying to find these in the right size. A bunch of companies manufacture them in various sizes, mainly in China, but all the sizes are too big and none of them are receptive to the idea of making us smaller ones. I really want these so I'm not giving up on it yet.

Re: The battery sled-only version... I ran into another snag with it. I finally decided on ditching the idea of protecting the battery holder itself, it's too involved, and decided to just use an unprotected holder with a protected 18650 instead. This wasn't ideal, I wanted to avoid the protected batteries, but it was a last ditch effort to make it work. The dilemma now is that it's running too hot with the battery sled only, something is off with the voltage mojo and it gets too hot for vaping bud. My prototype version of this worked and didn't overheat, but it also wasn't made as tightly and wasn't quite as power-efficient. I'm still circling back to this every now and then, but it isn't going to be a priority for me to spend a lot of time on it.

@ohmygodimsohigh Sup man thanks for giving it a whirl, leave it to you to combust with it!! So I've only had a handful of people that this happened to and it's only happened to me a couple of times, I'm thinking it's more to do with how tightly the chamber is packed and how long the heater is left sitting there before taking a hit. It could be that the power is too high also, but with a loose packed oven you should be able to go up to ~13w-ish without overheating. If it happens again I'd say best bet is to just pack a tad less bruva!

@WakeAndVape Yooo I got you bro, I'm putting you on the list to get a unit on the house, I'll PM you shortly for your info!

@P.A.M. Yes sir, all components of the G43 are covered under a 1-year free replacement warranty, even if you break it by accident, it just doesn't cover losing it If it breaks all you need to do is send me photographic proof of the breakage so that I know you're not scammin G's lol. Each time you receive a new component the 1-year warranty resets on that part. I don't want anybody stuck with a broken vape, is basically the goal here. So far the only breakages I know of were at the top of the slide where the bowl is, nobody has had to play 70-bead pickup yet

@Zangano Cruel - ¡Sé un buen chico!

@LabPong Thanks for helping out!!

If you've sent me a PM recently I apologize for the delayed response, I'll be replying today

 

[P.A.M.]

Right on Bud! That's a very good replacement warranty !

nobody has had to play 70-bead pickup yet

.. If only we could have it on tape to see beads flying and see person's reaction when it happens Would suck obviously , still a "slipping on ice" kind of funny ..

 

[CuckFumbustion]

Well guess where my 4/20 budget went to this year?
Hopefully have a shockproof container it likes. Now comes the part where I come to FC and ask questions.
Still have to read the Faqs and watch the instruction vids to get caught up. G43 Vaporizer - YouTube

Oh and I don't have any 18650's or a charger and never had a reason to before. Just need to get what is compatible with the G43 and the box mod. And any advice as well.

After visiting the IMR Batteries site and guess I want The LG HG2 20A without the button? Amirite?
So I need a Q2 or Q4 charger? Is this one a good choice? EFAN Q4 4 Channel Battery Charger - IMR Batteries or Nitecore i4 4 Channel Battery Charger - IMR Batteries

And I'll post pics here as well at some point.

 

[Summer]

@CuckFumbustion, this thread & the regular G43 thread on VLF.

https://forum.vapelife.com/discussion/4723/g43-mods-firmware/p1

 

[MothChewMoth]

 

[CuckFumbustion]

Ok so I asked around on Bud's own G43 thread and got rec'd the best choice for batts and charger for the Mod, and well as other vape options. Got the extra beads and screens as well.

My first time using Mod boxes and 18650 batteries. Been watching the G43 since it was Project A, But haven't gotten serious about the hardware yet.

 

[CuckFumbustion]

My first time using Mod boxes and 18650 batteries. Been watching the G43 since it was Project A, But haven't gotten serious about the hardware yet.

Well had some newb difficulty with the MOD. But read about the firmware, watch Bud's vid and got on the Vape Critic forum and was able to wrap my head around it enough to have one successful flight, then the battery drained.

So when my batts and charger arrive, It will be G43 season. I might be bad and use the Mod to charge it once or twice. Then be more cel-continuous afterwards.

 

[started@52]

Well had some newb difficulty with the MOD. But read about the firmware, watch Bud's vid and got on the Vape Critic forum and was able to wrap my head around it enough to have one successful flight, then the battery drained.

So when my batts and charger arrive, It will be G43 season. I might be bad and use the Mod to charge it once or twice. Then be more cel-continuous afterwards.

Charging a single battery mod through the mod is fine.

 

[CABtheFISHKING]

Putting the rx300 project on hold. Bought a simple evic device off Ebay which should work better with the Tubo firmware. Gonna wait till next week to get a G43. Cant wait to RIP ot through my elev8r bowl

 

[pxl_jockey]

Putting the rx300 project on hold. Bought a simple evic device off Ebay which should work better with the Tubo firmware. Gonna wait till next week to get a G43. Cant wait to RIP ot through my elev8r bowl

Hey Señor FISHKING, this post grabbed my attention! I’m not arguing with you but I gotta ask:
What do you mean “gonna wait till next week to get a G43”? Are you on the list and know that Bud’s getting close? Just curious because I’m waiting impatiently to get that special DM for mine and AFAIK that’s the only way to get one. Did I miss something?!

 

[CABtheFISHKING]

Hey Señor FISHKING, this post grabbed my attention! I’m not arguing with you but I gotta ask:
What do you mean “gonna wait till next week to get a G43”? Are you on the list and know that Bud’s getting close? Just curious because I’m waiting impatiently to get that special DM for mine and AFAIK that’s the only way to get one. Did I miss something?!

I have terrible wording, I meant to say put myself on the list. Terribly sorry

 

[pxl_jockey]

I have terrible wording, I meant to say put myself on the list. Terribly sorry

No worries, man! Truly, I didn’t want to come across as questioning you, so much as I assumed that I didn’t know what’s going on. It’s pretty typical with me, tbh!

Also was gonna say welcome to FC but you’ll be having an anniversary before long! Only 30 posts!!
You really should post more brother, I like your wording! I post all the time and rarely have anything worthwhile to say. Once you’ve got the G43 you’ll have to chime in and give us your thoughts. One last thing, just my and worth less is that if you’re planning to get on the list, there’s really no need to wait until next week. Since @VCBud requires nothing upfront and isn’t using the ever popular vape preorder model to generate cash* I would go ahead and send that DM now! It’ll just mean less waiting for ya and less waiting for us to hear what you think.

* haven’t said so before now, but I think Bud’s G43 rollout is pure class in an industry where so many companies have to do preorders just to bring the product to market. One dude. So cool

 

[LAWTHEONE]

The G43 is my portable monster! This thing hits better then any portable I’ve ever owned and almost all of the desktops Ive owned. In my opinion the Supreme 4 and NewVape Showerhead are the only two Vape’s that this battery operated portable monster hits less harder then. This definitely hits harder than my Mv1, volcano, and Evo.
I love being able to go anywhere I want and have desktop power on the go never being restricted to a cord. This vape had a clean taste and super powerful hits. I found I’m able to use for convection mode when I put put a screen in a drop-down adapter. It acts just like a elev8r bowl but the load a lot closer to the heating source. The taste is phenomenal in this glass beast. I am also able to microdose very easily. I find that it’s really important to heat soak I like to do it at least 5 to 10 minutes.
Every other portable I own has been put to rest by the VAPE REAPER G43!!! Get on the list or get left out!

My other vapes

 

[CuckFumbustion]

Charging a single battery mod through the mod is fine.

That tied me over until my batts and charger arrived. Just not the best thing for the batteries.

Heat soaking for 5m at 11w seems to be the best compromise between lower power consumption and full roasting of the materials. Have a hard case for taking the G out like a portable.

 

[LAWTHEONE]

I heat soak then load!

 

[CuckFumbustion]

I heat soak then load!

Things started working better for me when I allow the glass beads to absorb their heat. I own an EQ, so I'm familiar with how effective heat soaking is and how taking a draw diminishes that and how to stay within that curve.

Well some of you saw this coming. My ramblings about the G43. So strap in.

What's nice is that the heater and the battery are separate by a cord with a disconnect. The heater, in principle, is independent of the bowl. All convection heat that uses glass beads and rod to do a lot of the work, I believe that's part of the magic anyway. So that means you can stack that principle with extra batts to keep the heater hot. and fill/empty the bowl while the glass heater charges up.

So glad that I got a proper charger and batts. Wasn't getting on with the G43 initially and the batt life just fell short of doing the job. Recharging the batt with the mod is not so good for the batt for one thing. And if/when other things aren't coming together with the one batt. Well I get frustrated. Definitely speeds up your learning curve having extras with for a host of reasons.

Got a Mod box from @VCBud as well. Never had a mod box to play with before. Like that the mod's firmware(?) tries to squeeze functionality with the settings. Conversely, The tactile feedback took some getting use to and sent me to Menu hell initially. Once I got over that and was assured that I didn't inadvertently switch something and got better with that feedback. With no button mashing on my part. Then it behaved itself and I closed in getting the G to perform. I can't get rid of one quirk yet. When it goes on cruise mode, the display goes upside down. Kind of a quirky feature that I might not bother to try to reset.

Also, I try to slow my draw more. That seems to impact things for me. There is no draw resistance to this vape and it might cause me to cool off the beads and lower performance. Still trying to get a no-brainer method that is that happy middle ground where it saves batt pwr and gives of the best performance. Don't want to be fussing with it and the other electronic and power devices as well. Especially when I test the portability side of it.

Oh, While buying toys for the G43, I was rec'd a charger. And it has a feature where you can use bank to to charge other devices. Just put your batt in bay 2 and plug a USB in the back. (It's only function the USB is meant for. BTW) So I can say charge my phone or another usb vape with their built in batt. LUC V4

Efest LUC V4 4 Channel Battery Charger - IMR Batteries
I didn't try the 'STAY UP' code that @VCBud is known for at IMR batts. If it was applicable. Did use one for a free tote bag.

This was one of the Rec'd batts. Got 6 for the price break.
LG HG2 18650 3000mAh 20A Battery - IMR Batteries

There is a box mod that was compatible with the G that runs on two 18650 batts and the next size up. Was considering that option. Then it dawned on me. If you are essentially heating up the glass beads to store their heat, then their isn't much of a gain with a two batt mod. Plus the negatives of keeping two batts synced and topped off in a device.
So I prefer to switch out batts back to back with the current mod that I got from @VCBud . No prob. VAS adverted.

 

[Stu]

Also, I try to slow my draw more.

I find that a faster draw is what makes this vape really shine. You need to be aggressive in bringing the heat into the load IME. Give it a try.

 

[CuckFumbustion]

I find that a faster draw is what makes this vape really shine. You need to be aggressive in bringing the heat into the load IME. Give it a try.

Allright. Then I'll to get it hot enough beforehand to bring that. It does make sound when I draw harder. So I'll try to make it whine like my EVO.

 

[LabPong]

Allright. Then I'll to get it hot enough beforehand to bring that. It does make sound when I draw harder. So I'll try to make it whine like my EVO.

The reason why you were doing such long heat ups.. 5-10 mins...is because you did not draw hard enough to get the full extraction going.

Like Stu said, a more brisk draw should get you thicker and faster vapor.

CF....you are correct about hearing the noise of the air rushing into the top of the slide when you draw a bit harder....that is the point you want to keep when drawing. If you start your draw normally....then ramp up your draw pressure in 3 seconds to the point of hearing the air rush in the top of the G43.....that is how you get the quickest full hit.

I normally just start at 4 mins heat-up...but I would say you should not need to go longer than 5 mins. When you get this technique down....you will begin to lower your wattage as you will find you do not need it so high as you originally had it at because of draw technique.


Also....super important......yes get good batteries. A new strong cell is what this vape needs. You can tell if your batteries are getting old or are too weak to keep up with the heater.....when you see the wattage setting blink back and forth when the unit is heating....you will notice the wattage jumps quickly back and forth from the set # to points below that. When you see a jump that is larger than .1, your cells are weakened.

So normally if you set the wattage at 11.0 and you see it jumping back and forth to 10.9 and 11.0, your batteries are in good enough health to power the heater consistently. When you see the wattage go from say 11.0 to 10.6, 10.7, 10.8......it is a indication that the battery/cell is weak and not enough power to push the mod/heater.

 

[Baron23]

I find that a faster draw is what makes this vape really shine.

Me too...suck on that thing like a fellatio artist at a Road Ranger Truck Stop. haha

 

[CuckFumbustion]

Desktop on the go. With some cable management. A Pelican shockproof case and a little foam insert from another.
EDIT- The blue silicone 'slide cover' was my addition. It does not come with the G43. I borrowed it from my Fury 2 to protect the wires and slide.

 

[pxl_jockey]

Me too...suck on that thing like a fellatio artist at a Road Ranger Truck Stop. haha

Anyone else here find this “joke” too highly specific to not have a true-ish story behind it?! haha indeed...

C’mon BJordan, surely the statute of limitations has absolved all of the parties involved!
Please tell us the story, Uncle Baron!! Even if it only happened to a friend, please?!

FAIR WARNING:
The delinquency & loitering is only gonna get worse until @VCBud calls my number & I’m all G43’d up!

 

[just_the_flu]

Heat soaking for 5m at 11w seems to be the best compromise between lower power consumption and full roasting of the materials.

...really? you need to heat soak this thing for 5 min ... i thought this was more on-demand... i must have missed that earlier..

 

[CuckFumbustion]

...really? you need to heat soak this thing for 5 min ... i thought this was more on-demand... i must have missed that earlier..

4m is the recommended time. YMMV. Once the glass heater absorbs it's heat then you are GTG. If there is enough heat absorbed already, then you can draw any time. The longer the glass steeps in between draws, the greater the increased absorption in the glass, etc. When I see my oven heat up, I can see some beads turn red then clear. Different people cruise at 10.5 or 12 and it performs to their needs. What is annoying is having it underwhelmed with heat and you cool off the beads somewhat and get less impressive vapor. So I try to refine my heat profile.

The delinquency & loitering is only gonna get worse until @VCBud calls my number & I’m all G43’d up!

Looking forward to your reaction once you get on with it. FAIR WARNING !!

 

[almost there]

...really? you need to heat soak this thing for 5 min ... i thought this was more on-demand... i must have missed that earlier..

don't think vapes like the supreme, Eleve8r, G43 quite belong in any of the traditional categories.

On a different note, it looks like I won't be able to dodge the full cleaning any longer. For the last months I've been swabbing the chamber with a q-tip right after usage and that was the full extent of my cleaning routine. Alas, the draw resistance have gotten noticeably more restricted with all the residue buildup in the beads. I'm wondering if that's the reason I've been needing to raise my watts little by little every few weeks to get the same performance, when I first got the G I was using 11-11.5 watts and now it takes 13.4 watts.