Is the MFLB good for a first timer and will it hold any use after i potentially get an ascent? I like that it is very small and discreet.
Also is there king of the portables like the volcano is to desktop users that i should consider?
I would say it depends on your tolerance. The MFLB and Iolite were both on the weaker side for me. If you're lightweight you might consider them until they don't work well enough for you. The MFLB is more difficult to use. The Ascent sounds like a really great vape so far, just hope it gets good marks in the reviewing period.
As for King of Portables, there are three that come to mind.
The Solo is a solid product. Reliable, efficient, portable. It's not very stealthy and can be cumbersome if you need to stash it on your person.
The Thermovape Cera is looking like a real beast. Aesthetically pleasing and innocent, very stealthy, chambers for herb and concentrate. It's conduction ceramic, which is different from the Solo's glass on glass set up. Battery life seems alright, and overall use is pretty friendly. The biggest drawback for me was price. Starting at $250 it only comes with the body, chamber of choice, and mouthpiece. You have to buy the batteries, charger, and other chambers (if wanted) seperately. Each chamber is another hundred. Then there's just the fact it's not been out as long as others, so you get less opinions and test of it. So far, it's well received.
Last but definitely not least is the Persei. It has great battery life depending on your volt/cart combination. It's variable voltage system in conjunction with the Super Stealth Kit means that you can build a mini set-up running at 3.7v. With regular ohm carts you can do oils and waxes, with the Hercules Chamber you can do herb, or herb and oil for the 7.4v herc. Bunch of peripherals and W9 is always adding more. That's what I like best about this vape, the company takes feedback sincerely and makes the product for the patient. They have excellent customer service and have been in the game a while now with a good name to show for it. There are trade-offs here of course: the filling mechanism for the regular Omicron carts can be difficult for new users. The learning curve includes many minute details that some may find exhausting. But it gives you some great clouds and lasts long if you use it right.
Hope that helps some.