Help me choose a new home unit

[bleak]

Hi all!

Didn't think I'd ever need help choosing a vape, but I'm having trouble narrowing down my choices for a new home unit.

I've already got a Da Buddha, Herbalaire 2.1, Wychwood and a Herborizer Sphere XL.

But all of those vapes are in storage on the other side of the world, as I'm living in a foreign country. At the moment I've only got a MFLB and a Flashvape with me, so thats why I need a new home unit.

I'm deciding between these options:

- Extreme Q
- Solo with GonG adapter and aftermarket stem
- Herbalaire 2.2

My notes:

The Extreme Q looks good, but it has a downside: I don't really like silicon whips - I prefer vapes than be easily picked up and mounted upside down on glass, without needing a whip interface. Having used Da Buddha for a few years, I found that the whip got brown and smelly too quickly for my liking, and its difficult to clean. Although its easy to plug the whip into a bong, I find that setup a bit clunky.

I'm considering the Solo because I like the ease it can be picked up and mounted on glass. The GonG adapter looks ideal, its a simple all-glass setup, and the size of the Solo makes it ideal for using with glass. The thing putting me off the Solo is the restricted draw. I like free-flowing vapor, big hits, thats exactly why I need a home unit in my arsenal right now. So I have a feeling that if I get the Solo, I'll still be left craving a proper desktop vape for those free-flowing clouds.

I've already got a Herbalaire 2.1, so it feels a bit weird to buy another one... I'd also be missing the chance to add a totally new vaporizer to my collection. BUT... the Herborizer does have a lot of points in its favor. It has a nice GonG adapter available, so it can be mounted on glass without a whip. Its lighter and smaller than the EQ, much better suited for use with glass. And its also cheaper than the EQ.

Would love to hear anyones advice. Am I crazy for thinking about getting a second Herbalaire instead of an EQ? And am I mistaken in thinking the Solo won't have enough power for me?

 

[as]

You should get a solo mate it is a fucking amazing vape it just works and with the PA and GonG it will more then powerful enough for you IMO. I can get just as big hits from my solo as i can from DB

And I'm with you about using glass with a whip just ant rite the solo pears with glass so well IMO

 

[bleak]

You should get a solo mate it is a fucking amazing vape it just works and with the PA and GonG it will more then powerful enough for you IMO. I can get just as big hits from my solo as i can from DB

And I'm with you about using glass with a whip just ant rite the solo pears with glass so well IMO

Thanks for the input my friend.

How do you find the airflow in the Solo compared to the Da Buddha? Are they really comparable? If this is true, maybe the Solo will satisfy my needs...

 

[Dafni]

... I prefer vapes than be easily picked up and mounted upside down on glass...

definitely look into logvapes then. You can get the ENano immediately, no waiting list, and Andy ships international.

I was in a similar position as you, but only stopped looking for other vapes once I got a good log. Check the ENano thread on here. That thing is very nice.

I can't speak for the other logs. I have a Wychwood, but they are hard to get. The HI sounds like the ticket, but has a waiting list.

BTW, the Solo has a very restricted airflow. For water pieces, I take any log over a solo, but that's just me. Others may dissagree.

 

[Egzoset]

Salutations Bleak,

Am I crazy for thinking about getting a second Herbalaire...

Why not the Elite since you're still tempted by HerbalAire so much?

Though this one sells for 349.95 $ instead of 199.95 $...

 

[stickstones]

I would think a Solo would meet your current needs and also fill a nice void in your lineup, when you get it back.

 

[as]

Yes the solo has restricted air flow but that don't bover me one bit i use stock stems and i am not a big fan of the pvhe stems as i can get thicker hits with a standard stem

 

[vorrange]

Well, the airflow is not comparable. The Solo has a very restricted draw, and the Buddha has a very loose draw.

But considering you already have an Herbalaire, i don't think the 2.2 is a big improvement, especially since you have other desktops, and the EQ as well.

So, between those 3, the Solo would give the most different experience. In terms of efficiency, is not as efficient as the WW nor as tasty, but it's close in both departments.
Hence why some people consider the Solo a battery powered log.

To cover the draw problem, i suggest you get a pvhes gong since it will also be better to pair with a water piece as well as a more free flowing hit.

The regular stems can also be easily fit with a 14mm gong joint, without the need of a gong adapter. I didn't even use any silicone to make a better seal, the downside is that you need to keep holding the unit all the time while hitting it.

I don't know how long you'll stay in Australia, but hazy has a nice log vape in the works, so i would consider that in the future as well.

 

[stickstones]

the draw problem might not even be a problem. You won't know til you try it. I haven't found a portable on the market yet that will let me full on hoover it without getting overwhelmed. The nice thing about the solo is it doesn't get overwhelmed because of the restriction. you will never be complaining that the solo doesn't satisfy...it hits hard for a portable and I could easily use it as my all day vape. And I've never used the pvhes. I've used Ed's wooden stem and it opens up the airflow some, but I still use the stock glass stems regularly without complaint.

 

[bleak]

Thanks everyone for the input.

Hypothetical question - Lets say that I use the Solo as a 100% home unit, and never as a portable (I'm happy with my other portables) Wouldn't I be better off with the Herbalaire in this case, since its more powerful and with better airflow? Plus the Herbalaire isn't much bigger/heavier than the Solo, so gives a similar experience with glass.

Salutations Bleak,
Why not the Elite since you're still tempted by HerbalAire so much?
Though this one sells for 349.95 $ instead of 199.95 $...

Sadly, the Elite isn't available in Europe yet, otherwise I'd consider it. I'll be buying from Vaposhop.

 

[clouded vision]

I used to have an HA2.1 and the vapor production is on par with the solo but the solo is quite a bit smaller than the HA. Everyone assumes the solo is larger than it actually is, I did to before I got mine. There is a lot of draw restriction with the solo but that is a good thing imo, that way anyone can pick it up and get consistent vapor production without having to worry about technique. Also the flavor of the solo is significantly better than my HA ever was. OTOH if you know the draw restriction is going to bother you than I would suggest the LSV because it meets all of your requirements, especially using it with a water pipe.

 

[stickstones]

why not try something different? unless you are going to be without your collection for an extended period.

 

[as]

Not used HA but just want to put bit out there that i an using my solo as my all day vape DB sits in the draw. IMO if using solo as a home unit the PA is a must. The solo is small imo killer portable

 

[bleak]

I'm still undecided! The Solo does meet many of my needs, but I'm still worried that the restricted draw will bother me. The whole reason I'm buying another home unit is that I'm craving more powerful, free flowing hits, nice easy clouds. I already have a MFLB and a Flashvape and I'm more than happy with them for my portable needs, but they don't really satisfy me for everyday home use. I miss the power of my Buddha and Wychwood.

Reading about the Solo, a lot of people say things like "yes it does have a restricted draw, but keep in mind the Arizer is a portable, its unfair to compare it to home units". I understand this 100%. The restricted draw is part of the design, its a necessary sacrifice for a battery-operated unit. If the air intake was bigger, the unit would use more power, killing the battery life.

We can all agree that the Solo has drawbacks because its a portable. I'm looking for a vaporizer to use at home. Wouldn't I be better off with dedicated home vaporizer that doesn't have these drawbacks?

Lets forget that the Solo is portable, and pretend its strictly a home unit. What advantages does the Solo have over the Herbalaire, apart from being slightly smaller?

I would suggest the LSV because it meets all of your requirements, especially using it with a water pipe.

I would be interested in the LSV, but its not available in Europe. I'm buying from Vaposhop.

 

[Grange Goreman]

Hello bleak

The whole reason I'm buying another home unit is that I'm craving more powerful, free flowing hits, nice easy clouds.

You should have a look to the Venus vaporizer (Finn stuff)…….

 

[darco]

+1 for the Herbal Aire

I have been in a similar situation for a while and have been contemplating a second home vape. The contenders have been the LSV or a second HA + the GonGs over at PV.

I already have the Solo and use it daily in the car but rarely pick it up if the HA is available around and I want to use a water tool. The stuff I vape isnt as potent as what most of you guys are used to so I need a substantial amount of herbs to get what I need. In my case, my key gripe with the solo is its restricted draw. The PVHES helps but I still prefer the HA over the Solo when it comes to water tool use. I don't think the hits are even comparable. I still love the solo and feel its the best portable vape out there yet, but I dont think it can compete with the hard hitting desktop vapes out there.

Even though I really want an LSV and would eventually buy one, right now I need a second reliable vape for my second home, and the HA wins in terms of reliability and robustness, especially since I have had one for a few years now and its still serving me well.

Where the HA sux is direct draw. Its whip is a joke. Since I need a vape specifically for use with water tools, the HA works well for my needs.

However, the PNWT - http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/herbalaire.276/page-55#post-477241 swerved me towards a second Herbal Aire + GonG + PNWT alternative. Got a good deal with the PNWT and bought a couple of them @ $50.

 

[natural farmer]

Hey @bleak ! Why not the Lotus? It covers all your bases... I rarely use my Solo nowadays, except from the times I need to be super quiet or when out and it's very windy.

 

[vorrange]

Bleak, if the LSV is not the option because of the store alone, lacentralevapeur has it, and it's french.

 

[bleak]

Bleak, if the LSV is not the option because of the store alone, lacentralevapeur has it, and it's french.

Thanks for the tip I'm only buying from Vaposhop right now (lets just say that Vaposhop gives me a VERY good deal). Disappointing that Vaposhop doesn't have the SSV, maybe in the future.

Hey @bleak ! Why not the Lotus? It covers all your bases... I rarely use my Solo nowadays, except from the times I need to be super quiet or when out and it's very windy.

The Lotus is cool, and I wouldn't mind having one in my collection for camping and long road trips. I've spent time with a Vaponic so I know that flame-based vaporizers can work very well with practice and concentration. But using a torch lighter for my daily driver sounds incredibly frustrating, and actually would be a step down in usability from my current options (MFLB and FV)

 

[natural farmer]

The Lotus is cool, and I wouldn't mind having one in my collection for camping and long road trips. I've spent time with a Vaponic so I know that flame-based vaporizers can work very well with practice and concentration. But using a torch lighter for my daily driver sounds incredibly frustrating, and actually would be a step down in usability from my current options (MFLB and FV)

Having used both the box and the flash and having seen videos of the vaponic, I am here to tell you that it will actually be a step up in usability and the least frustrating of all my previous vapes! You don't need much concentration either after a day or two. The newer version is much more user friendly... Give it a go and I promise you will never leave it from your side! It's that good! MLFB and FV? Not even close...

 

[stickstones]

If you are going to take the Solo off your list I would get the E, just because you already have an HA.

 

[darco]

If you are going to take the Solo off your list I would get the E, just because you already have an HA.

But! The HA is great and isn't the '2 is 1' strategy a good way to go with something that you depend upon?

Ok I guess all this is only helping you run in circles, so I'll just keep shut and wait and watch what you get

And dont listen to Stickstones, he is one of the worst affected by the vape acquisition bug

 

[bleak]

Heheheheh... Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

The collector in me says "get the EQ instead of a second HA".

My practical side says the HA is a better choice for vapo-bonging.

I like the ergonomics of the Solo but I'm afraid the restricted draw will leave me in the same position as now: craving a proper home unit for those effortless clouds.

The answer?? I'm actually considering getting both a HA and a Solo

 

[deadheadbill]

My friend has an EQ and it is a very nice unit. Much less restriction that the Solo, it's been enduring heavy use for over a year now, tastes great and is fairly effidient.

 

[darco]

Heheheheh... Thanks everyone for the suggestions.

The collector in me says "get the EQ instead of a second HA".

My practical side says the HA is a better choice for vapo-bonging.

I like the ergonomics of the Solo but I'm afraid the restricted draw will leave me in the same position as now: craving a proper home unit for those effortless clouds.

The answer?? I'm actually considering getting both a HA and a Solo

Great choice(es) The solo is still the best portable I have used but it does leave me craving for my desktop vapes at the end of the day.

You might look at getting the GonGs for both from PlanetVape. They ship globally and I have gotten glass shipped to India from PV without issues and pretty quickly as well.