Help me choose my first whip-style vap

[TheDudeNextDoor]

I have done a lot of research and have gone back and forth on these four vapes. I am considering price, durability, and functionality. I vape mostly by myself (my wife joins me at times, but I don't do much group vaping) while sitting in my lounge chair watching tv, so I have decided a whip style I can set on the table next to my chair will work best. I have tried a Volcano several times, and I am just not crazy about the bag. I like the ease, the taste (OMG the taste!), and the feel of the ship. I already have an Iolite for portable purposes, so this will be my primary home unit. My prices come from Amazon, where it seems I can get the best prices through legitimate vendors.

Arizer V-Tower - $122: Man, the price is really attractive. I don't particularly like the upside-down stainless coffee cup look, but aesthetics are on the low end of consideration.

Arizer Extreme Q - $165: Only $40 more gets me the option of the bag (maybe I would like that from time to time for vaping while wandering around the house?) and the fan for forced air vaping. I've heard most people end up not using the fan at all with the whip, so I am not sure if this is much of an advantage. Still, for only $40 more, maybe it's a nice option to have? Any other advantages I am not considering? (BTW, I can't imagine the remote control is much of an advantage. I will be sitting right next to the unit most of the time and the RC is just one more thing to try to keep track of.)

7th Floor Da Buddha - $184: Okay, now we are $60 more than the V-Tower, but I've gotten a lot of good feedback on this unit. Aesthetically, I like it much better than the V-Tower, but I'm not crazy about the way the whip connects to the unit, and some have warned about the ease of accidentally blowing herbs into the heating element and causing a major stink.

7th Floor Silver Surfer - $215: Almost $100 more than the V-Tower, this is the top end of what I am willing and able to pay right now. This was actually my first choice until I started price comparing. I love the looks of it, and it sounds like a great vape, but the extra $100 makes me hesitant. Does this unit offer anything significant that makes it worth $100 over the V-Tower?

Some advice from those who have experience would really help. I feel like I am kind of at a standstill in my research at this point.

 

[MarcellusWiley]

I'm currently using an extreme q, haven't used the bag since about the first week.

I use it with the elbow whip attached to a 14mm GonG adapter for my bongs.

Works pretty fantastic! I would recommend it based on price. Especially the V-tower model if you think you will love vapor bonging, you will end up never using the fan.

I haven't tried a DBV and only really hit the whip on an SSV once or twice at a friends place so I can't really compare them.

So my suggestion is: V-Tower, use the rest of the money for a 14mm GonG adapter and a nice bubbler/bong!

p.s. I also ordered my extreme Q from amazon for around 160 from some highly rated vendor and it's been working great for the last 8 months or so, no problems whatsoever.

 

[OhTheAgony]

How about this one? click me

 

[TheDudeNextDoor]

How about this one? click me

I actually saw that and mentally tagged it as a possibility although it is still $50 more than the V-Tower brand new. Also, not having a warranty gives me pause. Nice extras, though. I guess that's the trade-off.

 

[technique]

I went through a similar comparison to you before buying my current vape.

I wasnt a big fan of the towers as i wanted the thickest clouds possible (im an ex smoker) and i dont like ground glass connections (wanted a long lasting vape).

I didnt enjoy the fan assisted hits.



I opted for the SSV in the end and i couldn't be happier, thick clouds and the ability to use small amounts and be conservative with it. With the temps set to the lower spectrum you will get that superb flavour you seem to enjoy and you can turn it up to juice out all the high temp goodies and lose yourself in the mong lol.

 

[TheDudeNextDoor]

I went through a similar comparison to you before buying my current vape.

I wasnt a big fan of the towers as i wanted the thickest clouds possible (im an ex smoker) and i dont like ground glass connections (wanted a long lasting vape).

I didnt enjoy the fan assisted hits.



I opted for the SSV in the end and i couldn't be happier, thick clouds and the ability to use small amounts and be conservative with it. With the temps set to the lower spectrum you will get that superb flavour you seem to enjoy and you can turn it up to juice out all the high temp goodies and lose yourself in the mong lol.

Thanks for the feedback, Technique. I am interested in your comment about the drawbacks (kind of an ironic word there, eh? lol) of a tower. What exactly makes the elbow style of the SSV/Buddha better in terms of draw?

I really like everything I see and have read about the SSV. It's just the extra $100 that holds me back. Like Marcellus says, I can use that money toward a good bong to pair with the vap, which I intend to do at some point either way. On the other hand, if the SSV provides a significantly better vaporizing experience, I would rather put that money toward the vape itself and hold off on the bong for a bit.

What about usability with the hands-free device of the SSV? Do you find it easy to load, stir, clean, etc.?

 

[weedemon]

+1 for the ssv. if i'm gonna buy something i want the best of it's category. that downward angled spout makes the difference for me.

do you use hash or kief ever? that where the downward stem shines.

if not i'd grab the budda.

I have used the tower and Extreme. both did the job. For sure they did... but try a "better" vape and i think you will see the difference. 7th floor wins the whip vape category imo.

 

[technique]

I am interested in your comment about the drawbacks (kind of an ironic word there, eh? lol) of a tower. What exactly makes the elbow style of the SSV/Buddha better in terms of draw?

Firstly its only the SSV which has the elbow. Secondly none of the other vapes provide as thick a cloud as the SSV which being an ex smoker was a priority for me.

As weedemon stated the SSV is the lead of its class and is the only one of the lot that will handle small particles (keif if you have a sifter or the wand hash theses vapes will make) as well as it does.

I dont want to sound like i am knocking the tower, its a decent vape its very popular and it will certainly get you high, but your dilemma sounds very similar to mine but i had the luxury of trying out the tower and felt the SSV to be superior.

I was low on budget for some glass too and ended up getting an SSV glass adapter and buying a large bong for 25 (around $39) and it works a charm.

As for the hands free i only use it when gaming or with hash, with weed it needs to be stirred every few hits to stop it burning. Hash will not burn but needs a good crush and a stir to really milk out a large bong.

As for ease of stir and use its a treat to own it really is, the process of stirring and crushing is ritualistic and something you grow to love, for me it replaced the art of rolling up and the thick hits helped me quit smoking.

Sorry for the lengthy post hope i didnt waffle too much lol

 

[OhTheAgony]

How about this one? click me

I actually saw that and mentally tagged it as a possibility although it is still $50 more than the V-Tower brand new. Also, not having a warranty gives me pause. Nice extras, though. I guess that's the trade-off.

Except for the obvious glass parts there really isn't a lot to break on a DBV, but in case it does break down 7thfloor provides a repair service for all there vapes for a very reasonable price. I'm not sure what the exact deal is, but I believe they fix every vape they made for a maximum of 30 dollars or so. Anyone else knows the exact details perhaps?

I posted the link because you preferred the standard SSV glass over the DBV handsfree kit, this one basicly operates like a SSV with the handsfree wand & heater cover + gives you the option to make it a bit more conservative with the mini whip. The standard SSV kit can eat it's way through your stash quit fast ime.

Just in case you do decide to go for a new SSV or DBV; cheaper options

 

[Smokey]

I love vaping sit on my sofa, with my Herbo on the table and the whip attachment. I can stay there and watch the water bubble and the vapor gatting thick in the sphere for hours xD If you like all glass path, this is a great living-room vape

My herbo

 

[darkrom]

If you are hell bent on a whip style, DBV rocks and is one of the best vape to dollar ratios out there IMO. Only sold mine because I didn't use it after getting my underdog, but it was a fantastic purchase. Easily my favorite whip vape, but I never used an SSV. Either one is fantastic, but DBV is cheaper and I can tell you it worked wonderfully.

 

[max]

The difference between the DBV and SSV is minor compared to the difference between either of them vs. the Arizer. The Extreme is a good choice IF and only if you're going to use the bag fill option. For direct draw, the 7th Floor products provide richer hits. You don't get more or better vapor, just a higher vapor to air ratio for thicker hits and a little better flavor. The SSV tops the DBV for vapor rich hits, but not by a lot, and because of the more tightly focused air stream, it does require more bowl stirring. The DBV's hits are a little more predictable and you have the hands free connection if that's what you prefer. The Airzer V-Tower, with whip only use, is a good deal on eBay at just over $100, but to me the DBV is well worth the extra $.

 

[TheDudeNextDoor]

Excellent feedback everyone. You have really helped me narrow my choices. I am definitely going with either the DBV or the SSV. I am leaning more toward the SSV at this point only because of the unique downward angle of the whip. It just seems like it would be more user friendly over the long term.

 

[TheDudeNextDoor]

Just in case you do decide to go for a new SSV or DBV; cheaper options

Excellent find! I was weary of using Ebay b/c so many of the vendors are not legitimate and it ends up voiding the warranty, but this one is through 7th Floor! And I don't mind a "slight blemish." You may have just solidified my purchase!

 

[Peloton]

I've never used either of the Arizer products, but I have had good experiences with a DBV. From what I hear the SSV is quite similar to it, with a few differences that have already been touched upon here. IMO you would be happy with which ever you choose.

And if you haven't already, be sure to check out all the cool glass accessories on the DBV and SSV websites, too!

 

[hogleg]

How about bags with friends? The extreme does everything as good as the ssv or dbv but also blows bags. In a group setting with noobs there is not many better ways and Ive seen people combust with whip styles when they dont know what they are doing. They cant screw it up when you just hand them a bag.In my opinion combusting ruins the flavor of a vape for a very long time and requires a very thorough cleaning of the whip which still doesnt get the smell out completely

 

[max]

The extreme does everything as good as the ssv or dbv but also blows bags.

You have to load the elbow screen to approach the 7th Floor vapes in vapor thickness. The Arizer design just gives you too much air compared to the DBV and especially the SSV. It's a good choice for a dual mode model, but quite a few 'whip only' vapes have it beat for direct draw.

 

[hogleg]

The extreme does everything as good as the ssv or dbv but also blows bags.

You have to load the elbow screen to approach the 7th Floor vapes in vapor thickness. The Arizer design just gives you too much air compared to the DBV and especially the SSV. It's a good choice for a dual mode model, but quite a few 'whip only' vapes have it beat for direct draw.

I disagree the EQ can hang with the best its all how you handle your rig

 

[Bouldorado]

The extreme does everything as good as the ssv or dbv but also blows bags.

You have to load the elbow screen to approach the 7th Floor vapes in vapor thickness. The Arizer design just gives you too much air compared to the DBV and especially the SSV. It's a good choice for a dual mode model, but quite a few 'whip only' vapes have it beat for direct draw.

W/ the exception of the v-tower, I've owned all of those vapes (dbv soon to arrive). My first good whip vape was a hands free ssv. I traded this for a PD because of 2 reasons; the whip falling out, and accidentally combusting after I bumped the knob unknowingly. The PD was sold due to its small bowl size (didn't like the constant loading) and was replaced w/ an EQ.

The EQ is an excellent all-around vape, but I traded it for a dbv since the bowl style made it impractical to use w/ concentrates. Also I very rarely used the bag mode. I like to sandwich concentrates in my vape bowls and stirring an elbow pack is pretty much impossible. The bowl style of the dbv eliminates this problem, in addition to preventing whip fall out and accidental combustion (over the ssv).

Also, I've noticed the 7th floor products to be much better made than the EQ.

 

[peterchen]

i got the extreme q for pretty much the same purposes as you. I didnt plan on using bags either, but now I use both whip and bag and imo they make sense for different settings. The price is good and I have nothing to complain. I'd certainly recommend it and the option of using it both ways is a plus for me.

 

[TheDudeNextDoor]

The extreme does everything as good as the ssv or dbv but also blows bags.

You have to load the elbow screen to approach the 7th Floor vapes in vapor thickness. The Arizer design just gives you too much air compared to the DBV and especially the SSV. It's a good choice for a dual mode model, but quite a few 'whip only' vapes have it beat for direct draw.

W/ the exception of the v-tower, I've owned all of those vapes (dbv soon to arrive). My first good whip vape was a hands free ssv. I traded this for a PD because of 2 reasons; the whip falling out, and accidentally combusting after I bumped the knob unknowingly. The PD was sold due to its small bowl size (didn't like the constant loading) and was replaced w/ an EQ.

The EQ is an excellent all-around vape, but I traded it for a dbv since the bowl style made it impractical to use w/ concentrates. Also I very rarely used the bag mode. I like to sandwich concentrates in my vape bowls and stirring an elbow pack is pretty much impossible. The bowl style of the dbv eliminates this problem, in addition to preventing whip fall out and accidental combustion (over the ssv).

Also, I've noticed the 7th floor products to be much better made than the EQ.

Excellent feedback. This is exactly the kind of comparison critique I was hoping for. I have narrowed to either the DBV or the SSV. When you get your DBV, would you come back here and give me an update comparing it to the SSV? I'd love to know your thoughts.

 

[max]

The DBV is hands free, with smooth predictable hits that are slightly less dense than the SSV. Although you can get the SSV with the ground glass, hands free setup, most choose the standard connection, which provides a narrow stream of hot air into the wand. Some wand rotation during the hit spreads the heat around, but a little more bowl stirring is required, vs. the DBV. Aside from the air stream and connection angle, the other differences are mostly cosmetic. I'm personally more comfortable with the SSV ergonomics, but a lot of people like the 'one hand free' DBV setup.

 

[barca14]

Hey guys, I've been lurking around these forums for around a month now, thought I'd jump in!
I'm also looking for a new vape, I want to upgrade from the vg and mflb I have right now.
My options are a bit different from TheDudeNextDoor's, but I thought I'd post here instead of making another thread.
I was thinking of buying these 4 vapes, still going back and forth:
Rockzap: From what I've read, log vapes are reliable, durable, and very efficient. The rockzap seems to have the newest technology. My question is, is it possible to connect a whip to a log vape?
DBV: This thread seems to favor the DBV and SSV, but SSV is a little out of my price range. Seems like it's very similar to SSV in terms of the core parts.
Arizer Solo: I don't know if I need another portable vape, but this one seems to provide thicker hits than the mflb. A bit expensive, but is it worth it?
Extreme Q: Was my top choice at first, but the posts about cheap build and the high price kinda drew me away from it. A lot of the features, like the remote and bag blowing, are things I probably won't use.

What I'm looking for in these vapes is efficiency, durability, and maybe the ability to use in a car. I've been doing a lot of reading on the forums, but it's hard to find comparative reviews. Thanks in advance for any responses, you guys really know your stuff!

 

[technique]

im interested in why the rockzap beat the underdog?

 

[Magic9]

My question is, is it possible to connect a whip to a log vape?

Never tried, but seems easy enough. Slide something over the stem. The only problem I foresee, is if the tube bends and it blocks airflow, but I'm sure that can happen with any whip.

im interested in why the rockzap beat the underdog?

Not sure where that was said? I'll tell you why I personally chose the RZ, but I'll have to add a disclaimer.
Disclaimer** I have never used an UD and from what I hear, they are a great product.

The CRZs are insulated with ceramic. This should fix whatever charring issues there were in older log vapes (still fairly new,time will tell). It also helps keep the temp constant. The UD uses silicone stems. I'm sure they are safe, but still a concern for me as I use daily. I took some other factors in, but these were the main ones that influenced my decision.

I've said it before, but I would love to see a CRZ/UD comparison.

TheDudeNextDoor- I know you are now considering a log, best thing is to read their threads. It may just come down to a style choice. I don't think you will go wrong with a log though.