Help Narrowing Down a Portable

[Skyscraper]

I've thoroughly enjoyed vaporization but am still not satisfied in my path away from combustion. When traveling I'll take some rolling papers just because I don't want to fuck with introducing it to people and carrying the unit around on my person. I smoked a lot of herb as a teenager and hung with the stoner crowd. I still go to parties and stay out late, so I want a vape I can throw in a pants or jacket pocket and be on the go with. Also, to be able to share it with others and let them have a positive impression of vaporizing and not write it off as lesser than smoking or a novelty.

I used a dugout for a while, The form factor was awesome, but I have to say that the Firewood did not satisfy me as an on the go vape. I'm very fond of pipes and have been looking at the Vapor Genie and Lotus. I also like the look of the Hammer but don't really see it as a multi-user, session vape. I think it would fulfill the portable role very well.

Can I get some input on people that have maybe considered the same things as me? (How easy the vape is to carry around, how easy it is to use with multiple people)

 

[paytonpenn]

Hammer is great with other people. I personally suggest the Solo though as its foolproof and prevents others from just killing the bowl. If you know what you're doing you can get 20 hits off a single load with the Hammer. Unfortunately when you bring another person in it they may want a bigger hit or take longer hits which quickly changes the way YOU were hoping to have the herb extracted.

 

[DDave]

Agree on the Solo! For the price, performance, ease of use!

 

[h3rbalist]

This is the second time today I have recommended someone a Solo.

They're bullet proof.


Edit

Have to say if I personally wanted a vape to impress smokers with at a party it would be the Daisy.
I don't own one but have been following the thread intently.

 

[paytonpenn]

What do you mean bulletproof? You said it before and I don't think such wording should be used.

The Solo itself is quite durable I agree. I had this post ready for another thread but decided not to post it as it could be received negatively and I mean no disrespect and am not trying to upset anyone.

I don't know what you mean by bulletproof but my Solo and others I've seen have cracking and chips on the bottom (not from drops or anything that should have caused it). Mine no longer emits sound and the glass has already broken from a 2 foot drop on a wooden floor. I will say it it definitely still works like day one minus those issues but I've had mine less than 6 months.

Sorry, don't take offense to my literal understanding of words but such a claim shouldn't be said. If I or someone really wanted my Solo broken it could be, no bullets necessary.

 

[h3rbalist]

What do you mean bulletproof? You said it before and I don't think such wording should be used.

The Solo itself is quite durable I agree. I had this post ready for another thread but decided not to post it as it could be received negatively and I mean no disrespect and am not trying to upset anyone.



Sorry, don't take offense to my literal understanding of words but such a claim shouldn't be said. If I or someone really wanted my Solo broken it would be, no bullets necessary.

Bad choice of words from me.

'Bullet proof' from a users perspective.

...its easy to use out the box for a first timer.
It's the best choice and value for money. (as far as I'm concerned)

...also don't drop glass stuff. It breaks!

 

[Vicki]

I agree with the previous posters and recommend the Solo. My Iolite has never let me down either, and I've used a Magic Flight Launch Box for many years.

 

[Enchantre]

I have passed my ElevapeSV around a table of six, and everyone got a hit that impressed them. Instant hit/instant cloud, no fuss, stealth to the max.

I consider the price point very competitive with other stealthy vapes, though the Airizer Air looks interesting for stealth...

 

[hoptimum]

In my opinion, the Vapor Genie is the closest vaporizer to a pipe experience.

 

[stickstones]

What's your budget and are there any power sources you prefer or want to avoid?

 

[djonkoman]

I know your situation, and I would say the vaporgenie doesn't exactly fit it. my first vaporizer was a vaporgenie, I enjoyed it a lot, but when introducing it to new people it was always a problem, having to explain the technique and them often not getting it right away.
if you have a relatively stable group you smoke with it can work, I had some friends I hung out with often that loved my vaporgenie. but I also had one friend who always burned it, then looked at me proud that he got such a big smoky hit, just couldn't make him understand he should lower the temp a bit and not burn it. so eventually I just never let him use it, and just smoked joints with him.

I have one other portable, the da vinci, it is much better in the technique, whenever I'm with a group of new people I can just hand it to them without any explanation and say to just hit it and it works. however, the da vinci's battery won't last long enough for an entire night(I do have the older model, the newer model has a longer battery life), so I still take everything I need to roll joints with me if I go out.

one thing that is great about the vaporgenie though is that it also works great with hash, since the temp is so variable. so as long as it's for solo use or friends that you hang out with often enough to learn them how to use it, it is great, just take extra lighters and it will last all night.

 

[Mrmrmrmr]

Unfortunately when you bring another person in it they may want a bigger hit or take longer hits which quickly changes the way YOU were hoping to have the herb extracted.

after over two years of vaping with friends/other people I've come to this conclusion with every vape I have owned not just one. What grinds my gears is when they disregard my advice for hitting the particular vape and do the traditional pipe/bong hit.

 

[Skyscraper]

Thanks to everyone so far, I wasn't clear in my OP but I have a Solo, travel with it and enjoy it. But it's like carrying around a can of soda in your pocket all night, plus having the glass stem. Being able to carry around a packed bowl was always cool. Then you just need a lighter and maybe a little extra and you're good to go

I've been looking at flame powered vapes in order to replicate this. I have also looked into the Hammer/ Hammer PRO because I'm seeking to round out my vaporizer collection with a butane source.

What's your budget and are there any power sources you prefer or want to avoid?

I live without a lot of money, but I have no debt and my expenses are low. I'm not wanting to rush into a purchase either. My current budget put aside for a vaporizer is less than $100, but if after thought I decide I want to go all out on a full Lotus set for $160 then that's what I'll buy, because in the end I'm trying to be satisfied with my choice of vaporizing over smoking the herb and integrate it into my lifestyle. I know a few old heads that I'd feel kind of embarassed trying to justify the cost of a vaporizer to them just because it looks so foreign to them. The Solo is a beast, but it doesn't look like paraphernalia so some just don't "get it" it seems

 

[hoptimum]

Thanks to everyone so far, I wasn't clear in my OP but I have a Solo, travel with it and enjoy it. But it's like carrying around a can of soda in your pocket all night, plus having the glass stem. Being able to carry around a packed bowl was always cool. Then you just need a lighter and maybe a little extra and you're good to go

I've been looking at flame powered vapes in order to replicate this. I have also looked into the Hammer/ Hammer PRO because I'm seeking to round out my vaporizer collection with a butane source.



I live without a lot of money, but I have no debt and my expenses are low. I'm not wanting to rush into a purchase either. My current budget put aside for a vaporizer is less than $100, but if after thought I decide I want to go all out on a full Lotus set for $160 then that's what I'll buy, because in the end I'm trying to be satisfied with my choice of vaporizing over smoking the herb and integrate it into my lifestyle. I know a few old heads that I'd feel kind of embarassed trying to justify the cost of a vaporizer to them just because it looks so foreign to them. The Solo is a beast, but it doesn't look like paraphernalia so some just don't "get it" it seems

It sounds like the Lotus kit might suit you. The metal stem is virtually indestructable for use on the go, while the glass J hook produces delicious vapor. Then there's the ingenious WPA for water pipes and bubblers. Plus, the Lotus requires the careful control of a butane torch for the best results, which might appeal. Theres a lot to play with in that kit. Youre essentially getting a 3 in 1 heavy hitter thats insanely stingy with herb. I dont know about sharing it with noobs, though.

 

[Skyscraper]

I have definitely read the most about the Lotus. It seems like a very good deal when you put it that way. Portability, glass, and bongs.

I'm also interested in the Hammer, while it's not a pipe it is butane powered. It uses a glass stem, but it seems more pocketable than the Solo.

I'm wanting to get a vaporizer that I'm as comfortable packing it on a long trip (non-international) as I am a pipe and papers. Ready to go when you are, and easy enough to share with others.

 

[paytonpenn]

While the Lotus isn't technically bad for sharing but like I mentioned above along with @djonkoman its not the type of vape I would want to use with others if I was hoping to share a bowl.

At least with the Hammer you can force the dial to a low setting to prevent the temp from rising too quickly. You can also give it a quick clean and it would be able to travel on a plane with you. I think the Hammer is worth a shot for you, I know it hits a lot better than the Solo along with being far more versatile and pocket friendly. Many days I would go to work have it in my pocket and forget that it was even there.

I will note if djonkoman had a Genie pre-Q3-2011 I remember those friends who would first try it taking a small hit from a bic and give me . I would tell them to try again but keep the flame a bit longer or move in it a bit more (of course it would be too long or too far in) and while I am exclaiming kill the flame or you should have a good hit now they would continue working it and give out that and I would . So for a good year I would just hold the flame for pretty much everyone to ensure my vape wasn't fucked and they were satisfied. Luckily with new VaporGenie's after they redesigned the top filter it became more difficult for them to over heat the load.

The only downside is you probably wouldn't pre pack unless you find a good cord or cap but what 10 seconds of unscrewing your jYar and inhaling up a bowl.

 

[basement farmer]

If you want a party pocket device to share with your friends who fuck your shit up, maybe the Vapor Genie coil for that joint like experience? I don't know since I've never used one, but it looks like a good and durable flame driven vape that'd be totally capable when passing around. And if some one sets off a bowl and fouls up the insides, it's got to be pretty easy to clean. And if it goes missing in action, you're only out what? $35? Lot's of information about it on this forum too.

 

[Skyscraper]

I have seen videos of the coil kicking some major ass, it does seem easy to use. People do seem to think it's difficult to place the flame when not being used in a bong? The only drawback I see to the Hammer is the glass stems. While I do appreciate glass I feel that it takes away from the ruggedness of a portable

 

[paytonpenn]

I have seen videos of the coil kicking some major ass, it does seem easy to use. People do seem to think it's difficult to place the flame when not being used in a bong? The only drawback I see to the Hammer is the glass stems. While I do appreciate glass I feel that it takes away from the ruggedness of a portable

I like silicone stems. They give that thick smoky hit. It's near the end of the video it's an UD but they hit similar.

 

[whiteboyy09]

Solo hands down you can get it for 130 shipped. All the issues I've seen in reviews have been fixed in the latest 2014 model. Could not be happier with it

 

[Philreal187]

The Vapman is a great butane powered that fits ur price and no glass parts. I have both and hammer and vapman and always bring the vapman its very small to carry and its simple to use once u kno flame length and counting technique. I also dont ever have to stir the vapman either, I like to stir the hammer so I get an even vape. That being said it can get over roasted and combust soo u do have to kinda help newbies along. The hammer will also will need just as much help in my opinion. if the glass is ur only drawback on the hammer @eds tnt makes wood stems that will solve that problem.

I also have a pnp which is really what I prefer to share. Basically u drop a preloaded bullet in let it heat to a selected temp and pass around. My only coaching for newbies on that vape is Dont hit the button and inhale slow and steady. That one is just a bit out of ur price and has a history of faults if u follow the thread. By the grace of technology gods mine is still going strong. Everyone I have shared the pnp with from strangers at concerts and bars to friends at work and cribs love this vape. Since ur not in a rush the company is supposed to release an updated version this spring, I would keep an eye out on that.

Good luck on ur hunt the hammer pro is a great vape and my favorite of those 3 for taste and huge clouds especially thru water. I just prefer it as a personal home vape.

 

[JimmyCricket]

For maximum portability with the Lotus I got the short stem and the leather pouch so that you can easily pocket it when the cap is hot. It works in terms of portability and is pocket-able. The vapor quality is as good as everyone says it is.

As for sharing it with friends, most people I share it with can figure out how to use it with out much difficulty. The bigger issue for me is whether or not I trust other people with it. It's hard for me not to keep a super close watch and instruction on people I pass it to knowing how easy it is to combust/heat the hot plate wrong. Plus, people always want to mess around with the torch lighter. If you're around smokers who aren't going to respect your toys and actually listen to your directions I find that sharing any vaporizer can be bothersome.

As far as sharing with others goes, I wish I had a vaporgenie, because it's not too expensive, can be used with a regular or torch lighter, has a good warranty, and looks like as long as they heat above the ceramic filter it's more difficult to mess up.

The Lotus, Vapman, Vaporgenie or MFLB are the ones I would most consider for your needs.

 

[stickstones]

For your budget, and given that you are already used to a great portable like the Solo, I would have to recommend the Lotus. Anything else I can think of in your budget is a downgrade and would disappoint you. The Genies are good (I hated the coil), but I prefer the Lotus all day long to any Genie.

 

[basement farmer]

For your budget, and given that you are already used to a great portable like the Solo, I would have to recommend the Lotus. Anything else I can think of in your budget is a downgrade and would disappoint you. The Genies are good (I hated the coil), but I prefer the Lotus all day long to any Genie.

I'm not sure I'd want to share my Lotus w. joint smoking cretins though as it's kind of casting pearls before swine. The coil, on the other hand, they'd totally get.

There would fewer tears shed should something bad happen to a lesser vape such as the VG.

 

[Skyscraper]

Stickstones did tell me once that youve really gotta pull on those VGs whereas the Lotus is pretty instantaneous. One thing I dont like about the MFLB is hitting it for a minute to get a nice cloud of vapor