In the market for a vaporizer (critera listed)

[darius]

Hello all,

I'm kind of new at all this... have been smoking for less than half a year, and smoke 2-3 times a week at most. Until very recently, I didn't even know that vaporizers existed. I started shopping for one and quickly got overwhelmed by all the options, so thought that if I listed my reasons for wanting a vape and my criteria, perhaps you guys could help me narrow my choices down to a few models?

Anyway, here's why I want one:

- As I seem to have a naturally high tolerance, I want something that's more efficient with herb than a pipe or a joint, but would still allow me to take big hits, if that's possible. But efficiency is a big factor. Usually, I have to smoke 2-3 bowls or an entire joint to get a good buzz going. That's a lot of weed! (I prefer joints over pipes, since I used to smoke cigs, and seem to get better highs this way.)

- Before I get to the point where I've got a good high, I'm usually coughing up a lung, with my throat giving me the middle finger at the same time. I'm hoping that vaping is a little gentler in this regard.

- I've heard that vaping gives you more of a 'head high', which would work great for me, since even sativa-dominant strains tend to make me very lethargic and sleepy. This is great if I'm smoking before bed, but not otherwise.

- While smoking, I'm always a little paranoid that my upstairs neighbors will get a whiff and complain to management. So although I don't have to worry about pissing off parents (or whatever), just not having an apartment full of smoke would be nice.

CRITERIA

- Price: Although I CAN afford to spend $500+ if absolutely necessary, I'd really rather not, unless the really expensive ones are a lot better at conserving weed than the cheaper models are, and so would eventually pay for themselves.

- I don't care about portability. If I decide I want to smoke away from home, I'll just get another vape that specializes in stealth. So a plug-in model would be okay.

- I think I prefer the ones with the hoses vs the bags, but since I've never tried either one, I can't say for sure.

- Temp control: I'd like something that's pretty easy to use. As in, just find a temp I like and forget about it. It doesn't need to be digital; a dial would suffice.

- I'd rather have something I don't have to light. I don't care if it takes a few minutes to heat up. I can just grind my herb or go take a dump while I wait

- I'm not particular about taste or flavor. I'm not one of these people who really enjoy the act of smoking either. I'm not sure if this really matters, but thought I'd mention it.

- I like to get really baked when I smoke (as compared to those who tend to prefer more mellow highs).

So any recommendations you guys can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[hoptimum]

For where you're at right now, take a look at the 7th Floor vaporizers: Da Buddha, Silver Surfer, mostly. The SSV is a little more expensive, but I think it's worth it. Neither will break the bank and either one of them should keep you happy for a very long time.

 

[darius]

Thanks for the reply, as it helped guide my search in the right direction At this point, I'm kinda torn between the Extreme Q, SSV, and Plenty.

The obvious appeal of the Extreme Q is not only its cheaper price, but also the fact that it does whip and bag, and I'm not sure yet which I'd prefer. I've heard it said that bags are kind of a relic and not as good as whips, but I read a lot of reviews for this piece on vapornation where people actually preferred the bag, so the debate on whip vs bag doesn't seem so cut and dry. On the other hand, it could be that if the EQ could whip like the SSV, then EQ owners would probably ditch the bag for the whip, but that's just speculation on my part.

I've seen people complain about vaping really irritating their throats, and I fear that I'll be one of those people. In which case, I'd be looking for ways to interface the EQ/SSV with a bong/waterpipe (as many others seem to be doing as well), which would not only require purchasing more crap, but I've never even used one of those before. That seems a bit overcomplicated when you're spending this much money. Of course, there's always the SSV vapor tamer accessory, but by the time you shell out the $$ for that, you've probably spent more than it would've cost you to buy a Plenty.

As for the Plenty, seems reasonably straight forward and has the coils built in for cooling, although I don't know how much of a real difference that makes. It also seems to require less maintenance when it comes to cleaning, with vapor quality similar to the Volcano. I just kinda feel like the EQ and SSV will require some accessories to get the full benefit from them, making the cost vs the Plenty rather negligible.

 

[hf]

Check out the e-nano, especially if you want to pair it with a waterpipe. That's what my next vape is gonna be.

 

[Seren]

Both the E-Nano & SSV are great suggestions IMO. Log vapes in particular are well know for their efficiency, so if that's one of your highest priorities - you really can't go far wrong with an E-Nano. There are other logs available - the Underdog & the HI - but the waiting list for the HI is really quite long. Given that you have up to $500 to spend you could even treat yourself to a custom made exotic wood E-Nano - Snappo sells some mind-blowingly beautiful wood blanks:

http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/e...g-vapes-vapor-stems.14039/page-12#post-650119

Good luck with your decision making

 

[Terpenoid]

Check out Massdrop if you are interested in the Evo, it's 42% off right now. It comes with lots of extras too. Pretty hard to resist if you're in the market for a new vape and can afford to drop the cash.

 

[Seren]

^^^^ great deal for the EVO!! ^^^^

 

[Mr. Gweilo 420]

all good suggestions. I say Nano

 

[stickstones]

SSV or EVO.

 

[hoptimum]

I have an EQ, and its sort of a jack of all trades, master of none. Both the enano and ssv pair well with a water tool, and the EVO is especially designed for that purpose.

 

[all_day_j]

Don't overlook the bullet proof and efficient herbalaire 2.2. Whips, direct, balloons, water pipes...it does it all. 140$ on ebay

 

[max]

Since you're new to vaporizing I'd recommend something affordable to start with. The best buy IMO, seeing your requirements, is the Vapolution Purity package. You get a 100% all glass vapor path for $100- can't beat the quality you get with this package in a home vape for that money. I used this setup as my primary home vape for years. It's also one of the oldest existing designs on the market, so all the wrinkles have been ironed. out. What makes this an especially great deal is the All-In-Wonder Bowl that comes with it, which does away with the tubing you need with their other bowls. It's basically an 8" glass straw.

just find a temp I like and forget about it.

Don't discount the ability to vape at different temps. It'll get you the full range of active compounds if you want, and starting at a lower temp and moving up will give you more of the head high to start, and analgesic and sedative compounds at the high end if you want to go there.

http://www.vapolution.com/collections/all

 

[all_day_j]

I just scored an herbalaire for $128.88 on ebay.....seller has 5 left

 

[darius]

Dammit, I see several more hours of research in my immediate future I've seen log vapes discussed a lot, but is there a '101' type page where it explains exactly what they are, and how they compare with normal vapes? AFAIK, the main difference is that they're made of wood and designed to be left on all the time (something that really doesn't matter a whole lot to me).

 

[hoptimum]

the toasty top site (AKA HI) should give you a pretty good overall idea......http://toasty-top.com

 

[darius]

Things I've noticed about log vapes:

- They're round, and made of wood
- People say they're good at conserving weed
- Looks like you can just set them on top of bongs without any attachments
- I read somewhere that the wood construction makes it easier for them to maintain a steady temperature

So, what are the disadvantages?

I get the impression that people tend to dig the aesthetics and custom designs. I hope that isn't the main draw, because I'm the very last person on the planet to care about such things. I'm looking for a vape to get high with, not a goddamn fashion accessory. It's like PC cases... some people get them all tricked out with LED lights and other such nonsense, but I'm the guy you'll find that spends $2,000 on the internals, and then puts it all in a beige box. I just don't give much of a shit about looks.

Also...
Will definitely look into the Vapolution. Perhaps it's better to pick up a 'starter vape' before dropping mad cash on one.

 

[max]

So, what are the disadvantages?

There are now more options in the log vape category. Used to be that you were limited to a fixed temp and small hits (thus the conservation angle). Since you weren't using a high temp and couldn't get big hits, not only were quite a few hits available from a small bowl, you often also found that after a few hits your interest in taking another right away was low. However, if your tolerance was high, and/or you liked big hits and getting very wrecked very quickly, you probably weren't a good candidate for this style. Many people, including me, used a big hitting vape in conjunction with a log vape, for those times when a bigger and quicker high was called for.

The e-nano for example, while classifed as a log, is much different from earlier log vapes. The vapor path is considerably wider in diameter, allowing for bigger hits (along with easy mating to a water piece for even bigger hits), and it has variable temp as well. The HI is also a bigger hitter than the original log vapes and can be used with a variable voltage supply. In design (top loading-narrow path glass stem) and hit size, the Vapolution is also very similar to a log vape.

the wood construction makes it easier for them to maintain a steady temperature

Not really. The wood housings aren't that thick. The vapes had a metal mass inside that helped retain heat. The downside was that it took much longer to reach vaping temp, vs. other designs.

 

[all_day_j]

i love the vapolution but i'm clumsy and I'd break all those glass stems

 

[RUDE BOY]

The Vapolution is priced like a starter vape but it's a reliable and fun to use well built vape. Has amazing taste, and being able to switch out accessories like from the all-in-wonder-bowl to the infuser attached to the whip with the Vapor Barrel gives some flexibility and I know keeps me from getting bored with it. It's not only conservative but a big hitter. Love Mine.


I love my Underdog also, I don't keep mine running 24/7 (once plugged in it's ready in 15 min). Also very conservative but can be a big hitter depending on the stem/bowl setup you use. With it you also have a bunch of options when it comes to stems or roasting tubes. And the ability to use it easily with a water tube, bubbler or bong.

i love the vapolution but i'm clumsy and I'd break all those glass stems

I thought the Same since i have very bad neuropathy in my hands, put off getting a few vapes due to this.
I haven't broken a Vapo 2 stem/bowl while using or cleaning, had the vapo since sept/oct '13, they're tougher then I thought at least. I have broken a couple bowls while they where not being used due to a poor storage method and that was just a stupid mistake on my part.

I also use the Vapor Barrel/whip on nearly any vape i can stick it on. I'm Not that crazy about water tools(glass i do break) and this combo smooths out my hits the best for me.

 

[all_day_j]

the vapor barrel/whip is the thing for oiling up your stash inline?

 

[darius]

The Vapolution is priced like a starter vape but it's a reliable and fun to use well built vape. Has amazing taste, and being able to switch out accessories like from the all-in-wonder-bowl to the infuser attached to the whip with the Vapor Barrel gives some flexibility and I know keeps me from getting bored with it. It's not only conservative but a big hitter. Love Mine.

I love my Underdog also, I don't keep mine running 24/7 (once plugged in it's ready in 15 min). Also very conservative but can be a big hitter depending on the stem/bowl setup you use. With it you also have a bunch of options when it comes to stems or roasting tubes. And the ability to use it easily with a water tube, bubbler or bong.

For a complete n00b like me, can you compare/contrast these two? I mean, why do you have both of these? The stuff you are talking about like the wonder-bowl, infuser, etc... I have no idea what that stuff is, nor roasting tubes. Sounds like something you would put on a BBQ grill I'm just looking for something that's pretty straight forward, ya know? Something that won't break the bank, or require two dozen accessories to get good mileage out of it. My tolerance is high and I'm a big hitter, and my smoking sessions are usually quick; I'm not the type of person to sit around and hit a pipe slowly for an hour and a half. I like to shit and get off the pot

 

[all_day_j]

For a complete n00b like me, can you compare/contrast these two? I mean, why do you have both of these? The stuff you are talking about like the wonder-bowl, infuser, etc... I have no idea what that stuff is, nor roasting tubes. Sounds like something you would put on a BBQ grill I'm just looking for something that's pretty straight forward, ya know? Something that won't break the bank, or require two dozen accessories to get good mileage out of it. I'm a big hitter who likes to get really high, and my smoking sessions are usually quick; I'm not the type of person to sit around and hit a pipe slowly for an hour and a half. I like to shit and get off the pot

this is what i'm hoping to get from my herbalaire 2.2 quick,not a lot of breakables and attachments, no fuss no mess, no grinding. like hitting a batt...boom just gimme a lift and let me roll on

 

[RUDE BOY]

the vapor if youbarrel/whip is the thing for oiling up your stash inline?

That's the Infuser, the vapor barrel is more like a steamroller on the end of the whip in place of the mouthpiece.

For a complete n00b like me, can you compare/contrast these two? I mean, why do you have both of these? The stuff you are talking about like the wonder-bowl, infuser, etc... I have no idea what that stuff is, nor roasting tubes. Sounds like something you would put on a BBQ grill I'm just looking for something that's pretty straight forward, ya know? Something that won't break the bank, or require two dozen accessories to get good mileage out of it. I'm a big hitter who likes to get really high, and my smoking sessions are usually quick; I'm not the type of person to sit around and hit a pipe slowly for an hour and a half. I like to shit and get off the pot

I have more then one vaporizer just to mix things up, i'm pretty much a homebound medical user and Vaporizers have become my hobby kinda for now.

The items like the 'wonder bowl' and 'infuser' are the name vapolution use for certain bowls/stems/accessories you don't need them all by any means. I mainly use just the "straight shooter" bowl. It may be easier for you to get an idea of what they are and what you would want reading on the Vapolution website and then reading through the Vapolution 2 thread. They offer different packages containing different accessories all of which require nothing else to use but herb. I just like to mix things up so i use different bowls and set ups.

a roasting tube is just another name for a Stem/bowl for a log vape espeacially used with the toasty top and HI (i kinda like the term better then stem). sorry about the throwing about different terms.

I like my UD and Vapo2 pretty much equally both are conservative but medicate quickly and thoroughly.
I can load a bowl and finish it in a couple hits and then do another all within a few minutes. Then both also allow me to sit back and savor a bowl or two for hours if i want.

Reading a bit of the vapolution and underdog threads would help you more then i can to contrast and compare the two.

 

[hoptimum]

I'm like you insofar as aesthetics take a back seat to functionality. I can appreciate the craftsmanship of the HI, but I wouldn't use it if it didn't hit like a freight train. You can have Alan make your log out of exotic wood if you like, but I passed on that since walnut is good enough for me and the wood doesn't affect functionality. One thing is, he continues to innovate off his basic design and some of his inventions, like the cork adapter, are brilliant. If you're in a hurry, the HI is not an option, as there's quite a long waiting list for these hand made HIs. No waiting for the enano, though as far as I know. I'd suggest whatever you get initially, to send alan an email and get on that list. There's no cost for getting on the list and no penalty for bailing when your name comes up. The HI thread is pretty fun reading, it's like a shrine to the creator of that miraculous little log.

 

[darius]

That Vapolution looks like a great starter vape for $100 (which is probably what I need anyway), so I think I'm gonna go that route, unless you guys think I shouldn't. I think I'd have to do at least a couple more days of research before I'd make up my mind on one of the more expensive ones, and I'm tired of reading about vaporizers I figure I can always upgrade to a better one later once I've gotten my feet wet with the Vapolution, and I'd probably have a better idea about what I was looking for. At the moment, I'm clueless.