Discontinued Lil' Bud by Vapwood

[Monk Debate]

I would say a simple yes to that. I have less experience than Pam and only own one LB (I've bought two but one was a gift). With my 30Q or VTC5A batteries I notice my LB not ripping as readily as I'd like after the first two or three stems.

Yesterday I scooted my screen up so the load was closer to the heater and that had me back on track. This inconsistency might be user error on my part but it's been one of my niggles about the LB that, while the light and heavy hits are both high quality, I can't reliably repeat the process. Sometimes I feel a good amount of heat and don't get a big cloud and sometimes I ride the button until the glass liner is hot and don't get a big cloud. Sometimes the first few hits are great and then the heater seems unwilling to keep up the good work. The closest I've come to a reliable fix is to switch to a fully charged battery.

Mike offered to check out my LB to see what the deal was but each time I get the results I want I figure my technique is the issue and I know he's busy so I haven't taken him up on his offer to have it looked at yet.

Tl;dr: since I get inconsistent hits and a charged battery always seems to help I've told myself that it's the cell that's the issue but really who knows.

I’ve found similar issues with 510 convection devices, I also assumed it was an issue of technique. I’m guessing the Elite is more consistent in this regard?

 

[P.A.M.]

I would say a simple yes to that. I have less experience than Pam and only own one LB (I've bought two but one was a gift). With my 30Q or VTC5A batteries I notice my LB not ripping as readily as I'd like after the first two or three stems.

Yesterday I scooted my screen up so the load was closer to the heater and that had me back on track. This inconsistency might be user error on my part but it's been one of my niggles about the LB that, while the light and heavy hits are both high quality, I can't reliably repeat the process. Sometimes I feel a good amount of heat and don't get a big cloud and sometimes I ride the button until the glass liner is hot and don't get a big cloud. Sometimes the first few hits are great and then the heater seems unwilling to keep up the good work. The closest I've come to a reliable fix is to switch to a fully charged battery.

Mike offered to check out my LB to see what the deal was but each time I get the results I want I figure my technique is the issue and I know he's busy so I haven't taken him up on his offer to have it looked at yet.

Tl;dr: since I get inconsistent hits and a charged battery always seems to help I've told myself that it's the cell that's the issue but really who knows.

Different or similar. where you say a drop after first two loads I say one might want to be careful first two loads. Is it technique or something actually wrong with your LB , I wouldn't know , glad to hear Mike did offer to look at your unit. I find it hot the first two loads. Then things are great till I notice it's time to change battery , which is under 3.70V most the time.. but if your glass liner gets that hot and you aren't gettin any vapor, either your load is spent , needs a stir, is packed to tight , I dunno , something's off though

 

[SpudBob]

Apologies if this has been asked and answered as this thread is extremely long, does the LB Classic performance dip as the battery’s charge gets lower? I know with some unregulated vapes if the battery isn’t close to fully charged the performance takes a hit.

I have about the same experience as P.A.M. though I like the 3.8-4.1 window best. Below that, say 3.5.3.8 it still produces well but i get impatient!!! Its got, for me anyway, a larger sweet spot than my Millana which likes a hotter charge. With it I really know when I'm below 3.8...

 

[Bravesst]

The Elite seems to be a battery management system. When watching a *puff* on the software, you can see it adjusting to everything. I literally can get 7 or 8 loads on an Elite, not as much with the Classic. The Elite seems to enable a questionable battery to perform better than it would in the Classic. I routinely take my cells down to below 3.50 (sometimes as low as 3.30 before I notice any change at all) . Like I said, it manages the entire process. This is the biggest difference between the Classic and Elite.

 

[Bravesst]

Got my J-hook, did a session with it. I feel like Sherlock Holmes, but I love the taste and effect. Thanks @P.A.M. I've got some really cool Figured Maple units with a Walnut switch box. Take a peek.

And of course, Cherry and Walnut (forming an Elite sandwich)

Just a reminder to you guys, the site coupon code: Top40 works on both the Elite and Classic, save $20 across the board.

 

[el sargantano]

With my 30Q or VTC5A batteries I notice my LB not ripping as readily as I'd like after the first two or three stems.

That's interesting.
I'e found different perfomance according to different batteries.
Since @Bravesst recommended Samsung30Q I used a pair in rotation during 10 weeks and they felt nice.
I bought a couple of Sony VTC5A for another similar vape and tried them in the Lil' Bud.
The VTCs surprized me with so much more 'acceleration', strenght and unleash power. I had tofocus on release the trigger due to combustion risk and they last less, maybe can get only 4 stems instead of the 6 I have with the Samsung30Q.

The best comparison I can get is the 2 versus the 4 stroke engines of the motorbikes. The 'power delivery' seems wilder with the 2 stroke engine and wastes more fuel, etc. Sorry, I can't explain better...

I really prefer the ones recommended, more user friendly for sure.
My Lil' Bud is 6 months old now and we are reaaally good friends.
#fullsteamahead

 

[YaMon]

I would say a simple yes to that. I have less experience than Pam and only own one LB (I've bought two but one was a gift). With my 30Q or VTC5A batteries I notice my LB not ripping as readily as I'd like after the first two or three stems.

Yesterday I scooted my screen up so the load was closer to the heater and that had me back on track. This inconsistency might be user error on my part but it's been one of my niggles about the LB that, while the light and heavy hits are both high quality, I can't reliably repeat the process. Sometimes I feel a good amount of heat and don't get a big cloud and sometimes I ride the button until the glass liner is hot and don't get a big cloud. Sometimes the first few hits are great and then the heater seems unwilling to keep up the good work. The closest I've come to a reliable fix is to switch to a fully charged battery.

Mike offered to check out my LB to see what the deal was but each time I get the results I want I figure my technique is the issue and I know he's busy so I haven't taken him up on his offer to have it looked at yet.

Tl;dr: since I get inconsistent hits and a charged battery always seems to help I've told myself that it's the cell that's the issue but really who knows.

I have pretty much the same experience which I attribute to VAS and being faded. As Mrs. YaMon gifted my Lil Bud to me I am in it for the long haul, but after much consternation have finally given in and am willing to admit my need for regulation. Perhaps some day I can swing an Elite?

Edit: I have one of @Alan ’s cooling stems for my LB. I will also never sell my Lil Bud.

 

[P.A.M.]

..... As Mrs. YaMon gifted my Lil Bud to me I am in it for the long haul .... Perhaps some day I can swing an Elite?

If Mrs. YaMon is reading , yah mon!, yes he can !

 

[beyond6strings]

I have pretty much the same experience which I attribute to VAS and being faded. As Mrs. YaMon gifted my Lil Bud to me I am in it for the long haul, but after much consternation have finally given in and am willing to admit my need for regulation. Perhaps some day I can swing an Elite?

It took quite a bit of experimenting for me, but I've been able to hold off my VAS as it relates to the LB Elite because the LB I've had since the end of July '18 has done everything I need.

For me, the whole experience changed when I started using 4" glass lined tubes from @Alan I found that the increased length cooled the vapor and the increased draw restriction from the reduced diameter was perfect for my draw speed.

I also always start my LB day with a fresh battery and only use it for two sessions. I have three Samsung 30Q that I keep in rotation. And I clean my screen regularly. It's almost time to dig into my stash and put in a replacement-I've gotten a year's worth of service out of this one.

I've discovered that any inconsistencies now are typically due to the cannabis I'm vaping.

Best of luck, and don't give up.

 

[YaMon]

It took quite a bit of experimenting for me, but I've been able to hold off my VAS as it relates to the LB Elite because the LB I've had since the end of July '18 has done everything I need.

For me, the whole experience changed when I started using 4" glass lined tubes from @Alan I found that the increased length cooled the vapor and the increased draw restriction from the reduced diameter was perfect for my draw speed.

I also always start my LB day with a fresh battery and only use it for two sessions. I have three Samsung 30Q that I keep in rotation. And I clean my screen regularly. It's almost time to dig into my stash and put in a replacement-I've gotten a year's worth of service out of this one.

I've discovered that any inconsistencies now are typically due to the cannabis I'm vaping.

Best of luck, and don't give up.

My statement with regard to VAS was meant to say; that due to VAS unregulated vapes that require a bit of finesse and regular use suffer. I have too many great vapes, which make it difficult to master one I do not use daily. I do have one of @Alan ‘s cooling stems for my LB.

The battery regimen is a good suggestion, but I think it would be even better if @Bravesst were able to make a battery door with an integrated battery meter, that would be a big help especially when I succumb to hazards of the riguroius testing and refinement of technique

 

[el sargantano]

The battery regimen is a good suggestion, but I think it would be even better if @Bravesst were able to make a battery door with an integrated battery meter, that would be a big help especially when I succumb to hazards of the riguroius testing and refinement of technique

That's the battery gauge, isn't it?
Mike used to produce them at he ending of the year and IMHO is the perfect partner that tells you how much life is there, to plan your stems or what to pick on the go. It just needed the case for pin protection and maybe a bit rounded to be completly pocketable.
I guess that's not too profit on make tons of them, but completes the issue of 'power knowledge' and by the side battery design is a clear win over other products.
Oh, and magnets...

 

[P.A.M.]

That's the battery gauge, isn't it?
Mike used to produce them at he ending of the year and IMHO is the perfect partner that tells you how much life is there, to plan your stems or what to pick on the go. It just needed the case for pin protection and maybe a bit rounded to be completly pocketable.
I guess that's not too profit on make tons of them, but completes the issue of 'power knowledge' and by the side battery design is a clear win over other products.
Oh, and magnets...

Ouuuu I love "show & tell's" ..

The Battery Gauge featuring Walleye

Now I know what @YaMon is suggesting , to have it incorporated directly in the removable battery cover. That would be swell . None the less , the battery gauge is still quite convenient, it's that \/ easy .

 

[Bravesst]

I struggled over the battery gauge and the Classic. Installing the gauge permanently into the unit would change the size of the unit substantially (about 10mm or the size of the Elite). The gauge also need to be installed outside of the circuit that feeds the coil. In the current method, it works without the unit being on (on demand switch pressed). I started thinking about an on / off switch, and before you know it, I arrived at the Elite, with the added bonus of regulation. Now, the gauge is no longer available, and if you want to bump up to on board electronics, you have a choice.

What I did do is get the price of a Maple or Cherry bare bones Elite down to $259 with $20 coupon code (Top40) for those of you who are stocked on tubes and batteries. The Total Package Classics were going for just about that price. That code will work for the next couple of weeks (unless Top40 sells out).

 

[papa_ent]

My statement with regard to VAS was meant to say; that due to VAS unregulated vapes that require a bit of finesse and regular use suffer. I have too many great vapes, which make it difficult to master one I do not use daily. I do have one of @Alan ‘s cooling stems for my LB.

The battery regimen is a good suggestion, but I think it would be even better if @Bravesst were able to make a battery door with an integrated battery meter, that would be a big help especially when I succumb to hazards of the riguroius testing and refinement of technique

I had to use LB daily to get my feel for it. Found my groove and I have been using mine mostly daily since January or so. I love this so much as my on the go that I bought a backup during the bare bones sale. First one was from December of last year, most recent a month or so ago. I do feel like the newer one has a more even heating, I wonder how much of that is unique to each individual unit and how much is due to the improvements happening. I still rotate my stem every few draws to get a complete extraction with no stirring but I feel like the more even heating also reduces the risk of combustion. I liked my argo for on the go, i f'ing love the LB. I also have a variety of 18mm stems and this thing works with all of them.

@bossman my first unit wasnt firing right and I sent it back to Mike and he fixed it right up. If anyone is wondering about the customer service from an artisan shop I can confirm on a separate occasion I dropped it in my garage with a battery in and depressed the battery spring, he fixed that no problem too.

 

[YaMon]

That's the battery gauge, isn't it?
Mike used to produce them at he ending of the year and IMHO is the perfect partner that tells you how much life is there, to plan your stems or what to pick on the go. It just needed the case for pin protection and maybe a bit rounded to be completly pocketable.
I guess that's not too profit on make tons of them, but completes the issue of 'power knowledge' and by the side battery design is a clear win over other products.
Oh, and magnets...

I have one of @Bravesst battery testers.

Now I know what @YaMon is suggesting , to have it incorporated directly in the removable battery cover. That would be swell .

Yup!

 

[VoidOfCourse]

On a side note the unique stir tool has replaced three separate stir and tamp tools I was using previously!

Thanks, Vapwood!

 

[Bravesst]

That stir tool reminds me of the FDNY, the original creators of many old school firefighting hand tools. Just a bunch of really resourceful guys, trying to improve simple methodology - IE: forcing doors easier, faster. A long time ago, the *Halligan* was invented (an ingenious pry bar, mostly used for forcing entry) and named after Deputy Chief Hugh Halligan in 1948. This simple adjustment to previous pry bars took everything you need, and eliminated everything you didn't. The result just worked and is used around the world to this day.

 

[Poostuff]

Great stuff but this is starting to look like The Blair Witch vape accessories thread.

 

[P.A.M.]

Great stuff but this is starting to look like The Blair Witch vape accessories thread.

Careful , I might make you stand in the corner

 

[beyond6strings]

On a side note the unique stir tool has replaced three separate stir and tamp tools I was using previously!

Thanks, Vapwood!

Luckily I have two of these. Or had. One of them is MIA, but I WILL find it. I just can't imagine my life without this wonderful tool. It's my screen cleaner, my stir too, my load tamper, and my digger-outer.

And I use it with all my vapes.

I remember when I got my LB and I set aside the stir tool thinking, really? And then I used it to pack my first stem, and I've never put it back down.

 

[P.A.M.]

Lol @Poostuff , @Bravesst , @Alan .

 

[Poostuff]

Lol @Poostuff , @Bravesst , @Alan .

Just logging back in to like this

 

[madhockeydad]

Hi

After way too long I tried out the Lil' Bud last night. To my defense I have had two business trips but still it's been weeks since I got it. Now comes some funny stuff. First there are two plastic pieces in the battery compartment that can be used to break the circuit on the battery. Really cool but it took me a whole lot of time looking at them and the back to figure it out. More than a day (LOL). Next I put in a dead battery but didn't know it. I'm hitting the button and pulling hard/soft and nothing. It's around midnight, I'm tired so I used a different vape and come back in the AM.

In the morning I try it again (this thing is incredible to hold - a could spend an hour just turning it around in my hand). So I'm thinking what could possibly be wrong and before I email about issues I grab a new battery and the coil glows instantly. Duh. Lil' Bud: 1 madhockeydad: 0. The first bowl was incredible. The wood feels so good. It is such a solid device - it's incredible. I haven't held a device that felt so uniformly well thought out and executed. The flavor, vapor, ... everything is simply amazing. One tip: use charged batteries. I know what your thinking, that's about as useful as don't bet on a 3 legged horse...... but .... what can I say: Lil Bud: 2 madhockeydad :-)

 

[P.A.M.]

Really cool but it took me a whole lot of time looking at them and the back to figure it out. More than a day (LOL).

That's fuckin funny right there ! Lol don't feel bad though , I guess a no power circle could be drawn on them but letting people figure it out like you did sounds more fun

One tip: use charged batteries

I'll give you another tip now . If no power but knowing your battery is charged ; * remove said tab *

Sounds like you're having fun. Now imagine your iHeat merged with your Classic , what do you get ?

That one is fun to hold
and turn in your hands too , it's got a flask like feel to it the Classic doesn't have .

The Classic is incredible, I whipped out the cherry bomb today wanting to be more tech free and compact for my adventure . It gives ya more bang per buck then you'll ever get on a sound board .

congratulations on your new Bud !

 

[VoidOfCourse]

That stir tool reminds me of the FDNY, the original creators of many old school firefighting hand tools. Just a bunch of really resourceful guys, trying to improve simple methodology - IE: forcing doors easier, faster. A long time ago, the *Halligan* was invented (an ingenious pry bar, mostly used for forcing entry) and named after Deputy Chief Hugh Halligan in 1948. This simple adjustment to previous pry bars took everything you need, and eliminated everything you didn't. The result just worked and is used around the world to this day.

Interesting! Looks like a viking weapon.

Luckily I have two of these. Or had. One of them is MIA, but I WILL find it. I just can't imagine my life without this wonderful tool. It's my screen cleaner, my stir too, my load tamper, and my digger-outer.

And I use it with all my vapes.

I remember when I got my LB and I set aside the stir tool thinking, really? And then I used it to pack my first stem, and I've never put it back down.

Awesome! I was scraping some larger debris out with it when I realized the pin tip was actually almost completely cleaning the screen.
Now I'm getting more mileage out of my screens before I have to do a total cleaning of them!

In the morning I try it again (this thing is incredible to hold - a could spend an hour just turning it around in my hand). So I'm thinking what could possibly be wrong and before I email about issues I grab a new battery and the coil glows instantly. Duh. Lil' Bud: 1 madhockeydad: 0. The first bowl was incredible. The wood feels so good. It is such a solid device - it's incredible. I haven't held a device that felt so uniformly well thought out and executed. The flavor, vapor, ... everything is simply amazing. One tip: use charged batteries. I know what your thinking, that's about as useful as don't bet on a 3 legged horse...... but .... what can I say: Lil Bud: 2 madhockeydad :-)

I agree, The handfeel is absolutely amazing!

Lol @Poostuff , @Bravesst , @Alan .