Linx Gaia - Dry herb vape

[E. A. Ridgill]

Thanks for the clarification and insight into your design decisions.

Is the pass through charging true pass through? As in, will the vape worked while plugged in in a dead battery? Because it seems to me USB doesn't provide enough power for most vapes. I'm assuming it's not so much pass through charging as being able to charge while using, in which case you'd be draining the battery faster than its charging. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

That's correct, it's faster to drain the battery than to charge. And this applies to Gaia as well. When battery is dead, you'll need to charge it for a bit, then you can vape while charging. Gaia has a battery indicator on the OLED screen. We'd recommend to charge Gaia before battery is completely drained to help with the battery life.

 

[Uncle Tippy]

I bought one of these based on my positive experience with the Hypnos Zero. It arrived yesterday and so far I am mostly pleased. The design is simple and elegant. The device is kind of chunky and heavy, so not really ideal for on-the-go use, but it fits nicely in the hand and looks like a box mod. It heats fast enough for this style of vape and produces nice smooth vapor with pure flavor. ABV seems pretty uniform.

Kind of too soon to judge battery life but it seems like it will be plenty for me. Swappable batteries are nice but a small power bank might be better anyway when you have a lot of different chargeable devices. The charger has a Lightning plug built in which is handy if you use Apple devices. Generally I hate micro-USB plugs since they only fit in one way and you have to squint to see which way to turn it. Feature request: print the Linx logo or something on one side of the plug. That way you could know at a glance which way to turn the plug.

Loading is a little awkward since the chamber is kind of recessed. I have only tried loose loads, but draw resistance seems pretty low by my standards, which is great since I hate to feel like I'm working for it.

I appreciate the attention to the integrity of the air path, but it was immediately apparent that, in addition to the air intake slots on the side, air is also drawn in through the charging port. I realize that doesn't mean that heated air is passing over anything it shouldn't, but it made me wonder how isolated the air flow really is.

While the design and construction are mostly excellent, the temp +/- labels are awkwardly positioned off-center from their respective buttons.

That's all I've got after 1 day of use!

 

[needalift]

I too got a Gaia yesterday !! I mostly agree with Uncle Tippy . My only difference is that I think this vape will be great to carry all day. It is a little heavy , but I'm the type of guy that walks around with all kinds of junk in his pockets all day , so I'm used to slightly heavy pockets . I was caught off guard by how little draw resistance there was , but actually really liked it . With the oven being directly below the mouthpiece, I expected really warm vapor and a hot mouthpiece . So far I've gotten up to 400 degrees with no issue . Heat up time ( I didn't actually time it ) is very quick . Another thing I really like is that I don't detect an odor from the unit when I vape , only from what I exhale . I had quit vaping for about two years , and recently came back to it . My wife stopped by a vape store (E-cig) and picked me up an atmos transporter as it was cheap and I needed something to get back in the game . Although the transporter worked surprisingly well for the price point , it was not stealthy at all and after use (I vape outside to keep it away from the baby ) , the smell would carry through the house from the unit . I'm not sure if that's common for that unit . But back to the point , my wife who doesn't vape couldn't even catch an odor off the unit after use . I like that as I don't want the smell of abv coming from my pocket after use . I was also happy with the size of the Gaia . I thought it would be bigger from the pics but it is a nice portable size . I was worried about dropping the mouthpiece and breaking it . Maybe a little too much subconsciously as I actually did drop it on stone tile . Luckily for me , I tried removing the mouthpiece with the magnetic lid on , which is more than strong enough to do so. So only the lid took the force of the fall. No shattered mouthpiece . I was also worried about possibly losing the magnetic tool on the bottom, but it hold very strong as long as you get it fully in place . I used a folded playing card to load the oven . I will need to figure out a quicker , easier way to load on the go but I think it will come to me with time . In case you guys are wondering , I did a 10 min burn off just out of habit . Didn't detect any odor or off flavor when used . It's only been a day , but I am happy with this unit thus far . Will have to see what time tells me about it though .

 

[momofthegoons]

I've had a chance to try the Gaia as well. It's a nice, compact little portable (of course, I do carry a purse ). While it is a conduction vape, it seems to be a good one. The draw is easy even with a fairly full and compact load and the hits are flavorful. The Gaia heats up in a matter of seconds to whatever temp you have set it to. It's nice having a full range of temps to choose from rather than preset temps. So far, I've been really impressed with the battery life. It seems to hold a charge longer than the other portables I've tried. Loading isn't that difficult for me.. I have various scoops and tools that make it a snap. And the abv seems to be evenly browned when the session is over. How brown is dependent on the temp used and how many sessions you do. I've sort of found a 'sweet spot' at 380 degrees and that will usually toast the load in one session.

 

[OF]

I too have one and am quite impressed really. To me it's a refined FlowerMate Mini (Pro), a bit bigger and heavier but with much better battery life. Same as the FM uses an internal battery (but a steel cased one IIRC), I don't find that a deal breaker. It's really very hard to wear one out in normal service. You should get at least 300 cycles before battery life starts to suffer, say 2000 sessions? Using half a kilo of herb (500 grams at .25 grams a load). IMO you probably got your money's worth even if the battery died on the day?

I'm already a big fan of the FM Mini so it's a natural I'd take to this one, but IMO it really does have a taste advantage, it's easier to get clean. And it's a lot faster to heat up.

Thus far I'd recommend it for consideration to folks looking for a compact, simple (but elegant) conduction vape. I like the magnetic cover and tool retention. Easy to work without peeking.

I predict a winner here. Maybe not a grand slam home run in the bottom of the ninth, but perhaps a solid stand up double? And with some flair to boot!

OF

 

[cujaflow]

Does anyone know if this is able to connect to any kinf of water attachments?

 

[OF]

Does anyone know if this is able to connect to any kinf of water attachments?

Sure. With a simple o-ring you can use one of the bubblers designed for 'vape pens'. Here's one on an earlier model Linx with the same 'signature mouthpiece':

You can also use the glass tube itself to link up to a piece silicone tube (1/4 inch ID) to connect all manner of WTs.

OF

 

[cujaflow]

Awesome! Thank you for the advice.

 

[Uncle Tippy]

Well after one week my Gaia is not working anymore. It shows the temperatures on the display like normal but it doesn't heat up at all now. I've sent an email to Linx to request warranty service.

Too bad because I was really enjoying the thing. The heat-up time did seem a little long since I'm used to my Grasshopper, but as more of a session-type rig it seems really great. My Grasshopper is currently broken too (shocking right?).

So I'm back to my good old, indestructible MFLB. I swear that thing will outlive me.

 

[needalift]

@Uncle Tippy I hate to hear that . I hope mine doesn't meet the same fate . My Gaia has been very under used as herbs have been hard to come by this week . That is why I haven't given any more info . Hopefully you got a very rare bad one and Linx can make it right . Keep us posted ...

 

[E. A. Ridgill]

I bought one of these based on my positive experience with the Hypnos Zero. It arrived yesterday and so far I am mostly pleased. The design is simple and elegant. The device is kind of chunky and heavy, so not really ideal for on-the-go use, but it fits nicely in the hand and looks like a box mod. It heats fast enough for this style of vape and produces nice smooth vapor with pure flavor. ABV seems pretty uniform.

Kind of too soon to judge battery life but it seems like it will be plenty for me. Swappable batteries are nice but a small power bank might be better anyway when you have a lot of different chargeable devices. The charger has a Lightning plug built in which is handy if you use Apple devices. Generally I hate micro-USB plugs since they only fit in one way and you have to squint to see which way to turn it. Feature request: print the Linx logo or something on one side of the plug. That way you could know at a glance which way to turn the plug.

Loading is a little awkward since the chamber is kind of recessed. I have only tried loose loads, but draw resistance seems pretty low by my standards, which is great since I hate to feel like I'm working for it.

I appreciate the attention to the integrity of the air path, but it was immediately apparent that, in addition to the air intake slots on the side, air is also drawn in through the charging port. I realize that doesn't mean that heated air is passing over anything it shouldn't, but it made me wonder how isolated the air flow really is.

While the design and construction are mostly excellent, the temp +/- labels are awkwardly positioned off-center from their respective buttons.

That's all I've got after 1 day of use!

Here's a bit more information about the air path.

The heated air never goes through charging port as it's insulated from the other electronic components in Gaia.

If you take a close look at the inside of the Gaia through the side slots, you'll be able to see a stainless steel cylinder, which situates outside of the Quartz chamber like a bowl. Fresh air flows through the side slots on the metal casing, then through the air holes strategically located on the top of the stainless steel cylinder, finally through the holes at the bottom of quartz chamber and reaches the herbs. Such design and selection of materials allows for a clean air path. This is also where the hybrid heating happens. The Quartz chamber heats up to bake the herbs (conduction heating), and also force the hot air between the stainless steel cylinder and quartz chamber into the chamber for a even distribution of heat (convection heating).

@Uncle Tippy
Customer service has been alerted to your issue and will contact you shortly if they haven't already.
Thanks

 

[OF]

The heated air never goes through charging port as it's insulated from the other electronic components in Gaia.

The Quartz chamber heats up to bake the herbs (conduction heating), and also force the hot air between the stainless steel cylinder and quartz chamber into the chamber for a even distribution of heat (convection heating).

While it's true HEATED air never goes in the port, air to be heated and used in the hit sure seems to....... Easy test, tape up those slots, it still draws just fine? Air is obviously getting in somewhere else......blowing gently in the USB port blows vapor out the MP.......seems at least likely?

Not that I think there's anything wrong with this except folks fear it without rational reason (what do they call that?). People don't seem to fear evil electric ghosts attacking them with mystery vapors from the cell phone pressed to their heads, nor the computer in front of them hours on end. Still, if checking under the bed makes you sleep better it should be fine to do so. I just don't think it's fair to go spreading fear of a hazard you can't define or verify.

While I agree, Gaia is shaping up to be a top notch conduction vape, I'll maintain there's really no convection vapor production going on since the heated air entering is lower than the setpoint, heating the air might lessen it some but that convection is working the other way, it's convection cooling as far as the load is concerned. If you want to claim convection vapor you have to bring extra heat (in calories) to the party by being hotter (in degrees) than the load. The source of hot air has to be (significantly) hotter than the load. In cases like Volcano, Cera and so on we're talking like 1300F here.

That's how Thermodynamics works, or at least did when I went to school. BTW, radiation heating is the same deal, the source has to be MUCH HOTTER than the load. Ever seen the Bender in action? The rod glows brightly. The load is cooling (losing heat) all the time (since it's hotter (in degrees) than the world around it), you need to input heat (in calories) to make that up or the load will cool and the game stop without making any more vapor at all. Like Poker, you need to keep anteing up all the time just to stay in the game.

OF

 

[stickstones]

That's how Thermodynamics works, or at least did when I went to school.

This made me chuckle...I love your posts!

 

[OF]

This made me chuckle...I love your posts!

Thanks. Sometimes it's as good to be amused as informed......sometimes more so.

OF

 

[rvp5032]

Regardless of thermodynamics.....I just got mine in the mail today ps super fast shipping ordered friday and received monday. Just tried it out and this thing ripppps. Owner of pax 2 and ff2 and this beats both hands down. Cooking so evenly...controls and screen look nice...easy loading and tool in the bottom is great. You can def tell they put thought into this. A++ vape

 

[E. A. Ridgill]

Regardless of thermodynamics.....I just got mine in the mail today ps super fast shipping ordered friday and received monday. Just tried it out and this thing ripppps. Owner of pax 2 and ff2 and this beats both hands down. Cooking so evenly...controls and screen look nice...easy loading and tool in the bottom is great. You can def tell they put thought into this. A++ vape

rvp5032, Thanks for your input. I am glad you like the Linx Gaia. Stay tuned, we have more products that will blow your mind.
Cheers

 

[Uncle Tippy]

Here's a bit more information about the air path.

The heated air never goes through charging port as it's insulated from the other electronic components in Gaia.

If you take a close look at the inside of the Gaia through the side slots, you'll be able to see a stainless steel cylinder, which situates outside of the Quartz chamber like a bowl. Fresh air flows through the side slots on the metal casing, then through the air holes strategically located on the top of the stainless steel cylinder, finally through the holes at the bottom of quartz chamber and reaches the herbs. Such design and selection of materials allows for a clean air path. This is also where the hybrid heating happens. The Quartz chamber heats up to bake the herbs (conduction heating), and also force the hot air between the stainless steel cylinder and quartz chamber into the chamber for a even distribution of heat (convection heating).

@Uncle Tippy
Customer service has been alerted to your issue and will contact you shortly if they haven't already.
Thanks

Thanks for that! I got a timely response from Linx and they sent me a pre-paid shipping label, which is much appreciated. With the holidays and my printer running out of ink, I only just got the package in the mail. Looking forward to having it back as it makes a great counterpoint to my (now fixed) Grasshopper.

 

[cujaflow]

Just placed my order!

Did anyone do any burn offs when they first got it? If so, how did you go about it, temp & time wise?

Thank you

 

[OF]

Just placed my order!

Did anyone do any burn offs when they first got it? If so, how did you go about it, temp & time wise?

Thank you

Great way to start the New Year, you won't be disappointed.

I wiped the exposed surfaces in the chamber and MP with a swab and ISO on principle, then did a 'top wack' (428F) burn off but could not see, smell or taste anything but hot air. So I loaded up and never looked back when it cooled off. Had I sensed anything 'coming off' I'd have done more dry sessions as with other vapes.

Yer welcome! Another great way to start the New Year. Running into an extremely rare and much appreciated (at least by me.....) 'thank you' for helping.......before the fact, no less? The 'average Joe' these days seems to feel they are entitled to easy answers/advice from others? Most cool, thank you for that simple courtesy, it's made my day. I hope I get a chance to help you again. Nice to be appreciated you know.

In a way it's sad that good manners are so rare as to stand out.

Regards and best wishes to all.

OF

 

[cujaflow]

Awesome! Thanks again for the details. Hopefully im lucky enough to only need the one burn off as well.

Yes! Please and thank you's go a long way. It is very nice of you to show your appreciation. This is the second time you have helped me, so thank you again!

 

[b0]

Really interested in this unit, waiting for some more opinions and reviews before making a decision but seems like an interesting vape.

Easy clean, even ABV, full range of temps, quick heating and a fair price; seems to be and interesting conduction vape and I'm missing one ATM. I was between Pax 3 or IQ but this one seems interesting too... and cheaper aswell!

Will keep an eye around here

 

[cujaflow]

Those were my exact thoughts and situation. I will post my thoughts after a few runs.

 

[OF]

Awesome! Thanks again for the details. Hopefully im lucky enough to only need the one burn off as well.

Yes! Please and thank you's go a long way. It is very nice of you to show your appreciation. This is the second time you have helped me, so thank you again!

Hopefully so. To be clear, I'm not sure a burn off did anything for me. It's glass and metal in there, not ceramic or random plastic bits. No places for contamination to hide, if it was built with clean parts (and nobody sneezed on it.....) it should be clean still. A wipe to remove dust/dirt that's collected since then should cover it.

Twice? Better still, one more time and we'll have a 'hat trick' going?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hat-trick

Originally a Brit term used in Cricket, but as is they style they've exported the term? Anyway, we're nearly there, be careful with your next question........

OF

 

[cujaflow]

Good to know! I will do it just to be safe.

Yes, you assisted with providing the water pipe that can be attached to the Gaia. A handful of posts above this.

I will chose my next question wisely.

Thanks again!

 

[OF]

I will chose my next question wisely.

Thanks again!

Hey, this ain't no stinking Genie in the lamp deal, you can have more than 3......

Hey, Genie......as in Vapor Genie......time to dig the big Bronze one out and do some serious vaping. Big rains coming later tonight.....this can't be a coincidence.

Vape Karma, whoda though?

Your welcome, again! Have a good weekend.

OF