Thanks for all the quick replies and answers to my questions! All great information.
Very glad to hear (for others' sakes) that O ring isn't a necessity, but an addition. That seemed really weird! Must have misunderstood what they say about them on their website. Just took another look and still seems a bit confusing in the description.
Am now a bit intrigued by the NONGs, and may have to check them out when I get a HI, but still think glass is hard to beat.
Wasn't aware Arizer uses a basket screen like this in anything, unless you're referring to what I now usually call a "hat" screen or "elbow" screen as used with the EQ in the elbow. Guess it could be considered the same, but much different in use and design IMO and that obviously made to fit inside the opening of an 18mm GonG and hang on the lip. Could be wrong, but think Epic was first to use this type of basket screen for an adjustable load space. A game changer for me, and would think could be used to adjust distance from heat just as well with either UD or nano (or HI for that matter). Does it really matter who came up with them? No. But, since this is a "VS" thread I figured I'd throw it out there. I do know I was glad to have mine (first shipped to me and other nano-ers as a surprise gift) long before UD had them available. So, this part may come more under customer service and innovation than "in use" for anyone buying now, but still a point worth consideration.
Agree that they do work well either way, pretty much exactly the same IME, but stay cleaner if used flat side towards vape. And, not too sure about using them for measuring a load. The ones I have don't necessarily have uniform sides (different depths) and I seldom load that much for nano. My loads in stem are usually a little thinner than a nickle. But, flat side towards vape makes it much easier to keep them clean in use and to dump load because material doesn't get stuck to sides. You can also roast them up with high heat and blow them out for a quick dirty clean in place. And, is easier to give a good cleaning if the material stays on the flat side. No need to scrub and possibly distort the sides. I ISO for an hour or so, quick scrub on the face with a toothbrush, rinse well with hot water. Didn't mean this in post above as a comparison of nano over UD. You can obviously flip them whichever way you want with either. Know there are nano users who use them basket side towards vape, too. Just putting it out there to help all get the most from them with least effort, whether they are in nano, UD or anything else. Also again since this is a "VS" thread, found it kind of interesting (and humorous) that UD has them "backwards" while the innovator/designer of these has them the other way in pictures on his website.
Epic site was down earlier. Looks like for site updates. Know they have been working on that recently. Check out the new site if you can. Looks pretty cool at first glance!
@MrStrickland , think I'm a little confused with what you say about heat up time being dependent on size of UD or type of wood. I'm not too concerned about the wood getting hot enough. nano (and would guess any log) does make a nice handwarmer, but was referring to ready to vape. Don't think it would matter if the core is in a log sized log (1' across) or a UD twig, the heat time for it to be ready to produce vapor should stay pretty much the same, right?
This thread could go on forever without a clear cut winner. Its all about your own preference imo.
Oh... definitely. Imagine it will be locked down soon! Both are close in a lot of ways. But, there are small differences. I'd really love to have a UD for a solid head to head comparison. Would probably feel the same about trying a nano if I owned a UD. Just really don't see the need for both, and am pretty sure any other vape I get isn't going to push the nano to the same closet the EQ now lives in. Would probably be the same if I owned a UD.
For me, personally, with the experience I have? nano wins hands down. For others, I can see why they love their UDs. Things being where they are now with both, I'd probably still opt for the nano just looking at what is in this thread and other info on FC. Why? Ready to go with adjustable temps right out of the box. Native AC power. Easy all glass adapters. But, I'm not personally too excited about different cylinder shapes or sizes - and nano exotics (or made with your own exotic wood) give plenty of great options for me. If the size shape differences float your boat, or you like to play with stems and aren't as concerned about all glass connections, I could see how UD would be your preferred choice.