Is there anything else I should know or buy? Keep in mind I'm a total noob with smoking at all so I literally have nothing and no experience, besides smoking other people's herb here and there throughout the years.
Vaporization is a simple process: herb is heated to the extent that the active components are released as a vapour, but not heated to the point of combustion. Think about the vapour that you see and smell when you bake something in your oven; a loaf of bread, a pie, pot roast. Same sort of idea.
Since you are new to this world, I would suggest that you don't get too hung up on the finer details of the science of vaporization. That will come with experience. Read this forum.... It offers a universe of information. As helpful as that can be, it can also be overwhelming, so pick a few threads and learn what they offer and you will begin to figure out what you really want in a vaporizer. Everybody is different and there are a lot of great vaporizers out there.
I can tell you my preferences and why I feel the way I do.
I prefer small, simple contraptions, so I prefer a portable unit to a desktop. I don't feel the need to dedicate an area of my house for vaping. I like simplicity because there is less to go wrong, less to break, so I prefer a butane vape. No wires or plugs to deal with, no battery life issues to manage, no bits and pieces to loose.
My vape of choice is the Dynavap brand Vapcap. It is the only one I use now. All those before it now sit in the corner collecting dust.
It is small, the size of a cigarette. It takes up no space so it is very easy and discrete to store and have around in the house.
It is very easy to use. You just apply heat to the cap until you hear a click, about 5 seconds. Simple. The Vapcap has an advantage over other Butane vapes in that it can be heated with just about any heat source. You do not need a specific lighter. You can use a jet lighter, bic lighter, candle, stove element, etc. You can get into the finer details of where on the cap to heat to achieve different temperatures later, but to start with, as long as you stop heating when you hear the click, you're good to go. Easy peasy.
Maintaining the Vapcap is just as easy. Take it apart with a simple twist and soak the inards.
The vapour quality of the Vapcap is stellar; the best of the vapes I have tried. It is smooth and flavourful, which is astonishing with such a small vape, but true.
The Vapcap line has a modular build so if you like it, you can upgrade. Aesthetics are important to me, so naturally I am attracted to good looking vapes. The Vapcaps are without question the most beautiful, elegantly designed vaporizer you will ever meet.
The simple design also needs NO other accoutrements. For example, many vaporizers work better and bake your herb more evenly if the herb has been ground up before vaping. With the Vapcap no grinder is needed. Just tear off a tiny bug from a cannabis bud and pop it in the tip/bowl and away you go. Toasted evenly every time.
And finally, ritual. The Vapcap emulates the act of smoking. The steps to fill and heat, toke and heat again is fun and familiar. I LOVE this vape and it is a pleasure to use everyday.
George, the inventor
@VapCap is distributing the basic Vapcap line now on PUFFITUP. They mostly sold out in a blink, but the basic Original Vapcap is still in stock for $30. Here is the link to it.
http://www.puffitup.com/VapCap-Original-DynaVap-p/dyna.vapcap-orig.htm
Here is the basic Original Vapcap
Here are some upgraded versions.
Ti Burlyand Bubinga Dynastash.
The indestructible all titanium Omni model.
picture
If these look interesting to you, check out the Dynavap thread here on FC.
http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/dynavap-vapcap.18853/page-225
Good luck finding your vape and welcome to the forum!!!