Discontinued Pax Vaporizer by Ploom

[Mr.Krinkle]

Hello FC folks! I busted out my PAX again, and charged it up and finished the whole load. Today I turn it on and it flashes a couple times and then no more, cause the battery is drained. I told Ploom customer support about this and they told me to send it in, so I did so, and they told me that they tested out my unit and it charges fine and they don't see any issues with it so they sent me it back. I asked if I could get another charger because I thought that might be the issue then, but the same thing happens, and I only get 1 or 1 & 1/2 loads goin before it dies.

I have no idea what to do not and just disappointed with my PAX experience. Any ideas on what the issue is or how I can get this resolved? thanks FC, everyone is so knowledgeable here.

thats a bummer they were good to me every time, youll get more of a run if you leave it on the charger a while after it turns green

 

[TheDudeNextDoor]

What's happening guys. I'm so close to pulling the trigger on this vape but just have a couple questions I wanted to ask actual users. My 2 biggest concerns right now are abv and vapor production. I've heard the abv doesn't really change with the different settings and that it can be sort of dark. How is the abv coming out for you guys? With my Mflb it seems to be very charred and dark. Next would be the hit size. I'm not expecting huge hits but how are they compared to something like the Mflb ? Sorry if this has been answered I tried googling and didn't get much help

This thing will destroy the mflb on size of hits. No comparison at all. I get strong vapor production on low, but I notice that low only works well when I vape by myself. When vaping with a friend, low will not produce well; I think it's because the unit does not get enough recovery time between hits.

The abv I get on low, medium, and high are just about exactly what Jamband describes above.

If you do get a Pax, make sure to read the Vaporpedia article linked in my sig for a smoother experience.

 

[druminfected]

thats a bummer they were good to me every time, youll get more of a run if you leave it on the charger a while after it turns green

yeh they have great customer service, just wondering why they didn't offer an exchange or something. I think I will contact them again and find out what they can do perhaps.

I'm going to leave it on the charger for a bit longer after it's green like you advised Mr. Krinkle and get back to FC to let you know the outcome. I also filled out a support ticket on the ploom website as well.

 

[Mr.Krinkle]

They probably tested it and met their standards. I have had 3 replacements in a month

 

[welderboy]

What's happening guys. I'm so close to pulling the trigger on this vape but just have a couple questions I wanted to ask actual users. My 2 biggest concerns right now are abv and vapor production. I've heard the abv doesn't really change with the different settings and that it can be sort of dark. How is the abv coming out for you guys? With my Mflb it seems to be very charred and dark. Next would be the hit size. I'm not expecting huge hits but how are they compared to something like the Mflb ? Sorry if this has been answered I tried googling and didn't get much help

i just made a keif sandwich with some sour deisel, put the pax on med (i shouldv'e started on low),dropped the unit on my mobius bubbler .....6 hits later i had to pull the plug cause i was coughing too much, this thing packs a punch if you have good product.....p.s im wiped out also

 

[Mr.Krinkle]

i just made a keif sandwich with some sour deisel, put the pax on med (i shouldv'e started on low),dropped the unit on my mobius bubbler .....6 hits later i had to pull the plug cause i was coughing too much, this thing packs a punch if you have good product.....

Agreed I've said before it gives me bigger hits than I am even comfortable with.

 

[ipax]

so now my replacement pax is having battery issues too. :/ I've been using it for the past week without issue. Last night I got 2/3 rounds out of it and put it on the charger before I went to sleep(1-2AM). got home from classes today, (5pm) and it was still orange. Took it off and shook it to check battery: yellow.
Put it back on for 30-45 mins. took it off, still yellow. packed it and am like 6 hits in and its red :/


anybody got tips?

 

[Bonerholdjokenuts]

I've used my new Pax the last few nights, and I'm very happy with it. Such a sleek little device.

I do wonder about the amount of herb to use in the oven per session. I've heard that the Pax works best when the oven is fully loaded. I don't generally smoke a very large amount at any one time, however, so that's not really an ideal method for me. Would it be a decent idea to use some AVB in the oven with my fresh herb to fill the oven a little higher? Or should I use more fresh herb than I'm currently using but spread it out over a few sessions? Any suggestions? Thanks for the help; this board is a great resource for noobs like me.

 

[JoeKickass]

I've used my new Pax the last few nights, and I'm very happy with it. Such a sleek little device.

I do wonder about the amount of herb to use in the oven per session. I've heard that the Pax works best when the oven is fully loaded. I don't generally smoke a very large amount at any one time, however, so that's not really an ideal method for me. Would it be a decent idea to use some AVB in the oven with my fresh herb to fill the oven a little higher? Or should I use more fresh herb than I'm currently using but spread it out over a few sessions? Any suggestions? Thanks for the help; this board is a great resource for noobs like me.

Half full or less works just fine, just make sure to compress/pack down the bowl for best performance.

 

[Bonerholdjokenuts]

Half full or less works just fine, just make sure to compress/pack down the bowl for best performance.

I have only been filling it about 1/3 to 1/2, and it's working pretty well. Packing it down definitely seems to be key. Since I don't have a super cool tool to pack it down with, I've been using a pencil eraser, and that has been doing a pretty good job.

 

[TheDudeNextDoor]

You can also use the edge of the oven door. Ploom actually advises that on its website.

 

[JoeKickass]

Yup, I use the back of a pen or my finger (gotta be careful when it's hot)

 

[filteredhead]

I've had the Pax a few months now and haven't had any major issues. I still get the temp light issue if I don't clean it regularly.

Two quick questions:

1. When I clean the Pax and replace the screen I feel like it's sometimes hard to get it to "click" into place. The screen also wavers back and forth like a teeter totter. I'm always trying to get it to where the screen is higher on the side with the intake tube and lower on the other, but it doesn't always feel like it's in the right place and I've even had the screen pop out a few times while trying for the perfect fit. Solutions?

2. Does the lube really seem to help with the temp light issue? If so, should I just contact Ploom? Is there a grocery store alternative like vegetable oil that I can use as a substitute?

Thanks in advance for the help. And thanks for running a great forum.

Regarding 1, if the screen has a curve to it that may cause the teeter-totter due to the screen being too short lengthwise to engage. Before placing the screen in the Pax I try to make it as flat as possible so it has the best chance to grip into the oven corners and side above tube opening to stay put. btw i only remove the screen by pressing a pipe cleaner up behind it through the vapor tube, no prying on the screen edges to get it out.

Regarding 2, yes the lube does help however will not prevent the temp light issue altogether. To completely avoid the temp light issue I would have to clean it too often (like after each use), or do more time consuming deep cleaning/soaking and get up to 2 or 3 uses before hitting the temp light issue. The lube helps a bit so I suggest trying it. Yes contact Ploom and they will send you a couple of lube packets. I would first do that and see how you like it before buying anything. TheDude here received confirmation from Ploom that the lube being sent out is basically food grade Propylene Glycol.

 

[TheKeeper]

Hi Best Forum On The Net,

Heed my words, if you were like me and ordered the Pax early, contact Pax (excellent customer service) and request the newest mouthpiece and some Mouthpiece Lubricant. The ease of draw is greatly improved and much smoother action on the mouthpiece.

Your welcome!

I now might be in love with the Pax.

mod note: Please avoid back-to-back posts, use Edit instead. Two posts merged.

 

[unknownlegend]

Just wondered if others who've received and used the packets of lubricant had any issues with how best to keep the opened packets from keeping the fluid inside for continued use. My first packet has been opened and I keep it in a small plastic bag but there seems to be a lot of leakage and spillage in spite of trying to keep this to a minimum. I see there's a small bottle of the proplyene glycol on amazon; it seems like getting a bottle and using it directly from a container as opposed to a packet you really can't close makes more sense.

 

[TheDudeNextDoor]

I know a couple people have squeezed the lube from the packet into a small bottle, such as one you would use for a concentrate. You're right, though, trying to use the lube directly from the packet is unavoidably messy. I fold the open end of the packet down and keep it closed with a paper clip, but it's a little ghetto. The packets are a bit of a pain in the ass.

 

[welderboy]

I know a couple people have squeezed the lube from the packet into a small bottle, such as one you would use for a concentrate. You're right, though, trying to use the lube directly from the packet is unavoidably messy. I fold the open end of the packet down and keep it closed with a paper clip, but it's a little ghetto. The packets are a bit of a pain in the ass.

What is the consistency of the lube? Is it like Vaseline or more liquid like vegetable oil?

 

[TheDudeNextDoor]

More liquid, maybe even a little thinner than vegetable oil.

 

[Sonics420]

yeah once i opened my lube package there was no way i was goin to store it somewhere because it got pretty messy.. i ended up squeezing lube into a zip lock and then just putting my mouth piece in there when i needed to lube again.

sad to report that my temp light is pretty stuck and i might have to send my unit back, i sent an email to ploom on Monday and still have no word from them.. might just call.

 

[VaPeD&CoNfUsEd]

yeah once i opened my lube package there was no way i was goin to store it somewhere because it got pretty messy.. i ended up squeezing lube into a zip lock and then just putting my mouth piece in there when i needed to lube again.

sad to report that my temp light is pretty stuck and i might have to send my unit back, i sent an email to ploom on Monday and still have no word from them.. might just call.

I always use their live chat feature on the website when I want to contact them. It works pretty well.

 

[welderboy]

So hold the phone! I've been waiting for someone to come in and help us figure out exactly what kind of lube this is and whether we can get it commercially. Are you telling me something like this is what we need?

http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Depot-PROPYLENE-GLYCOL-PINT-Propylene-Glycol/dp/B005F5KYM4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1358467871&sr=8-3&keywords=propylene glycol

The description certainly looks right.

I bought a small bottle of vegetable glycerin (4oz for like $4.00 total) on the same page as this. its also used in e-cigs, is alcohol free, and is supposed to have a sweet taste. I figured i'd experiment with an alternative because i read that the pax lube has a bitter, battery acid taste. I'll fill you guys in when i get it.

 

[Sonics420]

I always use their live chat feature on the website when I want to contact them. It works pretty well.

thanks it worked. thing is they sent me to vapeworld and vapeworld basically told me to keep prying at my temp button with a flat head
lets see how that works out with the button lol

 

[Mr.Krinkle]

i read that the pax lube has a bitter, battery acid taste.

Yes it does

Yup, I use the back of a pen or my finger (gotta be careful when it's hot)

I melted my first lid packing it on high still, figured the lid would be fine, I was wrong! Dont use your lid when its hot!

Hi Best Forum On The Net

agreed.

What is the consistency of the lube? Is it like Vaseline or more liquid like vegetable oil?

its pretty loose, I'd say its nothing close to vegetable oil.

Just wondered if others who've received and used the packets of lubricant had any issues with how best to keep the opened packets from keeping the fluid inside for continued use.

Three things, cut it at the very tippy top of the packet. Keep it upright, maybe you should think about storing it somewhere you can prop it up (example, putting the baggy inside an envelope and storing it upright). I have these wounderous tooth picks that fill the hole perfectly, and make it insanely easy to apply the tinniest drop of lubricant underneath the washer. If you dont feel like ordering fancy toothpicks on amazon (which I think everyone should own ) You can try pen caps, one of the bics caps fits the hole perfectly also. Finally, if you dont like that, you can get tiny industrial syringes for lubricant (used to order them for paintball gun dow grease) havent tried this yet, dont see the point, but if your the eccentric type and need a syringe of lube go nuts! haha. Hope this helped.
edit- http://www.amazon.com/Tapered-Heavy-Bamboo-Skewers-CMT2/dp/B0019V101M/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1359140157&sr=8-17&keywords=fancy toothpicks the magical toothpicks that I love so much. The fat part on the end is the width of the oven exactly. Some need a little shaving but 9 out of 10 of these are perfect for oven packers, and you get a ton for 3.50, loose one and its not the end of the world. I cut the skinny part almost clean off til its just a little scraper, perfect oven tool.

 

[welderboy]

Yes it does
I melted my first lid packing it on high still, figured the lid would be fine, I was wrong! Dont use your lid when its hot! agreed.
its pretty loose, I'd say its nothing close to vegetable oil. Three things, cut it at the very tippy top of the packet. Keep it upright, maybe you should think about storing it somewhere you can prop it up (example, putting the baggy inside an envelope and storing it upright). I have these wounderous tooth picks that fill the hole perfectly, and make it insanely easy to apply the tinniest drop of lubricant underneath the washer. If you dont feel like ordering fancy toothpicks on amazon (which I think everyone should own ) You can try pen caps, one of the bics caps fits the hole perfectly also. Finally, if you dont like that, you can get tiny industrial syringes for lubricant (used to order them for paintball gun dow grease) havent tried this yet, dont see the point, but if your the eccentric type and need a syringe of lube go nuts! haha. Hope this helped.
edit- http://www.amazon.com/Tapered-Heavy-Bamboo-Skewers-CMT2/dp/B0019V101M/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1359140157&sr=8-17&keywords=fancy toothpicks the magical toothpicks that I love so much. The fat part on the end is the width of the oven exactly. Some need a little shaving but 9 out of 10 of these are perfect for oven packers, and you get a ton for 3.50, loose one and its not the end of the world. I cut the skinny part almost clean off til its just a little scraper, perfect oven tool.

i ordered a couple eyedropper bottles off of ebay 5 bucks

 

[Mr.Krinkle]

eek. I think that'll give you way too much lube, but I don't know.