Discontinued Pax Vaporizer by Ploom

[Polermo]

Heya fellow Pax addicts!

What an amazing thread, soooo much good info in here, I feel like I actually know some of you at this point! Thanks to all of you for all the contributions, ideas, etc. I have lots of things I'd like to talk about and share on the Pax, but don't want to write a novel here (or bore the hell out of everyone!), so I'll stick to one item and write more later.

I have been a long time vape head, and like most of you, have owned a dozen or so, most of which are in a drawer or box somewhere. Before I bought my Pax, my Volcano and my iOlite were my go-to capes for home and portable use.

The Pax changed all that in a big way, and for all the reasons we all already know, I love this device like a family member, so much so that I bought a second one as a spare, brand new, sits in the box. I can't imagine life without the Pax (I've been a medical cannabis patient for over a decade and a recreational user for 40+ years).

After reading this amazing thread (no mean feat, sheesh!!) I wanted to give back something to the FC PaxFamily here, so here's my first contribution, I didn't see this addressed directly here or anywhere else on the innerwebz , so hopefully this helps out those who are curious about...

An External Battery Pack to Charge the Pax Anywhere!

So, in my line of work, I have a few battery packs of various spec. For this project, I chose an Anker Astro 3 5v/9v/12v, 2a, 10000mAh battery.

On the Pax wall wart, the relevant specs are that its a 9v, 1.3a supply with the center post being the (+), outer shield is (-).

As you can see from these specs, we can use this battery to charge the Pax safely and effectively. Set the battery to a 9v output, and use the appropriate output on your battery!

Here is how I proceeded. You will need a dremmel, or some appropriate files would do the trick, but the dremmel made it easy. This project will take you ~30 mins, and requires no special skills, soldering, or mucking about with the Pax.

1. Cut the arch across from the internal plugin on the charging base:

2. Grind off some material of the appropriate barrel adapter so iit will lay flat once its in place. (an assortment of aadapter ends comes with the battery):

3. Insert barrel end through the arch you created and on into the socket in the charger base. I did take a bit material off the other side of the adapter barrel (not shown in the pics) so it would go in straight and smooth without putting any sideways or undue pressure as it goes into the socket. This is just done by eye and feel...push it in..if it looks or feels like its not quite lined up, take a little more material off the appropriate area of the connector and try again. NEVER force anything, take your time and do it right.

4. In this image we see all the parts: the modified charging base, the battery, the cable, and the Pax itself. You can see that the base lays perfectly flat on the table, and the barrel adapter adds a bit of weight as well. Solid. The connection end for the cable is just sticking out past the edge of the charging base:

5. The Final Image: Completed and functional! Here we see everything hooked up, charging (this is fully charged at this point, but I charged it from yellow to green in about 30 minutes):

I have been using this now for a few weeks as a charging method, and of course it gives me amazing freedom to charge anywhere I need to, and from what I can tell, it would provide 6-8 "red to green" charging sessions on a single full battery pack charge. This means you can take it camping, hiking, wherever, and not have to worry about running out of power. No need for a vehicle cig lighter socket, or an outlet.

You'll also note that the only molestation of any of the gear the arch you cut out of the back of the base. This means that when you're NOT using this mod, you can still use the device exactly as advertised, plugging in the charger to the adapter and charge in a traditional method,simply remove the barrel adapter from the charging base, plug in the stock adapter and go to it.

Another plus is that you can use the battery for many other uses! Charging your phone, your mp3 player, Kindle, etc. you make the $42 investment, and a bit of time for this modification, and not only do you get the external charging solution for your pax, but you can charge your other gadgets too!!

Amazon doesn't appear to have these3 Anker Astro batteries in stock at the moment, but I found a link to an identical battery pack, looks like Anker may have rebranded these. Here is a link to that battery pack, it's about $42 US (about what Ploom charges for a replacement base/adapter, or a 12v car adapter/base) This seems like better money spent if you're looking for a portable solution:

http://www.amazon.com/XTPower-10000mAh-Recorders-Sensation-Connectors/dp/B00935L44E

Well, I hope I helped some of my fellow Pax enthusiasts here regarding an external battery pack solu7tion. This has been working really well for me and I hope you find it a useful solution for your charging needs as well. also happy to answer any questions, and intend to particpate much more in the FC forums. I would LOVE to hear back from anyone this enlightened or who will proceed with doing this for their Pax.

Pax well my brothers and sisters!

G

Hey GraffiX, first off thanks for the amazing and knowledgeable post. I have been lurking this thread for a while now and have owned a Pax for about a year now. I had a question about your external battery model that was shown. Currently Amazon doesn't carry that model battery any longer. I love the Anker brand and was looking at purchasing the Anker Pro2
as seen here

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005N...f=mp_s_a_1_4&qid=1391718855&sr=8-4&precache=1

My biggest concern is what size adapter do I need to buy to get this working with the Pax charger as it is my understanding that the external batteries no longer come with all the fancy adapters. Also do you think a USB to whatever size adapter would be a problem?
Thanks for all the help!

 

[Lo]

I've also had to use warranty service. As stated above, service was stellar. Prepaid label, new one in hand very quickly. I love good customer service

Good luck... - you will need a backup anyhow if you want to stay combustion free. If you can't afford a lot even a simple Vapor Genie would be handy to have as a backup.

I've had my pax for about a year now, and have had no major problems. I just loaded the pax and turned it on, and as it was heating up, at a point I heard a sizzle for a couple seconds, and noticed smoke coming out of the top and a little from the bottom. It smelt odd and tasted like it wasn't coming from the flowers. This is my only piece for flowers and I'm out of oil, so I am without thc until I fix this, or know it's broken and need to invest in a different vape.

Edit: I just cleaned the pax, and the smell/taste still exists. Smells like it's coming from the bottom part of the unit.

What is pax's warranty like? Will this kind of problem be covered? Even if it is, how am I supposed to ship it if it has been used for a year?

 

[GraffiX]

Hey GraffiX, first off thanks for the amazing and knowledgeable post. I have been lurking this thread for a while now and have owned a Pax for about a year now. I had a question about your external battery model that was shown. Currently Amazon doesn't carry that model battery any longer. I love the Anker brand and was looking at purchasing the Anker Pro2
as seen here

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B005N...f=mp_s_a_1_4&qid=1391718855&sr=8-4&precache=1

My biggest concern is what size adapter do I need to buy to get this working with the Pax charger as it is my understanding that the external batteries no longer come with all the fancy adapters. Also do you think a USB to whatever size adapter would be a problem?
Thanks for all the help!

Heya Polermo,

Thanks for the kind words, and glad you found the post useful! I too am a huge Anker fan and am somewhat surprised at their apparent choice to not include the appropriate adapter selection on their new battery, because it otherwise looks incredible!

So, I have some answers for you.

- Broke out the digital calipers, and the correct barrel adapter is a 3.5mm OD X 1.35mm ID. While it is not included with that battery, nor some of the other sets of adapters, it IS included in this set:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CMMO6AE For $10, a heck of a set and will really let you use that battery with about anything out there thats 5v/9v/12v!

- Because the Pax requires a 9v charging source, the USB cables will not work, at least not with the outputs on the battery as configured, as those are all 5v outputs. The 9v/12v output on the Anker is the other barrel-type output which uses the barrel cable. Generally and historically speaking, these are configured to use a barrel-to-barrel cable to hand off the output power to a Type M barrel adapter, which is what the set above takes as input. To charge the Pax with the Anker, you must use the non-USB output and ensure it is set to 9v.

- As a side note, I see the 20,000mAh version of that Anker is only $10 more than the 15,000mAh version you listed. Thats 25% more power and an extra smartport for an extra few bucks. If I were buying (and I just might!), Id buy this one http://www.amazon.com/20000mAh-Quad-Port-Portable-External-Camcorder/dp/B005NGLTZQ

So, if you bought either version of this Anker, and the adapter set I listed above, you will be good to go. Now that you know the actual barrel size, you may be able to find it in a smaller and/or cheaper set, but that large set really gives you about any possible option to expand the uses of that battery.

Hope that helped brother, happy Paxing, and good luck!

 

[chronickiller7]

I've also had to use warranty service. As stated above, service was stellar. Prepaid label, new one in hand very quickly. I love good customer service

Good luck... - you will need a backup anyhow if you want to stay combustion free. If you can't afford a lot even a simple Vapor Genie would be handy to have as a backup.

I think I'll be fine. I use oils 90% of time (with my persei), and use my pax for flowers maybe once a week.

 

[SMODomite]

Hey everyone, New member here have been a lurker for a while...Currently own a Vaporbrothers and MFLB, but just purchased the Pax as a present for the girlfriend...It shipped yesterday so just waiting on it in the mail, but once I receive I will post a review of what I think!

 

[sgvpunk]

I wonder when a pax version 2 will come out?

 

[Ticovape]

Hi .. I live in Costa Rica..so for me to get the ploom lubricant here is impossible... what other lubricant can I use on my pax.... Thanks.

 

[Shrike]

Are there no cigar shops in your area? If so, do any of them sell humidors? If they do, then maybe they might have propylene glycol for sale. That is what Ploom sells (at a premium) for the Pax.

Also...some pharmacies carry it.

If not...I think some people on here are using some alternatives...maybe one will chime in for you...

 

[Lo]

I use Propylene Glycol (PG) since I have on hand for e-cig stuff. Clean well with alcohol first and I use a TEENY DROP, smear around mouthpiece stem with a toothpick. Been using for many months without a problem.

Edited to add: PG can also be found at cattle supply/feed stores. They use for cattle. Here we look for USP grade (pharma grade) - be sure you use the equivalent for your area.

 

[Beaunaire]

You can easily get propylene glycol on Amazon. It's pretty cheap, the shipping cost was about equal to the item price.

 

[WeedChimp]

I got mine brand new for $44. I have spent more than that on a pipe with the intention of it breaking. The Pax held up like a champ and Vaped a nice bowl in the morning after the fact. Nothing melted or tasted funny, just smokey rips. It wasn't as efficient as a regular pipe but I didn't have one and rolling up a hotel bible isn't my first choice either. I was thinking about grabbing a can to smoke out of but got lazy and went for the Pax.

Lol you might have a rip-off Pax. They look exactly the same as the real deal, only difference is the packaging. Where did you buy it?

 

[CarlosSpiceyWeiner]

@GraffiX,

How do you like your Pax case?

IMO,

1. It's just a sleeve with an open end.

2. It's too long and should of been shorter. Plus the opening is narrow. So it's hard to grab the Pax out with my fingers. So I'm forced to shake the case until the Pax reaches the end.

3. I new it was carpeting from the trunk of a car. But not from my VW I had 20 years ago.

4. I do like the leather embossed patches on both sides. One side says Pax the other side says Ploom. If the entire case was made out the same leather. With different color options. Would of made it much classier. Plus with a little internal Velcro closure or magnetic catch.

I'm not going to use it with my Pax. But will keep it for something else. Not sure what that is yet?

 

[SMODomite]

So got my Pax in the mail on Saturday and initially I am quite pleased! Nice packaging and when I took the unit out was happy how discreet and streamlined it looked, not to mention has some weight to it so you feel like you are holding a nice piece of technology...Put it on the charging dock and had a full charge within an hour, clicked out the mouth piece and let it do a burn off, then I turned the unit off, packed the oven (Absolutely LOVE the magnet catch bottom), filled the oven with some herb, clicked the mouth piece out and was vaping within a minute...To compare this to the only other portable I have used, MFLB I would say this thing definitely produces far bigger clouds and gets me more medicated than the MFLB does...

The hits aren't quite as big as out of my Vaporbrothers although I wasn't expecting them to be since it is a portable...I noticed on the medium setting, it is easier to not cough after a hit since the heat is lower...

I will make sure to clean it often as I know that is where people can run into problems with this unit, but the only other negative I have to say is how hot the unit gets after about 10-15 minutes of continuous use...It isn't hot enough to burn you, but enough to cause discomfort on your lips from the mouth piece heating up, and honestly the very bottom (which you really don't need to touch while vaping) gets hot enough to possibly burn you, but this is the only issue I have found with the Pax so far... All in all I am very pleased and will be excited to use this on my next snowboarding trip.

 

[Shadowdjinni]

I will make sure to clean it often as I know that is where people can run into problems with this unit, but the only other negative I have to say is how hot the unit gets after about 10-15 minutes of continuous use...It isn't hot enough to burn you, but enough to cause discomfort on your lips from the mouth piece heating up, and honestly the very bottom (which you really don't need to touch while vaping) gets hot enough to possibly burn you, but this is the only issue I have found with the Pax so far... All in all I am very pleased and will be excited to use this on my next snowboarding trip.

Clean it. 100%. Usually after every 20 sessions or so, however long that takes you; mostly a week for me.

If it is too hot to burn your lips, don't suck as hard. Friends have always said it's too hot, but they're trying to resuscitate the unit with their lips when they do that. As for how hot it gets itself. I'll agree it gets too hot in the summertime to hold, but this thing is a GREAT hand warmer come winter time... especially in Chiberia right now.

 

[SMODomite]

Clean it. 100%. Usually after every 20 sessions or so, however long that takes you; mostly a week for me.

If it is too hot to burn your lips, don't suck as hard. Friends have always said it's too hot, but they're trying to resuscitate the unit with their lips when they do that. As for how hot it gets itself. I'll agree it gets too hot in the summertime to hold, but this thing is a GREAT hand warmer come winter time... especially in Chiberia right now.

Thanks for the info, Yeah I wasn't trying to draw too hard on the unit, was using the "cigar" puffing method to hit it...But I can see this thing outdoors being a very nice hand warmer, itll come in handy on the slopes.

And as far as cleaning I was planning on it every 5 sessions or so, so good to know I may not have to be that crazy about cleaning it..Also, how long after a clean since you use alcohol wipes should you wait to use the Pax again? I usually give bowls at least 24 hours for the alcohol to evaporate off to be safe.

 

[Lo]

I have 3 Pax and a weekly cleaning ritual for them. I soak the mouthpieces and screens in a mason jar with Everclear for a few hours.

I take a paper towel and wet it with ISO. I wipe the bottom lid with that. I then roll a pipe cleaner throughly on the paper towel to wet it but not have it dripping. Then I push pipe cleaner through clearing the tube. Use paper towels and a pair of pointy hemostats to push the paper towel around in the chamber...fold, repeat a few times getting into corners, etc. For tough stains I break out a moistened magic eraser cut into a oven sized wedge (miracle cleaner for stubborn stains). Then I place the unit on charge. After I take mouthpiece/screen out of alcohol I use a dedicated toothbrush to brush them. I use a bit of magic eraser on the screen which makes them look brand new again...then I brush rinse WELL. Generally a few hours and everything is dry and ready to go. The ISO evaporates quickly since it isn't sopping wet when I'm done.

I keep extra mouthpieces and screens cleaned so I can just do a quick dry piper cleaner/swap pieces for a quick cleaning if needed.

 

[DubCRider]

Lol you might have a rip-off Pax. They look exactly the same as the real deal, only difference is the packaging. Where did you buy it?

I got it directly from a distributor, he had extras. It's the real deal and even came with a cleaning kit. It's a white box with a picture of a pax on it. I got a green one.

I know "party mode" with the 3-4 flips, are there other secret moves not mentioned in the instructions?

 

[MzVape]

I've used my pax now daily for over a year and a half and I absolutely love it. It is the only thing I use now. I do have some glass (found somewhere in this thread, I believe) that I sometimes use with it to switch it up a bit but primarily it's just the pax.

My power button sunk down into my unit last week so I sent it in. They just got it and Ploom has already sent me out a brand new one. Could not be happier with the customer service.

There was definately a learning curve for me but I feel it was more dependant on the kind of user I am and the effect I look for. I tilt the screen to leave a bit of room above the hole and fill 1/2 the oven and compress it, that lasts me almost all day. I can always stir or crank the temp and get more out of each load but I tend to save my abv and either make edibles or use it again.

You do need to keep the PAX very clean and your product has a big effect on how 'easy' or 'simple' a process that is. I clean it (mouthpiece, shaft, oven door, screen) very well about once a week, more if used more or shared. And about once a month I take the spring out and soak it.

I dont know of any other special mode besides "party mode" and really never use that either.

My throat and lungs will be happy to have it back!

 

[GraffiX]

@GraffiX,

How do you like your Pax case?

IMO,

1. It's just a sleeve with an open end.

2. It's too long and should of been shorter. Plus the opening is narrow. So it's hard to grab the Pax out with my fingers. So I'm forced to shake the case until the Pax reaches the end.

3. I new it was carpeting from the trunk of a car. But not from my VW I had 20 years ago.

4. I do like the leather embossed patches on both sides. One side says Pax the other side says Ploom. If the entire case was made out the same leather. With different color options. Would of made it much classier. Plus with a little internal Velcro closure or magnetic catch.

I'm not going to use it with my Pax. But will keep it for something else. Not sure what that is yet?

Heya brother Carlos!

Ive been meaning to post about the case, just got away from me, thanks for the review! I about pissed myself on point #3, that is EXACTLY it!!!!!

My first impression was about what yours is. Definitely not impressed for $20. BTW, those tabs aint leather either. Not even PU leather...hell, not even a good imitation. Very cheap vinyl. Would not buy another.

BUT! ... all that aside (and that's a LOT to put aside) there.are some good things about it which may or may not be to Ploom's credit by design.

- On the length issue, after forcing myself to use it for a while, it does appear to be the correct length, and heres why I think so: When the Pax is in the case, the top of the Pax comes to just below the tabs, with enough material that you can pinch the tabs flat together. I do this every time I put the Pax in the sleeve. Doing this "snugs" the Pax down into the sleeve. Ive noticed that it now prevents the Pax from just sliding out, even a moderate drop or toss (intentionally)into a comfy chair, it doesnt come out of the case.

- The tabs: if you break the sleeve in like I guess I did above, when you squeeze the sewn sides inward toward the tabs, the top opens into a squareish opening that, with a light single shake toward your awaiting hand, the Pax slides right out. This may be because Ive used the case.though and broke it in a bit.

- The shape: Nothing special, a folded rectangle of trunk lining from an economy rental car (). However, when you put the Pax in, the corners of the case expand, providing some pretty decent protection from a drop.

- Its lightweight, and lays flat when not in use

- It could be a real help for those using it skiing, snowboarding, or just out in the cold, as one could just push the Pax up enough to turn it on and hit from, using the case like an awesome insulation layer. I think that alone could be a good reason for the cold weather folks to consider it.

- The trunk lining material has some "grab" to it. Putting it in the pocket of a coat, jacket, or hoodie, it will stay put a lot better than many other cases, and definitely more than that slippery Pax.

So, that's my promised review and observations of the Ploom Pax case. My initial reaction was some disappointment, but after forcing myself to break it in a bit and use it for a few weeks, I've found that it has some unique benefits in its simplicity and choice of materials. I think for $20 they could have at least used real leather on the tabs, or passed on some savings to the customer. $10 -12 is a more appropriate price for what went into it. I do believe some of the benefits I pointed out are inadvertent and not by design....they just happen to be. At the end of the day, I like it for what it is, and for any sitch that I wanted to use a case without bringing along a more bulky (and protective) solution, I will use this one. I would not buy another one if I lost this one...quite unlike the Pax itself.

I got it directly from a distributor, he had extras. It's the real deal and even came with a cleaning kit. It's a white box with a picture of a pax on it. I got a green one.

I know "party mode" with the 3-4 flips, are there other secret moves not mentioned in the instructions?

Simon mode! a dozen or so flips, it flashes white at you 4-5 times, then gives you the first 3 colors in the sequence. lean away for blue, toward yourself for yellow, to the right for green, to the left for red. get it right, it flashes white, and adds one to the sequence. get it wrong, it flashes red at you and you try again.

I cant even Pax without playing a few rounds of Simon, its the greatest, most perfect timesuck ever conceived and implemented.into a.vaporizer.

 

[Shadowdjinni]

Thanks for the info, Yeah I wasn't trying to draw too hard on the unit, was using the "cigar" puffing method to hit it...But I can see this thing outdoors being a very nice hand warmer, itll come in handy on the slopes.

And as far as cleaning I was planning on it every 5 sessions or so, so good to know I may not have to be that crazy about cleaning it..Also, how long after a clean since you use alcohol wipes should you wait to use the Pax again? I usually give bowls at least 24 hours for the alcohol to evaporate off to be safe.

Personally, I never wait after alcohol usage. It burns off so quickly, even on low heat, that you won't notice any taste from it (if that's what you're worried about). With using the lube, however, I usually wait a day because that shit tastes absolutely ABYSMALLY DISGUSTING. Conversely, you can just do an empty burn session to get the taste out, but I find that boring to have to maintain it not sitting on idol; I hate party mode due to how quickly it burns the battery.

I have 3 Pax and a weekly cleaning ritual for them. I soak the mouthpieces and screens in a mason jar with Everclear for a few hours.

I take a paper towel and wet it with ISO. I wipe the bottom lid with that. I then roll a pipe cleaner throughly on the paper towel to wet it but not have it dripping. Then I push pipe cleaner through clearing the tube. Use paper towels and a pair of pointy hemostats to push the paper towel around in the chamber...fold, repeat a few times getting into corners, etc. For tough stains I break out a moistened magic eraser cut into a oven sized wedge (miracle cleaner for stubborn stains). Then I place the unit on charge. After I take mouthpiece/screen out of alcohol I use a dedicated toothbrush to brush them. I use a bit of magic eraser on the screen which makes them look brand new again...then I brush rinse WELL. Generally a few hours and everything is dry and ready to go. The ISO evaporates quickly since it isn't sopping wet when I'm done.

I keep extra mouthpieces and screens cleaned so I can just do a quick dry piper cleaner/swap pieces for a quick cleaning if needed.

Uhhhh why waste objectively good vodka with just cleaning?
Also, I would suggest adding either a dental pick or the filing part of a pair of nail clippers to get out the crusted vape-bits.
OH MY GOD PLEASE DON'T USE MAGIC ERASER! It has a cleaning solvent on it and is absolutely horrid to use on your unit. Get 0g, 00g, or 000g steel wool (personally, I use 00g). It won't scratch the unit, nor will you be ingesting those chemicals. I know you rinse it off, but just... please don't.

Simon mode! a dozen or so flips, it flashes white at you 4-5 times, then gives you the first 3 colors in the sequence. lean away for blue, toward yourself for yellow, to the right for green, to the left for red. get it right, it flashes white, and adds one to the sequence. get it wrong, it flashes red at you and you try again.

I cant even Pax without playing a few rounds of Simon, its the greatest, most perfect timesuck ever conceived and implemented.into a.vaporizer.

I think this is just with newer models, no? Because mine has a few cool lighting modes (I've gotten two different ones to work), but no simon says.

 

[2 Paces]

OH MY GOD PLEASE DON'T USE MAGIC ERASER! It has a cleaning solvent on it and is absolutely horrid to use on your unit. Get 0g, 00g, or 000g steel wool (personally, I use 00g). It won't scratch the unit, nor will you be ingesting those chemicals. I know you rinse it off, but just... please don't.

Citation please?

Not sure what chemical you are referring to, but magic erasers contain no cleaning solvent. They are melamine foam with no other chemical added.

There was a rumor that they contained formaldehyde, but that was debunked years ago:
http://www.snopes.com/medical/toxins/eraser.asp

 

[Lo]

Uhhhh why waste objectively good vodka with just cleaning?
Also, I would suggest adding either a dental pick or the filing part of a pair of nail clippers to get out the crusted vape-bits.
OH MY GOD PLEASE DON'T USE MAGIC ERASER! It has a cleaning solvent on it and is absolutely horrid to use on your unit. Get 0g, 00g, or 000g steel wool (personally, I use 00g). It won't scratch the unit, nor will you be ingesting those chemicals. I know you rinse it off, but just... please don't.

lolol.. I don't waste the Everclear/vodka - I turn it into a tincture and then into a hard candy which I give to cancer patients, chronic pain sufferers and the occasional recreational use My candy is highly sought after

I researched the magic erasers and found no cause for concern for infrequent use with brushing/rinsing. If you have some info we don't know about please link us. I don't use them in chamber often but it works so well. I was worried about scratches with steel wool so thank you for mentioning it doesn't scratch.

 

[Deadshort480]

I would also like to hear about the dangerous chemicals in Magic Erasers. Please provide a link to this information @Shadowdjinni?

 

[Mr.Krinkle]

You guys will love this case, it fits like a fucking glove. Its almost too snug, and its benchmade, so it wont rip. http://www.amazon.com/Benchmade-Knives-Small-Sheath-Black/dp/B001AGKLN4/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1392166737&sr=8-3&keywords=benchmade sheath Theres enough room for a extra lid at the bottom without being in any way, and theres a place for an extra screen.

 

[fogbank]

Bought a pax today, dont know why. But anyways, whats tha best way reduce load size and not get shitty draws?

I use 0000 steel wool. It can easily be formed to fill the empty space in the oven. You can use more or less depending on how much herbal material you're using. It keeps the metal surface of the oven lid clean. For me it really "amplifies" the vapor production. I theorize that the steel wool heats up along with the oven and helps to "surround" the herb with heat. I nearly stopped using the Pax before discovering this, as it seemed inconsistent in vapor production. Not anymore!