Discontinued Pax Vaporizer by Ploom

[Doppelgott]

Hey Guys!

I just bought a 2012/2013 Pax and needed an Adapter for charging here in Germany. I (blind) bought this gem: http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B000WKG5YS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

It says max 250v. My Pax says 110 - 240v. Most people i asked said it wont be a problem charging the unit with this adapter. but im not sure and if my pax is damaged i dont think i can just give it someone to repair, since im in germany and theres no support here as far as i know.

Thank you very much guys!

 

[Delta3DStudios]

Greetings!

The short answer is you should be fine.

Moreover, if for whatever reason you still have doubts, simply don't connect the charger to the pax before you connect to power! If your charger is not compatible with your voltage, it would pop immediately, not while charging the Pax

 

[VegNVape]

Hey Guys!

I just bought a 2012/2013 Pax and needed an Adapter for charging here in Germany. I (blind) bought this gem: http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B000WKG5YS?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00

It says max 250v. My Pax says 110 - 240v. Most people i asked said it wont be a problem charging the unit with this adapter. but im not sure and if my pax is damaged i dont think i can just give it someone to repair, since im in germany and theres no support here as far as i know.

Thank you very much guys!

Hey man, as @Ratchett has already said - you should be fine.

The item you have listed appears to just be a travel adapter which as you have pointed out can handle devices up to 250v. Since the Pax charger uses a switching power supply adapter it can use either of the standard 110v or 240v power supplies. And since you are in Germany which runs 240v -

I think it's pretty much a physical adapter for socket compatibility anyway, so there's no clever stuff really going on inside there to get worried about.

But be safe. Do as Ratchett advised - plug it in without attaching your Pax, and if it doesn't blow up then cross your fingers & finally pop it on charge!

No but really, you'll be fiiiiiiiiiiiine

Good luck

 

[zor]

I'm terrible at these things, what do you guys suppose is a fair asking price for a lightly used Pax given the release of the Pax 2? I'd like to sell mine as I have no use for it anymore and have a few extra accessories (screens, oven lid, charger) too, but can't price the unit alone, much less the entire bundle of stuff.

 

[Delta3DStudios]

Honestly, I paid under $100 for my used Pax1. I personally think anything over $100 is unreasonable. But I have seen people ask anywhere from $120 up to $175 for a used pax1

 

[OregonStoner]

After two years of heavy usage, my Pax would not partially charge anymore. The team at Ploom had me send it in for an evaluation, and had a brand new unit to me in 1 week.

It was nice to receive a new unit with a fresh start of battery cycles. The only disappointing experience in receiving my new unit was that Ploom only offered Onyx/Black replacements and would not offer to exchange for a like unit I sent in (mine was Cobalt Blue). They had them in stock, but Ploom must have chose to limit replacements to just Onyx/Black

Customer service rating = 9

 

[Kalessin]

@Ratchett I was thinking about it, I'd really like it if there was some after-market attachment I could buy that would mimic the Pax 2's flat mouthpiece. I'd be super interested in that, I love the idea...I know you make a lot of interesting things, any thoughts?

 

[linux3214]

@Ratchett I'd really like it if there was some after-market attachment I could buy that would mimic the Pax 2's flat mouthpiece.

I second this!

 

[Delta3DStudios]

@Ratchett I was thinking about it, I'd really like it if there was some after-market attachment I could buy that would mimic the Pax 2's flat mouthpiece. I'd be super interested in that, I love the idea...I know you make a lot of interesting things, any thoughts?

I'd love to, sadly I don't have any food-safe 3D printable materials right now.

Moreover, it would require the modification of an existing mouthpiece for the part. It's possible, but probably not worth it lol

 

[Kalessin]

I'd love to, sadly I don't have any food-safe 3D printable materials right now.

Moreover, it would require the modification of an existing mouthpiece for the part. It's possible, but probably not worth it lol

That's what I was afraid of...I know you'd either have to incorporate, or somehow replace the metal part of the mouthpiece, which would definitely be a pain, I'm sure...

 

[Delta3DStudios]

That's what I was afraid of...I know you'd either have to incorporate, or somehow replace the metal part of the mouthpiece, which would definitely be a pain, I'm sure...

Really it comes down to vapor safe materials. However that's quickly changing. In another 5-10 years, I could easily 3D print the whole thing in one shot (or two parts you assemble)

Got a few ideas for some Pax1 accessories, but I've been extremely busy right now with some newer vapes. I promise I'll come up with some stuff for the P1 (better late than never!)

 

[Kalessin]

It'll probably be a good long while before I switch to a P2, if I ever do, so I will highly appreciate some attachments.

 

[Delta3DStudios]

What I want to know is does Pax really think they'll still be making the P1 in 5 years from now? What happens if someone files a warranty claim on a dead Pax 9 years from purchase date? Are they going to ship him a dusty old-stock P1? Or a new current-generation Pax?

Just food for thought

I hear ya @Kalessin gimme a few months, you'll see a slow trickle of accessories over the next month or two as I have more free time to work on my own 3D designs (been swamped with orders, don't have any free time on my printer to test new designs)

 

[Kalessin]

What I want to know is does Pax really think they'll still be making the P1 in 5 years from now? What happens if someone files a warranty claim on a dead Pax 9 years from purchase date? Are they going to ship him a dusty old-stock P1? Or a new current-generate Pax?

I would hope at very least in that case that they would give you some kind of significant discount on a current generation Pax.

 

[Delta3DStudios]

Just an FYI, by popular demand I'm now offering a vinyl cap which are the perfect size to cover both ends of the vape. Works great to trap the vape's odor when off.

http://delta3dstudios.com/pax-caps-pair/

 

[LastHitLeft]

I know I'm bumping a very old and vast thread, . . . And it seems this is a PAX review thread, but it also contains some tips and tricks to the screen issue.

So, in that is my review and why I'm here. I am a fan of this device. Although, the screen issue is a horrible design flaw. I struggled with this device, cleaning it meticulously - trying to find the "perfect screens", as the PAX rep. suggested. It just would rarely ever hit efficiently and with the screen sitting properly in the chamber. To make it even more confusing, the PAX website says only to clean the edges, use a pen cap to create that curved tension while placing the screen and not to BEND the screen. Wait, what? But it has to flex in the oven to hit optimally?

Here's my solution; I clean the screens and oven to get rid of the residue. I believe it makes the loads harsh if it builds up. I DON'T remove the residue from just the tiny spot where the indent is meant to catch the screen.

The second part of this involved taking a 100g mass and using it to straighten, and then give the screen it's perfect bend. Just by pressing the screen to the curve of the mass, I was able to work with the screen. I had a few other weights, but the 100g one just looked like it wouldn't bend it too much or too little. This is a "goldie-locks" type device when it comes to these screens.

I think PAX should just do this from the get go. If it's meant to be curved in the oven, then don't machine it to be straight. The "flex" variable of their screens has sent many toasty-hot materials all over my hand while stirring. I'd think for that reason the PAX 2 is designed differently. And also for that reason, I think they should upgrade PAX 1 owners to their non-flawed model.

Anyway, this has worked for multiple screens. Every load since hits hard, toasts thoroughly. The screen easily snaps back into place after cleaning. My screens are staying in there firm now, as well. A fuzzy stick from the mouth piece side is the sure bet to get it out. I'll also add that the smaller amount of residue you leave on the indent, the easier it is to lift the screen with a safety pin or whatnot from the oven top.

TL;DR? Maybe the internet isn't for you, . . .

Hope this helps and is on point.

 

[2 Paces]

I'd think for that reason the PAX 2 is designed differently.

I have a Pax 2. The screen is designed the same way. Flat screen curves when you insert it into the oven. I have heard that they switched to a screen with feet that is different, but the Pax 2 I got works exactly the same way as my original Pax. Both work well for me.

 

[LastHitLeft]

I have heard that they switched to a screen with feet that is different, but the Pax 2 I got works exactly the same way as my original Pax. Both work well for me.

The screen with feet is what I saw as an improvement. I also noticed larger cuts like the edges of the screen are serrated. IMO if they made the PAX 2 and didn't improve the screen, then they should close shop. BUT the PAX representative I spoke with most recently assured me I have a defective model. I understand things machined in China vary in quality.

/RANT
I hate to sound like a bad person, but it's fucking hard to solder and shape steel when the cigarette hanging from your lip is burning your eyes with smoke, . . . And you're elbow to elbow in a sweaty warehouse. That's just the world we live in. All our devices are made primarily in unregulated working conditions. Show me an American assembly line that can mass produce with a better defect rate.
/END RANT

PAX Customer Service is always on par and I expect a quick turn around. I'm willing to give another unit a chance. Especially if other users are saying they have never encountered this problem. But if you've ever put in a fresh screen and all looked well (it sat in there assuring you it was correctly placed) and then you turned it on just to have it pop out of place %100 percent of the time - then you know what I'm talking about. If that's never happened to you, then yes I want a new unit. Because that is every screen from any pack, purchased through PAX or a local vender who gets them from PAX. Curving the screen around the 100g mass works, but I'd rather use a working unit properly.

 

[JiggyJack]

I'm not sure exctally how to search for this problem ..SO I will just ask and hope someone can help. I've heard there is some kind of a spring or catch like that.. that can get stuck and make and make the unit think its still on...its never done this before but tonight..i removed the mouthpiece to charge (since it still wont stay shut 90% of the time.) and it would stay on.. i tried to set it on the charging dock and it stayed green... any ideas and if there is a catch is there an easy way to get it to release?

I think I've just discovered something no one has mentioned (at least no where I can find)...

My mouthpiece stopped staying down one day (100% of the time). It always had the problem of not always powering on right without using the lube but this was new.

Ploom sent me a replacement mouthpiece under warranty (thanks @Ojan_at_PAX @scott_dunlap) which works great and so far no lube needed.

I compared the two and discovered that the collar that moves up and down along the shaft of the metal pipe of the old mouthpiece hardly moved at all. The collar on the new mp had a range of travel of approximately 1/16 in. or 1.5 mm.

While fiddling with the old one I discovered that the metal shaft had been shoved up into the plastic part which left less room for the collar to move, probably during cleaning.

I gently pulled and twisted on the shaft and moved it down just enough to allow the collar to move about 1/16 in. Once again the old mp would stay down and the Pax would work.

I don't know if I broke some kind of seal that kept the shaft from moving or if it is designed to move or not, so you should be cautious before trying to move yours.

Hope this helps someone.

 

[bustedBracket]

I've had my Pax for a few months now, and with weekly cleaning I couldn't be happier with my Pax. However, when I take the mouthpiece out to change the temperature mid-session, I notice that the temperature button is not lit up, i.e. it stays on green (vs. showing current temperature) when I pop the mouthpiece out. I have 2 separate mouthpieces, one being the mouthpiece from the Pax unit itself and the second being a replacement mouthpiece from VapeWorld. I know this issue has been mentioned elsewhere but I'm not sure of a great solution. I cleaned with a damp Q-tip around the temp button and on the temp button, but the issue still exists. Thanks so much for your help!

 

[LastHitLeft]

I cleaned with a damp Q-tip around the temp button and on the temp button, but the issue still exists. Thanks so much for your help!

Have you ever cleaned with rubbing alcohol around there? Sources say not to do that and the rubbing alcohol wears down that contact switch.

 

[bustedBracket]

Have you ever cleaned with rubbing alcohol around there? Sources say not to do that and the rubbing alcohol wears down that contact switch.

I have never cleaned with rubbing alcohol there, only with warm water. I won't clean with alcoohol if others have said that is a bad idea, though the following comes from the Pax website:

"My temperature button is unresponsive.+
Buildup happens. The temperature button can sometimes get stuck when buildup accumulates.​

Try this:​

• Lightly dampen a Q-tip with warm water and swab the area around the temperature button, as well as the button itself. This will free up buildup and restore functionality.

• If this doesn't do the trick, you could also try using a very small amount of Isopropyl Alcohol in lieu of the warm water."

 

[LastHitLeft]

If this doesn't do the trick, you could also try using a very small amount of Isopropyl Alcohol in lieu of the warm water."

Yeah, diluting rubbing alcohol down to 10% should be a gentle enough cleaning solution in case you are worried about having to use it. Now that I think of it, one of the previous PAX units I owned did that to a non-severe degree. I just pushed the button until it became unstuck.

I also want to say that I received my replacement PAX. That's right, two defective models in a row. This is my 3rd one. I'm happy with this one. Not only is the screen so much easier to place and have it stay in place, but I think the temp settings are corrected too. This unit hits powerfully compared to that other one, even when I managed to wrestle the screen into a good spot in it. Really makes me wonder what the difference between the models are? Different manufacturing warehouses contracted to increase production, maybe?

The two previous defective units were BG and BC models in the serial number. This one is CJ and I'll say that it even feels different. They definitely tweaked a lot of things between my older defective models and this one. Kinda confirms that the PAX 1 units are mostly all BETA. Or at least, I would say that after spending $300 just to get defective models that I was forced to use for years before PAX finally said, oh shit, you're right, this device isn't supposed to be the biggest headache you ever had, send that defective one in. Not exactly the award winning service they'd have you believe and others would brag about.

Anyway, I'm sorry for my previous rant btw. Have a good one, everyone.

 

[skrap]

Did anyone have luck upgrading to

Did Pax let you work something out to trade the 1 for the 2? Just wondering because I was totally shut down on that idea.

They were unresponsive when i asked about this.
Has anyone had luck upgrading to a pax2 when they sent theirs in on warranty?

 

[Delta3DStudios]

Did anyone have luck upgrading to

They were unresponsive when i asked about this.
Has anyone had luck upgrading to a pax2 when they sent theirs in on warranty?

Most likely they still have plenty of old pax1 inventory to go through. And I can imagine sales of Pax1's have dropped considerably since the Pax2 came out.

From a business standpoint it wouldn't really make sense to let people upgrade/trade up to a Pax2 right now (do it for one person, suddenly everyone wants to trade their pax1 for a pax2). I mean they only released the Pax2 two months ago, they're probably selling a ton of them.

Give it a year or two, and then try to file a warranty claim, I'm sure there's a better chance they'd be willing to let you trade up at that time.