Discontinued Pinnacle Pro
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rshetts
Well-Known Member
Hey everybody. Im new in these here parts. Been lurking for awhile and decided to come out of the shadows and post. Anyway, I just wanted to give my impressions on the Pinnacle pro. After doing a lot of research, especially here at FC ( thanks for the awesome site!) I was down to the Solo and The Pro for my new portable vape. Since stealth was an important factor, I decided on the Pro. Im a medicinal user but have asthma. so I wanted to get totally away from combustion. I've had my Pro for just over a month now and I have to say, its exactly what I was looking for. Since I received my Pro ( a big shout out to FC again for directing me to the great e-bay deal on the Pro) I have not medicated through combustion once. I love this thing! Its convenient, very effective, easy to clean (big plus right there) and very portable. I havent had any of the mouthpiece issues Ive heard about but Im only vaping dry herb and havent heated the Pro beyond the 3rd level. My only real complaint regarding the Pro is the battery. I really wish it was replaceable. Having a non replaceable battery seems like planned obsolescence to me and I wish I werent looking at having to replace the entire unit simply because the battery has worn down. I hope thats an issue they address in future models because, frankly, theres no good reason to have a non replaceable battery in this thing. Anyway thats my only complaint. Outside of that, this thing rocks! Heres a pro tip for you. If youre on the road and want to charge the Pro, get an inexpensive power inverter for your car. You can get a basic one that will do the job for less than $20. One last thing. I also got the six bullet bowl holder and it is a great convenience. Since two bullets came with the Pro and you get 6 more with the holder I can have one in the Pro and 7 more pre-filled and ready to go. The holder actually holds 7 bullets. No messing around, just pull the spent bullet, put in a new pre filled and youre ready to go! I have a nice container for my spent bullets that also holds my ABV herb. I just clean the spent bullets and refill them when convenient and I pretty much always have a bowl ready to go at any given time. Anyway, if youre looking for a portable vape, the Pro is definitely a great choice.
SushiX
San d'Orian Royal Heir
Here's my damaged pong; despite the fact that I only use mine up to level 3 and my hand as a heatsink. Click the image for high-res.
Any update on how non-US claims will be handled? @TherealVaporblunt
Any update on how non-US claims will be handled? @TherealVaporblunt
BarnBoy
Reformed Combustor
Well the VB GonG arrived today. I got to play with it and have some initial comments and photos to share with you all. Let me say up front that this is an incredible upgrade for my melted mouth piece I previously posted. The taste is on par with my Adjust-A-Bowl cork-stopper modification. Now I have the dilemma of what GonG do I use for my clear PonG modification. The work by @GeekVape, @emmdeemo and others is very inspiring! I do want to use the PonG skirt to keep the GonG on the PNP more secure. Cork-Stopper is still good and VERY low maintenance. After a week+ of use, the thing still looks better than the buildup @emmdeemo shows… 
So back to the TRVB GonG, first step was an initial ISO cleaning. The piece fits nice and snug in my PNP. I found it was easier to insert by licking the silicon o-ring for a little lube. By the way, it came with one o-ring installed and one spare.
I got very excited and sparked up the PNP to setting 2, dropped a freshly ground bullet (just like coffee, best taste!), took a big initial draw and choked on a few bits of herb that came flying up from the bullet and past my tonsils. You folks that put cotton/hemp and screens on your bullets will not have this “Camel Bare-Butt” experience. So my first mod will be to cut a SS screen to fit inside the GonG like the Epic Adjust-A-Bowl. The TRVB GonG is shorter than the Epic thus a bit more stealth. This alone is why I may use it for my modified clear PonG. The modification is similar for either…
So now for photos and some comments from previous posts. I believe the confusion on the use of MP and GonG is because the TRVB is accepting both PonG and/or MP (any vintage, type, style; damaged or not!) for his GonG and the Engineering version PGonG when it is available. I don’t see how the Engineering PGonG could be ready for us yet, but TRVB surprised us with this rabbit out of his hat…
The picture below shows the invoice that came with the TRVB GonG (G.O.N.G.), a picture just after that first hit (left) and (right) post first bullet. Note all the particles inside, thus why I need to add a screen…
So my only objections:
* Probably not as stable as my Epic GonG mod, but can be handled by the stem when plugged into the PNP. But I found using it with the WT was not as stable and the frosted glass seemed to stick to the WT frosted interface. Thus be careful when using it with the WT as is!
* The lack of a screen I thought a bit silly. The TRVB GonG has a small restricting port but still too large for my coarse grind. I prefer the Epic GonG at this GonG to Bullet interface…
* I haven’t cleaned the Epic GonG and had to clean the restricting hole/bullet interface after the first use as it was pretty filthy.
More comments/testing to come…
Happy vapor-trails to you,
-BB
So back to the TRVB GonG, first step was an initial ISO cleaning. The piece fits nice and snug in my PNP. I found it was easier to insert by licking the silicon o-ring for a little lube. By the way, it came with one o-ring installed and one spare.
I got very excited and sparked up the PNP to setting 2, dropped a freshly ground bullet (just like coffee, best taste!), took a big initial draw and choked on a few bits of herb that came flying up from the bullet and past my tonsils. You folks that put cotton/hemp and screens on your bullets will not have this “Camel Bare-Butt” experience. So my first mod will be to cut a SS screen to fit inside the GonG like the Epic Adjust-A-Bowl. The TRVB GonG is shorter than the Epic thus a bit more stealth. This alone is why I may use it for my modified clear PonG. The modification is similar for either…
So now for photos and some comments from previous posts. I believe the confusion on the use of MP and GonG is because the TRVB is accepting both PonG and/or MP (any vintage, type, style; damaged or not!) for his GonG and the Engineering version PGonG when it is available. I don’t see how the Engineering PGonG could be ready for us yet, but TRVB surprised us with this rabbit out of his hat…
The picture below shows the invoice that came with the TRVB GonG (G.O.N.G.), a picture just after that first hit (left) and (right) post first bullet. Note all the particles inside, thus why I need to add a screen…
So my only objections:
* Probably not as stable as my Epic GonG mod, but can be handled by the stem when plugged into the PNP. But I found using it with the WT was not as stable and the frosted glass seemed to stick to the WT frosted interface. Thus be careful when using it with the WT as is!
* The lack of a screen I thought a bit silly. The TRVB GonG has a small restricting port but still too large for my coarse grind. I prefer the Epic GonG at this GonG to Bullet interface…
* I haven’t cleaned the Epic GonG and had to clean the restricting hole/bullet interface after the first use as it was pretty filthy.
More comments/testing to come…
Happy vapor-trails to you,
-BB
Krizzle
Hi Very high
@Gee_Grover I would stick with the Pnp and give it a go just dont use it upside down or for back to back high temp sessions as I dont think the plastic can handle it very well. The adjust-a-bowl glass piece took about a week to get here. I think its a similar solution to @TherealVaporblunt but his solution includes the o-ring where as the adjust a bowl you need to mcguyver the bastard a bit too fit it!
The glass mouth piece for flavor is amazing though I must admit. I have never used an Ascent but went through 3 of the original Da Vinci models which all died on me within days of using them due to heating/QC/LED issues. Just my opinion this but they are cheaply made in China...the PnP and Solo are made in USA and Canada respectively and it shows! Craftsmanship stands out on them both by miles from the DV. I would stick with your PnP or get one of the newer solo models. I have to admit Ive not used my solo since getting my Pinnacle.
@SushiX E-mail VB directly and they will sort you out. You will just need to pay the shipping costs.
The glass mouth piece for flavor is amazing though I must admit. I have never used an Ascent but went through 3 of the original Da Vinci models which all died on me within days of using them due to heating/QC/LED issues. Just my opinion this but they are cheaply made in China...the PnP and Solo are made in USA and Canada respectively and it shows! Craftsmanship stands out on them both by miles from the DV. I would stick with your PnP or get one of the newer solo models. I have to admit Ive not used my solo since getting my Pinnacle.
@SushiX E-mail VB directly and they will sort you out. You will just need to pay the shipping costs.
Last edited:
Reveen
Well-Known Member
I had one for about a week and a half before selling it. It was a total herb hog compared to the Pinnacle Pro.
cityslang
A taste on the tongue
Yes I had to pay 15 usd for uk postageHere's my damaged pong; despite the fact that I only use mine up to level 3 and my hand as a heatsink. Click the image for high-res.
Any update on how non-US claims will be handled? @TherealVaporblunt
Sativape
Well-Known Member
Well the VB GonG arrived today. I got to play with it and have some initial comments and photos to share with you all. Let me say up front that this is an incredible upgrade for my melted mouth piece I previously posted. The taste is on par with my Adjust-A-Bowl cork-stopper modification. Now I have the dilemma of what GonG do I use for my clear PonG modification. The work by @GeekVape, @emmdeemo and others is very inspiring! I do want to use the PonG skirt to keep the GonG on the PNP more secure. Cork-Stopper is still good and VERY low maintenance. After a week+ of use, the thing still looks better than the buildup @emmdeemo shows…
So back to the TRVB GonG, first step was an initial ISO cleaning. The piece fits nice and snug in my PNP. I found it was easier to insert by licking the silicon o-ring for a little lube. By the way, it came with one o-ring installed and one spare.
I got very excited and sparked up the PNP to setting 2, dropped a freshly ground bullet (just like coffee, best taste!), took a big initial draw and choked on a few bits of herb that came flying up from the bullet and past my tonsils. You folks that put cotton/hemp and screens on your bullets will not have this “Camel Bare-Butt” experience. So my first mod will be to cut a SS screen to fit inside the GonG like the Epic Adjust-A-Bowl. The TRVB GonG is shorter than the Epic thus a bit more stealth. This alone is why I may use it for my modified clear PonG. The modification is similar for either…
So now for photos and some comments from previous posts. I believe the confusion on the use of MP and GonG is because the TRVB is accepting both PonG and/or MP (any vintage, type, style; damaged or not!) for his GonG and the Engineering version PGonG when it is available. I don’t see how the Engineering PGonG could be ready for us yet, but TRVB surprised us with this rabbit out of his hat…
The picture below shows the invoice that came with the TRVB GonG (G.O.N.G.), a picture just after that first hit (left) and (right) post first bullet. Note all the particles inside, thus why I need to add a screen…
So my only objections:
* Probably not as stable as my Epic GonG mod, but can be handled by the stem when plugged into the PNP. But I found using it with the WT was not as stable and the frosted glass seemed to stick to the WT frosted interface. Thus be careful when using it with the WT as is!
* The lack of a screen I thought a bit silly. The TRVB GonG has a small restricting port but still too large for my coarse grind. I prefer the Epic GonG at this GonG to Bullet interface…
* I haven’t cleaned the Epic GonG and had to clean the restricting hole/bullet interface after the first use as it was pretty filthy.
More comments/testing to come…
Happy vapor-trails to you,
-BB
@ BB
Nice pics!
Can you drop a flat screen on top of the bullet between the TRVB glass gong?
I own the M1A and M1D... and I still find myself using the PNP more often.
I think the cleaner's "bin" was his house.
Welcome to FC.
MileHighLife posted a battery pack that can operate and charge the PNP.
BB and myself have come up with our own charging/operating solutions also.
A portable battery pack that can operate/charge your PNP will lengthen the life of your battery as you will not be pulling the power from it.
BarnBoy
Reformed Combustor
@Sativape I believe you can add a screen or cotton to the bullet just fine. I just don't want the hassle and enjoy the Epic GonG screen more than the TRVB one as of now...
I also agree with your battery statement. Keeping them fully charged is important to this battery technology. But I am now seeing the connector on the PNP and PNP charger getting pitted causing power errors. It doesn't error w/ the Proto1 Charger. I really do not think this power interface is rated well enough; 24AWG is not rated for 3 amps...
@Krizzle -the TRVB GonG is smaller and a bit more stealth...
More to come...
-BB
Gee_Grover
Active Member
So the parcel has arrived at my restaurant and I'll be going in the evening. The fact that I hear TRVP GonG still isn't as good of a solution which arguably the launch version should've been, its unstable with the WT as mentioned above. Even though the Ascent has a nice design and better battery life, I just can't see it being very efficient with the herb due to its bowl size. Some people seemed to have figured out ways of half packing bowls efficiently though, so looks like I have to be modding stuff either way. Whether its a mod to half pack a bowl or a mouth piece mod.
The kid in me just wants to ignore these negatives and have a look at the positives and just crack open that package as soon as I get to work. But I think thats just my impatience.
Do you think the Adjust-a-bowl solution is good enough to be a daily driver for a newbie like me who doesn't want to be fiddling around doing DIY mods? I won't be using the PnP on dry setting above 2 from what I've read here but what about with the water tool? Would you not use it at a higher temp?
The kid in me just wants to ignore these negatives and have a look at the positives and just crack open that package as soon as I get to work. But I think thats just my impatience.
Do you think the Adjust-a-bowl solution is good enough to be a daily driver for a newbie like me who doesn't want to be fiddling around doing DIY mods? I won't be using the PnP on dry setting above 2 from what I've read here but what about with the water tool? Would you not use it at a higher temp?
CarolKing
Singer of songs and a vapor connoisseur
I use the WT on level 3. I don't go above level 3 wet or dry. I do have a hairline slit at the top around the area where the mouthpiece attaches on 2 of my 3 units. This appeared a month or 6 weeks after I bought my units. They work fine with the slits and when the units heat up the slits expands because of the heat.
I was told from engineering at VB that this is caused by the high heat. I haven't heard very many FCers with that problem. Only a few have said that they have experienced the same issue. Like I said my units still work fine. I haven't heard if they have fixed the problem? Im repeating myself...... I'm sorry. I explained this a few posts ago.
Overall I really like this little vape, it's stealth and easy to use. it does a good job of medicating. that's why I bought 3. I didn't discover the problem with the area splitting around the top of my unit until after I bought all 3 Pnps.
Hard to decide. Im pretty weak, I would probably open it.!
I was told from engineering at VB that this is caused by the high heat. I haven't heard very many FCers with that problem. Only a few have said that they have experienced the same issue. Like I said my units still work fine. I haven't heard if they have fixed the problem? Im repeating myself...... I'm sorry. I explained this a few posts ago.
Overall I really like this little vape, it's stealth and easy to use. it does a good job of medicating. that's why I bought 3. I didn't discover the problem with the area splitting around the top of my unit until after I bought all 3 Pnps.
Hard to decide. Im pretty weak, I would probably open it.!
Gee_Grover
Active Member
Haha trust me I'm the same when it comes to self control. I hope I don't regret the breaking of this seal. So with all these mouth piece and slit issues, the unit still works? How many sessions do you use it for daily? Mine should only be 1 or 2 sessions on my working days(six days) and then probably go all out on my day off.
Gee_Grover
Active Member
So the Adjust-a-bowl GonG only has the issue of being very tight? I guess thats a good thing? as it wont fall out? I just want something that will be easy to use and not too much maintenance required(aside from cleaning of course) but not a fan of DIY. So if the Adjust-a-bowl does the job, I won't mind keeping the PnP and ordering one of the GonGs as a backup until TRVB sorts us in the UK out.
I have emailed @TherealVaporblunt regarding the replacement but no reply as off yet.
One hour till I get to work and I'm trying to delay going there as knowing me, I'll open the package straight away
lookhigh
FC member
@Lahey
Email to TRVB
Dear TRVB
I have posted two pinnacle MPs one from the PN PRO(chipped) and one from the PN OG as requested on FC forum.
In return i would like ONE glass Engineer PGONG and ONE TRVB GONG.
I either is not available you can wait until it’s available again to combine shipping.
Responce
They are both available.
I tried to get confirmation of this but NOTHING??.
Whoever is reading the Emails doesn't seem to read right trough the or just hasnt a clue as what is going on. Patiance is running out
Email to TRVB
Dear TRVB
I have posted two pinnacle MPs one from the PN PRO(chipped) and one from the PN OG as requested on FC forum.
In return i would like ONE glass Engineer PGONG and ONE TRVB GONG.
I either is not available you can wait until it’s available again to combine shipping.
Responce
They are both available.
I tried to get confirmation of this but NOTHING??.
Whoever is reading the Emails doesn't seem to read right trough the or just hasnt a clue as what is going on. Patiance is running out
063_XOBX
Ganjapreneur
Almost everyone here has used the PonG as a mouthpiece at least once. If it doesn't fit your PonG is defective.
BarnBoy
Reformed Combustor
FYI the Adjust-A-Bowl will need some kind of modification or adaptation to fit the PNP. See my example as well as @GeekVape and others for what we did to make it work for us. If you need a no mod needed GonG because you refuse a simple DIY project, then get the TRVB one or wait until the Engineering version is available. If @Engineering doesn't use an o-ring, it will leak and not perform as well as the TRVB GonG...
-BB
cityslang
A taste on the tongue
It leaves a bit of a gap at the bottom but I swapped to the mp half way through. Now the pong fits the same as the mp. Weird
The pong maybe the shape of it doesn't seem to let me draw as hard as the mp.
Gee_Grover
Active Member
I'll have a look. It's not that I refuse to do a a simple DIY project, it's that I shouldn't need to do anything after spending £190. So many people just accept it and think it's all part of the purchase when it shouldn't be. No modification should be needed after spending that much and that's the only way this vaping equipment will go mainstream.
Mister G
Deceptively Old Fart
Fundamentally in theory you may be right, but on the FC forum, members regularly hack things for stuff like the EVO, the Herbalizer and the Sublimator which are the most expensive vapes on the market. So in reality, this actually does not occur and many would say is necessary and acceptable. 
I've seen people buy a $100,000 car and do unimaginable modifications to it to suit them better. PnP works great out of the box for many users, but some still do the mods...
Plus, these mods often lead to innovation from the manufacturer themselves, so it is not a waste by any means, although I understand it seems like inconvenience to some.
Google "Eric von Hippel Lead User Research" - that is what is going on here.
I've seen people buy a $100,000 car and do unimaginable modifications to it to suit them better. PnP works great out of the box for many users, but some still do the mods...Plus, these mods often lead to innovation from the manufacturer themselves, so it is not a waste by any means, although I understand it seems like inconvenience to some.
Google "Eric von Hippel Lead User Research" - that is what is going on here.
063_XOBX
Ganjapreneur
I think the key difference being that the people who experiment with their $100k sports car are choosing to do so vs having to.
I'm still waiting for a tracking number for my replacement mouthpiece. I would expect it to take at least a week from the US.
Vapefiend has stated he will be stocking the new engineering PonG's when they are available.
I would open it, but use it with caution. Don't vape above setting 3, and don't use the unit upside down. Make sure you clean it regularly. Don't do back to back sessions, let it cool down in between. Follow these precautions and you should be ok.
The PNP has had it's issues, but it is still probably the best portable stealth vape you can get. Many people have commented that it medicates better than their desktop units!
BTW, the adjust-a-bowl solution is my daily driver, I have been using it exclusively for a week now. Very happy with it. It took a week to arrive in the UK. The only downside for me is that I don't believe it is stable enough to use the WT with it. Apparently the TRVB's solution has the same issue. If you are careful you can use the original PonG with the WT, or wait until the engineering PonG is available.
I have the same issue with my sole PNP. I have no backup, and there's no way I'm going back to combustion now, so I'm reluctant to send it in. I bought mine in January, so I guess they haven't solved this issue. I'm probably going to wait as long as I can, and send it back before the warranty expires. I may have another vape by then.
It sounds to me that VB are quite a small firm, and aren't really geared up to handle a "recall" situation like this. Also they have probably got their fingers in too many pies at the moment.
You lucky bugger! Looks good, I like the shorter length compared to the adjust-a-bowl GonG. How far down does the o-ring sit?