Please help a vaping noob re: Eclipse Vape (and vaping in general)? A little stumped here

[ElFuzzard]

Hey everyone -

New to vaping and to this forum, but I've been cruising around here for the last couple days trying to get this thing figured out. I'm hoping someone here might be so kind as to help answer a couple questions -- or at least give me an idea of whether I'm headed in the right direction or not. I've done a lot of research on vaping, and I've pieced together quite a bit of info which has helped. But there are still a couple things I'm not quite getting -- please bear with me here...

For background, I'm a daily MMJ smoker (pipes) -- just now entering the world of vaping. I really want stop with combustion altogether for health reasons. So I just purchased an Eclipse Vape, and, as far as I can tell, I'm doing everything "correctly" as I've seen on YouTube and read about. But I still can't tell if I'm even vaping much... or at least, certainly not to the potential of this unit.

I know that dry herbs are not ideal for this unit, but it's all I've ever known and haven't dealt with oils or concentrates at all. So that's what I'm trying to run through the Eclipse.

1. It doesn't seem like I'm even getting any vapor, either collecting in the vial or when I exhale. Shouldn't I be able to clearly see some vapor? Only a couple times have I've seen anything resembling vapor - looked just like a little condensation near the top of the vial. Sometimes it feels "sort of" like I'm getting a hit, but I can't really see anything when I exhale. I've tried holding in hits and not holding in hits very long - same result. I'm not combusting it - I can tell that much -- as the herb turns from green to the typical shades of brown gradually. And, there's no cough for me at all. I've read all these people saying how it made or can make them cough really bad, etc., and I'm not getting that at all. There's nothing to cough at, it feels. So I'm wondering if the Eclipse Vape is just a lame device for someone trying out vaping without spending a ton at first.

2. I'm really surprised at how mild the high is. Is that normal for vaping? Actually makes me think that I'm not getting the full effect. It's almost like it's barely there, imho. I've read that some people feel they don't get as high. And I know that the high is different -- more clean, etc. But I almost feel like what I'm experiencing is even milder than that. There really isn't a substantial high for me. So that, along with #1, got me thinking that I must be missing something or not doing something right.

I've tried the unit 4 times now, and each time I get the same result (except for one hit where I actually did see a little vapor... out of maybe 25-30 hits). And I wasn't feeling anything that substantial even after taking like 5-8 hits in a shot. I mean, I felt the slight presence of the herb, but that was about it.
I've been following all the recommendations I've read (wherever possible); Grinding up the herb, paying attention to flame placement/proximity, drawing slowly, heating air above the plant matter first, etc. So I'm stumped.

I am thinking about picking up the MFLB. It looks like it's more along the lines of what I had in mind - in terms of creating some visible vapor. Is this a better portable choice for dry herbs given my experience so far? And could this maybe provide something closer to the experience I was after in the first place? Because this has been a bit of a let down so far.

Big thanks in advance for any enlightenment offered

 

[420democrat]

I think the problem is your vape I recently switched and took a week and a half t break. That helped alot, vaping high is based on temp, I.e in my indica if I vape green it's very mild and pleasant at Red though I get very stoned and it's way different then the same bud at higher temps. Most vapes I've used get plenty of visible vapor when you get the technique down

 

[KidFated.]

I agree with the vaporizer being the problem. You'd know if you were being medicated.

 

[RUDE BOY]

The Eclipse Vape works much better with oils then dry Bud, Its just a step up from using a homemade lightbulb vape for herbs.

There is a thread in the portable section of the forum for the Eclipse so you may get some insight there on obtaining better results. I do know you can get it to work with bud but it takes some work and practice.

Good luck to ya, Welcome to FC.

 

[Egzoset]

Salutations ElFuzzard,

...I'm a daily MMJ smoker (pipes)...

Hummm...

Well, if you're into pipes already then there's one you should certainly consider getting acquainted with.

...just purchased an Eclipse...

Mine is a modded VaporGenie Classic and that's my "Plan-B", still searching for "Plan-A" after a couple years (trying negative pressure bags, glass stems and fog conditioning)...

...the potential of this unit.

Since your title included a "general" dimension i'll pass on the Eclipse.

...haven't dealt with oils or concentrates at all.

Maybe you should.

...vaping without spending a ton at first.

My modded VG pipe as it is now can be built for less than a hundred cannuck bucks i believe, maybe thirty more if you must get some HA bag mouthpiece and teflon straw such as mine exactly.

It works both with a yellow or blue flame and there's nothing mild about that reconfiguration unless your lungs are really exhausted (some inhalation work is required) - in which case i'd recommend cannabic cooking... I don't like couch locks as this pushes my tolerance level up but i did experience my share of those while the pipe also provides access to aroma/taste appreciation IMO (just don't let the flame touch anything). Taste testing can be wastful!... Additionally, the ritual feels organic like that of a musical instrument, or the cutting tool of a wood sculptor: the vaporizer pipe becomes an extension of our body, we control the outcome through voluntary movements of our muscles, etc. In privileged moments it's as if i lick the trichromes with a devil tongue hot enough to strip them away, almost like old paint removal... Cloud density sensations emerging when timing and pressure are suitable makes me want it never ends, as that's a rewarding feeling - but not the only one! It turns out i've chosen to teach my body how to "recirculate" and i've been doing good progress, meaning i don't hold anymore: i continue to oxygenate myself instead. It even helps with gustative perceptions i would say. On the maintenance and reclaim side i find it hypnotic to stirr and replenish a bowl every 3 - 5 tokes, playing with ready-to-be-spent material and mixing with more frosty stuff has a charm of its own unless i'm in a hurry, which should never be the case in my veranda!

A bowl of 125 mg corresponds to more than i need to be intoxicated for 3 or 4 hours, with only 24 hours per day it could prove economic if i didn't also enjoy using the pipe, trying to perceive tasty sensations...

At 5 bowls it's starting to seem late and at 7 such abuse eventually leads to bed anyway.

...this has been a bit of a let down...

Maybe the Eclipse isn't that good with vegetal material after all, that's not what i'd have chosen for myself in any case.

But a VG pipe means you must depend on a suitable butane lighter and filtered butane fuel to match, etc... An MLFB practically typically requires that its owner carries around 2 batteries and a charger, i've heard. Etc., etc. Etcetera!

 

[hoptimum]

Hey everyone -

New to vaping and to this forum, but I've been cruising around here for the last couple days trying to get this thing figured out. I'm hoping someone here might be so kind as to help answer a couple questions -- or at least give me an idea of whether I'm headed in the right direction or not. I've done a lot of research on vaping, and I've pieced together quite a bit of info which has helped. But there are still a couple things I'm not quite getting -- please bear with me here...

For background, I'm a daily MMJ smoker (pipes) -- just now entering the world of vaping. I really want stop with combustion altogether for health reasons. So I just purchased an Eclipse Vape, and, as far as I can tell, I'm doing everything "correctly" as I've seen on YouTube and read about. But I still can't tell if I'm even vaping much... or at least, certainly not to the potential of this unit.

I know that dry herbs are not ideal for this unit, but it's all I've ever known and haven't dealt with oils or concentrates at all. So that's what I'm trying to run through the Eclipse.

1. It doesn't seem like I'm even getting any vapor, either collecting in the vial or when I exhale. Shouldn't I be able to clearly see some vapor? Only a couple times have I've seen anything resembling vapor - looked just like a little condensation near the top of the vial. Sometimes it feels "sort of" like I'm getting a hit, but I can't really see anything when I exhale. I've tried holding in hits and not holding in hits very long - same result. I'm not combusting it - I can tell that much -- as the herb turns from green to the typical shades of brown gradually. And, there's no cough for me at all. I've read all these people saying how it made or can make them cough really bad, etc., and I'm not getting that at all. There's nothing to cough at, it feels. So I'm wondering if the Eclipse Vape is just a lame device for someone trying out vaping without spending a ton at first.

2. I'm really surprised at how mild the high is. Is that normal for vaping? Actually makes me think that I'm not getting the full effect. It's almost like it's barely there, imho. I've read that some people feel they don't get as high. And I know that the high is different -- more clean, etc. But I almost feel like what I'm experiencing is even milder than that. There really isn't a substantial high for me. So that, along with #1, got me thinking that I must be missing something or not doing something right.

I've tried the unit 4 times now, and each time I get the same result (except for one hit where I actually did see a little vapor... out of maybe 25-30 hits). And I wasn't feeling anything that substantial even after taking like 5-8 hits in a shot. I mean, I felt the slight presence of the herb, but that was about it.
I've been following all the recommendations I've read (wherever possible); Grinding up the herb, paying attention to flame placement/proximity, drawing slowly, heating air above the plant matter first, etc. So I'm stumped.

I am thinking about picking up the MFLB. It looks like it's more along the lines of what I had in mind - in terms of creating some visible vapor. Is this a better portable choice for dry herbs given my experience so far? And could this maybe provide something closer to the experience I was after in the first place? Because this has been a bit of a let down so far.

Big thanks in advance for any enlightenment offered

I started with an Eclipse. Its just not a very good vaporizer, and almost impssible with dry herb.. The mflb is much better.

 

[ElFuzzard]

Thanks guys for the input. I really appreciate it. Some of it might have been a bit over my head at this point... for example, not really sure what it means to vape "Green" or vape "Red" (as 420democrat suggested).

But that aside, I think I'm getting the sense that I really haven't experienced the full meal deal yet, and it sounds like my Eclipse is basically a very poor unit for what I'm trying to accomplish. Probably wasn't the best starter choice for someone experimenting to see if he likes the vaping thing. I wish I'd done a bit more research before I'd picked it up. So I'll probably end up selling it on eBay or something and getting the MFLB next week instead.

I have read the model-specific threads on the Eclipse Vape (and the older model, VAAAPP), and there was indeed some helpful info in there. But even after implementing some of the suggestions there, the results were still poor.

I know I'd probably be better off getting something a little more high-end (Volcano, Silver Surfer, etc.) for the full experience, but I'm just not comfortable laying down that kind of cash just yet until I know more about what I'm doing. Plus, desktop models just don't really suit my hectic life right now (at least not for as much as I would need to use it), so I'd definitely like something a bit more portable to start.

Of course, I still welcome any other comments or recommendations

 

[paytonpenn]

You definitely don't need an expensive model to get medicated. There are a lot of good vapes available for under 120.

What is your specific reasonable price range and what environment are you going to be vaping in?

 

[OregonStoner]

Thanks guys for the input. I really appreciate it. Some of it might have been a bit over my head at this point... for example, not really sure what it means to vape "Green" or vape "Red" (as 420democrat suggested).

420democrat was referring to the different heat settings that the Indica vaporizer has. Here is a chart that explains the heat per color code. You adjust the heat by pressing a button on the unit.

I know one person that owns an Eclipse, but he only uses it for concentrates. I did notice that when he uses his Eclipse, he always uses a butane torch style lighter for heating. Are you using a mini torch or a bic style lighter?

 

[as]

You got Any kief in the bottom of your grinder?
I would think that would vape real well in that type of vape
I do fell you need a better vape for herb tho
I have a vapor genie and for a pipe user it would work very well

 

[ElFuzzard]

I did notice that when he uses his Eclipse, he always uses a butane torch style lighter for heating. Are you using a mini torch or a bic style lighter?

I've tried using both. I've used the standard lighter a bit more to avoid overheating. But same results regardless.

I understand about the color thing more now... thanks for that.

So the potency of the high can be affected by the temperature of the vape?

 

[paytonpenn]

A standard lighter shouldn't overheat it that easily, a torch is recommended. It will be quicker, but its conduction vaping and you have to wait then slowly inhale the light vapor that forms.

Though I recommend choosing a better herb vaporizer.

Yes, higher temperatures tend to give you more active effects or more noticeable high, the darker the ABV the higher you probably got.

 

[ElFuzzard]

A standard lighter shouldn't overheat it that easily, a torch is recommended. It will be quicker, but its conduction vaping and you have to wait then slowly inhale the light vapor that forms.

Though I recommend choosing a better herb vaporizer.

Yes, higher temperatures tend to give you more active effects or more noticeable high, the darker the ABV the higher you probably got.

No, I meant that I was afraid the torch would overheat it... I've heard a few stories about exploding glass - lol! (although I can't imagine I would let it get to that point... when I did use the torch, I kept it under 20 seconds, as per the manual).

Speaking of which, should I be able to see vapor collecting within that 20 seconds? I was having a hard time knowing how long to hold/move the flame under it (because I wasn't seeing any vapor). And when I hit it, I assume I should remove the torch/flame while I'm hitting it? Or should I be applying heat AS I'm hitting it too?

Also paytonpenn, my ideal price point is somewhere under $120, as you suggested is possible for a decent unit. I noticed the MFLB can be purchased on eBay for under $75, so I feel that's reasonable if it works well. I do realize there is a learning curve, and I'm prepared to accept that and put in the work. But I'm thinking maybe the Eclipse wasn't the right choice for me.

Which also brings me to my environment. I'm mostly around the house, and occasionally will go out in public. But even though I'm around the house most of the time, it's not always practical for me to slip away for 20-30 minutes for a vape session -- I'm always on the move tending to chores, my kid, my work, etc. So that's why the larger desktop units may not be a good choice at first, because I may only be able to get away to use it at night once everything has settled down for the day. But for that matter, I've noticed the Eclipse seems like a hell of a lot of work, and quite time-consuming for little return... would've been a whole lot quicker just to step outside for a quick hit or two out of a pipe. And that's what I don't want to do anymore: combust. I've considered also getting a vape pen for increased stealthiness (which I need - yes even just around the house), but it seems like most of them end up combusting herbs, which obviously defeats the purpose. (at least, that's what I've read)

That said, I may consider trying oils/concentrates thru the Eclipse before I sell it. I don't know anything about them, or even if the sativa/indica-relative effects translate over to oils (or if the high is different, much like it can be with edibles). Might be a nice adventure, particularly if they work well with the Eclipse.

Interesting to know about the temp affecting the high... although in this case, I can say there really wasn't much of a high to feel - even when I got into the darker ABV (although I didn't let it get too dark before I gave up - lol!). Hence my post and confusion.

Ultimately, I'd like to have a unit that is relatively simple to use, won't take up a ton of time when I need to use it (once I've mastered the learning curve, that is), and one that can be concealed fairly easily.

 

[Grim Chiclets]

VaporGenie, or Lotus if you can conceal the torch with it- They seem to be the best portables for the money, generally.

 

[ElFuzzard]

VaporGenie, or Lotus if you can conceal the torch with it- They seem to be the best portables for the money, generally.

Thank you. I think I'm going to move away from anything lighter- or torch-based for my next purchase. It seems like it's more hassle than it's worth

 

[paytonpenn]

I suggest the Firewood, I've owned the first and currently have the second, it has a quick heat up and works well, learning curve isn't that bad either.

 

[walrus]

Thank you. I think I'm going to move away from anything lighter- or torch-based for my next purchase. It seems like it's more hassle than it's worth

Not all torch based vapes are created equal. The Lotus does have a learning curve, but its no worse than the curve for the MFLB IMO. Once you get over that slight learning hump, the Lotus is a beast. It offers portability (but not stealth) and can adapt to any water piece. Even works well with larger pieces that many vapes struggle to milk. Versatile, in that you can get lower temp flavor filled hits as well. Good luck with whatever vape you choose, but don't overlook the lotus because of the torch.