Okay, well, I made ONE decision:
I decided to keep the Vapor Genie!
Reasons I decided to keep it insead of returning it for a Launch Box:
1) A bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush.
2) I looked at the Launch Box photos and videos after reading about it, and just don't like the look of it, but more so I don't like the idea of the way the battery is used.
I don't like the way the battery has to be with it but does not remain inside it, connected. Why not a battery cover with an on/off switch? Oh well, that's just my
I'm sure there's a reason it is the way it is. I know some say it's "cool" looking and that's fine, but to me it just looks odd. "Not that there's anything wrong with that." :/
I think it's an ingenious design and probably appeals to many's inner nerd. And in a way it does to mine, too. But there's something about it that I don't find appealing.
I do like the fact that it works with electricity instead of a flame; that strikes me as the main thing "better" about it, at least looking at it "just on paper". That and its smaller size.
So, okay, I decided to keep the vapor genie. I read the instructions and decided to try it. I applied my piezo-type lighter to it intermittently and started sucking medium to light tokes, instead of one steady inhale. I began to taste a little something but could see no vapor coming out. So then I applied more flame and then I tasted the burnt herb. I opened it up and looked to confirm that I had burnt some. But there was a lot left and hardly any sign of vaporization.
So I stirred it around and went back to the drawing board. Screwed the top back on and got the lighter. Oh, this time I re-read the instructions and saw the part that said "it is important to inhale constantly".
So I did it again, and this time I got a very good inhale of vapor and it was very good. Nice hit!
I opened it up to look and now I saw my very first signs of vaporization! I popped my portable vapor cherry with the VG! :applause:
There was still probably half left (I only loaded a small amount, only maybe 1/20g or less). Some day I'll get out my gram scale and tell you guys how small my daily dose is. You'll be amazed and probably tell me I'm not really getting high!
Anyway, so I stirred what was left and went back for another hit. I actually got one more big and one more small hit out of it. So I got 4 hits or so and only one burnt popcorn hit - the first one.
I am sure I can master it to rarely if ever reach combustion.
It's a little bigger than I imagined it to be. I thought it would be about 2/3 this size. I see how the Launch Box is more discreet and more appealing if you want to risk using it at a concert or whatever. Even though I have a legal right to use it, I am still wary of dealing with law enforcement. I'd rather just not deal with that, so I try to be just as discreet as if it were illegal. I'm probably just a little too paranoid. I don't think the LE around here cares.
Anyway, as a former hash smoker, the VG pipe look and feel appeals to me and will probably be a good way for me to transition into using
something like the PD in the future.
Over all I am happy with the VG but I would sure have liked to have just bought a PD off the shelf at my local head shop, instead! With a 9 week wait I am going to investigate the above alternatives VERY closely and consider buying something I can get within a week or two, or off the shelf of a local dispensary or store.
So are the above the only vaporizers that meet my requirement to be very efficient with the herb, not having to load much at one time?
I know there are many others on the market so I'm surprised the recommendations seem to focus on only 2-3. What about Vapor Bros.? What about Silver Surfer or Da Buddha? Well, anyway, I'll be looking into these. I think I did read that the SS requires more herb to be loaded in, right?
Thanks to all for your comments and recommendations. I would definitely go for the PD if it weren't for the waiting issue. But as things are I have to look elsewhere.