Portable vape for low-frequency / low-tolerance user?

[Don Quixote]

Hi folks, I'm a 50 yr old guy who has been mostly MJ-abstinent since the Berlin Wall fell, and since asthma began to rear its wheezy head. I'm looking for a vape that's well suited to use with small quantities of herb. I'm looking to use now and then, a hit or two, just to chill out a bit at the end of a long day after the kids are asleep. This would be my primary mode of use. I'm certainly open to using more on the occasional weekend, when I can get well and truly stoned with a few good friends. :-)

So my basic requirement in a vape is that it be able to work well (in terms of efficient extraction) with small quantities. If more than one vape meets that, other factors come into play, which I would summarize as "pleasure": in other words, whatever enhances the pleasure of the vaping experience (the taste, the materials, the rituals...).

I've done two weeks worth of research on FC (which is fantastic btw), but now my head is aswirl in a spaghetti soup of pros and cons, arguments and counter-arguments.

Given the above, the vapes that seem to be vying the hardest for my attention are:

• Firefly
• Lotus
• MFLB

On a second tier (because there seems to be mixed opinions on their suitability to small quantities):

• Solo
• Crafty (though I'm concerned about price as well as the technical issues that FC early adopters are reporting)

What do you all think? I'd love to be able to narrow this down. Even if you can help me cross a couple off my list that would be great. I've been extremely impressed by the quality and generosity of responses on FC, and will be grateful if I receive even a light sprinkling of them! Thank you.

 

[grokit]

These are all great choices imo. I haven't used an mflb or a solo, but they are very popular vaporizers that have stood the test of time and have large followings. I have had the pleasure of using the firefly, crafty and lotus and they are all awesome. All of these vapes are different though. The lotus and mflb definitely have rituals, as does the solo but these rituals are very different.

The crafty gets the nod for high-tech, just works kind of spiffyness. The firefly will give you great taste and monster rips, as will the lotus. I would say that these latter two are kind of a stick-shift manual vaporizing operation, although the ff does have automatic temperature regulation. The crafty is full auto, and lets you customize these automatic settings with a software application.

 

[McSheamus]

I think you should look at the Vapman also. Small bowl, though really efficient. You can hit it and leave it for days if you wish. Unique and well made design ( Swiss motherfuckin' quality). Very tiny!

Only disadvantage I would see is sharing with friends, i get around 6 hits of a bowl, sometimes alot more (no idea why, not strain related) or less. Maybe you find it enough...

Pretty strong little beast if you ask me.

 

[Don Quixote]

Thanks grokit. Among those three, which do you feel are better suited to using with a pinch of herb?

 

[max]

Crafty (though I'm concerned about price as well as the technical issues that FC early adopters are reporting)

I would never recommend such a high priced model to a new vaporist unless the person says price is not a concern.

MFLB

It's a nice, inexpensive model, but uses up the battery pretty quickly, and you have to use a fine grind for best performance. There's definitely a learning curve.

The Firefly is a good one but not cheap. The Solo is fine unless you want a walk around portable-not stealthy like a pocket vape.

I'm currently a fan of the Storm , which is an X-Max V2 modified to have an isolated vapor path. It'll do herb and concentrates and small but dense hits (depending on the load) are what it does best. 5 nicely spaced preset temps and a user replaceable (and affordable) battery make it a great deal, IMO, at $106 delivered. And should you not like it (or vaporizing), you're not out a lot of $. The battery is as easy to replace as a flashlight and IMO this is a huge plus for an inexpensive portable. Take a charged spare battery with you and you've doubled your vaping time.

I'm certainly open to using more on the occasional weekend, when I can get well and truly stoned with a few good friends.

Keep in mind that group vaping introduces problems you don't face with vaping alone. Others aren't used to your unit (or often vaporizing itself) and a small bowled vape doesn't pass around well.

 

[grokit]

Thanks grokit. Among those three, which do you feel are better suited to using with a pinch of herb?

The crafty has the biggest bowl and prefers a tight pack, so it's out for very small amounts. The lotus is a one-big-hitter for me, but as an old-timey combustor I seem to have huge lung capacity. The ff gives me one big rip and two smaller ones, or two big ones if my technique is spot on.

The ff and lotus are very different, the lotus is like the vapman where you need a torch lighter. If you don't mind this aspect, the reliability of a torch vape is better compared to a battery-operated unit in general. I have not had any issues with my crafty or firefly but I don't lean on them as daily drivers.

As far as the differences between a vapman and a lotus, the lotus seems to be better suited for mating with water tools, and the vapman may be a better bet for you if you're "across the pond".

 

[hi_there]

The ARizer Air with a upside down cone filter would be perfect - flip the cone the other way for bigger bowls. The Imag+ might work also, works nice with small or big amounts of herb, more stealthy but worse taste.

 

[RUDE BOY]

In this instance I gotta go with the solo. I'm not sure what others think is a small amount of herb but I don't see the solo stem really being giant at all, actually kind of small even. And you can vape half of a bowl, it works pretty much the same as a full one for me.

Another reason for an infrequent user that i see is that mine actually holds 80% a charge for weeks (which can't be said for any others i have) which makes it nice for a one or two bowls on a weekend kind of user since you can actually get away with charging only once or twice a month and always know you'll have a few sessions battery left even if you don't touch it for a week or two.

It's also so simple to use and share, Not much to go wrong with it.

 

[Don Quixote]

Thanks for the great input, everyone, this is super helpful.

I didn't even know about the Air, until this thread. So I went to a LHS yesterday and checked it out. I like the solid, quiet, minimalist design. Hmm, this might come down to a Solo vs Air sibling rivalry showdown....

 

[flotntoke]

Don't know about the air, but my solo uses more material than my vapman or MFLB. Sounds like you haven't been using much for quite some time, so either would probably be fine with just one small load. The solo does OK with smaller loads, but IME you have to keep hitting it (or turn it off) because of the way material sits in the chamber - always receiving some heat. It will cook a little in idle if it is on. Vapman & MFLB require you to give heat for each hit, so no heat when idle.

Flavor from either vapman or MFLB is also usually much better, if great taste is a concern. They are also both very small. MFLB and a battery is easy to keep in a pants pocket (about the size of a small box of wooden matches + batt). Vapman a bit more oddly shaped, but still very small. Either can easily be hidden in most adults' hands. They both can be very stealthy (except sound of butane jet with vapman). I've used my MFLB inside movie theaters and at sporting events (usually in smoking area) with no one noticing. Not that you would want to do this, but it can be that stealthy with a little practice. Both are pretty inexpensive as well.

Caveats with the vapman or MFLB are:

• Both work best with a fine grind, so you'll need a grinder (grinding better with solo and assume air, too).
• Both have a bit of a learning curve. Since small and relatively low powered you must control vapor production with your draw speed. Also, makes it a bit more difficult to share with friends who haven't used them before.
  
• Both hold very small loads, so if vaping with more than one friend can be time consuming.
  
• MFLB requires batteries and charger. Labels must be stripped from batts to function, so may want to keep that in mind. Bound to raise an eyebrow from kids and significant others. Batteries will get you through a couple loads at least on one charge when new.
• Vaspman requires a butane torch lighter. Doesn't have to be a huge one, but a bic or normal butane lighter won't cut it.

Not really anything wrong with the solo, or it's little sister the air from what I've read. They seem very similar other than size and cost. I still use my solo regularly when not plugging in for ease of use and producing larger clouds easier than with either the MFLB or vapman. But, if I were an occasional user like you, trying to stay efficient and use less material - and interested in great flavor like me - I'd go with one of these two.

Whether you choose one of these or something completely different, be sure to check out the Supporting Retailers thread. Some good vendors who give special discounts for FC members. I usually use puffitup, but have used some of the others, too. No complaints about any of them!

 

[Don Quixote]

Loving all the advice, good people, ¡mil gracias!

I actually like the idea of there being a bit of a learning curve with something like the MFLB. It adds an element of intimacy that appeals to me (I'm one of those people who still plays around with film photography and turntables...).

I will stay tuned for further missives....

 

[Godoka]

Is it OK if I "hijack" the thread a bit? I was just going to ask a similar question and seems more efficient to just ask in here.

Anyway, I am going to have really similar usage pattern to the OP, with mostly just wanting lightweight solo usage. I was more interested in electric vapes though. I was looking at the Arizer Air and the Firefly, but the X Max V2 looks like it might work also. I guess that, as a newbie, I am wondering why the Air costs so much more than the X Max when they seem to have very similar capabilities? I'm sure it comes down to quality, but what is the difference in owning and using two such vapes? Would I be able to appreciate the difference as a newbie?

Edit: Oh almost forgot . . . I am concerned about smell as well. My apartment isn't that big so I don't want to stink it up, haha. Also I imagine that out-and-about use (assuming I try that at some point, it does sound appealing) is more discreet with less smelly units.

 

[CarolKing]

@flotntoke I'm surprised you said the Solo uses a lot of product. For me I can get 2 ten minute sessions with my loaded stem. I used more with the MFLB and it had a battery that didn't last very long. With MFLB I didn't like having to insert the battery every time I wanted to take a draw. The Launch Box is a one or a 2 hitter type vape.

I vote for the Solo or the more svelte younger sister the Air. Both work really well with water tools if that spikes your interest. Both units have exceptional vapor taste. You may need to buy both. I would consider them session vapes. You can use a small amount of herb or a lot. Adjust your amount to fit your needs. If you wanted to take a few draws you can remove the stem/mouthpiece for later.

My suggestion would be to go with Puffitup for the best service and price. Shipping is always free to and from. Even if you have to ship back because of a faulty unit, it's free.

I'm always looking for the next new vaporizer, I seem to be into portables. I like something small, it kinda turned into a hobby of collecting them. Some vaporizers I don't use as often as others. It can run into money but it's cheaper than combusting and better for your health.

Welcome to Fuckcombustion @Don Quixote you've stumbled across a really great place with some very fine people who aren't just a bunch of stoners.

 

[hi_there]

I'm sure it comes down to quality

Pretty much, when you get into that level of quality the competition is fairly high priced as well. The Air really is a great product and I feel it was worth the money. Lots of options for water tools also. If you want something lower cost that has good vapor, decent taste and is really stealthy then try the Imag+ the regular price seems to be $99 - on sale any cheaper and you get a nice value. Personally I have both and it works out well. I am also going to grab a grasshopper if the reviews pan out in the next few months.

 

[Godoka]

I found a really nice code for the Air on Puffitup (IDK if I can post it? I found it on Reddit*) so I ended up going with that. So I will get my first vape in the mail this week! Crazy!

The ARizer Air with a upside down cone filter would be perfect - flip the cone the other way for bigger bowls. The Imag+ might work also, works nice with small or big amounts of herb, more stealthy but worse taste.

Can you write a bit more about this? I tried to find a "cone filter" for the Solo/Air and didn't see anything. I found dome filters, is that the same thing?

Edit: Oh I found these screens on eBay in another thread, are these the right ones?

*nvm it's just the code "AIR" which takes it down to $170, but I see it's been posted elsewhere on FC so it's fine. And here I thought I had stumbled onto some crazy secret, haha.

 

[Don Quixote]

@Godoka, you're not hijacking the thread at all. You're right on topic!

@CarolKing thanks for the welcome.

I smoked a deep hit off the pipe last night and decided that even more than a vaporizer I need to practice meditation. My thoughts run in a negative direction all too easily, and weed if anything can accentuate that (not always, but too often still). In a way I'm grateful to the herb for bringing that into focus. It's something I knew already, but the busy-ness of life, plus our own mental self-defense habits, can push it under the surface.

I did have a great time improvising at the piano, though ... :-)

 

[RUDE BOY]

I did have a great time improvising at the piano, though ... :-)

That sounds like meditation to me !!!

 

[flotntoke]

@flotntoke I'm surprised you said the Solo uses a lot of product. For me I can get 2 ten minute sessions with my loaded stem. I used more with the MFLB and it had a battery that didn't last very long. With MFLB I didn't like having to insert the battery every time I wanted to take a draw. The Launch Box is a one or a 2 hitter type vape.

I vote for the Solo or the more svelte younger sister the Air. Both work really well with water tools if that spikes your interest. Both units have exceptional vapor taste. You may need to buy both. I would consider them session vapes. You can use a small amount of herb or a lot. Adjust your amount to fit your needs. If you wanted to take a few draws you can remove the stem/mouthpiece for later.

My suggestion would be to go with Puffitup for the best service and price. Shipping is always free to and from. Even if you have to ship back because of a faulty unit, it's free.

I'm always looking for the next new vaporizer, I seem to be into portables. I like something small, it kinda turned into a hobby of collecting them. Some vaporizers I don't use as often as others. It can run into money but it's cheaper than combusting and better for your health.

Welcome to Fuckcombustion @Don Quixote you've stumbled across a really great place with some very fine people who aren't just a bunch of stoners.

How much you use is relative, as is so much else with this hobby. I currently use the nano daily, the solo a couple times a month, vapman about the same (mostly because I like playing with it! ) and the mflb on rare occasions (more in warmer weather or when traveling). The solo is the biggest hog of the 4, although it still uses much less than most desktops I'm familiar with. With a fresh batt I feel like I can get to same place on two MFLB trenches with one batt (easily enough juice/batt for 3 or 4 trenches), than I can with same amount in solo (prob about 1/2 full load). My trenches usually go 4 or 5 good hits for me. Vapman probably even a little more efficient than that, but definitely requires more practice/technique.

Nothing against the solo.... it is a nice starter vape that almost anyone can pick up and use right out of the box, but not a stash sipper IMO. Also the worst of the 4 on flavor - I think because of convection. There are definitely worse tasting vapes out there, but none of these other 3. And, somehow that 12 minute mark always finds me mid-hit! Still glad I got it and is nice for hikes and other outdoor activities if no one around. But, when weather warms and I don't need a coat (pockets!), it will stay at home while MFLB or vapman take it's place if by myself or with only one other person. Not really a big fan of it on water, either. But, think that's because nano has me so spoiled there.

 

[Enchantre]

@Godoka, you're not hijacking the thread at all. You're right on topic!

@CarolKing thanks for the welcome.

I smoked a deep hit off the pipe last night and decided that even more than a vaporizer I need to practice meditation. My thoughts run in a negative direction all too easily, and weed if anything can accentuate that (not always, but too often still). In a way I'm grateful to the herb for bringing that into focus. It's something I knew already, but the busy-ness of life, plus our own mental self-defense habits, can push it under the surface.

I did have a great time improvising at the piano, though ... :-)

Then I vote for the Vapman for you!

It forces mindfulness. It's very simple, exceptionally high quality, works amazing, ... but it needs to have a relationship with you. You will learn your herb in ways you never imagined... and the subtleties of applied heat, and of breath. Very mindful.

Namasté

 

[TNT_error]

+1 for vapman here

 

[Don Quixote]

That sounds very, very nice...

Feel torn between the Zen of the Vapman and the Science of the Arizers. Which is the better way to learn about optimal vaping: through "feel" or through precise temperature measurement? I wonder....

 

[hoptimum]

Which is the better way to learn about optimal vaping: through "feel" or through precise temperature

IMO, feel is the best indication of flavor. I try to inhale onto the tip of my tongue mostly and let that be my guide. Temperature alone can be deceiving, but there's no fooling your senses.

 

[flotntoke]

That sounds very, very nice...

Feel torn between the Zen of the Vapman and the Science of the Arizers. Which is the better way to learn about optimal vaping: through "feel" or through precise temperature measurement? I wonder....

Again... absolutely no experience with the Air, but going from supposition that it is essentially a mini solo with same power (or close). Either of those has stock heat settings. Solo has 7. For me (and I tend to like my vapor a bit lighter than some around here) 3 and below is not even worth messing with. 6 & 7 is pretty hot. Need it through water, but very seldom if dry. So, that leaves me with setting 4 or 5. Usually I go 4 and use 5 if trying to get a little more out of a load. Often feel like I'm wishing there was a 4.5! Being outside in cold (with cold solo, cold stash and cold glass) that may be 5 & 6 after a little warmup. But, in use that is really only 2 preset temps. You can adjust the heating just a bit with a faster or slower draw, but doesn't seem to be too much.

The MFLB and vapman force you to use draw to control heat (sometimes frustratingly so when first learning them). So, while your actual "heating" level is constant with MFLB (subject to dropping batt power), your draw controls the temp allowing you to easily adjust, and in turn alter taste and effects, almost instantly while you vape. The vapman is a little more involved, but gives a little more variation, because of the torch. Have only used one once, but Lotus is very similar.

So, the solo (and assume the air) will give you a little insight into "optimal vaping", as you put it. 2 useable settings doesn't really give too much, but you can get a bit of adjustment by drawing faster (cooler and lighter vapor) or drawing slower (warmer and thicker vapor). The MFLB uses draw to adjust temp the whole way through, so while probably a bit frustrating for first few loads or so, is a nice way to get a good "feel" for vaping. The vapman is going to do the same while adding the variable of a butane torch. You pretty much adjust the temp by keeping the flame on it a bit longer or less time. This adds another component of control, and more to the learning curve, but you can get nice light wispy hits, or heavy cough inducing ones. Downside is that neither it or MFLB is going to easily produce huge clouds of vapor.

Note, that none of these will give you a temp readout or anything similar. You could try to use an infrared thermometer, but not worth it IMO - and very difficult with MFLB & vapman. But, as you get used to either (or solo or air) you can usually get a feel for what is going on and adjust to your preference that session. As @hoptimum says above, warmth on tip of the tongue is a very good indicator.

One other thing to note on the MFLB if you haven't found it yourself, yet. There is a power adapter that can plug into A/C at home or a cig lighter in the car. Think they are still about $60 -70, You still need to adjust temp with your draw, but it gives a little bit of temp/power adjustment. If you go with MFLB, I'd suggest you try with supplied batts first - and if you really enjoy it pick up the PA later.

I usually hesitate to suggest the MFLB as a vape for some because of the learning curve and the fact that so many vapors are so anxious to chase big clouds, but sounds like in your case it may be the best choice. I have a few friends that really enjoyed mine on fishing trips and other outdoor excursions and have purchased their own (or actually had me purchase for them). FWIW they are all around 50 - 60 (as am I), don't indulge too much, love the fact it can be easily packed away and doesn't scream weed if given a glance in a toolbox or junk drawer. Only one of 4 I know I have influenced to get one has looked to step things up a bit and get a nano. And, her kids are now out of the house so she isn't as worried about the stealth factor.

Do love my vapman, too! It is a tricky little bugger, though. And, the chamber is very small. While learning it, just when you think you have it figured out, it is spent and you have to pretty much start over with a fresh load. It is a cool little piece though. I have to put my glasses on to really admire the craftsmanship, but it is unmistakably swiss looking. Those same friends all shy away from it, though. The butane jet can be a bit intimidating and hard to get the hang of. But if you're looking to play while you vape, it really is fun!

I think you'd be happy with any of what look like your narrowed down choices, but I think the MFLB or vapman will give the best "feel" for things.

 

[Don Quixote]

I think what makes me just a bit leery of the Launch Box and the Vapman, despite their tactile charms, is something I mentioned in my OP, but which even I myself sometimes forget: I'm prone to asthma as well as sinusitis. This is the primary reason I stopped smoking decades ago.

I've read some comments on FC about how the MFLB can combust the herb if you're not careful (and in the learning process). With the Vapman, I wonder about carbon emissions from the butane flame (not sure how well founded that concern is, mind you).

Ultimately I want to be as gentle on my lungs as possible, and as far as I can tell the Arizer vapes are likely to be cleaner than the "stick-shift" types. But if anyone thinks my impressions are wrong, I'm open to hearing about it.

 

[KidFated.]

The vapman is heated, and then you draw. No butane involved in the load at all. You head the bottom of the bowl, the bowl transfers the heat. Clean vapor.