DISCLAIMER: I consulted on the development of the Lobo. I am biased towards it. You can believe the
facts I present, but take my
opinions about the Lobo with a grain of salt.
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If you haven't already, pay attention to the very rare BAKx drops. The only true vaporizer I know of that was made for the stuff.
When we start to think about the Lobo as a high calorie convection heater, some of the things you noticed make sense. When the vapor wanes, it's usually because all the vapor that is to be extracted at that temp has been pulled out. I have to raise the temp to get more vapor, not wait for the heater to recover. The vapor literally runs out before the Lobo gives in. That's probably why I prefer to temp step with the Lobo with only two temps that are at least 30 degrees apart. When I used three temps, the last two didn't stand out. Each was robbed of it's punch by the temp before it. But when I use 370ish and 410+, it a great tasting first temp and a big punch finishing temp.
Another thing...you mentioned that convection vapes build heat in the bowl as the hit goes longer, and the vapor should build not wane. You're right, until the Lobo. We worked hard to eliminate that heat over-run. I want the temp in the bowl to stay as close to the set temp as possible, not run out of control when someone takes a long rip on a bubbler. This was some of my most rewarding work on this vape that most won't even notice!
When I use 15 second draws, I get no more than 2 or 3 on a bowl. When I did my standard tests, I would get 6-8 hits per bowl. Btw, when I test a vape as a normal person, I aim for 5-second hits with a relaxed draw, with around 20 seconds between draws. I always use 390F as a baseline and adjust from there. (390 is somewhat arbitrary, but right down the middle. I've used this temp to test for over a decade now, so I stick to it and it's always an apples to apples comparison for me.)
It's beautiful!
I think you're nailing it. A bigger bowl was one of the top three priorities for this vape, and I was adamant the heater be improved for it. I think the Lobo heater can do even more. The vapor does get harsher the higher the temp goes, and that's the nature of high-calorie vapor. It's denser and stronger, and can send you into orbit. And that's the brilliance of the potv glass system. if you know you're style, you can grab the right one and be off to the races:
- The dimpled stem that comes with is great for long draws at around 380 and under. (this is all about me here, your temps might run hotter or cooler.) Above that I recommend shorter hits. The Lobo can deliver on sips, so give it a go.
- I don't use the bent stem. It's hotter than the others.
- Dimpled Globe stem - If you don't want to deal with water or a bubbler, get this one. I can use this one for longer draws above 400. It's considerably cooler than the dimpled stem.
- Straight or Curved Bubbler - water is a must if you want to crush bowls at the highest temps. and it does something even more to the hits, so I really recommend one of these. I prefer the curved bubbler.
- wpa - you know who you are! if you vape through glass at home, this should be your first pick.
Thanks all! I'll check back in soon.
Jerry