Hello All,
First and foremost thanks to all (Vtac, Sticks, PV, PD, CV...) that have contributed their insight into my battery and/or ideal PD usage (cloud density) issues.
I thought I'd add my
after one week with the PD (I've got her working well, have taken her on the road, and have already taken her down the slopes--battery pack worked great except for disappointing moment on the lift when I realized the loose Vapol plug had come out of the jack. allowing the unit to cool
--oh yeah, and when it had to be recharged
)
My initial light clouds were mostly due to moisture issues
- 1 - I am used to other models in which the herbs don't have to be as dry or ground to a powder to work best because you leave the herbs warming in the chamber before beginning (Extreme, etc.) or where it just doesn't matter (De-verdamper, etc.).
- 2 - I had a group of friends using the unit in rapid succession with the assistance of a water tool
- 3 -I was in a garage that was pretty cold (if the unit was put down at all it was put on a cold table).
Tips for increased cloud density:
-1-Dry herbs well/grind herbs fine
-2-Pack chamber full but loose
-3-Draw Technique:
-My Findings-
--Airflow/heat-distribution is the most important factor
--When the stem is tilted to the side as much as it can, the draw is tighter , but seems to draw more heat. When the stem is in the center it gets slightly more airflow due to air flowing in between the male and female parts. If you pull the stem out of the heat exchanger slightly airflow increases and heat drops even more.
-My Approach (still being developed)-
--Dry herbs well; Grind herbs well; Fill the tip of the stem to the top but not tight (suck or pinch to fill); Press finger up to the stem tip and rotate back and forth to ensure even herb-distribution/airflow; Hold stem upright , turn the PD upside down, and place the female part of the PD heat exchanger over the tip of the stem; Pull the stem to the side to make it tight and rotate twice (using friction to evenly heat the stem tip), Turn PD horizontal, Draw three short draws with a chaser of air between each followed by a long slow draw that continues after the stem is removed. Only do the the draw/chase/draw/chase part if more interested in flavor than volume (I also sometimes move the stem in and out of the the heat exchanger to enhance flavors--it's the most action I have gotten all week
).
-4-Compensate for cold (I put a can cozy with a zipper oh her to keep her warm on the slopes, cup my hands arountd the top of the unit and the stem to hold heat, etc.--could have helped in the garage...)
-5- If using the PD in 'rapid-fire' and draw becomes light with the cozy on, cover the top of the unit with a hand hand and turn upside down for a few moments to rewarm (only necessary in extreme circumstances).
-6- Using additional tubing/tools changes the power of your suction (tools USUALLY increase power/tubing decreases it more with more length)
Related Thoughts:
- The PD fits nicely into many water/ice chambers and works well as a chillum (the chillum method allows user to use their hand as a billow to add air as desired--great for accentuating flavors and modulating heat)
- Stretching a piece of silicone or chemflour tubing over the tip of the mouthpiece allows for a tighter seal when using a water/ice tool or a chillum-style approach (folding the end if the silicone/chemfluor tubing over itself makes the tip fit nicely into ones hand, a downstem, or ones mouth--also helps for putting tubing over the mouth piece).
- Stretching a small (1/4") ring of the same tubing over the top of the copper cap makes it easier to remove from the unit (use needle nose pliers to help stretch the ring of tubing over the copper cap)
- Keeping the cozy on at all times slightly increases heat insulation and allows the user to control the heat more through draw technique (plus it protects her beautiful 'Cherry' body
*Thanks again Pammy
- The PD is (hands down) my favorite unit for vaporizing oily concentrates (aside from those dedicated solely to that use). So far my approach is to pre-warm the stem so the oils melt when you add them (feel free to let it melt past the screen-the SS tubing continues well past). Either draw slowly & carefully with the unit level (or at a good angle) while turning the stem
or play it safe and suck/pack in some herbs before drawing (after adding the oil).
- If I am using it in an environment in which I don't want others to see it (too many people to share or whatever reason...) I put it in a large plastic cup with a hole cut in the lower side for the plug (in the over-sized cup the straw looks like a wide Slushee drinking straw. The cup gets wider at the top where you can put pre-filled/spent stems--or use the space to tilt the unit instead of only tilting the cup). Also, it still fits in my cup-holder. The lid also fits over top without the stem in place and the cord can be run from the cup directly down your sleeve if necessary (if there were only a better battery pack available
)
On a funny note (for others
), I went to smell the unit in the ski lift (for some reason?), hit a bump and now have a red semi-circle on the tip of my nose
(only do this if you like to give your friends a story to laugh about
)
Well, I hope that was helpful to some.
Toke care and please safely enjoy the holidays and time spent with those you love (doing what you love).
Peace and Love!
- Progress -
PS: Everything stated above is only my personal insight, which is based upon my experiences and knowledge of topics discussed. Please use these comments (if at all) as 'some dude's' personal insight that may precipitate further investigation by others (please do report back).