Silver Surfer Vaporizer

[upriver]

Is buying this instead of the buddha worth it if you aint in for the design at all?

I went with the SSV because I prefer US made items. I was disappointed to learn that the SSV is actually also partly made in China, but "less so". As I understood it, the eating element is made in China but the rest is assembled in the US. So there are macroeconomic/politcal reasons to choose it over the DBV, but if you don't care about those things, go with the DBV. All reports indicate that they function identically, or at least similarly satisfactorily.

One question; do you guys think it's ok to leave it on at the sweet spot all day -let's say for 12 hours straight every day- or is it better to turn it off in between bowls?

If I recall, the device uses about 55 watts on max. Thats a fair bit. It is probably not a fire hazard if you keep it in a reasonable place, but thats the same as leaving a lightbulb on (a CFL if you turn it down halfway). I try to turn mine off after each session since it only takes a minute to warm up again, but it wouldn't be a huge deal if you left it on. If you want to keep the knob at its preset position, conside a power strip that you turn on and off with usage.

If you are in a hurry, turning the device to max for a minute and then turning it back down to your desired setting works almost as good as the 15 minute warmup. Of course, my own solution in these impatient situations is to reach for the MFLB instead

 

[max]

As I understood it, the eating element is made in China but the rest is assembled in the US.

Both vapes use the same heating element. The DBV is mostly assembled in China, with the US factory completing final assembly and inspection before shipping to customers.

If I recall, the device uses about 55 watts on max.

"They only use 25.25 watts full blast." That's a quote from 7th Floor's owner, and it refers to both the DBV and SSV.

do you guys think it's ok to leave it on at the sweet spot all day -let's say for 12 hours straight every day- or is it better to turn it off in between bowls?

They've had units running non stop for years at the factory.

 

[RGNSUP]

im currently on a severe tolerance break but wish to update my ssv while im cleansing myself to actually get high again. kind of as my reward. (been a rough few weeks of blowing through way too much weed with little to no affect, but that is not the point.) im on day 3 now of no weed and all is going well.

i have the GG surfer which is great in its own right but i stir after each hit and pretty much never take my hand off the wand while im hitting it. it has a good connection and shouldnt slip but my tubing is really kinked and if i turn slightly without holding it the tubing could twist it and make it fall out.

so i figured id buy a standard HC and wand and give that a try since i dont really benefit from the GG. also i like how small the hole is that the hot air comes out of with the standard, seems i would have more control and be able to vape more effectively.

does anyone know if 7th floor sells heat covers, wands, and knobs in some kind of bulk pack thats all matched colors?

my knob is quite dull looking and if i could have my knob, heat cover, and wand all the same colors/style that would be cool.

also does anyone have any experience painting the shell? i have the normal silver shell with the black metal base. im going to probably switch out the base to something nicer and i know the shell isnt switchable. i have a friend of mine in art school and he drew up a really awesome rasta colored psychedelic pattern. really have to be seen to be believed. i was thinking he could maybe paint it on my surfer or use his set of sharpies and draw it on.

someone let me know please.

not only will it be like im using weed for the first time after my tolerance break but its gonna be like a brand new vape. its going to be heaven.

Ahh, glad I still frequent this thread. I have the same silver/black SSV but Standard wand. Keep meaning to buy the GG wand/cover because I'm sure it would work much better with my bong attachment. Speaking of art and painting it.. I was going to put stickers on it until one night I was using it and came up with the great idea of, I will get my cousin really high and he can draw on it. So I basically told him I wanted a wave and it to be colorful and so he just started doing it. He didn't have any picture or stencil... this is what he created:

And this is my current setup:

 

[upriver]

Gorgeous work! I really like it. What kind of paint or paint-pen was used? Looks like it adheres well and has a nice smooth finish!

 

[RGNSUP]

Gorgeous work! I really like it. What kind of paint or paint-pen was used? Looks like it adheres well and has a nice smooth finish!

Took him about 5 hours total. He used Sharpie and Prisma Color. It is still on there really good and see no signs of fading. I was thinking about getting some kind of clear coat for it but never got around to it.

 

[OhTheAgony]

Upriver:

It's a 30W element, but I think the first models had a 50 Watt heater. Not sure about that though, I hadn't even heard of the Silver Surfer until I got here researching cheaper vapes.

Also not sure about the 15 min. warm up time you mention. You have to put it on high for 20 minutes the first time you heat it up to burn of nasties that might got on there during production. I noticed l a chemical smell coming off it the first ten minutes I had mine on or so. But other then that it heats up real fast, doesn't take 15 minutes at all. I'd say it's good to go in 2 minutes.

And I like my pre-smoking vaping rituals, so I'm never in a rush


Max: That's reassuring. In hind side I probably already read that somewhere, but I read so many vape reviews and threads the last few weeks, must have mixed up a few of them in my head.


RGNSUP:

Love the looks of your one of a kind SSV, do tell your cousin to drop by if he's ever in the vacinity please


First ride/night on the SSV was a blast.

That first bowl didn't hit me that heard, so I decided to go for the one gram challenge to celebrate the arrival of my SSV. I think I made it to 0.7 gram before I passed out, lol

 

[sunsett70]

They've had units running non stop for years at the factory.

based on feedback, the dbv and ssv are supposed to be tough and i've read comments in this forum about the 'unit' left on for years. but is this some urban legend or what? not dissing you max, but a lot of times the statement gets repeated and after awhile it's 'they got a unit left on for years' becomes the factual truth, when maybe it's just a repeat of comments. has anyone actually seen the particular 'left on for a few years' unit/units at the 7th floor factory? how do we know the unit hasn't conked out and then repaired?

 

[Vapetologist]

has anyone actually seen the particular 'left on for a few years' unit/units at the 7th floor factory? how do we know the unit hasn't conked out and then repaired?

I have most definitely seen the vapes that have been on for years at 7th Floor, but I work here. However, we invite you to visit our factory to see for yourself if your ever in Colorado Springs! If your interested, feel feel to contact me.

 

[max]

They've had units running non stop for years at the factory.

based on feedback, the dbv and ssv are supposed to be tough and i've read comments in this forum about the 'unit' left on for years. but is this some urban legend or what? not dissing you max, but a lot of times the statement gets repeated and after awhile it's 'they got a unit left on for years' becomes the factual truth, when maybe it's just a repeat of comments. has anyone actually seen the particular 'left on for a few years' unit/units at the 7th floor factory? how do we know the unit hasn't conked out and then repaired?

If you're worried about the life span of ceramic heating elements in good, brand name vapes, then you can stop. Quite a few models have lifetime warranties on the heating elements. Manufacturers of box vapes switched to ceramic elements years ago, mostly because of the long term reliability. As for verifying the non stop 'on status' of units at 7th Floor, that probably can't be done, but if the elements weren't long lasting, and people were having to get them replaced, what would be the point of advertising that they'd been running units for years?

 

[toxicc]

I've personally left my DBV heating for over 24 hours at least 10 times and haven't noticed any change in the operability of my unit.

 

[sunsett70]

I have most definitely seen the vapes that have been on for years at 7th Floor, but I work here. However, we invite you to visit our factory to see for yourself if your ever in Colorado Springs! If your interested, feel feel to contact me.

thanks for offer but i was just wondering about the 'urban legend' angle anyway, most folks seem to have no trouble with the ssv/dbv.

 

[sirprancelot]

Hi all,

Just joined the forums. Been lurking on and off when making decisions over new vaporiser purchases recently since I decided to quit smoking again. I currently own a volcano (10years old!), a magic launch box, and an iolite as well as recently I purchased a silver surfer (about 1.5monthes ago). The reason for me posting? I fucking love my silver surfer. It really has helped me quit smoking again.

My review on it vs my volcano for anyone at all interested (this thread is massive!):

Silver Surfer Build Quality - I have the black one with a purple knob. It looks bad ass however the build is all v hand made. Quality made but the main heat element isn't quite straight and the base is a little wobbly (not about to fall off it just could have been screwed tighter) plus the knob when cranked up looks a littly wonky. I mention these minor criticisms becauses despite them... it's built like a tank. Comes in a lovely case. The glass is beautiful and the handmade nature of it is v appealing... I kinda like the imperfections. The Volcano is precision built and looks like a kitchen appliance.. quite attractive but I think the award goes to SS for which one I prefer the look of. Also, it's when it comes to performance SS steps up a gear. If I was to have any other thing to mention on build quality I would just comment that the optional accessory for holding the wand in place seems not to work well for me. I bought one and would not recommend to anyone. Was easier in the end to use without!

Silver Surfer Performance - Two words: It rocks! Compared to the volcano the vapor is far fresher. It's much more convenient taking pulls as and when you want to of fresh vapor rather than overfilling bags of vapor which generally you are inclined to polish off even when you don't want the excess. There's also something very very goddamn dry about those volcano bags. I had to quit using the volcano when I tried going 100% for period of 1month volcano many years ago.. it gave me a v sore throat and I'm convinced it was responsible for giving me a permanently upset stomach that eventually made me stop vaporising and took me ages to get rid off. Maybe I am just sensitive but if that's the case maybe there are other people suffering ills from the volcano style vaporiser too. If so read on because the reason for me mentioning all this is because with the Silver Surfer and whip style vapes I seem to be suffering none of the issues I had with bag types vapes. The volcano is more expensive than SS but my experience is way better with SS! So much for the volcano being the best vape out there. It's a great party piece filling bags but as a one man daily device I don't think it's the best though it is plug and play to use. Whip style vapes may take some learning but now that I have sussed it... I'm loving it. Clouds of vapour every time and able to use quite a lot less pot than i used with the volcano, which even to just cover the volcano screen lightly required quite a lot of dope. I'm hooked on SS. I should have tried a whip style vape a long time ago. The silver surfer performs AMAZINGLY. It's been a seriously good friend. One I can not see myself living without. 10/10.

CONCLUSION:

THe silver surfer is a seriously good vaporizer. Pretty much everyone reading this thread knows that or has heard that. I think the SS is worth the extra money over the da buddha unless money is tight.. the accessories are v nice that only come with the SS and as a hash consumer myself having the element pointing down makes the SS a much better vaporiser for smoking hash as it's impossible to leak oil/gunk into the element. Total price for black version SS is still way under the cost of a volcano new as well as to replace parts on volcano can cost you nearly half as much as SS or more even for the most simple things. That was part of the reason for me wanting to try a new vaporizer in the first place. Giving vaporizing one last shot to be my 100% method of ingestion. FYI i also bought myself a beautiful looking water cooler/moisturizer addon with sherlock holmes glass piece. I'm v proud of my SS setup. If it ever breaks, I'll replace straight away. It's that good. It looks great. The only thing not to like is it does make me look like I'm smoking a crack pipe or something to some of my friends. Other than that though... it's pretty damn flawless. 10/10. If you're thinking of buying one get one. No regrets. Just buckle in and prepare for a small learning curve. You may not blow clouds straight away. But with adjusting how hard you breath and temperature settings... you'll get hte knack. Finally... Thankyou 7th Floor for a truly stunning vape that help me quit smoking!

 

[albe]

nice review sirprancelot, can agree with all that having also gone from the cano to SSV about a year ago. And now that i'm back with the bag fill with my ssv at 7th floor for some (under warranty) repair.

Using much more weed now though have managed to make up some small bags to try and get close to the whip vapes for efficiency. Looking forward to my purple and black ssv to make its way home thats for sure. Glad to have a back up vape or two for times like these.

 

[CC75]

Hey guys, killer site. I've been lurking for quite some time. I bought my first vape the MFLB in the summer, and then needed to order 4 more for friends. Now I'm 4 weeks into my love affair with my SSV and again I'll be ordering more for friends that have tried it and decided it was too great not to get one. I bought mine from 7th Floor on Ebay, it was a blemished unit. There is a very faint scratch on the front of it near the temp know, no big deal to me. It is the new spherical ground glass, and since it's the only style I've tried I can't compare it to the other styles. I can say that I find it really easy to use and never wish I had the hands free attachment.

Anyway, I've been almost strictly using it with a 12" GEAR bong with the GG attachment to filter the water. I'd like something a little smaller for a daily driver I think and I've been looking on Etsy, ALT, etc. and haven't really been able to decide on any particular piece. Has anyone tried any of the "water filters" from 7th floor? Prices aren't bad and I'm thinking about one since I haven't been able to get my hands on an SG mini stemline bent neck.

 

[Nycdeisel]

I really never liked 7th Floors line of water and ice coolers, but thats just my opinion.

Sounds like you got a good deal man, I have a 7 1/2" SSFG travel tube(see my avatar <<<) that I prefer for vapor bonging, its small and simple, I have had it for a while and it is well made for sure. mine was 60 shipped with a showerhead downstem.

 

[AGBeer]

+1 to not using the handsfree attachment.

I have the original HC style and I think the only time my HFA was used was when I first got it. As far as finding a nice (small) tube to use, have you looked at Aqualabs? They have QUITE the selection there and Im sure you would be able to find exactly what you are looking for.

Running my SSV thru my HVY Mini is the way to go man... Hells to the yeah.

And as for you Albe -

Using much more weed now though have managed to make up some small bags to try and get close to the whip vapes for efficiency.

That is sig worthy

 

[CC75]

I've got a couple of SSFG showerheads for my GEAR on the way right now. I'm interested to see the difference between the SH and my slit diffuser that came with the bong.

I've been checking ALT and ETSY quite often. I might pick up a bub like Pappy just got from Rastafarian on ETSY. I'll check out the HVY mini, thanks for the heads up. I think this one could fit the bill too. http://aqualabtechnologies.com/scie...rtigo-fixed-4-slit-showerhead-vapor-tube.html

 

[wilf789]

My temperature knob is broken I think :/

I can just spin it around and around on the dial, and although the dial underneath does move, it's not in perfect harmony with the glass knob making it impossible to tell what hour the dial is really at.

Took off the knob with a view to just buying another one from the SSV website. Can you literally just slip the new knob on and go from there?

I'm just worried the new one would suffer the same as my current one, unless the reason it's broken is that the insides of the knob have just eroded away or something? Feels like they're stuck to the dial with light glue or just a tight fit.
The dial itself has a groove down the middle; couldn't the knobs be made to slip into this groove in order to provide a more sturdy connection?

 

[RGNSUP]

I've got a couple of SSFG showerheads for my GEAR on the way right now. I'm interested to see the difference between the SH and my slit diffuser that came with the bong.

I've been checking ALT and ETSY quite often. I might pick up a bub like Pappy just got from Rastafarian on ETSY. I'll check out the HVY mini, thanks for the heads up. I think this one could fit the bill too. http://aqualabtechnologies.com/scie...rtigo-fixed-4-slit-showerhead-vapor-tube.html

Interested in seeing how each turn out. Keep us posted. My daily drive tube is posted above with my SSV. I love it but have been wanting a bubbler for a while now. The Luke Wilson ones are just so nice.

 

[albe]

My temperature knob is broken I think :/

I can just spin it around and around on the dial, and although the dial underneath does move, it's not in perfect harmony with the glass knob making it impossible to tell what hour the dial is really at.

Took off the knob with a view to just buying another one from the SSV website. Can you literally just slip the new knob on and go from there?

I'm just worried the new one would suffer the same as my current one, unless the reason it's broken is that the insides of the knob have just eroded away or something? Feels like they're stuck to the dial with light glue or just a tight fit.
The dial itself has a groove down the middle; couldn't the knobs be made to slip into this groove in order to provide a more sturdy connection?

the knob stopped clicking on mine too.... was getting dicey for a bit but i found if i turned it fully on each time (for 2 mins then back to half) rather than to half way that helped for a while.

but alas that worked for a bit but a few weeks back i went to turn it on and it fully snapped (?) by the sounds and also maybe broke somethin inside. It blew and tripped my power out at the circuit box.

anyways good news it went back to 7th floor, and its already on its way back to lil ol australia. Good service there thanks ssv peeps, looking forward to seeing my surfer in the next week or so

And as for you Albe -

Using much more weed now though have managed to make up some small bags to try and get close to the whip vapes for efficiency.

That is sig worthy

lolz did it make much sense have enjoyed getting reacquainted with the cano, not a bad back up vape to have quite reliable (and shiny!!!). Tho in summer here i have to set it up in the other room forgot how much heat it generated... Also find a different high to the ssv, not sure if i'm combusting as am keeping the temps down but different for sure.

 

[AGBeer]

Yes it made sense, but it made me chuckle a bit as the whip style vapes aren't necessarily known for their efficiency. (Even though they are pretty darned efficient)

Meh, but then that brings me back to my DEFINITION of efficiency.
A. Using the least amount of product to achieve your desired effects (i.e. log vapes)
B. The amount of extraction taking place without combusting. (i.e. my SSV)

I guess my SSV accomplishes both but more of B than A in this case.

 

[nr-cole]

Hey all, looking at getting myself a Silver Surfer for Christmas. Also looking at accessories. First question:

Heating covers. Standard glass, ground glass, and ground glass spherical? What's the difference, and are the pricier ones worth it?

Next question, how quality is 7th floor glass? Thinking about getting one of the bubblers with it. Por ejemplo:

http://silversurfervap.com/glass/wcfm/water-filter-cooler-moisturizer-90-spiral.html

Thoughts?

 

[OhTheAgony]

Personally I love my SSV hands free thingie.

I never used it as it was meant though, but it's real handy to stick in something so you have a place to hang your wand in between hits.

 

[MacRadish]

Heating covers. Standard glass, ground glass, and ground glass spherical? What's the difference, and are the pricier ones worth it?

Thoughts?

I find it necessary to stir the meds up between administrations and the ground glass/hands free setup makes that a PITA for me.

After using the standard heating cover with standard wand for quite some time, I find myself much more perferring the spherical cover with spherical wand.

The difference can be seen here:
http://silversurfervap.com/imagetest/wandmain.jpg
The wand on the extreme left is the sperical, the one on the right standard. Each style has a mated heater cover. The spherical makes a nice seal whereas the standard wand/heater cover mating can be NOT so air tight.

Either way I'm pretty sure you'll enjoy it, plus, these things can be bought as acessories later on down the road.

 

[AGBeer]

I would say that going with a non handsfree option would be the best, as you have available accessories to make it handsfree if you so choose. If you buy it inheirently handsfree (aka GonG HF like the DBV) you cant make it nothandsfree.

Just a thought