Simrell Collection

Ernielicous

Well-Known Member
I just had an epiphany. I’m using my Mighty with my Simrell stem, and just like Archimedes when he shouted “Eureka!” from the bath tub, just like Sir Issac Newton when an apple fell on him, I can go on, I came to a conclusion that can shake the foundation of everything we know. Basically the Mighty is an induction heater I already owned before spending $$$ on a preorder induction heater.

Does that really work???
 
Ernielicous,

VegNVape

Increase the Peace
Company Rep
Simrell plain Ti Vortex & Intercooler arrived at the weekend - and even after reading so many good things, I am still extremely impressed with the performance of this stem.

Due to my penchant for the higher temp ranges and the subsequent throat irritation this can potentially cause, the majority of my VapCap use was done through a dry bubbler, unless out & about or if feeling the need for a particularly throaty hit.

However, I am very pleased to say, I think my new Simrell stem will bring using the VapCap, natively, very much back into everyday use. In fact, I've hardly put it down since it arrived.

I'm thinking it's pretty damn near perfect, & for me, it's a next level VC accessory that is improving the overall quality of my vaping experience. The terpy, cool, freshness I pull through the vortex is amazingly tasty & it provides a fantastic representation of the herb that created it. The Intercooler is also a great design which helps to achieve an elegant unibody solution.

Hearing a few owners mention they would prefer it to be slightly heavier had me thinking I would likely feel the same way, as I usually like a bit of weight in such things. But once again, I am not disappointed, as I think Austyn has hit it spot on here, too.

So far, I am enjoying every second I spend with what, at the time of buying, seemed like an expensive & possibly lavish accessory - but now, already feels like an essential vape purchase :cool:

My only gripe would be the machining residue I removed when deep cleaning the stem & vortex prior to use. I know DynaVap parts also often suffer from this issue, but given the premium price paid here, I would expect it to be taken care of (as, tbh, I always do). To this end, I messaged Austyn who promptly responded to advise he is aware of the issue and is working on increasing their cleaning processes so that in the future there will be no residue remaining on parts when they leave the shop.

Fine work @primitiveorganic :tup:

:peace:
 

BabyFacedFinster

Anything worth doing, is worth overdoing.
Simrell plain Ti Vortex & Intercooler arrived at the weekend - and even after reading so many good things, I am still extremely impressed with the performance of this stem.

Due to my penchant for the higher temp ranges and the subsequent throat irritation this can potentially cause, the majority of my VapCap use was done through a dry bubbler, unless out & about or if feeling the need for a particularly throaty hit.

However, I am very pleased to say, I think my new Simrell stem will bring using the VapCap, natively, very much back into everyday use. In fact, I've hardly put it down since it arrived.

I'm thinking it's pretty damn near perfect, & for me, it's a next level VC accessory that is improving the overall quality of my vaping experience. The terpy, cool, freshness I pull through the vortex is amazingly tasty & it provides a fantastic representation of the herb that created it. The Intercooler is also a great design which helps to achieve an elegant unibody solution.

Hearing a few owners mention they would prefer it to be slightly heavier had me thinking I would likely feel the same way, as I usually like a bit of weight in such things. But once again, I am not disappointed, as I think Austyn has hit it spot on here, too.

So far, I am enjoying every second I spend with what, at the time of buying, seemed like an expensive & possibly lavish accessory - but now, already feels like an essential vape purchase :cool:

My only gripe would be the machining residue I removed when deep cleaning the stem & vortex prior to use. I know DynaVap parts also often suffer from this issue, but given the premium price paid here, I would expect it to be taken care of (as, tbh, I always do). To this end, I messaged Austyn who promptly responded to advise he is aware of the issue and is working on increasing their cleaning processes so that in the future there will be no residue remaining on parts when they leave the shop.

Fine work @primitiveorganic :tup:

:peace:

@VegNVape may I ask, how long was the wait from the time you ordered?

Best wishes with you new stem. I have been back and forth myself. Price and the length of the stem has been holding me back. I have large hands and enjoy the length of the 4" glass stems. I may give in as hot hits and throat irritation are my Achilles heel.

edit: Just checked and he is out of stock on all stems right now.
 
BabyFacedFinster,
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VegNVape

Increase the Peace
Company Rep
@BabyFacedFinster - I think I got pretty lucky with free next day delivery from the only stockist in my country, but Austyn says he should have units back in stock on his website within the next 1 - 2 weeks, if you are interested.

One other noteworthy point that I think somebody mentioned, is the stem can get quite hot during use. This is not much of an issue for me but at the same time, it is very noticeable - and when I'm holding more towards the tip half of the stem using several fingers in a clutch type fashion, it can become uncomfortable enough that I need to adjust my grip.

But I can live with that. At least Ti cools down about as quickly as it heats up.

Actually, it will be interesting to see if this experience is similar with induction or whether it's mostly my overly zealous torch technique that is to blame.

Simrell-On-Top.jpg


:peace:
 

hinglemccringleberry

Well-Known Member
It’s often BEST to consult the manufacturers product website, before considering the various and often conflicting advice you may find on the internet. So NO, 70% ISO, as you can see, is NOT recommended for a very good reason.

@RustyOldNail The only thing I've ever used to clean my titanium Vortex stem is 71% ISO. Zero problems whatsoever. I follow up with water and immediately dry with a combo of towel drying, q-tip drying, and blow drying. I've done this about 10-15 times now. It looks identical to how it did on day 1 (sleek and beautiful).

How long do I have until doing this screws up the finish on the stem? If it's less than 80 years, I'll look into higher grade alcohol. If it's more, I'll keep doing what I'm doing.

*flame suit on*
 
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hinglemccringleberry,
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RustyOldNail

SEARCH for the treasure...
@BabyFacedFinster - I think I got pretty lucky with free next day delivery from the only stockist in my country, but Austyn says he should have units back in stock on his website within the next 1 - 2 weeks, if you are interested.

One other noteworthy point that I think somebody mentioned, is the stem can get quite hot during use. This is not much of an issue for me but at the same time, it is very noticeable - and when I'm holding more towards the tip half of the stem using several fingers in a clutch type fashion, it can become uncomfortable enough that I need to adjust my grip.

But I can live with that. At least Ti cools down about as quickly as it heats up.

Actually, it will be interesting to see if this experience is similar with induction or whether it's mostly my overly zealous torch technique that is to blame.

Simrell-On-Top.jpg


:peace:

The stem gets hot in an IH, and increases with every cycle you do. I’m glad I bought the LONGER version.

@RustyOldNail The only thing I've ever used to clean my titanium Vortex stem is 71% ISO. Zero problems whatsoever. I follow up with water and immediately dry with a combo of towel drying, q-tip drying, and blow drying. I've done this about 10-15 times now. It looks identical to how it did on day 1 (sleek and beautiful).

How long do I have until doing this screws up the finish on the stem? If it's less than 80 years, I'll look into higher grade alcohol. If it's more, I'll keep doing what I'm doing.

*flame suit on*

No flame, it’s your property. Is your Simrell “anodized”?
 

hinglemccringleberry

Well-Known Member
No flame, it’s your property. Is your Simrell “anodized”?
Do you mean heat anodized (colored)? If so, no, I have the plain titanium stem. Does this iso alcohol problem only apply to the heat anodized/colored stems? Pardon my lack of knowledge here... I was under the impression that all titanium stems are anodized whether or not it's colored.

@RustyOldNail - Do you notice a significant difference in stem heat between torches and the IH? Which IH are you using again?
I have a VHB IH and my usage is split pretty evenly between my IH and my 3-flame Vertigo torch. Both methods seem to heat the stem to pretty comparable levels. I can't tell which one heats the stem faster. So my short answer is no, there's no significant difference in stem heat between the two. Ambient temperature + length of session + length of intervals between hits has a much bigger impact on how fast the stem gets hot, with either heat source.
 
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whatitdew

Vapes R Great
I have been loving my SimRell vortex stem so much, that I bought the shorty version over 420

it took a little bit to get use to. It is almost the same as the regular in regards to vapor quality.
It does get a little hot.

I still think I like the original XL vortex the best. It feeels better in the hand.
Love these stems

I use mine almost exclusively with a caldron or PSM

no issues with cleaning. I use 91 iso. They are the easiest vapcap stems to clean.
So nice not dealing with the o rings and condenser
 

TommyDee

Vaporitor
I'm curious if heat transfer is greater or lesser with any particular tips.
I noticed a significant stem-heating with the few loads I put through the '20-M.
I didn't recall the earlier ones getting quite as warm.
 

whatitdew

Vapes R Great
I think the heat transfer of the stem is just from the vortex inner cooler. That heats up then in turn heats up the stem/body more than a regular condenser tube.
 

RustyOldNail

SEARCH for the treasure...
I think the heat transfer of the stem is just from the vortex inner cooler. That heats up then in turn heats up the stem/body more than a regular condenser tube.

Not sure I agree with that specific analysis. the Ti twisty condenser is actually recessed a bit from the tip section, and initially insulated as it’s located inside the inner tube. I’ve noticed the heat buildup starts at the very end close to heat source, not so much any heat transfer further up the stem which is where the inner cooler is directed.

I believe at least as far as IH use, you have to stick it far enough into the coils to get a good heat up, and thus any metal stems are going to get some of that heat. I find with each extra cycle or full cap click, my Simrell Ti stem gets hotter and a bit further up the stem each time. I never do more then 3 cycles, sometimes just 2, so I don’t consider it an issue. It’s a simple test to do if you have the Sim Ti and VC SS stems.
 

BabyFacedFinster

Anything worth doing, is worth overdoing.
I don't understand that you can keep getting cool hits on your throat while the stem itself is getting hot? I don't doubt the reports, but it is confusing for me.

Maybe there needs to be a little heat sink coupler between the tip and the vortex? @TommyDee?

I like the idea of cooler hits, but for the price point I don't like the fact that the stem gets that warm/hot. Glass is a great insulator and I can do several bowls in a row with my glass stem and not have much noticable heat in the stem. The glass around the tip gets hot but it doesn't travel down the length of the stem. The issue with glass is that it breaks. :disgust:

I wonder if anyone has both a vortex and a 4 inch RWW glass stem that can offer a comparsion?
 

TommyDee

Vaporitor
@BabyFacedFinster - you're getting ahead of me :D Actually I was getting to the different heat-fin arrangements. I just haven't gone there yet. That's why a thermal camera would be of tremendous help to get proper data.

I also wonder if there is a difference in heat transfer rate between Viton and silicon.
 

hinglemccringleberry

Well-Known Member
I don't understand that you can keep getting cool hits on your throat while the stem itself is getting hot? I don't doubt the reports, but it is confusing for me.

Maybe there needs to be a little heat sink coupler between the tip and the vortex? @TommyDee?

I like the idea of cooler hits, but for the price point I don't like the fact that the stem gets that warm/hot. Glass is a great insulator and I can do several bowls in a row with my glass stem and not have much noticable heat in the stem. The glass around the tip gets hot but it doesn't travel down the length of the stem. The issue with glass is that it breaks. :disgust:

I wonder if anyone has both a vortex and a 4 inch RWW glass stem that can offer a comparsion?
The tip heats both the weed and the stem where it joins the tip.
IDK what kind of glass you're using, but my glass Charlie stem got so hot it took the fun out of vaporizing. I don't want to use it when it's hot out and it's hot 8 months out of the year here. With a torch, glass is worse than titanium at heat dissipation. The Simrell stem dissipates heat faster because it's titanium. But if it's the fastest cooling stem you're after, the current generation Omnivap stem w/ the mosaic pattern is what you want... That surface acts like a heatsink. But the vapor isn't as smooth as the Vortex w/ intercooler. The Simrell hardware is what upgrades the vapor. The residual heat buildup on the stem isn't related to the vapor quality.
 
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BabyFacedFinster

Anything worth doing, is worth overdoing.
The RWW Robusto stem I use has a large ID. I don't know if that helps, but the stem just doesn't get hot. I also only use an IH.

I don't mean to derail the thread, but I was curious if I would notice a more significant cooling effect from a vortex than what I'm already getting.

I do like the durabilty of Ti and also find the shape of the vortex very appealing. I fumble with the glass stem and almost break it a lot. I've also gone through a couple water wands that way.
 
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VegNVape

Increase the Peace
Company Rep
To begin with I almost went for one of the longer 3rd party glass stems, too, or with one that has a cooling feature such as the BB9 (I have heard a lot of positive noise regarding this one, in particular) but the things holding me off from trying them out were their durability, coupled with the overall price.

So, in the end, I paid around 130% more for my standard Simrell Vortex (tip & cap included) than I would have paid for the same BB9 bundle. And as I am fairly confident I would eventually end up breaking a glass stem (and want to replace it), knowing the Vortex will keep going for as long as I manage to hang on to it (and beyond), is a rather satisfying thought & a very nice feeling.

In fact, this stem, in general, gives me very nice feelings and even though it does indeed get quite toasty to the touch, I am still not put off. It would be great if it was improved upon but I feel that it may be part of the trade-off - all of the Ti surface area inside the device soaks up much of the heat from the vapor, leaving me with a relatively cool & very tasty hit, after which, the temp of the Ti drops fairly rapidly.

Actually, I thought this piece might quench my VC VAS thirst for a bit, but alas, I have already been eyeing up a Simrell shorty, too - obviously essential for on-the-go use, plus it will fit my existing DynaStash. I read in the info they use the exact same Vortex in both the standard and the shorty, which I thought was interesting & makes me wonder if the heat issue is any more apparent/noticeable in the shorty than the standard. I would think it would be more so, due to there being less Ti mass & therefore a higher percentage of the stem will get hot. However, if I find out there is little difference or it is easily mangeable, I just might jump in with both feet . . . . . . . . oh, er, yeh, after a long conversation with the Misses and a rebalancing of the finances, of course!

Remember, I'm only ten days in to getting to know the Simrell Vortex & Intercooler paired with a Ti DynaVap tip and a single flame torch lighter - but I am very pleased to say, in that time, it's the only vape I've reached for, morning, noon & night :rockon:

Simrell-State-of-Mind.jpg


:peace:
 

VegNVape

Increase the Peace
Company Rep
This is a continuation of the original FuckCombustion.com thread 'Simrell Collection' which can be found here.

I must say, I've got a lot of love for what I have seen of Austyn's work so far. And, as mentioned in my prior posts, I have been thoroughly enjoying my raw Ti standard length Vortex & Intercooler since receiving it a few weeks ago . . .
Vortex-Mosaic.jpg

. . . in fact, it has quickly become my favorite way to enjoy the VapCap experience . . .
Leafy-Vortex.jpg

The following shot is taken from a recent Simrell Collection Instagram giveaway . . . . man, I would love to get my hands on this beauty . . .
Simrell-Giveaway.jpg

. . . and the leaf detail is definitely a very nice touch :tup:

Not a giveaway, just a wickedly cool looking shorty with some tripped out anodizing . . .
Trippy-Shorty-Vortex.jpg

:drool:

But it's not all about the titanium - cast your gaze upon this gorgeous Vortex stem made from segmented cocobolo and blackwood with aluminum accents . . .
Cocobolo-Blackwood-Vortex.jpg


For more of The Simrell Collection, follow Austyn's Instagram page (simrellcollection) where he often streams live feeds of work in progress - from turning stems to colour anodizing Ti, it all gives a great insight into his work. Also, for his store, check the website (www.simrellcollection.com).

Austyn was a member on the original FC website under the name @primitiveorganic, but unfortunately he has not publicly posted in more than a year - since back in March 2019.

I have reached out to Austyn who is, as I expected, extremely busy and has not had a chance to stop by New FC but is happy for this thread to be created on his behalf. So here it is. Hopefully we'll see Austyn here at some point in the near future, and I am certainly looking forward to seeing what he comes up with next.

Cheers!
:peace:
 
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