The Arizer Air

[UnshavenFish]

Panasonic NCR18650B - anybody?

Good quality battery (sorry @OF ) cell

Personally I didn't find any notable difference in runtime between the OEM and many others including the NCR B (regardless of mAh) in fact in my tests these two stayed within 0.1v of eachother most of the time and even as close as 0.05v both giving 6 sessions before unable to heat the bowl (Panasonic actually had a faster drop in the last session compared to the OEM) tests ran using a gravity bong to keep draws as comparable as I could in terms of size and length, also the OEM has a slightly faster upto temp time (although not anything you would notice unless timing it)

The main thing if using any aftermarket cell is to get it from somewhere you can trust that it is what it claims, like @chevyfried says there are lots of bad ones out there, I have quite a few that I have ordered from various auction sites over the years that are not even close to the claimed figures (to the point that IMO they could be dangerous to use in some applications and chargers)

Shop careful and stay safe

 

[chevyfried]

Good quality battery (sorry @OF ) cell

Personally I didn't find any notable difference in runtime between the OEM and many others including the NCR B (regardless of mAh) in fact in my tests these two stayed within 0.1v of eachother most of the time and even as close as 0.05v both giving 6 sessions before unable to heat the bowl (Panasonic actually had a faster drop in the last session compared to the OEM) tests ran using a gravity bong to keep draws as comparable as I could in terms of size and length, also the OEM has a slightly faster upto temp time (although not anything you would notice unless timing it)

That's interesting. I notice a major difference between the Panasonic and OEM, mainly in how many sessions I get. I am always solo and take about 10 puffs each session. I notice the OEM drop to white after 2 sessions, whereas my 18650b takes 4. Again, not scientific, just observation. We get 100 people to try the cell and we will get 100 different answers lol.

As for heat up time, the OEM is faster, but when I timed it, it was only a handful of seconds.

 

[UnshavenFish]

That's interesting. I notice a major difference between the Panasonic and OEM, mainly in how many sessions I get. I am always solo and take about 10 puffs each session. I notice the OEM drop to white after 2 sessions, whereas my 18650b takes 4. Again, not scientific, just observation. We get 100 people to try the cell and we will get 100 different answers lol.

As for heat up time, the OEM is faster, but when I timed it, it was only a handful of seconds.

Maybe the way you use it (temp, draw size/length) gives better results also the lights on start up (battery level) isn't that accurate interms of % in relation to voltage (as an even drop) and the Panasonic does hold voltage better (higher) until the last session which I guess would give the results you noticed with regards to the battery indicator.

But your right I'm sure everyone will get slightly different results depending on the variables.

The method I used was ran a full session at full temp taking 3 hits, one at 1 min, 5 mins and 9 mins, each pulling half a litre over 10 seconds using a gravity bong with a mark to get the same volume each time, so not real world use and maybe the high temp rather than low temp affected the results a little, but on low temp it would have taken even longer than it did lol

 

[chevyfried]

The method I used was ran a full session at full temp taking 3 hits, one at 1 min, 5 mins and 9 mins, each pulling half a litre over 10 seconds using a gravity bong with a mark to get the same volume each time, so not real world use and maybe the high temp rather than low temp affected the results a little, but on low temp it would have taken even longer than it did lol

LOL yeah not so much real world but a great test none the less.

What other batteries fared pretty good?

 

[Justpassedu]

I don't have a battery meter on my version of the air but from using the stock cell , Panasonic and Samsung 25r high drain cells i have not noticed a difference in run time.

 

[UnshavenFish]

What other batteries fared pretty good?

All roughly the same (6sessions using this method) with small differences to voltage at start and end of each session, with the exception of a couple high drain low capacity cells which gave a couple less sessions,

INR18650-29E
INR18650-25R
AWT (aweite) IMR18650 (2500mAh 35A)
NCR18650B
NCR18650BE
Efest IMR18650 (35A)

AW's gave less sessions but that's to be expected IMO.

Now I'm not recommending any of these cells, the only reason is I cant give a trusted place to buy as I get mine from a local vape shop with no web site, and I don't want to be responsible for someone getting a fake from my recommendation and having issues, so like arizer I always cover myself by saying stick with OEM, any decision other than OEM is at each persons risk and choosing, myself included.

 

[chevyfried]

Now I'm not recommending any of these cells, the only reason is I cant give a trusted place to buy as I get mine from a local vape shop with no web site, and I don't want to be responsible for someone getting a fake from my recommendation and having issues, so like arizer I always cover myself by saying stick with OEM, any decision other than OEM is at each persons risk and choosing, myself included.

Yeah right if my AA fails Im coming after you UnshavenFish!!!

 

[Bravesst]

Some advice senior AA users...
opened a new strain today, as you know in NY, I don't know exactly what it is, but it's the "good bud", expensive.
Tried a new "guy", nice colorful bud, a bit on the lighter color side, not as tacky as what I'm used to. Not getting the same cloudage, efficiency. I ground and loaded in a variety of ways, I let the herb dry out after grinding on a sheet of paper, but my end result is not on par with previous bud (which I still have and just tested, vaping awesome). I really don't think it's the quality of the new stuff, just need to tweak technique for this strain. Advice?

In the end, if it is the bud quality, I'm going to mix it in at 10 percent or so over the next few months, or save for emergency bud. Also, smoked (not be me), by a friend of mine, who has been smoking for 30 years and is picky about quality, thinks it's top notch.

 

[WoodVillain]

Some advice senior AA users...
opened a new strain today, as you know in NY, I don't know exactly what it is, but it's the "good bud", expensive.
Tried a new "guy", nice colorful bud, a bit on the lighter color side, not as tacky as what I'm used to. Not getting the same cloudage, efficiency. I ground and loaded in a variety of ways, I let the herb dry out after grinding on a sheet of paper, but my end result is not on par with previous bud (which I still have and just tested, vaping awesome). I really don't think it's the quality of the new stuff, just need to tweak technique for this strain. Advice?

In the end, if it is the bud quality, I'm going to mix it in at 10 percent or so over the next few months, or save for emergency bud. Also, smoked (not be me), by a friend of mine, who has been smoking for 30 years and is picky about quality, thinks it's top notch.

I have experienced this a couple times. Some strains just dont seem to vape as well as others.

Im no expert or anything... But maybe try leaving a small amount out to dry more.

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

All roughly the same (6sessions using this method) with small differences to voltage at start and end of each session, with the exception of a couple high drain low capacity cells which gave a couple less sessions,

INR18650-29E
INR18650-25R
AWT (aweite) IMR18650 (2500mAh 35A)
NCR18650B
NCR18650BE
Efest IMR18650 (35A)

AW's gave less sessions but that's to be expected IMO.

Now I'm not recommending any of these cells, the only reason is I cant give a trusted place to buy as I get mine from a local vape shop with no web site, and I don't want to be responsible for someone getting a fake from my recommendation and having issues, so like arizer I always cover myself by saying stick with OEM, any decision other than OEM is at each persons risk and choosing, myself included.

I use illumn.com they used to be Illumination Supply, they sell higher-end flashlights and batteries of all kinds. I know they have a good rap with the electronic cigarette community who care more about internal resistances and voltage sags and other more extreme conditions. I haven't bought enough from them to really talk them up but they didn't do me any wrong a few orders in.

 

[UnshavenFish]

Not getting the same cloudage

Remember cloudage doesn't = effect , it sure is nice and it probably has some psychological effect but it's not needed, try and go by effect rather than visuals and you may find clouds along the way, and like @WoodVillain IMO strain also plays a part in visuals even when things like cure and grind are comparable, I only use a few but one is much better with cloudage than the others.

I use illumn.com they used to be Illumination Supply, they sell higher-end flashlights and batteries of all kinds. I know they have a good rap with the electronic cigarette community who care more about internal resistances and voltage sags and other more extreme conditions. I haven't bought enough from them to really talk them up but they didn't do me any wrong a few orders in.

Had a quick look there and they have a great selection, it also states on the site "Illumination Supply is an authorized retailer for all brands we carry." so if that's the case it seems like a good source, not any use for me being in the UK due to air travel restrictions with these cells (I think that's still happening?) but for those over the pond the prices seem good, roughly the same price I pay for mine, but mine are in £ not $ so cheaper than I get.

Edit: just to add the list of cells I posted were more of a 'what I had to hand to test thing' rather than a best suited thing, IMO the high drain panasonics or samsungs are probably the better suited aftermarket option.

 

[CarolKing]

I love my Pinnacle Pro Deluxe...with the water tool. Was my first vape, and then I got the Air. There are lots of stories on FC about Pinnacles going dead...but I never had an issue with mine except a charging issue that went away in a couple days. I'm mostly a weekend user, once or twice a day...nothing major - which is why I think my Pinnacle has served me well...it gets its rest. So not recommended for heavy users.

After my Pinnacle, I got the Air. Man are these 2 devices similar in terms of vape quality, taste and clouds. I could use one, love it, then use the other...and love it just as much. It's a great feeling. Cleaning the Air is a little easier afterwards. Pinnacle you have to deal with the harder to clean screens, a steel bullet, and a mouth piece. With the Air it's just the stem...very easy to clean if you get it when its still warm. Otherwise battery life is similar, draw is similar if packed correctly...just 2 plain old great vapes that get the job done.

It especially gets fun and twisted when I hook up the duel tube, use both vapes into a Recycler...oh boy. It's absolute mayhem in terms of taste and clouds....living the dream. Gotta pack it just right so the draw is similar...and one device goes a little higher based on heat temperatures, not heat levels...so in the end they are both heating at the same temp within 3 degrees F.

Love both and can't choose one or the other....so the solution is to use both at the same time. Toke on FC...

TLDR; Have the Pinnacle Pro and Air, love both, use both simultaneous.

I'm glad that you have found what works for you because that is what is important.

I really love the Air and the Solo both. They are quality portable vaporizers and well worth either the $150ish or around $180ish for the Air. I haven't looked to see what the Pinnacle Pro is going for now. I had 3 Pinnacle Pros one I gave away and 2 I kept. I really did like the units in the beginning but this is for another thread.

No matter what other people say, if you like it than that's all that counts.

 

[Justpassedu]

Some advice senior AA users...
opened a new strain today, as you know in NY, I don't know exactly what it is, but it's the "good bud", expensive.
Tried a new "guy", nice colorful bud, a bit on the lighter color side, not as tacky as what I'm used to. Not getting the same cloudage, efficiency. I ground and loaded in a variety of ways, I let the herb dry out after grinding on a sheet of paper, but my end result is not on par with previous bud (which I still have and just tested, vaping awesome). I really don't think it's the quality of the new stuff, just need to tweak technique for this strain. Advice?

In the end, if it is the bud quality, I'm going to mix it in at 10 percent or so over the next few months, or save for emergency bud. Also, smoked (not be me), by a friend of mine, who has been smoking for 30 years and is picky about quality, thinks it's top notch.

Fellow local , I usually have a variety of strains to choose when I pick up but you never know how well they will vape until you try them. Some give huge clouds , some very small , drying Is def helpful but what I do sometimes when I have 1 not vaping as well as the other is grind both and mix them up. This has helped me . As long as you get the effect you want that's all that really counts. I also recommend a magic flight finishing grinder for the air. I started using one actually for all my vapes and it has made a world of a difference . I usually just used my metal grinder and it looked fine but than after running it through the magic flight it really helps and gives you more surface area for a better vape imo. Give it a try and best of luck .

 

[Tukay]

Guys, and was it necessary to heat the moutpiece before first use? One guy said me about 2-3 heating cycles in highest temperature to burn off any residue from manufacturing. I didn`t do that and now i worry about it. But I didn`t see it in instruction. I saw only this: "Warm the unit to the hottest temperature setting before inserting a glass stem. This will make inserting the glass stem easier, and will be necessary the first few times. After a few uses there will be less resistance when inserting the glass stem" Where is the truth?

 

[CarolKing]

@Tukay, Yes there will be less resistance inserting the stem later on. If you heat the unit up first its just easier to insert your stems. It may help avert any future breakage. Doing a burn off in the beginning when you buy a vaporizer just helps with any factory residue. It's just so you don't inhale any bad air.

If you turn your unit up to highest temp and do a few burn offs, it can't hurt. If you didn't do that don't worry about it.

I hope you enjoy your new unit - I'm sure it will serve you well.

By the way welcome to the fun!

 

[jojo0420]

I picked up this little beauty from PuffItUp, it's a worked stem from our very own @VaPeD&CoNfUsEd.
Love it!
I really like the carb, great feature.
Super thick glass, does take a minute longer to heat up.

 

[GetLeft]

I really don't think it's the quality of the new stuff, just need to tweak technique for this strain.

I agree.
Although you might have inferior bud, I wouldn't automatically think you have inferior bud.
From what I can figure, and from what I've observed (albeit not as a senior user), when combusting, the distinctions between a sativa dominant bud and an indica dominant bud can be largely lost.
When vaping, however, particularly at lower temps, those differences an be largely noticed.
A sativa dominant strain might seem like it's just not doing the trick after using indica dom strains (and vice versa, I guess). But it's doing its trick all right. It's just a different trick. I'd consider giving it a few tries as is to see if your brain adjusts before mixing it in.

 

[Khantagious]

Going into now my second weekend with my new AA and am loving it! Thanks to all of the helpful posters in this thread, particularly @OF, @CarolKing, @WoodVillain, @GetLeft, @UnshavenFish, and plenty others that I'm just not remembering to mention. I actually read through MOST of the 235 pages in this thread, and learned quite a bit about the AA as well as lots of other things. I feel like I know so much about so many of you now, e.g., CarolKing likes the high temps but only with her vortex stem, Sinclue gets the credit for finding the domed screens on eBay whether he wants it or not, and OF likes to make cracks about Ataxian frequently breaking glass

As I get more experience with the unit, I hope to be able to make some helpful contributions here myself!

I agree.
Although you might have inferior bud, I wouldn't automatically think you have inferior bud.
From what I can figure, and from what I've observed (albeit not as a senior user), when combusting, the distinctions between a sativa dominant bud and an indica dominant bud can be largely lost.
When vaping, however, particularly at lower temps, those differences an be largely noticed.
A sativa dominant strain might seem like it's just not doing the trick after using indica dom strains (and vice versa, I guess). But it's doing its trick all right. It's just a different trick. I'd consider giving it a few tries as is to see if your brain adjusts before mixing it in.

I definitely agree with that. In my experience, I find the sativa dominant strains get going a little faster (produce more vapor early on) but then peter our a little sooner, while the indica dominant strains take longer to get going but will then produce more later on. This makes sense considering the vaporization temperatures of different cannabinoids and the different spectrum of various strains, though for the same reason it could be completely psychological But whether it is real or completely in my head, this has led me to the habit of mixing sativa and indica dominant strains, so that I end up with the best ob both worlds, and good vapor production on both the front and back ends of the session

 

[Bravesst]

@GetLeft
@Justpassedu
@Khantagious
@CarolKing
@UnshavenFish

Yeah, after experimenting a bit, I don't think it's weak bud. I mixed both strains, but just a bit last night (50/50), and loaded up 4 AA stems super loosely (maybe .05). Packing loose, grinding a bit better, got clouds to "burn"... Just about to wake and vape now and see if I can reproduce. I still have about a gram of the mixed stuff. I will play around with it unmixed later. I also found stirring helpful, and easier if you pack loose and light (doesn't spill all over). I formed a "stir tool" out of a some soft metal (probably aluminum), with a diameter a bit larger than a paper clip. I want to get one of those cool looking stir tools/pics with a pin point on one end and round loop at other. I'd like it to be about 5 or 6 inches in length. I love the "ritual of vaping"... to me, taking stem out, stirring with a cool tool, adds to the vape experience.

Off to Amazon to search...

I have a feeling it's mostly upstairs (just like clouds). Maybe it's more indica based, because I did sleep ok (for me). Either way, mixing is kinda cool, nice taste, liked the high.

Thank you all for your suggestions, always SUPER HELPFUL.
gonna get a MFLB grinder ASAP....

 

[Episode666]

These 2 might not be pretty, but they are working very well. The one on the left is the stem with the plastic threads broken off, and about an inch of EQ tubing. On the right, it's the straight tube with Vapir Rise silicone tube section. Both are leakproof with the Vapir plastic tip, but the silicone tube had to be pushed pretty far.

The key is to use a torch and melt the broken glass. Once its cooled, you can assemble it to look like this. I bought 2 new replacements, so now I have 4 stems in rotation. I got a bent solo stem this time, works great.

By the way, this is my "finishing grinder" for vaporizers: http://www.planetvape.ca/volcano-vaporizer-grinder.html I know, it's plastic, but it works very well.

 

[Khantagious]

@Bravesst, I know you mentioned you have tried a variety of grind textures, but have you tried no grind at all? Just break off a chunk by hand that is the right size to just push into the stem? Might be work a try if you haven't already?

 

[WakeAndVape]

Air just arrived! Charging it up...I'm feeling slightly giddy

 

[Bravesst]

just bought myself a cheap hat-pin at a local shop ($5). Stirring makes such a difference. It's like grinding after a hit or two. Sweet mother of God. Probably would work well with no grind at all @Khantagious

I just doubled each bowl, bumping up temp with each stir... It's amazing how far it's going. I'm putting as little bud as possible in an un-screened, stock stem. Packing real loose with no screen gives me room to stir without spilling.

Airmazing!

 

[CarolKing]

A loose pack for me is a must with the Air. I don't like it if the draw is too tight but I don't like a loose draw that I had with the Ascent in the beginning. The Ascent I pack tight and use a GonG that gives a slight tighter of a draw. Sometimes playing around and trying all sorts of ways for getting the job done.

Always use well cured cannabis for optimal results. Try different grinds and nuggets, I see others have suggested that.

The Solo and Air are both made with quality and good construction with materials that produce a wonderful product.

The warranty isn't bad either. The company will honor your warranty even if you buy at an unauthorized vendor.

There seems to be some low quality vaporizers out there so it's buyer beware. I've seen many that are almost like s throwaway disposable type of a unit. After the battery doesn't work it's pretty much useless, there is no battery that can be replaced by the owner.

You need to think somewhat long term when spending your hard earned money on a vape, like at least a year or two.

EDIT
I had a couple of vaporizers that were toasted and not worth using after 6 months. They were $200 units so they weren't that cheap.

 

[OF]

just bought myself a cheap hat-pin at a local shop ($5). Stirring makes such a difference. It's like grinding after a hit or two. Sweet mother of God. Probably would work well with no grind at all

Glad you like stirring, some do, some don't?

You might also consider round wooden toothpicks, they too work great and are a lot cheaper and safer........ Most 'toothpick pokes' are bloodless.

OF