The Curse of GAS

[BigDaddyVapor]

Bloating for one...

Oh, this is about Glass Acquisition Syndrome... hehe

So, my big gift was money. I didn't hint at wanting anything this year. I made it clear, I was enjoying it for just being here. Having lost another family member during the holidays, reminded me, how lucky I was. Having my daughter home on Christmas break, my wife finally getting some down time, while we're getting better. Just having people praying for me and voicing their concerns has lifted my spirits, during this brief respite from the @#$%.

My wife and I were given the same thing and told its for gifts, not bills (as would be where the money would probably go). The other stuff is being taken care of (so two gifts, really).

I have $500 to spend.

My meds are already in my budget and I don't really want to throw true gift money at something that's going to be gone in a month.

Then, there's the Mobius Matrix. The first piece to truly ignite the Syndrome in me. Unfortunately, some design changes in the past year, have made it less desirable than it once was. I don't like the squared look, compared to the domed of the past. Still, its the same perc... so its not a deal killer. Used or new? Shouldn't be an issue, though $330 for a new Ion that I'm not really all that excited about the styling? Probably need to find old stock, or a used piece... just not sure I want to spend that, on a new one.

Frederick is always recommending EFS to me. I can understand why. I've watched enough video and read reviews.

Then I ran across this beauty tonight...

CLICKABLE


Which would leave me a little bit more money to spend on other things. Perhaps a LSV which I've had my eye on for some time. Of course there's the crowd that will say, get a Cloud. But, blowing it all on a vape, that just really isn't calling to me...

I'm not saying its a bad vape. I'm not saying I wouldn't love it. Never tried one. Don't have access to one. Don't feel like spending $500 on a vape I'm not sure is worth $500 more than my HI, MFLB and VB HF.

Decisions, decisions...

 

[harmudge]

That's a nice looking piece of glass...I would get the glass, lol.

 

[noserub]

Ha I was just looking at this...very nice indeed! I'm not sure what I'm gonna do either. But, I'm getting ahead of myself as I just bought 2 vaporizers

 

[t-dub]

I also contemplate the spending of the holiday $$$ An LSV perhaps? Or a nice piece of glass . . . both? Its nice to have options and dream . . .

 

[Tstat]

I just saw this:

https://store.kultureva.com/mobius-micro-clear-with-matrix-perc/dp/8436

 

[BigDaddyVapor]

I already contacted them about that Mobius. They just used old stock photos. Several people must have inquired, like myself, because they fired off a response pretty fast. They are retaking the photos this week. Plus, that's the close to $400 larger matrix bubblers. I would be getting the Ion, most likely.

 

[Gonzo]

I have tried three Dirty Rico pieces and owned one. I have been really impressed with the quality of his glass. Been eyeing that same Apocoline and well as the Double Apocoline.

http://aqualabtechnologies.com/scie...rico-glass-mini-10-mm-double-apocoline-1.html

The double is still under 12"

 

[Tstat]

I already contacted them about that Mobius.

Oh, yea I saw some talk about that one. Too bad. I also looked at those DR pieces. They seem nice, but I can't get past the logo...

 

[Kief]

... Of course there's the crowd that will say, get a Cloud. But, blowing it all on a vape, that just really isn't calling to me...

I'm not saying its a bad vape. I'm not saying I wouldn't love it. Never tried one. Don't have access to one. Don't feel like spending $500 on a vape I'm not sure is worth $500 more than my HI, MFLB and VB HF.

Decisions, decisions...

BigDaddyVapor,

With your great love for glass and vapor-bonging, please give the Cloud further consideration.

I know you will love it, you just need to try it. You wouldn't be blowing all of the $500 on a vape, it's a $400 vape that comes with a piece of glass easily worth $200... for just $100 more! I guarantee it will make you love all the glass that you already have even more, a new experience with each one is waiting. OK, I’m starting to sound like a fan boy salesman... I'm sorry, it really is the game changer that you have been reading about for almost 3 years now. It will cure your VAS (desktop) and then you will only have the GAS to deal with. One disease is better than 2, right? I don't think there's a cure for GAS... unless you're a glass blower maybe.

You just need to try it... I know it's not the easiest thing to do, but maybe worth the extra effort. I've thought of a few ways for you to test a Cloud - 1. Find a friendly forum member nearby you (FC Personal ads anyone?) 2. The Vapor Spot in L.A. (call ahead) 3. Try mine (I may be going that direction sometime soon).

IMO, it's worth holding onto that cash for a little while until you can try a Cloud... you won't regret it. Hopefully some of the more trusted/seasoned members will back me up here... Who else thinks BDV should attempt to cure his VAS instead of just getting a treatment for his GAS?

 

[JSteez4205]

DR makes some interesting pieces for sure. The perc designs all have uncommon names too if I remember correctly...apocoline being one. I've been eyeing the DR travel spill proof oil rig, bottom of glass nail is pushed up to heat top then drops down into connected dome, water (supposedly spill-proof) and a simple perc make this a desirable piece, but have had trouble locating one. The YouTube vids are nice of it though.

BDV, with all the glass you have, another vape in the stable wouldn't be a bad idea. The LSV would be a good practical one and fairly different functioning I believe from your current vapes...but that's just my 2cents. That being said:

I think I'm going to cash in my reward points from my credit card to get a visa gift card and probably get some new glass as well! Ahhhh GAS....

New piece should be on my doorstep today or tomorrow though that I ordered from your Nemesis before Christmas...

 

[max]

Of course there's the crowd that will say, get a Cloud. But, blowing it all on a vape, that just really isn't calling to me...

I'm not saying its a bad vape. I'm not saying I wouldn't love it. Never tried one. Don't have access to one. Don't feel like spending $500 on a vape I'm not sure is worth $500 more than my HI, MFLB and VB HF.

I'm not necessarily recommending it as a purchase or commenting on its value, but its not $500 unless you're getting the package w/HT. The Cloud itself w/glass mouthpiece is now available for $400.

I would be getting the Ion, most likely.

I have the Ion, and prefer that size vs. the larger Clear model.

 

[BigDaddyVapor]

I'm not necessarily recommending it as a purchase or commenting on its value, but its not $500 unless you're getting the package w/HT. The Cloud itself w/glass mouthpiece is now available for $400.

Yeah, I saw that earlier this morning. I noticed a LOT of new things on the site. Maybe I was too tired, but it looked like everything is out of stock. Even the bare bones with just the glass mouthpiece.

That may be an issue. I've been eye-balling the LSV for a while to. I can get it now.

ARGH!

Why must I be inflicted with this curse!?

Thank goodness I'm inflicted with this curse!

I have the Ion, and prefer that size vs. the larger Clear model.

My 3 main bubblers are all 12". I would want the Ion for that reason. I want something in-between my larger bubblers and the VB Mini Hydrator.

 

[Tstat]

Yea, well, if you want an opinion on the Cloud, then yea, it's a game changer. I started with an Extreme Q and thought it was great, and it IS. But the Cloud is pure vapor joy.

 

[SD_haze]

I have tried three Dirty Rico pieces and owned one. I have been really impressed with the quality of his glass. Been eyeing that same Apocoline and well as the Double Apocoline.

http://aqualabtechnologies.com/scie...rico-glass-mini-10-mm-double-apocoline-1.html

The double is still under 12"

Just a headsup if you missed, the mini double you linked doesn't even have a 14mm joint, its a 10mm.


But they seemed to (literally this morning?) have added a 14.5in Non-mini Double Apocoline for the same price. With an 18mm fitting

 

[max]

Yeah, I saw that earlier this morning. I noticed a LOT of new things on the site. Maybe I was too tired, but it looked like everything is out of stock. Even the bare bones with just the glass mouthpiece.

It does look like most all packages are out of stock. Doesn't seem like it at first glance, but if you click on details, you get 'notify me' instead of 'add to cart'.

Yea, well, if you want an opinion on the Cloud, then yea, it's a game changer.​

IMO what makes the Cloud special, used with glass, is the heat retention, although I think the HI does well too. The LSV will require either a hotter setting or a slower draw.​

 

[Lou]

those Ricos are sick. I've been eyeing those and 2012BC but an ion and lsv would be a great pair as well.

 

[t-dub]

I would love a new fritted disc, maybe an Oregon "O" (lightning yellow of course) and glow in the dark? If the artist wasn't such a prick . . .

 

[Gonzo]

Just a headsup if you missed, the mini double you linked doesn't even have a 14mm joint, its a 10mm.


But they seemed to (literally this morning?) have added a 14.5in Non-mini Double Apocoline for the same price. With an 18mm fitting

Didn't even notice that SD. Good catch. That Non mini Apocoline is pretty sick as well.

*Edit* Just looked at the new stuff. The new worked Apocoline is amazing

http://aqualabtechnologies.com/scie...-rico-glass-worked-12-arm-apocoline-perc.html

 

[BigDaddyVapor]

Well, I've made up my mind. At first, I really wanted to treat myself to the full $$$ rush. Felt like after everything this year... just one total @#$% it purchase was in order.

However, that ain't life. I need car work and I can get it done now.

BUT!

I've decided I can still get a really nice piece of glass for $250 - $300 (with wiggle room). I'd like to keep it to the lower end, just because I can already get a piece I really want, for $250. I just don't need another vape. The Cloud may be a game changer, I'd LOVE to have one. Heck, I'm trying to talk my friend's dad into seeing about carrying them retail, just to see if I can pick one up for the deal. I just can't spend even the $400, for bare bones. Plus, I am MUCH more of a Glass Head than vapes. Who knows... maybe I'll get lucky one day, in the right place with the dough and they're available.

Now to decide if the Dirty Rico is really the piece I want? The worst part begins... second-guessing my choices! I'm open to suggestions. But, an exciting order is going in today, regardless.

 

[t-dub]

I was kinda drooling over the StoneGlassWorks Waffle perc . . .

http://aqualabtechnologies.com/scie...e-glass-works-single-waffle-perc-tube-v1.html

This was in stock last night . . .

 

[Frederick McGuire]

My :

The best piece depends on what your looking for (obviously )

Matrix =
Of all my glass I've owned, I keep coming back to the matrix.
Great diffusion, no drag without a really high water level, great build quality, I loves me some möbius.
I agree that some of the newer ones seem a little boxy, (like this one http://aqualabtechnologies.com/scie...-glassworks-ion-bubbler-with-matrix-perc.html), but my clear matrix (still with flat top, but the edges seem more rounded than the ion I linked) looks very sleek

If you're looking for super duper WTF diffusion, a David Goldstein Fritter is an awesome experience.
It trips me out when I use them, there's no bubbling sound, it's just a smooth fizzing/whooshing sound.
They are probably a bit more pricey than you are currently looking at, but they are an experience every glass lover should try at least once IMO.

I'll give another shout out to EFS since I can
I've already told you my thoughts on the build quality and diffusion characteristics, but there's a sale on them right no on BM which would bring it right into your price range

Hey BM! I am going to be doing my once a year customer appreciation sale starting today and going through the entire month of december. Thanks for such a great year and all the support from everyone. I am offering my single perc with HD sanblasting shipped to your door for only $250. I will cover fees and shipping to all 50 states for you. International shipping available for typically 30-45 usd extra depending on destination. All tubes will be made to order so they will ship within 7 days of recieving payment.

Specs

Simax glass
12.5-13.5" tall
70 mil can
38 mil neck(bent neck or straight)
5.5 " base
19 mil shaped lenz bistabil female joint

Perc options are-

12 slit double gridded donut(36 holes)
7 slit triple gridded stemline(28 holes)

I cant remember if you have a BM account, but if you don't I can contact EFS for you and see if he will still hook you up for the sale. (It's only available for like 4 more days though.)

On the vape side, I will say that the LSV is an awesome tool to have in the arsenal.
It may not be a cloud, but at less than half the price, I can only assume its better value.

I've got a couple of logs that pair well with glass (I'm thinking my WW, and hot pod give similar experiences to the HI), and as satisfying as they can be, there's just something about how the LSV hits that keeps drawing me back.
Hell, it even made Lwien ditch (at least temporarily) his PD
There have been a few recent converts in the LSV thread

 

[lwien]

Hell, it even made Lwien ditch (at least temporarily) his PD

ikr. It's just the effortless huge tasty hits that it provides back to back to back, etc etc that makes it a WHOLE different experience.

 

[NewVape]

@BDV glad the holiday was a good one for you.

Since, we're talking the LSV I have to chime in as a +1. I love my LSV, it pairs so nicely with my bigger bubblers. You should try it through the Lev FC, Soooo Smoooth . I know it makes it a tough choice, but if you got to choose something in the $200 range I have to say go with the LSV. Although you started by bringing up your GAS problem, I'd say you should treat this bout with medicinal vapors.

 

[BigDaddyVapor]

Well, what's done is done. I took a lot of things into account. Price, availability and most... just wtf was I looking for/did I want?

A new vape, just wasn't one of them.

Honestly, I decided to raise my potential to $350 and see what I came up with. Watched a bunch of videos, read a bunch of threads. It eventually came down to 3 pieces, from ALT.

MGW - Stemless Showerhead

Dirty Rico - Double 10 arm Gridded Apocoline Tube

Dirty Rico Apocoline Perc Bubbler

As I ditched the Saxo today, gifting it to a friend... one of the reasons was the volume of the piece. The can size isn't so much a problem, as the mouthpiece. I just don't feel you can generate a comfortable, consistent, drawn out, satisfying pull. Yeah, its a Milk Monster... its just not a particularly enjoyable Milk Monster for me, because of that mouthpiece. For a large piece, I've got what I consider Doesn't Get Much Better. The MegaTube is a true joy to use and is in the regular rotation. The Saxo sat there, shiny and bright... useless. Its a nice enough piece, that someone should enjoy it, though.

So, my search began last night. Only Mobius immediately available was the larger bubbler and a bit more than I wanted to pay. Volume-wise, I've got 2 bubblers in that size range. If I get a Mobius, it will be one of the new stereo tubes, or an Ion. Also... if I get the Mobius now? What excuse do I have to continue my quest? Really... it just came down to, with all the variables taken into account over the last couple years, the amount of time I've had to learn about diffusion/percolation...

My need for a Mobius, had diminished. I discovered that, mostly in the Mobius thread, which I thought would have the opposite effect. I don't know... it just seemed to loose some of its luster. With the design changes, the number of people that have one now... I kind of wanted something different. Obviously, I don't go with the flow a lot of times.

THE CONTENDERS

The MGW was strong in the running, along with the SYNs. That ended up being the problem. Its a SYN, with I believe fewer cuts. I've heard some people complain about the drag, though I've also read that water level will fix that. Plus its a larger piece. Finally, kind of blah and cliche.

The Double Apocoline, I came soooo close to pulling the trigger on. Even with the price. There's actually some video of it out there to. Its a bit larger at 14 1/2", though not as big as the MGW (2" smaller). Finally it came down to diffusion. I was reading some posts from several dabbers, and the Apociline (even though I don't dab). While there was a general consensus, that they all loved the piece... too much diffusion kept coming up. Looking at the way its designed, is easy to see... the perc is sized large for the wall size. This results in already small bubbles being broken up into even smaller bubbles, when drawing. After a clear, it looks like carbonated water, for several seconds afterwards. I worried that too much flavor would be lost and a leaving behind LOTS of gunk/reclaim (which others confirmed)

If I were even going to entertain the idea of combustion, ever again though... this would be in transit tomorrow.

Finally, the bubbler. It has a badass perc. It gets excellent reviews from Glass Heads (I found a lot of reading on Toke City, knowledgeable Glass Heads there, even if slow). I liked the design of it. Two large percs in a piece, was a bit much for me and vapor... but one of these percs... looks perfect. It has a massive base, close to the Saxo, at 5". It has a smaller air/vapor volume, hopefully helping a bit with some more efficiency. The MegaTube is fun... but it gets very herb hungry.

Finally? How many people have a Dirty Rico? I've read enough, to know its HQ. He's still a relatively new blower on the market, or at least one that is finally starting to get noticed. Its a unique piece and gives me something, that if I end up not liking it... those previous reasons, might help me unload it.

Ordered tonight, paid for Express Delivery. Never dealt with ALT before, but I hope to be vaping out of my new piece by Friday.

 

[noserub]

i thought about buying this piece 2 days ago...right on, hope you enjoy...let me know how you like it with your vape...im trying to decide bteween a bubbler or a small tube for my vapes...decisions decisions