The Firefly 2 vaporizer

[Pimpslapper]

I really want to love the Firefly 2. But the battery! Damn, the battery! The only way I can use it is to keep it on the charger all the time. It lasts for about an hour max if not on the charger. I have the wall charger, but that battery drains fast, even when not in use.

I'd imagined being able to take this places, but it's strictly a use at home vape since we are tethered to the charge. Is this normal or is it just mine?

Also, I can't seem to get it to vape evenly. I'm using a coarse grind. Any tips on how to get it to vape evenly. Temp is 420. I'm starting to wonder if I got a defective unit, but it's probably user error. ;-)

Is it the blinking red lights on the battery?
If so tip I got here is to clean the male battery bits with iso qtips. Otherwise exchange battery before use. Sometimes from idle it goes to flashing red but has nothing to do with battery life. The iso tip got rid of it for me.

Wall charger =external charger?
If not get one! You can charge a battery in 40 minutes with a decent power bank.
With two batteries you are set for an all nighter out.

You gotta stir to get even extraction.
Some put a nug in whole. Take two hits flip,Take two more.crush and stir a take a few more.
Some finger break up the nug.
I have tried the above two and a coarse grind and all worked well for me

 

[mitchgo61]

I really want to love the Firefly 2. But the battery! Damn, the battery! The only way I can use it is to keep it on the charger all the time. It lasts for about an hour max if not on the charger. I have the wall charger, but that battery drains fast, even when not in use. -)

http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/the-firefly-2-vaporizer.20281/page-231#post-1205519

 

[amethystwolf]

Is it the blinking red lights on the battery?
If so tip I got here is to clean the male battery bits with iso qtips. Otherwise exchange battery before use. Sometimes from idle it goes to flashing red but has nothing to do with battery life. The iso tip got rid of it for me.

Wall charger =external charger?
If not get one! You can charge a battery in 40 minutes with a decent power bank.
With two batteries you are set for an all nighter out.

You gotta stir to get even extraction.
Some put a nug in whole. Take two hits flip,Take two more.crush and stir a take a few more.
Some finger break up the nug.
I have tried the above two and a coarse grind and all worked well for me

It is the blinking red light - I will try cleaning, thanks!

Yep, wall charger. The company sent me one at no charge when I emailed them about battery problems. My experience has been that the battery doesn't hold a charge for long after being charged up with wall charger. Maybe this will improve after cleaning the batteries.

Thanks for the nug and stirring tips. I'll try all of this - headed up the mountain this weekend. Firefly gets to come LOL.

 

[Pimpslapper]

It is the blinking red light - I will try cleaning, thanks!

Yep, wall charger. The company sent me one at no charge when I emailed them about battery problems. My experience has been that the battery doesn't hold a charge for long after being charged up with wall charger. Maybe this will improve after cleaning the batteries.

Thanks for the nug and stirring tips. I'll try all of this - headed up the mountain this weekend. Firefly gets to come LOL.

Forgot to mention it will happen if the unit is too cold as well.
If that is the case 4-5 times trying should get it to work or switching out the battery.
Good luck!

 

[JCat]

Forgot to mention it will happen if the unit is too cold as well.
If that is the case 4-5 times trying should get it to work or switching out the battery.
Good luck!

I've had this issues

Messy with flowers but not rosin? How much are you loading between those pads? .05g? And how many pad sandwiches can you go through on a single charge? 2-3? Do you have a spare battery?

I can get "up-to" 5 ... 4 on average. (as you note above, I've had the flashing issue as of the 2nd bowl in really cold weather)

Yesterday, I didn't get through my 3rd bowl without some trouble ... but it was about colder than -40C with wind chill .... (luckily had a spare battery). Don't have the external charger yet, but do place it on the cradle using a USB battery pack and use a hair elastic wrapped around the unit and the cradle to keep them locked together while in my bag

As for messy with flowers and not ... the resin from both gets all down the vapour path, but with flowers you also get little pieces of flower all over the place stuck in the resin! When it's just the resin it cleans up really well after each use with a piece of blue shop towel or a dried off alcohol wipe (I find they are too wet at first so drying them a bit by squishing in a paper towel first works wonders). The little pieces of flower make it a little more of a pain!

I'm loading maybe a grain of rice size ... maybe a touch less on avg between the pads.

... think I answered all your questions now @biohacker ...

 

[Brewervapesalot]

Yep. That's about right! That's how it works for me too! I hope you like it man


I don't find stirring is really even necessary if it is packed right.

Packing loose up to the brim requires less stirring or even no stirring. But you'll get substantially bigger clouds anbd vapor production by over packing and stirring each hit (to prevent charring or uneven cooking).

I usually over pack and stir each hit, and this on the modified unit with twice the air flow, because it consistently produces big clouds and great flavor without me thinking about the pack amount. It's just a bit more work to stir each time. But a routine that works...

The alternative is to try to get the pack "just right" and have whispier, more inconsistent, vapor production, among some great hits.

Flavor is outstanding either way.

Do you have to take the FF apart to do this?

I've been having serious draw restrictions myself lately, probably due to trying out some hash. I was initially fooled because I could see a glow through almost all the holes, but after a lot of (difficult) needle work, heat, and upside-down ISO, I improved the flow significantly. I'd love to find an easier way, though.

No. I just gently tapped the the holes with a needle and small tack hammer. Try a few holes then use it. See if you like it.

I think you could make the holes too big as others have done by drilling, but that's why the needle method.

Probably expanding 50% of the holes is what mine is at and I don't use the un-modded one any more I like it so much.

I was at a point the pull was way too hard and cleaning out holes was so frequent and a pain it was either mod or move on to another brand vaporizer

I will mod my other unit at some point. Cleaning is much better and waaaaaay less frequent

 

[JCat]

Packing loose up to the brim requires less stirring or even no stirring. But you'll get substantially bigger clouds anbd vapor production by over packing and stirring each hit (to prevent charring or uneven cooking).

I usually over pack and stir each hit, and this on the modified unit with twice the air flow, because it consistently produces big clouds and great flavor without me thinking about the pack amount. It's just a bit more work to stir each time. But a routine that works...

The alternative is to try to get the pack "just right" and have whispier, more inconsistent, vapor production, among some great hits.

Flavor is outstanding either way.

It's primarily a concentrate vape for me, but both flower bowls I tried I didn't stir, packed full with a light tamp down, and got actually quite huge clouds ... a few of them, very tasty, and at that point the bowl was cached in my estimation.

Both of these bowls were with ~25% thc cannabis that produces huge vapour though ... with lesser cannabis (like my really flavourful ~15% super lemon haze) clouds might not be so big?

 

[Brewervapesalot]

It's primarily a concentrate vape for me, but both flower bowls I tried I didn't stir, packed full with a light tamp down, and got actually quite huge clouds ... a few of them, very tasty, and at that point the bowl was cached in my estimation.

Both of these bowls were with ~25% thc cannabis that produces huge vapour though ... with lesser cannabis (like my really flavourful ~15% super lemon haze) clouds might not be so big?

That will work, but stirring each time and over packing will be bigger clouds and more of them. It's not even close; I'd prefer the easier/lazier way but the results are not quite as good.

 

[JCat]

That will work, but stirring each time and over packing will be bigger clouds and more of them. It's not even close; I'd prefer the easier/lazier way but the results are not quite as good.

Got it. Thing is, having to stir is a deal breaker for me. I absolutely refuse!

I use portables, for portability ... ie. that generally means outside. So having to lift the cover and stir in the wind, snow, or a light rain, is definitely seriously undesirable!

Like I said though ... mainly use it for concentrates and it kills for that! And gotta' love the Hopper for herb when it's working! (No stirring required ... great outside even in a snow storm with my little 14mm GonG attachable Zapubbler )

 

[biohacker]

So having to lift the cover and stir in the wind, snow, or a light rain, is definitely seriously undesirable!

I just watched a couple of review videos (vape critic) and he doesn't actually open it up but rather taps it against his hand. Apparently if it's packed right (not too loose or too tight) it's enough to stir it.

But like you, it's all about the rosin tech! I can't wait to taste it!

 

[JCat]

I just watched a couple of review videos (vape critic) and he doesn't actually open it up but rather taps it against his hand. Apparently if it's packed right (not too loose or too tight) it's enough to stir it.

But like you, it's all about the rosin tech! I can't wait to taste it!

Yeah ... I don't think the stirrings necessary if packed right for that, but what @Brewervapesalot is saying he likes to pack it good and tight for full effect, and stir. (Don't think shaking/tapping would do much in this case)

I really did get big clouds the couple times I used it with herb with no stirring. @Brewervapesalot is saying I would have gotten bigger if I packed tighter and stirred

... I think I'm rambling ... damn that rosin is good!

 

[Brewervapesalot]

Yeah that's all I'm saying...

As for portability, the firefly 2 just isn't really portable if you're on the go and active. Hate to say it but that's the reality.

I mean if I'm out and about skiing or hiking or boating or whatever and want to quickly toke and refill.... I'll role a pax 2. Light years better on the go when doing something. Idiot proof, stealth, and longer lasting, and can toss a whole nug in without grinding; none of those things ring true with a firefly 2. The pax 2 is also basically water resistant to a point rain is no bother. The firefly 2--- I would have busted a long time ago trying to use it where I do a pax 2.

The reality is that a firefly 2 can't survive a drop, it's a two handed, sit down fill and use, it is anything but water resistant, and it's just finicky and fragile outside the car, home, or backpack.

Best, if not the only time to use is, when you have time to sit and enjoy.

So I use the firefly 2 solo, or with another, when I am at home and want quick, cordless, flavorful rips without the time or hassle for letting the corded Evo heatup.

Plenty of time for an over fill and stir each time there. One to two packs and medicated very well. Fill loose up to the top and it's two packs minimum, usually more, before the same level of medicated..

Basically, I think the only way to even come remotely close to a Evo type hit, or session, with that big vapor production, consistently, is to over fill and stir each time.

Also, my unit is modded with half the draw resistance and slightly larger holes. That probably changes the best way to use it

 

[scouse]

Well guys I've owned mine about 10mths it was a big purchase for me as I'm terminaly ill with emphysema lung condition but I still need my weed to sleep as I I make my own oil I wanted something that worked for both concentrates and flower as I can only take one hit and put it down so with this I don't waste any also I use it daily would I buy it again yes in a heartbeat . For concentrate s it absolutely rocks for herb it's great besides the stiring and you will taste your weed like youd never imagined

 

[petey]

No. I just gently tapped the the holes with a needle and small tack hammer. Try a few holes then use it. See if you like it.

Okay, thanks. I've been confused because the bottom plate is almost touching the oven plate below -- which is what makes it so hard to stick a needle through. Seems like any force (such as a tack hammer) could damage the plate below. But maybe I'll give it a careful try next time I'm clogged.

 

[Polarbearboy]

Last Wed., I sent my FF2 in for the pre-paid $30. screen unclogging service. Its a year-and-a-half old and experienced daily use for much of that time. According to tracking, it got there on Sat. Both phone and emails with FF had said that the turn around for service is about two weeks. I just got an email from FF CustServ that my "replacement" has just been sent to FedEx to me. So either they opened the package this morning and immediately did the service or they looked at it and decided that it should be replaced. Either way, I'm impressed that they acted so quickly. As noted above, if $30 brings this $329 device back up to standard, I would consider that a great bargain. If they replaced the core unit, I will sing FF's praises to the heavens! I will let you know what happens.

 

[Boden]

I’ve added two layers of SS screen to the bottom of the bowl to aid in heat diffusion. Works a treat.

I took a 1” screen and folded it in half then using the concentrate pad as a template cut the screen with the fold slightly inside the diameter so I can get a pick under it for removing.

Don’t need to stir nearly as often.

 

[JCat]

Last Wed., I sent my FF2 in for the pre-paid $30. screen unclogging service. Its a year-and-a-half old and experienced daily use for much of that time. According to tracking, it got there on Sat. Both phone and emails with FF had said that the turn around for service is about two weeks. I just got an email from FF CustServ that my "replacement" has just been sent to FedEx to me. So either they opened the package this morning and immediately did the service or they looked at it and decided that it should be replaced. Either way, I'm impressed that they acted so quickly. As noted above, if $30 brings this $329 device back up to standard, I would consider that a great bargain. If they replaced the core unit, I will sing FF's praises to the heavens! I will let you know what happens.

It's really easy to disassemble as well, and thoroughly clean yourself. Took me about half an hour from start to finish the first time I did it. There's a good youtube video that talks through most of it ... I posted about it earlier in the thread too.

If you guys are really interested, I'm sure I could take it apart and take pics/document the whole process and post ... I did it right after I bought it, since I bought used, and was very pleasantly surprised at how straight forward/easy it was which is great because that way I don't have to overly-worry about potentially clogging it, as I know I can quickly remedy the situation if needed.

 

[Polarbearboy]

It's really easy to disassemble as well, and thoroughly clean yourself. Took me about half an hour from start to finish the first time I did it. There's a good youtube video that talks through most of it ... I posted about it earlier in the thread too.

If you guys are really interested, I'm sure I could take it apart and take pics/document the whole process and post ... I did it right after I bought it, since I bought used, and was very pleasantly surprised at how straight forward/easy it was which is great because that way I don't have to overly-worry about potentially clogging it, as I know I can quickly remedy the situation if needed.

I watched the video and then got the right torx screwdriver and partially disassembled it. The problem for me was poking the holes, all of which still showed light when turned on in the dark. The smallest needle in my sewing kit was too big, but the bigger problem for me was just seeing the holes and then holding the needle steady. I used to be a skilled detail worker--but those days are gone. Again, as I said above, $30 is cheap for the service as not only did I pay $329 for my FF2, but I have the case, extra batteries and charger, mouthpieces, other color cover, etc. I'm in this for close to $500. I'm invested. $30 is easy. Otherwise it and its associated stuff were just getting consigned to the back of the drawer. Which would be too bad, as its a stunningly well designed and produced item, on par with high-end camera gear. We are in a rapidly evolving time in vapeing technology and user convenience--I'm sure the FF3 will resolve the core problem issues--those that didn't get solved by software fixes--of the 2 as the 2 did for the original FF. Isn't it fun!

 

[JCat]

I watched the video and then got the right torx screwdriver and partially disassembled it. The problem for me was poking the holes, all of which still showed light when turned on in the dark. The smallest needle in my sewing kit was too big, but the bigger problem for me was just seeing the holes and then holding the needle steady. I used to be a skilled detail worker--but those days are gone. Again, as I said above, $30 is cheap for the service as not only did I pay $329 for my FF2, but I have the case, extra batteries and charger, mouthpieces, other color cover, etc. I'm in this for close to $500. I'm invested. $30 is easy. Otherwise it and its associated stuff were just getting consigned to the back of the drawer. Which would be too bad, as its a stunningly well designed and produced item, on par with high-end camera gear. We are in a rapidly evolving time in vapeing technology and user convenience--I'm sure the FF3 will resolve the core problem issues--those that didn't get solved by software fixes--of the 2 as the 2 did for the original FF. Isn't it fun!

I agree that $30 is a great deal. My issue would more be the time involved with shipping and all ... I would be looking at ~$25-$35 shipping for 4-6 business days to the USA from here in Northern Canada, then it would be there for 2 weeks, then it would take 2-3 weeks to get back to me (or 1-2 weeks if they are willing to spend $30 USD to send it to me ... ie. at a loss, so likely 2-3 weeks).

So actual cost for me would likely be in excess of $70 CAD and it would likely be a 5-6 week turn-around

 

[Brewervapesalot]

Last Wed., I sent my FF2 in for the pre-paid $30. screen unclogging service. Its a year-and-a-half old and experienced daily use for much of that time. According to tracking, it got there on Sat. Both phone and emails with FF had said that the turn around for service is about two weeks. I just got an email from FF CustServ that my "replacement" has just been sent to FedEx to me. So either they opened the package this morning and immediately did the service or they looked at it and decided that it should be replaced. Either way, I'm impressed that they acted so quickly. As noted above, if $30 brings this $329 device back up to standard, I would consider that a great bargain. If they replaced the core unit, I will sing FF's praises to the heavens! I will let you know what happens.

Was your unit not one of the first sold? The reason I ask is that I still believe my first unit had smaller holes than my second purchased months later.... could explain the new unit you got...

Okay, thanks. I've been confused because the bottom plate is almost touching the oven plate below -- which is what makes it so hard to stick a needle through. Seems like any force (such as a tack hammer) could damage the plate below. But maybe I'll give it a careful try next time I'm clogged.

Amazon has small needles for a couple bucks that will clean the holes or if tapped with a tack hammer make the holes bigger.

I'll mod my second firefly 2 and record doing it for you. Just don't make fun of my wife's small purple tack hammer... lol..

Some pics and video below.... 5 minute mod... I use on high heat with 111% "calibration"... and it makes great vapor with a much easier draw.

I haven't used it on lower temp settings, though, and not sure if it makes good vapor on those settings...

I just was at a point of don't use or make an easier draw....

TAP VERY LIGHTLY.

I also think that the divots help the holes stay clean longer...

Edit: I tried low and medium heat settings. It's great... Same vaporizer just easier to pull from. Then again, I've kinda forgotten what it use to vape like 'cause I hadn't used the un-modded one for so long... it works wonderfully, anyhow...

https://dropfile.to/0XcpqzD

https://dropfile.to/sUqzsSs

https://dropfile.to/1cb2FUN

 

[buckhakeesah]

You know I called and talk to tech support/customer service at FF about the holes being bigger in newer updated models. I wanted to upgrade and get the restrictor plate with larger holes. They told me nothing has changed from when they launched this device. So something is off and I'd like some clarity if some people are aware of this difference in restrictor plate screen holes.

 

[Brewervapesalot]

You know I called and talk to tech support/customer service at FF about the holes being bigger in newer updated models. I wanted to upgrade and get the restrictor plate with larger holes. They told nothing has changed from when they launched this device. So something is off and I'd like some clarity if some people are aware of this difference in restrictor plate screen holes.

My observation was that the holes were bigger. It was pretty plain to me visually and in terms of draw resistance.

That said, I have nothing else to base this statement on. I took pictures a while back, I think still on this forum.

Now both my units i have increased the hole size with a small needle and light taps with a tack hammer to each hole. Just works better with easier draw restistance.

 

[JCat]

I never used a tack hammer ... I just removed the screen, cleaned with 99% ISO, and then used a small needle (from a cheap Walmart misc sewing needle dial) to poke the holes clear before cleaning a 2nd time with 99% ISO. (I was just trying to get it to stock clean/air-flow ... wasn't trying for bigger holes as such)

 

[biohacker]

Received my FF2 and must say that my first experience with it has been extremely underwhelming. Not sure what exactly i'm doing wrong, but i'm not getting even CLOSE to the concentrate experience that i've seen in videos, etc. I am running the latest firmware/app.

Battery is charged, temp 500f and calibration set to max. Can't get anymore heat than that right? I loaded 0.05g of rosin, and smeared it all on top of the pad and then stuck another on top. Seated it properly down.

I heated for a few seconds before I started to draw, and I did a combo of cigar pulls and slow long draw until I saw some vapour. Then I went for the money shot! I was rewarded with a light, tasty hit.... and that's how they all went from then on.

I have good lungs, I took long slow hits....didn't even find the draw restriction too bad, until my neck muscles started to tense and hurt!

I want to love this vape, I really do....I love the form factor, quality, vapour path etc, but I need to get some quality vapour out of my rosin instead of waste another .1g of it which would have sent me to the moon and back (a few times!) with the e-nano.

@JCat please help!

 

[Goita]

I only do dry herb but have found the power tuning makes a big difference too cloud size - not sure if the same applies to rosin but might be worth a go.