The Firefly 2 vaporizer

[stickstones]

Thanks for the reply, @Elac...clearly we can cross 'vapor noob' off the list of possible problems you had! And I appreciate the pics of the internals you posted. Since you've taken several apart, did you see any inconsistencies with the soldering? Based on those three units, would you say the possibility of having the air path constricted by solder is worth chasing down?

@TvsP - I was playing with stealth ideas yesterday. You can flip the lid around so the bottom is at the top. In this configuration the light won't be seen and the bowl is not visible. But you can't draw from it as the gasket covers the air hole, so it's mostly just a transport solution for stealth. I like to travel with it loaded, so flipping the lid keeps my greenies out of view!

 

[greenextinguisher]

I finally get my FF2. Wow, amazig taste, amazing high, amazing clouds. First impression is very good.

I only wonder why the green led isn't blinking while heating. The green led only blinked before my first hit today. Now the FF2 is solid green immediately, if i touch both buttons. Even if I set a higher temperature.

This has been discussed a bit. Unclear whether it is a bug or a feature. Sometimes after a long period since last hit, the device will completely cool (AFAIK) and go into a sleep mode. The next button press goes straight solid. If you let go and press again, you should get blinks and a heater.

If you are following up shortly after your first button press, the oven may already be up to temp, so you don't need a full startup and can start hitting right away.

I've never had an instance where the oven was cold and letting go/repressing didn't get things blinking again.

Mine has just arrived, eager to get started right, without trawling through all 150 pages can someone point me to best pages for guides?

My advice is to walk through @mitchgo61's beta testing towards the beginning of the thread. He was the only one with a device at the time, so its a pretty seamless walkthrough. I've come around to being in basically 100% agreement with his findings and procedures.

I am testing right now, and I feel it did not work that well before because it was too caurse the grind. A normalish grind, but not packed so tight it has not air.

I legit think people are getting less better results because the grind might be too coarse. I think a normal but definitely full bowl should work well. It is right now.

Still gonna get a crafty or grasshopper though or apha! Just don't know which one of those I should get.

I think you should get a Crafty. You'll have it in a few days. Its a very different experience than the FF2/grasshopper and fills a different role. Its one of the least challenging vaporizers on the market. Give yourself a break from vape troubles and get a trusty crafty. If you look at the GH thread, you will see that I had quite a process to come around to that vape. I found it infinitely more challenging to use than the FF2. It took weeks and a lot of persistence for me to enjoy the vaporizer at all.

 

[Sh4dy15]

Damn, it got salty in here!

The main thing that I keep noticing is that the people who think this device is "shit" are almost all cloud chasers that believe larger clouds = more efficient. This is 100% false but it is very clear their minds are not going to be changed so in all honesty, who gives a fuck? Not worth the time anymore.

Go on your merry way, make your attempt to return the device and use what you were using before and keep chasing those big huge gigantic vapor clouds. Nothing wrong with that at all but to say it doesn't work when it is getting other users high as fuck everyday is just ignorant.

There is a difference between not liking the device (which is totally fine) and just flat out saying "it's shit".

 

[jay87]

Damn, it got salty in here!

The main thing that I keep noticing is that the people who think this device is "shit" are almost all cloud chasers that believe larger clouds = more efficient. This is 100% false but it is very clear their minds are not going to be changed so in all honesty, who gives a fuck? Not worth the time anymore.

Go on your merry way, make your attempt to return the device and use what you were using before and keep chasing those big huge gigantic vapor clouds. Nothing wrong with that at all but to say it doesn't work when it is getting other users high as fuck everyday is just ignorant.

There is a difference between not liking the device (which is totally fine) and just flat out saying "it's shit".

I have to admit I'm a bit skeptical when I see new accounts with single digit posts company or product bashing.

One guy who said his FF2 was slow to melt his concentrates and overheated before he got a hit, either his device is broken, it's user error, or it's just fictional product bashing.

I've got extensive experience using this device with concentrates and my experience is the exact opposite of the above.

I'd say the most common thing I've heard from some Negative Nancy's is "I hate the Firefly 2 because it isn't a Grasshopper or a Mighty"

That isn't an observation or a criticism. That's just like saying "I don't like apple juice because it's not orange juice or cranberry juice"

 

[Elac]

@stickstones: Solder plays no role in the common restrictive draw issue. If it does on someone's unit then I would say that is a 'red marble' case.
And there was no inconsistency in the rest of the soldering inside the units the quality of workmanship was the same in all.
3 units I fixed all had the same problem. Figured it out by taking a friend's working unit apart and swapping parts between them until a broke unit worked correctly and the working unit produced the issue. Then tried the swap out fix on the other units to resolve their issue.
I have more pics of the circutry if you would like to see them. For $hits and giggles.

And for the record I am no cloud chaser, I just know when I am or am not satisfied. I also enjoy huge clouds like many do.

 

[Sh4dy15]

I have to admit I'm a bit skeptical when I see new accounts with single digit posts company or product bashing.

100% agree with this...its even more suspect when they show up around the same time with the same "my opinion is the only one that matters" approach. Might be nothing but interesting none the less.

The device is working unbelievable well for me and others also. I even left some half used flower in there for 2 days and went back to it last night and it STILL was hitting great. To each their own though.

 

[stickstones]

@stickstones: Solder plays no role in the common restrictive draw issue. If it does on someone's unit then I would say that is a 'red marble' case.
And there was no inconsistency in the rest of the soldering inside the units the quality of workmanship was the same in all.
3 units I fixed all had the same problem. Figured it out by taking a friend's working unit apart and swapping parts between them until a broke unit worked correctly and the working unit produced the issue. Then tried the swap out fix on the other units to resolve their issue.
I have more pics of the circutry if you would like to see them. For $hits and giggles.

And for the record I am no cloud chaser, I just know when I am or am not satisfied. I also enjoy huge clouds like many do.

Thank you! What were you fixing, and what was the fix?

 

[NoCo970]

Its too bad there have been bad experiences with this vape I think the ones that don't like it would've liked the firefly1. Actually why I still have it and wont get rid of it. FF1 would vape a bowl burnt black in 15 or so puffs, less draw resistance, and would handle tighter pack along with 10x more powerful magnetic lid. Thought about selling it but believe it or not there is a 180° difference between the two devices. FF1 would tear up your lungs and give hige clouds. Also wouldnt have a problem if u packed too hard against the plate and blocked the holes.
I think that might lead to some problems with FF2. Last night I packed too coarse of a bowl and too tight. I couldn't get a lot of vapor, the device got hot along with serious draw resistance. Found out it was because the bud was restricting the air flow since the buds were compacted against the bottom plate and the holes aren't big enough to create enough updraft to lift the buds to pass the air flow through.

 

[malsanti]

This has been discussed a bit. Unclear whether it is a bug or a feature. Sometimes after a long period since last hit, the device will completely cool (AFAIK) and go into a sleep mode. The next button press goes straight solid. If you let go and press again, you should get blinks and a heater.

If you are following up shortly after your first button press, the oven may already be up to temp, so you don't need a full startup and can start hitting right away.

I've never had an instance where the oven was cold and letting go/repressing didn't get things blinking again.



My advice is to walk through @mitchgo61's beta testing towards the beginning of the thread. He was the only one with a device at the time, so its a pretty seamless walkthrough. I've come around to being in basically 100% agreement with his findings and procedures.



I think you should get a Crafty. You'll have it in a few days. Its a very different experience than the FF2/grasshopper and fills a different role. Its one of the least challenging vaporizers on the market. Give yourself a break from vape troubles and get a trusty crafty. If you look at the GH thread, you will see that I had quite a process to come around to that vape. I found it infinitely more challenging to use than the FF2. It took weeks and a lot of persistence for me to enjoy the vaporizer at all.

I was ready to get the Crafty because that I the impression I also had of it. But vapefiend actually just got Grasshoppers in stock now, I called today.

And their rep told me that the Crafty is amazing, but its also their most returned vaporizer due to faults. But that sucks to hear that the grassshopper is not an easy to use vape, I was on the page right now wondering if I should just order it.

I shouldn't money wise, but I REALLY want a good stealthy vaporizer I can take with me, and preferably use with friends if the need arises. I don't mind having two to serve these needs, the FireFly 2, will have to play with more I guess.

Also, I can confirm, my LED works pefectly, an all that, and bat life is acturate on the app. So no software probs. But I think it should probably heat up the bud longer before it tells you good to go.

 

[mitchgo61]

I'd say the most common thing I've heard from some Negative Nancy's is "I hate the Firefly 2 because it isn't a Grasshopper or a Mighty"

This is, in a nutshell, I think, the biggest issue with many folks' negative perceptions. If you think the FF is going to operate like an "automatic" vape (Mighty, Pax, etc) you are going to be very surprised. It's like driving a manual car and bitching about all the clutch work involved. Different machines, different approaches, different user intervention required. They both drive you to the same place....your involvement in that process varies completely.

As Max said, anyone who hasn't bought an FF2 yet should know ahead of time: it's a manual vape...not an automatic. You will need to stir, maybe change temps, maybe try differing amounts and grinds to get results you love. It's worth it, it's a lot of fun once you find your groove with it, but it's not the Lazy Stoner's vape like the Mighty. Sometimes you wanna be lazy....sometimes you don't. Thankfully we can own different devices to scratch these various itches.

But the fact that so many experienced vapists love the FF should tell you there's no fundamental design flaw with it....only differing user perceptions, and, unfortunately, the occasional defective unit.

I was ready to get the Crafty because that I the impression I also had of it. But vapefiend actually just got Grasshoppers in stock now, I called today.

And their rep told me that the Crafty is amazing, but its also their most returned vaporizer due to faults. But that sucks to hear that the grassshopper is not an easy to use vape, I was on the page right now wondering if I should just order it.

If you want Crafty-like automatic performance with a more stable life-span think about the Mighty. Lot less returns than the Crafty, simple as hell vape to use, and pretty fucking awesome.

 

[stickstones]

I agree on the Mighty/Crafty...I never use my Crafty, but the Mighty has been fantastic and durable.

 

[Amplifix]

I was ready to get the Crafty because that I the impression I also had of it. But vapefiend actually just got Grasshoppers in stock now, I called today.

And their rep told me that the Crafty is amazing, but its also their most returned vaporizer due to faults. But that sucks to hear that the grassshopper is not an easy to use vape, I was on the page right now wondering if I should just order it.

I shouldn't money wise, but I REALLY want a good stealthy vaporizer I can take with me, and preferably use with friends if the need arises. I don't mind having two to serve these needs, the FireFly 2, will have to play with more I guess.

Also, I can confirm, my LED works pefectly, an all that, and bat life is acturate on the app. So no software probs. But I think it should probably heat up the bud longer before it tells you good to go.

If you want stealth go with the Pax2, can't go stealthier than that.

 

[kcmochris]

This is, in a nutshell, I think, the biggest issue with many folks' negative perceptions. If you think the FF is going to operate like an "automatic" vape (Mighty, Pax, etc) you are going to be very surprised. It's like driving a manual car and bitching about all the clutch work involved.

This is exactly how I see the FF2. Quite the analogy.

LSD + good draw resistance = clutch + gas (1st/2nd gear)

 

[b0]

For the people following my case, firefly received my faulty ff2 and batteries this past Thursday and I just got a message with the tracking number of a replacement order! In just 4 days!! Thx for your help @mitchgo61

Can't wait to have it back, I have been really missing this guy. If the battery performs properly I'm gonna be more than happy, totally love how this vaporizer works

 

[malsanti]

My only issue with getting a mighty is the size, i would like something I can pop into my pocket. Mighty would be fine in the winter when there is more pocket space with coats, but during the summer months, I want something like the Firefly 2 that can just be put in my pocket.

Also, the vapefiend guy said he thinks Firefly 2s are amazing. Vapefiend just got those as well. So it looks like FF2s and Grasshoppers are on the menu finally.

 

[Mr Mellish]

My only issue with getting a mighty is the size, i would like something I can pop into my pocket. Mighty would be fine in the winter when there is more pocket space with coats, but during the summer months, I want something like the Firefly 2 that can just be put in my pocket.

Cargo shorts are awesome!

 

[malsanti]

For me the problem had been, I was grinding it too coarse, I can confirm. If I grind it the same as pretty much for the other two vapes I use, it does work quite well. No draw probs. At the moment I am becoming pleased.

FF shouldn't be telling people to grind it coarse. It just works better if it has air, otherwise it sometimes doesn't work as well, imo.

Well since I am getting it to perform pretty damned well, just packing sure its a normally ground bowl, I won't get the grasshopper immediately. But i do kinda want to get it.

 

[kcmochris]

For me the problem had been, I was grinding it too coarse, I can confirm. If I grind it the same as pretty much for the other two vapes I use, it does work quite well. No draw probs. At the moment I am becoming pleased.

FF shouldn't be telling people to grind it coarse. It just works better if it has air, otherwise it sometimes doesn't work as well, imo.

Ah. Feel like I'm adding fuel to this fire but I employ the same technique as @stickstones -- using whole nug(s) for multiple preliminary hits before crumbling the golden-green, singed nugs. Then I break the nug down. Major vapor from the pulls post-crumble. I have success getting pulls on the nug(s), and obviously even more post-crumble. I get poorer results with a fine grind [I'm talking about dust-fine; the kind you find after stirring that FF2 almost 20 times and the material simply breaks down to an uniform "spec" (read: dust) size].

@malsanti I know you've been keeping up with the grind discussion so hope this doesn't seem confrontational. I have been able to get results with either no grind at all (nugs) or barely breaking up by hand. It works albeit it's not too packed.

I'm curious about that fine line (for me, at least) that separates nugs, coarse and even an SCS grind, from too fine of a grind which results in poorer performance and often leaves a minute mess.

 

[sky king]

Only the coil and it's soldered leads are directly in the air path. And of course the ceramics and the bowl screen. Personally without certification I can't take comfort in somones word that solder from china has no trace amounts of lead or other toxic metals in it. If Firefly can show certification then that would be proper.

My only concern here is how close the solder gets to its melting point. If the solder remains inert at its normal operating temperature then I'm not really concerned. If It's getting within even 50-100 degrees F of its melting point my concern begins to rise a lot.

I asked FF for more detail on the solder issue. Here's their exact description:

"The solder we use for the heat coil is food safe and the same as the solder used for plumbing pipes, food machinery and brewing applications."

Hopefully this makes folks feel better about this issue....personally knowing it's the food-safe kind used in multiple food/water/beverage applications alleviates any concerns I might have had, but I wasn't particularly worried about it myself. YMMV and all that....but since people wanted a deeper description of this aspect of the FF operation maybe this puts it to rest. (My vast FC experience voice whispers "probably not" in the back of my brain....)

Is anyone besides me still concerned by the solder in the air and vapor path? Even if it doesn't get hot enough to melt, could it be off gassing? I'd like more re-assurance that the FF2 is indeed safe...

Any thoughts?

 

[Nyfunk420]

Hey everyone. I just bought the FF2 a couple days ago. I am very happy with my experience so far. It took me a day to get used to it but I have it dialed in now. I can honestly say the FF2 is a great vaporizer. I am able to get really nice rips on the medium high setting. The flavor is the best I have experienced with a vaporizer. If you have some top shelf flower there isn't a better way to taste it in my opinion. I am not having a problem getting big clouds. I take 10-15 sec drags with a medium strength pull and get great results. I get about 8-10 sessions on a battery which is pretty good. Having to stir is a little bit of a pain but its not that bad. I have gotten used to it pretty quick. dental picks or the plastic sticks that come in the cleaning kit help greatly with the stirring. I wish they still made an external charger for the batteries. It sucks the only way to charge the battery is while it's inside the FF2. I would like to be able to charge my dead battery and still use the FF2 with my 2nd battery. Im gonna have to find one of the old external chargers online. I also want something to cover the window opening that shows the flower. I live in NYC and I don't like that you can see the flower. I normally will use my Pax 2 while walking around. I would like to be able to use the FF2 walking around the city but its a little sketchy. If it had a cover for the window at least someone wouldn't be able to see what it is so easily. Not a big deal as I still have my Pax 2 but I haven't thought about using the pax since I got the FF2. I love being able to take a hit and then put it down and come back a few minutes later. No Vape is perfect but I can't wait to see what can top this one. It has everything I have been looking for in a vape. I have tried almost everything out there. I currently own a Volcano digital, Pax 2 and now the FF2. Im really happy I decided to buy it. I had no intention to buy it but the Head shop near me had a few in stock so I took the plunge. No looking back now. Im hooked! Ive been a long time reader of this forum mainly for help with my Persei and hercules setup. Im finally registered so I decided to let everyone know my experience so far. Thanks for all the help Vaping over the years everyone!

 

[malsanti]

Ah. Feel like I'm adding fuel to this fire but I employ the same technique as @stickstones -- using whole nug(s) for multiple preliminary hits before crumbling the golden-green, singed nugs. Then I break the nug down. Major vapor from the pulls post-crumble. I have success getting pulls on the nug(s), and obviously even more post-crumble. I get poorer results with a fine grind [I'm talking about dust-fine; the kind you find after stirring that FF2 almost 20 times and the material simply breaks down to an uniform "spec" (read: dust) size].

@malsanti I know you've been keeping up with the grind discussion so hope this doesn't seem confrontational. I have been able to get results with either no grind at all (nugs) or barely breaking up by hand. It works albeit it's not too packed.

I'm curious about that fine line (for me, at least) that separates nugs, coarse and even an SCS grind, from too fine of a grind which results in poorer performance and often leaves a minute mess.

You're not being confrontational at all dude. I am glad for the input, and I had been doing a coarse grinds just with my hand, and what you say actually makes perfect sense. You guys know more about this stuff than me anyway, just my less educated observations.

Start a little coarse, but not too much, and just break it down further. I didn't break it down further, and I think that one instance with my friends, I think I went too far with how coarse I packed it. Was in a hurry. BUt at the moment, its hitting like a beauty. I don't think it's that finnicky, you can get it to play nice without too much hassle, imo.

And it looks great!

 

[Kermitt]

Does anybody know when the update comes? And will it solve the problem with the constant green LED in the heating phase? Maybe a beta tester can report?

 

[Elac]

Is anyone besides me still concerned by the solder in the air and vapor path? Even if it doesn't get hot enough to melt, could it be off gassing? I'd like more re-assurance that the FF2 is indeed safe...

Any thoughts?

Ask Firefly for the MSDS of the solder they use.

Thank you! What were you fixing, and what was the fix?

The issues were to much draw restriction and overheating. Which seemed to be related in these units. The fix was with the body.
If I wasn't able to try multiple units side by side I wouldn't of known what the right amont of draw restriction a unit should have. Big difference. The units with issues felt like breathing through a reed while under water. The 2 good units felt like breathing through a large straw above water.
So my advise to anyone having issues with draw or overheating is to find a satisfied user and try each others unit, try as many as you can.

What I would like to see is if there is any differences in the build of a prototype compared to the preordered ones. Actually a full range of side by side tests would be awesome.
Anyone have or is willing to take pics of a prototype internals?

 

[malsanti]

I actually think I have been using a slightly different definition of what a coarse grind means. I only have grinder, and I think it's fairly coarse, so my normal grind has been on the coarse side, so I think a few times, with the recommendation to keep it coarse maybe over did it.

I think a 'normal' coarse grind, yeah, you guys are right. I'm glad its working so well again!!!!!!!!! After a stir or two, its pretty efficient too. I think I can share it with friends next time, I'll have packed the bowl properly.

 

[mitchgo61]

Does anybody know when the update comes? And will it solve the problem with the constant green LED in the heating phase? Maybe a beta tester can report?

I don't know when the release date is, but from my usage, that bug appears to be fixed.