The Firefly 2 vaporizer

[turk]

....smoke detectors?.....not in any of the htl. rooms I've been in.

 

[Kermitt]

....smoke detectors?.....not in any of the htl. rooms I've been in.

smoke detectors react to the steam. But if you are careful, there are no problems

 

[TvsP]

The little holes in my heating chamber seem to have blocked reducing airflow.

When I power up now I can only see the orange glow through one little hole instead of all of them.

I only use herb and clean it after each bowl is finished so not sure why this has happened.

Have tried to clean to no avail, any tips?

 

[Convector]

The little holes in my heating chamber seem to have blocked reducing airflow.

When I power up now I can only see the orange glow through one little hole instead of all of them.

I only use herb and clean it after each bowl is finished so not sure why this has happened.

Have tried to clean to no avail, any tips?

air-duster (compressed air in a can)

 

[mitchgo61]

The little holes in my heating chamber seem to have blocked reducing airflow.

When I power up now I can only see the orange glow through one little hole instead of all of them.

I only use herb and clean it after each bowl is finished so not sure why this has happened.

Have tried to clean to no avail, any tips?

Be careful with canned/compressed air. Some of those products contain chemicals which you may not want in your device.

Jay describes how he fixed his FF in this post. http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/the-firefly-2-vaporizer.20281/page-179#post-1028522

 

[jay87]

@TvsP

So if you're like me you may sometimes get a little overzealous and accidentally put too much concentrate into your FF2. This will also probably lead to having clogged holes in the bottom of the heating chamber.



Firefly recommends using canned air to clean the holes but I would actually recommend avoiding canned air because of the bitterants that are likely added to it.

Instead what I did was clean my FF2 like normal with iso, then later begin taking numerous draws with the FF2 empty and set to concentrate 111%. I continue taking hard draws and use either a squeezable air pump or my trusty lungs to blow air into the clogged heating chamber holes. In this way the FF2 is kind of self cleaning.

I've had success doing this to clear the clogged holes in my FF2 so far, but the best thing to avoid this is prevention. Don't overfill, a little dab'll do ya.

That's my recommendation for cleaning the holes.

I'd actually recommend for you to be careful or avoid canned air because they usually have bitterants that are added to prevent huffing.


Edit: Mitch beat me to it

 

[stinkytofus]

The little holes in my heating chamber seem to have blocked reducing airflow.

When I power up now I can only see the orange glow through one little hole instead of all of them.

I only use herb and clean it after each bowl is finished so not sure why this has happened.

Have tried to clean to no avail, any tips?

Try compressed air or vacuum it out lol

 

[kcmochris]

It's happening from a fine grind/resin. What I do first...is put the unit on concentrate mode, turn it upside-down and *try* to take a hit until the light goes off. That will help. But the best thing for me, is dabbing it with the alcohol pad, but also, using a air-blower. But naturally. I work in film and this is what we use for cameras and lenses. We actually stay away from canned air cause it can damage the lens coating and has the potential to leave a chalky residue. Also, it contains bitterant(s). Be advised.

Here's what we use:
http://www.bestbuy.com/site/giottos...67&ksprof_id=14&ksaffcode=pg147384&ksdevice=c

Snag something like that.

 

[CroZure]

I own a mighty and a FF2. Lately I have been using the mighty after I saw the capsules that came out. Now I am looking at the spent material between the two units. The FF2 is uneven and half is black from being scorched. The mighty is evenly light brown. Does anybody else own both and have the same results? Even without the capsules, the spent material is much lighter than the FF2.

So my question is this, how is the FF2 a pure convection and the mighty is supposed to be 50/50 but the spent material from the mighty looks much closer to my volcano than the FF2? I really want to use the FF2, mainly b/c I can hit it and sit it down. This really helps conserve but I am starting to wonder how much of a convection am I getting from it.

 

[jay87]

I own a mighty and a FF2. Lately I have been using the mighty after I saw the capsules that came out. Now I am looking at the spent material between the two units. The FF2 is uneven and half is black from being scorched. The mighty is evenly light brown. Does anybody else own both and have the same results? Even without the capsules, the spent material is much lighter than the FF2.

So my question is this, how is the FF2 a pure convection and the mighty is supposed to be 50/50 but the spent material from the mighty looks much closer to my volcano than the FF2? I really want to use the FF2, mainly b/c I can hit it and sit it down. This really helps conserve but I am starting to wonder how much of a convection am I getting from it.

The hit and sit it down convection nature of the FF2 that you enjoy is the reason for the unevenness you might be seeing and the solution to that is stirring.

The Mighty heats more evenly without stirring because of the conduction heat not the semi-convection.

What you're finding is that you have more than enough heat for full extraction with the FF2 but you may need to stir and you could also adjust your pack or heat settings in order to get a more even result.

For example I've heard a few people say they put entire nugs into the FF2 and get even extraction without stirring from the convection heat alone.

 

[mitchgo61]

So my question is this, how is the FF2 a pure convection and the mighty is supposed to be 50/50 but the spent material from the mighty looks much closer to my volcano than the FF2? I really want to use the FF2, mainly b/c I can hit it and sit it down. This really helps conserve but I am starting to wonder how much of a convection am I getting from it.

Uneven cooking is in fact a hallmark of most convection vapes, which is why most of them require stirring. It is the conduction hybrid of the Mighty that allows it to extract so evenly.

Most pure conduction vapes do a pretty good job of evenly cooking (people have ghettoized conduction vapes, but they have their advantages). While the FF requires stirring, it also has the advantages of pure convection, including being on-demand, which the Mighty is definitely not.

 

[CroZure]

I actually stir every other hit, if not every hit. My issue is that I am vaping and not smoking because I only want the goodies extracted at 375 or below. The scorched pieces are most certainly extracting above 375. The benefit of the FF2 is the ability to take a hit and sit it down but I can also do the same with a one hitter. If I am getting extracts above 375, then why not smoke? I really want the FF2 to be my main method to consume herb but only if I am getting the full health benefits of vaping.

 

[Reggie Watts]

3. Low Quality Material- Your FF2 works fine, your technique is flawless(sealed lid, slow draw, etc.), but just because your material isn't super high quality you don't get the clouds you expect

Yeah, that's a big factor. Not just low quality, but even certain high quality strains don't work great if they're too dry. Let's face it, the FF2 is a finicky device. It wants the finest, stickiest, dankest weed on the market, and anything less won't allow it work optimally.

Another turnoff for some people might be the concentration required to "breathe through" a proper draw. I have developed a specific technique for drawing on my FF2 that requires much more concentration than other vapes. First I take a deep breath, then fully exhale, then slowly begin to inhale through my nose, then start drawing on the FF2. This prep breathing helps to ensure that I'll get a full, deep inhale on the FF2. The results, as you know, are deeply satisying. On the other hand, this isn't optimal for situations when you don't have a slow, steady breathing pattern. So once again I don't find it difficult to imagine why some people would have issues with the vape, given its sort of "specialist" tendencies.

 

[mitchgo61]

My issue is that I am vaping and not smoking because I only want the goodies extracted at 375 or below. The scorched pieces are most certainly extracting above 375..

That's your choice, obviously, but since combustion occurs around 450, the benefits of vaping vs. smoking are reaped at a whole range of temps between 375 and 440. (You may personally enjoy lower temp vaping, but you aren't "smoking" or anything close to it if you stay below 440.)

The scorched pieces are most certainly extracting above 375.

No, they aren't certainly doing any such thing. (They may be, of course, but nothing is certain here.) Combustion occurs at 450-ish. Pyrolysis, which is the process you are describing, can happen at much lower temps. It's not combustion, it's a function of insufficient oxygen and, usually, a too-dense pack. It's charring, but it's not burning, and you're not getting smoke, it's happening at lower temps, and it's not combustion.

If I am getting extracts above 375, then why not smoke? .

Again, see above. You're still vaping between 375 and 440-ish. All kinds of "non-smoke" benefits occur here. Ask any of us who enjoy higher temp vaping.

I really want the FF2 to be my main method to consume herb but only if I am getting the full health benefits of vaping.

The practical advice here is pretty simple. Set your FF2 temp to medium, or medium-low....if you like, throttle down the power level to -11 percent for either setting. (There's a chart a few pages back showing temps for each level, if you'd like to get more precise.) Keep your pack loose. You'll get thinner, lower temp vapor that way, and most likely avoid any repeat of pyrolysis. Good luck!

 

[ElPic]

At some sample size (That is not self sampled as here.), we can make some statistically-derived objective claims about the population. Their feeling on which taste is best is still going to be subjective. Do oranges taste better than apples?

Yeah your right, but no oranges vs Apple comparison here!!!
We are talking about Vapor coming from a same Strain but extract with different machine.
Coffee could be a better exemple IMO
If you extract the same coffee with a high end espresso machine, vs the same coffee in a regular filter coffee machine... it will not give you two different coffee... probably the same extraction and caffeine but a more complex taste on the one coming from the espresso machine!
I'm a fancy bitch, I like exploring strain, in weed and coffee... taste is a big part of the the pleasure for me!
But some people enjoy a big cup of Maxwell House and don't understand people paying 2000$ for a coffee machine, and that totally understandable!

 

[Tranquility]

Yeah your right, but no oranges vs Apple comparison here!!!
We are talking about Vapor coming from a same Strain but extract with different machine.
Coffee could be a better exemple IMO
If you extract the same coffee with a high end espresso machine, vs the same coffee in a regular filter coffee machine... it will not give you two different coffee... probably the same extraction and caffeine but a more complex taste on the one coming from the espresso machine!
I'm a fancy bitch, I like exploring strain, in weed and coffee... taste is a big part of the the pleasure for me!
But some people enjoy a big cup of Maxwell House and don't understand people paying 2000$ for a coffee machine, and that totally understandable!

And, both would be beaten by a $20 cold brew french-type press.

Taste is subjective almost by definition.

 

[jay87]

Yeah, that's a big factor. Not just low quality, but even certain high quality strains don't work great if they're too dry. Let's face it, the FF2 is a finicky device. It wants the finest, stickiest, dankest weed on the market, and anything less won't allow it work optimally.

Another turnoff for some people might be the concentration required to "breathe through" a proper draw. I have developed a specific technique for drawing on my FF2 that requires much more concentration than other vapes. First I take a deep breath, then fully exhale, then slowly begin to inhale through my nose, then start drawing on the FF2. This prep breathing helps to ensure that I'll get a full, deep inhale on the FF2. The results, as you know, are deeply satisying. On the other hand, this isn't optimal for situations when you don't have a slow, steady breathing pattern. So once again I don't find it difficult to imagine why some people would have issues with the vape, given its sort of "specialist" tendencies.

Definitely agree, I do the same thing pretty much but for me it induces relaxation not concentration haha.

That's where I'd expect people to know what they're buying.

If you're spending this much money you should know that the draw is what heats your material in the FF2. If someone has an FF2 and they don't understand that fact I can definitely see why they might be upset.

Also I really think the quality of the vapor catches people off guard. I myself have thought "wow I don't feel anything at all" right before breathing out a nice delicious cloud. It's so smooth that even the huge rips don't hurt as much as they might with other vaporizers I find.

 

[ElPic]

And, both would be beaten by a $20 cold brew french-type press.

Taste is subjective almost by definition.

I agree, taste is subjective, that's why I say your right!
Cheap convection lighter power vape can give you as Good vapor as the FF, like a French press coffee machine vs high end espresso machine....

VaporGenie could probably(never try it) give similar complex taste as the FF for a fraction of the price, But some people are willing to pay more money for a fancy tech machine, that will give you similar result and that's ok too!
But still No oranges vs apples here...

 

[jay87]

I agree, taste is subjective, that's why I say your right!
Cheap convection lighter power vape can give you as Good vapor as the FF, like a French press coffee machine vs high end espresso machine....

VaporGenie could probably(never try it) give similar complex taste as the FF for a fraction of the price, But some people are willing to pay more money for a fancy tech machine, that will give you similar result and that's ok too!
But still No oranges vs apples here...

How bout a bread to bread comparison

I've got a friend who will claim to their death that a more expensive freshly baked loaf of bread from this great bakery tastes the same as the on-sale day old loaf from the grocery store.

I mean subjectively they are "right" because it's their taste buds but trust me in reality they are oh so wrong

 

[ElPic]

How bout a bread to bread comparison

I've got a friend who will claim to their death that a more expensive freshly baked loaf of bread from this great bakery tastes the same as the on-sale day old loaf from the grocery store.

I mean subjectively they are "right" because it's their taste buds but trust me in reality they are oh so wrong

Yeah but I think coffee still a better example, because it's the machine itself that make the difference of taste by the way it extract the goodie's! Like vapor from a same exact strain of weed in different vaporizer!

 

[jay87]

So here's something I haven't heard anyone mention.

Lately as opposed to pushing the concentrate pad deep into the heating chamber I've been just dropping the concentrate pad in and making it level using very little or no pressure.

When I do this I notice increased and more consistent air flow and for some reason the entire device seems to stay much cleaner for longer this way.

The only drawback to this method is I'd say it might take ~1 extra draw for the concentrate to get to higher temperatures but performance is as good as any other method once there.

I don't know exactly why I notice these effects but they're all good ones so I'm not complaining.

 

[Tranquility]

How bout a bread to bread comparison

I've got a friend who will claim to their death that a more expensive freshly baked loaf of bread from this great bakery tastes the same as the on-sale day old loaf from the grocery store.

I mean subjectively they are "right" because it's their taste buds but trust me in reality they are oh so wrong

One can be "right" either subjectively or objectively. All it requires is one to define what is "right". However, the vast majority of the statements on the FF2 here are subjective. For some reason, those offering those subjective opinions often want to claim they are objective facts. That is simply untrue. Unrelated anecdotes really do not enlighten. (A better one in our instance might have the oven rather than the age of the bread as being the key point. Does bread taste better from a brand new convection oven or from a hundred year old brick oven?)

Think of a salesman from a legal point of view. He's going to say things to get one to buy what he is selling. The law long ago recognized the difference between puffery and factual statements that can be relied upon. If a salesman uses puffery, the buyer gets to keep the thing he bought. If a salesman makes factual claims that turn out to be false, the deal can be rescinded.

"Best Taste", "Finest styling", "Greatest Value" are going to be puffery.

"The vapor seal is made from rich Corinthian leather" is something that can be determined to be a misrepresentation or not. (Although, since there is no such thing in reality, the point should have been made with another fact that is misrepresented. I just like remembering Khaaaan!)

 

[jay87]

One can be "right" either subjectively or objectively. All it requires is one to define what is "right". However, the vast majority of the statements on the FF2 here are subjective. For some reason, those offering those subjective opinions often want to claim they are objective facts. That is simply untrue. Unrelated anecdotes really do not enlighten. (A better one in our instance might have the oven rather than the age of the bread as being the key point. Does bread taste better from a brand new convection oven or from a hundred year old brick oven?)

Think of a salesman from a legal point of view. He's going to say things to get one to buy what he is selling. The law long ago recognized the difference between puffery and factual statements that can be relied upon. If a salesman uses puffery, the buyer gets to keep the thing he bought. If a salesman makes factual claims that turn out to be false, the deal can be rescinded.

"Best Taste", "Finest styling", "Greatest Value" are going to be puffery.

"The vapor seal is made from rich Corinthian leather" is something that can be determined to be a misrepresentation or not. (Although, since there is no such thing in reality, the point should have been made with another fact that is misrepresented. I just like remembering Khaaaan!)

Too much semantics, what are we actually talking about here?

I'm a real person with real world experience and I'd say the Firefly 2 tastes very good, I'd say it is one of the best tasting portables currently in existence, that of course is subjective, but who cares?

 

[b0]

Too much semantics, what are we actually talking about here?

I'm a real person with real world experience and I'd say the Firefly 2 tastes very good, I'd say it is one of the best tasting portables currently in existence, that of course is subjective, but who cares?

I totally agree!

 

[stickstones]

Since my unit has worked flawlessly right out of the box, I have been baffled by the troubles others are reporting. I was able to get my hands on a unit that was not satisfying a customer. He read the forums, watched the videos and read the manuals. He checked the lid seal and the mouthpiece. He also used coarse grinds with a tight pack. But still no vapor.

I figured this was my perfect test case. I had the unit sent to me for inspection and everything looked fine. I pushed really hard on the mouthpiece just to check it and it clicked into place. It looked like it was already in place, and it took quite a bit of force to seat properly, so I can see why it was thought to be correctly installed. That was all it took to get it working perfectly.

Now, I don't blame the customer, because it took a lot of force to get it in place. Not massive force, but more than I would normally be comfortable using on a $330 vape. I then removed the mouthpiece and found the screen to be mangled up a little bit. This was either causing it to not fit right, or it got messed up when I took it out. Regardless, once I straightened it out and replaced the screen and mouthpiece it was working fine.

I have since asked to be at the front lines of Firefly problems for this company to get a feel for what the problems are and how many of them are truly faulty units. I'll keep you guys posted, but so far I'm 1 for 1 on it not being a faulty unit.