The Firefly 2 vaporizer

[Boden]

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!

Try just using one pad

 

[mixchu69]

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!

like @Boden stated, i would try one pad to see if there is any difference....or maybe try using a lil more rosin...i had similar experiences with the hercules, which uses a titanium mesh pad heated by the ceramic rod (u prob already know this @biohacker) and they always suggested that the coil be saturated and then add more on top... just a few ideas that might help

 

[JCat]

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!

Very strange man ... very strange indeed ... I honestly don't get it. I get huge clouds! (2 x 20 second draws and I finish off my .05g rosin (estimate) with 2 really nice clouds ... first one huge, 2nd one nice but thinner and not as tasty ... since the 1st one was so big!)

I wonder if you somehow got one that's defective? It's getting a good seal with the lid and the mouthpiece? Maybe the mouthpiece isn't fully snapped in or something? Did you try blocking the back intake holes and inhaling and seeing if there are leaks?

I'd come over to test, but obviously the 1,000km each way is a bit long of a drive! I'll be down South in April though if you haven't resolved by then.

Just doesn't sound right though man ... should give massive clouds ....

 

[Tranquility]

I really like the two-pad idea that I learned from this thread. It keeps the waste (and, cleanup) down so much I can't see going back.

But, it does take a bit to get things going. No longer will be the cigar puff a few times to melt and then the money pull in the next cycle. It takes a bit more work to get the chamber heated up enough. I don't usually get a great hit for a few cycles. It's almost like using a DT v1 for flower. You've got to get the heat going before you're going to get good extraction.

 

[JCat]

I really like the two-pad idea that I learned from this thread. It keeps the waste (and, cleanup) down so much I can't see going back.

But, it does take a bit to get things going. No longer will be the cigar puff a few times to melt and then the money pull in the next cycle. It takes a bit more work to get the chamber heated up enough. I don't usually get a great hit for a few cycles. It's almost like using a DT v1 for flower. You've got to get the heat going before you're going to get good extraction.

I usually do a ~5 second pull first, before my 2 hits per session. (that first ~5 sec gets things heated/melted and ready to go ... I don't have to do that because I can still get a huge cloud without, as I'll draw for the whole length until it times out on both hits, but I usually do anyways ...)

 

[biohacker]

WOW! It's NOT defective!

Thanks so much for the prompt responses fellas!

I think all it took was to SLOW my draw down and not FIGHT it! Not used to such a restricted draw, but when you don't pull too hard and fight it, it's really not that bad.

@JCat I tried blocking the air intake holes....made no difference? Still could get could get air, not as much obviously, but not stopped. Hard to tell with such a restricted draw lol

I have more testing to do, but this dab style hit was with one pad, but I find it very messy to deal with, and hard to handle. I still can't get the pad to "stick" on the bottom like they say. I think maybe once I was able to. Does it matter if it's on an angle? So i'll try the double pads as you suggest, seems way easier to manage and load! I can see myself buying a lot of these! Especially if they keep things clean!

I think I may have to dial DOWN the calibration now, as that hit was like off an enail.... serious stab to my lungs, but now i'm feeling enail EFFECTS! lol WOW!

I think i'm going to need the external charger and a lot of batteries and pads!!

EDIT

@JCat what temps are you using? Not sure my lungs can take it without water, so time to dial down that calibration.

 

[Boden]

WOW! It's NOT defective!

Thanks so much for the prompt responses fellas!

I think all it took was to SLOW my draw down and not FIGHT it! Not used to such a restricted draw, but when you don't pull too hard and fight it, it's really not that bad.

@JCat I tried blocking the air intake holes....made no difference? Still could get could get air, not as much obviously, but not stopped. Hard to tell with such a restricted draw lol

I have more testing to do, but this dab style hit was with one pad, but I find it very messy to deal with, and hard to handle. I still can't get the pad to "stick" on the bottom like they say. I think maybe once I was able to. Does it matter if it's on an angle? So i'll try the double pads as you suggest, seems way easier to manage and load! I can see myself buying a lot of these! Especially if they keep things clean!

I think I may have to dial DOWN the calibration now, as that hit was like off an enail.... serious stab to my lungs, but now i'm feeling enail EFFECTS! lol WOW!

I think i'm going to need the external charger and a lot of batteries and pads!!

EDIT

@JCat what temps are you using? Not sure my lungs can take it without water, so time to dial down that calibration.

It’s one of those vapes that gives you that ‘Oh there it is’ feeling when you find the sweet spot.

 

[JCat]

WOW! It's NOT defective!

Thanks so much for the prompt responses fellas!

I think all it took was to SLOW my draw down and not FIGHT it! Not used to such a restricted draw, but when you don't pull too hard and fight it, it's really not that bad.

@JCat I tried blocking the air intake holes....made no difference? Still could get could get air, not as much obviously, but not stopped. Hard to tell with such a restricted draw lol

I have more testing to do, but this dab style hit was with one pad, but I find it very messy to deal with, and hard to handle. I still can't get the pad to "stick" on the bottom like they say. I think maybe once I was able to. Does it matter if it's on an angle? So i'll try the double pads as you suggest, seems way easier to manage and load! I can see myself buying a lot of these! Especially if they keep things clean!

I think I may have to dial DOWN the calibration now, as that hit was like off an enail.... serious stab to my lungs, but now i'm feeling enail EFFECTS! lol WOW!

I think i'm going to need the external charger and a lot of batteries and pads!!

EDIT

@JCat what temps are you using? Not sure my lungs can take it without water, so time to dial down that calibration.

I'm using full 111% when outside, but when in warmer temps, 105% (both at 500F)

Edit: I have 16 pads!

Edit edit: I just tried to block the air intake to test ... that obviously doesn't work as I can't get a seal so air gets in elsewhere ... but anyways ... lid and mouthpiece seal are super important

 

[ReifierReefer]

Question(s). What is your ritual of using the FF2 like? Must you focus on your session while using it or can you sip casually while watching TV, crafting trinkets, etc once you get the draw down. I'm thinking about picking up something that can be used in this casual fashion. Currently I use the solo for this purpose and I'd prefer a vape that I don't have to constantly hit to avoid wasting precious goodies, on the flipside the solo is great for this purpose because I don't have to consciously think about how I'm hitting it. I really like the idea of the FF2 based on what I've read, but would like to hear your style of use with this vape. I'm looking for great vapor quality with minimum effort and maximum efficiency.

 

[buckhakeesah]

Perfect for the couch sessions once you get your draw down. Pick it back up when you want some more. Tap, tap the side of the bowl to stir without removing your lid. Keep going...enjoy!

 

[Boden]

Question(s). What is your ritual of using the FF2 like? Must you focus on your session while using it or can you sip casually while watching TV, crafting trinkets, etc once you get the draw down. I'm thinking about picking up something that can be used in this casual fashion. Currently I use the solo for this purpose and I'd prefer a vape that I don't have to constantly hit to avoid wasting precious goodies, on the flipside the solo is great for this purpose because I don't have to consciously think about how I'm hitting it. I really like the idea of the FF2 based on what I've read, but would like to hear your style of use with this vape. I'm looking for great vapor quality with minimum effort and maximum efficiency.

My nightly is about an hour before I sit down I put the FF2 on the charger next to my recliner.

Once I’m done for the day I plop my butt down and load up The FF2. May take a puff or two then set it down. Then whenever I feel like a puff I take one. When it gets toasty reload. Then at the end of the night clean it out and let it set on the table. It’s generally at about half charge at this point and since Li-ion cells like sitting at around 3.7V I leave it that way until the next night.

That’s about it.

Oh yeah, the first 10 second pull on a cold bowl is a preheat puff.

 

[Brewervapesalot]

Question(s). What is your ritual of using the FF2 like? Must you focus on your session while using it or can you sip casually while watching TV, crafting trinkets, etc once you get the draw down. I'm thinking about picking up something that can be used in this casual fashion. Currently I use the solo for this purpose and I'd prefer a vape that I don't have to constantly hit to avoid wasting precious goodies, on the flipside the solo is great for this purpose because I don't have to consciously think about how I'm hitting it. I really like the idea of the FF2 based on what I've read, but would like to hear your style of use with this vape. I'm looking for great vapor quality with minimum effort and maximum efficiency.

I really enjoy the firefly 2. But for the money, it doesnt sound like to me that it's what you are looking for.

Sure, you can get into a rhythm with a firefly 2. But it's not a "no brain operation" device. It's an appreciate the flavor of your weed device.

My routine (1) took a while to get down, and (2) is like this:

Clean it with an alcohol wipe. One will do. Takes a minute at most. Use pretty loosely ground weed. Dry works best for vapor. Fill loose just over the brim (aside: or if you widen the holes of the chamber with a needle, which i recommend if you don't mind killing the warranty, then overfill a little bit more), clean any material off the edges where the seal is, put the cover on, set for high at 111%.

Make sure the lid is on tight. Then hold on for about 5 seconds. Pull long and slow. Stir. Repeat until cashed. Second or third bowl, put on low heat and enjoy the flavor. Low works best if warmed up on a higher setting.

This is a pretty fool proof way to use it. Great hits. Almost brainless.... but.....

For the cost of a firefly 2, since you're sitting on the couch, get a vapexhale cloud evo and spend just a little more money. Assuming you have a coffee table, you can use that table for all kinds of fun glass pieces and such. Also the vapor is way, way, way, bigger, and at low settings, it's one of the only vapes that competes with the taste produced by a firefly 2. The evo also can handle material of any grind, or no grind, and any moisture content, even fresh material (if you want to, hell I tried it, lol)

Hands down better vape for a couch is the Evo. If "easy" is what you want, the draw resistance on the Evo is multiple times easier.

But, if you want a portable unit for say taking from one couch to another couch, house to cabin, or house to buddy's house--then firefly 2 is a great choice. Get a decent case and the external charger with an extra battery or two.

The firefly 2 is not an "on the go" vape though. Too much thought and care has to be taken when reloading. And it will not survive a drop on a hard surface. It's glass and fragile.

 

[Boden]

I really enjoy the firefly 2. But for the money, it doesnt sound like to me that it's what you are looking for.

Sure, you can get into a rhythm with a firefly 2. But it's not a "no brain operation" device. It's an appreciate the flavor of your weed device.

My routine (1) took a while to get down, and (2) is like this:

Clean it with an alcohol wipe. One will do. Takes a minute at most. Use pretty loosely ground weed. Dry works best for vapor. Fill loose just over the brim (aside: or if you widen the holes of the chamber with a needle, which i recommend if you don't mind killing the warranty, then overfill a little bit more), clean any material off the edges where the seal is, put the cover on, set for high at 111%.

Make sure the lid is on tight. Then hold on for about 5 seconds. Pull long and slow. Stir. Repeat until cashed. Second or third bowl, put on low heat and enjoy the flavor. Low works best if warmed up on a higher setting.

This is a pretty fool proof way to use it. Great hits. Almost brainless.... but.....

For the cost of a firefly 2, since you're sitting on the couch, get a vapexhale cloud evo and spend just a little more money. Assuming you have a coffee table, you can use that table for all kinds of fun glass pieces and such. Also the vapor is way, way, way, bigger, and at low settings, it's one of the only vapes that competes with the taste produced by a firefly 2. The evo also can handle material of any grind, or no grind, and any moisture content, even fresh material (if you want to, hell I tried it, lol)

Hands down better vape for a couch is the Evo. If "easy" is what you want, the draw resistance on the Evo is multiple times easier.

But, if you want a portable unit for say taking from one couch to another couch, house to cabin, or house to buddy's house--then firefly 2 is a great choice. Get a decent case and the external charger with an extra battery or two.

The firefly 2 is not an "on the go" vape though. Too much thought and care has to be taken when reloading. And it will not survive a drop on a hard surface. It's glass and fragile.

I’ll agree with that. My Vapor Tower, which I’ve had since 04’ will easily outperform any battery vape and the majority of new plugins.

Apples to oranges though.

 

[scouse]

I don't know if I can help you but I have COPD bad lungs so I can only take one big blast then put it down for a HR or even a day and don't waste nothing this is for wax this is why I bought mine being on demand a mighty or volcano would waste all my product so it's great for this but it's expensive

 

[Lozo]

I've just checked the firmware this morning and my FF2 downloaded a new update. I had checked a couple of days ago so it's either new as of the last few days or I just messed up checking it out correctly before.

 

[petey]

It’s generally at about half charge at this point and since Li-ion cells like sitting at around 3.7V I leave it that way until the next night.

I've been leaving mine on the charger routinely because that's what FF recommends in their instructions. Is it proven that your method is significantly better? Is FF just trying to get us to wear out our batteries?

 

[Boden]

I've been leaving mine on the charger routinely because that's what FF recommends in their instructions. Is it proven that your method is significantly better? Is FF just trying to get us to wear out our batteries?

Li cells are the least stressed at 3.7V. Leaving them fully charged or discharged will wear them out faster than half charged.

That’s why you don’t leave laptops plugged in, or keep cell phones on the charger.

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_store_batteries

http://batteryuniversity.com/learn/article/how_to_prolong_lithium_based_batteries

 

[Reggie Watts]

I've just checked the firmware this morning and my FF2 downloaded a new update. I had checked a couple of days ago so it's either new as of the last few days or I just messed up checking it out correctly before.

Yeah there was an update recently, I think just for bug fixes

 

[Boden]

Mine updated Thursday

 

[Polarbearboy]

My FF2 arrived back this afternoon after the $30 clogged screen service. I was impressed with how quickly they turned it around. On the other hand, I am experiencing absolutely no decrease in draw resistance. If anything, it may be slightly worse. The hard lungs to diaphragm pulling to get some air and vapor is rather unpleasant to me as an ex-smoker. That was one of its former advantages, that it cooled the smoke so well that it was as easy on the chest as a double bong. Since I've had mine for 18 months and used it as my daily(or nightly) driver for much of that time, I can't remember if was always this hard to draw when it was new and I don't know anyone with a new one for me to compare. Yes, it heated up in less than 5 seconds!. Yes, I got wrecked and the taste is superb. But it's just not enjoyable. I'd rather wait two minutes for my Crafty to heat up...and know I'm going to get a good big effortless hit that is only marginally less tasty. It was worth it to see if the screen service made it better.

I formerly enjoyed my FF2 quite a bit. But it doesn't suck anymore so it sucks. Its going out beyond the spare parts area, out back into the "emergency use only" section of the big draw.(no pun intended!)

PS: I've already partially disassembled the thing. My 70-year old hands will not poke a fine needle in those little holes which I can barely see with my glasses on.

 

[Boden]

My FF2 arrived back this afternoon after the $30 clogged screen service. I was impressed with how quickly they turned it around. On the other hand, I am experiencing absolutely no decrease in draw resistance. If anything, it may be slightly worse. The hard lungs to diaphragm pulling to get some air and vapor is rather unpleasant to me as an ex-smoker. That was one of its former advantages, that it cooled the smoke so well that it was as easy on the chest as a double bong. Since I've had mine for 18 months and used it as my daily(or nightly) driver for much of that time, I can't remember if was always this hard to draw when it was new and I don't know anyone with a new one for me to compare. Yes, it heated up in less than 5 seconds!. Yes, I got wrecked and the taste is superb. But it's just not enjoyable. I'd rather wait two minutes for my Crafty to heat up...and know I'm going to get a good big effortless hit that is only marginally less tasty. It was worth it to see if the screen service made it better.

I formerly enjoyed my FF2 quite a bit. But it doesn't suck anymore so it sucks. Its going out beyond the spare parts area, out back into the "emergency use only" section of the big draw.(no pun intended!)

PS: I've already partially disassembled the thing. My 70-year old hands will not poke a fine needle in those little holes which I can barely see with my glasses on.

Have you removed the mouthpiece screen? Found that opened it a noticeable amount.

 

[Polarbearboy]

Have you removed the mouthpiece screen? Found that opened it a noticeable amount.

I bought two new ones, though the original was cleaned regularly and wasn't clogged.

I would not recommend the FF2 to daily users, unless they really only take a toke or two(not bowl or two!) per day. For the weekend and occasional user, its a real jewel of a toy.

 

[Modicum]

hey mitchgo61, could you please tell me the most current firmware that you have downloaded from the new app. and if you will the # of the fw it replaced. You are truly the "Lord of the FireFlies"

 

[Reggie Watts]

I bought two new ones, though the original was cleaned regularly and wasn't clogged.

I would not recommend the FF2 to daily users, unless they really only take a toke or two(not bowl or two!) per day. For the weekend and occasional user, its a real jewel of a toy.

When I use my FF2, I always vape the whole bowl in a single session! Gets me pretty blasted. Daily user here.

It isn't my primary vape, though, if that's what you mean.

 

[Brewervapesalot]

When I use my FF2, I always vape the whole bowl in a single session! Gets me pretty blasted. Daily user here.

It isn't my primary vape, though, if that's what you mean.

I agree; it's a great vape but not the only vaporizer I want to use.

It lets occasional, or new, users titrate flower vapor and find that nice high without over doing it. It's awesome for that and to show off flavor.

Light or occasional user can save what isn't spent for later because it's convection and cools quick. (I dont do this, just like Reggie; rather i enjoy what I want and pack fresh later)

It also lets daily drivers get as well-medicated as any other vape. It will just take a couple-three bowls.

But Reggie is right; it's not the best daily driver for heavy users. Can be. But a good plug in like an Evo is better suited for that. But I don't always want the Evo either.

Really, and I think Vapecritic said this, the firefly 2 is the vaporizing equivalent to smoking out of a nice (glass) bowl. IMO, maybe more like a nice glass bubbler because it's pretty cool vapor and great flavor.

Problem is, just like smoking, no one wants the same old same old all the time. So if you want a vaporizing glass bowl/bubbler--that's a firefly 2. You'll still want to take a bong hit, every once in a while, and you'll still want to smoke a joint socially too. The later in the vaporizing world would be like a pax 2 (wasteful of flower, pretty hot, but on the go easy and still wonderful). The bong hit of vaporizing is an Evo.

All of them have their time and place