Hi guys. I wanted to jump in and share my thoughts about my FF2.
First off, I want to say this website was very much appreciated as I researched portable vaping options.
I've been using a SSV for several years now, and I like it very much. Like many others here, I can no longer stand the taste of smoking any longer, and wonder how I ever endured it in the first place. This device hooked me on vaping forever... or until the next evolution of extraction comes along-if ever. The only downsides to it is a) it's a bitch to clean...trying to keep the hose clean is a nightmare, and b) it's clearly not portable. While I have taken with me on trips, it's not something I am interested in carrying around to visit friends.
About a year ago I bought a Pax 1, and I never really cared for it. I wanted the portability, but the smell was too intense and I didn't care for the taste. I ended up selling it to a friend of mine who absolutely loves it. I'm glad it went to a good home.
After this experience, I didn't consider getting another portable. I just didn't see anything on the market at the time that grabbed me. Also, the SSV was taking care of business. Since I normally vape in the evening before bed, portability really wasn't critical. Mainly, I want to be able to travel more easily, as well as be able to conveniently vape in the living room while watching movies without having to drag the SSV all over the house.
I recently had a pretty major surgery, and was going to be laid up for awhile without access to my SSV. I decided to get something portable for this period of time. I found a lot of good information about conduction v. convection and decided, based off of my Pax experience (seriously, it's a good vape, just not for me), that I definitely needed a proper convection vape. This was about the time the FF2 was being released, so it seemed the best choice.
I began following this thread after watching the videos/reviews that I found online. I had already preordered, so I was interested in the experiences others were having. Honestly, had I not already preordered mine, I would have probably held off until after this first batch is done and the final production models were in stock. But since it was on the way, I just went with it. I'm glad I did. Overall, it's been a pretty good experience.
I ordered my black one on 5/13, and it shipped to me on the 25th, with me receiving it on 5/26. I also ordered the external charger, not realizing it did't come with the cord. Luckily my Braven BRV-X cord works perfectly. I use this charger exclusively.
So, shipping for me was fine. I ordered it directly from FF.
I noticed a slight "new" smell when I first used it, but that went away after 2 bowls and I didn't consider it an issue.
The unit wouldn't charge in the cradle. The light never turned solid blue, even after hours and hours. I started to use the external charger, and it's been working perfectly. I would have been pissed if I didn't have the external charger, and would consider this to be an issue. It's nothing that affects me though. I much prefer the usability of the external charger. I can properly charge/maintain my batteries better. I would be tempted to overcharge my batteries if I used the cradle.
I initially had issues with vape production, and felt very disappointed. I then remembered how I felt the same way with the SSV at first until I really dialed in my technique. It's second nature now. So I experimented with grinds and draws, and now the FF2 works perfectly. I bought a 3 piece Santa Cruz, and it does the trick. I have started just keeping it in the grinder, and scooping it into the FF2 with a tiny 1/8 tsp metal spoon straight from there. That and LSD ftw.
I use mine on High. My battery life is only about 2.5 bowls per battery. I find this to be on the low side, but with the external charger and extra battery, this is a non-issue for me.
The flavor is just goddamned incredible. Better than anything I have ever tried. Just amazing.
I do tend to stir more and more as the bowl goes on, but this doesn't bother me.
I always save the duff to re-vape in my SSV. I find that I can get 2 -3 more hits out of it once the FF2 is finished with it. No big deal. I guess that means that the FF2 isn't as efficient as the SSV? I don't know. All I know is that I really like having that little emergency stash!
I'm looking forward for the updated app with the fixed battery meter. And I can't wait to try wax. I have a feeling that I might switch and use my FF2 for wax exclusively. Maybe.
Overall, I am very happy. And I thank everyone here for your posts/opinions/informations, it's been very helpful.