Discontinued The Firefly Vaporizer

[AOTKPTW]

So my dark grey Firefly arrived yesterday from Vapefiend and my first impressions of it are excellent. Nice size and weight for using around the house and it feels solid! I had a few bowls last night but I feel a little disappointed with it, feels a lot like I've got a lot more power at my disposal with my MFLB.

Maybe I'm doing it wrong, but once I load up the bowl with coarsely ground material I hold down the power button and wait 10 seconds before drawing, but there's very little, if any vapour. I'm finding I need to keep pulsing the power button just to get some basic vapour production going.

My battery appears to charge okay, taking just over 45mins to do so, and was able to vape a couple of bowls on a full charge (I vape until it's a very, very dark brown).

I also found, that after releasing the power button, vapour would continue to get produced for a good 30seconds afterwards, not a huge issue but I was under the impression the Firefly operated in a similar 'on demand' fashion to the MFLB.

Does it sound like I've got a dud unit/battery or do I just need to practise a little? Any day 1 tips?

 

[mitchgo61]

Maybe I'm doing it wrong, but once I load up the bowl with coarsely ground material I hold down the power button and wait 10 seconds before drawing, but there's very little, if any vapour. I'm finding I need to keep pulsing the power button just to get some basic vapour production going.

My battery appears to charge okay, taking just over 45mins to do so, and was able to vape a couple of bowls on a full charge (I vape until it's a very, very dark brown).

I also found, that after releasing the power button, vapour would continue to get produced for a good 30seconds afterwards, not a huge issue but I was under the impression the Firefly operated in a similar 'on demand' fashion to the MFLB.

Does it sound like I've got a dud unit/battery or do I just need to practise a little? Any day 1 tips?

Too soon to tell, but trying some technique adjustments will determine how your unit is working. Try the following...

1. Use a coarse grind but pack the bowl very densely.
2. Hold button for four seconds, just till you see the orange glow.
3. Make sure your lips make a tight seal on the mouthpiece.
4. Draw as fast as you can till you hit resistance and no faster. (Not as fast as you'd smoke, but maybe a touch faster than you would normally hit a vape. If you feel resistance, pull back a bit.)
5. Draw until you feel vapor. This may be longer than you think, 10 seconds minimum.
6. Once you feel like you're getting vapor, release the button and keep drawing to carb out the rest of the vapor.

I get large hits this way. Give it a try and see how it works...if this doesn't help there may be other techniques you can try before we conclude there's a problem with your FF. Good luck!

I'm getting good charge out of my unit; at least 3 bowls before recharge required. However mine switches to the yellow overheat light every bowl if I go for frequent long hits- is this normal & do I just need to ease up on the frequency of hits? Unit gets pretty hot pretty easy though...

Another new one on me, Mr Angry. I've gotten several FF's very hot to the touch, but still have never seen a yellow light. Unclear if it's normal, but if you are able to use the FF effectively and the overheating resolves fast, you are probably fine.

From reading the forums it seems to me that the FF has a higher failure rate than other vapes in it's price range. Of course this could be due to more people on FC having one.

That being said, is there any official word from FF on the host of battery issues (poor battery life, good batteries dying after a few months, battery status lights not reading correctly, etc) and the combustion issues that some were having? Any idea if they are redesigning the battery or is it simply a case of them sending out new ones to those who complain about the issue?

They have not issued official "failure rate" stats and I suspect they never will. It's impossible to extrapolate from our experiences. I myself have bought two but been through four of each color...in my experience, 3 out of four FFs have a fatal failure in the first six months. Now, that can't be right, I'm sure it's not (some here have used the same FF for a year with no problems). But that's my one-data-point experience. I do think the FF has a high first-gen failure rate, but I have no idea what it is, and maybe I'm wrong, since I'm basing it on my own, admittedly pretty failure-laden 13 months with the FFs.

 

[Mike M]

So my dark grey Firefly arrived yesterday from Vapefiend and my first impressions of it are excellent. Nice size and weight for using around the house and it feels solid! I had a few bowls last night but I feel a little disappointed with it, feels a lot like I've got a lot more power at my disposal with my MFLB.

Maybe I'm doing it wrong, but once I load up the bowl with coarsely ground material I hold down the power button and wait 10 seconds before drawing, but there's very little, if any vapour. I'm finding I need to keep pulsing the power button just to get some basic vapour production going.

My battery appears to charge okay, taking just over 45mins to do so, and was able to vape a couple of bowls on a full charge (I vape until it's a very, very dark brown).

I also found, that after releasing the power button, vapour would continue to get produced for a good 30seconds afterwards, not a huge issue but I was under the impression the Firefly operated in a similar 'on demand' fashion to the MFLB.

Does it sound like I've got a dud unit/battery or do I just need to practise a little? Any day 1 tips?

I found that if I draw very slow, it produces more vapor, since it keeps the bowl from cooling down, as it does when you draw a fast hit. Try barely sipping in, once the button is depressed , it might take 6 to 10 seconds, but it works wonders for me.

 

[Jack Sprat]

They have not issued official "failure rate" stats and I suspect they never will. It's impossible to extrapolate from our experiences. I myself have bought two but been through four of each color...in my experience, 3 out of four FFs have a fatal failure in the first six months. Now, that can't be right, I'm sure it's not (some here have used the same FF for a year with no problems). But that's my one-data-point experience. I do think the FF has a high first-gen failure rate, but I have no idea what it is, and maybe I'm wrong, since I'm basing it on my own, admittedly pretty failure-laden 13 months with the FFs.

I wouldn't expect them to publish and statistics on failures, but thought they might have issued either a recall on a batch of batteries or a notice about them.

 

[mitchgo61]

I wouldn't expect them to publish and statistics on failures, but thought they might have issued either a recall on a batch of batteries or a notice about them.

Yes, they did mention a bad batch of batteries went out last fall, and if you contact them about a bad one they will send you a new battery. It wasn't at the level of an official recall, and I have no clue what percent of batteries were defective.

 

[AOTKPTW]

Too soon to tell, but trying some technique adjustments will determine how your unit is working. Try the following...

1. Use a coarse grind but pack the bowl very densely.
2. Hold button for four seconds, just till you see the orange glow.
3. Make sure your lips make a tight seal on the mouthpiece.
4. Draw as fast as you can till you hit resistance and no faster. (Not as fast as you'd smoke, but maybe a touch faster than you would normally hit a vape. If you feel resistance, pull back a bit.)
5. Draw until you feel vapor. This may be longer than you think, 10 seconds minimum.
6. Once you feel like you're getting vapor, release the button and keep drawing to carb out the rest of the vapor.

I get large hits this way. Give it a try and see how it works...if this doesn't help there may be other techniques you can try before we conclude there's a problem with your FF. Good luck!

I found that if I draw very slow, it produces more vapor, since it keeps the bowl from cooling down, as it does when you draw a fast hit. Try barely sipping in, once the button is depressed , it might take 6 to 10 seconds, but it works wonders for me.

Thanks for the pointers mitchgo61 and Mike M.

I've just tried it out after taking your advice and it seems better, but still not as 'hefty' as I can get with my MFLB. I'm under no illusions that I'll need to hone my technique in a fair bit, like I had to with the LB.

Few things I'm unsure of though. The draw seems very airy in general, I'm finding it hard to gauge where the draw resistance actually kicks in. My instinct is to draw slower so the air in thicker with vapour but with the FF I seem to get slightly better results drawing much faster than I would with other vapes.

Should the only air intake be the vents where the heating element shines through? Because I've tried blocking them with my hand but feel little change in draw resistance.

My unit also seems to stay really hot for a long time after I've released the bottom, like 3-4minutes it's still very hot. It's not just the metal enclosure either as I've felt that the screen is still very hot minutes after releasing the power button. I didn't expect this behaviour from an on demand vape.

Obviously if all of these things sound like normal operation then I probably just need to work on my technique and stop expecting it to hit in the same way the MFLB does. I guess there's also the whole conduction vs convection vapour experience, the latter which I'm experiencing for the first time with this FF.

Thanks for all the hope so far all.

 

[HellsWindStaff]

I suspect your lid isn't on properly, simple as that sounds. When mine is misaligned, will have an "airy" feel when inhaling. Move it around until it "clicks" and make sure you don't have a piece of nug on the steel.


I second all the slow inhalation techniques and pulses. I used to hit mine fast but not packed as well, it was underwhelming in terms of vapor production but good flavor. I pack tight, hit slow. I preheat by holding button down for 7-8 seconds and then inhaling for like 2 seconds to pass some of that hot air into the bowl. I'm G2G at that point.

Have been lounging all morning with my FF watching soccer, lazy Sunday

 

[mitchgo61]

Thanks for the pointers mitchgo61 and Mike M.

I've just tried it out after taking your advice and it seems better, but still not as 'hefty' as I can get with my MFLB. I'm under no illusions that I'll need to hone my technique in a fair bit, like I had to with the LB.

Few things I'm unsure of though. The draw seems very airy in general, I'm finding it hard to gauge where the draw resistance actually kicks in. My instinct is to draw slower so the air in thicker with vapour but with the FF I seem to get slightly better results drawing much faster than I would with other vapes.

Should the only air intake be the vents where the heating element shines through? Because I've tried blocking them with my hand but feel little change in draw resistance.

I'm just gonna say this right now....I'm making it my personal goal to help you get vastly bigger, better, tastier hits than any MFLB. If I fail at this, my life is meaningless.

OK in terms of draw, it shouldn't feel airy. Dumb question....are you sure the lid is seated correctly? It can be closed, thanks to the magnet, but not in place, and thus not making a seal. Try and re-seat it a couple times and see if it doesn't make a tighter draw.

The other possibility is that the lid is faulty and has insufficient closure strength in the magnet. Try squeezing the lid with your fingers when you draw. Feel more resistance? If so, somehow the lid needs to be stronger.

OK go try that and report back.

My unit also seems to stay really hot for a long time after I've released the bottom, like 3-4minutes it's still very hot. It's not just the metal enclosure either as I've felt that the screen is still very hot minutes after releasing the power button. I didn't expect this behaviour from an on demand vape.

Yes, this is normal. The mass of the FF acts a heat sink in order to avoid transferring too much heat to your hands. It can stay warm for several minutes. Set it on a glass tabletop and it cools in seconds....you just have to find something cooler to set it on, and let the first law of thermodynamics transfer that heat right out of the FF.

 

[Mike M]

Thanks for the pointers mitchgo61 and Mike M.

I've just tried it out after taking your advice and it seems better, but still not as 'hefty' as I can get with my MFLB. I'm under no illusions that I'll need to hone my technique in a fair bit, like I had to with the LB.

Few things I'm unsure of though. The draw seems very airy in general, I'm finding it hard to gauge where the draw resistance actually kicks in. My instinct is to draw slower so the air in thicker with vapour but with the FF I seem to get slightly better results drawing much faster than I would with other vapes.

Should the only air intake be the vents where the heating element shines through? Because I've tried blocking them with my hand but feel little change in draw resistance.

My unit also seems to stay really hot for a long time after I've released the bottom, like 3-4minutes it's still very hot. It's not just the metal enclosure either as I've felt that the screen is still very hot minutes after releasing the power button. I didn't expect this behaviour from an on demand vape.

Obviously if all of these things sound like normal operation then I probably just need to work on my technique and stop expecting it to hit in the same way the MFLB does. I guess there's also the whole conduction vs convection vapour experience, the latter which I'm experiencing for the first time with this FF.

Thanks for all the hope so far all.

One other recommendation is to use a screen over the herb after the first couple of hits to keep the small bits from flying around. You can also start with nugs, and crumple them down as you go.

The FF is a tricky beast at first because unlike other vapors, you are creating the vapor with your own air pulling through the unit, and also controlling the temp with how fast / slow you pull.

It's almost like learning to blow glass, it will take 5 to 6 seconds of pulling before the vapor even starts flowing to get the oven warm. It's not like the vapor is there waiting for you to pull it, you are actually making it yourself.

It's good it's getting hot, it's an oven and can even pull many hits after the battery goes out or you stop hitting the button.

It also took me a long time to learn to pull fast at first, to "prime" the oven, but then slow down to as slow as you can pull, and it will produce wonderful results. Also, don't forget to stir after a couple of hits.

 

[AOTKPTW]

Okay I've jiggled about with the lid and I'm pretty sure it's sealed as much as it can be. I put the faceplate on, screen end first, then after a bit of adjusting it definitely feels to snap in place. The magnet also feels very strong to me. Pressing down on the lid doesn't seem to change (maybe everrrrr so slightly) a relatively draw loose resistance.

One thing I can observe on my unit is that there is a slight gap (1-2mm) between the grey of the unit itself, and the bare metal of the faceplate, it's uniform and even all the way round and looks as though it's supposed to be there, is it?

I do feel like I'm getting slightly better hits the more I try so perhaps I just need to get the FF technique down. It took me ages with the LB after all I guess. I'll try again once the lady hits the hay! Hopefully it is just my technique.

 

[mitchgo61]

Okay I've jiggled about with the lid and I'm pretty sure it's sealed as much as it can be. I put the faceplate on, screen end first, then after a bit of adjusting it definitely feels to snap in place. The magnet also feels very strong to me. Pressing down on the lid doesn't seem to change (maybe everrrrr so slightly) a relatively draw loose resistance.

OK, so we know your lid is on correctly. That's good. It may just have a looser draw than you'd expect. Some FFs are noticeably airier than others, believe it or not...though it doesn't seem to impact performance.

One thing I can observe on my unit is that there is a slight gap (1-2mm) between the grey of the unit itself, and the bare metal of the faceplate, it's uniform and even all the way round and looks as though it's supposed to be there, is it?

Yes. Without that gap, you'd really have a hard time prying the lid off!

Keep tweaking your approach and you will undoubtedly find your sweet spot with the FF. Again, try packing more in the bowl...it'll add some draw resistance and help build a little thermal mass. And hold the button down longer while drawing.

 

[vaporlee]

When I had Dark Grey FF I wanted have Red FF so much.
Now I have Red FF and I miss Dark Grey FF so much.
Or maybe I want to try the Silver FF?
WTF!

 

[hafalump]

It took me a couple weeks to pull thick vapor, but I pull clouds now. Differnt strains behave differently.
Also the way it was grown. Moisture content can also be a factor.

 

[AOTKPTW]

Okay I might be getting the hang of this now. I think I was taking the principles of using an MFLB and trying to make them work with the FF. I was pressing the power button, waiting 3-5 seconds, and then drawing lightly while continuing to press the button for another 10-20 seconds. I've now discovered that most of the vapour production seems to be getting made 20-30 seconds once I let off the power button, not during like with the MFLB. Sound about right for normal use?

 

[Mike M]

Okay I might be getting the hang of this now. I think I was taking the principles of using an MFLB and trying to make them work with the FF. I was pressing the power button, waiting 3-5 seconds, and then drawing lightly while continuing to press the button for another 10-20 seconds. I've now discovered that most of the vapour production seems to be getting made 20-30 seconds once I let off the power button, not during like with the MFLB. Sound about right for normal use?

You have to find the correct balance, pull too fast and you keep the bowl from getting hot (the Mighty has a temp gauge where you can actually see the drop, sometimes over 10 degrees).

I find a real slow draw rises the temp in the chamber, giving great vapor, and the slow draw keeps little bits of material coming through. Speaking of that, make sure you never have any particles covering the opening into the mouth piece, it can be a place where air flow gets blocked.

 

[hafalump]

Try puffing sips, like a tobacco bowl. I find varying draws hard soft evey couple seconds
gets it cooking. Kinda like combusting when you'd put a thumb on and off top of the bowl
to change air flow and get her rippin.

 

[mitchgo61]

Okay I might be getting the hang of this now. I think I was taking the principles of using an MFLB and trying to make them work with the FF. I was pressing the power button, waiting 3-5 seconds, and then drawing lightly while continuing to press the button for another 10-20 seconds. I've now discovered that most of the vapour production seems to be getting made 20-30 seconds once I let off the power button, not during like with the MFLB. Sound about right for normal use?

Don't draw too lightly...you're better off with a deeper pull. As others are telling you, you'll need to find the right speed...too fast and you overwhelm the heater, too slow and you won't get enough vapor. Don't let up on the button until you feel vapor and then keep pulling after you release.

Mostly, get the MFLB out of your head. The FF has more consistent power and can keep up with a deeper, somewhat faster draw. You're not sipping tea. This is a Firefly, dammit!

 

[AOTKPTW]

Don't draw too lightly...you're better off with a deeper pull. As others are telling you, you'll need to find the right speed...too fast and you overwhelm the heater, too slow and you won't get enough vapor. Don't let up on the button until you feel vapor and then keep pulling after you release.

Mostly, get the MFLB out of your head. The FF has more consistent power and can keep up with a deeper, somewhat faster draw. You're not sipping tea. This is a Firefly, dammit!

Thanks a lot! Yeah I've cracked it now, I've been drawing far too lightly, much better now! Glad I've got the hang of it before going back to work!

 

[mitchgo61]

Thanks a lot! Yeah I've cracked it now, I've been drawing far too lightly, much better now! Glad I've got the hang of it before going back to work!

Look at that, solved in one day. Too bad I'm not that handy around the house.

Glad it's working for you. Keep us updated if you're not having too much fun.

 

[Balzac]

I found much more success when started pulling harder as well - I've just been used to the MFLB and Solo so it did seem weird at first.

 

[Adobewan]

I'm up a little behind on this thread since my unit has been so dependable, but wondered what folks are doing if the exterior window seal comes loose.
Can we replace them ourselves? I need to dig up my kit that came with the unit to see if there are any replacement gaskets.
Weird, I don't wash the exterior side of the window and that's where the gasket is worming it's way out.
Anyone else deal with this yet?

 

[AOTKPTW]

Look at that, solved in one day. Too bad I'm not that handy around the house.

Glad it's working for you. Keep us updated if you're not having too much fun.

*Bows down* Seriously, thanks so much for the help... and to the others of the forum that chimed in. This device is awesome once you get the technique down and the vapour is seriously cool which is perfect for my easily aggravated throat!

Now I can just dwell on having got the dark grey FF and not red!

 

[mitchgo61]

I'm up a little behind on this thread since my unit has been so dependable, but wondered what folks are doing if the exterior window seal comes loose.
Can we replace them ourselves? I need to dig up my kit that came with the unit to see if there are any replacement gaskets.
Weird, I don't wash the exterior side of the window and that's where the gasket is worming it's way out.
Anyone else deal with this yet?

This was mentioned months ago and many pages back. This did happen to me. If you use one of the plastic toothpicks you can gently push the gasket back into place. It's tricky, but it can be done. Afterwards use a Torx 5 bit to, again, gently tighten the port assembly screws. Don't over-tighten or the gasket will pop out again.

If you can't do this, give FF a call, they will send you a new lid. Good luck! (If you look in the "best of" thread you can find these posts very quickly.)

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

Well, for the first two times ever, I have suffered the "no light" battery phenomenon. No blinking red, just zero light.

Both times with the same battery, a newer one. The first time it happened, I knew the battery was about dead so I didn't think much of it. Then it happened again, and I'm not certain, but I feel like it should have had some charge left to it. Not much, but enough.

When placed back on the charger, the light blinked red a couple times, then started blinking blue and charging like normal. So I don't know if it's a bad battery, but it isn't acting like my others.

Meanwhile, the unit itself continues making me feel like a prince, day after day...

 

[StonedPerk]

Can i use baby wipes to clean the fire fly?