Discontinued The Firefly Vaporizer

[nacho257]

God I just love my FF so fucking much. I'm still in awe of it. The speed, the flavor, the design - fucking thing was just made for me.

I've gone back to using it as my away-from-home portable and the FF has just been rockin' it. It's getting a bit banged up from where it's had to be, but still looking sharp.

My original FF here is on 15 months and counting (If only we could all say that, eh @mitchgo61 ? ) Tough not to be a fanboy when a vape is always pleasing you, you know?

I could go a whole day away with one battery before (one of the good ones), but with the new batts, I'm hitting it before work and after work and still haven't seen the red flashing light. But I'm a serious lightweight.

Just finished cleaning mine up - and damn, it's a sexy beast. Can't seem to take my hands off it.

I have no goddamn idea why the FF doesn't get more love on FC - 15 months after released and it's still way, way ahead of the current portable curve, IMO ...

Far from perfect still, of course. But ... I'm starting to think I'd rather wait for a FF 2 than any other portable coming down the pike. But I think the FF company really needs to give us a peek at what they're hoping to come out with - I need to know it's going to be worth it to wait! Has some serious competition, that's for sure.

Also, I'd like to make it clear (like you didn't already know) that I'm a regular ol' FF customer.

@EveryDayAmnesiac I'm confused by this as well. I just got my FF a few days ago and haven't fully mastered the learning curve, but it seems to me that people on this forum (ie ones who care a lot about vapor quality, don't mind spending more time researching, enjoy using vapes more than the average person) would jump for the FF over any other portable. I know that'll never actually be the case, but I have two friends, for example, who use the Pax don't care nearly as much about vapor quality, extraction and all the other stuff those on this forum seem to care about.

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

@EveryDayAmnesiac I'm confused by this as well. I just got my FF a few days ago and haven't fully mastered the learning curve, but it seems to me that people on this forum (ie ones who care a lot about vapor quality, don't mind spending more time researching, enjoy using vapes more than the average person) would jump for the FF over any other portable. I know that'll never actually be the case, but I have two friends, for example, who use the Pax don't care nearly as much about vapor quality, extraction and all the other stuff those on this forum seem to care about.

Well, think of it this way.

Some guys are perfectly happy to wear grungy, stained, undersized underwear. The kind that stink even coming out of the washer.

Yet, some of us elite guys - we wear Lightspeed Briefs. For the discriminating crotch:

Not all of us can tell the difference. But those who can, well ... we're the discriminating crotch.

Am I saying the PAX is meant for crotches who can't tell the difference? No, that would be silly.

All I'm saying is ... well, fuck I don't know what the hell I'm saying. I think this was all just a flimsy pretext to talking about crotches.

Keep working on that Firefly. You probably won't master her like I did (I know what I'm doing with the fairer vaporizers), but the journey is its own reward, or some shit.

 

[BuzzDanklin]

Thanks for the review. Good to know the Firefly is versatile in this way.

I'm curious to know how the concentrate pad works with dry herb. My thinking is it would enable the use of less material by adequately filling the bowl and providing extra heat. I find the Firefly produces the most vapor with a full bowl. Although the bowl isn't very large, it would be nice to use smaller amounts and still produce big hits.

If you feel like experimenting, please let us know.

The problem is the concentrate pad fills the entire bowl. Like the photo I took, when I set the lid on top, the top of the wax actually touched the window (as soon as I heated it up, it melted into the pad) If I were to try to put dry herb above or below the screen, it would barely hold anything at all. Are you wanting me to try putting like .03 below it? Or how small are you thinking?

 

[Legal in Washington State]

The problem is the concentrate pad fills the entire bowl. Like the photo I took, when I set the lid on top, the top of the wax actually touched the window (as soon as I heated it up, it melted into the pad) If I were to try to put dry herb above or below the screen, it would barely hold anything at all. Are you wanting me to try putting like .03 below it? Or how small are you thinking?

I didn't realize it fills the entire bowl. So, it doesn't make much sense to try it with herb. I was just curious. Overall, the Firefly works well even with smaller amounts.

It's a bit off topic, but, with your experience using different vaporizers, I'd be curious to know your "wish list" for improvements to the Firefly.

 

[BuzzDanklin]

I didn't realize it fills the entire bowl. So, it doesn't make much sense to try it with herb. I was just curious. Overall, the Firefly works well even with smaller amounts.

It's a bit off topic, but, with your experience using different vaporizers, I'd be curious to know your "wish list" for improvements to the Firefly.

I really like the Firefly, I absolutely love the flavor, and I use it more than any of my other portables at home.

If I could change anything, I would make it smaller/lighter, and give it a bit better battery, this would allow me to use it on the go much more than I do now. I also wish it had less draw resistance when I am out doing physical activities, sometimes its tough to take the long deep slow draw that works best in the FF, after I have been hiking at high elevation and I am winded. Lastly, I wish it had passthrough charging, and potentially USB (especially if the FF2 uses the new usb-c that can output/charge at up to 100watts) None of these changes are worth it though if they lower the flavor/vapor quality, that is what sets the Firefly apart fo rme.

Either way, I am super excited after how well my OG firefly has worked for me, and I will be first in line to buy the FF2!

 

[mitchgo61]

Either way, I am super excited after how well my OG firefly has worked for me, and I will be first in line to buy the FF2!

You will definitely not be first! They've already got my credit card number for FF2 #1.

 

[BuzzDanklin]

You will definitely not be first! They've already got my credit card number for FF2 #1.

I am jealous, I have emailed them a few times in the last month, and I cant even get them to admit to me a Firefly2 is even in the works

I guess I am now striving to get spot #2!

 

[Slow Draw McGraw]

I am jealous, I have emailed them a few times in the last month, and I cant even get them to admit to me a Firefly2 is even in the works

I guess I am now striving to get spot #2!

Can't say im surprised.

 

[mitchgo61]

I am jealous, I have emailed them a few times in the last month, and I cant even get them to admit to me a Firefly2 is even in the works

I guess I am now striving to get spot #2!

They seem pretty tight-lipped about it. All I got was a confident "oh yeah, we are definitely in the midst of the FF2 development"...no dates or feature details, try as I might to tease out more data. They know how to build suspense! If I recall they were pretty good about their FF1 schedule, from announcement to pre-order to shipping dates without any real delays, so I'm guessing we won't know much until they are ready to take pre-orders and hit a date.

 

[studmuffin]

Greetings Firefly Nation, I have been using the new concentrate pads for a week now. Wow, kids. I bought some "Blue Dream" wax at 87.5 % THC, CBD .3 %. I gently seated one of the pads into the bowl which filled the volume of the bowl by about half. I placed a ball-o-wax about the size of a single peppercorn onto the mesh. I pre-heat for 5 seconds, then while holding the oven button down, I draw for 20 seconds or so, having released the heater button 5 seconds into the draw. The steel pad heats rapidly, and stays hot long enough to produce big fluffy clouds-o-vapor. I get about 8 draws from this method. Yep. "Shit the bed, Ted". Word.

 

[Seasoned Senior]

@studmuffin Is there any seepage of the wax through the mesh to the bottom plate?

Just spoke with vaporworld, they said they'd have them in stock in the next 2 weeks.

Last week it was supposed to be this week. The veritable slow boat from China, no doubt.

Oh, darn. Two messages in a row. I'm in edit. I don't see how to delete it. I hope the punishment isn't too severe. I'm sorry. Modnote: Posts merged. 2 hail maryjane's and sin no more, my son.

 

[studmuffin]

Dear Seasoned Senior, It is hard for me to say whether or not the wax melted through the pad and onto the bowl. My sense is that some wax might have "bled" onto the bowl, but really no worries. Wax melts at a temperature far lower than 400 degrees F. The residue left behind is a clear, verrry sticky glaze-like substance. Also, be sure to remove the pad while it is hot, otherwise it becomes quite bonded to the bowl. I think that an important technique is to only use the "heat cycle" for 5 seconds but continue to draw for another 20 seconds or so. The steel pad stays hot enough to vaporize the wax for a while after the heat cycle ends. As for amount of wax I personally used, I would guess about .05 to .075 gram. A tiny little ball-o-fun, fer sure. Remember, it is 87.5 % THC, my friend.

 

[Mike M]

Cleaning:

So after about 6 months, I pulled the old screen out to replace and to clean under it.

Problem is that the edges of the screen had so much "gunk" attached to them, that when I pulled the screen out, I partially pulled out some O ring that seals the gap.

I was able to prod the O ring back in, but it looks a little weird. It still works, but be careful if/when you change screens.

 

[studmuffin]

I have been using my Firefly for a year and I have not removed/replaced the screen in the bottom of the bowl. I am careful to only use moderately ground herb, and I gently clean the bowl frequently with ISO and a cotton-tipped swab, holding the Firefly upside down so as not to drip alcohol into the inner workings. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it".

 

[grokit]

I've never cleaned my bottom screen, and barely swab the bowl walls. Been well over a year.

 

[Seasoned Senior]

I purchased my Firefly in July 2014 and immediately went with the Wispr screens with 7 holes that fit perfectly in the bottom. I use Den-Tek flossers to gently scrape around that black rubber O-ring. My Firefly looks brand-new, but I've never tried wax in it. I'm waiting until the new batteries are in stock before placing an order. I don't live in friendly states, and wax is a better buy than flowers nowadays.

 

[lovesick alien]

Hey folks,
This is my first post in fc and I just want to give my personal opinion and tips on the firefly without stepping on any toes.
I'm new to handheld vaporizers, well I had a vapor genie a few years ago but that lung powered monster lost my interest after I rediscovered quality glassware.
A friend introduced me to the pax and I was immediately hooked! After researching online I decided to get the firefly for these three main reasons: convection taste, efficiency and easy maintenance.
I tried all the recommended methods suggested here and finally got it down to where I get 4-5 quality hits out of a measly .15 g. No disrespect to everyone else's method, but mine might help noobs like myself to get massive tasty rips from the firefly. Especially considering how much results can vary with the ff, specifically for a novice like myself.
Start with a .3 nug, grind it to a fluffy/shredded consistency. If it's too nuggy your lungs will have to work harder then necessary and if it's too fine you'll have un-vaped particles in your airways, in addition to wasting your expensive medicine.
Take your. 3 g pile of shredded herb and divide in half. Take one of the .15 piles and tightly roll it into a ball with your thumb, pointer and middle finger. Drop it into the ff bowl and give it one nice soft pat down. It will be the perfect pack; not too loose, so it stays in place and not to tight where you can't get good airflow.
For a first hit/cold start, preheat for 10 seconds, release and hold 3-5 seconds until the chamber lights up, then comes the most important part IMO... Don't "pull", "toke" or "take a drag", SIMPLY "BREATH" THROUGH THE FIREFLY. You'll get smooth, delicious results every time. Any harder and you do get a hit, but I believe it is counter productive as the air may be going through the heating element too fast to provide accurate and sufficiently heated air. I just breath/inhale like I do normally, albeit for a sustained 20-25 seconds, which the mouthpieces orifice makes easier.

This method sat my ass down ! Especially the first two hits. My God!!

Please try this and let me know what you guys think. I hope it helps.

PS: this method is also extremely clean, haven't had any escaped particles in my airpath so they stay nice and clear. And gunk free as well.

PSS: a quick stir after the second hit helps A LOT!

CHEERS

Hey there:

Your advice was SO spot-on that I'm quoting it in full here. i was starting to think I'd never get a real draw from the Firefly, but I used all your tips - the most important are the pre-heat and re-heat 10/5 seconds and the "just breathe" tip. Just got the best session from my Firefly yet - the first "real" vaping experience. Thanks SO much!!

Nick in Florida

 

[Legal in Washington State]

As others have discussed, the Firefly allows lots of user input to influence the experience. This level of control--despite the simplicity of the device--is interesting given the Apple design background of one of the inventors. For me, the Firefly is more Unix, Dos, or even Windows, than Apple OS.

What's my point? Well, I like Apple products precisely for the lack of user decision making. Compared to other systems, Apple just works. You give up some user control, but gain a whole lot of ease of use to focus on other things.

Alas, my Firefly honeymoon has reached an end. Don't get me wrong. I still enjoy using it immensely (too much, as I've posted). But, my eyes wouldn't be wandering if all was perfectly well. You see, I'm coveting the Pax 2. To me, it seems like the Apple of vaporizers--elegant, sleek, and minimal fuss so the device disappears. Plus, the company is clearly here to stay (I don't want to be a pioneer with a new company/product).

Should I save my marriage, two time, or divorce and move on for greener pastures?

 

[Stu]

Should I save my marriage, two time, or divorce and move on for greener pastures?

Get a harem.

 

[mitchgo61]

Alas, my Firefly honeymoon has reached an end. Don't get me wrong. I still enjoy using it immensely (too much, as I've posted). But, my eyes wouldn't be wandering if all was perfectly well. You see, I'm coveting the Pax 2. To me, it seems like the Apple of vaporizers--elegant, sleek, and minimal fuss so the device disappears. Plus, the company is clearly here to stay (I don't want to be a pioneer with a new company/product).

Should I save my marriage, two time, or divorce and move on for greener pastures?

Well...it isn't really an "either/or" kind of thing. I'm intrigued by the Pax 2, too, (so much so I've pre-ordered one) but it's worth remembering that the Pax is a conduction vape and that implies a few important differences between the FF and the Pax. We're at a bit of a disadvantage as the Pax 2 isn't out yet, and we only have reports from a couple of folks, but even though the early word is the Pax 2 fixes most of the taste-related issues with the first-gen Pax, it's unlikely to come anywhere close to the cool and natural convection flavor of the FF.

Your current issues with the FF notwithstanding, different situations require different tools. There are stealth- and group-related situations for which the Pax is perfect, and times when you want the flavor only the FF will deliver. Or you want just one or two hits, and on-demand vapes like the FF are perfect for that application.

To answer your question: the reason most folks have more than one vape is because one vape is not enough, for a whole passel of reasons. Assuming what I've heard about the Pax 2 is true, it sounds like a great compliment to the FF in one's portable arsenal. And to be clear, for me, no one is taking my FF from me, for any other vape. No one!!

 

[MrStrickland]

I probably wouldn't like my firefly nearly as much if it was my only vape. I'd likely need 3 batteries and an external charger to make it work (and for that cost, I'd have to examine other options). There are definite advantages to having a few different units. Of course, that's with my usage. Some people might hit a single session a day.

I see the firefly as a sort of sampling vape. When I get something new, I want to taste it in the firefly first. I could see boutique weed bars using the FF as a way to decide what to order, it's that tasty.

In general I agree with @mitchgo61, different circumstances call for different units. The comparison with the pax 2 is somewhat flawed since they are about as different as you'll find two portables. Pretty much apples to oranges.

 

[Poostuff]

You can't replace the screen in the Firefly properly without removing the screws from the top plate, it's the way the thing is assembled. However doing this probably voids your warranty & maybe that's why no one really mentions it. I referenced the Best Of thread here when I dismantled mine, it was very helpful.

 

[UnshavenFish]

You can't replace the screen in the Firefly properly without removing the screws from the top plate, it's the way the thing is assembled. However doing this probably voids your warranty & maybe that's why no one really mentions it. I referenced the Best Of thread here when I dismantled mine, it was very helpful.

Tells you how here:
http://www.thefirefly.com/skin/frontend/default/virtualforce/doc/firefly_cleaning_guide.pdf

My screen is loose (i can move it from side to side a little) and think it would come out with a poke in the right place, but mine is still looking clean so will be a good while before i need to try.

On a different note i love my Firefly and couldn't get rid of it, but like others for me its just part of my line up, I fill it before bed so its ready to go nice and quick when i wake, nothing better than that great flavour to get you going Then through the day at home i use my Arizer Air and out and about my stealth Haze, then the Crafty at the end of day to send me off Each one has its strong and weak points but when combined you can get all the best bits and the weak points don't really matter when you have options.

Maybe i don't need all of them but for me it works, maybe i have a problem, maybe i just like new shiny things but either way I'm happy

 

[letter never sent]

I contacted them through the website a few days ago and haven't received a response. Anyone else having trouble?

 

[1_gr8_underdog]

I was able to get fastest response through the live chat function on there website.