I see you own an Ascent, what's the verdict between these devices.
Yeah, these seem like the most high profile of the new flower-friendly ports. Maybe the PnP and Pax would be in there as well.
Generally, I'm the type of user who likes to take just one hit about every 15-20 min or so, if possible. So that makes the Firefly just perfect for me since, as you know, I can just get that one hit and not heat any herb I won't be using ya know? For personal use, for flowers, the Firefly is just divine. When I'm hitting it normally, I'm getting the perfect hit - enough vapor to confirm that I definitely got a good amount in my lungs, but not so much exhaled vapor to be wasteful. If you have enough privacy to use a smokebuddy, the amount of smell is really stealthy.
The Ascent warms up really fast, so that's not an issue there. But knowing that I'm using its battery to get it going when I just want one hit makes me think the battery won't last long (love knowing that I can replace the FF battery!), so I end up taking two hits and then turning it off and taking a third just so product isn't going to waste as the Ascent cools down (takes a while) and that the battery power was worth it. At that point, I am usually more medicated than I need to be with plenty of smell all around me. It's a stinky one, in my opinion. If I use it in my car, man do people know it. Just the device laying around after it's heated your herb once is stinky. The Firefly does not have that problem.
When I keep the Firefly in my bag and then open up its compartment after an hour or so, there is barely a smell. There is smell, but not enough for anyone around me to notice. When I did the same with the Ascent, the smell just came FLOODING out even worse than an MFLB that has tons of resin built up in it.
However, the Ascent does work great when you just want to pack it up, not use any technique, and just keep toking really simple-like. It's great around the house. I've had great success passing the Ascent around with friends who don't vape and they've done quite well. I also prefer to use the Ascent when driving, as using the FF while driving is NOT stealthy, that's for sure.
I also get more even burning with the Ascent. I have never seen ABV as uniform as after it's been through there at 430. It's gorgeous, the ABV. I LOVE using the Ascent with water. Its taste is even better than the FF, I think.
Plus, you can use it while charging. That's nice. And its battery life is great. If I were to go hiking for the day, I could just pack the Ascent full and it would be all I'd need. With the FF, I'd need an extra batt or two and extra herbs.
After using the Ascent, I usually feel STONED no matter the temp. After using the FF, I feel HIGH, but I can get the STONED feeling if I want to.
So, I think the Ascent really shines as a session vape with water, as it's meant to, but its smell really prevents it from being stealthy out in public.
The problem with the FF as a portable is that it's so expensive and beautiful I don't like it leaving the house! It actually makes the beautiful Ascent look a little clunky and outdated. Damn, it is pricey though, once you add on extra batts and the external charger...
The FF does take some technique, maybe a little more than the Ascent?
Will post more as I think of it. If anyone has a specific question, just ask.