Discontinued The Firefly Vaporizer

[Hoover]

I purchased a FF in late Jan. 2014, plus a spare battery and charger a few weeks later. I was having trouble with my first FF combusting so I purchased a 2nd FF knowing my first was going to go back under warranty and I didn't want to be without. I ended up buying a 3rd FF in Aug. I believe, to give to a friend of mine. The 3rd FF battery did not work out of the box.

I have sent all my FFs back for replacements as they have all failed. A couple times customer service said I could keep the good battery and put a bad battery in the defective FF that I was returning for replacement; so I ended up with a total of 6 batteries.

In Dec. I had 4 bad batteries that would not hold a charge more than a hit or two. All of them were received from FF within the last 6 months and I expected warranty replacements. I contacted FF and they agreed to replace 2 of my 4 bad batteries. I am not a happy camper!

 

[pjwalm]

So thinking about picking up a Firefly... Bought one a few weeks back for $190 to replace the lanch box i lost somewhere in my closet ( ). Was kinda cruddy so i looked into the warenty. Turned out it was a fake. Luckily i was able to return it. Thinking about picking up a replacement from firefly for $216... On the fence, mostly because the last was meh vapor wise. I have a Lotus and I love the instant vapor and flavor but I hate burning myself and dealing with busted lighters. The cleaning was harder on the firefly but easy enough. I'm mostly concerned with vapor production. My knockoff was pretty weak. How is the genuine? Does the flavor last the entire bowl? I love the roasted flavor of the MFLB and Lotus. I found that missing in my DaBuddha and Knockoff Firefly. $216... It's a lot imo... I have a vape that hits amazing and does great with glass (the Lotus). And all the accessories are so much (on a side note if I do get a new one I am so buying a USB to dc cable for the car). Kinda just wanna replace the launch box....

 

[grokit]

My firefly has never been found wanting for vapor production. If you buy it from firefly they're having a special right now with the external charger and an extra battery for 1/2 price, highly recommended

 

[hoptimum]

So thinking about picking up a Firefly... Bought one a few weeks back for $190 to replace the lanch box i lost somewhere in my closet ( ). Was kinda cruddy so i looked into the warenty. Turned out it was a fake. Luckily i was able to return it. Thinking about picking up a replacement from firefly for $216... On the fence, mostly because the last was meh vapor wise. I have a Lotus and I love the instant vapor and flavor but I hate burning myself and dealing with busted lighters. The cleaning was harder on the firefly but easy enough. I'm mostly concerned with vapor production. My knockoff was pretty weak. How is the genuine? Does the flavor last the entire bowl? I love the roasted flavor of the MFLB and Lotus. I found that missing in my DaBuddha and Knockoff Firefly. $216... It's a lot imo... I have a vape that hits amazing and does great with glass (the Lotus). And all the accessories are so much (on a side note if I do get a new one I am so buying a USB to dc cable for the car). Kinda just wanna replace the launch box....

I think the FF tastes great, certainly better than the MFLB, but IMO the DBV tastes pretty nice, too, so...

 

[pjwalm]

Oooo that half price charger and battery sound nice. Wonder what happened to the red and when it will be back... Yea Idk imo the knockoff firefly tasted better then Dabuddha. That guy never tickled my tastebuds... I also usually used a longer hose though because the bowl would always get yanked out. The Firefly was still pretty thin on flavor though; which I assumed was because it was a knockoff. I never really got it as hot as I felt necessary though and if I did it overheated. Maybe the real version will be better...? I mean if it can char herb it has to be able to deliver some thick flavorful vapor, right?...

 

[420democrat]

So I have come to love this vaporizer. I currently have firefly, dbv, and solo at home. I almost always reach for my ff. For one its extremly easy, gives amazing flavorful hits and when I'm searching for clouds it can compete with the best. The abv is usually light enough to revape in my dbv through a bubbler. This is hands down my favorite vape I've tried so far

 

[mckeen]

So I have come to love this vaporizer. I currently have firefly, dbv, and solo at home. I almost always reach for my ff. For one its extremly easy, gives amazing flavorful hits and when I'm searching for clouds it can compete with the best. The abv is usually light enough to revape in my dbv through a bubbler. This is hands down my favorite vape I've tried so far

That's true for me also...just got a new replacement after my unit died. Have three batteries and one is going down fast. After all is said and done, I just love my Firefly's. Since April of 2013 I have gone through my share of units like mitchgo61. I have had the most asome opportunity to use 5 different Firefly's. My most recent is the best yet. It's seems hotter than the others, I can combust if I try hard. But that's all in technique I have found.

Have noticed that my older batteries run dead faster with this new unit running hotter. The battery that came with new unit is great, 4-5 bowls. Older ones get 2 maybe 3 at best. So year old batteries are needing of replacement. Not bad 30 bucks a year to power this medicinal delivery device.

 

[Reyeorts]

Fellow fireflier here! Fairly new to the vaping scene, but so far I’ve had tons of fun with my FF. However, I have a two-pronged question for the tech savvy!


My draw button seems to be a tad bit loose. It has no practical consequences other than it can be moved around a bit, but I took note of it since the overall quality of the FF is heavy-duty excellence! Besides the draw button there’s also something rattling around inside my FF, maybe a small bolt or a screw, and I can hear it when gently shaking my FF from side to side.


I’m obviously curious to find out if it’s only my FF? You know, slightly loose draw button, minor rattling from inside the device etc.? Maybe nothing’s wrong, but my FF came from overseas, so I’m worried it might have taken a beating on its way here. If so, is there any particular risk of damaging the device by unscrewing the front plate and having a look inside?


I really appreciate your time! Thank you

 

[mitchgo61]

Fellow fireflier here! Fairly new to the vaping scene, but so far I’ve had tons of fun with my FF. However, I have a two-pronged question for the tech savvy!


My draw button seems to be a tad bit loose. It has no practical consequences other than it can be moved around a bit, but I took note of it since the overall quality of the FF is heavy-duty excellence! Besides the draw button there’s also something rattling around inside my FF, maybe a small bolt or a screw, and I can hear it when gently shaking my FF from side to side.


I’m obviously curious to find out if it’s only my FF? You know, slightly loose draw button, minor rattling from inside the device etc.? Maybe nothing’s wrong, but my FF came from overseas, so I’m worried it might have taken a beating on its way here. If so, is there any particular risk of damaging the device by unscrewing the front plate and having a look inside?


I really appreciate your time! Thank you

The button feeling a little "mushy" is not uncommon...most of the FF's I've owned have felt like this. However, I've never noticed any rattling. Just shook both of my mine gently to see if I coudl repro it. Nothing.

Try removing and reinstalling your battery door cover. It's possible this is what is "rattling". I kind of doubt it's related to the power button.

 

[mckeen]

Fellow fireflier here! Fairly new to the vaping scene, but so far I’ve had tons of fun with my FF. However, I have a two-pronged question for the tech savvy!


My draw button seems to be a tad bit loose. It has no practical consequences other than it can be moved around a bit, but I took note of it since the overall quality of the FF is heavy-duty excellence! Besides the draw button there’s also something rattling around inside my FF, maybe a small bolt or a screw, and I can hear it when gently shaking my FF from side to side.


I’m obviously curious to find out if it’s only my FF? You know, slightly loose draw button, minor rattling from inside the device etc.? Maybe nothing’s wrong, but my FF came from overseas, so I’m worried it might have taken a beating on its way here. If so, is there any particular risk of damaging the device by unscrewing the front plate and having a look inside?


I really appreciate your time! Thank you

The heat button can be loose without any issues at all. Draw button is loose because it's just that a button made of plastic sitting over a much smaller button on the circuit board. This small button on the board came loose on mine and could not power up the heater. A loose/musshy button is just fine as long as it causes the unit to heat up I would not worry. Besides this company has the best customer service I've experienced. Have you seen the Elevape? May buy one for fishing trips cause I don't take my Firefly near salt water.

 

[Reyeorts]

@mckeen @mitchgo61

Big thanks to both of you. I very much appreciate it!

I’ll get my hands on a torx screwdriver set and have a look inside. I read somewhere that not all FFs look the same on the inside. Could be interesting to see how the different parts/elements are placed inside compared to how close or far apart they might be in a similar device. I might actually learn something.

And can I just throw in there that being new to vaping in general, the thing I’ve come to appreciate the most is the fact that it’s totally stealth. I just moved to a new apartment, and I’ve been hesitant to fire up the stank in unfamiliar territory. However, vaping basically turns you into a weed ninja. You can go on an all-night blaze, and no one will ever be the wiser. What a time to be alive!

 

[mitchgo61]

@mckeen @mitchgo61

Big thanks to both of you. I very much appreciate it!

I’ll get my hands on a torx screwdriver set and have a look inside. I read somewhere that not all FFs look the same on the inside. Could be interesting to see how the different parts/elements are placed inside compared to how close or far apart they might be in a similar device. I might actually learn something.

And can I just throw in there that being new to vaping in general, the thing I’ve come to appreciate the most is the fact that it’s totally stealth. I just moved to a new apartment, and I’ve been hesitant to fire up the stank in unfamiliar territory. However, vaping basically turns you into a weed ninja. You can go on an all-night blaze, and no one will ever be the wiser. What a time to be alive!

Couple things...First, welcome to FC and vaporizing. Glad you are enjoying it. You've jumped right into the deep end with the FF (would that this beauty existed when I first started vaping years ago!). It's always nice to hear of someone enjoying the FF right off the bat without having too many learning curve issues...it can be a fickle mistress (but like all mistresses, a lot of fun!).

Second, before you do anything like opening up the FF, check out the "best of" thread here.

http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/best-of-the-firefly-vaporizer-thread.16628/

It's only six pages total, gives you a great overview of the device from dozens of users with various perspectives, and check out the teardown pix on page 3....you'll see what it looks like inside without opening it up. I would personally caution you that removing the steel plate may void your warranty if you re-assemble it and screw something up in the process. You'll note in the pix a set of ceramic rings around the heating element...these are aligned just so, and held in place by pressure. Removal of the plate will cause the rings to move, and mis-align, and you might get lucky and put 'em back right, or you might not, and again, this can technically void the warranty...so caveat tinkerer, if you know what I mean.

But again welcome, enjoy your FF and vaping and let us know how you get on with it...and mckeen is right, the service is stellar, so call them if you have any issues.

 

[mckeen]

Besides the draw button there’s also something rattling around inside my FF, maybe a small bolt or a screw, and I can hear it when gently shaking my FF from side to side.

That is an issue. Maybe some of the plastic heat button broke off, reason for being loose. None of my units have rattled when shaken. I would call Firefly and see what they say. I'm pretty sure they will want that one back.

 

[malanbalan]

Hi again,
Well my FF went to repair/exchange with vapeworld ( they have an excellent customer support). I had it for a week and a half. It had the red light problem after 2-3 seconds of pressing some times, then I had to switch it on and off that was kind of lame. the battery was lasting around only 8 draws some times less , I think it was over heating or sending more power? It combusted several times after only 3-4 seconds of pressing the hit button. I did get a replacement battery for free that lasted longer, but it did still combust, stirring or not after couple draws. I will get a new one on Friday. I will have to vape more than I really want just to check it is good. Now I will have 3 batteries, 2 for free from VW, so I guess I will buy the external charger from them.

IMO I think it is a nice design but with some flaws. It gets dirty around the o rings easily and it is kind of hard to clean, specially on the one by the steel plate. Stuff just gets there and you can not clean it unless you unscrew the 3 torx and take it apart. It is not a vape to be taking on the go, kind of hard to refill and it is more for use in a place where you can relax and vape without rushing (house) although I did use it in the car and walking around.

It did taste good when it was not combusting. I would really get pissed if I have to send this replacement soon ( soon as in less than 1 - 2 years ). I think FF has to many defective units for what I see in the forum.

 

[mitchgo61]

I will have to vape more than I really want just to check it is good.

We do what we have to do for science, no matter how much it hurts.

Good luck with your replacement....I hope it works better for you.

 

[Marctraider]

Well I have the FF for a month now, other than the initial air leaks I was experiencing it works like a charm!

 

[Mike M]

Prodigal son returns.

I have had the FF since the fall, but about a month ago I got the Mighty, and have been using that exclusively for the last month.

Last night I decided to bust out the FF again. I forgot how GREAT this device is. With a top screen, I can use the smallest amounts and really get everything out of them.

Plus, unlike conduction (and I Love the Mighty), I am on my own schedule using it. I can get lost in my music, or a movie, or another task, and don't have to worry that the "clock is ticking" and I'm wasting vapor, like I do when I fire up the Mighty or my Alfa.

The weight in my hand, the simple ease of use, the easiest clean up of ANY unit, I truly forgot how great this device is.

The only issue I have, is the need to stir after every 4 or 5 hits, I wish there was some way to stir without opening the lid. I know some people here, just shake it, but that really doesn't work for me.

 

[Reyeorts]

@Mike M

I realize this might be a terribly stupid question... but what's a top screen? Yes, complete FF rookie here!

 

[Mike M]

@Mike M

I realize this might be a terribly stupid question... but what's a top screen? Yes, complete FF rookie here!

I put a screen over the bowl, that way, I can draw as hard as I want and I don't get debris in my mouth, and it keeps the unit extra clean.

 

[Reyeorts]

@Mike M

And you're simply using a regular screen like the one at the bottom of the oven?

 

[Mike M]

@Mike M

And you're simply using a regular screen like the one at the bottom of the oven?

Yeah, just a simple one that I picked up at my local head shop. It's about the size of the bowl, and fits perfectly over it. You might have to draw slightly harder, but you don't get any debris, and because all the material stays in the bowl, you use it all up really well.

I WANT TO ADD. That to really make the most out of the FF, I recommend getting two extra batteries and two extra charging docks. That way, you can use for hours.

BTW, I ordered two batteries from FF, and they were kind of bad. Sent them an email, and they sent two new ones.

 

[Reyeorts]

@Mike M

Personally, I never found the need for extra batteries. If my FF is out of juice I throw on an episode of Rick & Morty while the battery recharges. EZPZ. I mean, don't you guys ever just sit and chill without hammering down vape? I guess I'm not yet ready for the big leagues

 

[Mike M]

@Mike M

Personally, I never found the need for extra batteries. If my FF is out of juice I throw on an episode of Rick & Morty while the battery recharges. EZPZ. I mean, don't you guys ever just sit and chill without hammering down vape? I guess I'm not yet ready for the big leagues

Back to the Minors you Amateur!

 

[hi_there]

It looks super portable but I am a little shocked to hear about the potential quality problems....broken units and batteries fizzling out pretty quickly. For $300 I would expect more.

 

[mitchgo61]

It looks super portable but I am a little shocked to hear about the potential quality problems....broken units and batteries fizzling out pretty quickly. For $300 I would expect more.

On one hand, I totally agree. OTOH, it's not nearly the most expensive portable suffering issues and failures...a number of much pricier units have the market since FF's debut, and they all experience failures and problems, some at 30-40% higher prices than the FF. Alas, such is the plight of the early adopter....no matter how much you spend. That's what the warranties are for!

@Mike M

And you're simply using a regular screen like the one at the bottom of the oven?

I use the Arizer cyclone bowl screens for a top screen...sits right on the glass bowl edge.

Very important....keep in mind a top screen raises the heat in the FF. Helpful in aiding extraction, but proceed carefully till you see how it changes the operation of your FF. Good luck!