Discontinued The Grasshopper

[shaolinmilk]

Hi Shaolinmilk,

Two years, you say ? This is fantastic news, indeed ! WooHoo ! ! By the time my titanium Grasshopper arrives, I will own a self-driving car, and "vaping-n-driving" will not only be legal, but highly encouraged by the government. It's Win/Win, you people. Duh.. Turbo duh. Ultra-Mega DUH. Look out, interstate ! I'm gonna be comin' at ya on a cannabis zephyr. Schwwennnnngggggggg !

haha you won't have to wait that long... Backers in Dec14/Jan15 are starting to receive address confirmation email's so to stay on the safe side, if you order now you probably won't have to wait more than a year max. And this is a very optimistic view of things.

 

[Bass Vaper]

It's so good, dude goes on about how great the Hopper is, "supply & demand, I paid $305 dollars for mine....that said, it was DOA when I got it".

Not poking fun at anyone or HL, just got a nice, irony filled laugh from it.

So, it's been almost a year since the Hoppers started being shipped. I'm not keeping a score sheet, but there are a shit load of posters citing issues. Everyone still stick with that "lower than 30% failure rate" theory? I sure as fuck don't. I'd say for every 10 Hoppers that go out, 6 have issues. At least.

Total speculation, but what else is going on tonight....

 

[Thcgos]

It appears that @BuzzDanklin (Vaporizer Wizard) has dropped by the hopper labs yesterday.

Check out his latest instagram post:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BD0lkeyrGJf/

And for all you folks without instagram here is his post (really should add him though, his posts are awesome):

As per Buzz:
Top left is a machine for burn-offs and stress testing Grasshoppers.
Bottom right, a new machine.

He pretty much confirms there are new machines, new employees, new parts (enough to build 10k hoppers) and another new machine was being delivered while he was there.
The new machines should apparently half current assembly times whilst improving QC.

I think this should be confirmation that their run rates will increase significantly.
I doubt anyone would have to wait 1-2 years here on out.

I hope that after they finish getting up to speed, they can accurately forecast estimated shipping dates.

Thanks for the update @BuzzDanklin (Vaporizer Wizard)!!!!

 

[McQuack]

Has anyone ever asked Hopper Labs about the oil front-end? I just heared about the awesome rosin technique and thought of buying a dabbing pen, so I would be really interested in the hopper oil front-end.

Am I right that the first Hopper design was different, with the chamber in the front-end? I was wondering if the oil front-end is still feasible with the new design. Don't you think the chamber would be totally messed after oil usage and also oil could reach the heater? How do you think the oil front-end could look like?

 

[Pickz]

I'll have to update my sig, but I've been lurking the forum for a little while now without saying much lately. I am a 3/8/15 Preorder (multiple units) and have been restlessly waiting for my number to be called. I could no longer take the wait. Well, more like I couldn't stop myself from obsessively checking VapeFiend, here, reddit, etc. any longer! I pulled the trigger on one from the classifieds so hopefully I'll have a GH in my hands soon! It's got four batteries included with it and two sleeves.

I have now started to get my GH accessories ordered. I ordered a Nitecore D4, a crafty/mighty CU, and a couple of those glass MFLB mouthpieces. I just wanted a few things ready in case I find the vapor too hot. I also have a bundle thrown together of Delta 3D Studios accessories in my shopping cart (leather case, loading funnel, and a few extra dube tubes). I'm waiting for @Ratchett to drop the 4/20 sale to pull the trigger on those items! I don't have a portable bubbler (previously owned/liked PNWT), but I don't think I'd like to use one for the GH as my main reason for buying this vape is maximum stealth. I realize that the cooling devices I mentioned reduce from stealth, but I'll play around with them.

I'm back to my rambling ways, so I'll try to wrap it up. Any advice on anything else I may want to look in to?


TLDR: I have a GH on the way with normally included accessories + 3 extra batteries + 2 leather sleeves. I ordered a Nitecore D4, a Crafty/Mighty CU, a few MFLB Mouthpieces, and I have Delta3D kit ready to checkout upon start of 4/20 sale. Anything else to consider buying?

ETA: I have some 18mm bubblers at home and already own a few 14mm adapters. I just thought I'd add this because I know many like to use the GH through water.

 

[Vapetrees]

@Pickz I really don't ever use anything to cool the vapor on my GH. I just sort of got used to it since it reminds me of combustion. If I do have to cool the vapor, which normally I don't because I love getting super dense vapor, I use my small bubbler. I think you will be fine without any cooling attachments if you're out and about. I understand that for b0 it didn't work out because of his asthma, but if you don't have those issues it shouldn't be a big deal. Also, I don't think you need to buy anything else save your money for some Cannabis.

 

[EdE80]

I'll have to update my sig, but I've been lurking the forum for a little while now without saying much lately. I am a 3/8/15 Preorder (multiple units) and have been restlessly waiting for my number to be called. I could no longer take the wait. Well, more like I couldn't stop myself from obsessively checking VapeFiend, here, reddit, etc. any longer! I pulled the trigger on one from the classifieds so hopefully I'll have a GH in my hands soon! It's got four batteries included with it and two sleeves.

I have now started to get my GH accessories ordered. I ordered a Nitecore D4, a crafty/mighty CU, and a couple of those glass MFLB mouthpieces. I just wanted a few things ready in case I find the vapor too hot. I also have a bundle thrown together of Delta 3D Studios accessories in my shopping cart (leather case, loading funnel, and a few extra dube tubes). I'm waiting for @Ratchett to drop the 4/20 sale to pull the trigger on those items! I don't have a portable bubbler (previously owned/liked PNWT), but I don't think I'd like to use one for the GH as my main reason for buying this vape is maximum stealth. I realize that the cooling devices I mentioned reduce from stealth, but I'll play around with them.

I'm back to my rambling ways, so I'll try to wrap it up. Any advice on anything else I may want to look in to?


TLDR: I have a GH on the way with normally included accessories + 3 extra batteries + 2 leather sleeves. I ordered a Nitecore D4, a Crafty/Mighty CU, a few MFLB Mouthpieces, and I have Delta3D kit ready to checkout upon start of 4/20 sale. Anything else to consider buying?

ETA: I have some 18mm bubblers at home and already own a few 14mm adapters. I just thought I'd add this because I know many like to use the GH through water.

Ratchetts spiral stand is pretty nice to have, not necessary, but nice! His tamping tool might work really well too, I just use a screw, but his is fancier. Sounds like you've got everything else covered, enjoy!

 

[Vapetrees]

Ratchetts spiral stand is pretty nice to have, not necessary, but nice! His tamping tool might work really well too, I just use a screw, but his is fancier. Sounds like you've got everything else covered, enjoy!

Yeah definitely, I just didn't mention that since he said he had stuff in his cart lol. I have the spiral stand and also the loading funnel. I love both of them!

 

[tubasco]

I'll have to update my sig, but I've been lurking the forum for a little while now without saying much lately. I am a 3/8/15 Preorder (multiple units) and have been restlessly waiting for my number to be called. I could no longer take the wait. Well, more like I couldn't stop myself from obsessively checking VapeFiend, here, reddit, etc. any longer! I pulled the trigger on one from the classifieds so hopefully I'll have a GH in my hands soon! It's got four batteries included with it and two sleeves.

I have now started to get my GH accessories ordered. I ordered a Nitecore D4, a crafty/mighty CU, and a couple of those glass MFLB mouthpieces. I just wanted a few things ready in case I find the vapor too hot. I also have a bundle thrown together of Delta 3D Studios accessories in my shopping cart (leather case, loading funnel, and a few extra dube tubes). I'm waiting for @Ratchett to drop the 4/20 sale to pull the trigger on those items! I don't have a portable bubbler (previously owned/liked PNWT), but I don't think I'd like to use one for the GH as my main reason for buying this vape is maximum stealth. I realize that the cooling devices I mentioned reduce from stealth, but I'll play around with them.

I'm back to my rambling ways, so I'll try to wrap it up. Any advice on anything else I may want to look in to?


TLDR: I have a GH on the way with normally included accessories + 3 extra batteries + 2 leather sleeves. I ordered a Nitecore D4, a Crafty/Mighty CU, a few MFLB Mouthpieces, and I have Delta3D kit ready to checkout upon start of 4/20 sale. Anything else to consider buying?

ETA: I have some 18mm bubblers at home and already own a few 14mm adapters. I just thought I'd add this because I know many like to use the GH through water.

You'll also need a way to attach the crafty cooling unit to the hopper. I (and I believe others) use a firewood 3.0 mouthpiece. One end fits pretty snugly into the c/u, and then some of the silicone at the other end stretches over the hopper's tip. The only issue with going out and about with this setup is the c/u and fw mouthpiece can come apart. That's why I use this case: http://www.amazon.com/Protective-Ca...1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_search_detailpage

Inside that case I'm able to hold: 3 backup batteries in the mesh pocket on the left side. (They all face the same direction with nothing touching either end...no separate battery holder needed)....the hopper, a poking tool and a tube for material. The crafty hack piece also fits inside...above the hopper on the right, and most importantly it stays in place as one piece inside this case.

The case is very slim and slips easily into my pocket. It's crush resistant too. I did a LOT of research...even had one similar to Ratchett's (from Amazon, PU leather because I don't use leather when I can find an alternative that's just as durable)...but I ended up not liking the roll up design and returned it. Too bulky and not enough protection, IMHO.

 

[Vapetrees]

@Gandalf Any word yet? My SS hopper is being shipped back to me, they just sent it this morning. I want to thank GHL since they replaced my back end on my hopper even though I was not the original owner. I think they did so because they want people to support them and for their product to speak for itself. I know it sucks to have to send it to get repaired, or to have it stop working but it is really an awesome vaporizer. I have to say that now that I've had a GH for a few months, it is my all time favorite vaporizer. Also, I have a purple Ti that has not given me any problems. It seems to be really reliable and I hope that doesn't change.

 

[Gandalf]

@Vapetrees

I actually just got an email from them about 30 minutes ago, they asked me to send in the Grasshopper, charger, and battery. So pretty much the entire kit is being sent back to HL. Cleaning it out now and will send it out first thing tomorrow morning. I miss my Hopper and can't wait to have it back in the rotation!

I'd also say that my Hopper is my favorite all time vaporizer. I think the upcoming Firefly 2 *may* challenge the Hopper for that spot but we'll have to see.

 

[zenmasterofzinfandel]

These batteries still worry me. This is a 45W device. Assuming they are using 3.7v it takes ~12A. I have never seen a battery this size handle more than 10A continuous, in fact 10A may be a stretch for a battery this size I would of guessed, just at the sixe, that it would be more to 7-8A. Even if they are pulling 5v from the battery it will still be 8A which may fit under the specs of the battery but its close. And the fact you got two of them dead is not reassuring. I buy tons of these batteries for vaping and never had any DOA. This is a lot of Amps to be pulling on dangerous chemical batteries and I hope to hell they are not some cheap Chinese manufacturing.

Obviously I must be missing something because I don't think they would get it CES checked if it did not comply with safety standards but it still doesn't feel right to me. I truly wished they gave the specs of the battery. Too bad I won't be getting one til November because I would love to do some testing on the battery.

Hmm, did a 2hr search on keywords: battery size

That unicorn Hawk is looking for is in China, made in China (where some of the big name manufacturers cells are now being made)- here you go 12650 battery 750mah. min order 1000 pieces:

http://hgb.en.alibaba.com/product/2...n_Cylindrical_Battery_12650_750mAh_3_7V_.html

I'm guessing Hawk is correct about this being a 'trustfire' style battery, over rated/exaggerated claims of capacity & performance (much lower AH that the rating).

However, it would take a much bigger 18650 to actually supply enough power to run @45watts continuous. So either GHL is misstated/misleading, or it cannot be 45watts *continuous* output on the heating unit. Look @Crafty, 27watts on 18650 @2700mah 10AH continuous discharge rated, and the Crafty gets very hot after about 5-7min continuous use.

wild guess, maybe using some type of converter for higher voltage, requiring less current draw rating???

In LED flashlights & other devices, they use various buck-boost converters:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buck–boost_converter

I'm not an EE, so don't know how efficient these would be, if one could be found small enough (there are some being used in such smaller dia flashlights, IIRC)

Would anyone like to destroy a GH battery for the FC info base, take the wrapper off to see if the manufacturer coding is on the inside? Or did i miss it in the thread?

 

[zenmasterofzinfandel]

@tubasco
http://www.vapingfans.com/glass-mouthpiece-for-mighty-crafty-vaporizer.html

Much cheaper than VF

^not much cheaper unless you live in Oz, shipping is the biggest cost from Oz or UK to USA/Canada.

@tubasco www.vapefiend.co.uk has it I believe.

^out of stock there.

I'm a pro tuba player, so breathing basically is part of my job. I'm extra sensitive to heat...somehow smoked cigs for 20+ years (i quit 3 years & 174 days ago)...have seasonal allergies with asthma-like symptoms so I keep an albuterol inhaler nearby...and nowadays I do everything I can to protect my lungs/career. All that being said, I just can't recommend the crafty cooling unit/firewood mouthpiece hack enough. I take it everywhere that I use the hopper out and about. It takes something like 95% of the heat away. Seriously...it's that good.
**At home I just run the hopper through water to hydrate it a bit.

I don't have asthma, a condition that can be life threatening. If I did, I would discuss with as many sources/physicians I could about using cannabis with albuterol, as both are going to have some effect on the lungs, combination could be potentially dangerous.

Hot air from the Crafty bothers me, for long-term lung health; since there will be no peer-reviewed scientific community published DB studies about long-term lung health from supper heated airstreams going into the lungs in my lifetime. I don't smoke cigs, so don't know how hot combustion air, compares to heat from a vape.

I would give up stealth & use this mini-bubbler as a better solution than a glass mouthpiece, probably try to put crushed ice in it too. Keeping in mind u lose much med/terpene from filtering of the water, but you are more likely to catch small particulate matter this way, potentially better for lungs/less irriaition. Particulate air pollution is probably linked to lung cancer(or will be) & COPD in big cities:

http://spacecadetglass.bigcartel.com/product/mighty-crafty-bubbler-mouthpiece

edit: sorry staff, for the thread drift

 

[slcbdco]

@Pickz I really don't ever use anything to cool the vapor on my GH. I just sort of got used to it since it reminds me of combustion. If I do have to cool the vapor, which normally I don't because I love getting super dense vapor, I use my small bubbler. I think you will be fine without any cooling attachments if you're out and about. I understand that for b0 it didn't work out because of his asthma, but if you don't have those issues it shouldn't be a big deal. Also, I don't think you need to buy anything else save your money for some Cannabis.

I was cleaning my car today and found the silicone mouthpiece, totally forgot I still had one! I never use it. I generally take 2 rips per click and I leave it on between rips. If you put the mouthpiece in below the taper it's not too hot for most people but it is subjective, most of my friends are fine but there are definitely some for who it's too hot on the second rip. Even those folks though usually just move their lip and it's fine


"I'd also say that my Hopper is my favorite all time vaporizer. I think the upcomingFirefly 2 *may* challenge the Hopper forthat spot but we'll have to see."

Here Here, @BuzzDanklin says the FF2 is awesome for concentrates so I might have an insect infestation at my place this summer also!

 

[paytonpenn]

Would anyone like to destroy a GH battery for the FC info base, take the wrapper off to see if the manufacturer coding is on the inside? Or did i miss it in the thread?

I've done it. There was nothing useful under it.

 

[Hawk]

Hmm, did a 2hr search on keywords: battery size

That unicorn Hawk is looking for is in China, made in China (where some of the big name manufacturers cells are now being made)- here you go 12650 battery 750mah. min order 1000 pieces:

http://hgb.en.alibaba.com/product/2...n_Cylindrical_Battery_12650_750mAh_3_7V_.html

I'm guessing Hawk is correct about this being a 'trustfire' style battery, over rated/exaggerated claims of capacity & performance (much lower AH that the rating).

However, it would take a much bigger 18650 to actually supply enough power to run @45watts continuous. So either GHL is misstated/misleading, or it cannot be 45watts *continuous* output on the heating unit. Look @Crafty, 27watts on 18650 @2700mah 10AH continuous discharge rated, and the Crafty gets very hot after about 5-7min continuous use.

wild guess, maybe using some type of converter for higher voltage, requiring less current draw rating???

In LED flashlights & other devices, they use various buck-boost converters:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buck–boost_converter

I'm not an EE, so don't know how efficient these would be, if one could be found small enough (there are some being used in such smaller dia flashlights, IIRC)

Would anyone like to destroy a GH battery for the FC info base, take the wrapper off to see if the manufacturer coding is on the inside? Or did i miss it in the thread?

Nice find! Back when I posted this I tried to find one that size. I hope this is not the battery they are using since it is not safe chemistry. This is a Lithium-Cobalt-Oxide battery and should not be used with the GH.

"Batteries produced with LiCoO
2 cathodes, while providing higher capacity, are more reactive and have poorer thermal stability than chemistries such as the newer lithium-nickel-cobalt-aluminum-oxide types. This makes LiCoO
2 batteries susceptible to thermal runaway in cases of abuse such as high temperature operation (>130 °C) or overcharging. At elevated temperatures, LiCoO
2decomposition generates oxygen, which then reacts with the organic electrolyte of the cell. This is a safety concern due to the magnitude of this highly exothermic reaction, which can spread to adjacent cells or ignite nearby combustible material"

 

[voodoo_vape]

Bear in mind that in case other batteries than the HL ones are being used then you loose on the lifetime warranty. Since they're so cheap it worth grabbing a few more for back up.

PS: They have now updated the estimates on their web..

 

[FizzNuggets]

@UnDerBerG I think that just flows with their usual 2 months out policy.

On another note, been hitting my replacement hopper pretty steady since Friday. Nothing really to report. I forget who mentioned it a few posts back but I'm finding not holding it near the back end keeps it cooler. If I grip around the clip, a little heat will still show up back there but not even close to the first unit.

I find my two batteries are plenty if I have a method to charge one while I used the other. I get 2-3 chambers per battery, mostly used on 5 through water still.

Hope this keeps up, because I love this thing. Other than the long wait, everything about this experience has been pleasant. I couldn't help myself and jumped into pre-order purgatory for another.

 

[MoltenTiger]

Bear in mind that in case other batteries than the HL ones are being used then you loose on the lifetime warranty. Since they're so cheap it worth grabbing a few more for back up.

PS: They have now updated the estimates on their web..

My ETAs have remained the same..

I received a package of 5 extra batteries and a replacement charger the other day.
In typical electronic fashion, the replacement charger is not giving me consistent results, and now my original charger is working flawlessly.. go figure
Caroline has asked me to send the new one back and to keep using the old one.
Postage was slow from CO to Aus, took a bit over 2 weeks, though it was in America for 11 days.

Extra batteries are amazing, I think 5 spare is too many though, so not sure how many I'll end up keeping (I have a few extra pre-orders so will disperse what I think is the optimum amount per hopper).

My unit continues to collect scratches, however on the Ti they're fairly subtle.
My coloured unit will not travel far from a case I expect.

Really can't wait to try this through my big flask (43cm honeycomb to tree perc glass bong [currently in a different city to me ]).
So far the D020 is great, but too small and the MP is too small. Awesome for travel bongs but a bit lacklustre.
My torus is pretty great to use with it, though it doesn't recycle at lower water levels (restriction limits percolation).
I did use a matrix sidecar from DHgate (a friends) and that has made me want some new glass
The combo of the larger volume and bigger mouthpiece equalled some pretty on-point bong hits.

What I'm really looking forward to though, is crossfiring with two hoppers at once (or more! ).
Can't wait for my pre-order

PS: I'm interested in y'all with a GH and water-pipe tendencies.
I'm curious - what kind of bong do you use and enjoy the most?

I am completely satisfied with the GH as my only extraction method, but I'm not sure what style of bong I should get to specifically pair with it.
I'm leaning towards either cheaping out and getting an FC-186, or splurging for a SOL double lace disc tube but I'm now thinking these would have too much diffusion.
Perhaps a standard "beaker" design would be the way to go?

Does anyone have an impressive glass collection and/or a hopper? I would love to hear what you have to say.

 

[Vapetrees]

@FizzNuggets I had a similar issue with grasping the back end and making the back end hot, I wrote about it a few pages back. Interestingly enough on the Ti I can't make it hot with the same method. It stays cool no matter how I hold it. I wonder if the SS is the culprit?

@MoltenTiger I use a matrix ion replica with the sidecar and if I don't put too much water the taste really comes through. I believe I got it from Steven on DHgate. The draw resistance is minimal since it's so small, it starts white walling real quick.

 

[UnDerBerG]

I ordered pax 2. This will be my first vaporizer.
Im gonna get blasted and forgot all about the hopper when pax arrives.
Then it will be nice suprice, when hopper finaly comes, sometime 2020
I hate waiting. DHL come on!! Make it to the weekend!

 

[m0sh]

Whats the maximum and ideal packing of the GH?

.05g?

 

[Vapetrees]

Whats the maximum and ideal packing of the GH?

.05g?

I haven't measured but I want to say 3/4 full and loose, as that will allow more air to flow through the herb and vaporize it evenly.

 

[ean]

haven't really chimed in here recently, but my grasshopper has had no major issues in the 4 months I've been using it. I use it usually 3~ times a day, usually at level 5 through my water piece. My lights are a little funky now, i have more of a purple light showing then a blue one, not really sure why but i like it lol. Overall, i really enjoy this little guy, and im a forever grateful to the person who sold it to me secondhand.

 

[Milkytime]

haven't really chimed in here recently, but my grasshopper has had no major issues in the 4 months I've been using it. I use it usually 3~ times a day, usually at level 5 through my water piece. My lights are a little funky now, i have more of a purple light showing then a blue one, not really sure why but i like it lol. Overall, i really enjoy this little guy, and im a forever grateful to the person who sold it to me secondhand.

Glad to see you are not haveing any issues. I would like to see more posts from people like this who are not having issues to get an idea of how often they occur. I assume the failure rate is lower than what we hear because we only hear the bad news most often.