Discontinued The Grasshopper

Hopper Labs

Manufacturer
Manufacturer
Is this leaning toward recommending a body-soak in iso alcohol? Or are there other components in the hopper body that might suffer from that? I've often been concerned about 'internal cleaning' and have not found compressed air to be always effective, especially for improving restricted draw.

I think this new dialog can only help to educate the user community and maybe even lead to fewer folks needing to send their hoppers in for repair. At a bare minimum it's helping heal some of the longer-term wounds.

Soaking the body fully is not a good idea at this time. Surface cleaning with a wet q-tip is great (let it dry out after). Using compressed air to blow out debris in the air holes should help keep things clear.
 

MonkeyTime

Well-Known Member
I've been kinda sitting on my two GH's, waiting for things to improve.

While we might not be completely out of the woods just yet, I'm getting a much better feeling about the direction with this new communication. Thank you @Hopper Labs !

I think it's time to send them in and find my batteries to check on their condition.
 

BangBoomBang

Well-Known Member
Is this still the most discreet vaporizer or are there any comparable devices on the market?

I am looking for a discreet on-demand vapor.
 

MoltenTiger

Well-Known Member
Is this still the most discreet vaporizer or are there any comparable devices on the market?

I am looking for a discreet on-demand vapor.
I think that it is.

There are other small options, but not many that fit the bill quite as well;

-immediately pocketable
-fast and ninja
-100% convection for stash and toke ease

Nothing else is springing to mind. Plenty of other vapes just fall short of what I want when I'm on the go, I am never disappointed with the hopper for the above features. I typically do use something to cool down the draw from the hopper (14mm glass dome, oil rig, etc.) but in certain situations I don't mind using it just as it is. It's perfect for any trail of any description, MTB, hiking. Bloody ripper on the drives there and back too. I love having the power of a desktop unit and being untethered to a wall. I can get a week out of a small kit of batteries, Xtar MC2, power bank and the hopper.

I have been using the Sublimator pretty heavily for a few weeks now, so my tolerance is a bit beyond the hopper at this point, but it still surprises me how much of a punch it can pack. It has a really nice signature, with great retention of active chemicals in its extraction. Top quality for sure.

If you already have other vapes, it's time to upgrade. If you don't have vapes the jury is still out whether this is a top choice for an only vape. If it wasn't for the shaky history of device durability, then it would just about be the best vape for a one and only.

Interesting suggestion. We don't have any info on this approach and don't know too much about WD40 contact cleaner. Concerns might be making sure it fully dries out inside before operating the device/effects on the PCB. Maybe it works great. I will add a note to do a test here when there is some time.

For drying it out that is true with any liquid solvent. We can't recommend soaking the whole backend right now. Among other things, we don't know how long various solvents will take to dry safely in different environments.

ISO will not hurt the PCB, that part we can be sure of.

Soaking with contact cleaner is definitely something I'd be hesitant over. The accounts of it I saw (one from u/Slozukimc for eg.)
Figured what the hell, might as well try to fix it before dealing with RMA so I got my can of WD 40 Specialist contact cleaner and doused the shit out of the back end. I sprayed and turned and turned and sprayed and then let it sit to dry. I was skeptical but guess what? I put it together and it works like brand new again. The switch isn’t fussy like it was and it’s heating up like it should with steady lights.

Guess I will contact HL and cancel that RMA after all! Yes!!!!

So, doused / soaked -> a little different interpretation from my phrasing, I suspect. But, that action of contact cleaner being applied with the dial being turned could definitely be worth a shot, for cleaning the spring contacts and lessening that internal resistance.

However, do you guys know what kind of effect on extraction this resistance poses? It could improve battery life, but I saw no difference in my units extraction performance after cleaning the external contacts with intensive contact cleaning. Previously I have been using 600 grit glasspaper on the brass contacts, or just scraping off the obvious gunk that builds up there. It seems to take quite a lot of build up to have a noticeable performance drop in terms of extraction though.

I was testing out my HT unit (with the hot back end symptom) tonight and it does appear that the hot back end has been reduced substantially after cleaning the threads and battery contacts, but the actual performance remains the same. It doesn't run as hot as my other unit.
 

Choices

Well-Known Member
Is this still the most discreet vaporizer or are there any comparable devices on the market?

I am looking for a discreet on-demand vapor.

In the realm of flower, I can’t think of anything similar. I often carry a smallish backup vape as well in case the GH develops issues. My backup is usually my MFLB. So essentially I have a pen, a matchbox and a AA battery in tow. The nice thing is the MFLB can serve as a stash holder as well if I have depleted the load in the GH.
 

Vaporific

All who wander are not lost...
Is this still the most discreet vaporizer or are there any comparable devices on the market?

I am looking for a discreet on-demand vapor.
HR Fury 2 or Edge come to mind (I have an F2). Not as fast heat up but it’s small, convection (mostly), and works for me. I only have portables and enjoy the freedom they provide.

To @MoltenTiger ’s point, the Hopper does pack a punch more so than the F2. I’ve noticed this since its return from RMA. I enjoy them both however and the F2 was my daily when my Hopper was in RMA for a year. Now that it’s back it’s nice to use them both alternately or together :):peace:.
 

MoltenTiger

Well-Known Member
HR Fury 2 or Edge come to mind (I have an F2). Not as fast heat up but it’s small, convection (mostly), and works for me. I only have portables and enjoy the freedom they provide.

To @MoltenTiger ’s point, the Hopper does pack a punch more so than the F2. I’ve noticed this since its return from RMA. I enjoy them both however and the F2 was my daily when my Hopper was in RMA for a year. Now that it’s back it’s nice to use them both alternately or together :):peace:.
To even compare a vape to the Sublimator is a huge feat. It won't keep up, no vape can genuinely, but for a pen to be one of the strongest contenders - that is why the mantra is true, it's worth the wait for this marvellous pen
 

Vaporific

All who wander are not lost...
To even compare a vape to the Sublimator is a huge feat. It won't keep up, no vape can genuinely, but for a pen to be one of the strongest contenders - that is why the mantra is true, it's worth the wait for this marvellous pen
Not me, lol. I wouldn’t compare a portable to something akin to a desktop which Sublimator appears to be (to me anyway). I don’t own any desktops either but have used a few great ones; all were just fabulous in smoothness and effect (Aeromed was tops - it’s like an electric bong). I’m sure Sublimator is amazing.

My point was the Hopper hits harder than my Fury 2 (I have two of them) since it came back from RMA. Just saying and not complaining :). TGIF to all. :peace:
 

elykpeace

exVASted
Timber elite can keep up! @MoltenTiger

I'm getting the same extraction. I set my GH to 3 and got around 370° 5 around 420° or completely depleted and that was the only hopper I had that ever preformed as it should. Back end didn't get hot and it didn't flicker .. you guys should take a look at it.. portability and James bond Esq that's really the only diff. Even sold my fw6 thinking I needed the steath ... Don't sleep on this one
 

MoltenTiger

Well-Known Member
Timber elite can keep up! @MoltenTiger

I'm getting the same extraction. I set my GH to 3 and got around 370° 5 around 420° or completely depleted and that was the only hopper I had that ever preformed as it should. Back end didn't get hot and it didn't flicker .. you guys should take a look at it.. portability and James bond Esq that's really the only diff. Even sold my fw6 thinking I needed the steath ... Don't sleep on this one
That Timber Elite does look really decent with its coil heater and inbuilt mod. It's quite bulky, but pretty cool looking. If I had any need for another vape..
 

Hopper Labs

Manufacturer
Manufacturer
However, do you guys know what kind of effect on extraction this resistance poses? It could improve battery life, but I saw no difference in my units extraction performance after cleaning the external contacts with intensive contact cleaning. Previously I have been using 600 grit glasspaper on the brass contacts, or just scraping off the obvious gunk that builds up there. It seems to take quite a lot of build up to have a noticeable performance drop in terms of extraction though.

I was testing out my HT unit (with the hot back end symptom) tonight and it does appear that the hot back end has been reduced substantially after cleaning the threads and battery contacts, but the actual performance remains the same. It doesn't run as hot as my other unit.

The effect a hot backend will have on extraction will be somewhat dependent on use. If you draw really fast and hard normally then a hot backend will likely have a greater effect. What you said is likely true for most users. Where the bigger effect is less battery life and slightly longer heat up time.


Battery Update:

All testing was passed this last week. We approved the release on Thursday. Regulations prohibit more than 10,800 pcs being shipped in one batch (contract air freight). The first batch will leave HK Airport Monday and fly to Hawthorn, CA where they will go through the import process. After they will be delivered directly to our facility. This is enough of batteries to fulfill all the outstanding orders and plenty of new ones. Further shipments will follow this one. The production size was 50,000 before any loss.

*edit to add battery update
 
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slozukimc

Well-Known Member
The effect a hot backend will have on extraction will be somewhat dependent on use. If you draw really fast and hard normally then a hot backend will likely have a greater effect. What you said is likely true for most users. Where the bigger effect is less battery life and slightly longer heat up time.


Battery Update:

All testing was passed this last week. We approved the release on Thursday. Regulations prohibit more than 10,800 pcs being shipped in one batch (contract air freight). The first batch will leave HK Airport Monday and fly to Hawthorn, CA where they will go through the import process. After they will be delivered directly to our facility. This is enough of batteries to fulfill all the outstanding orders and plenty of new ones. Further shipments will follow this one. The production size was 50,000 before any loss.

*edit to add battery update
Awesome news!! I will be placing an order to ship back with my Hopper!
 

NOLOGO

Well-Known Member
Battery Update:

All testing was passed this last week. We approved the release on Thursday. Regulations prohibit more than 10,800 pcs being shipped in one batch (contract air freight). The first batch will leave HK Airport Monday and fly to Hawthorn, CA where they will go through the import process. After they will be delivered directly to our facility. This is enough of batteries to fulfill all the outstanding orders and plenty of new ones. Further shipments will follow this one. The production size was 50,000 before any loss.

Will the new batteries be labeled Model GHB3?
 

Hopper Labs

Manufacturer
Manufacturer
Will the new batteries be labeled Model GHB3?

No. There are no revisions to the cell, so they remain GHB2. Due to an error at the label factory (a subcontractor to the battery factory), we are back to glossy labels for now.

We are in discussions to relabel some of the later shipments to matte but obviously did not want to hold up an already very delayed delivery with a gloss vs. matte detail.

GHB3 is a long term project, but the capital required to move to this new technology at this time is a barrier for us.
 

NOLOGO

Well-Known Member
No. There are no revisions to the cell, so they remain GHB2. Due to an error at the label factory (a subcontractor to the battery factory), we are back to glossy labels for now.

We are in discussions to relabel some of the later shipments to matte but obviously did not want to hold up an already very delayed delivery with a gloss vs. matte detail.

GHB3 is a long term project, but the capital required to move to this new technology at this time is a barrier for us.
I understand about calling them GHB2, but that's truly a shame about the gloss wrap. In my experience they were less durable over time than the matte wraps. I had GHB1s and older GHB2s where the wrap sort of became "brittle" at the corners, eventually tearing. It nearly has the texture of security heat shrink wrap that comes on mouthwash/medicine/condiment bottles for instance.

At any rate the gloss will help identify my newer ones... and I can't wait for the improved power!
 

Macicman

Well-Known Member
Hopper needs to modify their device to run on regular 18650 batteries. As a once/day microdoser I have never had battery issues. I rotate my two batteries every 2-3 months and only use the provided magnetic charger. Hopper is a dope gun.
 
Macicman,
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slozukimc

Well-Known Member
Hopper needs to modify their device to run on regular 18650 batteries. As a once/day microdoser I have never had battery issues. I rotate my two batteries every 2-3 months and only use the provided magnetic charger. Hopper is a dope gun.
This reminds me of the old line......Is that a Persei in your pocket or are you just glad to see me?
 

vapviking

Old & In the Way
@Hopper Labs , very excited about batteries!
But, as my order is very old, is there any chance that I (or any of us) will receive "new old stock", i.e., brand new but shelved for a year or two? I would increase my order but at the moment I'm inclined to wait...

Thanks again for being here and responding to our concerns.
 

Hopper Labs

Manufacturer
Manufacturer
@Hopper Labs , very excited about batteries!
But, as my order is very old, is there any chance that I (or any of us) will receive "new old stock", i.e., brand new but shelved for a year or two? I would increase my order but at the moment I'm inclined to wait...

Thanks again for being here and responding to our concerns.

Certainly a valid concern but in this case, there is litterally no "new old stock" to send out.
 

pxl_jockey

Just a dude
So it’s safe to say that when we order a hopper after the batteries arrive, we’ll receive a battery from the new batch with it?
Was wondering the same thing my man, thanks! :tup:

Dear @Hopper Labs I gotta say the recent clear communication and honestly just the presence here at FC has made me more interested in the Grasshopper, bravo! Not sure if it’s a team effort or just one representative, doesn’t matter really... Having come to the thread midway, I’ve always been scared by the stories of reliability and loooooong RMA issues but if things are truly changing for the better at HL, I’m going to think about finally getting one. Can you share what exactly has changed there at hopper labs, to bring about new hope?

One question please, do you still anticipate HBC units to be released “sometime in 2019”? Beyond the hopper and PFE (& batteries), it’s the accessory I would be most interested in. Has HL considered having PVC wraps made for when the customers stuck with glossy wraps need them (they inevitably crack and peel)? For a custom sized $14 battery that is sold solely by you, that seems like something to consider down the road, for your loyal customers.

:popcorn:
:peace: + :leaf:

EDIT: another Q for everyone: beyond the battery included with the unit, what’s a reasonable quantity for extra batteries? I was thinking five, for a total of six but thought I should ask y’all. I wouldn’t want too many but enough for peace of mind and easy rotation. TY!
 
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Hopper Labs

Manufacturer
Manufacturer
Was wondering the same thing my man, thanks! :tup:

Dear @Hopper Labs Can you share what exactly has changed there at hopper labs, to bring about new hope?

One question please, do you still anticipate HBC units to be released “sometime in 2019”? Beyond the hopper and PFE (& batteries), it’s the accessory I would be most interested in. Has HL considered having PVC wraps made for when the customers stuck with glossy wraps need them (they inevitably crack and peel)? For a custom sized $14 battery that is sold solely by you, that seems like something to consider down the road, for your loyal customers.

Well, to your first question, what has changed, short answer, a lot in some ways little in others. I could probably fill a book on the history of Hopper Labs just so far, but here is a quick overview for context.
We had the crowdfunding campaign, delivery was very delayed, but we did eventually deliver. The first 1k units had tons of problems; we fixed those problems and kept shipping. We build and sold many thousands of units that were pretty good. In late 2017, the sub-manufacturer (a US company) that was making the heater of the device for us decided to switch materials for unconfirmed reasons, but we firmly believe this was for cost savings on their side. They guaranteed it would be the same; it was in initial testing; it was not in the real world.

These units started to fail at a startling rate, 2-6 months after delivery. Not only were there thousands of units already delivered, but there were also thousands more being produced. We immediately took drastic action canceling out contracts with the company, and long story short started making the heater in-house. The process is extremely specialized and not something we were experts in. It took time to get it right, 8 or 9 months to get high yields and ramp up production. We had to lay off almost all of our staff and a large backlog of warranty began to build.

This was very unpopular with customers for a good reason. We had our heads down to the noise because, first and foremost, we needed to solve the problem. It was an all-out effort for more than half a year, and along the way, we honestly did not have good answers. There were setbacks, and it was challenging with such a short staff to manage everything and make progress.

In an effort to keep this short, we did it, producing our in-house version of the heating tech. This has allowed us to make it even better than before, more robust, more reliable, more powerful. We have been working non-stop on warranty backlog but of course also selling new units as we must do this to continue operations. Communication has not always been our strongest suit; maybe the classic "were engineers" is true.

So what hasn't changed?
1. We are still a small team working to build flower vapes that are on the cutting edge.
2. We still are committed to offering a lifetime warranty even though it has cost us from a business perspective.
3. We are motivated and committed to making the products better, and finishing some that were delayed by the above events.

What has changed?
1. We know more, we have more experience, and we have more in-house capability to make operation/development/design go more smoothly.
2. We have a much smaller team but are doing more.
3. The Grasshopper is better than it has ever been.
4. We are making more significant efforts to share what has happened so people can understand and make their judgments.
5. We are getting close on catching up on warranty (though still some distance to go)


We are working on getting the HBC out by the end of the year. It is not clear yet if we are going to make it or not. I can provide a more detailed update on it in a few weeks after we hear back on manufacturing timelines. For those with orders for this, we are sorry that it was sidelined by the problems with the heater and warranty.
 
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