Discontinued The Grasshopper

[jivebuggered]

A pity about this devices durability, absolutely.
They're very aware of the faults users are experiencing, and they've done a good job avoiding discussing it.

Part of the problem, I assume, is that there has been ongoing design tweaks (@slcbdco mentions new back-end brains for eg., that effect power drainage. In an earlier post I explored how that could be causing issues, as firmware upgrades are not simple).

The device is complex and the overwhelming majority of faults are limited to very few symptoms. This actually means their QC/QA is reasonable for a device of this nature.

It seems they have transitioned from a powerful unit that commonly died after a short usage period to a finicky unit that doesn't offer consistent performance and still commonly fails, but only after a longer less satisfying usage period.

I really like the hopper but I would much prefer a consistent device.

I have experienced this with the hopper, I feel it's possible given enough time it will be like this again, but in the mean time it's not properly a desktop killer - which it has the potential to be.

There's not really much else that competes with the GH in theory, but in practice it's clear the theory hasn't been fully realised.

Until then, I think their lifetime warranty is as good as it was back in the day.
It's probable that Caroline is fed up with constantly solely dealing with an amassment of issues, and that will mean a bumpy transition expanding her department or training an alternate employee.

AusVapes, probably mostly alternate reviewers/peddlers, are much more interested in selling other more lucrative options than the hopper.
The hoppers only sales pitch is its effectiveness, which if another 15,000 devices need to be returned (It will be pivotal to observe the newest batch market reaction) could be rendered null.

So here's to hoping in 6 months >98% of the latest units are still going strong, otherwise without any external investment/stakeholders that's all she wrote.

PS. Their return details are as follows;

Hopper Labs
2775 Valmont Road #3
Boulder, CO 80304

BE SURE TO INCLUDE YOUR WARRANTY REFERENCE NUMBER. You can find this at the top of your warranty request page.

Well said and thanks for the info will post tomorrow. I think I will post just the heater section before they request I do, just because it takes so long. I notice Jeep have gone to 5 year warranty which theirs and other companies are offering these days but a bigger warranty isnt much use if its in repair shop all day. Guess Im saying lifetime warranty isn`t much good if its not in your hands to your satisfaction.

 

[MoltenTiger]

Thanks @Vape Dr., is that a GH-bubbler or did you've just pin a GH-sticker on it? Probably you know more about date of release of the WPA?

Yeah that's a DHgate StevenLMZ79 "peyote pillar" knock-off with the GH sticker slapped on.

EDIT: there's actually no sticker, the box is behind the glass piece and the logo is refracted through
The GH sticker does look that good on glass though

Quality video @Vape Dr. , much appreciated
Still interested to hear how you have it so soon

The airflow looks markedly better, and the trick as a mouthpiece extender is no doubt very cool.

Well said and thanks for the info will post tomorrow. I think I will post just the heater section before they request I do, just because it takes so long. I notice Jeep have gone to 5 year warranty which theirs and other companies are offering these days but a bigger warranty isnt much use if its in repair shop all day. Guess Im saying lifetime warranty isn`t much good if its not in your hands to your satisfaction.

They will most likely request you send the hopper, battery and charger. However they were accommodating to me last time when I explained I couldn't send it with a battery due to local postal restrictions.
Since then they have changed their battery courier so they clearly understand the issue, but they still asked me to send the battery.
I'm going to send just the hopper and charger and let them figure it out.

I agree with the warranty business, though it sounds worse than it is regarding HL. At least with two units I've never actually had to go without.
It's come very close with inconsistent operation though.

I expect my replacement units performance will exceed my current plain Ti's output, though it's still kicking my arse
(This is its 6th month of frequent usage and for the most part it's fine)

 

[Hogni]

Until GH doesn't fix their technical issues lifetime warranty is the only argument for trusting in 'reliability' of the GH.
Who still would order a GH w/o a lifetime warranty knowing all the possible issues atm? Nobody who isn't nutz or likes to burn money would do so IMO.

EDIT: Thanks for explanation @MoltenTiger

 

[MoltenTiger]

Until GH doesn't fix their technical issues lifetime warranty is the only argument for trusting in 'reliability' of the GH.
Who still would order a GH w/o a lifetime warranty knowing all the possible issues atm? Nobody who isn't nutz or likes to burn money would do so IMO.

EDIT: Thanks for explanation @MoltenTiger

I think I take the "lifetime" claim as an indication that they both have faith in their design and abilities, but are actually investing everything into their business so 'lifetime' isn't just a shallow term.

Functionally I would be happy to purchase something with 2 years of warranty, though at this point I expect I'll need to use the GH's warranty after that time.
Being the case with the hoppers, where warranty involves either swapping a low cost component and/or re-calibrating the firmware, it doesn't seem unreasonable to offer a fairly unlimited warranty - it would be great if they really are prepared to stay true to a lifetime of support for users.

They also mentioned that backers and early pre-orders would be treated as investors and have access to early accessories, or some such. Could be the case with this latest WPA user video ?

Back on the warranty topic, one of the reasons I never personally purchased a Mighty was because of the finite lifetime - the non-user replaceable batteries and 24 months of warranty were a massive turn off.

The fact that the GH has replaceable batteries is of total significance to the reason I own two.
Additionally, in experiencing owning two, and reading online about other brands having similar functional issues (especially where PWM is being utilised) but with additional warranty woes, I am very happy to be under the Hopper Labs sect.

edit: hey @Vape Dr. could you upload a pic down the barrel of the GH WPA? Can't figure out what's going on in there, there's obviously the same screen on the inside, but what is going on with the other end?

 

[Gramin]

@Vape Dr. Your GH has to the quickest to blue I've ever seen? 2-3 seconds?

Did GHL also give you a faster Hopper with that WPA?

 

[jules172]

Well I got my shipping confirmation last night. Those tips and tricks with the email are a tease!!

 

[biohacker]

Still interested to hear how you have it so soon

Thank you! Please @Vape Dr. ....please kiss and tell! You must know a GH rep? That's the only reason the other 2 WPA's (here on FC) have been released...

And it's the middle of March? HL hello? Have you not learned anything over the past 3 years?? Why would we believe your blogs anymore?? Sorry, boy who cried wolf and all...... times a million.

At least with two units I've never actually had to go without.

Uh oh, you didn't just say that did you....haha.. I'm down to just 2 hoppers.....both in RMA.....but when I had 4, they all went down too. I'm sure if I built up the collection to include every hopper colour of the rainbow they would all eventually go down too.

Until GH doesn't fix their technical issues lifetime warranty is the only argument for trusting in 'reliability' of the GH.
Who still would order a GH w/o a lifetime warranty knowing all the possible issues atm? Nobody who isn't nutz or likes to burn money would do so IMO.

Exactly. I would NEVER..... unless they figured shit out and it became way more reliable, which IMHO will never happen. Just like the S&B Crafty..... not designed right.

Could be the case with this latest WPA user video

If that was the case you would see alot more of them I would think. AFAIK it's only @slcbdco who has one and we all know why, and @guyonthecouch who knows a GH rep....and @Vape Dr. who has yet to report how.

@Vape Dr. Your GH has to the quickest to blue I've ever seen? 2-3 seconds?

Did GHL also give you a faster Hopper with that WPA?

That's pretty normal from my experience on temp 3. Max temp around 4-5 seconds. I notice and don't like it when hoppers take 6-7 secs, but i'm anal. Could be battery health related if you're having issues.

 

[vapviking]

To ring in about slower warranty processing;
I mailed a Hopper to HL last week, tracking says they received last Thursday about 10 am. I haven't gotten any acknowledgement from HL about having received it. Not that I'm too concerned, but it is a change from the timing of all my previous returns.
So, Caroline may have moved up, burned out, blown a fuse or maybe just taken a much needed vacation. Whatever it is, something is going on and (so far) I trust it's not a big deal.
EDIT;
Goes to show ya,
I just got my notice from CAROLINE that my hopper is repaired and has moved on to testing. So, while I wait I will continue serious testing of the one I still have at home.
Thanks HL.

 

[MoltenTiger]

Uh oh, you didn't just say that did you....haha.. I'm down to just 2 hoppers.....both in RMA.....but when I had 4, they all went down too. I'm sure if I built up the collection to include every hopper colour of the rainbow they would all eventually go down too.

haha, may have fucked combustion but I still play with fire.
I'm never really too fussed with saying I'm having it good though, but I have noticed when people point it out things usually turn. So cheers for the karma haha
I'm stoned now and I'll be stoned tomorrow! hopper or not! got bud, no troub.

If that was the case you would see alot more of them I would think. AFAIK it's only @slcbdco who has one and we all know why, and @guyonthecouch who knows a GH rep....and @Vape Dr. who has yet to report how.

Indeed. Come on @Vape Dr. spill the beans!
But most importantly, a down the barrel photoshoot please

That's pretty normal from my experience on temp 3. Max temp around 4-5 seconds. I notice and don't like it when hoppers take 6-7 secs, but i'm anal. Could be battery health related if you're having issues.

It's pretty normal for a new/clean unit. But 6-7s could be ambient difference or something.
When it takes 10+ seconds it's basically service time.

 

[duff]

To ring in about slower warranty processing;
I mailed a Hopper to HL last week, tracking says they received last Thursday about 10 am. I haven't gotten any acknowledgement from HL about having received it. Not that I'm too concerned, but it is a change from the timing of all my previous returns.
So, Caroline may have moved up, burned out, blown a fuse or maybe just taken a much needed vacation. Whatever it is, something is going on and (so far) I trust it's not a big deal

While I admire your patience @vapviking, it seems like a big deal to me.
Almost a full week for a response is unacceptable to me.

I have been waiting for 3 days and frankly think that is unacceptable.

AFAIK it's only @slcbdco who has one and we all know why, and @guyonthecouch who knows a GH rep....and @Vape Dr. who has yet to report how.

This is concerning as well and does seem to demonstrate a flippant attitude toward their paying customers. HL has needed to do some serious damage control for a long time and they appear to be making the same mistakes all over again.

It would be different if the folks that received the mouthpieces said they were prototypes, but they didn't.

I love it when it works.
Not the greatest flavor, but for practical use out and about, as well as through a rig, it's hard to beat.

the trick as a mouthpiece extender is no doubt very cool

Indeed!

 

[Cxsegura19]

Well I got my shipping confirmation last night. Those tips and tricks with the email are a tease!!

Mind if I ask which GH and when did you order ?

 

[almost there]

Mind if I ask which GH and when did you order ?

it is what it is. Just can't wait to get it so I can stop complaining about how long it's taking and start complaining about how quickly I'm having to RMA. Anyway I was all set to cancel the order this morning and get one of Ed's Woodscents logs but the shipping email came.

Your question wasn't intended for me but I'll answer it just the same if it helps you chart your status, SS ordered 2/25, received shipping confirmation this morning

 

[biohacker]

I have been waiting for 3 days and frankly think that is unacceptable.

My GH's landed at HL on monday, and I just received updates about them. So I think it took 1 day longer than usual. Perfectly acceptable to me. Now is the part that I hate....the length of time they sit on them and test them before they are sent out.... probably won't be sent out this week, which means I won't have them next week either. Basically if you live in Canada and need an RMA for your GH, you will be without a working hopper for a month.

Fortunately my Supreme 3 is making me forget about the hopper. Something the EVO and Herbie could not do.

EDIT: Oh, forgot to mention that Caroline is alive!! Well, according to the RMA message portal anyways...as of 7:30am today

This time my hoppers were instantly fixed and straight to testing stage! lol Me thinks that I will be getting two new bodies.. and now it's just too bad that I can't purchase that cool WPA to throw in my return order Maybe i'll ask Caroline anyway

 

[Baron23]

They're very aware of the faults users are experiencing, and they've done a good job avoiding discussing it.

Yes, avoiding any real substantive discussion of failure symptoms, root causes, and corrective action seems to really be what they are absolutely tops at doing.

The device is complex and the overwhelming majority of faults are limited to very few symptoms. This actually means their QC/QA is reasonable for a device of this nature.

Can't really say I concur in this view.

Cheers

 

[abcd5432]

I'm honestly so disappointed with The Grasshopper. For heavy users it will work for a couple of weeks very well, then degrade in performance for a couple more weeks, and then die. At least that is what I have experienced. Now GHL wants us to send the units in for repair. I just can't see why I would want to own a vaporizer that would need to go in for at least a week of service every month. I think they're on to something really big as far as vaporizing goes, but I don't think this is it due to the subpar quality control. Which, by the way in my opinion I don't really consider quality control but actually a flaw in the design of the unit; a defect.

I have a few other portable Vapes but they are absolutely terrible. I have a really nice desktop Vape that works great and hasn't had a problem for 10 years. All I want is a portable Vape that works well and is reliable.

I'm thinking about getting an Arizer air, but I have well over $200 tied up in the grasshopper. How can I justify this purchase? How can I buy another vaporizer and put the one that I just bought on the Shelf because I know that I will never be using it because I know that it will break down and become a hassle? Is there anybody else a sort of feels the same way I do? I'm just curious.

I felt this way til I got a minivap. Best vaporizer I've ever purchased. It's more expensive, but worth it I got my second one on sale for $240 or something. Great deal. Grasshopper is great but I'm worried about the design. Ideally I'd want the updated 2.0 version

 

[Surf Monkey]

I felt this way til I got a minivap. Best vaporizer I've ever purchased. It's more expensive, but worth it I got my second one on sale for $240 or something. Great deal. Grasshopper is great but I'm worried about the design. Ideally I'd want the updated 2.0 version

I waited over a year for mine. I've owned it for months now and have used it about 10 times. It strikes me more as a proof of concept than a fully mature device. There are too many areas that need improvement (in MY use cases) for me to make it a daily driver, and between my Mighty and DaVinci IQ there isn't much room for it.

Don't get me wrong, the Grasshopper is a very cool gadget. It just needs a 2.0 revision. For example, I'd like to see a larger barrel circumference that could accommodate a larger chamber. A ceramic, low heat conduction mouthpiece might be worth exploring too. The coolest thing about it is the form factor, but I wonder if an optimal experience can really be engineered into this little space.

 

[abcd5432]

I waited over a year for mine. I've owned it for months now and have used it about 10 times. It strikes me more as a proof of concept than a fully mature device. There are too many areas that need improvement (in MY use cases) for me to make it a daily driver, and between my Mighty and DaVinci IQ there isn't much room for it.

Don't get me wrong, the Grasshopper is a very cool gadget. It just needs a 2.0 revision. For example, I'd like to see a larger barrel circumference that could accommodate a larger chamber. A ceramic, low heat conduction mouthpiece might be worth exploring too. The coolest thing about it is the form factor, but I wonder if an optimal experience can really be engineered into this little space.

I use all my vaporizers with a water pipe so the WPA adapter is long overdue for me.

What needs improving in your eyes besides the Chamber?

Also someone said the crafty is flawed?

I haven't used a vaporizer that I can confidently say beats my minivap quick charge all around. It only lacks form factor and not as fast as grasshopper but still fast heat time.

 

[tubasco]

nothing (so far) compares to the extremely low level of maintenance of the hopper.
I feel like there are shills for other vapes on here when the hopper absolutely reigns supreme in this category.
All these other vapes with baskets, screens, cages, tubes, rods, levers...no thanks
All while the hopper is over here like: load, click, empty, done.

 

[MonkeyTime]

I waited over a year for mine. I've owned it for months now and have used it about 10 times. It strikes me more as a proof of concept than a fully mature device. There are too many areas that need improvement (in MY use cases) for me to make it a daily driver, and between my Mighty and DaVinci IQ there isn't much room for it.

Don't get me wrong, the Grasshopper is a very cool gadget. It just needs a 2.0 revision. For example, I'd like to see a larger barrel circumference that could accommodate a larger chamber. A ceramic, low heat conduction mouthpiece might be worth exploring too. The coolest thing about it is the form factor, but I wonder if an optimal experience can really be engineered into this little space.

That is a great summary, conveys exactly how I feel.

 

[Surf Monkey]

I use all my vaporizers with a water pipe so the WPA adapter is long overdue for me.

What needs improving in your eyes besides the Chamber?

Also someone said the crafty is flawed?

I haven't used a vaporizer that I can confidently say beats my minivap quick charge all around. It only lacks form factor and not as fast as grasshopper but still fast heat time.

The chamber is too small and hard to deal with. The mouthpiece gets WAY too hot, even in casual use. The battery is too small for reasonable runtime. The silicon tip is a bandaid on that issue. The click switch/temp control has been problematic for countless owners. The rear charging ring is cool but also unreliable...

I mean, these kinds of little issues abound across the device. That isn't to say that they blew it or that the Grasshopper is a bad product. Just that in MY opinion it could be fine tuned and be a GREAT device instead of a passable one.

And yeah, I agree that using it with a water tool is optimal. The silicon mouthpiece works as an impromptu connection, but it needs a separate glass or ceramic adapter than screws on in place of the default tip.

nothing (so far) compares to the extremely low level of maintenance of the hopper.
I feel like there are shills for other vapes on here when the hopper absolutely reigns supreme in this category.
All these other vapes with baskets, screens, cages, tubes, rods, levers...no thanks
All while the hopper is over here like: load, click, empty, done.

I can't speak for anyone but myself. I'm no shill for anyone.

You're correct that the Grasshopper is very easy to clean and maintain. Convection vapes generally do very well in this area.

 

[tubasco]

I can't speak for anyone but myself. I'm no shill for anyone.

I didn't meant that to sound as harsh as it did. I just meant I feel like comparing vapes with 10 user changeable parts to the hopper with its 3 is like apples and oranges.

Just to clarify I wasn't calling you or anyone in specific a shill. I honestly just LOVE how easy it is to maintain the hopper. I can't even compare it to my previous vapes that would get clogged screens every-other session. Sorry for the misdirected implication.

(Now I sound like a GH shill, haha)

 

[biohacker]

The coolest thing about it is the form factor, but I wonder if an optimal experience can really be engineered into this little space.

Completely agree. They set their bar too high IMHO, and should of stuck with a form factor of like a marker or something. Now I know it kinda defeats the purpose of it not looking like a pen, but think of the potential...including proper 18650 batteries, and a bigger more robust heat exchanger, etc. I have recently demo'ed and tested the Inhalater 6S, and although it's no grasshopper, it has a great form factor, super quick heat up time, and great potential, unfortunately it's a conduction vape. But if the GH had that room to play with, I think it would have kicked more ass. Then the pen GH could have come along once the first was better established..

I feel like there are shills for other vapes on here when the hopper absolutely reigns supreme in this category.

What category? Maintenance? I'm no shill, but can assure you that a vape that would reign supreme in this category IS The Supreme 3.

All these other vapes with baskets, screens, cages, tubes, rods, levers...no thanks

Umm, the grasshopper has screens....and that front end screen needs scraping and cleaning often IME (as well as @Mr. Me2 !)

All while the hopper is over here like: load, click, empty, done.

Or load, click, coplights, empty a fresh bowl, smash your head against the wall because it's your XX RMA.

I can't even compare it to my previous vapes that would get clogged screens every-other session

You may be grinding too fine? Really every other session your screens would get clogged? Which vapes?

 

[abcd5432]

nothing (so far) compares to the extremely low level of maintenance of the hopper.
I feel like there are shills for other vapes on here when the hopper absolutely reigns supreme in this category.
All these other vapes with baskets, screens, cages, tubes, rods, levers...no thanks
All while the hopper is over here like: load, click, empty, done.

You're welcome to call me a shill. I doubt it would hold up though, I purchase anything that looks good. I still am getting a grasshopper for all my reservations.

But that's not a negative for all users.

I have a screen and basket with my minivap. That's why I like it. You can disassemble all parts that have potential to get dirty easy. You don't have to but you can. I removed my bottom screen for a cleaning. Completely unnecessary, but gave me peace of mind.
The pax vaporizer for example. I hate it. I hate that vaporizer so much. I saw someone use one in front of me and I was so thoroughly unimpressed with that vaporizer.

This isn't to say my minivap is perfect. I complained about where is version 2.0 forever after I bought it. I didn't even have a specific complaint, I just wanted better, which they did deliver.
I feel like as a consumer, unless I complain, companies will not make their products better.

Now that the WPA tool is almost here I can test this for myself.

I'd be happier if I knew they were working on mitigating common issues people experience.

 

[tubasco]

Umm, the grasshopper has screens....and that front end screen needs scraping and cleaning often IME (as well as @Mr. Me2 !)

Sorry again. DIGITAL screens. But IME the hopper front end screen almost never has anything stick to it. My older RME one (threads didn't match new RME body) had more stuff stick. Maybe they made newer front end screens more stickproof?
I admittedly ALWAYS empty my hopper while warm.

Now you know as well as I do that resin clogs screens as much, if not more, than particulates. I had a Pax (messy maintenance, but screen was least of it) Prima, FW2, and Flowermate. The last 3 all use those user replaceable screens with micro holes. They all get clogged faster than I can sneak a hit with my hopper. Almost.

 

[Mr. Me2]

Completely agree. They set their bar too high IMHO, and should of stuck with a form factor of like a marker or something. Now I know it kinda defeats the purpose of it not looking like a pen, but think of the potential...including proper 18650 batteries, and a bigger more robust heat exchanger, etc. I have recently demo'ed and tested the Inhalater 6S, and although it's no grasshopper, it has a great form factor, super quick heat up time, and great potential, unfortunately it's a conduction vape. But if the GH had that room to play with, I think it would have kicked more ass. Then the pen GH could have come along once the first was better established..



What category? Maintenance? I'm no shill, but can assure you that a vape that would reign supreme in this category IS The Supreme 3.



Umm, the grasshopper has screens....and that front end screen needs scraping and cleaning often IME (as well as @Mr. Me2 !)



Or load, click, coplights, empty a fresh bowl, smash your head against the wall because it's your XX RMA.





You may be grinding too fine? Really every other session your screens would get clogged? Which vapes?

You made me laugh... Thanks!