I am currently watching the Ducks after being out of town this weekend (with herbie as one of my companions). I am going to give my update during the commercials.
Received her (yes, my herbie is a she) friday. Super excited. packaging was outstanding. All aspects of the packaging were great. You could actually use the original packaging as a way of carrying it around if you wanted. I would ultimately love a case for it as I can see wanting one as even though it is a plug in, I want to take it everywhere with me.
Opened it up, plugged it in and went to work. I have to say that the "fan assist" to me is not necessarily a assist. I found personally that using the whip without it did not produce much vapor. it could certainly be user error and as are many others, I am still figuring out the in's and out's. I am sure with time and also feedback from other members, the experience will continue to improve.
As mentioned, tried without the fan and then turned it on. Started at 350ish and did not see much vapor. Wondered if I was doing it right. Cranked it to 375 and then I started to experience what I imagined. Very clean, great taste and very effective.
Saturday. Packed her up, and took her on my trip.
Decided to pull the bag out and give it a shot. I have not personally used a bag in some time, and did not think it would interest me much. Like others have stated, I was wrong about the bags. Great experience. Clean, easy to fill and really a pleasant overall experience. I have to say I have used and preferred the bags in the sessions so far because of the ease of use. Yes, I feel like a teen at a dead show (old whip-its reference for you younger folks) but super fun.
I am still researching and playing with the temps. Had it as high as 420 for one run, but would love to have some more feedback in terms of what others are using as far as temps.
Also as others have mentioned, I do not notice the medicine getting really brown. Sometimes makes it difficult to know if you have used it throughly.
If I have any negatives, they are minor so far.
Here they are.
First, I wish the main units clamshell would click into place or perhaps use a magnet to hold it down. I have several theories as to why they did not do this, and am sure they have a reason. If you do not secure the whip exactly right, it can help to pop the lid open which if you have OCD, might make you nuts. The magnet in the upper portion is a nice touch. My lid has a tendency to move around a little more than I would want.
Second, my whip is very tacky. Meaning sticky. It has a tendency to pick up any materials that it comes in contact with. As mentioned, these are minor quibbles and do not in any way take away from the enjoyment of using the device.
couple of comments.
Make sure you push the end of the whip into the bowl connection. If you do not push it in, it will pop out. Also make sure to tighten the bowl as you screw it together of it can come undone as you pull the bowl off.
My bag takes longer than 40 seconds to fill. I did not measure, but I would say between 1 min and 1 min 30 seconds. So here is a very early breakdown of some pros and cons. Keep in mind, I only have had herbie for two days.
Pros
quality
heat up time
thoughtfulness of design
packaging.
vapor quality
uses medication very effectively.
Cons
Sticky whip (yes, this could be a personal problem)
lid closing because of whip.
would love a carrying case (not really a con or their problem_
as mentioned, would love to hear more about temps people are using.
ps, wish mine had a ducks message. No, I am not going to send it back to be reprogrammed however