The HI

[EyeFonez]

Here is what I have made so far for 18mm gong to turbo tube. It is a short 2-piece glass turbo tube stuck into an 18mm gong fitting. Wish I could figure out a way to make it all one piece of glass.

http://www.toasty-top.com/images/18mmglassturbotube.jpg

I'd say that'd do the trick Alan!

And ilovebOObs, I was thinking that the 18mm to 14mm adapter would be best until Alan posted that all glass beast

 

[OKcomputer]

don't get the SS tips unless you use cotton oil, the glass bowls spread out the material more evenly over a larger surface area so it is a different monster in general.

So far, I've actually only been using the SS tip with the all-glass turbo tube, and I'm loving it so far for direct draw. I should've clarified, the last post I made referred to using this combo. This method has been so effective for me that I have't really had a good reason to try out the 10mm glass/silicone turbo tube.

I'm coming off of a PD, so the SS tip basically provides me with a PD-like experience with bigger initial hits, more hits overall, and hotter hits (in comparison to the PD).

 

[Orestes]

Damn, are you grinding your own glass now Alan?


And speaking of glass, the glass tube/glass bowl (HI diameter) provides an unbeatable vaping experience. The airflow is tops. I've had mine HI-Top for a few weeks now and I just love it.

Though the old top was more one handed. I guess the radiative heat was more passive, kept below combustion temps, so that the herb only activated when the user started inhaling and convecting. So while the HI is brilliant for solo use, I find it too involved for group settings. It defies the cosmopolitan aesthetic of my parties, so when people are around I just fire up spliffs which burn up all my weed and ravage my lungs.

I'll probably pick up some old-style tubes in my next order from Alan, though I dont know if the HI internals would be too hot to leave a tube in there. Plus, with the floating heatport, I wouldn't want to drop the thing with a tube in it.

I still have my old top in America some place, and I'll have someone ship it to me eventually. But my HI-Top is beautiful and I'd still use it the majority of the time. It would just be nice to have my sturdy old top around.

I could see Alan offering two models, an HI for solo use, and something more similar to the old top for group use. Especially if he works out a safe, easy way to integrate a battery. Something warm and attractive that can be passed around and puffed on with no hassle.

THe thing I most liked about my old top was what it shared in common with cigs/spliffs, ie ease of use, diameter of tube, etc. And while you'd have to pry my HI-Top out of my cold dead hands, I think the cig/spliff comparison is still an important objective in designing a personal vaporizer, as it's un-met by any other manufacturer.

 

[OKcomputer]

I think the HI as it stands could be used just fine in group settings. The key is just to have more tubes at the ready, so that each person has their own stem. The unit really does hold its temperature after multiple hard draws, so there shouldn't be any slowdown as long as everyone has a tube. The only issue I could see is reminding your friends to remove their stem after taking a hit, but that should happen by default when there's more than one stem floating around.

Any direct-draw vape is going to be "better" for a smaller number of people due to the fact that the first hit is always the best. However, this problem too is eliminated when you use multiple stems (small bowls) instead of one big bowl.

 

[scottio19]

Any direct-draw vape is going to be "better" for a smaller number of people due to the fact that the first hit is always the best. However, this problem too is eliminated when you use multiple stems (small bowls) instead of one big bowl.

I second this. I'm buying 10ft of silicone tubing to make 30 4" stems for my log. Any log can be a party vape! As long as you have enough stems, everybody has their own bowl and can pass around the log as if it was lighter. vaped analogy

 

[hazy]

I could see Alan offering two models, an HI for solo use, and something more similar to the old top for group use. Especially if he works out a safe, easy way to integrate a battery. Something warm and attractive that can be passed around and puffed on with no hassle.

THe thing I most liked about my old top was what it shared in common with cigs/spliffs, ie ease of use, diameter of tube, etc. And while you'd have to pry my HI-Top out of my cold dead hands, I think the cig/spliff comparison is still an important objective in designing a personal vaporizer, as it's un-met by any other manufacturer.

Sorry if I missed something, but what is it exactly about the HI that makes it unsuitable for group use? In what way is it not easy to use? What is it about the TT that it has more in common with a cig/spliff than the HI? Is this just about the stems that come with the unit or are you talking about the vape itself?

 

[biojuggernaut]

Damn, are you grinding your own glass now Alan?


And speaking of glass, the glass tube/glass bowl (HI diameter) provides an unbeatable vaping experience. The airflow is tops. I've had mine HI-Top for a few weeks now and I just love it.

Though the old top was more one handed. I guess the radiative heat was more passive, kept below combustion temps, so that the herb only activated when the user started inhaling and convecting. So while the HI is brilliant for solo use, I find it too involved for group settings. It defies the cosmopolitan aesthetic of my parties, so when people are around I just fire up spliffs which burn up all my weed and ravage my lungs.

I'll probably pick up some old-style tubes in my next order from Alan, though I dont know if the HI internals would be too hot to leave a tube in there. Plus, with the floating heatport, I wouldn't want to drop the thing with a tube in it.

I still have my old top in America some place, and I'll have someone ship it to me eventually. But my HI-Top is beautiful and I'd still use it the majority of the time. It would just be nice to have my sturdy old top around.

I could see Alan offering two models, an HI for solo use, and something more similar to the old top for group use. Especially if he works out a safe, easy way to integrate a battery. Something warm and attractive that can be passed around and puffed on with no hassle.

THe thing I most liked about my old top was what it shared in common with cigs/spliffs, ie ease of use, diameter of tube, etc. And while you'd have to pry my HI-Top out of my cold dead hands, I think the cig/spliff comparison is still an important objective in designing a personal vaporizer, as it's un-met by any other manufacturer.

I second this, the HI limelight is not group settings because of fear of combustion and too high of temperature or sandwhiching the biomaterial in the island.

 

[max]

I second this, the HI is not group settings because of fear of combustion and too high of temperature.

I could just as easily say it's a good one for groups, especially if the 'group' is a bunch of smokers. A hard hitting vape is much more impressive to smokers, and the temp can be controlled with a stem that uses silicone to keep the herb at a set distance from the heat, or with the variable pwr. supply.

 

[Gonzo]

I think the HI would make a great group vape. It retains heat very well and offers big hits.

 

[Alan]

Damn, are you grinding your own glass now Alan?

I am grinding glass tubing on the same lathe I use to turn the metal parts for the TT, HI, and tubes. It is not too difficult, just time consuming. Trying to stay caught up on the all glass tubes since they can be used on more than one system. Learning a few things about glass along the way. I'm never afraid to try something new.

Having multiple roasting tubes available in a party situation works out pretty well. You just have tell them to start with plenty of air flow and not take too big a hit the first time. They get the hang of it pretty quickly. Just like scottio19 said. It is like passing around a lighter. If everyone has their own tube, you don't need to worry about putting your lips on the same mouthpiece.

You are welcome bio. I hope it works out. I am not totally impressed with the quality of the extension cord material. I need to keep looking or just design my own plug end.

 

[Jeppy]

I've noticed mostly the "whip croud" tell me, "you won't like those vapes","They're not good for a lot of people". Man, I'm one person. I'll use this. Turn on my EQ for you.

 

[nuvap]

Hey Alan, what are the chances of getting one of these shipped to the UK?

 

[J.R.R.Tokin']

Hey nuvap - very good. Just send him an email at alan@toasty-top.com and get on the waiting list. You might have to wait a while but I'm sure he'll be obliging.

 

[EyeFonez]

Would the all glass turbo tube work for direct draw AND through a 14mm water pipe or would it be necessary to use a separate tube for a water pipe and a separate tube for direct?

Also I feel like I read somewhere that the SS tip inserts fit into the glass turbo tubes, am I correct or am I just making this up lol

 

[ilovebOObs]

Would the all glass turbo tube work for direct draw AND through a 14mm water pipe or would it be necessary to use a separate tube for a water pipe and a separate tube for direct?

Also I feel like I read somewhere that the SS tip inserts fit into the glass turbo tubes, am I correct or am I just making this up lol

ss slides fit the glass turbo tubes. and yes it can be use for gong and direct draw. i recommend getting the long 3.5" glass tube, just feels so right in your fingers, its like a glass cigar.

i also think the HI would do good as a party vape with separate stems, but honestly i would never let anyone else touch or use my HI, its more then a vape its a work of art.

 

[EyeFonez]

ss slides fit the glass turbo tubes. and yes it can be use for gong and direct draw. i recommend getting the long 3.5" glass tube, just feels so right in your fingers, its like a glass cigar.

Thanks ilovebOObs!

And you don't think 3.5" would be too long for gong use? I wouldn't want to accidentally break the tube or the bubbler cause it was sticking out ha.

I guess I also have to take into account that 3.5" all glass tube would probably be amazing for direct draw.
Ahhh so many choices!

 

[Elluzion]

How light is the HI? I know that is very small so I would assume it would be light as well, but just curious compared to other log style vapes.

 

[ilovebOObs]

ss slides fit the glass turbo tubes. and yes it can be use for gong and direct draw. i recommend getting the long 3.5" glass tube, just feels so right in your fingers, its like a glass cigar.

Thanks ilovebOObs!

And you don't think 3.5" would be too long for gong use? I wouldn't want to accidentally break the tube or the bubbler cause it was sticking out ha.

I guess I also have to take into account that 3.5" all glass tube would probably be amazing for direct draw.
Ahhh so many choices!

hahah yea i couldn't decide either, so i got both a long one and short one. i think i have pics posted on page 17.

How light is the HI? I know that is very small so I would assume it would be light as well, but just curious compared to other log style vapes.

either the HI is very small or this nug is just huge, hahah either way little willy is super happy
gonzo posted some very nice comparison pics like 2 pages back with a very awesome review, check it out. its on page 21.

 

[PurpleDazed]

And you don't think 3.5" would be too long for gong use? I wouldn't want to accidentally break the tube or the bubbler cause it was sticking out ha.

I guess I also have to take into account that 3.5" all glass tube would probably be amazing for direct draw.
Ahhh so many choices!

Well I can tell ya If your doing GONG I first got a few (2.15 , 2.25) inch short tubes and between what was exposed was a bit over an inch and that area gets very warm. Because if you need to pull the tube to carb it does get hott. so if you do need to pull the tube to carb go with the standard sized tubes.

 

[OKcomputer]

How light is the HI? I know that is very small so I would assume it would be light as well, but just curious compared to other log style vapes.

Considerably lighter. Without weighing, I'd say maybe 1/4 to 1/3rd the weight of a PD? Obviously weight will vary by wood type, so that only applies to the vapes in my sig. The HI is definitely very light, though; light enough that it's easily muscled around by the cord.

 

[EyeFonez]

Well I can tell ya If your doing GONG I first got a few (2.15 , 2.25) inch short tubes and between what was exposed was a bit over an inch and that area gets very warm. Because if you need to pull the tube to carb it does get hott. so if you do need to pull the tube to carb go with the standard sized tubes.

Thanks PurpleDazed!

I think a 3.25 tube would be right in the middle (just right for my taste), just enough glass protruding from the bubbler as not to burn my hand when removing the tube to clear the bubbler and just long enough for a cool tasty direct draw

 

[aesthyrian]

I either need to stop reading this thread or buy a damn HI already. This little guy just seems to perfect for my uses, and the variable voltage supply makes this seems like the log for me! The price helps a lot too, I'm just afraid I will end up buying a shit ton of Alan's different roasting tubes with the extra cash I save. But hey, that's all part of the fun right?

 

[Vapinghole]

I either need to stop reading this thread or buy a damn HI already. This little guy just seems to perfect for my uses, and the variable voltage supply makes this seems like the log for me! The price helps a lot too, I'm just afraid I will end up buying a shit ton of Alan's different roasting tubes with the extra cash I save. But hey, that's all part of the fun right?

I know how you feel. I felt the same way. I, however, crumbled immediately and jumped on Alan's waiting list. And yes, I'm going to purchase an assload of Alan's finest accessories. I'm glad he's busy, but I must keep reminding myself that good things come to those who wait. I'm going all out when it's my turn (lathe pun intended).

 

[Orestes]

Hey Alan, what are the chances of getting one of these shipped to the UK?

Mine was here in 5 days, America to Cardiff

 

[hereatlast]

I'm still playing around with my Pine HI and having fun with it (less down time from work than I'd like). No review here but I will say, technique is paramount when using this vape and learning is quite easy. Will come back to comment further after some more time with the unit.