The Magic-Flight Box

[Haywood]

I 'mis-treat' my rechargeables all the time. I don't fully discharge, I accidentally charge ones that have already been charged, I mix them up. So what? At CVS, they're a couple of dollars to add new ones to the 'rotation'.

I couldn't agree more, though I do try not to mistreat them. I have four nice two-battery plastic holders (as well as a bunch of four and eight battery holders), and I find I use the two-battery holders the most. When everything is in the storage pouch (mine is bigger than the one I see in the picture showing the shipping version), it doesn't matter, but when I put the Box and the battery holder in my pocket, the two-battery holder is much easier to carry. Carrying around a handful of AA batteries is SO much easier than carrying around a spare can of butane!

And Gak Hater: I thought it was going to be a pain to carry around the batteries, and keep them charged, and keep track of which ones were new and which ones were used. It turned out to be a total non-problem, at least for me. Are you speaking from experience (i.e., you have a Box, and the battery part is a pain), or from what you think will happen?

Personally I can get plenty toast off on a single trench, and I by no means consider myself a light user ? I vape hash oil folks. But of course I enjoy the act of vaping almost as much as the effects so the idea of carrying my LB and a pack of batteries into a concert is unlikely..[snip]..However, I would use my box at work, in my office, next to expensive gear where I couldn?t normally smoke, on set when everyone goes out for a smoke break, its small enough to the ignored as a cig.

This is exactly what I've found as well. Not good anywhere I am likely to be searched, but absolutely the best thing when no odor is mandatory, and time is of the essence. I don't use any tube, and holding the Box in my hand up to my mouth is mostly visually stealthy.

One of my favorite things is when the trench of avb remains clumped together after a hit, and you can just flip it, brown on top and green on bottom. The simplicity and cleanliness of the procedure appeals to my OCD brain, lol. Of course shaking and inverting works excellently but to get a neat little ingot of herb that you can just pick up and flip is to me silly and one of the more fun things about the box.

We must have the same OCD. I noticed the same thing, and had exactly the same feelings/reaction. Not all of my variations of load have this characteristic. I can usually tell when I open the top of my aluminum grinder. If some of the ground load is sticking to the sides of the grinder, I know I will be able to flip it over in the Box, intact, at the half way point. (By the way, did you really mean that yours is brown on top and green on the bottom? When one of my loads is half way done, it's green on the top and brown on the bottom, which is the opposite of what you said. To make myself clear, my loads get brown on the screen side first.)

I bought and use 4 Duracell 2400mah rechargeables and 10 Energizer 2600 mah rechargeables (2 came with my 15 min fast charger that I also got) and the other 8 came in a pack. Plus the 2 that came with the LB, and I have yet to be able to go through all 12 batteries in a single go. I have a hard time getting through 4 even, honestly.

I have more than two dozen AA NiMH batteries, of all types. (I use them for more than just the Box and Launch Tube). I prefer the Energizer batteries because of their smaller crimp ring at the top. The batteries that have a large crimp ring tend to hang up (catch) on the circular negative terminal of the Box when I completely insert or remove them. I don't know if that's because I modified the ring on my beta unit or not; let me know if you noticed the difference between the MF supplied batteries (which have a wide crimp) and the Energizers. Still, if I had it to do all over again, I'd probably just buy 2100mAh low self discharge cells (Sanyo EnerLoop type). I carry eight batteries in my "pouch" and I've never needed all of them except once. Standard NiMH batteries self discharge rapidly and I have to remember to top them off if I haven't used them for a week or two. For a while I thought using 2800 or 2900 mAh batteries would prove useful, but it really hasn't made a difference, so I sort of regret not getting the low self discharge type.

It has survived several (so painful) drops and falls out of my pocket, not a scratch on it, and that little brush is invaluable for clearing the screen, so glad Duh asked for that to be included.

I don't even worry about dropping it. Nothing much to break, is there. I haven't been home long enough to order a few release Boxes (I have the original prototype version), so I don't have one of the brushes, but I've been using a similar brush that comes with the Volcano, and its bristles aren't heat sensitive, so they don't melt.


It's so interesting to read the varied comments from everyone; seeing reactions that exactly agree with what I've found, and counterintuitive insights that I'd never thought to try, but prove to be 100% on the money. I am a devout lover of kief and hash, but I haven't tried either yet in the Box. I'd love to hear your experiences. Thanks for the great review!

With all the different methods we have all come up with, using different tubes (or no tube), different packing and loading methods, different breathing techniques, different battery inserting techniques, etc., and with some of us being light recreational users and others being heavy duty experienced medical users, there is one thing that every single user has said: "I get really blasted when I use the Box"

Vape is Good.

Haywood

 

[2tiki]

Ended up shooting a quick video with my webcam. This is NOT a video I would state my rep as an artist on, but just meant to show people how quick the LB provides the goods. Also, if you own one, and haven't watched the vapor form as I show on the video, you are missing out. It brings me joy to watch the LB giving birth to a THC baby.

OK, I just shot the vid, and the meds have kicked in. That's all for now.

I tried to embed the video, but can't figure out how. Can someone PM me how to do it so I can edit this post.

For now here is the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nvFW4gE5D8

 

[gak hater]

And Gak Hater: I thought it was going to be a pain to carry around the batteries, and keep them charged, and keep track of which ones were new and which ones were used. It turned out to be a total non-problem, at least for me. Are you speaking from experience (i.e., you have a Box, and the battery part is a pain), or from what you think will happen?

more of what i will think will happen from my experiance with rechargables..
i don't have a box and i stated that above.
it seemed more often then not
when i grabbed my camera the batteries were dead because i forgot to recharge them (things get hectic at times) and when they were recharged they didn't have that long of a life.

reading that one batt will only do one trench sort of turned me off
at times i can be a VERY HEAVY consumer of the goodness
and i had some doubts if the box could keep up with my needs
powerwise when away from home for a long period of time.
i still sort of have those doubts unless i get a dozen or so
batts. the thing is cheap enough that i will probably get one and find out
for myself, the worst thing that can happen it can collect dust with some of the other vapes i don't use that much..

 

[duh]

I picked up one of the smaller sized straws (not tiny stirring type) at Starbucks yesterday. If you take out the tube from the LB, this straw fits in there perfectly.

You can easily cut it up into 2-3 inch pieces and get about 4 tubes that you could keep with you if you ever want someone to try the LB but are worried about the swine flu or cooties, etc.

2tiki, aren't you afraid of the plastic melting into the LB? It's also not high-temp, food grade plastic, meaning that the hot air + straw = people vaping some plastic. Maybe glass peg + alcohol swab instead?

On purchasing news, I picked up 3 plastic cases all for .99 each at Fry's - 2 4-pack for AAs cases and 1 2-pack for AAs. They are blue tinged plastic which I like as it is less likely to be thrown away from my wife (which has already happened w/my clear case). I also picked up 8 Energizer 2450s for 19.99.

Oh - on meeting - THC Expo? Besides FC'ers, it would be cool to get the launchers together too.

 

[stickstones]

I hit this thing up last night and my favorite method was using the long mouthpiece in the box without the tube. I was able to see out of the corner of my eye the little tube filling with vapor and clearing as I drew.

 

[2tiki]

Duh, that would be great to meet up with folks at the THC expo. Let us all know a plan for how to do that. If Magic Flight is there, we could all meet at their booth.

You are probably right about the straw, so just in case I'll stop using it. It doesn't seem to even get soft, so I don't think it will melt yet I shouldn't risk it, you are right. But, I have gotten used to having a longer strait tube than the stock one, so I think I'll have to track a rubbery tube like a "whip" to stick onto the short tube. Anyone know where to get something like that and what size diameter to use?

 

[josh]

Just ordered the LB kit from Blissville. This will be a nice addition so I don't have to keep taking the PD with me to work. Thanks for the detailed reviews in this thread and the beta one.

 

[duh]

2tiki, I'm there.

On the straw - I saw a roll of alcohol swabs for 3.49 at cvs to use w/the stem and strangers.

On the whip - The early beta testers did get one which I like. You can order one from the Blisssville website even though it isn't bundled w/any kits. http://www.blisssville.com/product_...d=193&osCsid=874a0cca62ce1369b2a43505b3c0f254

 

[digglover]

Well I just bought one so I'll post up my reviews when it comes on Wednesday

 

[duh]

welcome digglover! please tell us how it goes!

I have discovered a new method for the box: The Sipper.

As the LB is an 'on-demand' vape, as long as the chamber is fresh, 3 seconds of continuous power will generate vapor. The Sipper is taking tiny hits of short duration - 7-10 seconds w/a few shakes during inhalation. Using this method, the average 'groove' () would last an hour or more, assuming the user was only taking maintenance hits every 20 minutes or so.

 

[2tiki]

Duh, "The Sipper" is often the way that I have been doing it as well. I have found that I get more of the taste of the meds than when I do one long breath.

Gotta be careful though. If you get distracted, or for some reason zone out (I think we all know the reaon ) it is possible to over cook the meds and then they don't taste as good.

 

[duh]

2tiki, overcook = smoking, so yeah - FC that!

The "The Sipper" is something I noticed someone else doing while borrowing my LB which perplexed me. They are a lightweight and 'afraid of the plant' - at least the paranoia they had in hs. Most of us have been 'there' but most modern strains prevent this. Anyway, it does work, just not at the level of meds I am used to.

Generally, my fav tech (which I figured is what everybody did) is thus:

Duh's LB Tech aka "Floor It To the Max":

Preface: I hate inefficiency and waste, especially when it comes to my vaping. The whole point of this tech is to maximum your material while minimizing ill effects. The following tech is also not for everyone and you may find yourself coughing and/or totally .

1. Do some full arm stretching and 'train' your lungs with a few deep inhalations, retention and exhalation. Think of it as a practice swing. The better the practice, the better the performance.
2. Add powdered plant material to the groove to taste but do not damp down. Overfilling is fine as long as you can close the lid. Heat will shrink the load so don't worry.
3. Power the unit and begin taking a drag after 3 seconds of heating.
4. Shake the unit every 2 seconds. Force of shaking depends on the load - but it is critical that you toss the 'loaf' in the groove itself as this material is closest to the heating surface. For this reason, I have found the wand to be useful, but once you know what you are doing, the tap-tap-tap cadence will be based on the level of material used. Some ppl in this thread life to dump the 'loaf' all intact w/a little browning on the bottom and some green left on top. Again, this is up to taste but the 'loaf-style' is not in keeping w/utmost efficiency.

I have found the optimum 'tap' to be on the left side of the unit (while holding it w/the right hand - reverse for lefties). Tapping the top or bottom often leaves the material in the groove. the vigorous side tap seems to do the trick.

5. Exhale quickly while vigorously shaking the unit (not crazy tho, this isn't a wiimote ).
6. Repeat inhalation and occasional shaking of unit.
7. Turn off, unpower and flip battery only when most of the material has changed color.

The LB does have temperature control - it just requires a little practice.
To cool - inhale more
To heat - inhale slower

Whatyall think? Shall I add this to the VP page? I've had a hard time getting my LB back since my friend started having to use mine.

 

[ILoveRadiohead!]

The LB does have temperature control - it just requires a little practice.
To cool - inhale more
To heat - inhale slower

Curious if I remember correctly the Magic Flight PDF instructions online said to draw faster if the vapor is too warm. Did you find the opposite to be true? Also do most of you unplug or keep the battery in between hits?

Also while I was searching for the instructions I found out that vapenow has the Launch Tube and Launch Box kits available for order on their site. Looks like this statement on the Vaporpedia page isn't quite true.

The Launch Box is a portable vaporizer made by Magic-Flight and exclusively available by www.blisssville.com

However, vapenow doesn't have all the options for accessories or cheaper box only version that the Blissville site sells though (noticed Blissville has changed the pricing structure ever so slightly as well).

 

[duh]

Hey ILoveRadiohead, I think I wrote it unclearly. Really it should read:

To cool - inhale faster
To heat - inhale slower

But, yes, same difference. If you are finding it is to hot, breathe in faster, more, etc.

I try both unplugging but usually stay plugged in between hits. It all depends on you. We know unplugging is less optimal, but if you are coughing, or need a minute, it's better to unplug. If you are 'in the groove' and and are ready for #2, 3, etc., right away, do that air exchange and get back to the LB while staying plugged in, because it isn't going to stop making vapor!

Regarding the Vaporpedia page, so far, I'm the only one updating it. As it is an unpaid position, I'll get to it when I get to it.

Thanks for the update re Vapenow. That is a big win for them. They are becoming a real 1 stop shop for the best vapes.

 

[IAmKrazy2]

I have a Extreme and Vape Bro's unit already and now have one of these little fellas on the way for on the move or camping. Needed something both fast and portable. Too many plastic models on the market, seemed to scare me.
I Researched portables for a while. I already have a top notch 15min AA charger w/ silly amounts of batteries, i wanted speed, and i needed it very small., seems like a match made in heaven.

the thing that scares me about LB is there isn't a heck of a lot of info. it isn't a mass made item. Does anyone have any good info on the safety of the heating elements, plastic part info, ect.? thanks. durability issues?

 

[ILoveRadiohead!]

the thing that scares me about LB is there isn't a heck of a lot of info. it isn't a mass made item. Does anyone have any good info on the safety of the heating elements, plastic part info, ect.? thanks. durability issues?

There are 2 or 3 other Magic Flight threads so that info is a bit spread out. As far as I know there aren't a lot of building parts to the construction. Unstained birch wood, copper platted steel, stainless steel screen, lead-free solder, copper battery contacts?, plexiglass window. I don't have a Launch Box but I think those are the basic materials, not sure what the draw tubes are made of. Maybe someone can correct me if I'm missing something on the build list.

It's a pretty simple resistance based convection device (according to users here works that really well) so there isn't a lot to go wrong and it seems through posts here that Magic Flight is quick to fix things if for some reason they aren't working.

 

[max]

the thing that scares me about LB is there isn't a heck of a lot of info. it isn't a mass made item.

Box vape clones are made in China by the thousands-definitely mass made. Now those scare me. I'd also rather use an LB than a Vapir vape-another mass made vape. Personally, the materials used in the LB don't worry me, and although durability should be very good, since it's a simple system, it's really too new to judge.

 

[IAmKrazy2]

yeah i am unclear what the mouth piece is made of? so close to something that heats so quick, scares me. they claim no glass parts also, which sounds durable. but, i just worry if whats being used instead is harming me. this is the same concern i've had in my head about all portables. this one had no vissible plastic except "trench cover". being able to see in beats the heck out of any other portable.

it seems to have a built in screen, will this be a pain after frequent use? i am/was extremely anal about cleaning of all my old combustible style smoking devices. this has carried itself over to my vape-life. want to be able to clean it. is it removable?

besides being my on the go warrior, im looking great forward to what somone revered to as "maintenance hits" or something to that effect. My E is in my bedroom. My Vape Bro's, in the living room. But, I keep it tucked away in a homemade case in a drawer, and only bust it out once in a while.
But now, while watching a movie on my flat screen, i can take a pull every 20mins or so, w/ less hassle. I am also smiling at the thought of where this bad boy can come with me. out and about.

 

[IAmKrazy2]

alright, it probally won't be here till monday... but get about 20+ batteries ready now. Let me see how many i really got....

 

[IAmKrazy2]

Alright, answered my "removable screen" question, when reading instructions online. anyone know how cheap replacements are when needed? found available?

I read the earlier discussion on increase draw rate to cool. i also read similar info in instructions. Does this mean suck faster while keeping battery contact to heater? or do i also stop that battery contact? Or does this simply mean. That if i want cooler smoke in general, on my next drags, i should draw in faster? Am i making sense?

I have some duracell 2650mAh and energizer 2500, anyone use the same and agree w/ earlier statements of around 3 trenches? this sounds great, 3 trenches. i also got a couple of random rechargeable that meet NiMH standards but have no other numerical info except 1.2v. are they fine to use?

furthermore this sound like a low temp vape, as people claim to have to go on faith and little visible vapor. then i also hear, to be sure not to scorch and combust. is this mainly due to lack of the whole "tap" or "shake", or leaving battery contact too long? is the vape extra tasty due to how light it is? got my batteries done charging in around 5mins, but wont see this booger for almost 5 days probally. oh well. Extreme preheating . . . . now!

 

[IAmKrazy2]

oh, and i have some AAA @ 800mAh which are still 1.2v. anyone try one for the hell of it? I'm no scientist as anyone who has read my 10+ posts in the last several days have noticed, but same voltage, should get me a drag or something in theory, right? thanks guys. have less than 20 AA total mostly 2650. if i get 3 trenches each it would rarely be an issue. but long trips if i am only averaging 2 each... could have to bring those papers for backup. truly a minimal to non issue if camping, or off staying out of town.

 

[magicflight]

oh, and i have some AAA @ 800mAh which are still 1.2v....

Hi,

A lot of questions in a small space -- I will do my best to answer them.

Re Batteries: most rechargeable AA batteries (NiMh) should work -- particularly more recent ones, which tend to store more than 2000 mAh. There may be some variation between battery makers that some would fit better than others. You will need to peel the label off the battery (exposing the metal can) to use it with the Box.

AAA batteries are too thin to work -- the Box is made specifically to fit AA batteries.

The following materials are used in the construction of the Box: Birch wood, 304 stainless steel screen, copper plated steel rods, Acrylic (Plexi-glass) cover, and a stainless steel spring clip (for the cover). There is no soldier (ie no lead). There are no hazardous materials used. The added/optional draw pipe accessories (not necessary to use the Box) are also made of Acrylic.

Overall, the Box is very durable (can be dropped without harm, etc). The only part which is more delicate is the internal screen which is very thin -- use only the provided brush as a tool in direct contact with the screen. IF the screen becomes damaged (whatever the reason) we send a replacement Box unit for free (its part of the warranty -- the screen itself is not end-user replaceable).

The temperature in the device is controlled by the draw rate (ie, breath control) and the battery is left in for the duration of the hit, or if taking multiple hits, for as long as the load lasts. You must remember to retract, remove, or invert the battery when you are finished taking hits off the Box. Like with the wind, faster tends to mean cooler. To get higher temperatures in the load, you need to draw very slowly. If drawing directly from the Box (ie, using the Box in the 'native' mode), you will also be able to sense the temperature of the vapor stream as well as the taste (this is the recommended practice).
For best taste, it is important to tap or shake (stir) the load frequently. The post by Duh earlier in this thread is a good practice for how to best use the Box.

In regards to how many batteries you will need on a camping trip, a conservative estimate would be to figure that one Box filling will be sufficient for one person and will require one charged battery. Therefore, if you had two people who wanted to use the same Box twice a day for two days, that would be 8 loadings worth and 8 charged batteries.

If there are other questions, please ask.

Best,
-- Magic-Flight

 

[duh]

IAmKrazy2, you are, in fact, crazy.

Leaving battery contact in too long w/no draw and abv already depleted - you will get combustion. Most of your questions will be answered in the first 10 seconds of using the product. Yes, taste is great because it gets hot and the intake path from the groove is short to your mouth, depending on what goes outside the box - an attachment or nothing.

The wand, by it's nature, cools the vapor the most I have found.
The moutpiece is whatever you want - the peg it comes with - the bulb stem it comes with - buy the wand or use nothing at all!

Have fun going crazy for the next 5 days! You may want to throw a countdown clock on your machine.

 

[duh]

RE camping trip - I found somewhere while looking at chargers some SOLAR ones. That would be very cool for a nice camping trip to Death Valley or the Grand Canyon in summer. How much greener can you get than that?

Vape off grid!

 

[IAmKrazy2]

Thanks for the help fellas.

Duh, you have a point in once i receive the item, i might answer some of my own questions.

I'm going to remove the wrapper on some batteries. never read that before. im worried now i'll get my several different types confused.