Discontinued The NEO by Prrl Labs

cilantro

Flavor Chaser/Slava Ukraini 🇺🇦✊
My terp surfer arrived! Haven’t taken it for a test drive yet, but soon! I charged up my Neo in anticipation.

Packaging is really nice. Fit and finish also seem really nice. Instructions are lean and assume you’re close to a computer. No biggie!

My one critique out of the box is I wish Prrl Labs included a tamping tool (like is included with the Taffe Bowle). Especially since they instruct tamping after filling and before use.

Looks like it’s gonna be a fun weekend!!!
Nice! I got my maple TS as well. I think they really nailed it. The clean look and overall aesthetic is pleasing and the glass seal changes the game for me. I get Lotus Vape vibes which I greatly appreciate nowadays. Coming down to 4 (from 5) diamond power on the Neo is also welcome. Healthy robust clouds that satisfy this flavor chaser. It really gets primed after short cigar puffs.
 

Black_Prrl

Manufacturer of the Neo and Terp Surfer
Manufacturer
My terp surfer arrived! Haven’t taken it for a test drive yet, but soon! I charged up my Neo in anticipation.

Packaging is really nice. Fit and finish also seem really nice. Instructions are lean and assume you’re close to a computer. No biggie!

My one critique out of the box is I wish Prrl Labs included a tamping tool (like is included with the Taffe Bowle). Especially since they instruct tamping after filling and before use.

Looks like it’s gonna be a fun weekend!!!

Enjoy!!... The tamping tool was sacrificed to the supply chain gods in an effort to get this out in time. We definitely have something in mind... We also had to do all of the wood finishing and packaging ourselves, in order to shave ~2 months off the release. We were already at wits end since most design decisions were done in August.

As for instructions, y'all don't read them anyway... 😄 But, here are a couple of suggestions:

1) Fill quartz cup loosely with ground herb. We suggest medium grind.
2) Tamp to ~1/2 full with pencil, dowel, chopstick, swizzle stick, pinky, small candy cane, or other suitable pokey thing that has a flat end to it
3) Use with Neo, probably at a lower power setting than you do with other pipes. Make sure it seals against the o-ring.
4) Stir with bamboo skewer, small screwdriver, mechanical pencil, ice pick... or a real pick/tool from a pro like @RogueGuy

The docking ring and cup are removable for easer filling and cleaning. When re-assembling, we suggest seating the o-ring onto the docking ring before inserting the cup. This will ensure that the o-ring sits completely into the titanium ring and will stabilize your cup better.

I look forward to hearing what y'all think!

-Mark
 
Last edited:

Mr. Me2

Well-Known Member
Time for very first impressions. I’m using a very early Neo and haven’t upgraded its firmware (I’m old…). And my terp surfer is walnut.

The way the Neo joins with the terp surfer is a thing of beauty. Just a perfect fit. And another benefit of the design is that when you are drawing, you can see through the quartz into the bowl. I LOVE that!

And it works as advertised. I got surprisingly big clouds on my first pull. And that Neo flavor! Just wow!

I quickly learned that the seal is SO good, I needed to really slow my draw speed. I admit I’m getting hot spots so next is to play with load size and amount of tamping. I lowered from level 2 down to 1 (after a preheat). Those 2 pieces look so nice next to each other.

Hey @RogueGuy , can you make a 2 purpose tool for this guy? A tamper on one end and a pointy stirrer on the other (so you can poke through to keep the quartz cup holes clean between iso soaks). Doable?
 
Last edited:

Madri-Gal

Child Of The Revolution
It feels like I missed a lot. Last month I had a seizure, fell, broke my Neo and two ribs, and got a concussion. I was more worried about my broken Neo than anything, but brain scramble is a thing. Fortunately, I had help after I got back home, and was able to get my Neo sent back to Prrllabs for repair, and they fixed it as good as new. Everything I say sounds stupid now, and I'm not sure if it's gotten worse, or I'm just noticing.
Glad to have Neo back safe and sound.
 

akit4so

Tobacco Vapourist
I’m getting too much shock. Ceramic adhesive dried out and glass fell out. :(
I already emailed Prrl Labs.
But it’s now Xmas.... I’m in deep depression.

Edit: @Black_Prrl (Prrl Labs) already replied my email! They have really great customer service!!
157C5455-63AD-4583-A165-86776933E3C8.jpeg
 
Last edited:

Black_Prrl

Manufacturer of the Neo and Terp Surfer
Manufacturer
I’m getting too much shock. Ceramic adhesive dried out and glass fell out. :(
I already emailed Prrl Labs.
But it’s now Xmas.... I’m in deep depression.

Edit: @Black_Prrl (Prrl Labs) already replied my email! They have really great customer service!!

@akit4so Ugh! SO sorry to hear about that...and at Christmas time, no less! We'll make things right, of course, and make sure your downtime without the Neo is short.

FYI, we've had three chimneys fail like this from the first run of Black Neos. We believe is due to the factory using expired bonding ceramic, which should not have happened. However, we're also investigating if it's due to the different finishing required for Black versus the White zirconia. If so, we'll implement a "roughing" step in the assembly process to strengthen the bond with the zirconia.

If anyone else is having an issue with their Neo, please feel free to DM me, or reach me directly at: mark@PrllLabs.com

I hope everyone has enjoyed their holiday season!

-Mark

PS, the bonding ceramic doesn't really "dry out." Once it's cured, it solid alumina ceramic with no shrinkage and rated to 2000F.
 

bridgesoid

Well-Known Member
@akit4so Ugh! SO sorry to hear about that...and at Christmas time, no less! We'll make things right, of course, and make sure your downtime without the Neo is short.

FYI, we've had three chimneys fail like this from the first run of Black Neos. We believe is due to the factory using expired bonding ceramic, which should not have happened. However, we're also investigating if it's due to the different finishing required for Black versus the White zirconia. If so, we'll implement a "roughing" step in the assembly process to strengthen the bond with the zirconia.

If anyone else is having an issue with their Neo, please feel free to DM me, or reach me directly at: mark@PrllLabs.com

I hope everyone has enjoyed their holiday season!

-Mark

PS, the bonding ceramic doesn't really "dry out." Once it's cured, it solid alumina ceramic with no shrinkage and rated to 2000F.
Hi, is there a good bonding ceramic you could recommend for these types of high heat applications? I know people used to use arctic alumina thermal adhesive but its no longer made? (maybe that was your problem?) any advice would be greatly appreciated as I've got a couple of vape experiments I'm working on and this type of compound would be fantastic for my tinkering.

Thank you in advance for any advice your might have :)
 
bridgesoid,

Black_Prrl

Manufacturer of the Neo and Terp Surfer
Manufacturer
Hey, all! We're looking for a few rosin-lovers to test out some approaches to using waxy concentrates with the Neo and Terp Surfer. If you have the combo and are interested in a form of highly controllable cold-start dabbing, please DM me.

Thanks!

-Mark
 

ProfessionalHandJob

"A handjob is still a job, okay?"
Been a while since i've been in this thread. Glad to see it hoppin with posts and I LOVE the official black Neo being released after I'd loaded the Neo firmware onto a black Rim C way at the beginning of last year. I've still got to order a Terp Surfer as its probably the most beautifully modern looking pipe i've ever seen.

Question for @Black_Prrl, were there ever any complaints, with the early models at least, that in the middle of vaping a bowl the user will get the "device to hot" message on the iStick making it refuse to firee rendering it useless to finish the session while the herb has already been preheated. I've had this experience on both my original Neos, even after trying one of the earlier firmware updates that was released (the one so I could make my unofficial precursor to the legit black Neo. Thankfully having two Neos makes this less of a problem as when one gets to where it's saying "Device too hot" i just switch to the other one. Perhaps this is poor technique on my part too. I'd always use the double click autofire (i guess it's heat up mode) for every hit. I was using it so i'd not have to press the button the whole time I was taking a big ol rip from my Sticky Bricks using the Neo.

I also saw there was another version of the firmware released recently which I have yet to try. Sounds like some neat features in it! Potentially the updated firmware would help mitigate my issues.

Keep up the great work with the Neo and the Terp Surfer, can't wait to see what the next addition to the Prrl ecosystem is!
 

Black_Prrl

Manufacturer of the Neo and Terp Surfer
Manufacturer
Been a while since i've been in this thread. Glad to see it hoppin with posts and I LOVE the official black Neo being released after I'd loaded the Neo firmware onto a black Rim C way at the beginning of last year. I've still got to order a Terp Surfer as its probably the most beautifully modern looking pipe i've ever seen.

Question for @Black_Prrl, were there ever any complaints, with the early models at least, that in the middle of vaping a bowl the user will get the "device to hot" message on the iStick making it refuse to firee rendering it useless to finish the session while the herb has already been preheated. I've had this experience on both my original Neos, even after trying one of the earlier firmware updates that was released (the one so I could make my unofficial precursor to the legit black Neo. Thankfully having two Neos makes this less of a problem as when one gets to where it's saying "Device too hot" i just switch to the other one. Perhaps this is poor technique on my part too. I'd always use the double click autofire (i guess it's heat up mode) for every hit. I was using it so i'd not have to press the button the whole time I was taking a big ol rip from my Sticky Bricks using the Neo.

I also saw there was another version of the firmware released recently which I have yet to try. Sounds like some neat features in it! Potentially the updated firmware would help mitigate my issues.

Keep up the great work with the Neo and the Terp Surfer, can't wait to see what the next addition to the Prrl ecosystem is!

@ProfessionalHandJob Thanks for those kind words! We love using the Terp Surfer and it has a couple of "surprises" that we haven't yet revealed--though we will soon. 😎

Warning: the Terp Surfer is a high-efficiency pipe and there is a risk of combustion when using at higher diamond settings. I use a much shorter pre-heat time and also a lower diamond setting during use--even with live rosin.

As for the "device too hot" issue... YES! This was an intermittent error that took us a few weeks to diagnose and solve. Very frustrating! It started occurring just after we'd updated the firmware and also at a time when we were forced to change batteries due to supply chain issues. It was also showing up during the national heat waves last summer... It turns out that some of the batteries were defective, but it's difficult to diagnose with any certainty which ones are bad until that error crops up.

Please DM me your order # and I'll send you a replacement battery... Same goes for anyone else experiencing this problem. To our knowledge, it has only occurred with some of the red Vapcell batteries. We've since found a reliable source for Molicel batteries, which are some of the highest rated li-ion batteries on the market.

Note: the "device too hot" message can also be a legitimate warning. This may occur if the seal with your pipe is compromised, disrupting the airflow through the Neo. It can also occur during a long session, but can be mitigated by continuing your pull for a couple of seconds after the Neo stops glowing.

-Mark

P.S. The latest firmware is v2.16...read post #769 for info about it. We didn't like holding down the button either. So, double-clicking autofires at max power, while a long click (0.7-3.0s) will autofire at the diamond setting.
 
Last edited:

ProfessionalHandJob

"A handjob is still a job, okay?"
@ProfessionalHandJob Thanks for those kind words! We love using the Terp Surfer and it has a couple of "surprises" that we haven't yet revealed--though we will soon. 😎

Warning: the Terp Surfer is a high-efficiency pipe and there is a risk of combustion when using at higher diamond settings. I use a much shorter pre-heat time and also a lower diamond setting during use--even with live rosin.

As for the "device too hot" issue... YES! This was an intermittent error that took us a few weeks to diagnose and solve. Very frustrating! It started occurring just after we'd updated the firmware and also at a time when we were forced to change batteries due to supply chain issues. It was also showing up during the national heat waves last summer... It turns out that some of the batteries were defective, but it's difficult to diagnose with any certainty which ones are bad until that error crops up.

Please DM me your order # and I'll send you a replacement battery... Same goes for anyone else experiencing this problem. To our knowledge, it has only occurred with some of the red Vapcell batteries. We've since found a reliable source for Molicel batteries, which are some of the highest rated li-ion batteries on the market.

Note: the "device too hot" message can also be a legitimate warning. This may occur if the seal with your pipe is compromised, disrupting the airflow through the Neo. It can also occur during a long session, but can be mitigated by continuing your pull for a couple of seconds after the Neo stops glowing.

-Mark

P.S. The latest firmware is v2.16...read post #769 for info about it. We didn't like holding down the button either. So, double-clicking autofires at max power, while a long click (0.7-3.0s) will autofire at the diamond setting.
Appreciate the reply!! I’ll track down my orders and send you that info this afternoon, and get my firmware updated to the latest version since I’m still on that earlier build. Sounds like I’ll be sittin pretty again after that. :-)

Thanks again and keep up the amazing work!
 
ProfessionalHandJob,
  • Like
Reactions: CDXX Pipes

ProfessionalHandJob

"A handjob is still a job, okay?"
@ProfessionalHandJob Thanks for those kind words! We love using the Terp Surfer and it has a couple of "surprises" that we haven't yet revealed--though we will soon. 😎

Warning: the Terp Surfer is a high-efficiency pipe and there is a risk of combustion when using at higher diamond settings. I use a much shorter pre-heat time and also a lower diamond setting during use--even with live rosin.

As for the "device too hot" issue... YES! This was an intermittent error that took us a few weeks to diagnose and solve. Very frustrating! It started occurring just after we'd updated the firmware and also at a time when we were forced to change batteries due to supply chain issues. It was also showing up during the national heat waves last summer... It turns out that some of the batteries were defective, but it's difficult to diagnose with any certainty which ones are bad until that error crops up.

Please DM me your order # and I'll send you a replacement battery... Same goes for anyone else experiencing this problem. To our knowledge, it has only occurred with some of the red Vapcell batteries. We've since found a reliable source for Molicel batteries, which are some of the highest rated li-ion batteries on the market.

Note: the "device too hot" message can also be a legitimate warning. This may occur if the seal with your pipe is compromised, disrupting the airflow through the Neo. It can also occur during a long session, but can be mitigated by continuing your pull for a couple of seconds after the Neo stops glowing.

-Mark

P.S. The latest firmware is v2.16...read post #769 for info about it. We didn't like holding down the button either. So, double-clicking autofires at max power, while a long click (0.7-3.0s) will autofire at the diamond setting.
Thanks for the help with the firmware update and batteries! Got both of my Neos updated, received the batteries and got those replaced, then I ordered a walnut Terp Surfer which arrived yesterday. Love the Terp Surfer! It works great with the Neo and is suuuper sharp looking. I did get close to combusting while on a lower heat setting and drawing too slow with the Terp Surfer lol. It is super efficient with the Neo and you can tell they're perfectly paired for each other.

Seems like the "device too hot" message isn't nearly as touchy as with that beta firmware I had previously, so huge improvement there! I didn't hit that until the very end of the bowl while on the highest diamond setting and not giving the Neo much time to rest between hits (I was trying to preserve the heat it already had built up in the Neo's head). I think once I get used to the new firmware a bit more and with some modifications to my technique the "device too hot" messages can probably be mostly avoided. It wasn't too difficult to adapt from double clicking to a single long click, but I slipped a few times. I have some high quality 510 heat sinks so I might try one of those with it as well to add to the one the Neo already has.

Next I'd like to find something to use as lids for the Terp Surfer capsules so they can be pre-loaded without worrying about spilling, and/or something to store 3-4 pre-loaded/empty capsules in so they can be carried in a pocket or backpack.
 

pretty-chill

Well-Known Member

New favorite way to use the NEO, with one of @Ed's TnT stems! It's super efficient this way and seems to work as a true on-demand convection vaporizer now. I'm getting vapor from the first hit without any pre-heating. I have it turned up to 5 diamonds, and then just ride the button to get to my desired temperatures. I really like the sense of control I have over my temperatures this way. I've always wanted to try to get my flower closer to the heater to increase efficiency, and I was trying this out with a glass stem for a while and it didn't really work all too well. With this stem, the load is even closer to the heater, and the thermal properties of the wood are really coming in handy here. It feels like I'm losing very little heat to the stem and it's all going into the flower!
 

CanikUser19

Trenchtown Rock

New favorite way to use the NEO, with one of @Ed's TnT stems! It's super efficient this way and seems to work as a true on-demand convection vaporizer now. I'm getting vapor from the first hit without any pre-heating. I have it turned up to 5 diamonds, and then just ride the button to get to my desired temperatures. I really like the sense of control I have over my temperatures this way. I've always wanted to try to get my flower closer to the heater to increase efficiency, and I was trying this out with a glass stem for a while and it didn't really work all too well. With this stem, the load is even closer to the heater, and the thermal properties of the wood are really coming in handy here. It feels like I'm losing very little heat to the stem and it's all going into the flower!
Basket screen inserted at bottom of stem, or did you place a traditional screen further up into stem?
 
CanikUser19,
  • Like
Reactions: Jill NYC

pretty-chill

Well-Known Member
Basket screen inserted at bottom of stem, or did you place a traditional screen further up into stem?
I actually placed a 14 mm basket screen further up into the stem, it fits perfectly there. No screen on the bottom, but I do pack it in so no flower is falling into the heater. I think if I put a basket screen on the bottom, I'd get some conduction going on as it would certainly get quite hot. Might be nice though, as it may further improve efficiency but then I'd be moving away from pure convection, which is what the wood stem seems to provide as it does not heat up much despite being so close to the heater.
 

Black_Prrl

Manufacturer of the Neo and Terp Surfer
Manufacturer
@Black_Prrl do you anticipate having a 4/20 sale?

We're planning on a "Gear up" sale BEFORE 4/20 so that folks can have gear in hand by then...and also have some relief/solace for Tax Day. And, we have a special drop planned next week... Stay tuned and sign up for our newsletter for early access.

-Mark
 

Black_Prrl

Manufacturer of the Neo and Terp Surfer
Manufacturer
Thanks so much! In spite of Elon's reputation, he's been really great supporter and we're excited by the additional plans we have in the works.

...and if you're wondering, the BFP on the left really works with a triad cluster of Neos. For some reason, the pics weren't included. I'll try to post some later.

-Mark

For those who didn't see SpaceX's announcement this morning, here it is:

SpaceX-Logo

Contact:
SpaceX
1 Rocket Road
Hawthorne, CA 90250
+1 310-363-6000​

News Release​

Embargoed until 4/1/2022


Cannabis Vaporization Incorporated into Space Travel Systems


(Hawthorne, CA) Noting several groundbreaking studies on the positive impacts of cannabis in zero gravity, SpaceX has announced they will be supplying cannabis and vaporization devices to astronauts on its Mars missions.

“We have been improving our understanding of every system necessary to carry both crew and cargo on long-duration interplanetary flights, and help humanity return to the Moon, and travel to Mars and beyond,” noted SpaceX CEO Elon Musk. “In doing so, we have identified mental health as a critical success factor in long-term travel. From a weight-to-efficacy perspective, cannabis is the least expensive and most effective method to solve for this concern.”

One study supporting this approach was recently published in the Journal of Aerosol Science. While commanding the International Space Station, Commander Chris Hadfield conducted clandestine research during his 2012 stint and only recently submitted it for peer review upon his retirement. “I was able to document the increased performance of my cannabinoid receptors in a zero-gravity environment,” he said, “which measurably decreases the sense of existential dread one gets while hurtling through space at 17,000 mph in a glorified tin can.”
Screenshot 2022-03-29 2.21.22 PM

A successful 2021 collaboration between Tesla Motors (TSLA) and Prrl Labs, Inc. to incorporate their proprietary NBT (no-burn tech) into Tesla's automotive climate control system in 2021 made it possible to easily integrate the same technology into SpaceX’s Starship launch vehicle.

Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, endorses the idea. “The problem with space travel is that so many things can kill you. One can see how altering your understanding of reality for short periods of time, especially during long flights, could improve your mental health. Why not lock yourself in your cabin, get high, play a little Bowie, and enjoy the trip if all of your other responsibilities are complete?”

"It was a real pleasure working with the engineers at SpaceX,"
said Prrl Labs CEO Mark Lewis, a former rocket scientist himself. "Developing the additions of the BFP and BFP Heavy to the line of Terp Surfer smokeless pipes with their engineers and having them stress tested by some of Elon’s celebrity friends is an experience we will always remember. Carl Sagan would be so proud of our space program right now.”
The working prototype BFP (left) can handle 0.5g of cannabis and the early prototype BFP Heavy (right) is being engineered to push that limit up to a full gram with under-bowl afterburners.
BFP and BFP Heavy
During the pandemic lockdown, several celebrities were able to take part in the testing program conducted at the Jeff Spicoli Institute for Advanced Consumption located within SpaceX’s Hawthorne, CA campus. Seth Rogan, Ilana Glazer, and Snoop Dogg, because of their high tolerance levels, were able to simulate astronaut physiology after months of cannabis use at zero gravity. “I knew my years of sacrifice would help all of humankind someday. Some people want to call me a hero, but I say I’m just a woman, standing here in front of a rocket, strangely aroused by its design, asking it to love me.” the comedian Glazer noted while stroking the landing leg of a Falcon 9 at a recent press event.

"We are excited to make humankind an interplanetary species, but what’s the point if you aren’t having some fun along the way?” Musk added.

Go to the SpaceX website or click this link to sign up for the live press release event or view the recording.
 
Last edited:

el sargantano

Well-Known Member
Absolutely asthonishing.
I'm totally freaking resending this to my friend who proudly ownes a couple of neo's.
From now on: my friend from outter space who makes Sagan happy!
Congratulations, you get my most sincere admiration...!
Edit: oh fuck me!
Edit2: I'll keep myself im da way to call my friend cosmonaut :-(
 
Last edited:
Top Bottom