So I’ve been putting off this review for awhile. I’ve been playing with my nomad off and on, doing my best to use it how I would truly want to use it. That is where I’ll start I guess.
I’ve been a vape enthusiast for the better part of two years now, like a lot of people I started small. Bought a Dynavap M, tinkered with it until I could afford something cooler. In-come Grasshopper, then an IQ (a near flop; don’t buy used, kids). Bought and traded a lot on ent-exchange, mostly on demand vapes. Fell in love with my E-nano, through water was my favorite. Any new devices I bought were mostly battery vapes, conduction. I liked the instant vapor from those vapes, but it seemed pale compared to what I used to get from convection.
I forget when I saw the first mock-up of the Nomad, but remember my VAS perked up like a daisy in soaked in viagra. I was a little disappointed that it wasn’t functional yet, but I watched the thread grow until the first prototype. Watching the *literal* pieces of a puzzle being put together on this thread was the most exciting thing I’ve experienced on the internet. I asked a few questions about dans plan before putting my name on the list, concerns about payment, and iteration time. Wasn’t lucky enough to be a batch one, but everybody knows you don’t buy the first model. Lucky number 26 was my spot, first of the second batch. I felt so lucky.
I was no stranger to waiting at this point, like so many other users on here. There was long wait for the first batch to be completed, Dan took some time off, but finally it was time. I took my time deciding all my options, weighing cost and taste. I locked in my choices with Dan, along with a ticket for a custom addition. More waiting, and watching, I’ve paid by this point. I grew a little impatient I’ll admit by the time the new year rang in. I exchanged some e-mails with Dan, questions about the progress on the vape, as well as an updated release date. The day draws closer, I exchange a few more e-mails, and I’m rewarded. I finally saw it. Beautiful shots of what was going to be my vape. A custom designed, optioned out vape. That someone crafted just for me. It even had a one off “Button Monacle”( serious kudos to Dan, it only took him a few days to mock-up and build that thing, all while the laquer dried.)
I finally get the opportunity to load my first stem and...
Wispy vapor. I’m not floored at this point as I’ve thoroughly tested many types of vapes, many of which could give me potent white vapor. I try never to judge a vape by its cloud, but my first thoughts weren’t 10/10. Maybe some people will be disappointed by this but there’s more.
I continue to test the device. By this point I still haven’t realized that I’ve mixed up the heat modules. I’ll admit I didn’t really go through any of the guides. Still haven’t. I played with transformers as a kid and if I learned one thing; it was that if you read the directions you’ve wasted your money.
The draw resistance for me was what was holding the device back, but I’m not one to bitch and moan, and get someone to fix it for me. I like to tinker. So I carved a little air restrictor out of a cork from the hardware store (also where I picked up some di-electric grease, as I planned to disassemble it soon. (P.s they keep that stuff by the lawnmower accessories, it’s for spark plugs.))
Once I had that problem was solved I tried it through water, as I saw in a user video that the stem can press firmly into a 14mm male joint. Consistent vapor. Not too thick but being pure convection, it was more than potent, and easy on the throat. With the right draw restriction the air and vapor ratio was just right, for me at least.
By this time I’ve looked up which heater modules were which, both work equally in their own capacities. The medium-low heater can produce anywhere from an almost invisible vapor, to a thicker but wispy breath, depending on your technique, which I will touch more in a moment. The medium-high module has a much steeper curve of vapor density, which browns your material very rapidly if you let it heat for too long and/or with a slower breath. Technique is key, but at 119 pages and counting, I’m sure most already would have guessed that
No rating just yet but I do want to talk about technique. I couldn’t begin to describe how to operate this device, or any “manual on-demand vape” I’ve used without watching someone in front of me so I won’t. Trial and error and trial again is the only way you can truly enjoy one of these. I recommend however that you pay close attention to the heat as it hits the back of your throat, as it’s good sign you’re going to get vapor.
A more practical tip for you, with the stems designed to stay in place how they are, you can roast your stem on one side, take it out and push it through to the other end, flip and roast again. Repeat until no more vapor appears. This results in even, fully roasted ABV. It works especially well with the capsule that came included with one stem. This technique will work without the capsule, but may require stirring, and it does compress the material.
Time for a rating. This is a tough one. I don’t think it belongs in any other category besides on demand convection, but it is starkly different from what else is in the market. Comparing it to the other unregulated vapes in the same category; the most noticeable difference would of course be the design and the circuitry. Barring that, there isn’t much that would turn me onto it besides looks. This may sound harsh but hear me out.
It’s not any easier to use than a milaana or lil bud, two of the more accessible vapes that I’m aware of. There is a wait time for those as well, the latter I’m quite familiar with. With practice you can make any of these vapes work for you, if it’s the style of vaping you like.
For the price tag you get what the packing slip says it is,”Original wood art.” This isn’t an upgrade from your other convection vapes. This isn’t a daily driver. This isn’t a vape you hit hard and put away wet. It’s much more than that.
This vape is for the enthusiast, for someone who has experienced what vaping has to offer, and chooses their vape not based on how high they will get, or how easily they will get there. They know that there are a dozen options made of plastic with temperature control, for a third of the price. This vape is for those who know the value of simplicity. It’s a vape that has two modes:
On or off
If that’s not enough then this vape is not for you
If that’s all you need, then this vape will be your best friend.
Lucky #26