I keep kicking myself for deferring on Batch 3. It was around the holidays when my number came up and I had several new vapes at the time and bills to pay and felt it could wait....
Now I see your pic @Ramahs and I think “one of those could’ve been mine dummy!”
Oh well, I am all set for batch 4 but that feels like a million years away.
They say patience is a virtue. Too bad I don’t have it. But I will continue to envy those of you ahead of me and drool at all the pictures.
Dan just sent me some fantastic shots of my Nomad via insta' DM, and it's safe to say that I am head over heels in love with the way my new vape looks.
Dan is defying the usual understanding of the word 'custom' in these vapes.
A 'standard' Nomad is a unique, gorgeous work of art that goes beyond what any other vape manufacturer (and there's some friggin' STIFF competition out there) offers as a standard model.
Then there's the extra thought and effort put into the custom units.
Holyyyyy crap.
See his recent posts re' casein paint on Dans insta': https://www.instagram.com/p/BzUDk01n2PE/?hl=en
Paint mixing is no trivial task, especially when you have a very specific colour in mind.
I requested a colour that Dan found he couldn't achieve with his usual choice of milk-paint.
At this point Dan had already conducted his own research and experiments into my first (impossible!) request (I'd asked if he thought it possible to make a translucent sleeve to show off more of the fantastic box-elm he was using for my Nomad).
He determined (after some experimentation) that translucent wasn't going to be possible, so we settled on another opaque solution, but the colour/s I had in mind weren't possible with milk-paint so he set about trying to find a paint that would allow mixing the reds (blood/ox-blood red~almost black) I had in mind.
He tried a variety of paints including acrylics (too plasticy and artifical to satisfy Dan) and even nail varnish (wouldn't dry hard in the thickness he demands for Nomad sleeves, among other problems).
He favoured oils, which can have the colour saturation sought, but they would take months to dry and fully cure to full strength.
Eventually he decided to try casein paints (which I have heard of, but never once used) as they keep the natural, traditional aesthetic he favours, and also achieve the durability required by a device which will live in a pocket.
I have lots of experience mixing and matching paint colours (arts degree) and know the difficulty achieving specific hues without colours muddying or deviating from the intended.
I never truly mastered colour mixing, it's not as easy as many think.
Add to that the peculiarities of casein (e.g. goes off, so can't simply be bought in a tube off the shelf) and you begin to see the effort Dan has put in, JUST to meet my desires for sleeve colour!
I apologise for the lack of pic's in this post, but the last method I'd successfully learned to post pic's from imgbb no longer works, so hopefully anyone interested can just click on the links in the following spoiler:
Could some lucky person post a review of any kind? Might this be the greatest thing since the cell phone or are owners reluctant to criticize it? I'm rooting for the former. People are saying how beautiful it is with superior workmanship by Dan . I concur from afar with the beauty angle but how about performance & flavor ?
If you look through thread, you will find several reviews. Just do a little digging.
But since there are only a limited number of them out in the wild (less than 50 worldwide I am guessing) and many of those owners aren’t on FC or aren’t the posting type, there are only a few.
@KeroZen definitely posted a detailed review but I think below sums up his conclusions quite succinctly:
My impression, without searching, is that there are several reviews in the thread. Not a 'review' per se, but my take on some key features:
There's a lot to consider as far as performance.
1. It's unregulated, so some familiarity with unregulated vapes lessens the learning curve. Even with
experience with unregulated vapes, it takes a little time to figure out how to get one's desired performance. That's what I like about unregulated; the user has a lot of control to personalize vapor production. The Nomad provides the most control/versatility among the unregulated vaporizers I've used. With some practice, it begins to bend to the wishes of the user. It's an aficionado's vaporizer in that regard. The more you use it, the better you get at controlling things. It can be likened to a pipe in a way, as one may find one's self puffing on it just for the pleasure of puffing on it.
2. If I want a 'one (or two) and done' hit that provides good effects quickly (20-30 seconds), the Nomad does that. I can brown most of the material in a stem in a single go if I wish (I use a single screen as opposed to the two screens + ring). If I want a series of lighter hits, the Nomad does that too. I use a medium grind or shake and tamp but don't pack, and I use only a pinch of material per stem. The Nomad is conservative with material.
3. The Nomad is supremely portable and discreet, fitting into a pocket almost unnoticed. I've used it comfortably in situations that I wouldn't be able to with other vapes. The stem is seated safely within the body of the vaporizer, so in essence it's a one piece vaporizer when carrying it and using it. The stems and screens reload and clean easily (not so easily when using two screens and the ring). I get three or four stems per cell, and that's without draining the cell way down.
4. Flavor is king, especially if one uses the lower heat heater. Even with the medium heat heater, flavor is quite good (a medium heat heater can be controlled to low heat temps and produce very tasty flavors). I've never enjoyed vaping dark material, but with the Nomad I don't mind a bit. Of course, one can hold a button too long on any unregulated vaporizer and end up with less than great tasting vapor. But the Nomad allows refined control over the heat output which means even dark material can have nice flavors coerced out of it.
I'm not an accessorizer so I ca't speak to using the Nomad with water or modified stems, but there's feedback found around here that indicates that the Nomad is quite well suited to modifications.
The addition of the Nomad to my rotation has resulted in my currently being a 2 vape person (Nomad, Mi). The Mi has its perks, but that's a post for another thread.
My impression, without searching, is that there are several reviews in the thread. Not a 'review' per se, but my take on some key features:
There's a lot to consider as far as performance.
1. It's unregulated, so some familiarity with unregulated vapes lessens the learning curve. Even with
experience with unregulated vapes, it takes a little time to figure out how to get one's desired performance. That's what I like about unregulated; the user has a lot of control to personalize vapor production. The Nomad provides the most control/versatility among the unregulated vaporizers I've used. With some practice, it begins to bend to the wishes of the user. It's an aficionado's vaporizer in that regard. The more you use it, the better you get at controlling things. It can be likened to a pipe in a way, as one may find one's self puffing on it just for the pleasure of puffing on it.
2. If I want a 'one (or two) and done' hit that provides good effects quickly (20-30 seconds), the Nomad does that. I can brown most of the material in a stem in a single go if I wish (I use a single screen as opposed to the two screens + ring). If I want a series of lighter hits, the Nomad does that too. I use a medium grind or shake and tamp but don't pack, and I use only a pinch of material per stem. The Nomad is conservative with material.
3. The Nomad is supremely portable and discreet, fitting into a pocket almost unnoticed. I've used it comfortably in situations that I wouldn't be able to with other vapes. The stem is seated safely within the body of the vaporizer, so in essence it's a one piece vaporizer when carrying it and using it. The stems and screens reload and clean easily (not so easily when using two screens and the ring). I get three or four stems per cell, and that's without draining the cell way down.
4. Flavor is king, especially if one uses the lower heat heater. Even with the medium heat heater, flavor is quite good (a medium heat heater can be controlled to low heat temps and produce very tasty flavors). I've never enjoyed vaping dark material, but with the Nomad I don't mind a bit. Of course, one can hold a button too long on any unregulated vaporizer and end up with less than great tasting vapor. But the Nomad allows refined control over the heat output which means even dark material can have nice flavors coerced out of it.
I'm not an accessorizer so I ca't speak to using the Nomad with water or modified stems, but there's feedback found around here that indicates that the Nomad is quite well suited to modifications.
The addition of the Nomad to my rotation has resulted in my currently being a 2 vape person (Nomad, Mi). The Mi has its perks, but that's a post for another thread.
Could some lucky person post a review of any kind? Might this be the greatest thing since the cell phone or are owners reluctant to criticize it? I'm rooting for the former. People are saying how beautiful it is with superior workmanship by Dan . I concur from afar with the beauty angle but how about performance & flavor ?
I hope to have my Nomad very soon, and you can be sure that you'll hear how I feel about it's looks and build quality the same day I get it!
It'll be at least a couple of weeks until I post my thoughts on function, and you can be sure I will be delivering an unvarnished perspective once I've put a couple of grams through.
There are a few here in this thread that have already done this, and their reactions have raised my expectations.
This, combined with all the great advice FC provides, means that I am lucky enough to have several great vapes to pit the Nomad against.
Seriously, I've done a fair bit of gushing about all the vapes I own, but it's because, thanks to all the honest opinions all over FC, they've all been pretty good so far (ranging from good, to superb).
OK, my very first was very poor (A super cheap Chinese vape called the Ieda, or something like that, not recommended by anyone on FC!), but as soon as I get a mediocre or poor vape I will not hesitate to say so
. If I find the Nomad to be a poor performer after what's been said by owners here I'll be surprised, and disappointed, even a gorgeous vape has to function well to be worth owning, but if that's how I feel, I'll say so.
I'm sure that's how everyone here reviews too .
Without the honesty shown by FC reviews, I might have continued buying lemons after the Ieda.
Instead, my Nomad will be going up against:
Vapman, Grasshopper, mIQro, Milaana, Woodscents and Vapcap (Thanks FC
)I consider honest opinions to be sacrosanct and will abide by that when I contribute.
What Get left said. I agree.
Edit: was a little bit too Nomad stoned to elaborate on an earlier post. What I meant to say was this vaporizer gives tasty crispy delicious hits. Precision hits. With med high heater you have to 'ride the tiger' with your button push technique. Very very responsive. Esp. with a fresh battery. Dan warned me, it's all good. Once you spend quality time with this vape you are in the driver's seat of a pristine old jaguar or Ferrari as vapes go. Full control of an amazing vaporizer experience once you learn how to drive her( doesn't take long). Was very worried that this expensive vape would just look good and hit 'Just ok ' . Boy was i happy to see that it hits just as good as it looks. If anyone has,a question about how it works or my experience with it just fire away, I'm happy to answer . To all waiting, yer gonna love yours. I love mine. Cheers! Thanks to Dan and fc! D. # 36.
Wanted to give it a sec before saying anything....but this thing is something else when it comes to convection unregulated. I have tried most (and love them) but this thing is special. It certainly helps that it’s a thing of absolute beauty just to hold. The tasty reports in my opinion are spot on as they say! Very flavorful especially the first few on every round. I have messed with both heaters and quite honestly can get the same hit from both with the high heater naturally heating a bit faster and as I am a ripper I lean this way. Big tasty hits. Real learning curve and as stated it helps very much to have known and perhaps already loved the likes of Milaana etc...once dialed though it’s for me one of the most satisfying adventures I could possibly add to this herbal ritual. It really does what you want. Others have stated several hits or a few rippers and done and I can honestly get either from both heaters. Just depends on how you ride em. Love the extraction, can go from really light to dang near burnt again just depends how you ride. Overall this thing is unreal and anyone waiting should be very excited.
Although it is very portable I do tend to use my vapcap for quick out and about still and on that note I tend to use it sleeveless as I have noticed slight discoloration on the beautiful coat from finger tips most likely so try to preserve it as much as possible. Expected this so no gripe...and will eventually use as normal and let the usage set in (will prob even look cooler then..)
Dan is so much seriously the man it feels silly just typing it here, wish I could scream it from the FC mountain tops!!
Cheers my fellow Nomads, as gramma always said “patience is a virtue”
Wanted to give it a sec before saying anything....but this thing is something else when it comes to convection unregulated. I have tried most (and love them) but this thing is special. It certainly helps that it’s a thing of absolute beauty just to hold. The tasty reports in my opinion are spot on as they say! Very flavorful especially the first few on every round. I have messed with both heaters and quite honestly can get the same hit from both with the high heater naturally heating a bit faster and as I am a ripper I lean this way. Big tasty hits. Real learning curve and as stated it helps very much to have known and perhaps already loved the likes of Milaana etc...once dialed though it’s for me one of the most satisfying adventures I could possibly add to this herbal ritual. It really does what you want. Others have stated several hits or a few rippers and done and I can honestly get either from both heaters. Just depends on how you ride em. Love the extraction, can go from really light to dang near burnt again just depends how you ride. Overall this thing is unreal and anyone waiting should be very excited.
Although it is very portable I do tend to use my vapcap for quick out and about still and on that note I tend to use it sleeveless as I have noticed slight discoloration on the beautiful coat from finger tips most likely so try to preserve it as much as possible. Expected this so no gripe...and will eventually use as normal and let the usage set in (will prob even look cooler then..)
Dan is so much seriously the man it feels silly just typing it here, wish I could scream it from the FC mountain tops!!
Cheers my fellow Nomads, as gramma always said “patience is a virtue”
@Bdubbdiblets Congrats and thanks for the pic and review! You’ve got another of my favorite Nomads. Really looking forward to mine being finished though!
Well, I've just unboxed Nomad #29, and can report that despite my being a complete freak for attention to detail, precision and finish I am delighted with the level of craftsmanship Dan has applied to this little device.
It is not hyperbole to say that my own standards for satisfaction from this sort of purchase (the Nomad is not a cheap vape after all) approach OCD levels.
I have spent years restoring stained-glass windows in historic monuments (apologies if I seem self satisfied here ) and have studied precious metal smithing/jewellery crafting.
These pursuits have left me with standards that, quite frankly, I have to reign-in in order to find satisfaction with most stuff that I buy.
That's not to say that other vapes I own don't make me happy.
I have several that make me very happy, and three that I consider truly excellent, but this Nomad easily achieves #1 spot in this regard.
Even taking account of 'new toy' syndrome, this thing is clearly superior to everything else I own.
In case its not clear
, I'm delighted.
I can't try it out just yet, very busy ATM, but I will return with first impressions after I've run a few bowls, then I'll be back with more comprehensive results once It's had a couple of grams through it.
I can't wait, but also can't say I'm worried, given the reactions of others who already have their Nomads (thanks for that most recent assessment @Bdubbdiblets).
I also just want to reassure anyone considering getting a Nomad re' the commissioning process (can't really just call it a purchase, there's SO much more to it than that!).
It is true that there is always a looong wait for any complex artist/craftsman created work, especially when it's produced by a single unaided artisan.
So if you are considering ordering a Nomad as your first herb vape, then I strongly advise that you also consider getting an inexpensive starter vape to tide you over until you own little pocket masterpiece is ready.
The process of working through the detail, and sleeve options with Dan is a delight thanks to his easy-going and accommodating manner, and that helps enormously when you are struggling with impatience (which I think is inevitable when folk like me and others hype something so vigorously).
Thanks for coming through in such spectacular fashion with the aesthetics @Dan Morrison.
My Nomad has taken an immediate, and spectacular lead as my best looking, and most beautifully crafted vape.
Low and high heater top right
3 glass tubes below
Battery holder below that
Nomad
Left is 2 Jyarz
Some tools (tweezer-helps get the cover screen out. Dan’s tamper tool)
LOL, fair enough.
Just cellphone snaps, look back at Dan's proper pic's a page or two back for a decent look, but in the meantime here are my poor attempts (sans colour editing, the sleeve is much more 'ox-blood' IRL)
This last one came out looking really pink on my screen, prob' the same for everyone?
) and have studied precious metal smithing/jewellery crafting.
