So my evaluation Palm got to me on schedule Wednesday afternoon. First to the 'big question' asked several times, 'will the MFLB Power Adapter work with the Palm?', the answer is yes (at least mine does with a bit of fiddling).
It seems most natural to compare this vape to MFLB, so I guess I'll start there? It comes with two pealed batteries and the same sort of vinyl caps as MFLB, they come with a 'charge before using' sticker, so I assume they're not LSD, first thing is to put them in Mr. Charger for a "break in" cycle. For initial testing I'm using a pair of LSD MFLB batteries. As an initial observation the unit fits the hand better than 'the box'. You can hold it in your fist with just the stem sticking out, however (at least the way I'm using it) it takes a lot of thumb pressure. I've done 3 bowls and now have two sore hands (having shifted back and forth). So far it's an awkward 'press', it may get easier over time, my technique might improve or maybe I'd just end up with 'buffed thumbs'?
The cover seems well made, although it was very hard to open and close at first. It does not actually latch, but the two rectangular tabs get wedged into slots either side of the glass tube. The first dozen or so times I needed a tool to pry it back up, but it's broken in enough to now be pried up with a thumbnail. Thus far I see no worry it's going to pop open, time and use will tell. While purists will no doubt fault fit and finish details if the rest are like this, but for the rest I think guys will appreciate the design. It's centered around a largish ceramic block inset into the one piece plastic body. This forms the bowl (the body is just a cover) and includes the two heavy wire rails that connect and support the screen on one end and make contact with the battery on the other. Also the bulb (it's not an LED, but a small incandescent bulb under driven like MFLB). It's in a much better position, under the glass tube just outside the bowl on it's side, much easier to see (under low light) and can be clearly seen while hitting. Another useful improvement. The glass tube (about 1/4 inch dia and 2 inches long) fits into the block as well. A 'ceramic to glass' deal with no seal, the tube rattles a little as it would have to you'd think if it's not going to get broken easily. The rattle is no big deal. The tube ends a bit short of where the short plastic mouthpiece ends. It came with two mouthpieces, a hard black plastic and a softer amber colored one that's translucent.
The screen/heater itself differs in construction. It's not neatly folded like 'the box', but is rather a pressed dimple in similar material with two sets of inch or so long clips spot welded on. These snap over the rails for electrical contact and mechanical support. However, no attempt seems to have been made to control the mess orientation. Notice in MFLB the mesh runs straight across the trench, this makes for a current path that doesn't depend on jumping from wire to wire like this one. It doesn't seem to be an issue now, but it might later on? On mine I can 'see' it getting cold spots upper left and lower right because of this....maybe. This also means that the trim has a 'rough edge' (like cloth cut on a bias) which may be intentional to control fraying as it's basically rectangular with rounded corners. It does not fit too well (ground herb easily gets past the edges) even after I straightened it as best I could. IMO the edge seal provided by the ring and groove in MFLB will be missed. I've already managed to snag it with the nice included brush and peel it up at one spot, easy enough to press down. Hopefully I'll get a couple of screens in a week or two and can try a screen change, it looks straightforward but will wreck the screen almost certainly.
The ceramic is not sealed (glazed) and came with a few bits of metal embedded in the lip from abrasion against metal before I got it (it's like a fine grindstone in texture). It's in there to stay, cosmetic only. The cover fits closely over the raised lip of the bowl forming a seal everywhere except the 5/16 inch or so immediately above the tube where the outside air is vented in. Those upset with herb working its way into the similar slot in MFLB will be livid here, it readily leaks small bits of herb back out of the bowl into the real world when shaken if the grind is fine enough.....and based on my brief tests, that's a must. For routine cleaning it should be better, but I suspect the ceramic will absorb 'wand hash' quickly at a low level and pick up smell and contamination that can't be cleaned well enough to pass close inspection/testing even with a fresh screen. If you're not careful with the pipe cleaner up the stem you can wreck the trench screen.
At the distance it looks something like the traditional brier 'pocket pipe' popular in Europe, but built upside down (the stem comes off the top of the bowl section, not the bottom). It looks enough like it to at least 'plant the idea' in a casual observers mind if you handle it like a tobacco pipe, but ironically lack of smoke will likely trip you up in that ruse. The best plan is probably to keep it hidden as completely as possible.
In the most important part, yes it does work. Although it's not really exactly like MFLB, different but similar skills will be needed. I could fairly easy get 'taste' and finally light wisps of vapor, even modest clouds allude me for now. Make no mistake, the THC is being extracted and delivered. Burning fine bits of herb seem to come with the first viable vapor. This is charring, not combustion. Shaking does not work as well as the box as some little bit sticks here and there and opening the lid to brush it loose eventually spreads debris around outside the bowl. This may well improve as the screen 'breaks in', and least one of my MFLBs did this at first. For now, work on technique is needed I think. And a finer grind. For now, AVB is nothing to brag about. BTW, the trench is a little smaller, about 25%, it holds about .1 gram even rather than 1/8 (.125) as I typically load in MFLB.
I'm thinking of shifting over to the PA from the MFLB to remove battery issues while I learn this guy better. One thing clear, thus far it doesn't show the 'tuned temperature' the box does, it's very easy to burn the load. At that level it's not so user friendly. Perhaps different technique will negate that, but for now it's a problem the way I'm using it.
If I had to sum it up in a few words, "shows promise" would be them I guess. I'll have a more complete opinion after more testing. Until then, I'm happy to have a lash at any (reasonable) questions?
Regards,
OF
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