Indeed it is. I just got my set up delivered yesterday (Persei v2 + SS w/ 2x 18650 2200s + Herc SR-74 + Nibbler XL).
I have a few questions for the experts out there:
- What exactly are the differences between the SR-71 and SR-74? Currently all online video documentation is for the SR-71 only so I'm trying to do some translating in learning how to properly fill and operate the Herc. Here are the differences I have noticed:
- SR-74 has a metal coil/sponge that is why shorter than the SR-71 with no hook on the top. Why shorter? Why no hook?
- SR-74 has this like metal cap that screws into the top of the upper chamber. The top of this metal cap is open and fits snug inside the mouthpiece (either standard or Nibbler). What purpose does this metal cap serve?
- Filling is still a bit of black magic to me. I see that I insert the metal coil/sponge into the upper chamber and then saturate it with oil. How do I know how much to use? I'm assuming this depends on the concentrate being used so just trial and error? What really confused me is that the manual states to use a minimum of 0.5g and max of 1.0g but of course the manual is also for the SR-71 which used a much larger coil/sponge. For reference I am primarily using BHO and CO2.
- What is the advantage of using the Bender for vaping flowers with the Persei over just filling the upper chamber of the Herc with flowers?
- I'd like to use my Persei as a hammer for standard dabbing. However, the W9Tech website says that the hammer top no longer ships with the ceramic heating rod. The Bender does says that it includes the hammer ceramic heating rod but no hammer top? Am I correct in assuming the only current way to get a fully functional hammer is to buy both the hammer top and the Bender?
- How often will I need to replace the new SR-74 coils/sponges? It seems like you could just boil them and reuse them forever?
- Will the ceramic heating rods in the Herc eventually break? Should I order a white rod to have as a back up while they are still in stock?
- My Nibbler XL did not come with the 2 o-rings that you put on the bottom/base of the Herc. I ordered some off that oring website thanks to a helpful forum member on this site. Was this just a mistake and they weren't included or are they no longer encouraged for us? The Nibbler mouthpiece for the Herc does have the o-ring on it.
- The first dry run I did of the Herc there was some smoke that came out of it. I did not disassemble and boil the Herc parts before the first dry run (I know I know but I was impatient). There is no more smoke on subsequent dry runs. Was this just some manufacturing residue?
Wow that turned out to be quite the list of questions and it is only day 2! Thanks in advance for all of the help. I'm really excited that I have entered the world of the Persei!
Ok lets start.
1. The main differences in the SR71 and SR74 are the gold plated AAF, the center post now being more user friendly, meaning it wont come out when you take the top section off, center post having a spring loaded pin to help with contact, bottom adapter being self adjusting because it has a spring loaded contacts.
1b. We cut the coils down so people do not need to cut anymore. The Coils are made from Ti
Grade 2. We took the hook off because people really are not using it.
1c. The top Stainless Cap is to make sure that the proper seal is made for the air flow to travel through the Hercules
2. Start with .4 and add more, make sure to properly cool it down and adjust the air flow as needed.
3. The Bender is loose leaf specific as for the Hercules its made for oils with herb capability as a side effect. The Hercules is ok with herbs the Bender is much better.
4. We are working on bringing out the new Hammer that is why it is not available as of right now and only for the Benders as our stock is running low.
5. The coils can be boiled clean or torched clean. It is Titanium grade 2 so you dont have to worry about it.
6. The Ceramic heating rod is warrantied for 1 year against manufacture defects. It does not hurt to have a second handy because this makes sure you dont have any down time.
7. The Nibbler XL should have come with two orings for the bottom adapter, please submit a ticket and we will get it resolved asap.
8. The first run always needs to be dry as to burn off any residue and breaks the heater in. Some smoke will come off of it but after a 10-20 seconds it stops. This is called the initial burn in period.