Discontinued The Persei Vaporizer for herbs and concentrates.
- Thread starter THC SCIENTIFIC
- Start date
SamuraiSam
Extraction Technician
On the subject of battery life.
I loaded a gram of wax in my Herc SR-74X with 2 oil coils and had one extra set of batteries - 2 full sets - I went off to Bumbershoot and hung out all day long, passed the PerseHercNib thing (Yeah i'm a sicko and bring water filtration to concerts in my pocket) to a few friends and eventually all sorts of curious concertgoers- hey now that it's legal people aren't afraid to ask and I'm not afraid to share
That one gram got me and many friends medicated nearly all day and probably a dozen strangers too
Two sets of AW 18350's lasted over 60 hits- we were mostly taking sub 10 second button hold rips, particularly for the newbies- but I took a few big ones in there, too...
I loaded a gram of wax in my Herc SR-74X with 2 oil coils and had one extra set of batteries - 2 full sets - I went off to Bumbershoot and hung out all day long, passed the PerseHercNib thing (Yeah i'm a sicko and bring water filtration to concerts in my pocket) to a few friends and eventually all sorts of curious concertgoers- hey now that it's legal people aren't afraid to ask and I'm not afraid to share
That one gram got me and many friends medicated nearly all day and probably a dozen strangers too
Two sets of AW 18350's lasted over 60 hits- we were mostly taking sub 10 second button hold rips, particularly for the newbies- but I took a few big ones in there, too...
elmoe420
Well-Known Member
This is really interesting to me. I absolutely love my Persei+Herc+Nibb combo. However the one big drawback I've always felt was portability. My Persei setup is unfortunately relegated to cordless home vape status. I'm really shocked to hear you felt comfortable rocking around Bumbershoot with it. And I don't mean from a legal perspective. SPD hasn't bothered us for years anyway the worst I've ever gotten was some flower confiscated and a stern lecture about smoking openly on the street hah. But how did you manage not to break the damn thing?
SamuraiSam
Extraction Technician
Even fully assembled and filled with water, it's plenty durable. The Nibblers are not a dainty fragile thin piece of glass. It is borosilicate glass and it's thick. If it got crushed or dropped onto hard ground then it'd break. The Persei itself and the Hercules carts are really durable units.
I fill the water to the bottom of the UP logo, and leave it filled... i don't use a case or lanyard... I just put it in my front pocket with nothing else - no change or phone or keys- and carry on.... since im storing it upright while walking around I cool it down thoroughly before pocketing. The mouthpiece usually pokes out and gives me an easy check to make sure it's upright and not leaking water into the herc.
The end of the night was hip hop.. vaped while RA Scion performed (half of Common Market) then went and saw the Wu-Tang Clan. Second set of batteries died before they came on, I poured the water out of the nibbler and put it in a pocket, unscrewed the Herc from the persei and put those in seperate pockets, and joined the fray! Everything held up fine.
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vapor 4 life
Well-Known Member
W9 's costumer support is top notch. It's pretty amazing that you can call and actually talk to someone for support or post here day or night and Gary is responding within hours. One of he best companies I have dealt with. The Herc and Persei have changed the way I vape. Thanks Gary !
Mr Mellish
Well-Known Member
Agreed. A little hiccup with my unit led me to enter a support ticket. Within a few hours, I was working with Gary. He was very helpful and is clearly a standup guy. These guys are legit.
Thanks guys thanks for the support.
1701's are done waiting for shipment next week along with the rebuild kits.
1701's are done waiting for shipment next week along with the rebuild kits.
StormyPinkness
Rhymenocerous ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ
I have the core + herc + hammer top, can I get a Persei ss bottom cap and 2 18350-AW-IMR3.7v's and run the herc portably? If that doesn't work can I get the persei ss kit and 2 18350-AW-IMR3.7v's? I was ok with the herc just being my home unit when I ordered it, now I want us to travel together.
The ss kit is only capable of doing a single 18650 battery or single 18350.
c76man
In search of the best terps and smoothest vapor
Ok, I think I must have messed something up. I had a new Hercules 74 that seemed to be working properly. I got it primed and filled. I got a few hits out of it, was working on technique when their was a puff of either vapor or smoke, and then my blue ring light just stayed stuck on. I tried different batteries and same thing. Did I fry my Persei top somehow?
kindbeats
Terps Up, Temps Down
Yessir. It must have been an older top as they weren't originally designed for use with a beast like the Hercules. Hence, if everything isn't assembled absolutely perfectly, the original tops will fry. If you have a warranty, UP Tech should send you the latest top.
can we pre-order the kits n 1701z from next week -- I'm bout to drop in my order ??
also will anything in the future have variable voltage -- such as future persei ? rot basically waiting on Iris ?
thx …. i live with the core because of VV
peece
lookin 4ward to hammer rod
also …. any recommendations for a water product 2 use with herc ! ?? n best 4 kiss .. thx
also will anything in the future have variable voltage -- such as future persei ? rot basically waiting on Iris ?
thx …. i live with the core because of VV
peece
lookin 4ward to hammer rod
also …. any recommendations for a water product 2 use with herc ! ?? n best 4 kiss .. thx
I do apologize the Persei and the Hercules are simply not as reliable as I want them to be, that's why we have spent a fortune in the Gen4 tops that will fix all issues. Comes out mid next month or end of next month.
@invisiblefriend 1701's will be available for order once I get them in.
We are waiting for the final iris top to confirm all functions and production starts.
i guess I have been soo lucky with my sr74
I think these babies r soo reliable ---- but luv 2 hear getting better
thx @THC SCIENTIFIC ill just put 2 separate orders in thx
I think these babies r soo reliable ---- but luv 2 hear getting better
thx @THC SCIENTIFIC ill just put 2 separate orders in
thx
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Vape Dr.
Well-Known Member
I have been steadily enjoying my SR74x with the core and hammer top for the past several Weeks. I've had no issues at all, just pure enjoyment!
I can't wait to get an SR71 and a nibbler XL! The core is a must have with the hercules.
It really takes it to another level.
I can't wait to get an SR71 and a nibbler XL! The core is a must have with the hercules.
It really takes it to another level.
StormyPinkness
Rhymenocerous ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ
Oh right, sorry, should have read the description on the product page. So could I run the herc portably with 2 18350-AW-IMR3.7v's, the core's persei insert, and the persei ss bottom cap?
That's the description because of legal concerns, what you do with the ss tube is up to you.
sooo
nibbler xl for the sr-74x ????
thx my friends ?
nibbler xl for the sr-74x ????
thx my friends ?
darkrom
Great Scott!
So how do I load up my herc when the oil coil shows up? I took it partially apart, removed the ceramic rod "broke it" by not leaving it sticking out far enough to make contact. Figured that out and fixed it and its firing again. I don't really want to take it more apart than that right now. Did an empty burn for about 2 min.
I know I'm supposed to load 0.4g or something like that initially. Is that what you guys mean when you say prime it?
Just really looking for info on how to load it correctly before I waste more oil. The EO cart I've apparently ruined, but I had no idea we had to oxidize it (whatever that means for an oil cart, still don't really know). I need decent first time use herc instructions. If I can't find good results with the herc, then I give up with W9 stuff lol. I need to get this one right.
And G saying the herc isn't that reliable with the persei top is literally the worst thing I could hear after having spent a small fortune getting setup with all this tons of gear. And a fix is right around the corner... thats the feeling I've been dreading. Theres always something else to buy to "finish" it is what I don't want. I want to buy an oil vape, use it and enjoy it. I thought the herc was the finished product, if I had heard it wasn't as reliable as you'd like I probably wouldn't have even bought a persei in the first place :/ I don't want to always keep throwing money at the thing to upgrade it to get it working how it is supposed to in the first place.
So far I bought a persei kit, a new battery charger to replace the DOA one, a SR74, and a minicron lite. So far all I've been able to use is the minicron lite. I'm hoping once the oil coil shows up this was all worth it for me. As cool and well made as this stuff is, its kind of daunting for the regular oil guy who just wants to load his vape and enjoy it. I feel like the people who really love this are the ones who build their own coils and RDAs and stuff like that, but IMHO there needs to be a simpler way to get guys like me who just want it to work started in the W9 world.
If I get the results I expect then it was worth it, but its kind of a lot of "work" compared to the thermovape. Yes you can clean it rebuild it and replace stuff which IS incredibly valuable compared to sending it back, but its also a lot more complicated to the end user. Just some honest feedback. If I love the herc then all will be great though, so I'm not trying to be super negative, just telling it how I feel it. I'm sure if the herc meets my expectations I'll eventually learn to completely rebuild the thing, but I kind of feel put off by just how much more complicated it HAS to be than the alternatives. I still feel like the EO carts on the persei would be the best if they tasted better due to the simplicity of it all. How can I try oxidizing my remaining cart? Can I load like 0.2g into the remaining cart after prepping it however you say? I don't want to waste more but I want to give the EO carts another shot without spending any more money on this setup.
I know I'm supposed to load 0.4g or something like that initially. Is that what you guys mean when you say prime it?
Just really looking for info on how to load it correctly before I waste more oil. The EO cart I've apparently ruined, but I had no idea we had to oxidize it (whatever that means for an oil cart, still don't really know). I need decent first time use herc instructions. If I can't find good results with the herc, then I give up with W9 stuff lol. I need to get this one right.
And G saying the herc isn't that reliable with the persei top is literally the worst thing I could hear after having spent a small fortune getting setup with all this tons of gear. And a fix is right around the corner... thats the feeling I've been dreading. Theres always something else to buy to "finish" it is what I don't want. I want to buy an oil vape, use it and enjoy it. I thought the herc was the finished product, if I had heard it wasn't as reliable as you'd like I probably wouldn't have even bought a persei in the first place :/ I don't want to always keep throwing money at the thing to upgrade it to get it working how it is supposed to in the first place.
So far I bought a persei kit, a new battery charger to replace the DOA one, a SR74, and a minicron lite. So far all I've been able to use is the minicron lite. I'm hoping once the oil coil shows up this was all worth it for me. As cool and well made as this stuff is, its kind of daunting for the regular oil guy who just wants to load his vape and enjoy it. I feel like the people who really love this are the ones who build their own coils and RDAs and stuff like that, but IMHO there needs to be a simpler way to get guys like me who just want it to work started in the W9 world.
If I get the results I expect then it was worth it, but its kind of a lot of "work" compared to the thermovape. Yes you can clean it rebuild it and replace stuff which IS incredibly valuable compared to sending it back, but its also a lot more complicated to the end user. Just some honest feedback. If I love the herc then all will be great though, so I'm not trying to be super negative, just telling it how I feel it. I'm sure if the herc meets my expectations I'll eventually learn to completely rebuild the thing, but I kind of feel put off by just how much more complicated it HAS to be than the alternatives. I still feel like the EO carts on the persei would be the best if they tasted better due to the simplicity of it all. How can I try oxidizing my remaining cart? Can I load like 0.2g into the remaining cart after prepping it however you say? I don't want to waste more but I want to give the EO carts another shot without spending any more money on this setup.
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I am new to shatter/vaping. I am running a persei with the Hercules 74 and Nibler XL. I don't think I am using it correctly. I end up with a lot of shatter in the bottom chamber and also up at the top screen. Anyone know what I'm doing wrong? Can anyone recommend a video or instructions that show me exactly how to load and use this combination? Thank you.
PPN
Volute of Vapor
I'm new with this setup too and I haven't got any issues like you, I only follow the instructions provided on W9 website...
I received my Core some days and it's really nice to be able to vape at full power for every hit!
I use my hercules inverted with a WT but I'm afarid oil leaks so every 2 hits I use it dry to be sure oil is coming back to sit in the coil, is it necessary or not?
I received my Core some days and it's really nice to be able to vape at full power for every hit!
I use my hercules inverted with a WT but I'm afarid oil leaks so every 2 hits I use it dry to be sure oil is coming back to sit in the coil, is it necessary or not?
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@darkrom (i really think that thcscientific kinda worded his answer weird ) -- thcscientific didn't mean it as it sounded ----- what incredible products he has developed ! --
I know u r frustrated n others have been … such a small percentage though ! --- I know W9 of course will want to sell the new top and new future items and a "better" herc ? thats the biz roll n probably biz model ??
the persei and herc is a long term -- item that u can use for years !
I just certainly don't think he meant it so hardcore like that -- the bottom line is the Persei and both Hercz -- especially the 74x -- they r the last piece ever needed ? its apples and orange to heated coils and other methods .. non - stop reliable vaping every time --- best taste through n through -- nothing could come close --
and I don't even feel it is such a learning curve -- just realizing its not like a coil vape ---
the combo is such a perfect match for 98% of the ones who purchase (maybe not the perfect
on - the - go -- but better than any portable or stationary vape due to taste -- maintenance -- cleaning n so much more ---
I think everyone has an Ah ha moment …
for you or @starchild or anyone having an issue --- its just finding "how" it works --
(I Will no doubt BE MAKING A DETAILED VIDEO 4 ALL my friends ) -- ill keep everyone posted ….
MY AH HA MOMENT
when I got the Hammer and could leave it ON for a LONG TIME
If you have it loaded n primed ---- and u look inside n can see it heat up ( both easy steps ) the coil better be staying on the bottom (make sure -- push tight so it won't move up n down)
then let it rip --- let it heat up -4 a long time ! - ( if you have it working well with small button presses -- stay with your method ! BUT if you r having any issues at all ---- )
LET IT HEAT UP NON STOP ---
LET THAT BUTTON GO FOR A MINUTE -- MORE ! if you have the 1 coil at the bottom and the heat ceramic rod is sticking up a drop above ---- and since its full you now have a lil pool ontop of the titanium (even though I use such small amounts at once ) 4 this test ---- make sure snuff in it -- as recommended in manual ---
let it heat up -- up up ----- when u start don't worry about the reclaim yet -(fix that later with technique)--- get it working 1st --
when u have the rod getting real hot n oil in --- start pulling through n token like a cigar ----
AT THAT point it will be hot hot hot but at this point as u suck in serious vapor is coming through
you now have a working 100 percent herc !
NOW you learn your favorite way to use it ----------- but u confirmed it works well
I hope this helps ------ feel free to pm --
ill post video soon --
ps
must also add (THE CORE) TO ME -- IMO --- IS A GAME CHANGER IF U ENJOY CONSISTENT HERC USE
I know u r frustrated n others have been … such a small percentage though ! --- I know W9 of course will want to sell the new top and new future items and a "better" herc ? thats the biz roll n probably biz model ??
the persei and herc is a long term -- item that u can use for years !
I just certainly don't think he meant it so hardcore like that -- the bottom line is the Persei and both Hercz -- especially the 74x -- they r the last piece ever needed ? its apples and orange to heated coils and other methods .. non - stop reliable vaping every time --- best taste through n through -- nothing could come close --
and I don't even feel it is such a learning curve -- just realizing its not like a coil vape ---
the combo is such a perfect match for 98% of the ones who purchase (maybe not the perfect
on - the - go -- but better than any portable or stationary vape due to taste -- maintenance -- cleaning n so much more ---
I think everyone has an Ah ha moment …
for you or @starchild or anyone having an issue --- its just finding "how" it works --
(I Will no doubt BE MAKING A DETAILED VIDEO 4 ALL my friends ) -- ill keep everyone posted ….
MY AH HA MOMENT
when I got the Hammer and could leave it ON for a LONG TIME
If you have it loaded n primed ---- and u look inside n can see it heat up ( both easy steps ) the coil better be staying on the bottom (make sure -- push tight so it won't move up n down)
then let it rip --- let it heat up -4 a long time ! - ( if you have it working well with small button presses -- stay with your method ! BUT if you r having any issues at all ---- )
LET IT HEAT UP NON STOP ---
LET THAT BUTTON GO FOR A MINUTE -- MORE ! if you have the 1 coil at the bottom and the heat ceramic rod is sticking up a drop above ---- and since its full you now have a lil pool ontop of the titanium (even though I use such small amounts at once ) 4 this test ---- make sure snuff in it -- as recommended in manual ---
let it heat up -- up up ----- when u start don't worry about the reclaim yet -(fix that later with technique)--- get it working 1st --
when u have the rod getting real hot n oil in --- start pulling through n token like a cigar ----
AT THAT point it will be hot hot hot but at this point as u suck in serious vapor is coming through
you now have a working 100 percent herc !
NOW you learn your favorite way to use it ----------- but u confirmed it works well
I hope this helps ------ feel free to pm --
ill post video soon --
ps
must also add (THE CORE) TO ME -- IMO --- IS A GAME CHANGER IF U ENJOY CONSISTENT HERC USE
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kindbeats
Terps Up, Temps Down
@darkrom Don't take @THC SCIENTIFIC too literally when he says that the Persei/Herc combo isn't as reliable as he would like, because G is never truly content with what he comes up with. It's the sign of a true innovator. Although it may seem like there's always something else that has to be added to the equation, most are simply upgrade options/improvements that have been made to products after hearing feedback from customers.
I look at it like this. When the Cera came out, TET fans were claiming that it was the best vape on the market, but that it still had room for improvement. People complained about the button placement and a ton of switch problems. So, what steps were taken to improve the design once the people voiced their opinion? Almost none. Instead, they introduced the Luna, an entirely new unit that customers had to pay for in full (and it still had switch problems). With UP Tech, everything is modular, so you don't have to purchase a new unit every time a product comes out, and they take the customer's feedback seriously and act upon it.
I know the UP Tech lineup can be intimidating a lot of the time and that there is a bigger learning curve than with many other companies' products, but they are worth it and there are some awesome people here to help others out.
Fredster951
Well-Known Member
SamuraiSam
Extraction Technician
@darkrom This is the price you pay for buying the old kit. The V1 persei top that comes with the old EO carts has no short protection as the Herc hadn't been designed/released yet when it was developed. The V2 tops and later were designed to detect a short in the Herc and flash instead of applying power. The V3 was designed with customer feedback to have an on/off function and a protruding button, IIRC this one has some issues with false detecting shorts, some issues with the center pin - long term durability. When G says not as reliable as he'd like, I think the reference there is in how they hold up after 6 months or a year of heavy use. NOT in a fragile product that fails easily. Gary has a different definition of acceptable, "perfect", or "reliable" then a lot of people, and it's why I own so much UP tech gear. G and the UP Tech crew have been hard at work on a V4 top for some time that will incorporate a much more reliable touch button, less moving parts = less breakage, and also even more featured with Hammer functionality built in.
I can understand your concern, but as far as your worry, I think it is misplaced. UP Tech has a stellar warranty program, and if/when your current products break and you send them in for warranty, you are always upgraded to the latest & greatest. If you are inside the warranty period those upgrades are FREE and if you are outside the warranty period or even intentionally damage your vape, it is less than 1/2 the cost of a new Persei to get your new Persei.
As far as oxidizing your remaining 5Ω cart. Put it on a device in 3.7v mode. Look down the tube and hold the button for a very few seconds at a time. You are hoping to see a faint glow off the coil in the very bottom of the cart. You don't need to want to get the coil glowing red-hot: The coil is designed to be submerged in oil and that keeps it cool and lasting a long time. After a few cycles of this you are ready to load your oil. This test confirms that the cart is working, step 1 before you put expensive oil into a disposable cart is checking operation. Step 2 is do a few cycles holding the button down for about 3 seconds and then off for say 10 seconds for the coil to cool down. This part is called pre-oxidizing. After this you are ready for step 3, loading
UP provides good cart fill instructions: http://www.w9tech.com/content/instructionmanual/extract_cartridge_fill_instructions.pdf
Insert the fill tool funnel into the top of the cart. Line up the 'bars' and press hard. Then take a torch (or these days I prefer a heat gun to use the bare minimum heat for maximum flavor) - pre-heat the cartridge about halfway down, and heat the funnel. This is with a very low heat and only to transfer a bit of heat into the cart so that when you load your oil, it turns liquid and runs all the way to the bottom quickly, without cooling. When you have your cart+funnel warmed up, but not hot to the touch, then drop your oil/wax/whatever into the funnel and continue using low heat to melt it in per w9's instructions. Getting the oil melted all the way to the bottom of the cart is critical for good flavor and getting the max life out of your cart. Holding the cart at a slight angle while filling will let it 'burp' while loading.
In my personal experience having loaded dozens of EO carts and if memory serves... the really old 2.4 and 1.5 ohm carts even when preoxidized had a slight metallic taste for a dozen or so hits; and that faded pretty quickly into hundreds of good tasting hits with the correct slow draw. The old 5Ω carts I never had good luck with getting to taste anywhere close to decent. The 2nd 5Ω cart I used out of my 2nd V1 persei kit (I've bought 3 V1 kits total) I preoxidized and tried using on 3.7V for 20 or so hits (just to make sure all the oil was melted in and no air pockets, etc- verrrrry long button press and sloooowww draws) and it tasted OK then when I put 7.4V to it, even with 1/2 second taps it didn't taste very good to me. Later on I purchased a newer style 5Ω cart and with the new style if I can see the coil glow, it's ready to load. The new ones taste good, but still, are harder to use by nature than the 3.7... I discovered I myself prefer the 3.7V carts and being able to hold the button for longer amts. of time instead of tapping & always being scared of burning the oil... it is my own personal preference.
With the SR-74 at 7.4v though you don't have to worry really about burning the oil or about doing something wrong and ruining the flavor, or melting the oil in with a torch or anything.
To load the Herc you assemble the unit per the instructions on w9tech.com or Gary's videos on youtube. You check that the rod gets hot, squish your ti coil and insert that, load about .3 into the chamber - make sure it gets to the bottom, use a tool or dabber to push it down if not- then use short 1-2 second pushes to introduce a little heat to the oil and get it to melt in to the coil. Then I add another say .3ish on top (it's been so long since I've actually weighed herc loads out), give it another couple taps... I have the mouthpiece inserted on the top cap so once it starts melting in I pop that on and start to give her a long, gentle draw with a few more button taps at the beginning- My idea here is to prevent any oil from leaking into the bottom chamber with a cool down draw, then I put the black PTFE shields on the Herc and it's good to go.
If you have crumble or honeycomb, that's the 'toughest' to load. I think it's because of the air pockets, maybe? I find a heat gun works wonders to get those fully-stable concentrates to start melting enough to get the air pockets out, and the oil in contact with the Ti & ceramic, at which point the heat from the herc can do its thing.
*One last thing. I would highly recommend you try out KISS carts on your Persei. There's a reason the Persei currently comes with a 7.4V kiss cart. It's an easy to use, super powerful little coil that tastes good and makes some thick vapor!
I can understand your concern, but as far as your worry, I think it is misplaced. UP Tech has a stellar warranty program, and if/when your current products break and you send them in for warranty, you are always upgraded to the latest & greatest. If you are inside the warranty period those upgrades are FREE and if you are outside the warranty period or even intentionally damage your vape, it is less than 1/2 the cost of a new Persei to get your new Persei.
As far as oxidizing your remaining 5Ω cart. Put it on a device in 3.7v mode. Look down the tube and hold the button for a very few seconds at a time. You are hoping to see a faint glow off the coil in the very bottom of the cart. You don't need to want to get the coil glowing red-hot: The coil is designed to be submerged in oil and that keeps it cool and lasting a long time. After a few cycles of this you are ready to load your oil. This test confirms that the cart is working, step 1 before you put expensive oil into a disposable cart is checking operation. Step 2 is do a few cycles holding the button down for about 3 seconds and then off for say 10 seconds for the coil to cool down. This part is called pre-oxidizing. After this you are ready for step 3, loading
UP provides good cart fill instructions: http://www.w9tech.com/content/instructionmanual/extract_cartridge_fill_instructions.pdf
Insert the fill tool funnel into the top of the cart. Line up the 'bars' and press hard. Then take a torch (or these days I prefer a heat gun to use the bare minimum heat for maximum flavor) - pre-heat the cartridge about halfway down, and heat the funnel. This is with a very low heat and only to transfer a bit of heat into the cart so that when you load your oil, it turns liquid and runs all the way to the bottom quickly, without cooling. When you have your cart+funnel warmed up, but not hot to the touch, then drop your oil/wax/whatever into the funnel and continue using low heat to melt it in per w9's instructions. Getting the oil melted all the way to the bottom of the cart is critical for good flavor and getting the max life out of your cart. Holding the cart at a slight angle while filling will let it 'burp' while loading.
In my personal experience having loaded dozens of EO carts and if memory serves... the really old 2.4 and 1.5 ohm carts even when preoxidized had a slight metallic taste for a dozen or so hits; and that faded pretty quickly into hundreds of good tasting hits with the correct slow draw. The old 5Ω carts I never had good luck with getting to taste anywhere close to decent. The 2nd 5Ω cart I used out of my 2nd V1 persei kit (I've bought 3 V1 kits total) I preoxidized and tried using on 3.7V for 20 or so hits (just to make sure all the oil was melted in and no air pockets, etc- verrrrry long button press and sloooowww draws) and it tasted OK then when I put 7.4V to it, even with 1/2 second taps it didn't taste very good to me. Later on I purchased a newer style 5Ω cart and with the new style if I can see the coil glow, it's ready to load. The new ones taste good, but still, are harder to use by nature than the 3.7... I discovered I myself prefer the 3.7V carts and being able to hold the button for longer amts. of time instead of tapping & always being scared of burning the oil... it is my own personal preference.
With the SR-74 at 7.4v though you don't have to worry really about burning the oil or about doing something wrong and ruining the flavor, or melting the oil in with a torch or anything.
To load the Herc you assemble the unit per the instructions on w9tech.com or Gary's videos on youtube. You check that the rod gets hot, squish your ti coil and insert that, load about .3 into the chamber - make sure it gets to the bottom, use a tool or dabber to push it down if not- then use short 1-2 second pushes to introduce a little heat to the oil and get it to melt in to the coil. Then I add another say .3ish on top (it's been so long since I've actually weighed herc loads out), give it another couple taps... I have the mouthpiece inserted on the top cap so once it starts melting in I pop that on and start to give her a long, gentle draw with a few more button taps at the beginning- My idea here is to prevent any oil from leaking into the bottom chamber with a cool down draw, then I put the black PTFE shields on the Herc and it's good to go.
If you have crumble or honeycomb, that's the 'toughest' to load. I think it's because of the air pockets, maybe? I find a heat gun works wonders to get those fully-stable concentrates to start melting enough to get the air pockets out, and the oil in contact with the Ti & ceramic, at which point the heat from the herc can do its thing.
*One last thing. I would highly recommend you try out KISS carts on your Persei. There's a reason the Persei currently comes with a 7.4V kiss cart. It's an easy to use, super powerful little coil that tastes good and makes some thick vapor!
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