Discontinued The RBT Milaana (unregulated single 18650)

[RelaxedNow]

Ah my old faithful back up who last saw some use before my Zion(s) returned. Both still excellent portables in my book, with pros and cons so here are just a few fair comparison points in my opinion:

- Elevape is smaller (I posted a pic of them together somewhere here), stealthier without the glass stem and an internal bowl.

- Elevape requires far more stirring though in my experience with its wider bowl and it is more prone to off center hotspots, Milaana extracts more evenly even without stirring (for some Elevape can too, packing variations etc, but Milaana is more consistent to me if that helps)

- Elevape vapor is cooler per hit thanks to the wide open aluminum vapor path, no other vape hits like this in my experience, but the Milaana can do surpisingly well keeping it pretty smooth somehow when controlled.

- I find Milaana a bit easier to control, they both have a few variables but as I said I think Milaana is more consistent whereas my Elevape has been different. This is very subjective though as both are manual convection vapes with learning curves

- Elevape is capable of heating quicker, but like i said technique wise maybe more combustion risky actually (but I have a beta Mi and one of the first 50 ESVs) and Milaana on a fresh battery is extremely fast and hot.

- battery life on Milaana is better, since its got the trigger it is not always on, 18650 vs 6 li-ions I think? Theyre close but I think Milaana could do more bowls but there are a lot of variables. Where Milaana really wins is the swappable batts imo, ofcourse Elevape is USB so if you dig power packs that's a solution too i suppose, I just prefer spare batteries myself.

- again the glass stem bowl on Milaana can be a pro and a con, great taste and easy cleaning, can prepack several, quick and easy loading/unloading, but glass can break and its another separate piece

- Elevape cleaning is a bit more tedious with the crown and removable screens (I had mine modded bottle cap style the last few rounds), more cleaning more often basically.

- aside from the glass Milaana is more durable being water proof and simple without electronics. Of course Elevape is durable aluminum and comes apart fully too.

- finally, the hits themselves, both are stellar pure convection vapes, but Milaana has more surface area to its heater and I guess that is really what makes a difference, because Elevape is strong, but just not quite in the same way I think, related to the extraction?

They are pretty different vapes though, why I don't plan on getting rid of either (and hope to have a Elevape Indica o2 some day as well)

All good points, @Shit Snacks, except that the ESV, if upgraded to the latest firmware, has no pass-through capability and doesn't operate while charging. Yes, it used to, but it was causing battery failures, so it was modified. Thus, a power pack would possibly charge it, but it couldn't be used while it is hooked up.

Aside from that one issue, I agree that the ESV is a good unit, though a bit difficult to master. According to Joe, the O2 will be much easier to use. Hopefully they'll be able to price it better than the original.

 

[YungLeaner]

All good points, @Shit Snacks, except that the ESV, if upgraded to the latest firmware, has no pass-through capability and doesn't operate while charging. Yes, it used to, but it was causing battery failures, so it was modified. Thus, a power pack would possibly charge it, but it couldn't be used while it is hooked up.

Aside from that one issue, I agree that the ESV is a good unit, though a bit difficult to master. According to Joe, the O2 will be much easier to use. Hopefully they'll be able to price it better than the original.

Would love to hear about the 02 in its thread or to be directed to where it has been discussed

 

[Shit Snacks]

All good points, @Shit Snacks, except that the ESV, if upgraded to the latest firmware, has no pass-through capability and doesn't operate while charging. Yes, it used to, but it was causing battery failures, so it was modified. Thus, a power pack would possibly charge it, but it couldn't be used while it is hooked up.

Aside from that one issue, I agree that the ESV is a good unit, though a bit difficult to master. According to Joe, the O2 will be much easier to use. Hopefully they'll be able to price it better than the original.

Ah yes, I just meant even to charge back up for 30min or so you know? Never did it myself. I also never upgraded, but didn't use it connected to charge though, never do that with my battery vapes only unless true pass through which most are not. Milaana can't be used charging either so equal in that respect perhaps

(Indeed for the retail price it would clearly be a no brainer, however even the o2 will be more of a Firefly competitor price, hopefully a 299 retail at least to undercut them--my esv was 260 from VaporNation btw-- and I always saw mine as such, I got it over the Firefly as a T1 successor and was very happy I did. I ofcourse then got a Firefly and enjoyed that as well, but still think Elevape was overall better once given the time and learning here, even if I babied mine in the later days obly out and about use, with the FF as more of the share with friends piece--my brother now has and loves my 4th replacement FF-- anyway both the ff2 and the o2 seem to be really a polishing of the first generation units, so I expect big things from both)
Also its in the Indica thread @YungLeaner, collaboration with Elevape (btw I know we still need to set something up some time)

Anyway those two are both priced up fancy tech, FFapple and O2microsoft, this will probably always be a good $100 cheaper no matter what. No electronics is a big factor here, handmade quality design and materials, 18650s too actually. From what I know about those two designs they have smaller heaters and rely on the electronics to compensate, the Milaana works more like an analog torch vape, with a massive heating element rising in temp on a speed dependent on the battery voltage level when you press the trigger
(in this way it has the digital FF and T1 similarities, so some sort of voltage amp watt limit thing --I dono the tech definition-- for temp, even if its not an electronic chip, plus batteries)

Otherwise you control the temp, the whole hit, completely with your breath and your finger on the trigger like its your torch. Ofcourse the biggest difference is the torch power is instant full power (dependent on the torch and butane though) so the main extra element there is moving the torch closer or further away. In Milaana that is sort of how you use the trigger/button depending on your battery level: hold it down longer on a weak battery, hold it down shorter on a full battery, and modulate or preheat as needed

So yeah somewhere between analog and digital, so ofcourse learning curve like all of these tend to so far, but the Milaana's curve feels pretty natural to me, it will be interesting to hear what other zion tech virgins like @Ed's TnT and @vapor_rae from @VaporWarehouse think of the Milaana learning curve... Anything about the performance too, they along with Krazy Pak and I have the betas (production models will run slightly hotter/faster as I mentioned, better fit and finish, among other very small things)

wow I like to do a lot of () huh?

 

[Bandoo]

I think I'm missing the question?

Also Zion National Park?! So breathtaking...

It will be a production model, but the first run is a pilot run basically, should see minimal revisions and quick turn around to upscaled production, unlike the more complex Zion.

Seems reasonable to expect a recent order to be fulfilled some time in May like the rest of the minimal pre orders, but don't be surprised if its later is all I can say when pre ordering any vape

Thanks for the answer.
Zion - as in the Real Zion in the Middle East..
I am in no hurry.

 

[Shit Snacks]

Thanks for the answer.
Zion - as in the Real Zion in the Middle East..
I am in no hurry.

Ah also breathtaking!

Edit four hours later:

Perhaps equally breathtaking depending on your perspective, finally took out my inline honeycomb bubbler and a GonG for that Milaana milk shot....

You'll have to pardon the filthy glass that apparently needs a strong cleaning, as well as the my shitty cellphone camera... It actually ruined the fresh battery bowl shots with an out of focus mess, but it came through alright for these I suppose (should compare to my initial Zion shots if I could ever track em down there) with a still pretty fresh battery:

So that was just the first hit, camera focus still rough like the first bowl and probably inhaled too quick, but see how that second shot right above^ kinda looks like a skull face? Well watch what happens to him below during the second hit with a steadier hand and more careful draw:

Oh and for you @Tommy10 I filled one of the bowls (these are basket style right up against the edge just barely leaving a slight glass rim, they're custom cut iso adapters) just a 1/4 full, just enough to cover the screen, should be .05g or less even frankly but I couldn't weigh it, anyway here are 3 shots from its first hit off the same LG battery as before:

I got a second hit that I didn't bother to try capturing and it milked well too, very satisfying with no hot spot risk, even holding the button longer, since the load was a little further away from the heater (another reason to get us joints and not just cut iso ones) this may be my new favorite way to do bubbler Milaana and Zion

I probably should have used less packed full bowls for the other shots seeing how well this one worked (I told you it'd been a while since I've done this!), but I am done sorry, you'll have to imagine how much better it can/should do with proper technique... So @mrbonsai420 I know not a bong, but is that sort of what you wanted? It could be milkier with better planning, but hopefully this satiates you for now until you can do it yourself... Maybe you're namesake will bring good news for Milaana soon too

 

[Tommy10]

!!!!! Awesome mate! Thank you heaps! Can't wait to put this bad boy in water!!

 

[Herbie Hancock]

Had to ask for a refund. Tired of waiting with no communication. Really was expecting to have this in my hands before next Wednesday.

 

[WakeAndVape]

Had to ask for a refund. Tired of waiting with no communication. Really was expecting to have this in my hands before next Wednesday.

I was almost to that point, but then I got the daisy. Man! VAS: temporarily quieted.

If this thing is like a battery powered daisy/lily...sold is an understatement.

 

[AJS]

It just seems so close to me, a refund just seems like I'm backtracking my life lol.
I feel like a mix of those Grasshopper people I keep hearing about and the birds from Finding Nemo "Shipping? Ship? Ship? Shipping? Confirmation E-Mail? Shipping?"
I love seeing the reactions from those guys when they get their E-Mail. Absolutely priceless, and I feel like we're getting closer to the same reaction (Although, less waiting for quite a few of us).

I'm really expecting an E-Mail within the next few weeks. Probably Late May at the latest. I never expected March to be accurate, thought April was a stretch, but I think May sounds reasonable.

Possible 4/20 shipments start? ... puts a nice piece of a wood in a lot of our pants.

 

[Bandoo]

It just seems so close to me, a refund just seems like I'm backtracking my life lol.
I feel like a mix of those Grasshopper people I keep hearing about and the birds from Finding Nemo "Shipping? Ship? Ship? Shipping? Confirmation E-Mail? Shipping?"
I love seeing the reactions from those guys when they get their E-Mail. Absolutely priceless, and I feel like we're getting closer to the same reaction (Although, less waiting for quite a few of us).

I'm really expecting an E-Mail within the next few weeks. Probably Late May at the latest. I never expected March to be accurate, thought April was a stretch, but I think May sounds reasonable.

Possible 4/20 shipments start? ... puts a nice piece of a wood in a lot of our pants.

You are right. Whats the point of canceling?
Is somebody else selling or making a Milaana?
The important thing is that they are perfect when they Do ship.
We don't want a GH or Crafty trip where after our fifth or eighth replacement we are left gushing about their wonderful 'customer service'..
The only customer service I'm interested in is that their product is perfected by the time it's sold retail, like the pax, so we are not their pissed off and unpaid quality control..
Beta testers excluded of course.

 

[WakeAndVape]

 

[Scrimshaw]

So this showed up yesterday...any tips? (with the Milaana, I'm pretty good with the other thing)

pre-ordered 8-24-15; I was NOT contacted prior to shipment

The package included a battery/case, a canvas bag, a long & short stem and 3 screens total—2 loose, one pre-installed in the short stem. NO INSTRUCTIONS OR NOTES. It took some effort to install the screen in the long stem, using the handle of a wooden spoon in my lap. There was some discoloration in the screen above the heater, I assume from testing.

The device fits nicely in hand, and the trigger feels good and well-positioned. The battery door is hefty, and swings freely when not tightened down, hitting the installed glass piece. I easily could see someone cracking their glass by carelessly flinging open the door. It's too bad the door doesn't clear the glass piece or have a stopper. Just don't leave the door screw loose I guess.

First impressions...not bad for a backup, I guess, but not sure if I will keep it at this point. Maybe I'll like the Zion more, or maybe I just need more practice with it. First use was tasty at first but tasted cooked pretty quick. Stirring made a mess, but felt necessary since the load got much toastier on top then below. Then, on my 2nd use—combustion! Since I had it inverted at the time, the device itself now smells like burning, so I need to get some ISO q-tip action happening...yawn...

Given the hype around this tech, I honestly don't see how this is any improvement over the FW2.1 that I wanted this to replace. I had really hoped this would offer greater ease-of-use with its stem system, but IMO the 18mm stem system sucks. You have to hold it upside down to keep it in there after you load it, and then it's so wide you have to stir it, which inevitably makes a mess.

To me, there's never been an easier system than the PD stems (or UD vinyl stems). You just suck up a lil herb, take your hit, and blow it out when it's spent. No need for stirring, brushing or anything. I had hoped the Milaana/Zion system would be comparable, but so far it's not even close. ***Why is making a portable PD so difficult?!?*** Maybe I'll get back my old FW2.1 that I gifted to a friend—I had it working great with UD stems!

Overrall, this thing desperately needs some temperature/power control and a much better stem system IMO.

 

[friedrich]

Funny you should say that
if this is what I think it is...

UPS Shipment Notification

4/19/2016 12:48 AM​

• From: New York
  
• Scheduled Delivery: Wednesday, 04/20/2016
• Reference Number(s): (removed by FC staff)

edit: beat by Scrimshaw!

 

[TeeJay1952]

@Scrimshaw Thank you for an extended well thought out review with your experiences. Please write again in a week. No offence but it sounded like new operator error. Device is cheap because no potentiometer. (up and down knob)I don't have one, I am waiting on Zion. However a "Hot" ""Instant" "Battery Powered" unit sounds pretty cool.

 

[AJS]

Well I sure hope he lets me change my shipping before he ships considering I'm moving in a week...

 

[Shit Snacks]

So this showed up yesterday...any tips? (with the Milaana, I'm pretty good with the other thing)

pre-ordered 8-24-15; I was NOT contacted prior to shipment

The package included a battery/case, a canvas bag, a long & short stem and 3 screens total—2 loose, one pre-installed in the short stem. NO INSTRUCTIONS OR NOTES. It took some effort to install the screen in the long stem, using the handle of a wooden spoon in my lap. There was some discoloration in the screen above the heater, I assume from testing.

The device fits nicely in hand, and the trigger feels good and well-positioned. The battery door is hefty, and swings freely when not tightened down, hitting the installed glass piece. I easily could see someone cracking their glass by carelessly flinging open the door. It's too bad the door doesn't clear the glass piece or have a stopper. Just don't leave the door screw loose I guess.

First impressions...not bad for a backup, I guess, but not sure if I will keep it at this point. Maybe I'll like the Zion more, or maybe I just need more practice with it. First use was tasty at first but tasted cooked pretty quick. Stirring made a mess, but felt necessary since the load got much toastier on top then below. Then, on my 2nd use—combustion! Since I had it inverted at the time, the device itself now smells like burning, so I need to get some ISO q-tip action happening...yawn...

Given the hype around this tech, I honestly don't see how this is any improvement over the FW2.1 that I wanted this to replace. I had really hoped this would offer greater ease-of-use with its stem system, but IMO the 18mm stem system sucks. You have to hold it upside down to keep it in there after you load it, and then it's so wide you have to stir it, which inevitably makes a mess.

To me, there's never been an easier system than the PD stems (or UD vinyl stems). You just suck up a lil herb, take your hit, and blow it out when it's spent. No need for stirring, brushing or anything. I had hoped the Milaana/Zion system would be comparable, but so far it's not even close. ***Why is making a portable PD so difficult?!?*** Maybe I'll get back my old FW2.1 that I gifted to a friend—I had it working great with UD stems!

Overrall, this thing desperately needs some temperature/power control and a much better stem system IMO.

Don't worry, it has a learning curve, you can't expect to be blown away instantly. Sounds like you held on the button too long, and there are endless ways to pack. I can absolutely use it like a log as you described, check out here and the Zion thread for various loading tips... You definitely can get away without stirring and get loads seated very securely (I presume your screens are standard adjust-a-bowl style, try basket style). With the long stem you can watch the vapor for visual feedback, and use your throat to guide, but holding the trigger longer than like 5 sec on a fresh battery can easily combust a dry semi-vaped load, need to learn technique with trigger and draw to control temp. Good luck!

And yes RBT had just told me this morning he sent out 8 last Friday, and another 16(!) today... No instructions printed up yet, no contact prior to shipment, just rolling em out asap apparently. Be patient and enjoy people, lot of great tips here and in the Zion thread (if you can sift through the crap )

Well I sure hope he lets me change my shipping before he ships considering I'm moving in a week...

You ordered later though right? Try contacting through the site form perhaps to let him know?

 

[Copacetic]

24 have been shipped!!!!!?
Hot-DAMN!

I wasn't expecting THAT.

 

[SteamfunQ]

24 have been shipped!!!!!?
Hot-DAMN!

I wasn't expecting THAT.

Mighty fine gif selection as always copacetic

 

[AJS]

You ordered later though right? Try contacting through the site form perhaps to let him know?

Lol thanks, I'll send him an E-Mail and see how it goes...
If anything goes wrong and it happens to ship, I'll hopefully get ups to redirect it. As long as I get a shipping E-Mail, I should be able to redirect.

24 have been shipped!!!!!?
Hot-DAMN!

I wasn't expecting THAT.

Same!!

At first I thought this was Photoshopped lmao
Goodluck getting used to it, glad you can play that piano though! Huge props if you can hit your Milaana and play the piano at the same time.

 

[srama21]

Is there a time where pre-orders became backlog? or is everything sold up until this point still pre-order?

 

[Shit Snacks]

Is there a time where pre-orders became backlog? or is everything sold up until this point still pre-order?

I believe still pre order? Hard to say without final numbers, still think first build is only 40 but the second build should be immediately behind it seems like, so I guess later pre orders are part of a different group is all. Just guessing since its all subjective categorization, but seems price increase is imminent now that they're shipping, so interested parties be advised

Edit: just heard 20 more will go out tomorrow so fuck that 40 number lol theyre churnin out now, so the gettin is gonna be goooood, pre orders should be caught up to soon unless more start rolling in ala VapCap. Nice to finally get some quality company in here, no offense to all you anticipators of course

 

[ragnorokk]

Oh man, this is exciting!

 

[Scrimshaw]

This is clearly not the vape for me. Before you cry user error, I WAS able to extract consistently, but the experience just leaves a lot to be desired IMO.

Based on my experience with the Milaana, I am canceling my Zion pre-order. The way this felt rushed out with no instructions or shipping contact does not make me want to support the company either.

I'm very disappointed—it's the first time I felt like FC has led me astray.

 

[YungLeaner]

This is clearly not the vape for me. Before you cry user error, I WAS able to extract consistently, but the experience just leaves a lot to be desired IMO.

Based on my experience with the Milaana, I am canceling my Zion pre-order. The way this felt rushed out with no instructions or shipping contact does not make me want to support the company either.

I'm very disappointed—it's the first time I felt like FC has led me astray.

User error aside, some vapes are not right for specific people while other people love them. I would love it if you could explain a little more about what you didn't like in the vaporizer. If you'd rather take that to PM to avoid getting in arguments I understand, and I'm also quite interested in taking the Milaana off your hands. Thanks

 

[ragnorokk]

Whaaaaaat?! I just found THIS on my doorstep! Can't wait to give it a whirl!