Microdosing w/ the Screwball: What's the ideal solution?
First off, thanks to everyone who has contributed to this thread!
One of the reasons I love this community is because it generates discussion around an array of viewpoints. And if we believe our perception is our reality, then this allows us to fine tune the variables in our control to produce different experiences based on different situations
In other words, I think there are different 'use cases' or scenarios that the user is trying to achieve. This context allows us to adjust the variables in our vape ecosystem to reach our desired end result (herb roast).
Feedback Loops
One of the things I've learned from my background in software/business development is the importance of feedback loops.
The first ~7 months and 6 prototypes I went through this process myself. I kept receiving prototypes, testing, giving feedback and then we'd make the next prototype.
After I was happy with the results myself, I gathered feedback in person by going to events in Arizona.
User Demos
When I showed the prototype of the Screwball to one of the cannabis companies that sampled out flower at a local consumption lounge, they agreed to let me join them each week to sample out their flower with the Screwball.
Here's an old recap from one of the monthly events this past January:
What I Learned:
People have different preferences that impact the overall consumption experience
- Different inhale speeds, flower strains, herb amounts, etc
It's difficult to recreate the same experience based off of the users unique consumption methods
- I was able to fine tune the SB to get my ideal hit based off of my own preferences, but saw other users not get the same results using my personal settings.
The flower used makes a big difference (quality in = quality out)
- It seemed like if a strain wasn't cured properly, it caused a harsh effect on my lungs after inhaling.
No one knows what a ball vape is
- After sampling out hits to over 100 people, only 1 person said to me "is that a ball vape?? I saw those on reddit before"
Dose Preference: Is there a 'perfect' herb to bowl ratio for each dose size?
One of the reasons I designed the bigger bowl for the SB is because I wanted a flower dose similar to a .1g dab. I've since realized that my tolerance may be a little higher compared to other DHV users
This chart shows how a .4g bowl of flower is similar to a .1g of hash rosin with total THC content:
Less Is More
Not sure of your bowl design, would it fit an EQ basket in therer for micro loads? Experience has taught me that a thin layer of Herb spread out on a large screen is way less effective than the same laod in a smaller bowl.
After receiving feedback from early adopters and seeing different peoples use preferences, I've been slowly adapting to a 'less is more' approach with my consumption too.
'Ideal' Herb Dimensions?
I made this chart to help visualize various bowl sizes and herb dimensions:
Height Matters
Forgive me, are you saying you find it better to have a deeper thinner bowl? the Screwball has the half-bowl setting 0.15g. I am surprised you find a larger surface area less effective, I always found a thin spread worked best with my Freight Train Pro but maybe it was the bowl, I don't know. Curious as to your experience.
From my testing, the half-bowl setting can vape amounts from ~.05g to ~.25g
However, there needs at least ~.1g or so to fully cover the screen. Depending on the total amount you put, it will change your airflow and herb heat-up rate, and you will have to change your PID accordingly (less amounts require slightly hotter temps)
Convection Overcooking (Uneven Roasting)
IMO, the need to stir your bowl is from overcooking the herb via convection air (from the top down).
If you are overcooking the top layer of herb, then the air temp is too hot for the total height of herb, which leads to uneven roasting.
The wider diameter of the SB bowl was to allow you to use more herb and keep the layer thin enough to prevent convection overheating and the need to stir.
Not at all...
I prefer smaller loads, way less than 0,15g at lower temps than most people. When I spread out a thin layer I find there are still some green flecks of Herb that are untouched.
When the air is forced to go through a smaller area, I find it extracts much better.
The smaller load in an EQ basket far exceeded what a thin, spread out later would do for me.
Something you will need to try for yourself and see if you notice a difference!
It could also be the fact that injector vapes work a bit differently and their air flow a bit more intense and direct.
I agree this makes a difference!
IMO, it seems like theres an ideal height you want your herb to be (~3mm - ~10mm). This changes the heat-up rate of your herb, and I believe allows for a fuller range of cannabinoids and terpenes to be activated.
If we know there's an ideal height, we can adjust the herb bowl diameter so our desired dose fills the whole bowl.
Whether you use the full or half bowl setting, I’m thinking more than just a small layer covering the screen will be needed for it to work at full potential. I’m predicting I’ll use half bowl most of the time, getting 3-5 pulls depending on temp, rig, & grind. Shall be interesting
After having an option to use the half bowl setting, I've found myself using this method most often.
It's been interesting to see how changing small variables changes the overall experience
Yeah, so if I fill the bowl to halfway, it won't work very well? Should you always pack a full bowl like a Dynavap?
IMO, from my testing it seems like having the herb as close to the heater as possible makes a difference in performance.
Why? I'm not totally sure. One assumption is it might be due to laminar vs turbulent flow.
If we only pack the full size bowl halfway, then the airflow might change from turbulent to laminar?
IMO, this is why it's better to use the half-bowl setting with smaller amounts rather than just loading less into the bigger bowl.
To Tamp or Not To Tamp?
I quite often put a very thin layer , Like less than 1mm . Then I use the tamp to spread it out perfectly making sure there are no air gaps. This only takes a sec or 2, Not difficult . Then Blast it all in one hit , Full extraction no problem . If spread properly there are 0 green flex's. Quite a lot of the time I prefer this method to a larger bowl.
I've done some testing with this and it's interesting how even a slight change like tamping the herb changes the overall experience.
There's a noticeable difference trying a half-sized bowl with .1g herb or .2g slightly tamped/leveled. It will be fun to hear everyones feedback once the updated bowls are sent out
I will measure out one of my loads today and let you know the weight.
Would be interested to see how it does in a large bowl.
My load would cover maybe 1/3rd of the screen spread out, this is why I am asking how it performs with micro loads.
@lazylathe here's a video of my doing ~.05g on the half-bowl setting.
Although it's possible to use a small layer on top, I agree with you that increasing the herb height (by reducing the diameter) should provide a more 'well rounded' hit.
(It seems like the SB half-bowl setting requires at least ~.1g of ground herb to prevent being 'too thin')