The Summit by Vapium (Formerly MARK 1)

[Vape Dr.]

Sorry to hear about those of you that received defective units, I can tell you they have good customer service and a live person to talk to if you call 844-go-vapium.

I have a unit that works great!
I have been putting it through its paces and I am impressed.
I have to say the summit is not only a decent vape for $150 but it's an all around decent vape.
The flavor is almost comparable to the indica being a conduction vape.
The summit does have a nice draw with the chamber at the back.
Impressive flavor and vapor.
Great battery life.
Super easy to use and maintain.
I would say they have a winner but seeing as some of you received defective units there is still some bugs to work out.

I do really like this vape however there are a few things I would like to see different. I called vapium and they agree as well and were very eager to hear my suggestions. All suggestions that will keep the summit at the $150 and under mark.

1- a stainless steel chamber lid top, much like the haze adopted.
2- a "party mode" so it will stay on longer than 90 seconds.
3- a vibration when the chamber shuts down.
4- the chamber lid to slide forward in grooves then magnetically fasten .
5- a little sliding USB door cover. the plug is too easy to loose.
6- silicone seals around the buttons giving it more water resistance.
7- WPA mouthpieces

The summit is a very new vape and I've had great times with it. I used and abused it without being careful like I do with my other vapes and it is pretty sturdy so far.

My only complaint is if you drop it your chamber spills.
I have a quick DIY fix for that though. Much like my bottle cap screen for the elevape.





This works well because from my usage, IMO the summit does not require stirring which is great! I just keep a safety pin on my key chain to pop the "keeper" screen out when I'm done.

This is a great little inexpensive unit with great temps and great results all around so far.
I am still "getting to know" it so I will use it a few more days and see if it's still up to par and post a video review for you guys.

 

[CuckFumbustion]

A stainless steel sliding lid would take care of a host of problems. They/someone could even consider making a work around for the models that are already out there. Have a steel lid that inserts into the clip arrangement with the base of the unit. Then you could have what ever lid arrangement that suited you. (BTW, I can't wait to see the MODS and workarounds people will come up to make this unit more useable. End user Science . Gotta Love it. )

I use the same screen trick with my PAX. I inverted mine in the same fashion to conformed to the shape of the oven. Just be aware that some heat may be conducted from the oven wall to the metal screen. YMMV

But, I also talked with Customer Service from Vapeworld and some users are using Liquid pads for the screen trick. Like say, the stainless steel ones that are used for the Crafty. Someone probably makes one that would be a perfect fit for this unit. It might even add a little more convection action. More convection action = less power needed.

I am also considering this option more to keep some of the direct heat from the very top of the oven. What I consider the main problem area for this unit. I AM NOT RECOMMENDING IT THOUGH. Want to hear more form those who actually tried this already.

 

[Vape Dr.]

@CuckFumbustion I agree.
I feel it does keep more heat in the oven on the top where IMO they should have a stainless steel "button" on the top like the haze switched to on their lids.

I believe this helps keep the oven at the same temperature all around.
This could be attributed to why I personally don't find the need to stir the chamber.

I did try an Herbalizer liquid pad first but went to the screen method.
I did the same with my crafty and mighty. I started with the liquid pad, then swapped it to the fine screen and a DIY medium semi dome screen on top of that. I get no particles, just glaze in the cooling chamber with either method.

But all in all for less than $150 I am impressed with this "budget" vape right out of the box!

 

[CuckFumbustion]

Whatever redesign they consider, Summit should intentionally make their "button" deeper recessed into the bowl area enough to overlap the top of the bowl. Not sure why they didn't go with the stainless steel "button" to begin with actually. Most units that use metal ovens go with this design. I was pondering that point before purchasing a Summit.

So Herr Dr, What you are saying, If I understand correctly. You have a 3 step screen process that you tried with 3 units or are you explaining your trial and error method. (or perhaps both)
So did you put a pad on the bottom of the oven to keep the cooling chamber clear of particles?
Most curious.

The screen trick with my PAX makes everything golden brown, even and toasty and I keep it on the lowest heat setting most of the time. Will also use the edge of the screen to clean the area where the bottom of the oven and the bottom screen meet. i.e - The vapor path.

I do like that the Summit has lower temps than my PAX. Another plus I hope to point out once I have time with this thing.

 

[Vape Dr.]

At first I used a liquid pad on the top of the chamber of the summit to keep the herb from falling out if the chamber lid were to come off (which isn't really as much as an issue as I had anticipated).
Then I went to the fine bottle cap method. I found I got similar results however the fine screen was easier and cleaner. They both work well, just my personal preference I guess.

Either method is noteworthy because you can half pack the summit like the PAX using either method for a quick session or just to conserve.

I only use 1 fine bottle cap screen with the summit.
I use a fine and a medium screen with the crafty and mighty cooling chambers.

 

[CuckFumbustion]

So what type liquid pad did you use for your Summit? Might use it to re-purpose the glaze.
I am also plan on finding out more about round glass screens. Actually, anything round is under consideration, I guess. Metal Screens are the lightweight solution. But something a little harder to lose might be good for other occasions.

 

[Vape Dr.]

I used an herbalizer oil pad at first. I actually have some titanium screens from 7th floor coming that may fit as well.

 

[stickstones]

I was going to use a rubber band to hold the lid on in case of a fall.

 

[neverforget711]

I was going to use a rubber band to hold the lid on in case of a fall.

I use the wii mote lanyard and clamp it down with that.
has anyone else attached their vape to a lanyard/carabiner/etc?
it really show that they really designed a unit simple enough to pack away like so.

 

[kahlilhc]

Picked up a Vapium at the LHS here in whistler, for the many chair lift rides.
Decent conduction Vape. Besides the easily dislodged lid, and even easier to lose micro-USB port plug (with-out which it's weather resistance is cut in half) I don't have many criticisms.......won't be in my starting line up back home, but I don't regret the purchase.

 

[CuckFumbustion]

This might work as a some sort of clamp. The Silicone strap can be tightened by stretching and it conforms to the oval-ish shape of my PAX. As my preference, I'd replace the hand sanitizer with something more suitable. The bottle inside the strap can be popped out or you could just cut off the bottle part alltogether. I'm also considering a 1/2 inch ring of bike tube prerolled towards the center of the Summit. Either slide or flip half of the ring over the lid before putting it away. Things like rubber bands and hair ties tend to fail me.

 

[scottg402]

I was going to use a rubber band to hold the lid on in case of a fall.

What kind of fall are you talking about?

You or the vape? Lol

 

[CuckFumbustion]

Perhaps falling on your vape after you drop it. While looking for the lid. "Gravity....is a harsh mistress."

 

[stickstones]

What kind of fall are you talking about?

You or the vape? Lol

That's funny! But it doesn't take much shock to knock off that lid.

 

[CuckFumbustion]

Ok, Still waiting for my replacement to get to me by next week.Shipped Tuesday from Fed Ex Ground. At least Vapeworld had shipped it upon my RMA delivery. And let me choose a different color. But 5 Business days often seems like, well 7 days.

Since I have that much more time set for anticipation. I'm also doing a whole rethink/reset and uh
Vapium doesn't really have a detailed "usage guide." I'm trying to gather as much common sense info, tips and tricks. And Maybe avoid another BAD.

There is a simple instruction manual that comes with the box and online. It illustrates using the pipe cleaners that come with it to use for the summit. Has a cleaning and part kit with it. But no "Do's and Don'ts". I would suggest say not cleaning the bowl until it entirely cools down. For example.

There is also no mention I found of doing a 1st time full battery charge anywhere. I did it and most people probably did it out of habit. Thought that odd.

Outside of that, I have read a few possibly incidental stories. A few of those involving having the thing on MAX -8 setting. I am actually looking forward to use the lowest settings, if possible. I guess some normal users "step" it up a setting at a time.

Everything else I know has been found on this forum. Thanks all around.

 

[CuckFumbustion]

All-right, My replacement arrived. Blue was also better color choice for me. I'll remain positive.

1st impressions:

The buttons press is a little slow but responsive. Like the electronics need just a 1/4 of a sec to react. So you don't want to say, be impulsive and interrogate the buttons and do the double press.

The throat is definitively wider making this more of a "ripper" than a "sipper." You might not taste anything until you exhale, if you took a long huge draw. You could try short sips before it reaches full temp but YMMV
and this is a 1st impression.

There is a small hint of robot smell on slow draws. But that partially could be from the mouthpiece and have that nalgene bottle whiff effect. Not really noticeable on heavy draws.

 

[Custom Flower Hardware]

I think this little vape kicks ass! i grab it when i am putzing around the yard. It's tasty, quick, and powerful. The newness taste goes away after breaking it in for a few loads. It's very comparable to the pax2. More tough then fancy, both nice flavor.

 

[CuckFumbustion]

Compared to my PAX (v1) it seemed right away to be best suited for more of a "ripper" session. 90 sec shutoff timer, waiting for the vibration, and stepping up the temps while using. (You can do that right?)

The Pax's strong suit being for sipping. I keep it on low almost exclusively, it can be left on continuously, if you keep it awake with a little shake. Haven't even bothered with party mode.
If the Pax 2 is more like the Summit. Then I am happy with my combo.

Glad to hear anything outdoor friendly about the Summit.

 

[CuckFumbustion]

1st full day impressions:

Still not getting the flavor others have been mentioning. It is more on the misty side-invisible spectrum. I did use one of the spare summit screens on top and tried to break myself of the habit of tightly packing the oven. That did help some. Any tips that would speed up my learning curve would be appreciated.

Also I do believe the electronics are waking up and responding a little better. How the Pass thru feature works isn't quite what I had expected. But I'll hold my opinion on that, when I feel the device has been broken in more. Honestly, I can't say anything positive about how well the device uses electricity. I seem to need to recharge it more than I should. But even that seems to be improving. I have had that phenomenon with other types of new electronics.

The USB cable is top notch. You can form the cable and it keeps that shape. Although I haven't actually timed it yet. The AC charges the device very quickly. AND AND AND...I can empty, clean and repack it while it charges.

 

[vapin baby boomer]

1st full day impressions:

Still not getting the flavor others have been mentioning. It is more on the misty side-invisible spectrum. I did use one of the spare summit screens on top and tried to break myself of the habit of tightly packing the oven. That did help some. Any tips that would speed up my learning curve would be appreciated.

Also I do believe the electronics are waking up and responding a little better. How the Pass thru feature works isn't quite what I had expected. But I'll hold my opinion on that, when I feel the device has been broken in more. Honestly, I can't say anything positive about how well the device uses electricity. I seem to need to recharge it more than I should. But even that seems to be improving. I have had that phenomenon with other types of new electronics.

The USB cable is top notch. You can form the cable and it keeps that shape. Although I haven't actually timed it yet. The AC charges the device very quickly. AND AND AND...I can empty, clean and repack it while it charges.

If you're not getting strong cloudy vapor on the orange or red settings. there must be something defective in the unit. Try small sips to start on the higher settings. Don't expect much visable on the lower settings

 

[CuckFumbustion]

If you're not getting strong cloudy vapor on the orange or red settings. there must be something defective in the unit. Try small sips to start on the higher settings. Don't expect much visable on the lower settings

Thanks for conferring that with me. I did try the small sip method. Tried different temps.etc. But am limited
to those options when the unit needs to recharge so often. I do believe the circuit board and oven on mine needed some break-in time and I have sent a msg to Vapuim asking what is considered a reasonable charge time and other questions. Also I am wondering if the unit drains itself while being completely off.
I can now get light results and use less power with 2 top screens on the lowest settings. Most people seem to like and recommend the 5-7 range. Once I have tried a few other tricks, I'll recharge it entirely and see how many times I can turn it on/off in the orange-red zone. And determine if anything corrected itself.

 

[vapin baby boomer]

Thanks for conferring that with me. I did try the small sip method. Tried different temps.etc. But am limited
to those options when the unit needs to recharge so often. I do believe the circuit board and oven on mine needed some break-in time and I have sent a msg to Vapuim asking what is considered a reasonable charge time and other questions. Also I am wondering if the unit drains itself while being completely off.
I can now get light results and use less power with 2 top screens on the lowest settings. Most people seem to like and recommend the 5-7 range. Once I have tried a few other tricks, I'll recharge it entirely and see how many times I can turn it on/off in the orange-red zone. And determine if anything corrected itself.

Let me know whatever you figure out.

 

[CuckFumbustion]

Let me know whatever you figure out.

Well long story short. I am getting a replacement.

First I chatted with Vapuim and tried to get as much average info about normal battery life etc.
The biggest tell something was wrong with my unit was the fast recharge time. So tempted into turning
this into a feature. But I can only get a handful of power ups before a recharge. And recharging in the field
would be a mixed bag of problems. But in all fairness, I had to mull this over the weekend and try a few more things to be sure it wasn't just a newbie getting familiar with a new product.

Then I called Vapeworld. The Rep at Vapeworld even gave me more options, say if I wanted to go with a different model entirely. He seemed more intent on finding anything I would LIKE as opposed to being all about the warranty. Also, He did let me know of his personal experience and thoughts with the Summit and made a few other recommends. (1 being an Arizer solo) But I bought this with intention of being a fully outdoor unit and they are the only game at the moment. So I will give it another go.

 

[CuckFumbustion]

Well long story short. I am getting a replacement.

Just got my replacement and off to better start. Since this is my 2nd replacement, I can mention a few more details. All the precautions and concerns that I have been posting are still relevant for any considering this model. This is still a new company but they partnered their Warranty with Vapeworld. So If you had one arrive with a defect, then the RMA process is less painful than
for the risk involved. This is the only Outdoor electronic vaporizer out that I am aware of that is carving out that niche and I'm optimistic that they are making changes and tweaks with each batch. (I had to endure the same thing with my PAX, BTW. 3rd one WAS the charm. "Knock on wood")

The first Summit that arrived had the gasket problem, Which I mentioned in detail in some earlier posts within this forum. I would be mindful of this when cleaning or packing.

Second unit- Entirely electronic and battery issues. Provided some details and some members conferred with me about the results I should be expecting. Also, I did hear some crackly noises and humming when I first turned it on. Was hoping that was a normal thing for the circuit board and the chips to come alive. But, this seemed to be an indication of a bad board. How quickly the unit charged up (20 min from empty to full capacity.) clues me in to this.

Hopefully this one is the charm. The unit arrived charged at the 50%, like the last two. But took 28 min to be topped off. The indicator lights are still very bright, but not as much bleed thru light as the last unit. It also didn't make the vibration noise when it became fully charged. So the board is already behaving differently. Just tried it on 5 and it is much better than the last unit (+/- my experience ). Oh and almost no nalgene bottle aftertaste this time!

If it can hold a charge and when I can get a guesstimate of how much power it uses/needs when I am outdoors, then I can give more of a proper update here. I don't expect this unit to compete head on with other portables. Although it is arguably a contender. Bought it more as a specialist rugged class and power consumption is more critical. Still considering a power backup to pair up with it. It does recharge fast in AC.

 

[Vape Dr.]

They are the only game at the moment for an outdoor vape? Really? This perspective doesn't mesh with my experience because I have used all my portable vapes outdoors for the most part.

Is it because they market the summit and design it to resemble a camping gadget? Specifically, how is the Summit more outdoorsy than other portable vapes besides appearance?

The summit is not water proof or water resistant.
The summit is as "weather friendly" as any other portable vape.
I called vapium and asked about the "weather friendliness" and it is because it comes with a dry bag to keep it in.
None of the buttons are sealed.

They claim it works better than most other vaporizers at different altitudes. I have yet to try vaping the summit at high altitudes so I cannot comment on that.

I can say the summit is a great unit for the price, it works well for a conduction vape, and it comes with some nice accessories.

Just don't expect to drop it in the hot tub and it to be fine if that's what your looking for.....