Thought I would write an update on how I'm finding Tempest, and how opinions/usage has changed after almost 2 months of use.
I'll start with what's different. I've since been in possession of secondary cooling unit (SCU). It has more of an effect than you would think considering it's size. You do notice a marked effect in cooling. After using it solidly for a week, I've since went back to using without for flower. I find the slight improvement in airflow to be worth it, as I find the vapour comfortable this way. When I'm using hash native I always add the spiral.
I'm doing low temp hits more often. I'm very happy with how it extracts at lower temps. You pretty much find that it doesn't need a follow up. Even adding AVB to other vapes you can't get much out of it. This is first time I've experienced thorough low temp extraction with these kinds of vapes (DV, Anvil etc). When I'm doing low temp hits I like to switch to glass stem, which is a marginal increase in taste, but considering the ease of changing out the sleeve, the marginal gain is worth the effort. I don't feel glass the sleeve is a requirement as TI stem tastes great also. But if you have it why not swap it in/out. Low temp hits are also nice in a J-hook.
I'm using it with J-hook often now also. For a few reasons. It lowers use of TI stem, and subsequent cleaning. It adds more variation. It's a lovely j-hook vape. I find I will have it in J-hook mode most the day while working, for periodic one off hits then switch to TI native stem if I want to do a prolonged session in the evening. I'm using dynavap BB3 stem as WPA and enjoy the small carb that doesn't need to be covered, as it adds just the perfect amount of air. I intend to buy BB6 so I can apply the wand while it's docked with the J-hook.
I've started doing chained bowls with IH, and even without tuned VI I'm getting great results. I would maybe change my previous opinion about how users ought to use torch also to get maximum versatility. My opinion now if that if you really care about keeping your tip free of torch blemishes, you will still be able to use the device to its fullest. I'm still glad I have the torch option, even if it's just as a fallback while my batteries are charging, or to have packed on a two day hike along with batteries.
I've took it out the house more and more. Now it's winter, having the jacket pocket space for the wand is easy. It's great as a portable vape, as often I don't associate portable vapes with vapour satisfaction. So the Tempest bucks that trend in my experiences. I've also took it to a gathering, where at one point I heated up 4 back to back bowls, passing to a new person each time. It was easy to reload/reheat for them, and I didn't need to give any instructions other than to toke away. People were very impressed and were asking what it's called and where to buy etc.
Now for what has stayed the same. Still my most used vape. It's settled into what I thought it would, a daily beater. The ease of cleaning is becoming a much bigger strength as the months roll on. There is nothing about the vape that creates friction or annoyance with regards to using heavily every single day, and getting it cleaned ready for use again. Nothing I would change in its design. Although I admit a larger bowl as a future option would be nice, especially considering how easy it is to swap out the tip.
