Tempest 2 Review
Having never owned a high heat capacity hot stick before this is a review from a relative noob.
I was late to discover the existence of the original Tempest and was waiting for a restock when I discovered the Tempest 2 was on it's way. I had never had a hot stick style vape before. In anticipation of the T2 I bought a Dynavap M7XL + Wand in the 420 sales so I could learn the basics from the OG and also get a bargain on the wand. I resisted the original drop but regretted it. Then some (one?) Ti's came up randomly on the site so I jumped on it and I'm glad I did.
Looks
Like many I think I initially thought the T2 was not a looker compared to the T1. I was wrong. Though I've never had a T1 in my hand I can say I love the looks of the Ti T2. It is beautiful. It was mentioned before and it was the first thing my partner said on seeing it - "it looks like a Sonic Screwdriver". And so it has a name in our house - the sonic screwdriver. I mentioned "the tempest" the other day and got a confused look in return.
Build Quality
The machining is gorgeous. Taking this apart is a pleasure. The threading is smooth and easy. Everything feels lovely. The only thing I didn't love was adjusting the bowl size. I have the hang of it now but am delighted to hear an improved bowl screen is available to make this job easier.
Usage
The
instructions for the wand with the new adapter were the perfect place to start - 275°C. Works nicely native or in a j-hook for extra cooling. Also the j-hook allows a view of the vapour flowing! I have combusted a couple of times but that is all my fault - either let the T2 cool down completely before reheat or be super careful and watch for the risk of combustion!! You've been warned. No problem anyway just learning experience. The majority of the time I just love the smoothness, density of the vapour and even roast. This thing is very good.
High
Also it is effective. The high is excellent. Clean. The vapour tastes clean and high that follows is too, I find it initially soaring then gently settling into heady convection bliss. If there is a downside to the T2 it might be that the high is quite delicious so you may find yourself having that extra bowl...
Cleaning
Cleaning is very easy when following the given
instructions, ISO soak, rinse, quick resoak and shake, rinse, dry. All good.
Accessories
I did wonder if I needed a cooling stand/magnet. I didn't have anything like this already and I didn't pick up a reload with my purchase. I did have a labetkomp tripod stand which works great as a stand and allows me to open the bowl before cooling fully. I would've been a bit lost without this tbh. I would love a nice cooling stand, I will eventually pick up a reload and I will eventually get another couple of tripod stands (and a case probably) from Duba. Regarding the case, the paper tube it comes in is pretty good and will do for now.
Madheaters
Madheaters have done a great job with this product. I would particularly like to mention the packaging. It was packed safely in environmentally friendly packaging, I even noticed paper tape. This is a big plus for me. Also this is carried through with the cardboard storage tube. It is just nice to see some eco packaging and minimal plastics (ok there were a few baggies but I think that's harder so I can accept). So I would like to thank
@Brenyo for the wonderful product, the thoughtful packaging and everything else. They're doing a great job.
Conclusion
Get yourself one!