Time to upgrade my vape!

[lazylathe]

Hi All,

I feel it is time to upgrade my vape!
The Vapir NO2 is my first vape and it has served me well, i will keep it as my portable unit.

What i am looking for is a home use unit that is well constructed and safe for extended use.
I have never tried bags but can see the advantages of them when having a lot of friends over.
Always just used the short whip on my NO2 and it seems to be pretty effective.
Through daily use and abuse i am finding that i have to use more and more weed in it to get the desired medicated results.
I opened her up and drilled out the holes to be slightly bigger and that helped for a bit.

Another thing i noticed when taking it apart is that the temp sensor is on the outside of the silver cup that protects the heating chamber. Seems like an odd design and a guess at what the actual vaping temp is! I might be wrong here though...

As always price is something i like to keep in mind, i will buy the best unit i can afford in my price range.
Looking at around $250 price range.

So far the units that interest me are:
Arizer Extreme Q 4.0 (I like the fact that it does whip and bag)
Vapolution 2.0 (seen some reviews where a unit has been taken apart and the insides do not look to be of a very high quality, not sure as i have not seen one in person)
HerbalAire (again whip and bag)
Log vapes (just don't like the long heat up times)
Da Buddha

I almost ordered the EQ a few days ago but apparently the path goes over micro-processors etc which could possibly not be healthy in the long run.
Some Vapolution reviews talk about the crumbling Mica and sticking control knobs and just a glass test tube wrapped in nichrome wire.
Nothing really negative about the HerbalAire yet.
Log vapes is just the heating up time as i have a 16 year old daughter and i need to be pretty stealthy and quick about getting my hits!
The Da Buddha you get the lovers and haters, most about the ceramic heater.

Any other options i should be looking at?
I have been browsing the forum for the past few weeks and am getting confused by everything that is available these days!
The vapes i have mentioned all have excellent to poor reviews, depending on who you are talking to or which forum you are reading.

Sorry for the long post....

So i come humbly before the largest vape forum for a bit of guidance!

 

[ehakim]

I'm in the same boat as you ( looking for my first at home unit) so ill be watching this thread, I noticed you didn't include the SSV in your list, I've heard many good things about it although I've never used one, it does share the same heater as DBV tho....

 

[VaporEyes]

Log vapes can be left on for extended periods of time(thus eliminating long heat up). They can also be placed somewhere so it will look like a decorative object.

 

[lazylathe]

The SSV comes in at $269 and then you start adding the extras and you are looking at +- $350 when it is all said and done.

The thing about log vapes is that i am trying to find what heating elements they use and where i can buy them from.
I have a friend that has one that cracked and i made him a new housing on my wood lathe.
The insides seemed simple enough but i did not take down any serial numbers on the element and he has sold it since...
If i could find out what the heater is i could make myself one.
I also have a few metal lathes to make the wands on.

 

[vorrange]

If you're looking at logs but don't like long heating times, check the e-Nano.

When having a lot of friends, the SSV seems the best choice. (i don't think bags are pratical.)

Log heating element: www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDetail.aspx?R=588-25JR20E

 

[FrogBoy138]

With your budget you have a lot of room I would be looking at vaporizer+ a water tool. I'm not all hardcore like many others here I just have the EQ I've had it for 3 years now and just bought a water tool to pair with it. I'm still very much enjoying my vaporizer. Now days you can get an even newer model for way cheaper. Long term this thing cost me maybe $5 upkeep a year and I use it everyday.

I've never seen any negative post about the micro-processors on the EQ but I have not covered the entire EQ thread. I don't know jack about the log vapes but I think the HI has a 5 min heat up time I think they cost around $150 I would guess the best move would be to get the HI and scratch the bags.

Bubbler from Northwaterglass thru Ioffer $50. Or a nice tube W/ showerhead downstem from SSFG $95
With the HI and the bubbler you would still have around $50 leftover and a very nice setup. With other vaporizers like the EQ, SSV, DBV, your still going to need to buy a whip maybe glass elbows
The HI would save you money right from the start.

 

[max]

Vapolution 2.0 (seen some reviews where a unit has been taken apart and the insides do not look to be of a very high quality, not sure as i have not seen one in person)

This is one of the most time tested designs on the market. Between that and a 100% glass vapor path, criticizing the quality of the materials used is laughable. At $100 with FC discount, including the AIW bowl, this is the best bargain on the market IMO.

The Da Buddha you get the lovers and haters, most about the ceramic heater.

Haters of the DBV? Complaining about a ceramic heater that can't be beat for quality? Really? Again, laughable. If I were looking for big hits and proven long term reliability the DBV is the one I'd choose off your list.

 

[mvapes]

I have to agree with max - I would go DBV all day. It's a solid unit from a proven company that has always had a great relationship with our members here. The DBV is also very versatile and can be used in a number of combinations to suffice any of your vaping needs.

It doesn't hurt that they hit like kick in the nards! I loved my DBV when I had it - almost wish it was one I didn't sell. And I only sold it to fund my cloud - which in my house is regarded as a if it was one of my children!

 

[lazylathe]

This is one of the most time tested designs on the market. Between that and a 100% glass vapor path, criticizing the quality of the materials used is laughable. At $100 with FC discount, including the AIW bowl, this is the best bargain on the market IMO.

Another observation from reading a lot of posts. I was not criticizing it in any way or form as i nearly ordered one this morning but found a few bad reviews so thought it prudent to ask first.

Haters of the DBV? Complaining about a ceramic heater that can't be beat for quality? Really? Again, laughable. If I were looking for big hits and proven long term reliability the DBV is the one I'd choose off your list.

If i recall correctly it was on FC that i read about a few people complaining about the ceramic heater cracking etc... It was not a negative comment from me, just an observation from reading lots of threads.

Being very new to vaping i am trying to get the best vaporizer for the funds i have at the moment.
I would love to go with the VapeXhale cloud but it is way out of the budget.

Since i have no friends with the vapes i am looking at i need some input from the community.
All of my friends still roll joints and do not get my vape.

I am just looking for the best vape in my price range.
Reliable, fast heat up time and efficient and correct heating of the herb.
Since i am a registered medical user in Canada i am wanting an upgraded unit that can keep up consistently.

 

[CentiZen]

If i recall correctly it was on FC that i read about a few people complaining about the ceramic heater cracking etc... It was not a negative comment from me, just an observation from reading lots of threads.

Really? Are you sure your not thinking of the thread where we were discussing the material safety of ceramic elements and what might happen if they crack? As far as I know, you need to use a sledgehammer to break that element on the buddah, I thought that thing was damn near indestructible by mortal standards.

That being said though, if money is even a small consideration, then you should go with the Vapolution. I know it seems like it might be a bit of a rip off, but it is actually the best value vaporizer I know of. If I lost all of my vapes today and needed to buy 1 to tide me over until I can replace them, I'd be buying a vapolultion 2.0.

 

[VaporEyes]

Since you're a Canadian, support your fellow countrymen and buy the HA(herbalaire). It has high durability, efficient extraction, and multi-functionality. It was my first home unit as well.

 

[max]

Another observation from reading a lot of posts. I was not criticizing it in any way or form as i nearly ordered one this morning but found a few bad reviews so thought it prudent to ask first.



If i recall correctly it was on FC that i read about a few people complaining about the ceramic heater cracking etc... It was not a negative comment from me, just an observation from reading lots of threads.

Being very new to vaping i am trying to get the best vaporizer for the funds i have at the moment.
I would love to go with the VapeXhale cloud but it is way out of the budget.

Since i have no friends with the vapes i am looking at i need some input from the community.
All of my friends still roll joints and do not get my vape.

I am just looking for the best vape in my price range.
Reliable, fast heat up time and efficient and correct heating of the herb.
Since i am a registered medical user in Canada i am wanting an upgraded unit that can keep up consistently.

I realize you're just reporting what you've read, but regardless, the overwhelming feedback on both these models is very positive, and I've been reading the take on the Vapo since '06 and on the DBV since it was introduced ('08 I believe). I've also used them both- the Vapo for a couple of years. The DBV uses the heater and electronics of the SSV, which is even an older design, and very reliable. Another whip model that's hard to beat for reliability is the Vapor Brothers, which was the basis for 7th Floor's SSV/DBV. All three have differenes in ergonomics, but for good performance and durability they're hard to beat for the money.

 

[lazylathe]

Really? Are you sure your not thinking of the thread where we were discussing the material safety of ceramic elements and what might happen if they crack? As far as I know, you need to use a sledgehammer to break that element on the buddah, I thought that thing was damn near indestructible by mortal standards.

That being said though, if money is even a small consideration, then you should go with the Vapolution. I know it seems like it might be a bit of a rip off, but it is actually the best value vaporizer I know of. If I lost all of my vapes today and needed to buy 1 to tide me over until I can replace them, I'd be buying a vapolultion 2.0.

It could be that thread!
They all seem to blend into on e another after weeks of reading...

I am not looking for one to tide me over, if you had to buy a replacement now, which unit would you be looking at?
Money is not really a consideration, i just don't want to spend $500 on the cloud...
Maybe in a few years time when i am done paying for colleges and universities for the kids.
Then i will be able to splurge on myself but for now i am looking for a reliable daily driver that will not let me down.

I was watching a video by a member on here about his Vapolution and it seemed a bit tricky.
The bud dropped out into the heating chamber and he seemed to have a few problems along the way.
I am sure they were sorted out pretty quickly but i would prefer a screen on the bottom to stop the bud from falling out.

Not too many comments about the EQ so far.
The last 4 i mentioned seem to have the most supporters so far!

 

[CentiZen]

Yeah, I figured you might have been thinking about that one. I know the feeling.

The EQ has sort of fallen by the wayside in the last little while with the popularity of the Solo and the advent of newer vaporizers. But it does make for a good first unit, though it is important to remember that while it is a jack of all trades, it's a master of none and you might settle into a specific usage method that you prefer more than the others, just to find that there are other vapes who do that better. If you think your going to like using a whip more than bags, I'd go for the Da Buddah, unless your really into the idea of conserving your bud, in which case a log is ideal.

 

[lazylathe]

Conserving bud is not that much of an issue for me.
I am lucky in that i am a lightweight when it comes to smoking or vaping.
Once a day at night is when i do it and it is usually a small joint or two packs of the NO2.

Also since i can grow my own bud legally and am allowed to have 15 plants, that makes for a LOT of bud!
I will be doing some more research on the DBV then!
I do like the look of it more than the SSV.
To me the SSV looks like it was designed backwards.
Bud in the back and control in the front, maybe you have to use one to see how it actually works!

 

[happyTrails]

I have kids. I also have an Underdog (log vape) that is plugged in 24/7. It comes with an aromatherapy cup. Sitting out on a desk, you would never have any idea what it is used for other than aromatherapy. It is always ready to go and I can have a session in a minute or less. They are beautiful to look at and work very well. All the other models, to me, scream, "What is that strange looking electronic device!?!?" I imagine that is not a question you would want to field...

 

[mvapes]

It could be that thread!
They all seem to blend into on e another after weeks of reading...

I am not looking for one to tide me over, if you had to buy a replacement now, which unit would you be looking at?
Money is not really a consideration, i just don't want to spend $500 on the cloud...
Maybe in a few years time when i am done paying for colleges and universities for the kids.
Then i will be able to splurge on myself but for now i am looking for a reliable daily driver that will not let me down.

I was watching a video by a member on here about his Vapolution and it seemed a bit tricky.
The bud dropped out into the heating chamber and he seemed to have a few problems along the way.
I am sure they were sorted out pretty quickly but i would prefer a screen on the bottom to stop the bud from falling out.

Not too many comments about the EQ so far.
The last 4 i mentioned seem to have the most supporters so far!

IMO if you keep reading regardless of what forum it is and regardless of the vape or price you are going to find something negative on every vape. Your dealing with technology and there will always be a manufacturer coming along and one upping other devices. this is why so many are telling you to stick with something proven over time - hence my recommendation on the DBV. That fucker is almost bullet proof and on top of that 7th floor has a repair policy that they will fix just about anything for a very small fee.

i also have to say one thing and please don't take it the wrong way - when someone is trying to save money on a vape I tell them about a fight I have had with my wife about vacuums.

She would always fight with me about how much money I wanted to spend whenever we needed a vacuum - for years I would listen and buy a cheap unit that would last for about a year at a time and without fail every year I was at Walmart buying a new one. I eventually stopped talking to her about it and finally bought a unit that was significantly more expensive. The moral of the story is I haven't bought a new vacuum in the years since as I finally made the right investment.

Dont look at the price as much and I think that will help you in the long run -- personally I don't think you could go wrong in regards to any of the units that you mentioned albeit the eq, the dbv, or the others. I've had most of them and I assure you that you wont be disappointed.

 

[lazylathe]

Thanks mvapes!!!

I know all about vacuums!! Great analogy!!
My wife was the same till i bought her a Dyson, now she is in love with it!

As i sit here toking on my NO2 i am also looking for a place to buy the DBV from!
Hopefully in Canada, but some of the accessories will have to come from the States.

The one thing i did notice is the price!
From DBV site it is $209 and from a licensed Canadian seller it is $159.
Does not really make sense to me.

Thanks for all the help and advice everyone!!!
It is greatly appreciated!!

Hopefully i will be adding to the DBV thread about another success story!!

 

[way2]

FYI....There is one (DBV) in the classifieds for $130 shipped if you're looking to save a few bucks.

 

[lazylathe]

One last question!

If you had to choose between a DBV and an E-Nano log vape or an Underdog vape, which would you choose and why?

For some reason those log vapes have me super intrigued!!!

 

[vorrange]

I think they are slightly different.. The DBV and the Enano use the same type of element but the DBV has silicone+glass in the air path and the nano has metal+glass. The enano is tastier than the DBV and easier to use with a bong.
The DBV has a bigger bowl so it will provide bigger hits but its worse on conserving your stash, but because of whip + big bowl it's better to use when you have friends.

The UD is a more solo unit, made to enjoy tasty hits with small quantities at a time. It allows you to conserve and is made to be on 24/7, and is very effective being a aromatherapy device providing a perfect cover for the unsuspected visitor.

In the end, it depends in how you plan to use it the most times. The exceptions are for the vaporizers to come, i don't believe it's a good idea to try and get all you want in one vape. One way or another, there will be choices made.

 

[lazylathe]

All excellent points!
Some i had not really considered before!

95% of the time it is just me that will be using it.
Small, quality hits at a time would be perfect for me.
It is usually just me and the vape by my computer in the basement at night.

I use it mostly to medicate for my back pain and arthritis pains.
When i want to get ripped i will spark up a joint.

Most of my friends are joints, pipes, bongs or whatever is closest at hand kind of guys!
For them they do not understand the vape! If it is not smoking, it is not working in their minds!
I am trying to change them over slowly but most are comfortable with what they already use.

Decisions, decisions...

 

[kingofnull]

When I look over my collection, I realize that if I could do it all over again I'd start with either the Solo or a log vape.

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

I have an UD and a Da Buddha and have an E-Nano ordered so I'll just chime in.

The Da Buddha, as everyone has said, is solid and reliable. I've had it for four months now and it works flawlessly. I love it. However, I have grown weary of its whip. Between it, and the wand, and a mouthpiece, it can be a bit of a pain to use if you use it a lot. And that tubing frickin' stinks. It and the wand will really stink up a room. That's really, really, petty whining about it though. If you go for it, you'll love it.

Although, I don't really like the way it looks anymore. I remember reading somewhere that it looks like something a high school kid with moderate talent would make in shop class. I can't help but kind of agree... to an extent, anyway. But I guess that's part of its appeal: built like a tank and simple to fix.

But I prefer smaller set-ups which is why I ordered an E-Nano to replace my Da Buddha. This way, I can just have the tiny 'Nano sitting out and no one noticing it.... the DBV, not so much. And I will have a mini-bubbler and GonG that I can just keep right outside. So all the vapor gets sent outside, as well as the smell of toasted herb and bubbler water when they're both just sitting around. Yes, that is possible with the DBV but with the 'Nano and its mini-ness it will be much simpler and easier. Much less smell. Might be something to consider. But... the E-Nano backorders are just starting to ship, so you might have to still wait if you order one now.

It also depends if you want to buy from a "company" like 7th Floor or a one (or two) person business like Epicvape or Underdog.

The UD works the same way I just described about the E-Nano. You have to buy a VVPS if you want to mix the temps up though, while the 'Nano comes with one directly attached. However, I find the temp of my UD to be perfect for morning until mid-evening. Then I usually switch it up and use higher temps on my already-been-vaped (ABV) herb from the day that still has goodness left. Those you can order now and they'll ship it almost immediately. The Twig versions warm up in about 15 min, and the others anywhere from 30-45 min. But as noted, they can be left on all the time. And, they are truly works of art. They are amazing to hold. The pics you see of them don't do them any justice. Isn't that perfect - a work of art that can also get you stoned?

Has no one suggested an MFLB?

 

[lazylathe]

When I look over my collection, I realize that if I could do it all over again I'd start with either the Solo or a log vape.

LOL!!!
And that is quite the collection you have there!
Must be nice to have so many choices though!