Hey Dogs, hope you're all doing well out there. We're getting tons of questions about vape core options (thanks for that @arb) so I thought I'd update the thread with some basics about the current options. Prices include the vape, full kit (adjustable power supply, 3 stems, etc) and Priority shipping in the USA. International shipping is available to select countries (see website or contact us) for an additional fee.
The SC3 (Standard Core Mk3) is our standard production core and is compatible with stems from our early Standard Cores (Classic, SC1 and SC3). Performance has increased with each generation and this is an excellent option for microdosing with the Nylon Direct Draw, SS Lite and NonGs as well as larger hits with the Glass Direct Draw and GonG stems. If you can allow the vape 10-30 seconds to recover heat between hits this core should have all the power most users need. This core has the most flexibility in wood species and design shapes and is also our lowest price offering with a base price of $255. The price increases with exotic or rare woods and/or particularly complex designs. This is the Underdog we recommend for most users and/or new members of the pack.
The Alpha is a larger core that was originally based on the SC2 and upsized to a larger diameter and higher mass. This design was updated during the early days of our recovery from the Camp Fire (link) with improvements from the SC3. That improved design was then modified based on feedback from our beta testers and the early adopter community into the current not-quite-production version. This latest/modified version has an airpath that's twice the length of previous versions and offers significant increases in performance as a result and doesn't have need of recovery time between hits (for most users). The Alpha uses completely different stems than the Standard Core series of vapes and they are not cross-core compatible. Base price for an off-the-shelf Alpha (when available) is $350. Custom Alphas will run between $400-$500 based on rarity of the wood and complexity of the design.. because of the increased size of the core wood and design options are limited compared to the SC3.
The SC3+ is another not-quite-production yet offering and is an SC3 core that has been modified with the longer style airpath of the Alpha to produce a performance version of the SC3 core. This combines most of the performance of the Alpha with the stem compatibility and design flexibility of the SC3 in a price point that falls between the two. Base price of the SC3+ is $295. This is a good option for power users who want to avoid the cost or different stem ecosystem of the Alpha but want the extra performance kick.
We'll have more information on things as they slowly become standard production items but until then they'll be available as customs and sporadically on the website as off-the-shelf vapes. We weren't planning on releasing these for a while yet but there has been a big demand for info and vapes so we're trying to accelerate the process and also give you all some info to chew on.
The log stems don’t hold as much as a Typical whip, so it wouldn’t be worth it, but if you just wanted a longer vapor path you could use with glass or put a whip hose on a stem, but it would be very awkward.
You can use both a direct draw and gong\water adapter in glass.
Really? Does the straw fit INSIDE the heater core then? Will the thick direct draw stem work also? I'm not sure of the ID/OD between the regular strems (that they don't carry any more) and the thick ones (that I don't use).
I think the description on the website is a bit dated... the OG Alpha units were SC2 style cores if I remember correctly. These new, updated Alpha units use the same design as the SC3+ core on the regular sized dogs, which effectively increases the length of the airpath past the heater so the air drawn past your herbs picks up more heat and more fully extracts with a long slow draw, or back to back draws.
Yes, the SC3+ and the Alpha heaters are basically the same design, but extract differently because of the greater surface area the Alpha has, due to the larger bowl size.
The Alpha uses glass stems as well, larger than the normal UD stems of course. As with your UD, glass stems fit over the heater in the alpha as well
The glass direct draw stem is ridiculously large.Takes "wide open draw" to a new level.
I just grabbed a 18mm to 14mm adapter locally.Alpha shelved the "e43".......... decisively so.
Udderly destroyed it actually and is still the one I love most.
I see you're out of stock on site @underdog I hope you have some exciting new models coming soon.
Any progress on the grapefruit twig?
Finally any 14mm adapter options for the Alpha?
I don't want that it sits to high.
I have kept in a cold garage but it was still 55 degrees. Not sure how cold it gets where you are at but anything below that would probably hinder heat up.
Hmm ok, well my plan was to heat it up inside then move it outside only when using it, so I guess that would probably work
This is where a VVPS can really help dial in your log depending on conditions. When you are using it in colder than normal temperatures, you will probably find that an extra .5 volts of output (or less, depends on the dog) might make up the difference in performance and give you much the same experience as normal operating voltage/temperature.
Heck yeah! Can't wait to see the new stuff! Alpha is on the radar.Heya Dogs we're working on new pieces but won't be able to finish them until our wayward parts come in (supposedly this week).. just a heads up for those of you looking at the website and wearing out your refresh buttons. Once the parts do arrive we'll get them put up post-haste and it should be a decent size refresh with 20+ vapes including a number of Alphas, SC3+. There will also be some Specials (aka, Vape Special) and Artsy SC3 units.
Yes definitely. As long as it's not out in the rain (or whatever) and you have access to an outlet you should be good. If it's cold you'll probably need to bump the voltage somewhere in the .2v to .5v range to compensate but other than that no problem. It can also help if you set the vape on something that can insulate it from what it's sitting on a bit (assuming said surface is cold) like a piece of corrugated cardboard or a washcloth.
Exactly!
