is the vertigo not as good as the hydracirc for some reason?
I woulnd't say that. it's all your preference.
from what i have seen and read where are my thoughts.(from someone who has used neither to date mind you.)
virtigo:
-more of a fizz style percolation
- taller with one diameter along the whole tube
-has ice pinches
-thinner glass 4mm
-needs to be level and the later level most be somewhat careful not to overfill it, as backflow is a possibility
-when too full. (that would be a very bad thing)
-has an exposed gong connection that protrudes from the bottom
-the label on the new ones are flaking off easily.
-by the nature of the perc design it's more delicate and fragile
Hydracirc:
-more of a glug sound when it goes.
-shorter with a wider bottom and a more narrow neck. (similar to the SG piece)
-thicker glass 5mm
-no ice pinches
-seems to have slight quality issues (some leak due to grinding the slits a little too deep)
-somewhat sloppy construction ( scratches in the glass upon arrival and or a leaning showerdome [the circ... w/e you want to call it]. this does not hurt function and as i hear people say it's only cosmetic. functionaly it's great!
-no label
personally im going with the hydracirc when my time comes, and im going to pray it's not a leaker upon arrival!