KidFated.
Unknown Member
Welcome @Fungalicious !! Great review, stick around and enjoy the fun! Just don't catch VAS.
Vapman
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OF
Well-Known Member
Glad you got on board, welcome to the fun.
Can't disagree with anything you say, so I've no reason at ll to doubt you really did get and are now enjoying your new VM.
BTW, stand by to watch your weed bill drop, a lot, I predict to about 1/4 what it is now.........
Sorry about now warning you before, but now you'll have to figure out something else to do with your left over money. And your Budtender Bud might be seeing a lot less of you. Give him time to pursue other things?
OF
Can't disagree with anything you say, so I've no reason at ll to doubt you really did get and are now enjoying your new VM.
BTW, stand by to watch your weed bill drop, a lot, I predict to about 1/4 what it is now.........
Sorry about now warning you before, but now you'll have to figure out something else to do with your left over money. And your Budtender Bud might be seeing a lot less of you. Give him time to pursue other things?
OF
Fungalicious
Member
Forgot to say thanks to all in this forum for leading me in the right direction!!
OF
Well-Known Member
Too late now......
Not to worry, after that introductory post you'd be up against a follow up.
Yer welcome, glad you got on board......wait, didn't I just say that?
OF
Hey people. I've a couple of questions about the VM, if you'd be so kind.
How does the 'hit' compare to other vapes? For example I got a hammer recently and the hit from that is very strong. Whereas my mflb always feels a bit more gentle. I appreciate both but am interested in where the VM falls on the scale.
What's your guys opinions on the mica. I had a look on the VM store but no model mentions mica. I assume the basic is without mica and the standard is with? Is it worth the extra? I can oil my own VM so am not worried about that.
How even is the extraction? With my mflb I often find (regardless of dry herb etc) that the extraction is a little uneven unless I take it all very dark. It's important for me to extract very evenly.
E2a
I almost forgot. How is the VM with pressed hash? I use a lot of good quality soft and hard hash. Is it possible to use these on their own in the VM?
I might be going off grid next year so think I can justify two butane portables. Just wondering if the VM will be the second?
Thank you everyone
How does the 'hit' compare to other vapes? For example I got a hammer recently and the hit from that is very strong. Whereas my mflb always feels a bit more gentle. I appreciate both but am interested in where the VM falls on the scale.
What's your guys opinions on the mica. I had a look on the VM store but no model mentions mica. I assume the basic is without mica and the standard is with? Is it worth the extra? I can oil my own VM so am not worried about that.
How even is the extraction? With my mflb I often find (regardless of dry herb etc) that the extraction is a little uneven unless I take it all very dark. It's important for me to extract very evenly.
E2a
I almost forgot. How is the VM with pressed hash? I use a lot of good quality soft and hard hash. Is it possible to use these on their own in the VM?
I might be going off grid next year so think I can justify two butane portables. Just wondering if the VM will be the second?
Thank you everyone
OF
Well-Known Member
I think the VM is 'more MFLB like than Hammer like'. Extraction is very uniform and complete. The mica is mostly cosmetic IMO. My brief experiments with concentrates convinced me it was not a good plan. It was very hard to clean up afterwards, especially the top piece (I was worried at one point I'd have to replace it.
OTOH, I own a couple LBs and a Hammer, all of which put together see less use than the VM. It a fun and very effective Vape. Not a good choice for more than one at a time IMO, nor when you're in a big rush. Very few, I think, regret buying a VM?
OF
OTOH, I own a couple LBs and a Hammer, all of which put together see less use than the VM. It a fun and very effective Vape. Not a good choice for more than one at a time IMO, nor when you're in a big rush. Very few, I think, regret buying a VM?
OF
KidFated.
Unknown Member
OF nailed it, I really have nothing to add other than get it. My hammer kinda sits around now.. Mflb only comes with me when I don't wanna carry a torch. (Dirtbike, driving)
Hit strength can be Predicted pretty easily once you get used to the vapman and your torch.
Good luck!
Hit strength can be Predicted pretty easily once you get used to the vapman and your torch.
Good luck!
basement farmer
My face is melting...
I have the mica and doubt that it really does all that much...if you're careful with your torch. Probably not worth it IMO and it makes the unit harder to clean.
OF is right to about using it for concentrates. sticky stuff tends to adhere to the (appropriately named) 'pan'.
Other than a few minor quirks, it's a fun piece to use and works well.
utekai
Well-Known Member
I've used over 15 other vapes including MFLB, VGs (several of them), the Lotus, Pinnacle Pro and many plug-ins as well as other portables. In comparison the Vapman is the most efficient, and most reliable of all that I've tried (and the ones I've tried are lengthy tries as I give a couple months to any new vape that comes my way). By 'reliable' meaning I know the next time I use it, it will work exactly as expected.
The 'hit' experience is top notch, if you want it all at once you can learn to do that, or you can take it in over several hits.
Mica is for looks only, and it does look good. I've got both the basic and classic, and the heat is applied to the gold-covered copper container only, therefore whether the surrounding material is wood or mica has ZERO affect on the hit. Though I did read a review where the mica was purported to provide some thermal properties as the incoming air pipes are mounted to it, but the bowl and mica are separated by an air layer, so my opinion it is 'looks only and zero performance difference'. That said, I do like the look of the mica and the detailed and exacting craftsmanship that has gone into placing it on the wood (with no adhesives). The Vapman website also claims zero performance difference, and the mica model came second on the timeline.
The extraction is reliably complete. Meaning of all other vapes I've tried and use, the Vapman is able to reliably and rather easily (with a bit of practice) provide complete extraction without any combustion. As I've said to many people it's the most efficient vape I've ever used.
In regards to hash, I've read posts about 'sticky mess' but this wasn't my experience. Recently one gentleman convinced me to put in some bubble hash along with an herbal blend. The outcome was this: it didn't just work, it worked EXCEEDINGLY well. The unexpected part was the bubble hash vaporized at just a bit lower temperature than the herbal blend, thus we were able to completely consume the bubble hash and the herbs were still mostly green. Following this experience used some QWISO concentrate, and it also worked though not quite as well. In the case of QWISO, the herb was fully spent prior to the concentrate being fully consumed. But we just kept hitting it and the QWISO was fully consumed. The only 'sticky mess' encountered was when we tried to remove the herb too soon, but stopped this and took more hits and all the stickiness and mess was cleanly vaporized. Have also sprinkled kief over herb and this worked similarly to the bubble hash. So overall with bubble hash/kief when mixed with herb, it's a 10, with QWISO mixed with herb I give it a 6 out of 10. I didn't have to clean the top or bottom due to these experiments, but do from time to time rub the metal surfaces with an ISO dampened q-tip. Also have never used it with only hash or kief, have only ever mixed with herbs and frankly wouldn't recommend direct vaping of hash in the Vapman.
In direct comparison to the MFLB which I have used for years and own 4 of them now and have given away several as gifts (meaning in summary, I've bought plenty of them), the Vapman wins easily. First of all no batteries to muss with, just a torch and the one that comes with the Vapman is the best I've used and it has a large tank. The extraction with Vapman is always complete, whereas getting a full extraction with an MFLB is a challenge and often not possible due to varying battery charges or delivery rates of power or any one of various conditions that must perfectly align for full extraction from an MFLB. The amount of herb in the Vapman is 1/2 that used in MFLB, and I know this because I put in a normal load into an MFLB, then dumped it out and got two full loads in the Vapman. In terms of time needed to consume a dose, the Vapman is 1/10th or less the time it takes me to consume using an MFLB.
I used to think the bowl size on the Vapman was too small, WAY TOO SMALL. But now that I've used it (extensively now for months), realize the bowl size is pretty much the perfect size for a single dose. The Vapman has a way of convincing you that your average potency herb is actually top notch in terms of potency. Don't believe me? Try it yourself. Or in summary, don't worry that the bowl size is too small, it turns out to be a plus, in your favor. The MFLB used to be the efficiency king in my book, then along came Vapman and it is 2X as efficient.
Are there downsides? Well, if you want a party device, Vapman is not it. It's more for a person at a time to medicate with a single dose. I let people try it all the time, but always load it myself and heat it myself and let them (one person per dose) take the hits until it's fully consumed (usually 4 hits). Everyone but one person (who gave it a neutral and claims to not be able to vaporize only combust for medicinal reasons) has enjoyed using it, and they all think I have really good herb (which I don't). But even the 'neutral' person was liking the last couple hits and didn't combust (had a joint at the ready) afterwards, so it was more about preconceived ideas than actual performance of the Vapman that gave it a neutral rating from that one person.
Are there upsides not mentioned? For one, the speed of the whole process is yet unmatched by any other vape (portable or plug in) I've ever used. From whole flower to fully vaped in a couple minutes, consistently, is a great plus here. Though the Lotus is a bit faster to get started, because often with the Lotus I'll just jam in a whole flower and not grind it up. With the Vapman I use pill bottles to store ground herb. However, the Lotus needs stirring along the way and the Vapman doesn't, so it's still faster overall than the Lotus.
In direct comparison to the Lotus, a vape that I do love to use and still use from time to time, the Lotus tends to combust easily, has a bit bigger bowl, works fine with unground herb. The Vapman is more stealthy. Using the Lotus in a car is at times uncomfortable, but the Vapman is nice and easy.
One other plus is the ease of maintenance, or best described as 'lack of maintenance'. Other than using a bit of ISO on a q-tip to gently rub the top and bowl surfaces, there's no maintenance. The holes in the top piece (on the stainless steel filter, rather than the cooling holes on the sides of the top piece) have never clogged even with QWISO loaded. Though most of the holes are actually backed by solid wood and not used, only the very center ring of holes and the very center hole are used, all the others are there but don't let air through.
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These are really shining reviews. I appreciate your input everybody.
Has anyone ever experienced the gold flaking from the brass? It mentions it as a possibility on the Vapman website. I may be being daft here but isn't heating exposed copper and inhaling the fumes a bad thing?
Is there any doubts at all regarding the safety of using the Vapman?
cheers
Has anyone ever experienced the gold flaking from the brass? It mentions it as a possibility on the Vapman website. I may be being daft here but isn't heating exposed copper and inhaling the fumes a bad thing?
Is there any doubts at all regarding the safety of using the Vapman?
cheers
Elevapor
Well-Known Member
Never had any problems with flaking. I'd say this is one of the safest vapes, no hot plastic or mystery heating elements. You know exactly what you're getting.
basement farmer
My face is melting...
I wouldn't fret too much over losing the gold plating. It sounds like you really need to blast it with a torch to make it happen...almost intentionally. I don't recall ever reading any real-world accounts of it happening anywhere on this message board and have yet to have it happen personally.
The only safety issue that I can think of is your torch wielding skills. You will be handling not only the torch, but a semi-hot vape....so it's just a matter of common sense. I personally like the notion of hitting it with the torch away from my face which is something that you can't do with any other torch based vaporizor.
The only safety issue that I can think of is your torch wielding skills. You will be handling not only the torch, but a semi-hot vape....so it's just a matter of common sense. I personally like the notion of hitting it with the torch away from my face which is something that you can't do with any other torch based vaporizor.
For those of you who bought the basic version, what oils did you use to treat the wood? Was it difficult to get a satisfactory finish? Do you think the classic is justified at it's £35 extra on the basic?
I really like the form and the idea of the ritual of this piece. I'm still waiting for that piece that can compete with the ritual of rolling and smoking a joint. So far my quest has been fruitless, although I have managed to somewhat quit combustion with the help of my current quiver.
Let's hope the Vapman is the beast I'm seeking. If it's not at least I'll enjoy the journey!
I really like the form and the idea of the ritual of this piece. I'm still waiting for that piece that can compete with the ritual of rolling and smoking a joint. So far my quest has been fruitless, although I have managed to somewhat quit combustion with the help of my current quiver.
Let's hope the Vapman is the beast I'm seeking. If it's not at least I'll enjoy the journey!
OF
Well-Known Member
I used just what the factory did, Linseed oil. Great traditional finish, IMO. Long the standard for military gun stocks.
They come well sanded, ready to finish for practical purposes. The factory polishes them (there's a video of them doing it) which his harder for us to do and IMO not important.
You have to decide for yourself it it makes economic sense. For me it does. IMO it 'completes' the unit, the careful fitting of the mica and the tiny screws fit in with the 'Steampunk' flavor of the VM. Mica has been used for many centuries for exotic uses it's about 135% in keeping with the spirit of the the little guy and adds to my enjoyment of it very much. Others will no doubt see it differently, but for me the 'full dress' version is the one I use. The other is backup/insurance. If I lost the original for whatever reason I think I'd buy another, and much as I like the idea of Oak or Walnut (especially American Walnut), IMO Pear wood is also part of the magic.......I think I'd go with it again. How many other Pear wood things have you seen? I have a Pear tree in the yard, before VM I never thought about it past the fruit and trimming. Now I see that tree in a slightly different light as well.
Not only a vape with a soul, but IMO an interesting one. I hope you get one eventually and enjoy it even half as much as I do.......which should be plenty I think. I seriously doubt you'll regret it, no matter which way you decide to go.
OF
OF
Well-Known Member
Exactly so, it's not all cosmetics. A very neat construction, IMO. A pair of offset notches in the tapers of the body have the ends of the crescent shaped pieces protecting and securing them and a series of tiny screws hold the two pieces in place. The rear one 'hides' behind the front in the mouth of the opening so the flame doesn't have an exposed end to attack. Mine has seen lots of duty and remains pristine compared to the cheaper, non protected, one.
Here's Vapman's photo (from their gallery):
http://www.vapman.com/upload/gallery/thumbs/vapman277_400_400_t.jpeg
And a nice 'side by side':
http://upinsmoke.org.uk/images/D/vapman both types.jpg
OF
Mr Mellish
Well-Known Member
Finally collected the new Vapman. First impressions:
The outside of the shipping box had a Swiss customs sticker that listed 1 inhaler and one lighter (empty). Not terribly thrilled with that but I guess it worked.
The walnut looks very nice. Can't wait to give it a whirl.
The lighter seems much higher quality than the Honest that ships with the VM from the US. It feels more solid, heavier, and the metal around the flame output seems more heavy duty. Of course, I haven't seen my original VM in a month or so, so my recollection could be faulty.
It came with an unexpected two piece metal grinder. (Zeus grinder).
The grinder and the lighter each came with their own little storage/carry bag.
Looking forward to comparing this little fella to the PnP soon.
The outside of the shipping box had a Swiss customs sticker that listed 1 inhaler and one lighter (empty). Not terribly thrilled with that but I guess it worked.
The walnut looks very nice. Can't wait to give it a whirl.
The lighter seems much higher quality than the Honest that ships with the VM from the US. It feels more solid, heavier, and the metal around the flame output seems more heavy duty. Of course, I haven't seen my original VM in a month or so, so my recollection could be faulty.
It came with an unexpected two piece metal grinder. (Zeus grinder).
The grinder and the lighter each came with their own little storage/carry bag.
Looking forward to comparing this little fella to the PnP soon.
Mr Mellish
Well-Known Member
That wouldn't surprise me a bit. However, I've never managed to have both at the same time, so I've not been able to do a reliable comparison.
Now if only the lighters weren't so damn loud!
Modnote: Back to back posts merged.
Ho Lee Shit. Is it the lighter? Is it the mica? I don't know but 1/3 of an MFLB trench just put the hammer down. In much less time than the PnP.
4 minutes vs 10 minutes? Wow.
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OF
Well-Known Member
Mr Mellish
Well-Known Member
I did not doubt you, SativaSensei.
OF
Well-Known Member
Mr Mellish
Well-Known Member
I'm really surprised that this little gem doesn't get more love. My results were good but not great with my original basic and the Honest lighter that came with it. Having the walnut with the mica and the "official" lighter has changed everything. (And I still figure it has to be the lighter and not the mica). Perhaps the lighter is better...perhaps the company adjusts the lighter to the best flame length...perhaps I'm just out of my mind.
Whatever the case, I just realized that I have forgotten to use the toothpicks to block the holes since I got the new VM. I'm happy to say that the current configuration seems to make that totally unnecessary. This thing can blow serious clouds if you want it to. It hits hard and fast, and with a tiny amount of material, as compared to the MFLB or the PnP. In my experience, the effects are better than the MFLB and the PnP and it seems to be more gentle on the throat. And, it's post Zombie Apocalypse or post-EMP strike friendly!
Whatever the case, I just realized that I have forgotten to use the toothpicks to block the holes since I got the new VM. I'm happy to say that the current configuration seems to make that totally unnecessary. This thing can blow serious clouds if you want it to. It hits hard and fast, and with a tiny amount of material, as compared to the MFLB or the PnP. In my experience, the effects are better than the MFLB and the PnP and it seems to be more gentle on the throat. And, it's post Zombie Apocalypse or post-EMP strike friendly!