Vapman

mixchu69

Well-Known Member
Just curious, which VM did you choose? Did you match the Olive?

@mixchu69, congrats! I look forward to hearing your reaction to the station and the V2. I hope you'll enjoy them immensely!
Yes, got the walnut to match. Both Satin and Zebrano look great too (those are the three options with the bundle). All the gorgeous vapmen on this thread pushed me to start my own collection (only 2 to begin with).
 

Chicken No Name

Dazed and confused
thats my problem. i don't want any flaking and it is quite dirty. so imo there would be a lot iso needed. and thats not what i really want to try. maybe i have to leave em that way.
Might be the best if you are concerned.
When I did it I had no problems. The cotton bud left no dampness on the mica and cleaned it successfully. This was on the second hand one I received a few weeks ago. It's an old one and I was very gentle but the mica held up great.
 
Chicken No Name,
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Rodney

Well-Known Member
thats my problem. i don't want any flaking and it is quite dirty. so imo there would be a lot iso needed. and thats not what i really want to try. maybe i have to leave em that way.

you could try warm soapy water or a vinegar solution instead of Iso or even vodka as that is not as strong as Iso. Or as you say may be best to just leave it that way.
 
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Radwin Bodnic

Well-Known Member
you could try warm soapy water or a vinegar solution instead of Iso or even vodka as that is not as strong as Iso. Or as you say may be best to just leave it that way.
These mica sheets are made of mica flakes suspended in water then mechanically layered (still in water) and then dried.
They only hold together because of their cristalline structure and if you use water it will definitely flake off.
 

Spy Car

Well-Known Member
I'm trying to get "up to speed" on the Vapman variants, and may need to read 504 pages (🤣) but is there a short version of the pure vs classic options and what am I seeing about Swiss vs Italian model differences?

Sorry if this is a commonly asked question (as I suspect is the case).

Other tips? Wood. Mouthpiece options?

I'm exploring.

Bill
 

fangorn

Well-Known Member
Using the station / general observations:
-i have neglected the station quite a bit since I got it. it is too little compared to the price. i will force myself to reuse it once a day to recoup the price.
-i have to count about 5 seconds after the light turns green, if i want satisfactory results.
it remains quieter than the lighter when everyone is asleep!
and it is consistent.
it does not bother me that much.
i understand that you are not satisfied with the setting, given the price of the machine... but i am ok with that.
-with the wooden mouthpieces (versus the versions with adjustable airflow), i prefer to block an intake hole. i get more visible vapor. having mainly used the AFC mouthpieces since my first acquisitions, i am glad to have remembered the discussions on this point, and to have become aware of it. I find the pleasure I had with my Vapman at the beginning.
-I am a maniac with my equipment. I need to wash the sieves after each session. I try a ritual with a bowl of hash, then a bowl or two of flowers (using the sieve). I get more bang for my buck this way!!
- with this last technique, I feel like I just managed to put the Vapman back in my rotation!! which is very good news!!

Glad the Vapman are back!!

(below, a photo of my AVB, using the hash sieve....)

 

Spy Car

Well-Known Member

Avoid: Beech, Hemlock, Oak, Oleander, Quebracho, Redwood, Sassafras, and Yew (listed as carcinogens). A number of trees and shrubs contain toxins that are harmful to humans and should not be used for smoking. The toxins can survive the burning process and end up making you sick. Some of these plants include mangrove, poisonous walnut, tambootie, and laburnun.

Juniper wood is not considered toxic to make a pipe out of, but it might not be the best choice due to its potential to affect the taste of your smoke due to its strong flavor profile; most pipe makers would recommend using dedicated pipe woods...

As you have a few (LOL) is there a wood (or woods) that are available and rise to the top in your estimation?

Olive wood seems as if it is the most common wood. Is olive an excellent choice? Or is there something else to consider?

Pure/classic? Swiss/Italian? I'm perplexed.

Bill
 
Spy Car,

coolbreeze

Well-Known Member
I'm trying to get "up to speed" on the Vapman variants, and may need to read 504 pages (🤣) but is there a short version of the pure vs classic options and what am I seeing about Swiss vs Italian model differences?
Pure vs Classic no longer really applies, they are making only Classic versions now. With the original Swiss Vapmans (and the earlier Italian models) there was the standard, classic model with a finished surface and the protective mica layer. The Pures had no finish and no mica; they relied on the layer of carbon built with use to preserve the wood.

The Italian models are all now also Version 2, with a new, easier-to-clean midpiece and improved air adjustment system. They tend to cause the Vapman to build more heat, so I think it's marginally more aggressive. Another change is that the body and pan have been reconfigured to make them easier to assemble, I think. In use, the change means less charring of the pure versions. It's a change that also made the Swiss midsections no longer interchangeable with the newer Italian ones.

Both are awesome, both work really well. The Swiss models are no longer made. If you can find a Swiss one, they are usually walnut, pear, or occasionally an exotic wood. Sometimes Rene still has an exotic or two available. For the Italians, the Olive is really nice but I have enjoyed all of their new wood choices. There are currently Olive, Satinwood, and Zebrano. The olive is thought to be well-protected by its natural oils, fwiw.
DSCF9992.webp
DSCF5450.webp


Vgoodiez also has some of the earlier V1 Italian models, including Pures, in stock still. These can also use the newer V2 midsection.
 
Last edited:

passenger

is this thing on?
As you have a few (LOL) is there a wood (or woods) that are available and rise to the top in your estimation?

Olive wood seems as if it is the most common wood. Is olive an excellent choice? Or is there something else to consider?

Pure/classic? Swiss/Italian? I'm perplexed.

Bill
Hey Bill.

Olive is an excellent choice. It's a great wood for the task, I wood start there. ;)
If you are using a torch, take a classic! The Mica will protect from the flame.
If you use a station for heating it up, you can use Classic or Pure!

Support the guys, buy the italian, it is a little upgrade from the OG swiss version. The swiss is always nice for us collectors, but my go to travel Vapman is an italian.
 

Spy Car

Well-Known Member
Hey Bill.

Olive is an excellent choice. It's a great wood for the task, I wood start there. ;)
If you are using a torch, take a classic! The Mica will protect from the flame.
If you use a station for heating it up, you can use Classic or Pure!

Support the guys, buy the italian, it is a little upgrade from the OG swiss version. The swiss is always nice for us collectors, but my go to travel Vapman is an italian.

Thank you. I suppose I should go classic. That's easy.

Not the Swiss vs Italian thing still has be scratching my head. Are the Swiss ones "vintage" where the Italian ones are current production?

If I find one new from a vendor is it going to be Italian by default?

Good to know that olive is a solid choice. Seems like it is most available and it is very lovely wood.

Oh, and what about mouthpieces? I've mentioned before, but I just discovered my good buddy has a titanium allergy, so (unless I have 2) titanium stems are out. Thoughts?

Bill
 

passenger

is this thing on?
Not the Swiss vs Italian thing still has be scratching my head. Are the Swiss ones "vintage" where the Italian ones are current production?
That's correct. The italian is the upgrade, if you will. Still the high quality it ever was.
If I find one new from a vendor is it going to be Italian by default?
Yup, if not, it is very old stock inbetween. The OG won't come mass produced in olive, it will be pear or walnut... and the various special editions.
Good to know that olive is a solid choice. Seems like it is most available and it is very lovely wood.
It is, before it become the standard (italian) model, it was only available as special edition. I like it a lot more than the OG walnut, it affected the taste (a bit) :)
Oh, and what about mouthpieces? I've mentioned before, but I just discovered my good buddy has a titanium allergy, so (unless I have 2) titanium stems are out. Thoughts?

Bill
Take the POM! No, really, take two POM mouthpieces.
 

cx714

Unregulated Tendencies
People pooh pooh the POM mouthpieces, but they were the inventor’s first choice. Chemically stable, doesn’t get hot, lightweight, looks swish in black— not much to complain about unless you’re a plastic snob.

Btw PotV are clearing out their Vapman stock. Solid sale prices for the Italian 1.0s… or you could wait to see if it drops further for Black Friday.

 

Spy Car

Well-Known Member
Pure vs Classic no longer really applies, they are making only Classic versions now. With the original Swiss Vapmans (and the earlier Italian models) there was the standard, classic model with a finished surface and the protective mica layer. The Pures had no finish and no mica; they relied on the layer of carbon built with use to preserve the wood.

The Italian models are all now also Version 2, with a new, easier-to-clean midpiece and improved air adjustment system. They tend to cause the Vapman to build more heat, so I think it's marginally more aggressive. Another change is that the body and pan have been reconfigured to make them easier to assemble, I think. In use, the change means less charring of the pure versions. It's a change that also made the Swiss midsections no longer interchangeable with the newer Italian ones.

Both are awesome, both work really well. The Swiss models are no longer made. If you can find a Swiss one, they are usually walnut, pear, or occasionally an exotic wood. Sometimes Rene still has an exotic or two available. For the Italians, the Olive is really nice but I have enjoyed all of their new wood choices. There are currently Olive, Satinwood, and Zebrano. The olive is thought to be well-protected by its natural oils, fwiw.
DSCF9992.webp
DSCF5450.webp


Vgoodiez also has some of the earlier V1 Italian models, including Pures, in stock still. These can also use the newer V2 midsection.

Pure vs Classic no longer really applies, they are making only Classic versions now. With the original Swiss Vapmans (and the earlier Italian models) there was the standard, classic model with a finished surface and the protective mica layer. The Pures had no finish and no mica; they relied on the layer of carbon built with use to preserve the wood.

The Italian models are all now also Version 2, with a new, easier-to-clean midpiece and improved air adjustment system. They tend to cause the Vapman to build more heat, so I think it's marginally more aggressive. Another change is that the body and pan have been reconfigured to make them easier to assemble, I think. In use, the change means less charring of the pure versions. It's a change that also made the Swiss midsections no longer interchangeable with the newer Italian ones.

Both are awesome, both work really well. The Swiss models are no longer made. If you can find a Swiss one, they are usually walnut, pear, or occasionally an exotic wood. Sometimes Rene still has an exotic or two available. For the Italians, the Olive is really nice but I have enjoyed all of their new wood choices. There are currently Olive, Satinwood, and Zebrano. The olive is thought to be well-protected by its natural oils, fwiw.
DSCF9992.webp
DSCF5450.webp


Vgoodiez also has some of the earlier V1 Italian models, including Pures, in stock still. These can also use the newer V2 midsection.

Thank you so much for breaking this down for me. I think you literally saved me hours of time. I hope the info helps someone else as well.

Much appreciated!

That's correct. The italian is the upgrade, if you will. Still the high quality it ever was.

Yup, if not, it is very old stock inbetween. The OG won't come mass produced in olive, it will be pear or walnut... and the various special editions.

It is, before it become the standard (italian) model, it was only available as special edition. I like it a lot more than the OG walnut, it affected the taste (a bit) :)

Take the POM! No, really, take two POM mouthpieces.

Great. I think the olive is very beautiful, so that's easy.

But POM? What's that??

I'm familiar with the juice company that goes by that name--and in fact I used some POM to make delicious homemade Grenadine (modifying YouTube star-bartender Anders Erickson's recipe slightly to include more pomegranate molasses to excellent effect) but POM mouthpieces? No clue.

Bill
 

passenger

is this thing on?
People pooh pooh the POM mouthpieces, but they were the inventor’s first choice. Chemically stable, doesn’t get hot, lightweight, looks swish in black— not much to complain about unless you’re a plastic snob.

Btw PotV are clearing out their Vapman stock. Solid sale prices for the Italian 1.0s… or you could wait to see if it drops further for Black Friday.

True and also this bit: Because the POM is so lightweight, when the Vapman slips your hand it normally won't land on your mouthpiece (like with metal mouthpieces) putting less stress on the construction from the fall.
 

Spy Car

Well-Known Member
The POM is not suited for the 2.0 version.
But your buddy should be fine with stainless steel @Spy Car

Stainless would be fine, allergen-wise, for my friend.

If titanium allergies were a non-issue, any pro/cons of steel vs titanium?

And what about wood vs metal mouthpieces? There is something organically pleasing about wood. Is the wood mouthpiece a maintenance/cleaning nightmare or is it a good choice for the Vapman? Choices.

People pooh pooh the POM mouthpieces, but they were the inventor’s first choice. Chemically stable, doesn’t get hot, lightweight, looks swish in black— not much to complain about unless you’re a plastic snob.

Btw PotV are clearing out their Vapman stock. Solid sale prices for the Italian 1.0s… or you could wait to see if it drops further for Black Friday.


Unless I missed something, the PotV vapman products are sold out. Too bad as I have some credits to use.

Did I miss something???

Bill
 
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