Thursday night, my Persei/Herc stopped heating. No flashing lights or anything, just no heat (eventually got Herc fixed, but that's a different thread).
As luck would have it, on Friday I acquired two concentrate screens for the walnut Vapman. Checked the website and the instructions seemed simple enough (except for the part that suggests you wipe the filter after each inhalation---WTF???---Ain't nobody got time for that).
Rolled a small cylinder of wax and dropped it onto the newly installed screen. For the first draw, I heated twice for 5 seconds. After that, it was 5-6 seconds of heat/draw. In terms of taste, I'm surprised to report that I give the edge to Vapman. It's not a huge difference, but enough to be noticed. I surmise that the more gentle heat of the Vapman avoids any hints of scorch.
The Vapman quickly begins gassing off a thin vapor trail that I haven't seen escaping while using herb. However, it didn't seem to have any odor so Vapman and Herc tie on olfactory stealth.
After two back to back sessions, totaling 14 draws (only have crap wax), I'd have to say the Vapman hit very nicely. Perhaps a slight bit harder than Herc but I'll need a few more tests.
After a single maiden voyage, I'm very impressed with the Vapman and its concentrate screen. At the price point, Vapman is unbeatable. I was once a huge Launchbox fan but now I say, "Launchbox who???" There is simply no comparison, except for the incredible stealth of the LB.
Back to the Herc (SR.-71)... This is a much closer contest. Both units are excellent. Herc crushes Vapman on stealth...I've used Herc with people very near and they were none the wiser. Just can't pull that off with Vapman (I'm excited about the new electric heating project but it's only a minor improvement in stealth and I'm sure stealth wasn't a big consideration). In terms of price, Vapman wins easily and you won't feel intimidated trying to figure out what the hell you need to purchase (Persei/Herc can be a bit daunting for the uninitiated). In terms of clean-up, I'm going to go out on a limb and say Vapman wins. Taking the Herc apart, cleaning it to restore the contacts, and dealing with all the oozing wax was a real pain in the ass...Vapman just doesn't have the complexity.
In summary, comparing Vapman to Persei/Herc:
Taste - slight edge to Vapman
Stealth - huge edge to Herc
Odor - tie
Cost - Vapman
Ease of use/maintenance - Vapman
Flexibility - Vapman (herb and wax without needing extra attachments)
(Don't get me wrong, I still love the Herc...just think it may not be the right choice for everyone.)
So, if you're on a budget, want to dabble in wax while still having the option for herb, and don't need heavy stealth, Vapman is absolutely the way to go. If you're not on a budget, WTF are you waiting for??? You cannot do wrong by getting yourself a Vapman (I'm sold on the mica/exotic wood but might consider a middle product that puts an interesting char on the Basic --
@vapman, what about it?) I see three price points:
Vapman Raw - for budget users and those who want to DIY a char
Vapman Char - for budget users who want cool looks without the exotic expense
Vapman Mica/Exotic - for those not on a budget
Of course, it's not my product and it's none of my business...just spitballing...
Enjoy, all.
ETA:
Two other things:
1. With the Herc, it's difficult to tell how much load you have. Take off the mouthpiece and you're looking down a dark barrel into sludge. With Vapman, pull the top and you know instantly. Advantages: Vapman
2. For me, I can't avoid coughing with the Herc. Just as it seems to be with herb, Vapman vapor is more tolerable/forgiving to my throat. Advantages: Vapman
I'm a little surprised at how this turned out because I do love my Herc.
