Hi, here is the answer I got from the vapocane team :
Question :
Answer :
I have no idea about the glass quality, though I suspect it to be low quality pyrex with soda lime into it :
http://consumerist.com/2010/12/cons...-of-glass-investigating-shattering-pyrex.html
Hi,
I have used extensively both "A" and B versions and can share my experience with you.
Short version: the B is actually much better. Long verion follows:
Glass: there is a noticeable difference with the "A" version having a slight gray/bluish tint and the B version being perfectly clear. Note: there are golden and white "A" models as well. The "A" model *may* be made of better glass but is not more durable in my experience... in fact the opposite is true.
Shape: The "A" version is obviously hand made and each one is different. Some are a bit crooked, some seem thinner than others. The "A" version's tip is round and has a small hole whereas the B has a larger hole from edge to edge... it is kind of hard to explain without attaching pictures.
GonG connections: The "A" version's connection is PAPER THIN and extremely delicate. DON'T try to push the screen into place using the Vapocane top - it will break the damn thing. None of the "A" version Vapocanes I had (and that would amount to QUITE A FEW - more on that later) had reasonably well-formed ground glass connections - they all wiggled when set in place. In contrast, the B has standard industrial(?) ground glass connection that is MUCH thicker and appear to be perfectly round, at least in practical terms.
Screens: The "A" version comes with larger (20mm?) brass screens whereas the B comes with 10mm SS screens which I find much more convenient. Both work perfectly well but having less "margins", for lack of a better word, allows you to place the screen higher, therefore achieving higher temperatures.
Packaging: The marker style case is perfect for the Vapobong and Vaponic, as the entire thing fits inside conveniently. With the Vapocane however, the case does not accommodate the adapter and is therefore an impractical gimmick. The B versions box holds both pieces. As this is not a mobile vaporizer (unless one is in the habit of carrying a bong on his person wherever he goes), I think it makes much more sense. It is nicely padded as well.
Kit: The B version kit is minimal: top part, adapter and screens. The "A" version adds to that a brush, a crappy torch lighter which I find useless (for direct heating as well as retained heat method), a booklet, and the above mentioned case... this brings me to my next point:
At first I have been reluctant to try the Vapocane B because it was referred to as an inferior product. What made me eventually try one was being sick of having to buy the entire kit whenever the Vapocane top broke (i.e. once every few days... you only need to stare at them for that to happen). Well, I am very glad I did.
In my personal experience the B version improves on the original in every way. It is more durable (personal experience, YMMV), has less sample variance (machine made?) and the somewhat larger hole allows for better air flow. It is a superior product for half the price.
After having broken my first vapocane "A" top just one day after getting it (this was my mistake, I assume responsibility for it) I have contacted the Vapocane office to inquire whether replacement parts are available.
Vapocane is in fact two companies: Solwe in Spain and Rob Productions in Austria. My mail was processed by Solwe and was answered promptly and courteously. They said they will ask their Austrian partner to send me a replacement for a reduced charge.
I can only assume Rob would not willingly cooperate, as I had to write two more times to enquire about this. Eventually after a couple of months I got a top part which was practically unusable - I guess it failed QC (if not then it should have) - it was paper thin and had a tiny hole that allowed for very little air flow. I disposed of it.
Having waited so long Solwe were kind enough to offer the replacement free of charge (Thanks!), but what eventually came in the mail seemed like a "third finger" from their Austrian partner.
I can only assume that charging for the entire kit is part of their business model. How many brushes and crap lighters do you suppose I need? That said, replacement parts for other products such as the Vaponic are available, so I fail to see the logic in this. The Vaponic, BTW, is a very nice portable vaporizer, but it takes some practice to learn to use it.
Bottom Line:
Nothing beats either Vapocane version in vapor purity and flavor. It is a very cost effective setup (unless you find yourselves buying kit after kit like I did), does not require long heat up time, fits on any GonG pipe and works very very well. It is my go-to vaporizer when at home (I tried the MFLB, Vaporgenie, Herborizer, Vaponic and of course both Vapocane versions).