The Vaponic Plus arrived yesterday and I tested it extensively during the evening. For me, this upgrade is definitely worth the price (while it may not for others). While the vapor quality is, as expected, identical, it adds all the stuff I was missing. In addition to protecting the glass parts, it provides the vape with some quaintness (not sure if this is the right word): I own an old straight razor from my great grandfather in a nice box and holding the vaponic plus in hand gives me a similar feeling. I can imagine it some years later with the wood nicely aged. To extend the analogy, there are more fancy electric shavers out there, but they lack the soul. Also both are tools that you need to master (not merely consumer products), which is something that is becoming less and less appreciated, as attention spans decrease.
When vaping alone, I only keep the middle part of the wood encasing attached to the glas tube (which also makes it easier to handle for larger hands) and screw the caps on when finished (or putting it aside for later reheating).
When vaping with clumsy friends, I screw the bottom cap on to keep them from burning their hands.
Conclusion: The vaponic plus for me is definitely worth the money for the added value and feel, as well as the added protection (hands, furniture, vaponic glass parts).
