Vaporbrothers VB2

[mrbonsai420]

Wow, that's the setup I'm thinking of grabbing for a backup for when my VB2 needs repair! What type of Enail are you using? I was debating what enail i want,but I'm definitely looking at the Liger 2.0 with those inserts! I wonder how they compare to my VB2 experience!

I have a couple of different PiD temp controllers but my favorite is this one. You can get it for around $230 China direct and the Omron PiD and solid state relay are much better than the $100 Chinese crap. Temp barely budges when I dab and it heats up fast!

http://www.greenlightvapes.com/productsdetail.asp?id=4

And this is my backup travel enail. It works well too but heat up is about 30 seconds slower than the Omron. But it does come inside a Pelican case which is the tits!


Does anyone have a really nice hybrid enail (Dnail Halo or Liger) and the VB2/VB2.5? I would love to hear a comparison and whether it's worth having both in the lineup!

 

[Cannabis Connoisseur]

I have a couple of different PiD temp controllers but my favorite is this one. You can get it for around $230 China direct and the Omron PiD and solid state relay are much better than the $100 Chinese crap. Temp barely budges when I dab and it heats up fast!

http://www.greenlightvapes.com/productsdetail.asp?id=4

And this is my backup travel enail. It works well too but heat up is about 30 seconds slower than the Omron. But it does come inside a Pelican case which is the tits!


Does anyone have a really nice hybrid enail (Dnail Halo or Liger) and the VB2/VB2.5? I would love to hear a comparison and whether it's worth having both in the lineup!

Maybe @stickstones can help us with this question!

 

[stickstones]

I've never owned a traditional nail

 

[vaporbrothers]

Let me listify my beliefs about e-nails and VB2, fill in some history, give some news.

• E-nails are temperature controlled, usually down to the degree. VB2.0's temp is loosely controlled within +-50F after its 3 min warmup. VB2.5 reaches maximum temperature in 30 sec (controlled with an internal K type thermocouple and PID temp control) but neither VB2 have a readout of temperature. You need a separate probe to measure our heater temp.
  
• If you are going for the wax-hovering-above-the-plate method, (Leidenfrost effect) you just need to turn VB2 to max and not worry about temperature. The wax vaporizes in its entirety (terps + remaining medicine) instantaneously. If you are going for "low temp dabs," different story.
• Low temp dabs are best done on an e-nail with a well fitting carb cap IMO. Low temp in the VB2 is slower and a bit smoky (yes, I believe low surface temp allows the material to burn more). Of course this is ALL my opinion, which still evolves, with YOUR input- Wonder if anybody here successfully low temp dabs on VB2?? @Vitolo @GR ??
  
• VB2 is self contained. Looks like a crock pot in the kitchen. "In plain sight" device. E-nails sprawl.
  
• VB2 separates you from the heat with its ceramic housing, internal air gap, and silicone grip. Without any exposed searing-hot surfaces, you can "dab with abandon" (credit to Adam Dunn).
  
• VB2 has an auto off. Our neighbor Aqualab has a sign on their back door saying "Is the e-nail turned off?"
• We would like to carry an e-nail for our wholesale biz and have been working with a company to go straight into the mid-lower price range but our traditional sellers (smoke shops) are allergic to new expenses. Stay tuned.

Some more history: There was only traditional hash and bubble around when the first VB2 prototypes started, so that's why VB2 is so different than an e-nail; they didn't exist yet. The only predecessor of VB2 was hot knives, basically, although the first one was made from a modified VB1 (our box vaporizer). I originally called the invention a hash converter, now wax converter, because it seemed the whole process of preparing and smoking hash shrank to nothing- Now all you do is drop a chunk in and get a hit. The key was to keep the vapor contained in a small space, exclude any hot metal from being able to touch the product, and be capable of cleaning itself back to white ceramic. The "in plain sight" aspect of VB2 is what got it invited into homes around the country in those early years.


News for VB2.0 owners: If you are handy with tools, we think we can give you the option to change your own heater. VB2.0's need service from time to time, so this could cut down the hellacious shipping & waiting process. Starting right away, all new VB2.0 construction and VB2.0 repairs will get this screw terminal added to the board. Your next mail-in service may be the last...

 

[Cannabis Connoisseur]

Let me listify my beliefs about e-nails and VB2, fill in some history, give some news.

• E-nails are temperature controlled, usually down to the degree. VB2.0's temp is loosely controlled within +-50F after its 3 min warmup. VB2.5 reaches maximum temperature in 30 sec (controlled with an internal K type thermocouple and PID temp control) but neither VB2 have a readout of temperature. You need a separate probe to measure our heater temp.
  
• If you are going for the wax-hovering-above-the-plate method, (Leidenfrost effect) you just need to turn VB2 to max and not worry about temperature. The wax vaporizes in its entirety (terps + remaining medicine) instantaneously. If you are going for "low temp dabs," different story.
• Low temp dabs are best done on an e-nail with a well fitting carb cap IMO. Low temp in the VB2 is slower and a bit smoky (yes, I believe low surface temp allows the material to burn more). Of course this is ALL my opinion, which still evolves, with YOUR input- Wonder if anybody here successfully low temp dabs on VB2?? @Vitolo @GR ??
  
• VB2 is self contained. Looks like a crock pot in the kitchen. "In plain sight" device. E-nails sprawl.
  
• VB2 separates you from the heat with its ceramic housing, internal air gap, and silicone grip. Without any exposed searing-hot surfaces, you can "dab with abandon" (credit to Adam Dunn).
  
• VB2 has an auto off. Our neighbor Aqualab has a sign on their back door saying "Is the e-nail turned off?"
• We would like to carry an e-nail for our wholesale biz and have been working with a company to go straight into the mid-lower price range but our traditional sellers (smoke shops) are allergic to new expenses. Stay tuned.

Some more history: There was only traditional hash and bubble around when the first VB2 prototypes started, so that's why VB2 is so different than an e-nail; they didn't exist yet. The only predecessor of VB2 was hot knives, basically, although the first one was made from a modified VB1 (our box vaporizer). I originally called the invention a hash converter, now wax converter, because it seemed the whole process of preparing and smoking hash shrank to nothing- Now all you do is drop a chunk in and get a hit. The key was to keep the vapor contained in a small space, exclude any hot metal from being able to touch the product, and be capable of cleaning itself back to white ceramic. The "in plain sight" aspect of VB2 is what got it invited into homes around the country in those early years.


News for VB2.0 owners: If you are handy with tools, we think we can give you the option to change your own heater. VB2.0's need service from time to time, so this could cut down the hellacious shipping & waiting process. Starting right away, all new VB2.0 construction and VB2.0 repairs will get this screw terminal added to the board. Your next mail-in service may be the last...

I actually prayed for this! Proof prayer works!
@vaporbrothers my unit is in for repair now! Will it be part of my repair?? You all just made my Millennium!! The Best Vaporizer on The Planet just got BETTER people!!
VAPOR BROTHERS 4LIFE!!
@KimDracula I know you're another who'll love this!!

 

[KimDracula]

That sounds great. I'm not really handy with tools but if it's simple and the directions are good I can probably handle it.

 

[mixchu69]

Let me listify my beliefs about e-nails and VB2, fill in some history, give some news.

• E-nails are temperature controlled, usually down to the degree. VB2.0's temp is loosely controlled within +-50F after its 3 min warmup. VB2.5 reaches maximum temperature in 30 sec (controlled with an internal K type thermocouple and PID temp control) but neither VB2 have a readout of temperature. You need a separate probe to measure our heater temp.
  
• If you are going for the wax-hovering-above-the-plate method, (Leidenfrost effect) you just need to turn VB2 to max and not worry about temperature. The wax vaporizes in its entirety (terps + remaining medicine) instantaneously. If you are going for "low temp dabs," different story.
• Low temp dabs are best done on an e-nail with a well fitting carb cap IMO. Low temp in the VB2 is slower and a bit smoky (yes, I believe low surface temp allows the material to burn more). Of course this is ALL my opinion, which still evolves, with YOUR input- Wonder if anybody here successfully low temp dabs on VB2?? @Vitolo @GR ??
  
• VB2 is self contained. Looks like a crock pot in the kitchen. "In plain sight" device. E-nails sprawl.
  
• VB2 separates you from the heat with its ceramic housing, internal air gap, and silicone grip. Without any exposed searing-hot surfaces, you can "dab with abandon" (credit to Adam Dunn).
  
• VB2 has an auto off. Our neighbor Aqualab has a sign on their back door saying "Is the e-nail turned off?"
• We would like to carry an e-nail for our wholesale biz and have been working with a company to go straight into the mid-lower price range but our traditional sellers (smoke shops) are allergic to new expenses. Stay tuned.

Some more history: There was only traditional hash and bubble around when the first VB2 prototypes started, so that's why VB2 is so different than an e-nail; they didn't exist yet. The only predecessor of VB2 was hot knives, basically, although the first one was made from a modified VB1 (our box vaporizer). I originally called the invention a hash converter, now wax converter, because it seemed the whole process of preparing and smoking hash shrank to nothing- Now all you do is drop a chunk in and get a hit. The key was to keep the vapor contained in a small space, exclude any hot metal from being able to touch the product, and be capable of cleaning itself back to white ceramic. The "in plain sight" aspect of VB2 is what got it invited into homes around the country in those early years.


News for VB2.0 owners: If you are handy with tools, we think we can give you the option to change your own heater. VB2.0's need service from time to time, so this could cut down the hellacious shipping & waiting process. Starting right away, all new VB2.0 construction and VB2.0 repairs will get this screw terminal added to the board. Your next mail-in service may be the last...

I'm curious about temperatures in maximizing concentrate use. I've talked to Stickstones numerous times to buy the vb2, but never pulled the trigger. Everyone that uses the vb2 says they get more from their concentrates than an enail. I am wondering if using higher temps with concentrates is more effective than low temp dabbing, since vb2 doesn't do low temp (or is a lil more difficult).

 

[lazylightning]

That sounds great. I'm not really handy with tools but if it's simple and the directions are good I can probably handle it.

I replaced my first heater a couple weeks ago before any directions had been compiled and it was ridiculously easy. Also cool to see the inside of the VB2. Now each time I replace a heater I can take the ceramic cone all the way off and clean it thoroughly without worry of damaging the heater.

 

[Cannabis Connoisseur]

I replaced my first heater a couple weeks ago before any directions had been compiled and it was ridiculously easy. Also cool to see the inside of the VB2. Now each time I replace a heater I can take the ceramic cone all the way off and clean it thoroughly without worry of damaging the heater.

Did they send you the heaters beforehand? My unit is being shipped back to me today and I was told it has this upgrade. I'm wondering the next time it goes out will I have the heater on hand for instant repair or will I have to wait to have it mailed to me

 

[lazylightning]

Did they send you the heaters beforehand? My unit is being shipped back to me today and I was told it has this upgrade. I'm wondering the next time it goes out will I have the heater on hand for instant repair or will I have to wait to have it mailed to me

They shipped me a spare heater which was good because I had to replace the heater after 3 days. Then the circuit board blew less than a day after I replaced the heater.

I've blown 4 heaters and 2 circuit boards in the 11 weeks I've owned my VB2. So far I've only been able to use my VB2 for 5 of those 11 weeks and am hoping that it'll spend less time in transit for repair if I can at least replace the heaters as they blow.

 

[Cannabis Connoisseur]

They shipped me a spare heater which was good because I had to replace the heater after 3 days. Then the circuit board blew less than a day after I replaced the heater.

I've blown 4 heaters and 2 circuit boards in the 11 weeks I've owned my VB2. So far I've only been able to use my VB2 for 5 of those 11 weeks and am hoping that it'll spend less time in transit for repair if I can at least replace the heaters as they blow.

How can you tell the difference between the two?? I've had to send mine in abou. 4 times within 3-4mos. It last about 3-4 weeks each time i get it back

 

[SlinginPaint]

Wait so every 4 weeks you have to send it back? Have they figured out why is there such a high rate of failure for the heaters?

 

[lazylightning]

How can you tell the difference between the two?? I've had to send mine in abou. 4 times within 3-4mos. It last about 3-4 weeks each time i get it back

You can see on the photo below the 2 red wires entering the terminal connector with the 2 screws. That's the part that the updated units have for easily changing heaters.

I've been getting only 2 weeks at the most between sending my unit in for repairs. I'd be excited if it lasted 4 weeks straight!

 

[KimDracula]

Mine seems to get about the same number of power cycles each time before heater failure, something like forty or fifty, I believe. If I use it more often then it I get less time, but it's usually 3-4 weeks for me.

 

[lazylightning]

Mine seems to get about the same number of power cycles each time before heater failure, something like forty or fifty, I believe. If I use it more often then it I get less time, but it's usually 3-4 weeks for me.

I've asked about the best way to use my VB2 to prolong its life between repairs. I tend to use it every 30-45 minutes for 3-5 hours at a time. Supposedly the best thing to do is to leave it on between uses because the heating and cooling puts the greatest stress on the components.

I've been getting maybe 40-50 hours of use after each repair at the very most. Two of the heaters died after only about 5-10 hours of use.

I REALLY want to be able to "dab with abandon" but find myself rationing my VB2 sessions so I can hang onto it just a little longer before sending it back for another repair.

 

[vaporbrothers]

VB2 owners::::::: Here's a reminder that you can send your vaporizer in for free service any time. If you accept UPS you can also get pickup at your door.

The vaporizer can be working or not- We test it out, clean the ceramic housing, replace old electronics. Also adding a heater connector so DIY people can replace their heaters at home.

Linus V.

 

[Danksta]

I'm trying to wrap my head around this investment. From what I am reading this is a $700 device that requires service almost once a month? This thing truly must be magic when it works to put up with that. I'm not giving up being sold on this, I just need some clarification on some things.

The VB2 comes with a limited lifetime warranty and doesn't include wear and tear. Should I get the extended warranty?

Is the VB2.5 more reliable? The price is very high but if it only needs serviced 1 or 2 times a year that could be worth the cost.

How much are the replacement heaters?

The hard question. Why does a $700 device fail so much? I'm not trying to be a dick, but if I built a custom PC for someone and told them it needs serviced every 4 weeks they'd tell me to buzz off.

For those who own this. Do you feel the constant upkeep is worth it? I want the best plug in for concentrates and this really does seems like it. I have no problem dropping a decent chunk on gear, but I just want to know if all of you are truly happy.

 

[Cannabis Connoisseur]

It's a truly unique vaporizer. Yes that's about the average service time. I will say it's a "TRUE" connoisseurs device. I bought a DNAIL to back this up. When the VB2 needs service the DNAIL gets batter up! With that being said i won't sale my VB2. If you can afford it, buy it. Replacement heaters are included in your warranty, and are able to be replaced by the user. When I got tired of my VB2 going out And being without it, I bought a DNAIL to back it up. I didn't sale the VB2 like the wife suggested. She's a stoner, I'm a CANNABIS CONNOISSEUR!!

 

[Danksta]

It's a truly unique vaporizer. Yes that's about the average service time. I will say it's a "TRUE" connoisseurs device. I bought a DNAIL to back this up. When the VB2 needs service the DNAIL gets batter up! With that being said i won't sale my VB2. If you can afford it, buy it. Replacement heaters are included in your warranty, and are able to be replaced by the user. When I got tired of my VB2 going out And being without it, I bought a DNAIL to back it up. I didn't sale the VB2 like the wife suggested. She's a stoner, I'm a CANNABIS CONNOISSEUR!!

Well it does sound like this device is for me. I only use concentrates now and want to get the most of out them. I was looking at the EVO, but I think I saw you mention in the EVO thread you prefer this? I think I'm pretty much sold on this unit if it's better than the EVO.

 

[lazylightning]

I'm trying to wrap my head around this investment. From what I am reading this is a $700 device that requires service almost once a month? This thing truly must be magic when it works to put up with that. I'm not giving up being sold on this, I just need some clarification on some things.

The VB2 comes with a limited lifetime warranty and doesn't include wear and tear. Should I get the extended warranty?

Is the VB2.5 more reliable? The price is very high but if it only needs serviced 1 or 2 times a year that could be worth the cost.

How much are the replacement heaters?

The hard question. Why does a $700 device fail so much? I'm not trying to be a dick, but if I built a custom PC for someone and told them it needs serviced every 4 weeks they'd tell me to buzz off.

For those who own this. Do you feel the constant upkeep is worth it? I want the best plug in for concentrates and this really does seems like it. I have no problem dropping a decent chunk on gear, but I just want to know if all of you are truly happy.

I'm a pretty heavy concentrate user and tend to keep my VB2 running on high for hours at a time. VB has advised that it's better to leave it on instead of turning on and off more frequently.

Since I purchased my unit 15 weeks ago, it's been operational about 7 weeks of that time. I'm on my 3rd base as the first 2 burned out. I also go through about 2-3 heaters per week on average and get an average of 10-20 hours of use per heater. The upside is that there is no charge for heaters or replacement of fried bases.

I'm getting to be a pro at heater changes and can do one in about 3 minutes now. I only wish they'd send me 5-10 heaters at once since I usually blow through 2-3 in a week and then end up without use of the VB2 for 3-7 days while waiting for more heaters to arrive.

Despite being in touch with VB almost weekly and changing heaters 2-3 times a week, I still love the VB2! I like it so much better than an enail that I usually just go without concentrates when the VB2 is broken.

 

[KimDracula]

Well it does sound like this device is for me. I only use concentrates now and want to get the most of out them. I was looking at the EVO, but I think I saw you mention in the EVO thread you prefer this? I think I'm pretty much sold on this unit if it's better than the EVO.

It's a great device that I recommend but with that caveat that it will fail and require service. I feel covered by having the EVO to back up the VB2 so I haven't gone the e-nail route (although I did some looking because there's something attractive to me about the dabbing ritual). There hasn't been a whole lot of feedback about the VB2.5 so I don't know as much about that one. I hear some of those have had trouble with overheating.

I think the VB2 is better than the EVO for concentrates but it's also a very different experience. The EVO gives a low-temp hit that takes a while to draw while the VB2 gives a very high-temp hit that doesn't feel so hot but vaporizes all the material instantly and gives really dense vapor. This is on the high setting, of course, but I'm of the opinion that it only works as designed on that setting. The EVO forces you to take small dabs as well.

 

[Danksta]

I think the VB2 is better than the EVO for concentrates but it's also a very different experience. The EVO gives a low-temp hit that takes a while to draw while the VB2 gives a very high-temp hit that doesn't feel so hot but vaporizes all the material instantly and gives really dense vapor. This is on the high setting, of course, but I'm of the opinion that it only works as designed on that setting. The EVO forces you to take small dabs as well.

Thanks for that info. I guess I gotta get the VB2 then. The vapor quality of the VB2 sounds like more what I am looking for.

It's a really cool looking unit. If I only I had a second tax return. I'll have to wait a month and order this. Now I have something to look forward to!

 

[Cannabis Connoisseur]

I'm a pretty heavy concentrate user and tend to keep my VB2 running on high for hours at a time. VB has advised that it's better to leave it on instead of turning on and off more frequently.

Since I purchased my unit 15 weeks ago, it's been operational about 7 weeks of that time. I'm on my 3rd base as the first 2 burned out. I also go through about 2-3 heaters per week on average and get an average of 10-20 hours of use per heater. The upside is that there is no charge for heaters or replacement of fried bases.

I'm getting to be a pro at heater changes and can do one in about 3 minutes now. I only wish they'd send me 5-10 heaters at once since I usually blow through 2-3 in a week and then end up without use of the VB2 for 3-7 days while waiting for more heaters to arrive.

Despite being in touch with VB almost weekly and changing heaters 2-3 times a week, I still love the VB2! I like it so much better than an enail that I usually just go without concentrates when the VB2 is broken.

I wasn't aware that the base burns out!!! I just normally send mine in for repair and only had heard of the heaters burning out. This will be my first personal heater repair. How do you know if it's the heater or the base that's burned out??????

 

[lazylightning]

I wasn't aware that the base burns out!!! I just normally send mine in for repair and only had heard of the heaters burning out. This will be my first personal heater repair. How do you know if it's the heater or the base that's burned out??????

When my bases burned out, I first saw occasional bright flashes of light coming from under the ceramic disc. After the unit failed, the circuit board visible through the bottom of the unit was somewhat blackened.

My theory is that the ceramic coating covering the heater contact wears away enough to allow the current to bridge the gap to the retaining wire on the top of the heater. That creates a short in the circuit which fries the base.

Now whenever I notice a bright flash of light coming from under the ceramic disc on my VB2, I open it up and look at the heater contacts. If I notice that the ceramic coating has burned off one of the heater contacts, I replace the heater. I'd rather get a few hours less out of a heater than have it short out and burn up another base.

 

[vaporbrothers]

When my bases burned out, I first saw occasional bright flashes of light coming from under the ceramic disc. After the unit failed, the circuit board visible through the bottom of the unit was somewhat blackened.

My theory is that the ceramic coating covering the heater contact wears away enough to allow the current to bridge the gap to the retaining wire on the top of the heater. That creates a short in the circuit which fries the base.

Now whenever I notice a bright flash of light coming from under the ceramic disc on my VB2, I open it up and look at the heater contacts. If I notice that the ceramic coating has burned off one of the heater contacts, I replace the heater. I'd rather get a few hours less out of a heater than have it short out and burn up another base.

Hello, this can help explain what you've seen. First about the electronics in the base.

The base: VB2.0's startup cycle flashes the green lights for 10 seconds, then they tick on and off for 3 minutes. Once the lights shine continuously the unit is ready to dab off of. If your VB2.0 does not flash, tell us.

The heaters half burning out: VB2.0 should burn the ceramic disc back to pure white after about 10-20 minutes at high setting. If your dabs spread out and turn black, then don't clean back to white, one of the two ceramic heaters has broken and you need to replace the heater assembly.

Why heaters crack: To reach the temperatures we need for the Leidenfrost effect the heater's ceramic material is under internal stress. It's very similar to ceramic nails.. A crack in the wrong spot causes air to reach the heating track inside and it burns up, creating the little lightening effect. This happens in all ceramic heaters built this way, from vape pen donuts or enails that use these thin flat heaters.

We've studied this cause of failure for 10 years, since the time we adapted them for VB1. We pushed the expected lifetime of VB1 over 10 years and hope to do the same with VB2. VB2's are lasting some users well over 2 years, and others sometimes a month, which has us very busy looking for answers.

The internal stress I mention is a strong push & pull set up by difference in temperature between the hot central regions and the edges. The material is the most strong and dense we know, so we can't increase its strength. We have all sorts of ways to decrease the stress, and have figured out all sorts of ways over the last 10 years. For VB2.0, we created a sandwich of 2 ceramic heaters with a solid slab of nickel metal between. The nickel helps spread out the heat (and does not break down over time like Ti). Both heaters work at half power, which helps them last a lot longer.

So... if you see the lightening effect- it's probably a micro crack in the heater. Any time you get a new heater or send your unit for the free service we give you our latest embodiment.

If your base (the electronics) fail again we're going to try to send you a new one as we did the heaters. Progress...

Fyi, the ceramic potting (the part that fell off your contacts) is an improvement intended to decrease corrosion of the nickel brought on by oxygen & heat. Losing those won't cause a problem like shorting or arcing.

Linus