Vaporizer suggestion for first time medical user

[girbabe]

Please help. I'm a first time user for medical purposes and need a place to start for my first vaporizer. I've already done tons of research and now I need experienced users to help me with a final decision.

It will be used by me only, at home 99% of the time and on a "use as needed" basis throughout the day.
At this point, I have no idea how much/how many puffs/draws it will take to obtain relief but probably very small amounts.
The taste or high is not a priority - only relief from pain and fatigue.
I don't care what it looks like or if it's portable or desktop.
I would like one that uses the convection method rather than conduction and has temp control.
My research shows that I shouldn't buy a whip/balloon combination vaporizer because of the reduced overall quality of the device (other than the Herbalizer maybe-but might be overkill). Buying one or the other supposedly is better because the manufacturer can't create two exceptional methods in one device and still be affordable (hence the cost of the high quality Herbalizer).
The initial purchase price is not a factor BUT I'm on a fixed income and the monthly marijuana cost DOES matter so I need a vaporizer that is efficient with least amount of waste.

Suggestions for a grinder would be great too.

Hopefully I've given you enough information to help with a suitable vaporizer. Any other advice is greatly appreciated as well.

 

[cawshook]

I'm thinking arizer solo if you have low-medium tolerance.

 

[the_cascadian]

Have you considered an Underdog? Really convenient to take a few pulls and go on with your day. I imagine the UD would be useful for medical users because it's really easy to get a deep extraction from your material. The always-on aspect of the UD is also a plus for ease of use.

I have a small Santa Cruz Shredder 2 piece and it's wonderful. I long considered getting the 4 piece, but the 2 piece works really well for my purposes. Easy to just tap the ground material into a bowl or tray, then load a stem. I also like that the 2 piece doesn't separate kief from the plant matter.

 

[VapeVoice]

I second the Arizer Solo. It is portable so you can move around the house with it. It is very easy to use and has minimal maintenance. It is very efficient and thorough. Taste is great and it has 7 preset temp settings you can experiment with to find your sweet spot. You can get the latest version from Planet Vape for $160 and they are very trusted retailer for us here at FC. IMO it is the perfect 1st vaporizer and it is my personal daily driver. Good luck on your search. Be sure to let us know what you choose and how it works out for you.

 

[VaporsVaporizer]

I agree with the others , an Arizer Solo is a hard working easy first vape. You don't have to learn how to use it, it just works. The are dependable too. It has enough settings so you can find your sweet spot for flavor/vapor production. I don't think you'll be disappointed with a Solo . Good Luck

 

[girbabe]

I just saw a youtube review of the solo and I was pretty excited about what I saw. I liked the way you have to take long slow draws and can also use a dome screen to even out the baking since it's not a preferred convection device. The underdog was really nice but since the temp has to be controlled by the type of draw, I don't think I'm experienced enough at this point. Before I decide on the solo, would you please give me some feedback on the Plenty? Since it's made by the same Volcano manufacturer and is a convection vaporizer, I was very interested - though it wasn't one you recommended. Thanks much!

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

I'd probably recommend the E-Nano in this case if you want one that leans heavier on convection than the Solo. The Solo is mostly convection, but IME there's significant conduction going on there as well, unless you take the stem out between hits, which I don't find worth the bother with the way I use my Solo.

The Nano is in the same price range (pretty much), adjustable temp, can be left on all day (as long as you're not at really high temp), easy to use, efficient, and powerful. It's become pretty darn popular here on FC. I had one for about 9 months and enjoyed it very much. I only sold it because my name finally came up for the Heat Island.

Plus, you won't even need to worry about a whip or a bag. Just dry drawing with a glass stem or using a GonG to hit it through water to make it extra smooth.



You'll find that (probably) most FC'ers prefer the Santa Cruz Shredder. I probably do too. However, good SpaceCase grinders can be had from Amazon at good prices, or better yet, from puffitup.com with the "puffed up" or "big news" discount.

Pretty easy to find a decent grinder these days.

 

[VapeVoice]

As for a grinder I have been using a Chromium Crusher for 4 years now and its still as good as day 1. You can get them for about $20 too which is nice.

 

[Vicki]

I second the Arizer Solo. It is portable so you can move around the house with it. It is very easy to use and has minimal maintenance. It is very efficient and thorough. Taste is great and it has 7 preset temp settings you can experiment with to find your sweet spot. You can get the latest version from Planet Vape for $160 and they are very trusted retailer for us here at FC. IMO it is the perfect 1st vaporizer and it is my personal daily driver. Good luck on your search. Be sure to let us know what you choose and how it works out for you.

I agree with the others , an Arizer Solo is a hard working easy first vape. You don't have to learn how to use it, it just works. The are dependable too. It has enough settings so you can find your sweet spot for flavor/vapor production. I don't think you'll be disappointed with a Solo . Good Luck

I agree. I just got my Solo on Friday, but am already in love with it. It really is easy to use and maintain. Exactly what I need being chronically ill.

 

[mudshark]

@girbabe

The Underdogs are available with a Variable Voltage Power Supply (VVPS) which provides temperature control independent of draw. There is a small upgrade charge of $20 for the desktop VVPS.

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

Or you could have a custom vvps made for you. There are even a couple such vendors on FC...

 

[girbabe]

I'm leaning toward the e-nano at this point, only because it's a convection device which is important to me. So what is the advantage of a log vaporizer or is it just preference? I also noticed that most of you use more than one vaporizer and in some cases, several. Is there a reason for that?

 

[EveryDayAmnesiac]

Different vaporizers meet different needs at different times.

Some people just like to collect them!

And sometimes, it's just nice to have a variety, so you don't get too accustomed to the "signature" of the vaporizer.

The advantage of a log vape is that they can be left on all day and night, and naturally encourage efficiency due to their design. Plus, some of them are downright beautiful. Many FC'ers have at least one in their arsenal.

If you have the oppurtunity, I'd get an E-Nano AND a Solo. Both great starter vapes and both likely to stay in your collection, IMO. A good log and a solid home portable is not a bad way to start things off. The Solo is tried and true, and is, IMO, just an all-out fantastic vape for beginners or veterans.

But you can bet that plenty more people may chime in with other ideas!

 

[VapeVoice]

I'm leaning toward the e-nano at this point, only because it's a convection device which is important to me. So what is the advantage of a log vaporizer or is it just preference? I also noticed that most of you use more than one vaporizer and in some cases, several. Is there a reason for that?

If it helps any. I am an UD owner and love my puppy. Used it every day for a while. But, purely for ease of use and portability to move around, I am back using my solo as my daily driver. Solo is a convection vape (with some conduction) and the flavor is great!

 

[girbabe]

Actually, I think that's a good idea, getting the solo and the e-nano. I may look at the underdog later on once I get the feel of what I'm doing. You guys have really taken the stress out of this whole project. Seems like the more research I did, the harder it was to choose. The Dispensary told me the Volcano was the ONLY one to get but I can see now, that's not accurate.

I guess now I need to get the right grinder - again, seems as if the vapes all require the herb to be of a certain consistency/dryness to be most effective. Is there any special grinder that works best with the choices I've made or do they all grind up the same? I heard that Space Case was the best, yet the Santa Cruz was mentioned as more popular here.

 

[walrus]

Came in to suggest a log vape (enano, underdog) and a Santa Cruz shredder. Seems like you are on the right track. Good luck, I'm sure we will see you over in the glass section in a month or so.

 

[VaporsVaporizer]

I also noticed that most of you use more than one vaporizer and in some cases, several. Is there a reason for that?

Yes, it's because of several factors. Technology, form factor and efficiency have improved greatly over the last 10 years. My first vape(volcano) still works perfectly, but it rarely gets used anymore, i find my Solo, Lotus, Pax (for outside) are easier to use and are generally more economical . My Pax is a weed hog, but easy to use outside . My Solo sessions are longer and sometimes i just wanna get there -Lotus. i've re-homed a few vapes recently and some of us just have VAS

 

[al bundy]

E nano is strictly AC Powered
The HI, Underdog are dc powered.

With the Solo you could use a domed screen or even buy a stem that has a smaller bowl to help conserve the herb.
You won't combust with the Solo but you may with any of the logs mentioned above small learning curve with the logs ,
but great adjustable temps with the E nano ,
And if you get an adjustable power supply for the Underdog or HI ,the same adjustability for the temp.

I only use the herb to get high and help me sleep so I don't know how high of temp you need for your ailments but the Vapir No2 may be up your alley too.
You could use it plugged in or on battery power so you can move around the house easily.
And can be had for $80-90 new.
Welcome to FC and I'm sure others with more medical use will chime in.

 

[mudshark]

E nano is strictly AC Powered - Line Voltage 110V
The HI, Underdog are dc powered. - Low Voltage 12V

 

[girbabe]

Came in to suggest a log vape (enano, underdog) and a Santa Cruz shredder. Seems like you are on the right track. Good luck, I'm sure we will see you over in the glass section in a month or so.

Huh? The glass section? You mean...I have to make even MORE decisions??!!

I only use the herb to get high and help me sleep so I don't know how high of temp you need for your ailments but the Vapir No2 may be up your alley too.

I spent alot of time looking at temp settings and combustion/toxins temperature and since toxins are released at about 392F, I will stay below 365F to be safe. From what I've read, all the good stuff is released between 314F and 356F. :-) Hopefully that doesn't change anyone's recommendation.

 

[Enchantre]

In WA, where the OP is, we run on 110v. It's good.

The E-Nano you just plug in, turn on, dial the temp (about 5.5 -6 for your range you mention). Use as needed. You order your stems with it, and you will be amazed at the easy.

Underdog, and other log vapes, will need a variable voltage regulater between it and the plug in.

First portable - I'd go with Solo.

Are you near any decent MMJ markets? some access points have great selection of stuff to look at, so you can get an idea.

 

[girbabe]

Are you near any decent MMJ markets? some access points have great selection of stuff to look at, so you can get an idea.

I went to a dispensary if that's what you are referring to. The one in Issaquah didn't have much of a selection and I wasn't impressed with their advice either. Basically they said there are two strains - Sativa and Indica and there's no difference between all the hundreds of variations which amounts to just personal choice. NOT helpful at all.

What accessories do I need for the solo and can someone tell me WHICH Santa Cruz grinder? There are multiple piece sets and consistency. I can't find any info about what size grind is needed.

 

[the_cascadian]

i haven't found a vvps to be necessary for my underdog. you can either move the screen farther away from the heating element or buy a few of the extension cords that dave sells on his website. this also allows for greater mobility throughout the house. ymmv.

as far as the grinder goes, it's not really that important which model you buy; if you want a finer grind, just grind more.

 

[Roger D]

You can use a pair of spring loaded scissors and a small cup in place of a grinder, I never liked grinders personally, I think it's too much surface for all the goodness to go stick to.

For the vaporizer, here is my advice, if you don't mind spending a bit, the minivap will give you great value, excellent extraction ratio and above all great taste through the whole session. For reference I also have a volcano and lotus, I only use them when I have to send the minivap to repair.

For the variety thing, you will find what suits you best with experience, for example it took me years to get that I prefer indica typed bud (kushes) over sativa (hazes..) it's much more comfortable for me because I need some body stone for muscle relaxation and I prefer to not feel too high in the head. However, sativas are much more tasty so I enjoy some one in a while.

If your usage get heavy you may find a glass bubbler very helpful to your respiratory system.

 

[DDave]

I agree with the others , an Arizer Solo is a hard working easy first vape. You don't have to learn how to use it, it just works. The are dependable too. It has enough settings so you can find your sweet spot for flavor/vapor production. I don't think you'll be disappointed with a Solo . Good Luck

+1 for the Solo

Agree with all that was previously said, plus making a "on the go" bag for it is quite easy. I keep mine in an external hard drive carry case, but camera bags have been suggested and look to work well. My kit includes the Solo, straight stem (easier to find things to protect it from breaking in the case), a contact lens case (1/2 filled with preground herbs, the other empty awaiting used ABV), and a wooden toothpick (to clean stem, or Solo oven without scratching it).

Edit: Just saw the shears above with the label "Bud Clean"... That is CLASSIC!!!