Discontinued Versa Infinity - The Glass Vaporizer

[paytonpenn]

@Mr. Gweilo 420 I was going to post this an hour ago (before I read Chris's response to you)

I will tell you this, Chris does NOT check this forum very often, I honestly don't even think he checks his very often probably because there are so little people posting there anyway. (But in all honesty I spy on him and I am definitely online far more consistently than him)

I had a conversation with presumably "Leiana" in February and she said this

We would like it if all of our beta members participate on our local forum and input their experiences with the unit. We no longer use FC for our product although a thread still exists so any questions you might have to post in a public forum must be done so on our local forum.

I guess it could be my bad for not spreading that info if she didn't tell you all that too.

 

[Mr. Gweilo 420]

@paytonpenn - thanks for your reply there. Here is my take on it. There are basically two sites on the entire internet where the Infinity is being discussed. That is FC and the Versa website. If there are others I can not locate them. If it was my start-up company I would be closely monitoring every single comment made about my start-up company. Sure they are busy but I doubt that they do not check what people are saying. Since the start Versa have communicated in what I consider to be a bizarre manner. First they tried to trick us and then they denied doing so. They had told us that they would monitor all comments on FC. Now they are saying other. Numerous people have asked on either FC or the Versa website about problems but there have been no genuine responses. As pointed out by another poster these guys have sold us a vaporizer with no instructions and no warranty. Chris has stated publicly that the wiring in the Beta units is not good enough for long term use. He has also stated that no replacements will be issued. This is despite earlier saying that a PDF would be provided explaining how to replace the heater/core. Was there not also talk of a hallogen heater being issued as a replacement.

Am I the only one that thinks Versa have no real plan? They seem to just make things up as they go.

For us Beta testers we have not had honest dealings with Versa ever. Now we can not even get a proper response as to whether these units are even safe. I mean really, no warranty, no instructions, shitty workmanship, lies, etc. it goes on and on. Add to this their past history and really how could anyone support these clowns? Having said that my unit is still going well but I no longer want to use it as I have no belief within myself that it is not damaging my health. None of this bodes well for the future, if in fact Versa has a future at all.

 

[grokit]

Yes the halogen heater... I remember that, it sure sounded good at the time.
But I will add that unless I don't get a replacement "overclocked" controller box in the mail relatively soon, that I have not been directly lied to. So send that bitch (as opposed to send that, bitch)!

 

[LaFouine]

Hi all !

The heatlh issue is the reason why I asked a refund. For 7 years, I worked in refractory industries...
I know all kinds of materials that are used to be exposed in high heat applications are toxics.

Take care of your health ! There is really a risk if you inhale this powder from the heating element.

But you will know that in 20 years... (one of main risk with ceramic fiber is mesothelioma :/)

 

[vorrange]

As anyone considered sueing Chris? Because after reading the last two pages i don't see any other option.

One day he's gonna kill someone with his amateur contraptions.

 

[CheeseSandwich]

I haven't had issues with my unit but that being said I still have a lot of concerns as well. The units do seem haphazardly thrown together among other issues. I personally can't get past the hotspot problem and haven't been using my Versa much. Now that these concerns about the safety of the heater have arisen I'm not exactly keen on using it either. Why are they in acceptance to making changes to things like the bowl but not so when people have concerns on the safe use of the heater?

 

[Abysmal Vapor]

I haven't had issues with my unit but that being said I still have a lot of concerns as well. The units do seem haphazardly thrown together among other issues. I personally can't get past the hotspot problem and haven't been using my Versa much. Now that these concerns about the safety of the heater have arisen I'm not exactly keen on using it either. Why are they in acceptance to making changes to things like the bowl but not so when people have concerns on the safe use of the heater?

Well idk if the versa uses the same heater as the Magic wand... but i have usedit very often over a large period of time.. with no ill effects... other even that i did a lot of direct draw with the party dual screen wand.. or whatever it was named.. I can't say my DBV tasted cleaner than the MW(Gnomes makes get rid of both.) both had that smell for me... i thing it is just what heated ceramics and environmental dust and hairs give over time .. .. Anyway no health issues from any.. of my vapes

 

[CheeseSandwich]

Well idk if the versa uses the same heater as the Magic wand... but i have usedit very often over a large period of time.. with no ill effects... other even that i did a lot of direct draw with the party dual screen wand.. or whatever it was named.. I can't say my DBV tasted cleaner than the MW(Gnomes makes get rid of both.) both had that smell for me... i thing it is just what heated ceramics and environmental dust and hairs give over time .. .. Anyway no health issues from any.. of my vapes

Cool, thanks for the input.

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

As anyone considered sueing Chris? Because after reading the last two pages i don't see any other option.

One day he's gonna kill someone with his amateur contraptions.

I didn't want to say anything, but even the power adapter that I rigged for my Solo (all I needed to do was splice and get the right barrel on) is wired better than this... Jesus, and my PA only throws 8.5v, this is running like 8 times more power right? The person that got shocked... shit, I'd throw the vape away or ask for a refund immediately. I'm vaping for safety, I don't wanna be the first guy that gets killed by a vape

 

[lwien]

Hi all !

The heatlh issue is the reason why I asked a refund. For 7 years, I worked in refractory industries...
I know all kinds of materials that are used to be exposed in high heat applications are toxics.

Take care of your health ! There is really a risk if you inhale this powder from the heating element.

But you will know that in 20 years... (one of main risk with ceramic fiber is mesothelioma :/)

Back on page 30 of this thread: http://fuckcombustion.com/threads/versa-infinity-the-glass-vaporizer.12033/page-30, I made a comment about this in post #737 before the beta units were shipped. While it was pure conjecture on my part, it's kinda sad to see that it may be coming to fruition.

 

[Madcap79]

The wires from the control unit to the heater are incredibly thin. 22 gauge, maybe smaller, if that's possible. The second or third time I undid the spade style connections the wire pulled out of the crimp. I tried crimping new connectors but the wires were too short and now get in the way of the screw cap that connects the heater to the base. As I said, if quality materials were used this vape would have much more promise. Of course, the first 'beta' I get in on is becoming a bust. I might just have to cut my losses and pick up an Herbie or Evo. At least they are reliable, for the most part. It's a shitty situation. I'm going to try to turn lemons into lemonade though and I have ideas to make a Evo/log vape hybrid using the Versa shell . Shhhhhhh, don't tell anyone.

 

[Mr. Gweilo 420]

I also wish I found a way to get an Evo or a Herbie but as far as I understand neither are ready for international sale. I think I will pick up an E-Nano for the moment which should also mate very well with my Roi Beast Hookah. It is just a 14mm connection.

As far as Versa goes, I feel like I am going through a diffcult break up. I know the Infinity is no good for me but I am struggling to stop using it. I used mine last night but it felt wrong. Their lies and poor actions are really stacking up now. Also, surprisingly Chris still has his head buried in the sand and refuses to acknowledge genuine concerns. Mind you, if he had reasonable answers for those concerns perhaps he would not remain silent. Time to cut our losses I think.

 

[Madcap79]

He put some new info up on their forum. For what it's worth. I'd love to be able to to keep using mine but can't after the splice issue.

 

[grokit]

Some good news:
I just received a message with a tracking number for a new kind of G1 controller box
Hopefully they will come through regarding these other issues for you guys,
I would think the halogen core update would be the one to hope for!

 

[lwien]

This is the latest post from Chris on his site:
------------------------------------------------
NOTE TO PEOPLE NOT BEING HELPFUL:
Keep in mind, this is a beta and shyt happens! People who stand by my product and desire to see it to fruition of its final A-list model are free to participate. Those who follow the herd, are free to throw it away. I am a rebel and love being different. When public opinion says I am dead, I say I am alive. When people say I cant do something, its already a challenge. This has already been among one of the hardest experiences I've ever dealt with in my life and 20% of my beta members being so negative has really made it hard for me to pull through but those members who were graceful and understanding (about 80% of them) helped me pull through and they got what they wanted in return.
-----------------------------------------------

Translation: For those of you that either haven't had issues or have had issues but didn't complain about them, you will be taken care of. To the others..................FUCK YOU !!!

Did I read this wrong??

Ya know what's weird about this. What's weird about this is that Chris has absolutely no idea how to handle his customers........or beta testers. What is a fact is that if you can turn a "problem customer" (one who is totally dissatisfied with you and your product) around, that customer WILL end up being one of the most loyal customers that you can ever have and will spread the word about how great you and your product are. But what Chris is doing here is just the opposite and is throwing up his hands and telling people that if they are not happy with their vape, that they can just throw them away??!? Wow..........and double wow. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.

 

[Madcap79]

Kinda seems like it. I'm not trying to trash the vape, just voicing my experience.

 

[vorrange]

The vaporizer industry is full of amateurs doing what engineers and designers studied to do well. There are some vapes where this is easily bypassed or the creators have managed to create a unit that is simple and safe and as such there is little cause of concern.

I have entertained the idea of creating a vaporizer of my own and i'm an electric engineer but i think there are some areas where my grasp doesn't reach, neither my wallet so i remain an avid vaporist and nothing else.

But to use improper wiring and faulty eletric assembly is quite serious. Even more when you don't own up to your mistakes and file it under the "this is just a beta unit" category.

Improper wiring is not a beta testing problem, it is a fundamental design problem.

I believe this is a case of the Dunning-Kruger Effect: "Overestimation occurs, in part, because people who are unskilled in these domains suffer a dual burden: Not only do these people reach erroneous conclusions and make unfortunate choices, but their incompetence robs them of the metacognitive ability to realize it."

Chris, stick to what you know or hire people who do instead of trying to do everything by yourself.

 

[Quetzalcoatl]

I wanted to get in on the beta, I was quite close, but life happened and I put it to the back of my mind. I'm not sure, the more I think about it the less I like the "pay to beta" idea. All the stuff I've beta tested has been sent to me free of charge and with excellent customer support to back it. From more than one company, too...

 

[canj00digit?]

But what Chris is doing here is just the opposite and is throwing up his hands and telling people that if they are not happy with their vape, that they can just throw them away??!? Wow..........and double wow. Talk about shooting yourself in the foot.

I think Chris unintentionally reveals what he really thinks about the build quality of his own vape... it's garbage... and he knows it.

Notice how he no longer will offer replaceable heating elements? It's so no one else actually ventures into the internals and sees the slop work he's done that puts users at risk.

 

[Mr. Gweilo 420]

I really agree with Iwien's sentiments about customer service/relations. Look at some of the more respected business guys on this forum. From Ed at Ed's TNT, Dave at Underdog to Stonemonkey at Vapexhale - these guys all have a loyal following of customers who have a lot of love for their products. Chris and Versa could have done that here. The fact is Chris has and continues to treat his beta team as chumps. Honestly, I think he just needed to raise some revenue and thus the initial release. He is an appauling communicator and he has shown us repeatedly that he does not care about his customers. So instead of building anticipation for the full release of his product he has actually achieved the opposite. I doubt there is a single person here that could, in good faith, recommend anyone make a purchase from Versa. I mean seriously, this is an industry where customer service is everything.

Chris comes across as a compulsive liar to me. It is one lie after another and he often seems to forget which lie he has told and to whom. I recall when I received my unit Chris asked me if it was damaged. I told him there was a small breakage to one of the accessories and that there were some minor scratches on the body of the unit. He was pleased with this and thought it was a good result. How many of us requested white caps and received red caps? Almost everyone I think. No big deal but why ask us our preference if we were to be ignored. I also find it amusing that they think the hard case is something valuable. It is cheap and nasty and not sufficient to protect the unit. Also, lets not forget that if he had not been caught scamming us all he would still be living that lie.

Is is possible for these guys to rebuild their reputation? In my view the answer is no. They have had many chances and have proven repeatedly that they are not worthy of our patronage and trust.

 

[Mr. Gweilo 420]

What could have been.

 

[GR]

Still happy with the performance of my Versa. I am still reading through some of the comments and problems some folks are having but need more coffee and vape to finish reading. All problems I have had where fixed to my satisfaction and i have had many conversations with Chris that where good chats.

This unit on a Hookah is pretty darn good! I do not like using the unit on my oil rigs but that is because my oil rigs are on the smaller side and get very top heavy with the Versa. Ok the concentrate bowl is useless in design but a ceramic disk in the flower bowl or 18mm joint works very well.

Just some comments about other reputable companies I have bought from that did not go exactly smoothly from the introduction of their product.
Tet's Cera I got just after pre orders where finally shipped way past estimated date. Well my concentrate cart was like sucking a milk shake through a small straw ( I own 3 other concentrate carts and all have nice airflow) this cart was shipped back 3 times to return untouched. I had the strap issue on my Cera which led me to buy a second Cera during the 3 weeks it took to have the first strap fixed. I have since sent all my carts in for rebuilds to have them returned to me exactly as they where shipped out.

UpTech ( omicron) I have had since V1 and have v2 and Ophos as well. Well the original carts way back when leaked, had a something in them that required pre burning off ( it produced visible vapor and the carts weighed less after this burn in), the cheap charger needed replacement for the V2.

Now I have rode the wave of these other companies and have well over $1k in their products. Some of the problems have taken time to correct and they continue to move forward with new products and improvements. I hear now I can pay TET to rebuild my carts which is all I ever wanted to do for the past six months. Non of these products where beta units, they where full production

I am not done with my beta testing of the Versa but I will say I like it better then my DBV for flower and far better for concentrates. I do hope for the Versa's release they improve the wiring and the control box could be well not so cheap.

Just my $0.02 for now. Best of luck to those having problems with their units.

 

[Mister G]

That is one sweet glass hookah Mr.Gweilo....

I am also still using my Infinity as a daily driver at home, have found a routine with my new D020 that is just too effective at medicating me for me to really stop.

VAS has struck again though and this Friday may change that for me.

Chris as a business person could still use some development, but the vaporizer itself does its intended function impressively.

What could have been.

 

[PoopMachine]

Looks like this product is going down the MagikWand hole. Ive still got one of those worthless piece of junks. Chris had said he was going to send me a new unit but then backpedaled and wanted to wait until all the kinks are worked out of this one. I really dont expect that to ever happen. The same issues that exist here existed with the MW and rather than resolve them, he just vanished and left the customers holding the bag. I fully expect he'll do the same thing here.

 

[pakalolo]

This was never a beta test. In beta testing, the manufacturer provides test units and the testers are expected to use them rigourously and report. The idea is to find weaknesses and trouble spots that the manufacturer can then fix. Negative comments are valuable. Beta testers are usually rewarded with a fully functional, as-released product.

Sadly, in this industry "beta" tests are often just fishing expeditions for pre-release praise. Negative comments are ignored. The "tested" design is actually finished, for better or worse. You still wind up with the product as released for sale.

That's not what happened here either. The beta testers actually paid to be alpha testers. When they're done, they're stuck with what should have been a lab bench test unit. There's no up-side for them that I can see.