Volcano Classic versus Volcano Digital

[edgar]

I'm saving up for a volcano and I'm pretty sure I'm going to go with the Classic. I figure I'll find a couple of temperature settings that work well and stick to them. I've read all about the differences between the two units so there's no reason to state the obvious differences in price and the features of each unit. However I know on paper what to expect, but I was wondering if anybody has any real world experiences comparing the two may help with my decision. I figure why pay more for a digital? Is it worth the extra cash? The classic seems fine unless someone knows something that I don't about the comparison.
(ps: I'm only going to be using cannabis in the unit.)

 

[charliedontsurf]

I've seen comparisons on youtube which seem to show that the classic heats up faster, and may holds its heat better. The Fahrenheit/Celsius for the volcano classic can be looked up easily online and just penciled in by the corresponding numbers, like I've done.

The premium for the digit is enough for a classic+MFLB+leftover money. Is that worth it, for a unit which doesn't heat up as quickly and has a shorter warranty? I don't think so.

Consider another bag-blower vape such as the Herbalaire or Extreme Q as well - the volcano fills bags well, but 550 dollars well? Hell no, in my opinion. Even if it is built like as solid as a 1980's BMW (and it is) it's not worth it at that price. Units costing half as much can do twice as much.

You may ask why am I saying this as the owner of a Volcano? I got mine second hand for a great deal, but would never pay retail, or even half of retail, for the same unit. The Volcano is kind of like the bottle of Gray Goose some asshole takes to a party - it's there to impress idiots who don't know anything about vaporizing (or vodka), who know a big name and give someone status for possessing it. It doesn't matter that it's overpriced and that others make better products at half the expense, because the rabble don't know that.

 

[the_germinator]

I would say the classic should meet your needs. Looking back, I spent a lot for mine(Digit). $800, with solid valve, easy valve locking case extra bags shipping etc. That is a lot of money. After the research here and knowing what I know now.... I would buy an LSV, PD and MFLBPA with the same cash and be happy as hell..but I would still be without a bag and would be lacking the ease of having a party vape that makes bags as fast as you can inhale..lol...I did research but didnt find this site till after I bought it (cano), and vaping has a bit of a learning curve. Once you know what you are looking for / expect, it is easier to adjust to your needs...

 

[elmomuzz]

I have both Digit and Classic. The digit is able to hold temperature waaaaay better. The heater on the classic might kick on every 30 seconds to keep the temp within a certain window. The digit holds the temp right on without even a degree of heat loss. Aside from that they are the same. They heat in the same time. They fill the bag in the same time.

If I had it to do over again I would still get a digit but the classic works great as well.

 

[FLskwat]

I have both Digit and Classic. The digit is able to hold temperature waaaaay better. The heater on the classic might kick on every 30 seconds to keep the temp within a certain window. The digit holds the temp right on without even a degree of heat loss. Aside from that they are the same. They heat in the same time. They fill the bag in the same time.

If I had it to do over again I would still get a digit but the classic works great as well.

+1; 2nd time I'll confirm to all you say on our beloved 'Cano! Temp stability is much superior on the Digit and heating/filling time is the exact same!

Just a little add-on: no auto shutoff feature on the Classic but 1 year more warranty then the Digit at most resellers!

 

[charliedontsurf]

I'll be eating my words with a Belgian dubbel then, sorry for spreading that misinformation. At the same time I still think it's a big premium and a mflb is prob a better use of cash imoo

 

[edgar]

elmomuzz wrote:
I have both Digit and Classic. The digit is able to hold temperature waaaaay better. The heater on the classic might kick on every 30 seconds to keep the temp within a certain window. The digit holds the temp right on without even a degree of heat loss.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When the classic's heater is "kicking in" every 30 seconds to get within the temp window how long does it take to get there?

Basically it seems if I were to fill a second, third, fourth, bag etc. with the classic I may have to wait again for the proper temperature to be achieved where with the digit I wouldn't. I'm assuming I would not be waiting very long since the temperature drift must be small.

On a side note, how sturdy is the digit's button system? Often times on electronics with buttons the buttons are the first thing to break. I'm assuming the button feature on the digit is why there's a shorter warranty

 

[elmomuzz]

If you wait until the heater first click off on the classic it will fill about half the bag before it kicks on again. It takes maybe 10 seconds after you shut the blower off until the heater is back to temp. And this is in my freezing garage. So it works pretty good.

The buttons are sturdy but it's easy to scratch the display. I think if you clean it occasionally and treat it nice it will last a long time.

 

[max]

The digit is able to hold temperature waaaaay better.

That may be true, but the difference would only be a 'real world' difference if you suffered from OCD or were extremely anal about your temp. Even then, I doubt you could tell a Digit bag of vapor from one filled by the Classic. Holding temp isn't a big deal for any bag filler. It's easy to design a temp system when your air flow is constant. Holding a good temp is only a significant issue for direct draw models, where each person's draw speed (or even the same person) can affect the temp.

 

[elmomuzz]

I was just explaining the difference. I love both machines.

 

[max]

I was just explaining the difference. I love both machines.

I get it, but just didn't want anyone thinking the Classic was somehow deficient in its ability to maintain a consistent temp. You did stress 'way better'. Plus or minus 1.5 C is definitely better than +/- 5 C, but for some it wouldn't be worth the extra $. OTOH you could also argue that if you're gonna spend $539, why not another $130?

Do you think the auto switch off on the Digit is a worthwhile feature? I've seen mixed reviews on this aspect.

 

[elmomuzz]

Good point. I don't want anyone thinking the classic is flawed. The digit is a refinement of the classic. But I have mixed feelings on their aesthetics. They both look like their name implies.

I like the 30 minute auto shutoff but at times curse it. Safety is important so to me is worth it. I always leave the digit on in case I decide I might want another soon after but i always turn off the classic because I know i am likely to leave it on at some point when i leave the house or sleep.

I think they are both really safe but it never hurts to be cautious.

 

[charliedontsurf]

Auto shut off is a great feature, I wish all vapes had it built in, short of the logs. Not that leaving on a cano for an hour or two is a problem, but still.

Herbalaire shuts off its heating element after 30 minutes of no dial adjustment, which is nice.

 

[max]

I like the 30 minute auto shutoff but at times curse it.

I've cursed the 30 min. shutoff on the HA many times. If it could talk, I'm sure it would be telling me 'if you didn't notice that 30 min. has gone by, then you don't need any more vapor anyway'.

 

[FLskwat]

I like the 30 minute auto shutoff but at times curse it.

I've cursed the 30 min. shutoff on the HA many times. If it could talk, I'm sure it would be telling me 'if you didn't notice that 30 min. has gone by, then you don't need any more vapor anyway'.

Same here...

32 mn. I wanna vape: "damned auto shutoff!"

2 hours I felt asleep: "pioufff, thx auto shutoff!"

 

[damnyouprince]

Unless there's a meaningful difference in it's ability to hold a temperature, I would just go with the digital. If you're paying $500+ for a vape, might as well get the best of the best.

 

[chewyrails]

I have a Classic and have never wished I'd bought the Digital. I recommend going for the Classic and using the other $100+ to get a Launch Box or some herb.

 

[Carbon]

I have the digital and did not even consider the classic. I agree with the sentiment that if you're already paying top dollar might as well get the top of the line one. As for function, you can probably set the classic at 6 or just after 6 and forget about it. You'd probably be happy with either. For me, the peace of mind of having a digital display along with auto-shutoff makes the digital the easy choice. It's also a much more aesthetically pleasing design IMO.

 

[weedemon]

I have had the classic for about a year now. before this I owned a whip style vapor brothers (worked damn well for the most part) 2 BC vaporizer style vapes (not worth the money at all. these style are the soldering iron with a bowl attachment on the end trapped in an upside down fish bowl)

the classic is a great device and i use it almost daily. i still smoke too because with really tasty herbs a j tastes better. (*edit:I have since learned that other vapes can in fact make it taste even better than a joint. i just don't find the bag style vape the most flavorful. is all)

the main differences and reasons i chose the classic over the digital was:

faster heating times on the classic
3 year warranty

temperature accuracy is nice, but not a critical feature for me.

I generally use a 6-6.25 setting to start and up to a 7 to finish it off

 

[Green Balla]

I just recent got into this vaping game, and got lucky to get both the classic and the digi. Somehow i thought that the digi would be less noise, but no same thing just a facelift. Really i can say that the Classic seems to work a lil better with the knob dial. Maybe its my temps on the digi, but i love using the classic over the digi, just my 2cents.

 

[akwardsauce]

not to offend anyone, but i just cant understand the reasoning "if ur gonna spend $500, then u may as well spend the extra $130 for the digi"

thats like saying "ok, im spending money on a benz, might as well spend an extra $6-7Gs & get it fully loaded"

where do u draw the line then? and also with a year less of coverage? i would not spend 25% of the cost to get a year less in assurance.

i could understand if it was like MAX $60 more...but double that is waaaaaaay too much...

 

[max]

but i just cant understand the reasoning "if ur gonna spend $500, then u may as well spend the extra $130 for the digi"

I could say that I don't understand the reasoning for paying $539 for a vape that can only fill bags, if I wanted to be argumentative. I'm not a 'cano fan and would never consider buying one. But many like the brand and I'm not going to try and push my point of view on people who like the brand. For those who are willing and able to pay the price of the Classic, I don't see the problem with paying the extra for the Digit, to know you've the best the company offers. If you're having to save and struggle to rasie the $ for the Classic, IMO you should either be looking for a much better price on a used one (they are very reliable, after all), or choosing a much cheaper brand entirely.

and also with a year less of coverage?

You're not up to date here. The Digit's warranty was bumped up to 3 yrs. quite a while back.

i could understand if it was like MAX $60 more...but double that is waaaaaaay too much...

Too much for you. That's pretty clear. But not for everyone. There's a wide range of prices/features on many products. Some choose a budget version. Others want it loaded.

 

[Vapemania-original]

A couple of posters have mentioned that the Digital is the best Storz & Bickel make.
We have arrived at this conclusion because the price is higher (Digital is about $669 and Classic is $539).
Therefore it must be better.

Of course, we all know that price is not actually a good indication of performance.
Nonetheless, it's a rule of thumb we all use.

The 'Cano was one of the first vaporisers on the market and it became a very successful product.
That's what it says on its website.

The product is expensive but reliable.
A number of scientific studies on cannabis and the vaporising method, used the 'Cano.
Even Wikipedia has a pic of a 'Cano under 'vaporizer'.
That's all pretty impressive.

I think we can all agree that the 'Cano is expensive.
Despite being a successful vaporiser, the price hasn't gone down. This is unusual.
A new model has been introduced which is simply a digital readout. That is also unusual.
The cost is even higher. This is a problem.

I think Storz & Bickel are adopting the principle: 'If it ain't broke, don't fix it'.
Or 'Make a reliable device, sell high, keep it high, don't change'.
Companies like this don't last.
Only we know that's not happening.

7th Floor is much more easier to understand.
Make a device (SSV), make it prettier (coloured glass SSV), make it cheaper (DBV), use it with a waterpipe (LSV).
The company makes a device, and then offers choice.

The reason why Storz & Bickel will not lower their price is because they will lose their 'high end', 'top of the range', 'Rolls Royce' image.
That kind of image makes profit. Lots of profit.

In truth, the 'Cano is a reliable ceramic heating device.
It bags only.
That's it.
Oh, and it'll cost you an arm and a leg.

But when your friends come round, they will know you've got the most expensive one.
Prestige.
Sometimes you have to pay for it.
IMO.

My recommendation?
If you can blow the money, then get the Classic.
The Digital is for idiots.

Modnote. Implying that Volcano Digit owners are "idiots" in a Volcano thread is flaming. You've been made aware of the rules multiple times and they still apply.

 

[WatTyler]

Are you writing in verse?

 

[HazeWon]

Edgar, you can't go wrong with either. However, I upgraded from the Classic to the Digital and have never been happier. The digital read out allows the user to fine tune his vapor to achieve the desired effect. I use my Cano every day andi love it.