I'm not related to VHW at all, but I will share a lil more of my experience. Yes the unit has some issues, however, even if you are not covered by warranty, they offer repeat buyers EXTREMELY deep discounts on any replacement or repair parts or services.
The cost of repair or replacement is very cheap, when compared to the AMAZING vapor and skull busting high this unit produces. I have an Herbalaire too, and I love that unit, but even if I am ripped off the HA, if I pick up the VHW, it rips my noggin right open. It has broken through my very high tolerance and the taste is the best I have yet to taste EVER.
The best way to prolong life expectancy is to UNPLUG the unit in between hits once you start to get ripped and slow down. If you are not going to immediately take another rip within a couple mins, just unplug it or flick the power strip off. The unit heats up very fast in under 5 mins. Even at the low dial setting the glass is still quite hot and this can shorten the heater cover life. This is in my humble experience of leaving it on low all day for a 3-day weekend, turning it up for hits oops.
2nd is the mic stand and I feel this is really pretty important. This allows the heat to exit the wand and travel straight up. Since hot air rises, you are doing the heater cover a big favor.
For those waiting for improvements to this unit, please know that they are in the works according to Mark the maker who gave me his phone number and shared pages of awesome ideas and thoughts about his baby the VHW. They are planning a new heater core which only heats at the tip. They truly love this product and they will not leave anyone hanging. They cannot replace every heater cover for free, but $50 is no problem in my book. Think of it like a new bowl to buy once and a while. I also find it works best for me with a big bong.
I dont want to claim to be any kind of pro, just sharing my humble thought. Please bring the positive discussion and happy to hear all thoughts.
