Discontinued VRIPtech Heating Wand

[Troi]

Finally got my hands on my first Vripmaster, picked up the 3.0 this week. While, I know the vriptech heat wand has been around for much longer then the LSV, I had the LSV first. So my personal expectations for how to compare a wand based vape is to an LSV.

I picked up the device after learning that the air path is all glass and that the ceramic element does not touch the air that passes into the herb for vaporization. After my beta testing with the cloud and experiencing my first all glass air path I noticed there is a vast difference in vapor quality.

While I have no scientific explanation, my observations lead me to believe that air when directly touching the heating element, creates a more stale vapor, even if the materials in the heating process be it metal, or ceramic, tephlon or whatever do not taint the airpath the vapor still feels a bit stale, non all glass seems to create an initially tasty but overall stale vapor.

The first thing I noticed in the cloud was that the vapor had a much tastier and less stale feeling. I have sensitive lungs, and even sometimes when vaporizing i am wheezing for my inhaler, but i noticed much more comfortable vapor from the cloud.

So excited with the news I picked up the Vriptmaster 3.0, my initial impressions were excitement, as i could clearly see how the design works and that the air path is all glass, except for the screen, and the silicone seal at the top. (not the biggest fan of the silicone, i feel this can easily be improved with a later model just move the connection to 100% gong).

I let the device warm up, at max setting the dialed it back to about halfway on the dial. So far everything was great, but when it came to prepping the bowl i noticed some issues with getting my screen to stay put with some tweaking and learning curve this is no longer an issue, but as a suggestion, I think the screen could be eliminated and a micro ice pincher slide (like the ones stone glass works makes probably would work here, I'm curious if anyone on this forum has tried a glass screen with the Vripmaster?)

Took my first hit, and i felt like i had my cloud back, tasty not stale vapor, that didn't bother my lungs, and waiting for the cloud just got a lot easier. The one thing that frustrates me, is that I have been a vapor enthusiast for the past 8 years, and this device has been right under my nose the entire time. It crushes the LSV simply because of the all glass air path, and I am surprised this vape is not getting more attention on this forum. If your a vapor enthusiast and you have not picked this up yet, you are missing out, especially if your alternatively using the LSV.

I think it will still have a place in my rotation one the cloud comes out. (especially if some minor improvements can be made (remove the silicone make it a gong connection, potential glass screen?)

 

[biojuggernaut]

The VHW is a professional, and evolved product. People have very limited complications with it which is why this specific thread most seem to pose little to no traffic. Another vape that falls into this category is the volcano. Its almost been around so long, and everyone is so familiar with the performance of the unit that it just isn't the "new kid on the block" here at the FC community. No that any of us would pass out trying any vape on the market on ANY given day


I'm glad you enjoy your unit. I remember when I first got my 3.0 in January <3

 

[ShadowVape]

Troi thanks for sharing your experience and thanks for tagging on to it Biojuggernaut with what is probably as clear of an explanation as one is going to get for the "why" the Vrip doesn't get more attention on FC as it perhaps (IMHO) should get. Remember when Mark started this company it was '97 and people didn't believe vapor worked!!! He has shared some pretty funny stories of traveling to the Cup and numerous clubs in SF as well as underground events up north and down south here in Cali and having to "convince" otherwise well versed individuals that indeed vapor works, works better than smoke...it's the "vaporizers" of the past (and well I'll add many current) that don't work well!!!

And Troi you'll be happy to know a GonG version of the VHW has been tried and a custom jointed version has been in the works for awhile since the off the shelf jointed version didn't work well (need to be able to crack seal for "finessing" the heat as Mark would say). Also, I know there has been a proto with a glass screen using one of HiSi's glass screened bowls (HiSi glass lab is where all Vrip products are made). I'll get some details from Mark and cut and paste post later.

Back to the salt mine (day job I have to keep because not enough people know about Vrip yet!!!)

 

[gobbly]

The VHW is a professional, and evolved product. People have very limited complications with it which is why this specific thread most seem to pose little to no traffic. Another vape that falls into this category is the volcano. Its almost been around so long, and everyone is so familiar with the performance of the unit that it just isn't the "new kid on the block" here at the FC community. No that any of us would pass out trying any vape on the market on ANY given day


I'm glad you enjoy your unit. I remember when I first got my 3.0 in January <3

Not to mention that by today's standards the volcano is a fairly high price point. It also hasn't really changed much through the years, and the people on this site tend to be the ones staying on the cutting edge of technology

vriptech is a company that seems to look to the future

 

[ShadowVape]

Thanks for the props Gobbly. For Vrip systems Mark has always been driven to develop products that meet his own discerning (some would say OCD) standards and fit his ritual preference for water pipe smoking errr vaporizing. And given our manufacturer is HiSi, well that should say alot about what we do and how we do it. It's all about the utility of how to get to better VAPOR (defined as broad spectrum and concentrated enough to satisfy even a smoker without getting smoky). This is done by way of properly shaped and proportioned GLASS extraction and delivery tools with WATER and ICE conditioning of the vapor. It's never been about how to make a cheaper, easier or more durable or cooler looking vaporizer that can be sold to the masses. Vrip is definitely for those whose focus is the quality of the vapor being inhaled, not necessarily the process or the device being used. Personally, when I look at all the plastic and wood and metal being used in other vaporizers I'm extra thankful that the Vrip is what I found first. Can't imagine life without it and can't imagine what is potentially being inhaled with all those other materials in the mix.

I had Mark read the previous posts tonight and he said that what Troi has experienced is exactly why he was so stoked on seeing the first Hot Glass wand which insprired the VHWs of today. I'll summarize and quote him where appropriate: He said his opinion is that the alumina ceramic or anodized aluminum materials used for elements on most vaporizers changes the "polarity (energetic state) of the air being heated, and in turn, the vapor extracted." Mark is big into the "energetic component of plant medicines" as complementary to the "chemical" components, and whether one believes in the ability of "subtle energies" to work medicinally or not he says "all one has to do is taste the same herb extracted and delivered as vapor side by side with the Vrip, or another vaporization system with all glass air and vapor path (there are only two others that I'm aware of including the herborizer and the new VapeXhale) and any other vaporizer with a ceramic or metal element and they will damn sure taste the difference!"

He went on to discuss the additional benefits of the Vrip VCB design with a tapered intake which creates a "sequential venturi effect." This is key to both the broader spectrum extraction ("flavor and actives in the same inhalations instead of mostly flavor initially and then the fuller body vapor of actives with a dry or lack of flavor secondary") and the concentrating of clean vapor into a thicker inhalation than can be extracted in a straight bore extraction chamber design with everything else being the same. Mark is fond of saying "I'm not sure why other companies don't use physics to create better vapor extractions as it's public domain and free" and then goes on to reference some 17th century Italian mathematician who discovered the venturi effect (just Googled it: Bernoulli---bernoulli's principle---learn something new everyday!).

Regarding the GonG VHW to VCB and glass screens mentioned in the previous posts Mark confirmed that it was a HiSi glass screen design that he was previously playing with in a prototype and although it worked well there is a different approach that will be better for production purposes given the way the Vrip bowls have to be tooled to accept the upper intakes. He said there is a different type of glass screen that has been conceptualized working with HiSi that they will begin playing with "soon" (he actually described it to me, but asked that I not publicize it because there may be some IP pursued). He has said there will indeed be a GonG version of the VHW-VCBS coming soon and that it will feature a spherical type joint as opposed to a standard tapered joint like the previous prototype that worked, but didn't allow the finessing of temp by cracking the seal like you can with the current VHWs with the tip seals. He said we could go into production now with an off the shelf spherical joint , but the cost was too high for comfort so HiSi is working on an in-house semi-spherical joint that will work just as well at a better price point. The cost will still be significantly higher so the plan for now is to continue making the existing 3.0 design with the silicone tip seal available as a lower priced option. Stay posted....if we can get and stay caught up for a few weeks on the demand for the existing VHW 3.0s I'm sure there will be a GonG option coming soon!

 

[lepstadder]

Can I get some more rings PLEASE, I would gladly purchase them

The last time you sent them i only got 1

The device does not work properly without the ring


I user my VRIP all the time, and it still is holding up very well

But I go through rings like mad

I dont keep it in a cup or anything like that, I try not to leave it on for hours like I used to

But still they get cracked lose there elasticity and slide up the wand while trying to maintain a seal



Uploaded with ImageShack.us


I want my ABV to pile up, not roaches

 

[arf777]

So I got my replacement heater cover, and I now have two working VHW v2s. Also picked up the VWT Perk that was for sale over on the sales forum. It works great with both wands, as does my LW bubbler- can get milky vapor in both, though the LW is still milkier. Can't take ice though.

Which brings me to a question I have for all VHW users -I have noticed dramatic differenes in the thickness of my vapor with the VHW depending on the type of glass piece I'm using. The 15 arm tree LW bubbler cranks the thickest, the UFO perk in the VWT does the 2nd thickest. My newest inline, the first one I've had with slits instead of holes, creates thicker vapor than the one with holes (a fathead calm series double inline) even though the air flow in the fathead FEELS more constricted, it still makes thinner vapor. My shower head pieces are the worst with the VHW, worse than a tube with no percolation.

So I was wondering - has anyone else noticed such a difference. And if so, which perks or non-perked glass pieces do you think produces the thickest vapor with the VHW? My LW is the only tree arm piece I have (not counting ash catchers). Has anyone else found tree percs work better? Or maybe its that my tree perc is in a Dewaar style bubbler, could be that the form factor is more important than the perc in that one. I'd like to find a piece that produces vapor as thick as the LW bubbler, but that can easily take ice. The closest of my pieces is the VWT Perk, but even that makes thinner vape than the LW bub.

I'd happily buy another piece, if I know it'll do the job. Torn between a Mobius matrix bub, which will work well if the form factor is the advantage. Or a tree perk piece with an ice pinch, if all tree percs work well. My fear is that it is the LW trees in particular that are the advantage. If so there are very few choices - I have never seen a Wilson piece with ice pinches. The closest I've found are some expensive Wicked Sands - LW collabs, with LW trees in Wicked Sands tubes with ice pinches. ALT has two of those, at $500 and $600.

Thanks for the help fellow vrippers

 

[lepstadder]

I have found pieces with more "chug" produce thicker vapor

TRy adjusting your water levels, maybe more or less water

 

[arf777]

In general, I agree - most of my pieces with better 'chug' are also the ones that produce the best vapor. The only exception was a Grid inline that had incredible chug but was not vapor friendly. However, it was a hole rather than slit inline with unusually large holes, and IMO the holes allowed too much airflow (I'm speaking in past tense because I stepped on it recently - looking for someone who can fix it).

What makes the LW bub so vape friendly is the ease with which I can control the amount of airflow through breath control. That doesn't seem to work (for me) with showerheads or domes. Maybe due to (at least some) trees having openings at different heights, while showerheads and domes have them all at the same height. If that is the case, a matrix perc should also allow excellent manual airflow control. I have asthma though, maybe folks with healthier lungs don't have trouble controlling airflow with other percs that way.

I've noticed adding as much ice as the device can take helps, I assume from a mixture of increased drag and the cold itself making the vapor more visible.

As ShadowVape pointed out at one point, for combustion, glass blowers often aim to decrease drag, but for vaping doing too much of that gives thin vapor. The same pieces of mine that produce thinner vapor are great for combustion. Lucky for me, unlike some folks, I still combust, - currently around 75% vape, 25% combust. So these pieces are still useful, but less so than those that work well for both.

Anyone tried a VHW on a Mobius Matrix perc yet? Is so, do they work well together?

 

[ShadowVape]

Lepstadder I got you. Hit me up if you haven't already and make sure I know you want some spares and we'll get you dialed with some spares no worries. Also, check to see that the tray you're using isn't heating up under the wand as it's the heat trapped between surfaces with the silicon seal in between that tends to dry the tip seals out faster and it looks like a metal tray that would be collective. Ceramic or stone of some sort works best for long term full heat stand-by mode.

Arf that Mobius Matrix Perk looks absolutely stunning, but I'm seeing a write-up on GrassCity that says it's designed to be low drag so hard to say (generally all of the different tree designs are low drag and don't seem to work as good for vapor, but as have been noted there are exceptions). Also, besides the type of diffuser/perk/tree designs utilized the volume of the pieces and the mouthpiece design will affect the pull either positively or negatively for vapor. The LWs have a smaller diameter body than alot of similar pieces (including the Mobius) or typical tubes and this helps the cause huge for vapor as does the even more reduced diameter of the mouth piece. It's as Mark loves to point out physics at work by way of sequential venturis. I can notice a difference just by running the ice or not running the ice in the VWT PerK. With ice the volume is decreased substantially in the tube and the same pull brings vapor faster and it seems to thicken up with ease, while without ice it takes a bit more patience and a longer primer pull to get it thickened up. The LW collab with ice catch sounds ultimate to me please keep us posted.

 

[arf777]

After looking closer, only the bigger Wicked Sands piece with LW trees on ALT has an ice pinch- the shorter one doesn't. It's a bit too tall and narrow for me - 20" tall, 5" wide at the base but much thinner the rest of the way - my 100Lb old english bulldog would definitely break it. He's better with shorter, wider pieces or laybacks.

But I think I got around the problem - finally found a tray for ice cubes small enough to fit in my LW bubbler (and most others with an open mouthpiece) If anyone's interested, they're 1/2" x 1/2" X 1/2" ice cube trays on amazon, http://www.amazon.com/Cubette-Mini-...ZXIK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312230503&sr=8-1.

 

[AgentofChaos]

This may be a dumb question, but is there a difference between a Vripmaster and a VHW?

 

[blackbur]

This may be a dumb question, but is there a difference between a Vripmaster and a VHW?

VHW is vriptech heat wand which is the vaporizer itself, there are many different models..the newest being the 3.0.

The Vripmaster is the water filtration unit. Which is also called the Water Perk tool. Right now i believe there are two different models. One has a U-Perk in it and the other just has a downstem. Both are beakers with large bent necks so that ice can be used.

Hope this helps.

 

[AgentofChaos]

Yes that helps a lot, thank you.

 

[ShadowVape]

Nice call Arf those smaller cubes are sweet but crushed is even better!!! IMHO of course, a bit more drag than the cubes and alot more than snow but snow is always the best because it means riding before/after Vrips usually.

Good question AgentofChaos. VripTech Int. is the company. VripMaster is the brand. And VHW is the Vaporization Heat Wand that is the heat tool part of the system. It mates to a 2-Piece VCB Vaporization Chamber Bowl that is the extraction tool part of the system and Vrip's proprietary claim to fame for a better extraction. The VCBs come in two sizes GonG-style 14.4mm and 18.8mm and two sizes slider-style 9.5mm and 12mm for upgrading just about any good tube or bubbler with ones that have a higher drag being preferred by many. Check the previous posts for some good discussions. Acronym city huh?

 

[AgentofChaos]

Thanks for clearing that up ShadowVape. I noticed there was a Vripmaster for sale on the forum and I didn't know if that was the same thing as a VHW or not, and if the current accessories would work with it. I'm assuming it's just an earlier model and it will work fine with them?

 

[audiodelic]

Guys i just finalized my vriptech heat wand order with shadowvape at vriptech. I figured the vapexhale 220v is a long way to be released and i could not wait, i wanted to try the vriptech experience. With the vriptech 3.0 units being comparatively less troublesome than the earlier ones im hoping it will last me a while. Shadowvape has been nice with prompt shipping of my order. Now the wait begins.

Will post a more detail review of using it exclusively with pressed hash in a month or so as it will take time for international transit to India.

 

[psyshaman]

My VHW that I purchased from the forum just arrived, can't wait to test it out tonight with a friend and fellow vaporizer enthusiast.

But just a quick question regarding a bowl for the VHW..
Does anyone still make the custom ones like the blazemaster bowls... Or even if someone could suggest one that works besides the stock ones.

I am chasing the coveted all glass vapor path with this beast.
There have been some for sale on the for sale thread but haven't managed to convince any of the members there to send them abroad.
I'm not sure why as my wand purchased second hand made it fine and the bowl is still coated in resin. Haha
Any steer in the right direction will be appreciated!

 

[biojuggernaut]

1) Get replacement rings for free
2) Blaze Master Bowl used for another member on this forum.

People say the silicon bowl still outperforms blazemaster's counterpart. At this point I would just opt for the bowl and the rings. YOU will not want to go back

 

[blackbur]

Its a lot easier getting a slide from alt..or another store that offers vriptech merc.

If you want to get a blazemaster bowl you have to contact blazemaster himself, it took about a month and some change to create and it was very hard to keep in contact with him.Glass blowers are very busy..just keep that in mind. Overall it was an awesome deal having a worked bowl for my vriptech but its far more easier to buy a vriptech bowl and have it within 3 days.

 

[ShadowVape]

As usual thanks for the question support Vrip family! The Biggest difference between using a one piece bowl like one of Blazemaster's and the Vrip bowl is the sequential venturi effect you get from the tapered intake that speeds the extraction (in turn making it broader spectrum per inhalation) and makes it easier to get the carcass nice and evenly browned without hot-spotting. It's a little extra work with the intake representing a second piece and you pack less at a time usually, but it is the way it was intended and when properly used the silicon tip seal is only there as a seal between two glass pieces and is not in the path of the air flow or vapor flow. We do still use small stainless screens in the bottom or mid-point (optional locations) of the Vrip bowls, but anyone who has used our products will back me that you cannot taste anything except the aromatic essences in a more concentrated yet still clean vapor than can be attained with many popular "vaporizers." Concentrated "Vapor" that is really smoke/vapor hybrid is optional with the Vrip, but not requred it get a fulfilling pull with the Vrip; you can keep it clean and still get it to condense with proper technique (our claim to fame). At the temps we're working at there is no chance of anything coming off of a very small amount of stainless mesh.

That said I've only seen one user with a Blazemaster bowl not be stoked so it probably just comes down to personal preference like so many other things in life. Some people will prefer the simplicity and the ability to pack bigger bowls in a Blazemaster who I believe makes pieces that work with the silicone tip seal as well as without if that is the preference. One of the beautiful traits of the Vrip modular approach is that it can be dialed for personal preferences...just takes a little practice and dialing into the system all of which is usually a highly enjoyable process! Vriptech.com orders are usually processed and shipped on Tues/Thurs and are shipped from California. Other suppliers may ship from closer and ship everyday so keep that in mind. Bowls and intakes of all sizes/styles are virtually always in stock, but wands and water tools are sometimes slower to ship just depending upon the order load.

 

[psyshaman]

Thanks all for the advise, the wand did already come with an 18mm GonG vriptech bowl.
I discovered that it works great, it made short work of my friend and I last night.
Loaded two bowls nice and full and topped them off with mountains of keif..
Not long after that we were slumped on the couch considering calling it a night. Haha!
I just really like the look of the after market slides and like a lot of vaporizer addicts on here feel the desire to accessorize!
Will keep testing the wand and searching for the bowls

Cheers biojuggernaut and Blackbur for the advise!
This an awesome product you've got ShadowVape, thanks for your reply! Very informative!

 

[ShadowVape]

Right on Vapor Viking! Sounds like you indeed figured out the Vrip supercharged...something about those powdered concentrates, heh?

By all means accessorize! The original vision of Vrip was really as the ultimate water pipe accessory not a complete system, but since in the early days Mark could't get love from ANY of the water pipe manufacturers save a handful of smaller headier ones (go figure) he went ahead and designed what we consider the ultimate vapor-specific water pipes in our Vaporization Water Tools, and in turn, a complete Vrip system solution was born. Whether complete or as a modular solution to improve the concentration, consistency, and flavor of what you deliver through the pieces you already use enjoy Vrip!

 

[arf777]

A quick warning for Vriptech water tool owners. I have the VWT PerK and absolutely LOVE it's performance, not just with the VHW but with all vaporizers.

But at least some of these have a very easy to break ice pinch / holder. I call it a holder because it isn't a classic ice pinch. Instead of a couple of dimples in the glass, there is a single finger of glass sticking into the tube to catch ice cubes. Perhaps a few of those were done thinner than others, because mine just broke. just from dropping in an ice cube as I always do. It'll be an easy fix - only need a glass blower to weld a 1 1/2" glass rod int he hole where the ice catch used to attach. But if you have one of these, be careful in dropping your ice cubes in. Until I get it fixed, my VWT PerK now has a carb. Personally, I own plenty of other glass already so it isn't like I'm stuck without.

On a different subject - any of you who are having trouble getting milk with your vrips, go back and re-read the original use instructions. I did that recently, realized I wasn't packing enough at once or letting the bowl heat up enough. As soon as I started following the instructions exactly again, every pull on every glass piece has been beautiful thick milk.

 

[IAmKrazy2]

i was out in southern california for the last week, and had access to some great clone only strains i have never tried, but barely vaporized out there. yesterday was my first full day back, and i must have vripped through 8 big bowls or so. I missed my VHW and it is working really good right now. cheers.