The inner core of mine had developed a crack. I had let shadowvape know and he hooked me up with a new part for free shipped. Great customer service experience for me from this company, I would recommend for sure. As everyone has said, you don't get a taste like this from really any other vape.
Discontinued VRIPtech Heating Wand
- Thread starter stonemonkey55
- Start date
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- Tags
- all glass airpath
I know this is a simple matter but causing me major headaches. I simply cannot get the metal mesh to sit back down properly on my vriptech bowl. I took it out after a couple sessions of smoking to clean it but cannot get the bloody thing to stay. Everytime I think it's sitting properly it springs out with my bud all on the ground.
biojuggernaut
Snob
Did they thicken their heater covers? My new one doesn't get as hot tan/brown AVB, not to mention the unit still only turns on some of the time.
WakeAndVake
Member
OldDirty said:
I push the screen down to the next level, past the first notch, so it sits right above the thinnest (stem?) part of the bowl piece. I have heard people recommend to leave it higher up, but it works much better for me when pushed down, and the screen never springs out.
When you push the screen down to this level it bends the screen so it forms a sort of cup shape. Since it's wedged in a bit tighter this way, I use a toothpick to pop it out whenever I want to clean the screen.
This might also be why IamKrazy and my own measurements differ... since I am using a thinner part of the bowl it requires less material to cover the screen.
scottio19
scotty
I got my vriptech 3.0 in the mail today and am a little concerned..
when I opened it there appeared to be a crack at the tip of my heating element, and it is crooked in its glass enclosure.
the silicone ring is also kind of warped, and for my purposes (since I am not using the VCB bowl, I know, shame on me) will not fit snugly inside my bowl like I thought it would. If only puffitup sold the VCB!!!
but back to the heating element!!!
should I be concerned? I have seen two other box vape ceramic elements and it does look like a defect. Im already thinking about returning it, but it deserves a chance in the bowl it was meant for before I make a decision. I just really dont want to fork up the extra 50-60 bucks for the bowl and then have a defective unit. gotta do one thing at a time here
when I opened it there appeared to be a crack at the tip of my heating element, and it is crooked in its glass enclosure.
the silicone ring is also kind of warped, and for my purposes (since I am not using the VCB bowl, I know, shame on me) will not fit snugly inside my bowl like I thought it would. If only puffitup sold the VCB!!!
but back to the heating element!!!
should I be concerned? I have seen two other box vape ceramic elements and it does look like a defect. Im already thinking about returning it, but it deserves a chance in the bowl it was meant for before I make a decision. I just really dont want to fork up the extra 50-60 bucks for the bowl and then have a defective unit. gotta do one thing at a time here
scottio19
scotty
I contacted puffitup. randy said they tended to have small imperfections but was very helpful and had already sent a return label.
My brother paid for half of this vape so im gonna ask him how he feels. I'm worried that I wont be able to return it though because I sorta fucked with the silicone ring by snipping off a part that is irregular... but thats inexpensive and wouldn't be a problem right?
My brother paid for half of this vape so im gonna ask him how he feels. I'm worried that I wont be able to return it though because I sorta fucked with the silicone ring by snipping off a part that is irregular... but thats inexpensive and wouldn't be a problem right?
what up Family? Sorry for the long absence got a new white collar gig that's been cutting into my green collar gig not to mention a new GF and you know how that goes! Wanted to give everyone a heads up that we have the VWT BuB (a vapor specific Bubbler) up on the site now. It makes a great complementary piece to PerK owners---uses the same GJDS downstem and VCBS_14.4mm bowls. Also great for those that simply want a smaller footprint and for those with smaller lungs or lack of patience for milking the vapor in larger tubes. Check it in action on youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0sNiZTikIA
I'll come back later and address some questions and answers that might benefit some greater clarity later but for now I'll take yours Scottio---you have no worries with some imperfections in the ceramic on the encapsulated element this is normal and you will definitely want to use the VHW with a VCB---they simply are designed to work together that way and the Vrip claim to fame vapor quality is largely a function of the sequential venturi design of the VCB that you won't get with other bowls---the o-ring doesn't have to be perfect but you can shape it a bit or adjust the way it sits before you use it and could get a better seal that is the only requirement for it to work right---if you need a new seal no worries feel free to hit me up info@vriptech.com and I'll style you out---you can also try to adjust the way the glass cover sits on the heater if the element is way off to the side as you want it close to center---hit us up by email and we'll forward glass cover replacement / adjustment instructions that should help---any other issues with the wand not sorted with the dealer hit us up direct we'll get you sorted!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0sNiZTikIA
I'll come back later and address some questions and answers that might benefit some greater clarity later but for now I'll take yours Scottio---you have no worries with some imperfections in the ceramic on the encapsulated element this is normal and you will definitely want to use the VHW with a VCB---they simply are designed to work together that way and the Vrip claim to fame vapor quality is largely a function of the sequential venturi design of the VCB that you won't get with other bowls---the o-ring doesn't have to be perfect but you can shape it a bit or adjust the way it sits before you use it and could get a better seal that is the only requirement for it to work right---if you need a new seal no worries feel free to hit me up info@vriptech.com and I'll style you out---you can also try to adjust the way the glass cover sits on the heater if the element is way off to the side as you want it close to center---hit us up by email and we'll forward glass cover replacement / adjustment instructions that should help---any other issues with the wand not sorted with the dealer hit us up direct we'll get you sorted!
vapor 4 life
Well-Known Member
Hey ShadowVape dropped my beloved vhw and broke the glass part of the wand. Went to my local head shop that I talked into carrying vrips and bought a replacement glass part. Replaced it and my vhw does not heat up like it used to. I have used it for a year and usually kept the dial at 7/10 now on full heat even heating up in the glass stand the vhw barely vapes the herbs. Is there a way to turn the heat up on the unit or do you have any ideas on what I should do or what happened. Miss my vhw
Vapor 4 Life we'll get you sorted---is your heater a 3.0 or is it an earlier model?
You can adjust the board for more heat but could be sacrificing element life so let's trouble shoot other possibilites first.
Is it possible the tip seal on the end of the replacement glass cover isn't cut or positioned well so isn't seating and sealing as well as your last one did in the upper intake? A poor seal between wand and upper intake of the VCB will result in a lower apparant temp even if the element is getting just as hot as it did before and this can often be fixed with a new tip seal or adjusting the one there if you haven't used it so much that it's sealed to the glass now. If that's the case and you think it could be the problem just hit us up @ info@vriptech.com and we'll get you a new tip seal ASAP. Sorry for the hassle I feel your pain we'll get you dialed back in quick though!
You can adjust the board for more heat but could be sacrificing element life so let's trouble shoot other possibilites first.
Is it possible the tip seal on the end of the replacement glass cover isn't cut or positioned well so isn't seating and sealing as well as your last one did in the upper intake? A poor seal between wand and upper intake of the VCB will result in a lower apparant temp even if the element is getting just as hot as it did before and this can often be fixed with a new tip seal or adjusting the one there if you haven't used it so much that it's sealed to the glass now. If that's the case and you think it could be the problem just hit us up @ info@vriptech.com and we'll get you a new tip seal ASAP. Sorry for the hassle I feel your pain we'll get you dialed back in quick though!
Abysmal Vapor
Supersniffer 2000 - robot fart detection device
Can anyone share his experience with the VWT perk ? I have a chance to adopt one for 90$ but i don't know if the percolator is "functional" and more important.. what is the drag ? (hard or easy) How fast can you clear the tube out of vapor ? How's t he durability ?
biojuggernaut
Snob
AV i've never owned the VWT perk but I've owned HiSi flashlight percs in the past and the chug very consistently. The piece is good with vapor however durability is kinda weak. vrip had a bunch of them break at the bend in the tube due to over ice package.
Bluntcrush
Director of Vapor Research Labs™
I am beginning to think a vape collection without this unit is not complete. 
I like how most users describe the phenomenal heat it produces, it sounds like it would free up all sorts of actives in both categories...
I guess it's only a matter of time 'til I get one...I'll probably read this thread over and start my normal thought process. tongue Thanks in advance to all those who have contributed so far!! peace
I like how most users describe the phenomenal heat it produces, it sounds like it would free up all sorts of actives in both categories...I guess it's only a matter of time 'til I get one...I'll probably read this thread over and start my normal thought process. tongue Thanks in advance to all those who have contributed so far!! peace
vapor 4 life
Well-Known Member
yes you want one! the hit great!
Bluntcrush
Director of Vapor Research Labs™
Plus on top of that it looks like Stonemonkey had something to do with it's development, which makes it ALL THE MORE COOL!!! 
Bluntcrush
Director of Vapor Research Labs™
Twanbiz said:
Yes I will be picking one of these up sometime soon. I know that once I have the VXC Cloud it will be a game changer, and some of the other toys in my collection will get little use!! This does look super sweet though and I can't wait to try it and then own one!!!
Bluntcrush
Director of Vapor Research Labs™
Well maybe not change but make more graceful and user friendly, what with gong joints and freestanding body. I don't know...
biojuggernaut
Snob
Vsurf500 said:
Thank you. I am not particularly fond of Vrip International or the glass slide over a soldering iron but I knew that going into the investment from the get-go. The vrip perform bar-none, has been tried and tested over many years, and their team is probably much larger and more prepared to deal with orders then the vapeXteam. The silicone sucks and breaks and probably emits weird shit but whatev's watch and replace that shit.
partially veiled
Lo Boob Oscillator
I am not entirely sure why people seem to be making the suggestion that the VHW and VXC are in some respects interchangeable: the sentiment that you should just buy the VHW because the VXC is not yet available doesn't hold water with me as there is NOT a 1 to 1 relationship between the VHW and the VXC. While I do understand and agree that there are certainly some major similarities, in my mind there are many more subtle yet crucial differences than there are similarities when you closely inspect these two interesting devices. They both have an all glass vapor pathway and they are both designed to be used with water pipes by a single end user. As far as I can tell that's about where the major similarities stop. By this I mean to indicate those features that the VHW and VXC seem to share, but which otherwise set them "apart" from other readily available vaporizers.
As a long time owner of the VHW and someone who is very interested in the VXC--I have read the entire thread once, individual parts of it several times--I hope that maybe I can clarify some points about the VHW experience...especially in contrast to my understanding of what the VXC is going to offer. Although it should be said up front that I have exactly ZERO real life experience with the VXC and surely know much less about it than many of the other wonderful contributors to this forum. At any rate I really do hope that this will be helpful so please take what I'm about to say with a grain of salt...as it is of course nothing but my own opinion, which is always forged in the crucible of experience, and therefore...YMMV.
I own one of the original release VHW's (I guess we would have to call them version 1.0, or something) and I have recently purchased the upgraded 3.0 model (waiting on delivery ATM). I was on the pre-order list for this vape almost as soon as there was a list, soon after sm55 started hyping it up right here on FC.com, and I have enjoyed the VHW immensely since the day I first held it in my hands. I honestly can't recommend this vaporizer highly enough, and although there are a few major caveats to that recommendation most related concerns have been addressed here before anyway, for those of us who have been paying attention.
The taste achieved with the VHW is unlike anything else I have ever experienced; I'm in my late 20's now, have been using Cannabis since I was 8 (that's right...don't judge me love me) and I've imbibed it pretty much every way possible. Every way I've heard of that didn't sound completely batshit crazy at least. I have owned or used extensively the SSV, DBV, PD, Volcano, SS VG, EQ, way too many "economy" bag, box and whip vapes to name, and none among those offer the level of taste consistently delivered by the VHW. In my experience it is the vaporizer which brings you closest to tasting the the way your flowers smell. There is no "extra" flavor detected and in fact if you use material that is less than desirable (ie. material that's been sprayed with nasty chems, or has not been flushed or cured properly) the depth of the flavor profile achieved with the VHW is almost a negative point. Almost. I think it's fair to say that I am not the only person who attributes the flavor achieved with the VHW to be due (at least in part) to the all glass airway. I would really easily say that this is the MAJOR pro I see to the VHW. I am also a bit of a health freak so at the same time this all glass airway makes me feel good about using this vaporizer.
In this one respect (the wonderful, full spectrum taste profile and inherent health benefits achieved via the all glass airway) I would assume the VHW and the VXC are more or less going to agree. I can't really know for sure as I've yet to try the VXC, however everyone who has seems to indicate similar things: the taste is described as pure, or clean, or unadulterated etc. IF the blissfully clean and tasty vapors achieved with the VHW are ONLY a factor of the all glass pathway then it can be assumed these vaporizers will perform very similarly regarding taste. I do believe that there are other factors at work, however, and since I don't have have first hand experience with the VXC and therefore can't do a traditional comparison, perhaps the best way to approach this is to make a list of observations:
- Although the VHW and the VXC both feature an all glass airway, the design of their airways are completely different. The VHW incorporates spirals or "marias" into the glass heater cover and this adds a bit of drag (not awkward at all though--it's a very smooth, natural pull) and, according to VripTech, this design helps to achieve a full spectrum extraction by creating a venturi effect in their proprietary VCB (or Vaporization Chamber Bowl, where the greenery goes
). I can't really pretend to understand all of that, but I can say that the design of the VHW works very well: the first few hits of a fresh packed bowl are definitely the tastiest but the bowl never tastes "cashed" before it really is. There is no suffering through popcorn/stale flavored vapors in the hopes of absorbing those last few actives. The VXC airway seems to be a straight walled glass cylinder, which is wrapped in the heat source. So the claim behind the spiral design of the VHW is that it aids in full spectrum extraction, and while I can verify FOR SURE that the VHW seriously succeeds in that respect, I cannot say whether it succeeds more of less than the VXC, and whether or not the venturi effect has anything to do with it.
- To ensure even extraction the vaporized material needs to be stirred when you are using a VHW. This is of course not new to vapor fiends, and really it's not a pain. As someone who appreciates ritual I actually quite enjoy stirring my bowls. I find the VHW is much MUCH better at even and thorough extraction than are the SSV, DBV or EQ (possibly due to the venturi effect?), and therefore it requires much less attention and fussing. It does however definitely still benefit from using dry material, a decently fine grind and giving the material the occasional stir. The VXC does not seem to require stirring of any sort but does seem to achieve an even extraction (although it does still recommend you use dry/evenly ground material). Again I cannot speak to the flavor or the "full spectrum" nature of the VXC vapors but if the color of the ABV it spits out is any indication it does seem to offer consistent extraction without stirring.
- The temperature zone is just right with the VHW. Once you've dialed in your particular set up/breathing technique it is so easy to get a range of ABV, whatever it is you desire from light green to dark brown. It can provide thick hits but I have NEVER accidently combusted when using the VHW whereas that did happen to me a few times with other vapes (especially the SSV :/). The VXC does seem to be set up with a broader heat spectrum, but since neither company really offers the exact specifics of their heaters I guess there's not going to be a way to know for sure until we can pit a VHW against a VXC in a side by side review. I will say that I think the VHW offers the perfect heat range for flowers, but I've not really had lots of luck with concentrates. Deals well with a little BHO or hash sprinkled on the top of ground flowers but solid chunks or dabs ehhh not so much. I definitely still prefer to use a dome/nail set up for my concentrates. So if the VXC has a broader heat spectrum it may handle concentrates better but may also increase chances of accidental combustion. Not too sure about that though.
- The VHW is NOT hands free. It takes two hands and a decent amount of attention and concentration to properly operate this vaporizer. The VXC does claim to be hands free but until I know how heavy the units are (until I personally see and hold one basically) I can't say that I'd feel comfortable using a VXC "hands free" on a 300+ piece glassware
It looks like it might be a little bit big and heavy to leave in a GonG joint long term, and I certainly wouldn't use it with anything that wasn't properly reinforced (or something like a dewaar joint). Again this is my opinion and I really don't have much of a right to form it until I can hold a VXC, which I do hope to do some day
- The VHW and the VXC are both modular, which in this case means they can be used with different 14mm or 18mm GonG pipes. The execution of that modularity is however very different. The VHW set up comes in many peices. So whereas with the VXC you're going to be able to get away with just VXC + water pipe, with the VHW you're looking at a bit more kit: it'll be VHW + a two part GonG bowl or a three part "non-GonG" bowl with slider + water pipe (and something to put the hot VHW into plus something to stir your bowl with). So not THAT much more going on but modular does mean different things to VripTech and VXC. In my experience I have found the level of modularity offered by VripTech to be a boon, as with all glass pieces you're likely eventually going to break one and it's nice to be able to replace only the individual piece that needs replacing, rather than sending your vaporizer in for service or something. I do believe VXC intends to sell replacement parts, but I don't think the details are really fleshed out as of yet.
- The heating mechanism and the temperature stabilization functions on these two units are completely different. If ANYTHING is going to be "game changing" about the VXC it is going to be the nature in which it retains heat while being hit. The VXC claims that due to the nature of its heater/temp. probe set up the user can basically hit any way they want while still achieving the same effects. This will likely nullify most of the learning curve and make the VXC friendly to anyone with lungs. The VHW has a definite technique, and there IS a learning curve. It's really not anything hard or special, but just like many new experiences it takes a little while to get the "feel" for what you're doing. It is extremely rewarding however, and much like riding a bicycle once you learn how to Vrip you will not forget. Hahaha
- The VHW glass heater cover is fragile. It is the only part that feels fragile, and when you see it up close you kind of get a a feeling as to why: the work in the heater cover is very detailed, and it feels like it would be hard to make it if the glass were too thick. Now I am really excited to see the new 3.0 version as I've been informed that the bulk of the heater cover has been beefed up a bit (also sandblasted) so this may now be a non issue. As I've said before though I've owned this vape since day one and in that time I have gone through two heater covers. That's $200 worth of replacements parts. I am now waiting for a brand new unit but the last time I broke a heater cover I couldn't afford to replace it so I was stuck using my SS VG as my daily driver. It's a bummer, but that's kind of what you get when you're working with glass. For me the cost benefit works out in favor of the VHW, as it is the best vapor I have ever tasted and really you can't put a price on that. Plus if you're CAREFUL a heater cover really could last you a long long time...I broke the heater cover each time...they did not "break on me", I broke them. I'm clumsy and I try to be very careful with glass but with me loss is just part of the game so again YMMV. The glass on the VXC looks a little more robust, but I can't speak to that with any certainly. We also don't yet know how much replacement parts are going to be so this is obviously a very open ended issue at this juncture.
So after going through this stream of thoughts the VHW and VXC do seem very similar still, but I honestly believe that you shouldn't look at one as a replacement for the other or the like. They are not "the same", and neither the VHW nor the VXC will be the right vape for everyone in all situations. To quote the one and only StoneMonkey "the best vape is the one you use." The VHW requires a certain level of patience and a certain amount of respect and caution when in use, but the results are so rewarding that the patience needed in the beginning is exponentially more than worth it. If you want tasty, pure, healthy vapors AND you think you are patient and interested enough to spend time "getting into a groove" with the VHW, then scoop one up, treat it nice and you will be rewarded with the vapor exerpience of a life time. Seriously. If you are interested in something that's going to offer tasty, healthy vapors with a slightly more loose, easy and universal appeal, then wait for the Cloud. I would say the Cloud is going to be much more friendly to those new to vaporization, and it does appear to be a more robust (less breakable) than the VHW, but I honestly can't see how it's going to improve drastically on the quality of vapor offered: the VHW is as top shelf as it gets IF you can sit down, relax and use it properly.
In my own personal usage I can easily see owning both the VHW and the VXC. The VHW for when I'm on my own at home and the VXC for when I'm with friends or going to a party. Not saying that you couldn't use either/or for both of these different situations, but that's just my individual take on it: the VHW is a unit that can RIP but that delivers the best results when sipped and savoured and the VXC is a unit that can definitely pack small bowls and be sipped and savoured, but it's really meant to RRRIP!
As I said earlier I am waiting on my new VHW 3.0. When I get that (and when I find the time, as I'm generally a busy guy these days) I plan to do a little write up and a pictorial review. I've got some new glass to show off anyway so it should be fun. I have always meant to do a write up for this vaporizer, which has enriched my relationship to Cannabis in a real and IMO meaningful way, and now that I will have one of the most up to date models (the VHW 3.0) it seems like a good time to do so. Also I have a Blazemaster bowl on the way (thanks Blazemaster, you rock
) so once I recieve that and I get through the learning curve I'll add a review of the Blazemaster bowl as well. Although there has been discussion of these bowls there hasn't really been a full "review", at least none that I have come across.
So, for those of us with ADD, here is the TL;DR version of that whole long rant: don't buy the VHW thinking you're basically getting the VXC, because you're not. Buy the VHW (if you want it of course) because it is completely worth having in its own right and is a vaporizing experience not to be missed. I hope that was helpful and if I'm not making sense please speak up and I'll try to clarify myself if I can, but as I said I promise a full review of the VHW 3.0 as soon as it's possible for me to put one together.
all and, seriously, Fuck Combustion /end rant 
As a long time owner of the VHW and someone who is very interested in the VXC--I have read the entire thread once, individual parts of it several times--I hope that maybe I can clarify some points about the VHW experience...especially in contrast to my understanding of what the VXC is going to offer. Although it should be said up front that I have exactly ZERO real life experience with the VXC and surely know much less about it than many of the other wonderful contributors to this forum. At any rate I really do hope that this will be helpful so please take what I'm about to say with a grain of salt...as it is of course nothing but my own opinion, which is always forged in the crucible of experience, and therefore...YMMV.
I own one of the original release VHW's (I guess we would have to call them version 1.0, or something) and I have recently purchased the upgraded 3.0 model (waiting on delivery ATM). I was on the pre-order list for this vape almost as soon as there was a list, soon after sm55 started hyping it up right here on FC.com, and I have enjoyed the VHW immensely since the day I first held it in my hands. I honestly can't recommend this vaporizer highly enough, and although there are a few major caveats to that recommendation most related concerns have been addressed here before anyway, for those of us who have been paying attention.
The taste achieved with the VHW is unlike anything else I have ever experienced; I'm in my late 20's now, have been using Cannabis since I was 8 (that's right...don't judge me love me) and I've imbibed it pretty much every way possible. Every way I've heard of that didn't sound completely batshit crazy at least. I have owned or used extensively the SSV, DBV, PD, Volcano, SS VG, EQ, way too many "economy" bag, box and whip vapes to name, and none among those offer the level of taste consistently delivered by the VHW. In my experience it is the vaporizer which brings you closest to tasting the the way your flowers smell. There is no "extra" flavor detected and in fact if you use material that is less than desirable (ie. material that's been sprayed with nasty chems, or has not been flushed or cured properly) the depth of the flavor profile achieved with the VHW is almost a negative point. Almost. I think it's fair to say that I am not the only person who attributes the flavor achieved with the VHW to be due (at least in part) to the all glass airway. I would really easily say that this is the MAJOR pro I see to the VHW. I am also a bit of a health freak so at the same time this all glass airway makes me feel good about using this vaporizer.
In this one respect (the wonderful, full spectrum taste profile and inherent health benefits achieved via the all glass airway) I would assume the VHW and the VXC are more or less going to agree. I can't really know for sure as I've yet to try the VXC, however everyone who has seems to indicate similar things: the taste is described as pure, or clean, or unadulterated etc. IF the blissfully clean and tasty vapors achieved with the VHW are ONLY a factor of the all glass pathway then it can be assumed these vaporizers will perform very similarly regarding taste. I do believe that there are other factors at work, however, and since I don't have have first hand experience with the VXC and therefore can't do a traditional comparison, perhaps the best way to approach this is to make a list of observations:
- Although the VHW and the VXC both feature an all glass airway, the design of their airways are completely different. The VHW incorporates spirals or "marias" into the glass heater cover and this adds a bit of drag (not awkward at all though--it's a very smooth, natural pull) and, according to VripTech, this design helps to achieve a full spectrum extraction by creating a venturi effect in their proprietary VCB (or Vaporization Chamber Bowl, where the greenery goes
). I can't really pretend to understand all of that, but I can say that the design of the VHW works very well: the first few hits of a fresh packed bowl are definitely the tastiest but the bowl never tastes "cashed" before it really is. There is no suffering through popcorn/stale flavored vapors in the hopes of absorbing those last few actives. The VXC airway seems to be a straight walled glass cylinder, which is wrapped in the heat source. So the claim behind the spiral design of the VHW is that it aids in full spectrum extraction, and while I can verify FOR SURE that the VHW seriously succeeds in that respect, I cannot say whether it succeeds more of less than the VXC, and whether or not the venturi effect has anything to do with it.- To ensure even extraction the vaporized material needs to be stirred when you are using a VHW. This is of course not new to vapor fiends, and really it's not a pain. As someone who appreciates ritual I actually quite enjoy stirring my bowls. I find the VHW is much MUCH better at even and thorough extraction than are the SSV, DBV or EQ (possibly due to the venturi effect?), and therefore it requires much less attention and fussing. It does however definitely still benefit from using dry material, a decently fine grind and giving the material the occasional stir. The VXC does not seem to require stirring of any sort but does seem to achieve an even extraction (although it does still recommend you use dry/evenly ground material). Again I cannot speak to the flavor or the "full spectrum" nature of the VXC vapors but if the color of the ABV it spits out is any indication it does seem to offer consistent extraction without stirring.
- The temperature zone is just right with the VHW. Once you've dialed in your particular set up/breathing technique it is so easy to get a range of ABV, whatever it is you desire from light green to dark brown. It can provide thick hits but I have NEVER accidently combusted when using the VHW whereas that did happen to me a few times with other vapes (especially the SSV :/). The VXC does seem to be set up with a broader heat spectrum, but since neither company really offers the exact specifics of their heaters I guess there's not going to be a way to know for sure until we can pit a VHW against a VXC in a side by side review. I will say that I think the VHW offers the perfect heat range for flowers, but I've not really had lots of luck with concentrates. Deals well with a little BHO or hash sprinkled on the top of ground flowers but solid chunks or dabs ehhh not so much. I definitely still prefer to use a dome/nail set up for my concentrates. So if the VXC has a broader heat spectrum it may handle concentrates better but may also increase chances of accidental combustion. Not too sure about that though.
- The VHW is NOT hands free. It takes two hands and a decent amount of attention and concentration to properly operate this vaporizer. The VXC does claim to be hands free but until I know how heavy the units are (until I personally see and hold one basically) I can't say that I'd feel comfortable using a VXC "hands free" on a 300+ piece glassware
It looks like it might be a little bit big and heavy to leave in a GonG joint long term, and I certainly wouldn't use it with anything that wasn't properly reinforced (or something like a dewaar joint). Again this is my opinion and I really don't have much of a right to form it until I can hold a VXC, which I do hope to do some day - The VHW and the VXC are both modular, which in this case means they can be used with different 14mm or 18mm GonG pipes. The execution of that modularity is however very different. The VHW set up comes in many peices. So whereas with the VXC you're going to be able to get away with just VXC + water pipe, with the VHW you're looking at a bit more kit: it'll be VHW + a two part GonG bowl or a three part "non-GonG" bowl with slider + water pipe (and something to put the hot VHW into plus something to stir your bowl with). So not THAT much more going on but modular does mean different things to VripTech and VXC. In my experience I have found the level of modularity offered by VripTech to be a boon, as with all glass pieces you're likely eventually going to break one and it's nice to be able to replace only the individual piece that needs replacing, rather than sending your vaporizer in for service or something. I do believe VXC intends to sell replacement parts, but I don't think the details are really fleshed out as of yet.
- The heating mechanism and the temperature stabilization functions on these two units are completely different. If ANYTHING is going to be "game changing" about the VXC it is going to be the nature in which it retains heat while being hit. The VXC claims that due to the nature of its heater/temp. probe set up the user can basically hit any way they want while still achieving the same effects. This will likely nullify most of the learning curve and make the VXC friendly to anyone with lungs. The VHW has a definite technique, and there IS a learning curve. It's really not anything hard or special, but just like many new experiences it takes a little while to get the "feel" for what you're doing. It is extremely rewarding however, and much like riding a bicycle once you learn how to Vrip you will not forget. Hahaha
- The VHW glass heater cover is fragile. It is the only part that feels fragile, and when you see it up close you kind of get a a feeling as to why: the work in the heater cover is very detailed, and it feels like it would be hard to make it if the glass were too thick. Now I am really excited to see the new 3.0 version as I've been informed that the bulk of the heater cover has been beefed up a bit (also sandblasted) so this may now be a non issue. As I've said before though I've owned this vape since day one and in that time I have gone through two heater covers. That's $200 worth of replacements parts. I am now waiting for a brand new unit but the last time I broke a heater cover I couldn't afford to replace it so I was stuck using my SS VG as my daily driver. It's a bummer, but that's kind of what you get when you're working with glass. For me the cost benefit works out in favor of the VHW, as it is the best vapor I have ever tasted and really you can't put a price on that. Plus if you're CAREFUL a heater cover really could last you a long long time...I broke the heater cover each time...they did not "break on me", I broke them. I'm clumsy and I try to be very careful with glass but with me loss is just part of the game so again YMMV. The glass on the VXC looks a little more robust, but I can't speak to that with any certainly. We also don't yet know how much replacement parts are going to be so this is obviously a very open ended issue at this juncture.
So after going through this stream of thoughts the VHW and VXC do seem very similar still, but I honestly believe that you shouldn't look at one as a replacement for the other or the like. They are not "the same", and neither the VHW nor the VXC will be the right vape for everyone in all situations. To quote the one and only StoneMonkey "the best vape is the one you use." The VHW requires a certain level of patience and a certain amount of respect and caution when in use, but the results are so rewarding that the patience needed in the beginning is exponentially more than worth it. If you want tasty, pure, healthy vapors AND you think you are patient and interested enough to spend time "getting into a groove" with the VHW, then scoop one up, treat it nice and you will be rewarded with the vapor exerpience of a life time. Seriously. If you are interested in something that's going to offer tasty, healthy vapors with a slightly more loose, easy and universal appeal, then wait for the Cloud. I would say the Cloud is going to be much more friendly to those new to vaporization, and it does appear to be a more robust (less breakable) than the VHW, but I honestly can't see how it's going to improve drastically on the quality of vapor offered: the VHW is as top shelf as it gets IF you can sit down, relax and use it properly.
In my own personal usage I can easily see owning both the VHW and the VXC. The VHW for when I'm on my own at home and the VXC for when I'm with friends or going to a party. Not saying that you couldn't use either/or for both of these different situations, but that's just my individual take on it: the VHW is a unit that can RIP but that delivers the best results when sipped and savoured and the VXC is a unit that can definitely pack small bowls and be sipped and savoured, but it's really meant to RRRIP!
As I said earlier I am waiting on my new VHW 3.0. When I get that (and when I find the time, as I'm generally a busy guy these days) I plan to do a little write up and a pictorial review. I've got some new glass to show off anyway so it should be fun. I have always meant to do a write up for this vaporizer, which has enriched my relationship to Cannabis in a real and IMO meaningful way, and now that I will have one of the most up to date models (the VHW 3.0) it seems like a good time to do so. Also I have a Blazemaster bowl on the way (thanks Blazemaster, you rock
) so once I recieve that and I get through the learning curve I'll add a review of the Blazemaster bowl as well. Although there has been discussion of these bowls there hasn't really been a full "review", at least none that I have come across.So, for those of us with ADD, here is the TL;DR version of that whole long rant: don't buy the VHW thinking you're basically getting the VXC, because you're not. Buy the VHW (if you want it of course) because it is completely worth having in its own right and is a vaporizing experience not to be missed. I hope that was helpful and if I'm not making sense please speak up and I'll try to clarify myself if I can, but as I said I promise a full review of the VHW 3.0 as soon as it's possible for me to put one together.
all and, seriously, Fuck Combustion /end rant