Agreed. The V3Pro can get you to full extraction and can produce some huge clouds, but it isn't the same experience as a Hopper session. Even though I use on-demand mode with the V3Pro, it is still not like a nice hot Hopper session.
I performed an unintentional drop test on my black V3Pro yesterday. Dropped it from about waist height onto a hard tile floor. The mouthpiece flew off, the screen came out of the mouthpiece, the battery cover flew off, and the battery came out of the slot by about 1/4 inch.
As I was reassembling the device I noticed that the battery cover magnets were still attached to the body. When the battery cover flew off, the strength of the magnetic force holding the magnets on the body was greater than the strength of the adhesive holding the magnets on the battery cover.
I was able to re-attach the magnets to the battery cover with tiny slivers of two-sided clear tape. The battery cover now stays on body as it did before.
There is a small dent on the battery cover. It's actually difficult to see unless you hold it at the right angle. Otherwise I didn't see any outward signs of damage on any of the other parts. No obvious dents, scratches, or cracks. The vape still works perfectly!
Aside from the failure of the adhesive on the battery cover magnets, the V3Pro withstood the impact really well.
Whilst it's nice and dark ABV from the V3, and I am getting very satisfactory cloudage, I'm not getting Sublimator levels (of full extractions or similar plumes) - I'm running that with a tiny bit of headroom too (not much though!)
I can easily spot the difference. It all looks darker to the eye, this photo is all lit up with a strong white light. Sub on the right, with V3 sprinkled on top on the left.
This also reminds me of another reason I want more heat, for the inserted glass bowl I've been using. There is a very thin wall of lighter ABV that makes direct contact with the glass, the majority gets properly roasted through the middle similar to ordinary use. It takes quite a few goes before needing to empty either way, I prefer loading a chamber, having the chamber, emptying the chamber one after the other, simple, repeatable, predictable usage. Basically there isn't enough heat, even with the ordinary attachments, to one-hit anything, which is what the Sub is a master of and achieved with the darker material here.
Not a deal breaker by any means, the V3 being compared to the master is just flattery, but it would be a big deal if this device could do a proper one-hit (even better if it can be dialled in and also offer the session style it currently does so well)
The V3 is close enough that it will outperform plenty of other units, but I still dream of the day of having a portable that is actually truly in the same league as the Sub. However it would be a dangerous item and tolerance destroyer!
With the V3 it's a nice balance of potency which is better as a daily driver. But a single device that does it all could be found in this form factor considering how close this is.
BTW that drop test takes the cake. I dropped mine to carpeted wood from a similar height, no drama there although it flew apart and went several different directions on impact too.
Glad you could repair/reassemble yours and it's still going!
Yet to see a teardown but I'm keen to see what is inside this thing. I don't even know what material the heater is
Unfortunately I have a bit of news to report with one of my 2 units.
My first device, which is 4 months old (but was practically not used in the first month, then every day), is no longer quite as hot as at the beginning and not like my second device. At first they were the same. I can tell that the ABV is brighter on the first device.
I still love the vape. I hope that it stays a single case and doesn't show up with several people.
I had something similar with a spare hopper that initially delivered much darker ABV. What a shame. It is not unusable, but i see it. LOL
But I think I'll give the vape another chance and try again with a 3 unit in the future.
The test of time is always interesting. I have wondered how that will play out.
One thing I've noticed is how much off-gas can occur if the unit is pre-heated at max temp when empty and air is blown through the intake hole's.
Worth checking from time to time.
With the glass Fury2 WPA insert the sidewalls remain clean, but small amounts will gradually find a way into the device still, which is what I think I've observed. With the glass WPA inserted in the chamber I no longer have to Q-tip after each empty, but the bottom is always exposed. An extra screen is a good idea
@LesPlenty, as would be Fury2 crucibles. Once airflow or sensors are impacted, the unit can no longer function the same as new. This is one of the many ways besides power delivery that Hoppers cooked it.
Another advantage of a device made to tolerate combustion temps is that they can self-clean by doing an above temp dry run.
Benefit of the V3 Pro dwindling is that the price is much easier to stomach than a hopper, or really most options. But hopefully it's not a common trend as we've seen elsewhere.
Also any tips? I’ve been told to turn it up to max temp and to make sure to pack loose and stir the bowl. Been working out great so far but is there anything else you guys do to get the most out of this vape?
I would try feathering the intake holes with your hand/finger instead of constantly blocking the holes.
But maybe I should tape mine up before making that comment. I tried a band, but it sort of got in the way of the MP scoop.
It handles varied amounts quite well, though fluffy and full is a safe bet for convection.
I would definitely try other temperature's too, however I do usually use mine on max, and could do with a touch more still.
Still, I'm quite surprised how many decent hits I can get off a very tiny amount with the fury2 WPA in the chamber. I think that's the best tip I picked up here other than learning it exists at all.
Another tip for a new unit, try and keep it as clean as it is now! Requires a lot of Q-tipping with a warm oven.
I finally got a Volcano brush for this vape and it's pretty handy for the plastic (?) funnel above the chamber, where little bits can get caught between the enclosure sidewalls.