Discontinued Zion vaporizer

[Farkas]

From RBT's website:

Zion Update

Magnet retention and voltage knob bearing testing is completed. The Printed Circuit Board prototype testing revealed an alignment issue between the board, button and voltage control knob as well as a "hot trace" in the board due to the high current draw. The new boards will take 3-4 weeks to fabricate and several weeks to test. Once the final design is in hand it is another 6-8 weeks to fully set up the production line. Once sufficient stock of Milaana are fabricated the supplier will resume production on the 200 Zion bodies. All of the learning from the Milaana manufacturing process as well as customer feedback will be instituted in the Zion as well. To show our appreciation to Zion pre-order customers we are offering the option to order a Milaana at $129 (Use Zion PayPal Email to submit request to rbtvape.service@gmail.com) . Once we confirm you have a Zion on order we will issue you a PayPal invoice. Thanks again for your patience that is allowing us to make Zion all that it can be.

And they are now offering Zion's for purchase direct on their website.

 

[little maggie]

I dreamed my zion arrived from the post office today.
Then I woke up.

 

[TeeJay1952]

Remember when it was 6 months ago? Soon it will be 6 months from now. Hell, I have been reading about this thing for a year or more.

 

[GTAVaper]

If anyone is looking to abandon their order and have purchased internationally at $200 or less then please PM me as I would probably be willing to purchase your order from you.

If you look back on this thread I actually tried to order internationally when it was at the $200 point and available for international orders but my website inquiry was not responded to and my follow up PM's were also ignored.

This is why I would be willing to purchase at the price that I had originally attempted to (but was ignored) but would refuse to pay more. If I had to pay more then I would probably just get a Sticky Brick.....or wait for the next great vape to arrive on the scene.

I am really enjoying my Milaana and whenever Ryan has responded to me he has been cool and respectful (didn't bring up the Zion fiasco with him in email prior to receiving my Milaana) but just on the principle of the thing I would refuse to pay more than the price that should have been available to me when I made my inquiry.

Edited
I appear to have been ignored due to some kind of "blackout period" .....even though those who ordered after I had made my website form inquiry (think it was the last or second last day of the sale) had their order processed. Perhaps I should have just put it in the cart and paid for it.....but then again if I had been able to purchase one before and had to wait this long - my frustration might have got the better of me and I might have backed out of the order without giving the Milaana a chance.

I do like the Milaana but I also think that a Zion might suit my style of vaping a little better? But the Milaana is also pretty portable......so that also fills a niche......especially if I find the Grasshopper not to perform as well as I hope.

So I am not going to regret my Milaana purchase .......but I do regret not getting an opportunity to purchase a Zion at the time of my earlier inquiry at the end of the 2015 sale....even if I would been in the same boat as some of you on this thread who have been in limbo with Zion progress and feeling frustrated that everyone is out having Milaana fun ......when you don't have your Zion yet.

I understand why many waiting on their Zion are fed up by now with the wait......I would be too.

But I do think that they will be out in the next few months and would be interested in talking to anyone who is not interested in pursuing their order at this time.

However, if you don't already have a Milaana and are the kind of person that likes to vape on the go ......then I would definitely recommend the Milaana.

 

[flotntoke]

FWIW, I'm still on board and waiting too. Think it has been a little more than a year since I ordered, but not really into going to look it up. Maybe once I have it in my eagerly waiting hands.

Thanks for the cool vid @TeeJay1952 ! Wish I came across when there were a few more posts to read so I'd listen to all of it. Maybe later, but for now it wasn't long enough to make it thru my post here.

Zion, when? Soon - but not that fuckin soon! Sit down, shut up, and wait. Oh yeah... and get on that second Mi order before RBT comes to his senses and nixes the deal for us Zi pre-orderers. On the list for this week.

 

[Shit Snacks]

Since when, and what do you mean "carefully placed"?

Well its always been longer/taller I believe, but after that first delay in the fall, the heater became more carefully arranged around more mica than the simpler way it is done in Milaana (the same way it was done in early Zion beta units -- since Ziggy has been re-done internally, both my units have these heaters). It had been discussed here a few times earlier if you search, this isn't new news really at all.

 

[little maggie]

I actually had one in my hands.
One of the first 20 but it had to go back. I just don't think about the zion most of the time- at least consciously. Can't control my unconscious. It will arrive one of these days and in the meantime I love my milaana and vapcap. Once Ryan has dealt with all this maybe he will free to invent more awesome vapes. I don't want the world to lose another inventor the way we did Triihouse. The 3 Triihouse Vapes were and still are some of the most creative butane developments. And to me the Milaana is as amazing only without using butane.

 

[aphidii]

Just got an encouraging email from Ryan, he says that they're definitely still committed to completing the Zion project and getting that off the ground properly once the Milaana heat dies down a little. I feel much better with staying the course now I know it's not being shelved, and info straight from the horse's mouth.

That www update is nice too, didn't see that until now.

 

[hweezi]

Yeah it's just gonna be weeks and weeks and I need a batter operated portable now, I sold my air in anticipation of the Zion, so I havent been able to fill that niche since.

I'll reconsider ordering one from PV when the time comes.

I just don't like waiting indefinitely with little known progress.

That little update of reassurance doesn't mean shit to be frank.

 

[christohari]

If anyone would like to sell their Zion preorder, especially in light of the likely additional waiting period. I'd be willing to take it off your hands with a modest markup of course . Please send me a PM.

 

[virtualpurple]

I was super close to having my Zion, I had already gotten a pre-ship notice so I would say I was safely within the first 5 orders.

While it's been a bummer having Zion in limbo I have thoroughly enjoyed the Milaana. I ordered a second one and will be sending my first in for warranty work (my glass and wood bottom came loose, but only after a 12 foot fall from a deck with me on top of it, no fault of the device).

I have not communicated a ton with Ryan, but he's been really good to interact with and I will continue to hang out for the Zion and TOD.

I feel for the first three that had to send their units back, perhaps I would be more upset if I actually held a unit in my hands that was DOA (like the Grasshopper), but I only look to the Zion with eager anticipation right now, not with any angst.

I hope those requesting refunds recieve them quickly, and that those sticking it out will find the reward all the sweeter.

 

[DocGonzo]

I got my refund. Well within the ten business day time frame, too. Seems my Mi will be in the mail next week, so that's exciting. Things went smoothly and I have no complaints about the process.

 

[GTAVaper]

If anyone would like to sell their Zion preorder, especially in light of the likely additional waiting period. I'd be willing to take it off your hands with a modest markup of course . Please send me a PM.

Uh, I've made the same request about three times already dude.

The last time was actually a few posts before yours......if you haven't already seen it.....and if you had....and still proceeded with your "me too post"....then I wish you all the luck you deserve.

But I'm not going to get into any bidding war with you though .....that isn't my style anymore than it would be for me to figuratively be jumping up and down waving my hands around in a post and yelling "Pick me, pick me.....I'll pay more" .....because I wouldn't.

But seeing how I haven't had any response myself to the three similar posts....I think that you will be SOL

Perhaps I will email Ryan and explain the situation....since I should have actually been able to have made a purchase when the preorders were still available for purchase but was not able to.....through no fault of my own....and if no luck there....then I foresee a Sticky Brick in my future instead of a Zion

 

[Stu]

If anyone would like to sell their Zion preorder, especially in light of the likely additional waiting period. I'd be willing to take it off your hands with a modest markup of course . Please send me a PM.

Uh, I've made the same request about three times already dude.

The last time was actually a few posts before yours......if you haven't already seen it.....and if you had....and still proceeded with your "me too post"....then I wish you all the luck you deserve.

But I'm not going to get into any bidding war with you though .....that isn't my style anymore than it would be for me to figuratively be jumping up and down waving my hands around in a post and yelling "Pick me, pick me.....I'll pay more" .....because I wouldn't.

But seeing how I haven't had any response myself to the three similar posts....I think that you will be SOL

Perhaps I will email Ryan and explain the situation....since I should have actually been able to have made a purchase when the preorders were still available for purchase but was not able to.....through no fault of my own....and if no luck there....then I foresee a Sticky Brick in my future instead of a Zion

Please note that we have a rule:

No selling or soliciting items on the forum. The only exception is the Classifieds section, which is the only public area on the forum where you can mention that you have items for sale or trade (this includes posting that you're thinking of selling/trading). It is also the only public area where you can request to buy items. If you would like to direct a member to a classified ad please use the private conversation system.

So please do not request to purchase someone's spot here in the thread. Feel free to place a "Want to Buy" ad in the Classifieds if you like, but these posts are not allowed in the product thread.

Thanks.

 

[cybrguy]

Just did a thread catchup. A couple comments...

... and from user accounts, the consensus is once zions are out in the wild there is no need for Mi...

Personally I don't find this to be true, having had both for a while. The 2 RBT devices are very complementary, filling different niches for me. While I have taken Venus (Zion) out to friends on occasion, I never use it while out and about. It is just too bulky and visible for that (non-legal state). Not as true with Bam Bam (Milaana). I have used her in the car (shame on me) and in a movie theater, and occasionally on a walk.

The Zion allows to do the temperature stepping in a very organic way, so I end up spending more time extracting at low temp, then mid temp and ending at high temp. Whereas the Mi is always full on and tends to force me to extract faster at higher temp, with shorter sessions.

These are among the noticeable differences for me. It is MUCH easier to get low temp flavor hits with Venus. I can spend as much time as I want down there without worrying about ruining the taste by using too much heat. Temp stepping is easy peazy. I almost always use Venus when at home. When I am out I am less likely to want to casually and slowly work the temp range. I usually want to get my buzz and move on to what I am out for.

Both great vapes, but definitely filling different niches. I would hate to be without either...

 

[upriver]

"he says that they're definitely still committed to completing the Zion project and getting that off the ground properly once the Milaana heat dies down a little. "

So how about the impatient Zion pre-orders stop ordering Milaanas as a stopgap measure??? I can't believe there is a ton of outside demand for these things...

 

[aphidii]

So how about the impatient Zion pre-orders stop ordering Milaanas as a stopgap measure??? I can't believe there is a ton of outside demand for these things...

Seems like there's heaps of demand, he seems to be mostly selling retail packs to people like PV in Canada now.

It's the scaling up to big quantity wholesaling, rather than selling one here and there to preorders, that is taking the bulk of the time now.

 

[KeroZen]

The message is clear: there got to be a lot of Milaanas sold, otherwise RBT will go out of business and nobody will get any Zion...

Your best bet if you want a Zion later would be to have your friends buy Milaanas now.

 

[mephisto]

And still the 3 are waiting......I frankly could give a rat turd for the proposed business plan, bulk orders, upgrades, referrals. I want my mother f''n Zion back! How about a refund then RBT. Glad to see you popped up to recognize the Mi success, now back to the people who helped pave the way, the early adopters.......

 

[TeeJay1952]

 

[GTAVaper]

Please note that we have a rule:


So please do not request to purchase someone's spot here in the thread. Feel free to place a "Want to Buy" ad in the Classifieds if you like, but these posts are not allowed in the product thread.

Thanks.

@Stu
Sorry dude

I didn't think of my original offer to take someone's spot in the RBT Zion line from anyone who wanted to abandon their spot as soliciting an item.

But in the end it works out the same - especially if everyone starts posting the same kind of requests - which doesn't help keep the thread on track and is of no interest to most people as it doesn't have anything to do with the vape in question......as well as potentially ending up in public bidding wars ......and then before you know it the thread dissolves into anarchy

No one wants that to happen

I will do my penance by having a few beers (after all - it IS good for you ) and having a chill session to reflect upon my sins

 

[Farkas]

If anyone is looking to abandon their order and have purchased internationally at $200 or less then please PM me as I would probably be willing to purchase your order from you.

If you look back on this thread I actually tried to order internationally when it was at the $200 point and available for international orders but my website inquiry was not responded to and my follow up PM's were also ignored.

This is why I would be willing to purchase at the price that I had originally attempted to (but was ignored) but would refuse to pay more. If I had to pay more then I would probably just get a Sticky Brick.....or wait for the next great vape to arrive on the scene.

I am really enjoying my Milaana and whenever Ryan has responded to me he has been cool and respectful (didn't bring up the Zion fiasco with him in email prior to receiving my Milaana) but just on the principle of the thing I would refuse to pay more than the price that should have been available to me when I made my inquiry.

Edited
I appear to have been ignored due to some kind of "blackout period" .....even though those who ordered after I had made my website form inquiry (think it was the last or second last day of the sale) had their order processed. Perhaps I should have just put it in the cart and paid for it.....but then again if I had been able to purchase one before and had to wait this long - my frustration might have got the better of me and I might have backed out of the order without giving the Milaana a chance.

I do like the Milaana but I also think that a Zion might suit my style of vaping a little better? But the Milaana is also pretty portable......so that also fills a niche......especially if I find the Grasshopper not to perform as well as I hope.

So I am not going to regret my Milaana purchase .......but I do regret not getting an opportunity to purchase a Zion at the time of my earlier inquiry at the end of the 2015 sale....even if I would been in the same boat as some of you on this thread who have been in limbo with Zion progress and feeling frustrated that everyone is out having Milaana fun ......when you don't have your Zion yet.

I understand why many waiting on their Zion are fed up by now with the wait......I would be too.

But I do think that they will be out in the next few months and would be interested in talking to anyone who is not interested in pursuing their order at this time.

However, if you don't already have a Milaana and are the kind of person that likes to vape on the go ......then I would definitely recommend the Milaana.

Well, they have them available for order now, right? So get one! If you prefer to whine about how you've been done wrong and won't pay a penny more than the price you think you deserve, that's cool, I guess. But life is all about timing. Sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad. Seems you missed out on the the "special" pricing (for whatever reason), so you can either bite the bullet and get in on it now, or continue to complain about how it didn't work out previously. Don't worry, though - we all love to hear you tell the "I was done wrong!" story. It's all good, brother, and no offense meant.

 

[hweezi]

The message is clear: there got to be a lot of Milaanas sold, otherwise RBT will go out of business and nobody will get any Zion...

Your best bet if you want a Zion later would be to have your friends buy Milaanas now.

And that's why I gave the fuck up.

Definitely not what I expected when everyone pre-ordered last year.

 

[KeroZen]

I know, but Ryan didn't expect this turn of events either. If only there was enough demand for the Zion back then, maybe he wouldn't have needed to wander in the Milaana direction...

Unfortunately life is what it is, and he needs to generate money to keep his house and feed his family, and since he had to quit his job to launch this venture...

 

[Choughed]

In a way, I guess the cheaper Milaana gives people a better idea what Zion will be like. Similar form and style at least. Given a chance to try the tech, I now know that the Zion is unlikely to suit my MIL, and she's requested a refund on my suggestion. So, we're both out (sadly, in many ways). I sincerely hope that the Zion kicks ass and was well worth the wait for everyone else. It was a wild ride. LOL