Author Archives: Carole Smith

Vaporizer Buyer’s Guide

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Over the last couple of years, a lot of people have replaced smoking with vaporizing because of the perceived health benefits. While the jury is still out on whether or not vaporizing is actually healthier than smoking, there is no denying the fact that many people assume so. This is because vaporizing doesn’t involve burning (combustion) of the herb and produces less toxic compounds. Vaporizing ‘cooks’ the herbs without burning them. This way, the herbs release flavor, taste, and other components without being set ablaze and producing smoke.

There are a lot of vaporizers on the market today and they generally fall into one of the following three groups:

– Wax pens
– Portable vaporizers
– Desktop vaporizers

Each type has its pros and cons. Vaporizing wax pens are stealthy and small but can’t hold a lot of material so they are intended for personal use of concentrates and extracts. Portable vaporizers are slightly larger, with a battery that lasts longer but are still limited with the amount of herb they can hold. Desktop vaporizers are bulky and can be used for group vaporizing sessions, although you wouldn’t want to carry them around with you.

I’ll be focusing on portable vaporizer recommendations and comparisons in this post because they are what you might call a golden mean – more and more people are opting for portable, hand-held vaporizers because they are practical. You can think of it like a laptop or cell phone, compared to home computers/ home phones.

There are several things you need to pay attention to when buying a portable vaporizer:

– Heating method – can be convection or conduction. Conduction means that your herb is in direct contact with the source of heat. Convection method heats the air below the herb allowing it to slowly cook. Convection heating is superior because there is no risk that the herb will start to burn or be unevenly cooked.

– Temperature control – Some units come with one pre-set temperature level that isn’t appropriate for different varieties of herbs. Other, higher-end, units have several pre-set levels or allow users free control of temperature settings.

– Power source – Power source is a big deal with portable vaporizing units. Some still run on butane but most use rechargeable batteries these days. These batteries can be internal or external (external batteries can be swapped throughout the day while internal ones have to be recharged- meaning you are tied to a power cord in the mean time).

Portable Vaporizers Comparison

In this post I’ll take a look at 5 different portable vaporizer units, each with its own ups and downs. These are Crafty Vaporizer, Utillian 720 Vaporizer, PAX 2 Vaporizer, ZEUS Smite Plus Vaporizer, and the Arizer Air Vaporizer.

Each of these devices will appeal to different types of connoissuers – from those looking to buy top-of-the-shelf devices and want to enjoy premium taste and vapor to those looking for that sweet spot between cost and quality.

Crafty Vaporizer
Possibly the most high-end vaporizer on this list comes to us from a well-known manufacturer, Storz and Bickel – a name that is quite recognizable in the vaporizer industry for its Volcano vaporizer. Crafty vaporizer is their first portable unit ever and one that was highly expected – that’s why it has been scrutinized from every direction. Crafty can’t afford to fail!

It might seem that Crafty vaporizer doesn’t come with precise temperature control in the beginning – and it doesn’t really. The manufacturer was thinking out of the box so they’ve created an app for iOS and Android that can be used to change pre-set temperatures from anywhere between 40 Celsius to 210 Celsius. Once you install the app you will have numerous control options at your disposal.

Manufacturing Quality
It’s true; Crafty is not the best looking vaporizers on the market. It looks funny and feels funny to the touch and there is simply too much plastic on it. Crafty is made completely from high-grade plastics (apart from the heating chamber) and it doesn’t look particularly high-end. However, because of the reputation of the manufacturer and test done on the unit it’s safe to assume that all the materials are vetted and up to a certain standard.

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Vapor Quality
What it lacks in looks Crafty vaporizer definitely makes up for in function. It’s simply outstanding, which is a bit bewildering since the entire unit is made of plastics. Still, it produces rich, quality vapor that is not tainted in any way. Since it has great airflow there is virtually little to no resistance when using Crafty and the vapor is nice and cool thanks to an inventive design that allows for heat dissipation.

Overall Experience
Crafty vaporizer is easy to use and is operated with a single button. Advanced controls are available via the app. It features an auto shut-off that turns the unit off after 60 seconds to preserve battery life. Crafty is a perfect example of function over form design and as such is a great buy for all vapers who want an excellent vape but aren’t overly concerned with the aesthetics.

SCORE: 9.2

Utillian 720
Utillian is a fresh name on the vaporizer market but they’ve already made their mark with their vaporizer Utillian 650. Their new unit, Utillian 720 boasts a couple of new tricks, including convection heating and exquisite vapor production.

The Utillian 720 has some temperature flexibility and comes with 4 pre-set temperature settings, from 170 Celsius to 210 Celsius. Temperature settings are color coded (170 green, 180 blue, 190 purple, and 210 red) so it’s easy for you to know what you’re set temperature is.

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Manufacturing Quality
The Utillian 720 is designed with great care and top of the line materials. It still has some plastic components but not nearly as much as the Crafty Vaporizer. Utillian’s outer shell is made from anodized aluminum but it also has a rubbery finish so it’s easy to grip and hold. The mouthpiece is made from heat-resistant, high-quality plastics and the heating chamber is surgical-grade stainless steel.

Vapor Quality
Thanks to convection heating, Utillian 720 produces clear rich vapor that is dense and a very smooth flavor consistently. Regardless of whether you like thin or thick vapor you will be able to enjoy this unit since it has 8 temperature settings. Some of you may expect the flavor to be influenced by the plastic mouthpiece but this isn’t the case – the vapor is completely clean and untainted. Utillian 720 has the best vapor quality in its price range, at least in my book.

Overall Experience
This Utillian vaporizer is a breeze to use – one button design allows you to the unit on or off, change temperature, or enter the enhanced mode. The outstanding vapor is something that I’m not used to seeing from up and coming manufacturer but Utillian really hits the nail on the head here. The battery life is decent and you can expect to vape for a full day on a single battery charge. Utillian 720 is a great unit – ½ the price than the Crafty Vaporizer but certainly up there in terms of quality and functionality! Other reviewers like Tech.co agreed, asserting “the Utillian 720 is one of the best!”

SCORE: 9.0

PAX 2 Vaporizer
PAX 2 is a top of the line vaporizer and one of the most desired units currently on the market. It’s a great improvement on the original PAX because Ploom, the company that manufactures it, listened to the market and managed to iron out the kinks that users weren’t satisfied with. Vapesterdam did a Pax 2 Vaporizer review that I found thorough.

The only minor complaint I have about PAX 2 is related to temperature flexibility. PAX 2 comes with 4 pre-set temperature settings (ranging between 360- 420° F, or 182- 215° C) that might not appeal to vapers who want complete control over their vape.

Manufacturing Quality
Guys at Ploom really wanted to make PAX 2 a sight to behold. It’s a sleek unit that uses high-quality materials – food grade silicone for the mouthpiece and stainless steel for the heating chamber. Medical quality components are used for vapor pathways which ensure a nice, clean vape. The finish is made from brushed anodized aluminum so the unit is easy to grip and lightweight.

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Vapor Quality
The quality of the draws is somewhat inconsistent because PAX uses ‘smart vaporizer’ technology, which means that the temperature is determined by draw frequency and speed. First draws are always a delight but unfortunately the resistance changes influence it as the session progresses. Still, while vapor quality might be better, the amount of vapor will definitely positively surprise you.

Overall Experience
PAX 2 still has some issues but it’s a great portable unit that weighs around 92 grams. Depending on your style of vaping you can expect the battery to last anywhere from 50 to 90 minutes – the battery won’t get depleted quickly because the unit goes into stand-by mode if not used or moved for 20 seconds. It’s an innovative unit, albeit a bit expensive, so it’s perfect for vapers with slightly deeper pockets and a willingness to experiment.

SCORE: 8.8

ZEUS Smite Plus Vaporizers
This new and improved model of ZEUS Smite is geared toward experienced vapers who are looking for a great vape but aren’t willing to break the bank to get it. It’s a great portable unit – small and compact as well as easy and intuitive to use.

One of the major pros with ZEUS Smite Plus is its precise temperature control that ranges from 40°C to 222°C. This gives you the ability to really hone in there and adjust the ZEUS’ output to your vaping style.

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Manufacturing Quality
ZEUS Smite Plus is made of high-quality materials that all but guarantee that the unit will last for a good long while. The mouthpiece is made from food grade silicon and doesn’t taint the flavor of the vapor in any way. However, ZEUSArsenal also sells a glass mouthpiece that you can order if you want even cleaner vapor and components that are easier to clean. The oven is made of high-quality ceramics and is easy to clean and maintain.

Vapor Quality
ZEUS Smite Plus gives off a nice, rich vapor that is full of flavor and taste. It can be adjusted in different ways thanks to the precise temperature controls so it’s suited for different vaping styles. It doesn’t really matter whether you prefer thick or thin draws – the Smite Plus can deliver!

Overall Experience
ZEUS Arsenal made significant improvements with ZEUS Smite Plus by listening to users and tweaking the performance of the unit. It offers great quality at a reasonable price and outshines it competitors that offer products in the same price range. It’s slightly heavier and larger than high-end units, weighing around 185 grams but it still easily fits into your pocket. The benefit of having a larger unit is battery life – ZEUS Smite Plus can be used for 2+ hours with a full battery so, in my opinion, the trade-off pays off.

SCORE: 8.7

Arizer Air Vaporizer
Air Vaporizer is a new product line by a well-reputed and distinguished manufacturer, Arizer. It’s a small, compact unit that will appeal to all vapers who are big on discretion. This doesn’t mean that Arizer Air doesn’t pack a punch – this unit has plenty of tricks up its sleeve and will surprise you with its versatility and power.

Air uses hybrid conduction- convection heating and has 5 pre-set temperature settings so it can cater to all your vaping needs. The temperature settings can be adjusted in 5 or 10 degree increments and range from 180 Celsius to 210 Celsius.

Manufacturing Quality
Arizer Air is made from top-notch materials – high-quality plastics and anodized aluminum exterior, glass diffusion stems, stainless steel botanical chamber, and a ceramic heating chamber. All this guarantees that you will enjoy a clean, rich, and untainted vape. A silicone shield is included with the kit and protects the unit while it’s in your pocket.

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Vapor Quality
The ability to adjust the temperature setting to your vaping style allows this unit to really shine. You can choose to enjoy a thin vape that is rich in flavor or you can crank it up with a click of a button to produce dense and thick vapor. Since the mouthpiece is made from high-quality plastics it doesn’t color the flavor and the vapor remains untainted.

Overall Experience
Arizer opted for simplicity in this unit and it’s operated with one button, making it easy to use and extremely intuitive. Hold the button for three seconds to turn it on or off and use the up and down arrows to adjust the temperature setting. The battery life is close to 1 hour but Air uses an external battery that is easy to replace when the old one runs out of steam. Arizers Air is a great addition to every vaper’s gear box – it’s small, compact, well-manufactured, and, best of all, cost-effective!

SCORE: 8.4

Now that you know a bit more about vaporizing it’s time to ditch the old smoking routine and upgrade to a vaporizer at Vaporizera if you live in the US! Which one of these units is right up your alley? They all have their pros and cons but each one is well-worth its price tag and immeasurably better than smoking – cleaner, safer, and more cost-effective.

OhGizmo! Review: The Utillian 720 Vaporizer

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Today I have the pleasure of reviewing a brand new portable vaporizer, the Utillian 720. The 720 is the second vaporizer made by Utillian, who launched over a year ago with the 650. It’s always a good sign to see a manufacturer come out with a second option, as this typically means that things are going well. Utillian even recently updated their first vaporizer, now offering the new and improved Utillian 651 in its place..

Of course none of that guarantees that their vaporizers will be any good, which is why we’ll be taking a detailed look into the functionality of this vape today. If you’re just here for the highlights, I have to say that the Utillian 720 is a pleasantly effective device. I really enjoyed the vapor it puts out, and the manufacturing quality is also good, especially for the price. If you are new to vaporizers however, we highly recommend taking a peak at this vaporizer buyer’s guide first.

But if you want all the details on this new convection portable, read on below!

The Hardware
As usual, we’ll start by examining the design and build quality. Before getting my hands on this vape, I had heard people comparing it to the Crafty. This isn’t a comparison that is made lightly, as the Crafty is made by Storz and Bickel, a German manufacturer known for high-quality units that deliver exceptional vapor.

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When I unboxed the Utillian 720, I immediately saw one of the reasons that these comparisons are being made: the two look a lot alike. They both have the same general shape and similar mouthpieces. It is important to note that one of the downsides of the Crafty’s cooling chamber/ mouthpiece however is it’s level of difficulty to clean. This doesn’t appear to be the case with the Utillian 720 however.

As far as materials go, the shell of the 720 is made from aluminum that has a rubberized finish. I really like the finish, as it feels very nice in the hand. The mouthpiece is made from plastic, which I immediately noted to pay attention to when testing the performance. I’ll get more into that later, but my concern was that the plastic may alter the vapor’s flavor.

The stainless steel heating chamber is accessed by removing the mouthpiece/ upper chamber, which has a magnetic connection. The magnets work very well, making it very easy to get to the chamber but still secure enough that you won’t have to worry about knocking it off or having your dry herbs come loose in transit.

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The way the 720 is designed means that your botanicals will enjoy convection heating. This is my preferred way to create vapor, as convection heating works by passing hot air through your material. This ensures very even heating with almost no chance of burning. The alternative to this is conduction heating, which works by having your material come into contact with a hot surface. This method makes it difficult to heat material evenly, and increases the odds of combustion occurring.

Other hardware that comes with the 720 includes a pair of tweezers, a USB charger, a cleaning brush and an extra screen set. There’s also a wax canister, which should make this a very appealing unit to anyone who enjoys using both waxes and dried herbs.

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The Performance
Let’s get to the good part now, and find out how this unit actually works. The magnetic cap definitely makes loading your botanicals very easy, and there’s just one button to control the power and temperature settings. Clicking the button 5 times in succession will turn it on or off, while two clicks will cycle through the temperature settings.

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The current temperature setting is indicated by the color of an LED light on the unit. The actual temperatures associated with each color are:

? Green = 170° Celsius
? Blue = 180° Celsius
? Purple = 190° Celsius
? Red = 210° Celsius

This may not seem like a whole lot of options, but the 720 has a very unique feature that gives you a lot more flexibility. If you click and hold the button, the 720 enters what Utillian calls “enhanced mode,” which increases the temperature by an extra 5 degrees. You can use enhanced mode for an entire session, but I found it especially useful towards the end of mine as the extra heat helped to increase the strength of my final draws.

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Vapor quality was the biggest strength of this unit in my opinion, as it delivered pleasant vapor with great flavor. While many people prefer using the upper end of temperature options with their vaporizers, I actually found that all of the settings on the 720 worked very well. If anything, the highest temperature was a bit harsh for my preferences, but this is almost always the case with portables above 200° C with short vapor pathways.

I was worried about the plastic mouthpiece affecting the flavor of the vapor, but I didn’t notice this being a factor at all in practice. The vapor tasted pure, and I actually forgot that it was plastic at first.

Based on my experience, the battery seems to last 1-1.5 hours depending on the temperature level used. You’ll only get to 1.5 hours if you stay on the lowest temperature for every session, so in practice this seems to be on the lower end of industry averages for battery life. On the plus side, this still leaves the 720 with a longer battery life than the Crafty!

One final thing worth discussing is portability. I’ve found that a lot of so-called portable vapes are limited by a lack of durability that makes transporting the units risky. I would have no problem taking the 720 with me wherever I go, as it is designed well and feels very sturdy. The shape also makes it very easy to just slip into a pocket, so you don’t need to carry around cases just to take your vaporizer places.

Conclusion
The Utillian 720 is definitely a vaporizer to consider purchasing. There are a lot of things about it that I really enjoyed, including the enhanced mode. The extra 5 degrees may not seem like much, but I felt as though it helped to extend my sessions and get more strength from the final draws that I took.

The vapor was also very enjoyable. It went down smooth, and the flavor was great. Vapor quality is the single most important part of any vaporizer, and this one did not disappoint.

As far as comparisons to the Crafty go, I’d say the 720 is a great alternative for people who don’t want to spend so much money. You’ll be getting a device with better battery life without sacrificing any core functionality or vapor quality. It’s definitely worth checking out this online vaporizer store with free shipping!

Pros
+ Attractive design
+ Smooth, flavorful vapor
+ Enhanced mode delivers extra temperature flexibility

Cons
– Battery life is average (though not bad)
– Plastic mouthpiece (doesn’t affect flavor)

OhGizmo! Review: The Arizer Air, a Premium Portable Vaporizer

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Vaporizers tend to be an extremely popular gadget, with portable vapes being all the rage these days. Today we’ll be reviewing the Arizer Air, which follows in the footsteps of one of the most popular portable vaporizers of all time, the Arizer Solo. The Solo was known for producing outstanding vapor, unrivaled by other portables that were out at the time. It has some downsides though, which include a large glass stem that made the unit less discrete, as well as prone to breaking. What we’re interested to see is if the Air addresses the negatives of the Solo without compromising on vapor quality.

We’ll dig into all of this now, but spoiler alert: this thing rocks and lives up to its older brother’s reputation.

The Hardware

There is nothing particularly flashy about the Air, but the same can be said of the Solo. Arizer seems to prefer a sleek, simplistic design that allows them to focus on function. The Arizer Air (Assembled in Canada) certainly feels more quality when you compare it to the Ascent Vaporizer (made in China), but it does lack some functionality in comparison. If you care to check out how these two distinctly different portables compare, check out Vapesterdam’s comparison review in which the Air beats the Ascent.

The main part of the Air actually appears to be a bit longer/taller than the Solo, but just barely so. Keep in mind that this is not including the glass stems: the stems for the Solo are considerably longer than those for the Air, so in practical terms the Air is still the smaller vaporizer.

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The picture above shows the Arizer Air in the back and the Solo in the front.

Inside the box you’ll find two of the glass stems, one a bit longer than the other to accommodate different preferences. The mouthpiece on each is plastic, but the plastic is high quality and does not affect the vapor flavor in any way.

There are 5 temperature pre-sets, which give more than enough variability so that everyone can find a comfortable level that they enjoy. Temperature levels are increased by pressing up on the button and are indicated by the color of an LED light above the button. Levels range from 180°C to 210°C.

The Air has a ceramic heating element. Heating for the unit is considered to be a blend of both convection and conduction, as hot air is drawn through the material but the surrounding glass gets hot as well.

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The Air uses Li-Ion batteries with 2150mAh capacity and “IMR” chemistry. These are advanced batteries that are designed to handle the extreme demands of a vaporizer while maintaining consistent performance even towards the end of a charge. Unfortunately in practice the battery life is only about 1 hour. This isn’t terrible, but it would have been nice if the Air could have matched the Solo which can last about a half hour longer. The Air does have an ace up its sleeve, however, as Arizer made swapping batteries in the Air incredibly easy to do. This means that if you find the battery life to be lacking, you can purchase a second to keep charged and ready to be tapped in.

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Other hardware you’ll find with this unit include a diffuser bowl, a carrying case, a stirring tool, and a clear silicon cover that can be used to improve durability and decrease how hot the unit feels in the hand.

The Performance
This vape is very easy to use, but if you want a video tutorial check out the how it works video on TVape. Turning it on is as easy as pressing and holding the button, then you can cycle through temperature settings using the same button. As mentioned before, the color of the LED indicates the temperature level:

– Blue: 180°C
– White: 190°C
– Green: 200°C
– Orange: 205°C
– Red: 210°C

We found that the blue preset was a little low to get good vapor, but anything above that should give you noticeable results. It all depends on your own preference for vapor thickness. Once you select a temperature, a second blue LED will begin flashing. When it stops flashing and stays on, the device is ready to start vaping. Herbs are loaded into the bottom of the stem, just like the Solo.

So you’re probably all wondering: how’s the vapor? Put simply, it’s amazing.

When portable vapes first started coming out, it seemed like they would never be able to compare to their desktop alternatives, but the differences are getting less and less with each new generation.

The Air is no exception. We were truly amazed at how good the vapor was. We were worried that the shorter stems may lead to less pleasant vapor in the way of hotter temperatures, but this wasn’t the case.

The vapor was everything you could want it to be. Smooth. Flavorful. Light if you wanted it light and thick if you wanted it thick (by changing temp settings). With the other improvements made on the unit, the Air would have been a success if it could have simply matched the Solo’s high bar, but in our opinion the Air manages to set a new mark for other vapes to be compared to.

Many people who are interested in portables have stealth in mind too, so we naturally took this out for a spin to see what it was like in a public situation. There are definitely smaller vapes out there, but in our opinion they often heavily sacrifice the overall vapor quality, and the Air was still small enough that we had no problem remaining discreet. The carrying case also made transporting the Air easy and stress-free.

Our only complaint performance-wise was the battery life. The device performs very well, but depending on what temperature you vape at, it may only last 3-7 cycles. With battery life constantly improving in most other vapes, this is the one blemish on an otherwise impressive record.

Conclusion
If you are in the market for a portable vaporizer, the Arizer Air is an outstanding option that you should be considering. Since its original review by Gizmodo the price has fallen by almost 50% which is typical of how Arizer launches new units and in that light is a pretty good deal now. It comes from a well-known and respected manufacturer that has been in the space for a long time, and it manages to build on the already impressive legacy of the Arizer Solo. With an improved design and amazing vapor, we have no doubts that you will fall in love with this vape.

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Pros
– Excellent, excellent vapor
– Durable and well made
– Smaller stems = more portable & discreet
– Batteries can be easily changed/swapped

Cons
– Battery life could be better
– Glass falls and breaks over time and needs to be replaced

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OhGizmo! Review: The Prima Vaporizer

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Today I am fortunate enough to be reviewing another of the latest generation of portable vaporizers, the Vapir Prima. Many people who are content with their original vapes tend to jump to the conclusion that these newer vaporizers are just marketing gimmicks and ways for companies to make more money. Now sometimes this is true but after testing the Prima I can confidently say that the Vapir Prima is truly a beast of a unit, offering some exciting features that really can’t be found combined in any other vaporizer on the market. One thing that I like about the Prima, for example, is the easily removable vapor pathway that allows for convenient cleaning and maximum vapor freshness. On the flipside the unit does get hotter than the average vaporizer out there.

Read on for our full impressions.

The Hardware
The design of the Prima is simple, but it still looks stylish and functions extremely well. The body is made from brushed aluminum, with the heating chamber on one side and the mouthpiece on the other. The heating chamber has a cover that keeps things neat and discreet, and it also has holes that allow air to be pulled into the unit to be heated before passing over your chosen material. According to Vapesterdam, the Prima, has been long in the making and meant to bring Vapir back up to its glory days as one of the industry leaders.

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The fact that the heating chamber is on the opposite side of the vaporizer compared to the mouthpiece means that vapor has a long distance to travel (and therefore cool down) before reaching your throat and lungs. The vapor pathway between these two points is made of stainless steel, and Vapir made it incredibly easy to slide this pathway out for cleaning. The metal tube is accessed after removing the mouthpiece, easily sliding out and back in. This may not seem like a big deal to people ahead of time, but if you want to understand why this is a great feature, go take a look at a stem or whip from another vaporizer, or even at the body of a bong. Buildup can, and does, occur in any device like this, and removing this buildup is necessary to maintain vapor freshness and optimal flavor. Vapir isn’t the first to make a pathway removable, but they succeeded in making the process as easy as possible.

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The battery for the Prima slides on and off, and is charged on a stand that is provided by Vapir. This charging stand connects via a USB cord to the power source of your choice, and a wall socket adapter is also included for convenient charging. Battery life could be better as our experience suggests that a single charge should last right around an hour of continuous use. This can vary in either direction depending on the temperature setting chosen. I’d like to see manufacturers pushing for longer battery lives, but the fact that batteries can easily be swapped makes up for this fact. If you are interested in achieving this additional performance, consider investing in an extra because the unit only comes with one. Alternatively you can look into a vaporizer with close to triple the battery life that Knowtechie called out on outperforming more expensive units like this one.

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There are plenty of other little accessories that Vapir includes with the Prima as well. There is a scoop that is used for loading dried herbs into the chamber, and surprisingly it’s actually a pretty handy little tool. There’s also a cleaning brush that can also be used to plug the mouthpiece if you are carrying the unit around in your pocket to prevent debris from falling inside. There’s even a silicon cap that goes over the heater cover that prevents the unit from getting too hot to hold. The final things you’ll find in the box are replacement screens for the heating chamber and inserts that allow the unit to use concentrates and oils.

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Performance
We’re constantly amazed at how easy vaporizers are getting to use, and the Prima is no exception. Vapir went with a 1-button design, which seems to be a popular choice these days. The unit easy turns on by pressing and holding the button, then the temperature options are cycled through with additional presses of the button. The device has lights to let you know what level you are choosing, and these lights will change from orange to green as the device heats. The temperature controls are not exact, but Vapir does give you a range that each level will fall within in the hand book. Overall, very easy and pleasant to set up and use.

We’ve saved the most important aspect for last, as you’re all probably eager to learn how the vapor is by now. Overall, I think that the Prima’s vapor falls in the very good to excellent range and compared to let’s say a desktop vaporizer like the Arizer Extreme Q, quite comparable despite the fact that it is a portable. Not quite a 10/10, but well above most competitors.

The vapor was consistent, smooth and very flavorful. The long vapor pathway succeeds at cooling the vapor down, and the flavor is pure without any metallic or plastic tastes getting in the way of an enjoyable experience.

Really the only issue that can be raised (and the reason we hesitate to say its performance was excellent) is the fact that the temperature range is limited. There are times and situations where big, thick clouds are desired, and the Prima seems to fall a bit short in this regard as it only heats up to 400° F. It will more than get the job done, but there is an upper limit that may be a problem for some people.

Conclusion
This is a truly awesome vape! Outside a few, minor downsides this unit performs great. The design is stylish and durable. The vapor is smooth, flavorful and strong. The icing and cherry on this cake are the removable vapor pathway and battery. With all this in mind, we’d be surprised if this isn’t a fan favorite for some time to come.

Pros:
– Stylish and durable
– Smooth, flavorful vapor
– Removable vapor pathway
– Swappable battery

Cons:
– Limited temperature range
– 1 hr battery life
– Gets hot when in use

Thanks for reading and be sure to check out our other vaporizer reviews here, if you want to see what else is available!

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OhGizmo! Review: The Puffit 2, A Discreet Personal Vaporizer

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Continuing on our emerging column of vaporizer reviews, today we’ll be taking a look at the Puffit 2. It’s a personal vaporizer made to look like an asthma inhaler, in the hopes that your vaping experience will be more discreet and private. The Puffit 2 is meant for stealth vaping, when it’s socially inappropriate to light up and when other vaporizers might give you away. It’s the second generation Puffit, with our first review right here. We’ve been playing around with it for the past couple of weeks, and we’ll give you our impressions in this article. But up here in the first paragraph, what’s the quick verdict: so much better!

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The Hardware
The Puffit 2 is 20% smaller than the Puffit 1, and is now legitimately the size of an actual asthma inhaler. It’s got a new modular design, which allows for a lot of added functionality. For one, the inner core is removable, which lets you change the outer shell at will. The company is experimenting with the release of customizable shell design options for it, but for now it’s just black or blue. But the modular aspect of the device doesn’t end there. The inner core separates into two elements, the battery and the heating chamber. Not only does the new battery have 75% more capacity than the previous, it being detachable means you can carry a spare one with you (sold separately) and keep on vaping even when the first runs out.

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Adding to the benefits of modularity, there are plans to release an inexpensive (~$20) e-juice module, which will let you use the Puffit 2 with the nicotine ‘juices’ that you’re seeing in vape shops all over the place (really just propylene glycol with flavours and nicotine). There are even plans for a concentrate module that will better vaporize those than the standard heating chamber currently found on the device, and for a glass adapter that will let you use the Puffit 2 with a water bong.

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Now, the build of the inner core feels solid, and the two pieces lock together solidly. This inspires confidence in the device’s craftsmanship and durability. The heating chamber itself has been redesigned for more functionality and performance. While it has the ability to handle concentrates, as mentioned, it’s still more of a dry herb vaporizer. (We didn’t test concentrates so we won’t be making any comments on its performance in that arena) It has a hinged opening, held shut with a strong magnet. There’s a hole with a metal screen at the bottom, through which your vapours escape on their way to your lungs. Getting material in and out of it is simple and easy.

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A new alloy on the chamber makes for better conductivity, so that does mean this is a conductive vaporizer (as opposed to a convective one). As such, you will get better results by really packing the chamber so that more material makes contact with the walls. The volume of the chamber however is fairly small, maybe 1cc or 2cc, so you won’t be using that much herbs in each session.

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There’s a temperature setting button on the front of the heating chamber, with small LEDs indicating the current temp. You can use that to check the battery level as well, but the nice thing is that once the inner core is inserted in the shell, you don’t see the lights at all, which adds to its stealthiness. Even more impressive is the new haptic feedback system. In other words, the darn thing vibrates to indicate you what’s going on, rather than flashing some conspicuous LEDs, alerting the world that your asthma inhaler might be something else. It’s a very cool idea and works really well.

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The Performance
So how does it work? Really well, actually! You start a session by filling the heating chamber with dry herbs, packed tightly. You then insert the core into the shell and press down for a few seconds. It will vibrate to indicate it’s starting the process, then do a “heartbeat” double vibrate every few seconds to indicate that it’s still heating. When it’s reached the target them, you’ll feel two long vibrations and you’re ready to take a hit. For that, simply breathe in through the mouthpiece as you would an asthma inhaler. Know that the first cycle doesn’t seem to produce much vapour. However if you wait 12 seconds, you can press the core again and start a new heating round. The heating process won’t last as long, since the chamber will already be at temp, but by the end of the second heating cycle, you start seeing good vapour come out.

This vapour isn’t super thick, however it is very, very efficacious. The extraction process seems to be efficient, managing to achieve its effects with no trouble. Better still, the flavour is great. After about three or four cycles, you should open up the chamber and stir the herbs with the included metal stick. You can then keep going for about four more cycles before you start tasting the herbs being a little toasted. You can do a final stir and you’ll still get some effect for a couple more cycles, but after the 10th or 12th cycle, you’re reaching the end of the line.

The battery seems to last for about 50 cycles after a full charge, which is enough to fill up and empty the chamber about 4 times. And even when the battery is running low, it still reaches full temp and you get the full effect.

Conclusion
All in all, we have to say we’re really impressed with the Puffit 2, and the improvements that have been made. It’s smaller, has a better and longer lasting battery, it’s modular (which allows for tons of extra functionality), it’s got haptic feedback, it’s super discreet… What’s not to like? For $99, you get a very convenient and portable device that lets you smoke up just about anywhere. It works well, and has the potential to expand and become even more useful is all kinds of different settings. From OhGizmo, it gets two thumbs up.

PROS
+ Modular design
+ Haptic feedback
+ Larger battery and smaller footprint than predecessor
+ Super discreet

CONS
– Isn’t as good with concentrates, allegedly

[ Product Page ]

The post OhGizmo! Review: The Puffit 2, A Discreet Personal Vaporizer appeared first on OhGizmo!.

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OhGizmo! Review: The ZEUS Thunder Vaporizer Pen

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Vaporizers are all the rage these days, so we were excited to find out that ZEUS Arsenal was getting in on the action with the Thunder Pen Vape. It’s a relatively small vaping device with a cool PVD coating that’s super abrasion resistant. It measures around 6 inches in length with the wax tank attached, and about half an inch wide. Aside from being able to vaporize oils, waxes, concentrates and loose leaf herbs, it’s capable of handling propylene glycol “juices”, which turns it into a regular e-cig. That’s some pretty cool versatility. The battery is 650 mAh, which isn’t as large as some of its competitors but still lasts for a good 300-400 puffs. We’ve tested the unit for the last few weeks, and it’s quickly become our favourite way of consuming our consumables.

Read on for our full impressions.

The Hardware
Our review package contained the battery, as well as a tank for oil/”juice”, one for wax, and one for dry herbs. There was a spatula for various purposes, as well as the charger cables and instructions. The craftsmanship on the Thunder Pen Vape is amazing. The PVD coating feels cool and solid, and does resist the kinds of scratches you’d expect to see when carrying it in your pocket with your keys or loose change. That’s in sharp contrast with the rubberized finish on a lot of its competitors’ offerings. The oil tank contained two wicks, which would bring the liquids up to the heating element, while the wax tank featured a rather massive coil at the bottom of a small funnel-like opening.

The Performance
As an e-cig, we were pleased but not blown away. For anyone who’s used vape pens before, you should know there’s no variable voltage on this unit, nor do we know exactly the resistance figure so we can’t say if it’s a sub-ohm vape. Most likely not. The vapour quality however was excellent, but not exactly plentiful. Also, the tank featured one coil and a fiberglass wick, which (as any vaping enthusiast will tell you) ends up tasting a little off after prolonged use. We prefer wickless atomizers, but for the price and overall functionality that the Thunder offers, this is a small sacrifice.

As a wax vaporizer however, the Thunder excelled. It was a little awkward trying to get sticky wax directly onto the heating coil, but once there, performance was amazing. Vapour quality was top-notch, rich and consistent. Puff after puff produced the same results, up until the moment the battery died. We were worried upon finding out that it’s a 650 mAh battery in light of the 1,300+ mAh offerings from its competitors, but we found that it uses what capacity it has quite efficiently and rarely found ourselves lacking.

As an herb vaporizer, the Thunder was once again great. Loading and unloading the herbs was simple and quick, while the vapour produced was tasty and thick. We don’t know what temperature the vaporization process happens at, which is one of our only gripes, but we can’t say this was a big issue.

Conclusion
Overall we are more than happy with the Thunder Vape Pen from ZEUS Arsenal. From the packaging to the craftsmanship of the products themselves, you can see this is quality stuff and not some “Made in China, flea market” garbage. Carrying the pen in our pockets has become our favourite thing to do, as it’s very small, durable and discreet. For $100, you get more than your money’s worth.

[ ZEUS Arsenal Homepage ]

The post OhGizmo! Review: The ZEUS Thunder Vaporizer Pen appeared first on OhGizmo!.

MagicalButter Machine Makes Weed Butter For Fantastic Brownies

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Making your own weed butter at home is no simple task. Your dwelling usually ends up smelling really strong, and it’s just a generally somewhat labor intensive process. Not so with the MagicalButter MB2. Looking somewhat like a teapot, you simply have to drop your herbs in, some butter, and press a button. The machine takes care of the rest, producing THC-infused butter which you’re then free to use in your various recipes. Magic cookies? Check. Magic caramel-wrapped stick of butter, Homer Simpson-style? Check.

Granted, it’s a little expensive at $175. But if you’re stayed away from baking your own magical goods because of the effort required to make the butter, here’s your solution. Incidentally, the MB2 is not restricted to making butter, but can also make oils and tinctures, is self-cleaning, and doesn’t look like anything a stoner might use. This way you can go somewhat incognito, if that’s your thing.

[ Product Page ] VIA [ Uncrate ]

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OhGizmo! Review: The Herbalizer Stationary Vaporizer

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Over the last few months we’ve been looking at an increasing assortment of vaporizers of all shapes and price points, from the stationaries to the portables. It’s been a fascinating and eye-opening journey because we’ve come to realize just what a wide impact on vapour quality and flavour each different device has. So when we were offered the opportunity to review the Herbalizer, the most expensive vaporizer on the market, we were stoked. After all, who wouldn’t want to see what a $729 vaporizer can do? Designed by two former NASA engineers, the Herbie promises unparalleled temperature control, consistent extraction, instant heat-up times, and a host of other features that help justify its premium price. It’s billed as the “first SmartVape”, and is designed, manufactured and assembled in the USA. The company is clearly going after the Volcano, and they’ve come out with guns blazing. Did they manage? Does the Herbalizer live up to its promise? Read on to find out.

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The Hardware
The first thing you notice when you get the Herbalizer is the quality of the packaging: it’s premium. This goes a long way to give you an idea of the kind of attention to detail they’ve put into this product, and gives you an unboxing experience that will have you feeling good about your expense from the moment you break the seal.

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The Herbie itself is rather small, measuring some 10 9 inches across and looking somewhat like an alien egg. Beneath it, still in the box, is a compartment with four pre-assembled balloons, each in their individual packaging, as well as the power cord. That’s it. There are very few accessories, nothing to assemble, and everything is ready to go from the moment you open the box. The idea is to get you from the box to the vaping in as little time as possible.

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The unit is made from plastic, and features two nested lids to make space for what they’re calling a “mezzanine”. This is just an area where you can keep some herbs, some aromatherapy oils, a cleaning brush and some aromatherapy pads (more on that later). The vaping deck has a color LCD screen, two buttons (to pick the operation mode), a fan button, and a temperature rocker. It’s dead simple and there isn’t even an on/off switch; opening the lid turns the device on. Towards the bottom of the deck is the magnetic herb chamber holder, right above the patented halogen heating element. The herb holder itself has two rubber rings that allow you to hold it while it’s hot. Finally, there’s a silicone hose with a metal tip that wraps around, and stores within the periphery of the deck. Everything you need is right there, and you don’t need to assemble anything aside from connecting the hose or the balloon to the herb chamber.

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Build quality on the lids is unfortunately not as perfect as we would have liked. Although minor, they don’t close flush and leave a little gap. It doesn’t affect operation in any way, but it’s a noticeable blemish on a premium product. We suspect that the plastic craftsmanship makes for some unwanted friction in the hinges, resulting in imperfect closure. But at this price we might have expected a sturdier and more reliable metal construction. In the end, however, it doesn’t matter because the meat of the product is in its operation.

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The Operation
The heart of the Herbalizer is in its patented heating element. Featuring a powerful 300W halogen heating lamp, the machine is capable of reaching its target temperature in as little as 5 seconds! This is compared to the several seconds to several minutes other devices can take. More importantly, an advanced microcontroller is able to regulate and maintain target temperature with as little as 5F in variation. While the company was developing the product, I was told that testing of other devices revealed temperature fluctuations of as much as 80F in some cases, which (as we’ll explain shortly) can make it harder to get the kind of buzz you’re after.

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You see, cannabis contains a myriad of molecules. While most people only think of THC, there are in fact a bunch of different cannabinoids and terpenoids and other compounds that contribute in different ways to how you feel after vaping. Each one of these molecules has a different vaporization temperature, and achieving and maintaining consistent vaping temps makes it possible to control more precisely the mixture of compounds you inhale. This point is crucial, and is the reason the Herbalizer is so different from other vaporizers: by controlling the temperature in this way, you can select how you want to feel. Looking for a picker-upper? Something that will have you be more alert? Stick with the lower tier of temperatures. Want something more relaxing, maybe to help you sleep? Pick the middle temperatures for a “balanced” high. And finally, if you’re looking for an intense high, crank the temps up to the higher third. Each zone is clearly defined on the LCD screen.

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What’s more, the precise and consistent temperature makes for a much more efficient extraction process. We found that we were able to get about 50% more use from the same quantity of herbs than we could with other vapes. When a lower temperature range no longer produced any discernible vapour, increasing the temp slightly once again released vapour from the as-yet-unvaporized compounds remaining in the herbs. And we have to say, vapor flavour is wonderful, especially at the lower temperatures. As you gradually increase, you start noticing more complex aromas that linger in the nose, and it actually becomes possible to achieve some very consistent “tiers” of vapour.

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Now, getting this vapour into your lungs can be done in any of three ways: by filling up one of the preassembled balloons, by using the whip or by simply going “freestyle”, which just means filling up your room with whatever comes out. We enjoyed the balloons very much, in particular because of the silicone valve, which could be opened and closed with a simple pinch of the fingers. Really, this is an outstanding feature, especially when compared to other vaporizers that either simply don’t have any valve, or feature switch operated valves that are much harder to access (only in comparison to these). We found that we could keep the bag full of vapour for hours, and take hits whenever we felt like without any effort.

The unit also features an aromatherapy mode. This works by soaking up one of the two porous metal pads with essential oils and placing it in the designated pad holder towards the front of the mezzanine. A strategically placed vent then directs warm air over the pad, releasing aromas in your dwelling for as long as you want. There’s a timer function that will shut things down after a preset time, if you want to fall asleep while being surrounded by soothing smells, for example. During our testing we found that this feature worked well… if not fantastically well. We would have liked for a stronger smell to fill the room, but this could be due to there being too much ventilation where we were. Either that, or maybe the circulated air needs to be slightly hotter, we’re not sure. Whatever the case, it does work and maybe our reservations are related to unrealistic expectations.

Operation using the whip is straightforward and efficient. The fan should be turned on while you’re pulling, otherwise you won’t get much vapor, but this also means you need to manually turn it off when you’re done if you don’t want to fill up your room with the smell or waste anything. Not a problem, really, but we still preferred balloon operation.

Conclusion
The Herbalizer is without a doubt a premium product. The experience of using it is like no other we’ve come across. It’s dead simple to operate and ridiculously quick to go from “off”, to a balloon full of vapor. There are no accessories to mess around with, and nothing to assemble or connect, really. The heating element is powerful enough to quickly reach and effectively maintain target temperatures, which makes for much higher quality vapor and a more efficient extraction process. More importantly, being able to select how you feel, through this granular temperature control, is wonderful. It seems like a gimmick, but it does work, we can attest to that.

The device looks great, and will attract comments and attention more than most other similar offerings. Yes, there are some minor construction flaws, but they’re aesthetic and affect the operation in no way at all. And sure, it’s an expensive product to own, but if you’re looking for a (perhaps “the”) superior vaping experience, the Herbalizer should satisfy you in spades.

PROS
+ Super quick heat-up times (5 seconds!)
+ Consistent extraction temperatures
+ More efficient extraction, making for less wastage
+ Premium look and operation

CONS
- Rather expensive
- Plastic hinges cause lids not to close properly

MSRP: $729 with a 2 year warranty, and a 5 year Quality Guarantee on the Limited Edition.

[ It can be purchased HERE at VaporNation ]

The post OhGizmo! Review: The Herbalizer Stationary Vaporizer appeared first on OhGizmo!.

OhGizmo! Review: The Vapir Rise Stationary Vaporizer

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Whenever we look at a stationary vaporizer, it’s tempting to wonder how it stacks up to the Volcano. Well, we’ve never looked at the Volcano, but we have taken a look at the Arizer Extreme Q and came away pretty impressed. But we suppose everything in life is relative, because after spending some time with the Vapir Rise (that the good folks at VaporNation were kind enough to send us) we can safely say we’ve now been blown away. The sheer quality of the materials used, the elaborate construction of the connecting elements, the inclusion of little features like a valve on the mouthpiece… all these make for a superior vaporizer at a very attractive price point. If you’re curious to know how it performs, jump right in!

The box of accessories

The box of accessories


The Hardware
When you first open the box, it’s easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of different accessories and elements that you’ll be using. You will have to spend a bit of time learning how to assemble the balloon for instance, and how to get your herbs loaded up. But it’s a shallow learning curve and you should be good to go within 20 minutes. The main element stands about 10 inches tall and is made of metal; that’s a nice upgrade from the Extreme Q’s plastic finish. It’s also dead simple to use with an on/off switch, a “Heat” button, and fan speed and temperature rockers. We like the simplicity of the front panel. Also of note on the main unit is the use of a HEPA filter for incoming air. That’s a nice touch we didn’t see on the Extreme Q.

The balloon system inserted into the Vapir Rise, with on/off valve visible

The balloon system inserted into the Vapir Rise, with on/off valve visible


The Vapir Rise is billed as a dual-use vaporizer because you can either fill up a balloon, or use it “party-style” with a 4-way whip system. The adapter for the 4-way whip system features a valve on each end, so that anyone not using will not have vapour come out their end of the tube. The balloon on the other hand is closed by an intricate “Balloon Adapter” which also features an on/off valve. This is a wonderful addition that the Extreme Q lacked, and which allows the use of the balloon over an extended period without having to keep your thumb on the open end.

The modular herb chamber

The modular herb chamber


The Herb Chamber (or the “Chamber Adapter” as they call it) is completely modular. That’s the part of the device in which you insert your herbs, and you manipulate it independently from any other parts. It’s made of plastic and metal, and the filters that keep the herbs in (and allow vapour through) are made of metal and have holes so small they’re hard to make out with the naked eye. This ensures that you suck up nothing but vapour, no matter how fine you’ve ground your material.

The Herb Chamber inserted into the Vapir Rise

The Herb Chamber inserted into the Vapir Rise


Also of note, inserting the chamber into the main body of the Vapir Rise is a fun experience in that it locks in securely, almost like you’d expect a hose on an astronaut’s suit to lock on. Connecting the balloon for insulation also involves a ‘push and twist’ motion, which screams quality craftsmanship and is really cool for a product like this.

The balloon system with metal spigot exposed

The balloon system with metal spigot exposed


The Performance
Once you get past how great everything looks, and how solid it all feels, you have to turn to how it actually does its job. Turning it on involves flipping the switch, setting your temperature and pressing the “Heat” button. Immediately it’ll start going up to temp, which takes generally less than a minute. Unfortunately, it’s impossible to get up to temp without the fan being on, which is not so much of an issue if you’re filling the balloon, but will cause a tiny bit of vapour to leak out while you’re not pulling, if you’re counting on the whip system. Turning the fan completely off also turns the heat off. This is not a huge drawback, but it’s something to keep in mind.

The balloon system with plastic mouthpiece attached

The balloon system with plastic mouthpiece attached


The vapour density is easily controlled through the fan speed; lower speeds make for denser smoke and vice versa. The taste is excellent, and very consistent. We did run into a slight issue when we overfilled the chamber and it took longer than we expected to start producing the right amounts of vapour. We had to empty the first bag and ended up reinserting it quickly once we saw that vapour was finally pouring out. Adjusting the grind density and fill level helps in this regard.

Removing the herb chamber to either stir things up or to load up a new batch is a bit tricky because it involves some very hot metal. Thankfully there is an included Hot Chamber Grabber which allows you to manipulate everything without burning your fingers. That’s a nice touch.

The fan is quiet at all speeds, and really barely audible in the lower settings. There is no remote control, like in the Extreme Q, and that’s got to be one of the only things we can reproach the Vapir Rise for lacking. Also, the Balloon Adapter’s mouthpiece does have a metal spigot that you’re not meant to press against your lips because it gets really hot; there is however an included plastic mouthpiece that you should always remember to attach once the bag is full. On more than one occasion we ended up with scorched lips, so watch out for that.

But overall, the Vapir Rise is a wonderful product. Every little thing about it screams quality, and it does its job very well. We’re not convinced it produces the best tasting vapour due to the extensive use of plastic, especially in the whip system, but it was never bad tasting. The inclusion of a HEPA filter and on/off valves everywhere really knocks it out of the park. The elaborate locking mechanisms for the modular herb chamber just adds to the feeling that you’ve paid very little for something that could easily have cost much more.

As it is, you can get the Vapir Rise for $249 from VaporNation.

PROS
+ On/off valves
+ High quality craftsmanship
+ HEPA filter
+ 4-way whip system allows 4 people to use it simultaneously

CONS
- Lack of a remote control
- No way to heat without the fan being on
- Has a bit of a learning curve

[ Vapir Homepage ]

The post OhGizmo! Review: The Vapir Rise Stationary Vaporizer appeared first on OhGizmo!.

OhGizmo! Review: The Ascent Vaporizer By DaVinci

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The good folks at VaporNation sent us the Ascent vaporizer from DaVinci to review, and we’ve been spending the last week or so putting it through its paces. The Ascent is a portable unit with all glass tubing and a ceramic heating element that supposedly provides better tasting vapour. It also boasts a massive battery which is supposed to let you go long periods between charges. Its main claim to fame, however, is its ability to vaporize both dry herbs and oil concentrates. It’s a premium device, with a premium price. But does it live up to its claims?

Yes. It does. And we’d like to spend a few minutes telling you all about it.

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The Hardware
The Ascent is described as a dual-purpose unit, as it’s capable of vaporizing herbs as well as oil extracts through the use of glass oil jars that go directly into the ceramic heating chamber. Other notable features include “an all glass-on-glass design, dual mouthpieces, a 3+hour battery, a programmable digital temperature control, a motion-sensor and auto-shutoff, and an OLED display featuring a temperature readout.” Temperatures range from 38F to 430F, in 1 degree increments.

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Opening the box the Ascent comes in is an experience closer to opening an Apple device than almost anything else we’ve unpacked. It’s carefully packaged and you can tell they’ve paid a close attention to details. The inventory looks as follows: the Ascent itself, a charger, one replacement glass tubing set, one replacement metal pick (more on that later), one pair of glass oil jars, and a velvet carrying case.

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The unit feels heavy and solid in the hand, and it does weigh a fairly substantial ~200g. It’s about the size of two stacked iPhones. It is portable, but we would certainly feel it if we were to carry it around in our pockets. The Pax Ploom, for instance, is about half the size and weight… but that device does have a much smaller battery capacity. And it doesn’t do oils.

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The outside of the Ascent is brushed aluminum, and the bottom 20% of the unit swivels out to reveal the ceramic heating chamber. The swivelling action requires a decent amount of force to execute, which is great because it signifies a tight seal between the two portions, which prevents ground-up herbs from falling out through any cracks. The portion that doesn’t swivel out houses the glass straw, which is tightly held in place through what appears to be a rubber housing. This has the advantage of creating a good seal, as well as preventing the straw from falling out while in transit.

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The bottom of the unit has a metal screen to allow air to enter, while the top features a small opening in which you can insert the metal pick. This pick is useful for stirring your herbs and dislodging anything that needs dislodging, and is actually very useful to have around. The charger is not of the USB variety, unfortunately.

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The Performance
So how does it work? First off, you do need to use a fairly large quantity of herbs to get a full thick smoke. At the same time, you do get a good 20 long draws from that, so it doesn’t go to waste. After turning it on, the Ascent reaches target heat in about 40 to 50 seconds. You then obtain the best results by doing song long slow draws. The smoke tastes really good, with no plastic flavour, which is the point of the all-glass tubing. It does get a bit hot, but nothing too serious. Occasionally, it’s a good idea to stir your herbs, which will refresh the smoke for a few more draws. The flavour and thickness of smoke is consistent from hit to hit, with a slight toasty taste as the herbs are nearing the end of their use.

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Cleaning is relatively simple, as the glass straw is easy to remove. It does need to be soaked in isopropyl alcohol for a while, since the inside gets gummy and is hard to reach with mechanical tools, but this isn’t incredibly hard to do.

We didn’t get a chance to test the performance of the oil concentrates, but some reports online suggest that this can get a little messy and sticky. We suspect that oils will be very temperature sensitive and vaping at the wrong temps can cause a bit of havoc. Still, it’s nice to have this capability in one unit, since a lot of the other products on the market do either one or the other, but not both.

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Battery life is outstanding, lasting for 4 or 5 full sessions over the course of a few days (or one if you’re, uh, a heavy user). It does take 5 hours to fully recharge however.

The Conclusion
The Ascent by DaVinci is a quality product that does double duty as an oil and dry herb vaporizer, and it does at least one of those tasks very well. The all-glass tubing makes for great taste, while the large battery greatly increases the device’s portability and on-the-road use. The materials and construction are above par. That’s a lot for a $250 device, and we wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone.

PROS
- Quality materials and craftsmanship
- Good tasting smoke
- Dual-purpose dry herb and oil vaporizer
- Long battery life

CONS
- Slightly hot smoke
- Long battery charge times
- Somewhat heavy
- Non-USB charger

[ The Ascent can be purchased at VaporNation HERE ]
[ DaVinci's Ascent Page ]

The post OhGizmo! Review: The Ascent Vaporizer By DaVinci appeared first on OhGizmo!.

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