Hello Nexians. Despite being a relative newcomer to this world, I would like to contribute what I can to the Nexus’s formidable amount of information in the hope that it will be of use and interest to someone.
So here are my thoughts on my chosen hyperspace travel apparatus, the Lotus vaporizer. I’m not here to shill it (it has its downsides), but to share my thoughts, experiences and hopefully anticipate some questions one who is considering this method may have.
This review comes with the caveat that I have yet to try any other methods, so I don’t have anything to compare it against yet.
Personally, after considering other options, I chose this method because I didn’t fancy dealing with electronics and the famous GVG was unavailable in the UK (and I didn’t want to mess around with potential import issues).
What is it?
It’s a flame-heated convection vaporizer. It consists of a curved glass pipe, about the size of your standard weed pipe, into which a metal heating chamber fits. On top of that is a magnetic metal cap, to which the heat is applied. This has holes underneath for the airflow which heats the material. Mine came in a carry case and included a metal-wool pad for ‘concentrates’, which I use for freebase DMT. The only modification I made was including an additional screen, in between the pad and the built-in screen, to prevent melted spice dropping down into the glass pipe.
How much does it cost?
£100 - £130. I got mine for £99 in an offer. This puts it on a par with other decent methods, so I would advise the beginner to choose carefully.
What else would I need?
A torch lighter, that is capable of producing a downwards or almost downwards pointing flame. Make sure you have a can of butane on hand as well, as these lighters are quite fuel hungry (at least, mine is). As mentioned above, an additional screen is advantageous, I used a spare one I had lying around that came from a dry-herb vape.
How easy is it to use?
There is a learning curve, the same as many people observe with the GVG. I have become more proficient with the vaporizer with each use. My method is to pre-heat the cap (as per the included instructions) for three or four seconds. With the flame in place, I sip on the pipe slowly until vapor begins to visibly flow, then draw on it much faster. I remove the lighter when my lungs are half full, to clear the pipe.
It’s worth noting, especially if you are used to smoking combustible items (like me – I was a cigarette smoker for many years), that the harder you draw on it, the cooler it gets – the inverse of smoking burning material. It is possible to overheat and burn the spice, as I discovered. Increasing your draw speed increases airflow and helps prevent this.
Does it work?
Yes, for me anyway. I have found, after a bit of practice, that it is easy to blast off at 30mg with 2 or 3 hits, and experience noticeable sub-breakthrough effects below this. In terms of efficiency, I don’t know how this compares with other forms of spice usage.
What are the advantages?
Effective, once mastered. Can use extracted freebase right away without having to make e-liquids. I personally find it aesthetically pleasing and appreciate the ritualistic nature of preparing it; this may be appealing to some and a nuisance to others.
What are the disadvantages?
It’s made of glass, so breakable. Having to use one’s last coherent thoughts on this plane of existence to safely put down hot objects isn’t optimal, as others have observed with the GVG. It’s expensive (I decided to shell out the cash for this over making a ‘Machine’ which would have been a fraction of the cost, and I understand works similarly). I suspect there is more of a learning curve compared to an e-liquid vaping device. It also didn’t come with any tools, which was disappointing for the price and would have been a welcome inclusion (I use a dabber tool from a dry-herb vape for loading it up).
Can you use it for weed?
Yes. I have tried this and it’s fine. Although, on the rare occasions I smoke cannabis, I still prefer to smoke it in a joint like a troglodyte.
Would I recommend this to beginners?
My experience is subjective, so my answer is yes, with a significant caveat. If you are new here, like me, I suggest spending some time reading about different smoking/vaping methods on here before buying anything. Personal preference, cost, aesthetics, safety, and what tools you have experience of with other substances may all be factors in what to choose. If you already vape conventional e-liquid, for example, that route may be preferable for you. But if getting electronic equipment doesn’t appeal to you, and you are willing to spend some time and spice refining your vaping technique, then I believe the Lotus is a good choice.
Final thoughts
I like the Lotus; it works for me and its downsides don’t bother me too much, for now at least. I may well venture into the world of e-liquids at some point in future, but for the time being I will be sticking with this vaporizer.
If anyone has any questions I’ll be happy to attempt to answer them.
So here are my thoughts on my chosen hyperspace travel apparatus, the Lotus vaporizer. I’m not here to shill it (it has its downsides), but to share my thoughts, experiences and hopefully anticipate some questions one who is considering this method may have.
This review comes with the caveat that I have yet to try any other methods, so I don’t have anything to compare it against yet.
Personally, after considering other options, I chose this method because I didn’t fancy dealing with electronics and the famous GVG was unavailable in the UK (and I didn’t want to mess around with potential import issues).
What is it?
It’s a flame-heated convection vaporizer. It consists of a curved glass pipe, about the size of your standard weed pipe, into which a metal heating chamber fits. On top of that is a magnetic metal cap, to which the heat is applied. This has holes underneath for the airflow which heats the material. Mine came in a carry case and included a metal-wool pad for ‘concentrates’, which I use for freebase DMT. The only modification I made was including an additional screen, in between the pad and the built-in screen, to prevent melted spice dropping down into the glass pipe.
How much does it cost?
£100 - £130. I got mine for £99 in an offer. This puts it on a par with other decent methods, so I would advise the beginner to choose carefully.
What else would I need?
A torch lighter, that is capable of producing a downwards or almost downwards pointing flame. Make sure you have a can of butane on hand as well, as these lighters are quite fuel hungry (at least, mine is). As mentioned above, an additional screen is advantageous, I used a spare one I had lying around that came from a dry-herb vape.
How easy is it to use?
There is a learning curve, the same as many people observe with the GVG. I have become more proficient with the vaporizer with each use. My method is to pre-heat the cap (as per the included instructions) for three or four seconds. With the flame in place, I sip on the pipe slowly until vapor begins to visibly flow, then draw on it much faster. I remove the lighter when my lungs are half full, to clear the pipe.
It’s worth noting, especially if you are used to smoking combustible items (like me – I was a cigarette smoker for many years), that the harder you draw on it, the cooler it gets – the inverse of smoking burning material. It is possible to overheat and burn the spice, as I discovered. Increasing your draw speed increases airflow and helps prevent this.
Does it work?
Yes, for me anyway. I have found, after a bit of practice, that it is easy to blast off at 30mg with 2 or 3 hits, and experience noticeable sub-breakthrough effects below this. In terms of efficiency, I don’t know how this compares with other forms of spice usage.
What are the advantages?
Effective, once mastered. Can use extracted freebase right away without having to make e-liquids. I personally find it aesthetically pleasing and appreciate the ritualistic nature of preparing it; this may be appealing to some and a nuisance to others.
What are the disadvantages?
It’s made of glass, so breakable. Having to use one’s last coherent thoughts on this plane of existence to safely put down hot objects isn’t optimal, as others have observed with the GVG. It’s expensive (I decided to shell out the cash for this over making a ‘Machine’ which would have been a fraction of the cost, and I understand works similarly). I suspect there is more of a learning curve compared to an e-liquid vaping device. It also didn’t come with any tools, which was disappointing for the price and would have been a welcome inclusion (I use a dabber tool from a dry-herb vape for loading it up).
Can you use it for weed?
Yes. I have tried this and it’s fine. Although, on the rare occasions I smoke cannabis, I still prefer to smoke it in a joint like a troglodyte.
Would I recommend this to beginners?
My experience is subjective, so my answer is yes, with a significant caveat. If you are new here, like me, I suggest spending some time reading about different smoking/vaping methods on here before buying anything. Personal preference, cost, aesthetics, safety, and what tools you have experience of with other substances may all be factors in what to choose. If you already vape conventional e-liquid, for example, that route may be preferable for you. But if getting electronic equipment doesn’t appeal to you, and you are willing to spend some time and spice refining your vaping technique, then I believe the Lotus is a good choice.
Final thoughts
I like the Lotus; it works for me and its downsides don’t bother me too much, for now at least. I may well venture into the world of e-liquids at some point in future, but for the time being I will be sticking with this vaporizer.
If anyone has any questions I’ll be happy to attempt to answer them.
