FireFly put out a firmware update for the FireFly 2 vaporizer today. The firmware update is handled within the smartphone app, which was also updated for both Android and IOS.
The firmware and app update bring us POWER TUNING.
It’s not exactly clear what the Power Tuning is actually tweaking. Is it temperature? Voltage? Power Tuning is adjustable down to 89% or up to 111%, in single percent increments.
Testing Power Tuning Variations
I set out to compare the FireFly’s new Power Tuning. I tested 89%, 100%, and 111% power tuning on the HIGH setting. Below are the ABV scans and draw notes. Click each image to see the larger photo.
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Power Tune 89%
Draw 1: Very Light
Draw 2: Very Light
Draw 3: Very Light
Draw 4: Nothing visible
Draw 5: Nothing visible
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Power Tune 100%
Draw 1: Light
Draw 2: Medium
Draw 3: Light
Draw 4: Light
Draw 5: Very Light
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Power Tune 111%
Draw 1: Medium cloud
Draw 2: Medium
Draw 3: Med/light
Draw 4: Med/light
Draw 5: light
Notes
The 89% seemed really weak. Similar to the medium. I can’t imagine using this, unless I use the concentrate setting at 89%…
The 100% seemed just like it was before. I don’t think the firmware changed normal operation.
At 111% it’s a night and day difference. So much more enjoyable like this, and so much easier… Even the 5th draw produced decent vapor.
How these tests were performed
I chose a single, uniform nug of Master Cookies and ground it to a consistent medium/course grind.
Each test was performed with .12g. Material was handled with two small spatulas, no compression applied.
The FireFly 2 unit was completely cleaned and fully charged between each test. Cooldown time between each test was exactly 2 hours.
The room temperature was a consistent 73 degrees throughout test period.
Each test case:
– 8 second heat up time
– five 12-second draws, with the unit activated through the duration of each draw
– 10 second break between each draw
FireFly 2 PowerTune Test Results
The Powertuned 111% session toasted the material more evenly, and more thoroughly than the lower settings. Vaping an entire bowl on this setting only required one or two stirs, and the stirring seemed easier because there was more toastiness. Under normal operation I would need to stir 3 to 5 times before finishing a bowl.
Power Tuning just made the FireFly 2 a really fucking awesome vape. If you don’t have one, go get one now.
Final Thoughts
It was only 8am when I saw the reddit post, but I had to give it a try. I initially loaded it with Sour Diesel – my normal daytime strain. I cranked the power tuning up to 111% on the HIGH setting. I normally use the HIGH setting because I like to see some vapor. With the power tuning at 111%, the first draw was visibly more dense than the usual first draw. The 2nd draw was the thickest and tastiest cloud I have ever produced with my FireFly 2. I was shocked. Awed. The third draw was still really nice, although not quite as amazing as the 2nd. Under normal operation the FireFly 2 needs to be stirred after the 3rd draw, but with the Power Tuning maxed I was able to get a 4th and 5th draw. When I stirred, it seemed that it was more toasted than normal – and more EVENLY toasted as well.
This update is definitely going to keep my FireFly 2 off the shelf. My wife has already stated that it’s now her favorite vape.
September 12 Update [9]:
I’ve fallen in love with this vape all over again. I’m normally a session vape guy, but the convenience of on-demand really shines through with the flavor and experience of the FireFly 2. This unit just earned a spot on my desk, retiring the MFLB and Grasshoppers to the shelf.
Great review on the update and you’re the first to write about it seemingly.
Loving the new firmware update. My FF2 is only a week old.
Thanks man! I love geeking out on shit like this. I even have a lab notebook i take all kinds of crazy notes in. Congrats on the FF2, it’s a great vape!
Thanks for sharing! I’m curious what combination of power and temp will provide the most flavor while providing at least some cloud production…
Hi Stella, I think the answer will depend on the individual vaporizer. I’ve used a few different FireFly 2 units and each one performed slightly different. My unit has the most flavor at 100%, but cloud production is weaker than I prefer. I’ll be sticking with 111% with mine.
Great update. I was giving up on this firefly 2. Then I saw this update. Entirely different vaping experience. The firefly 2 with power tune on 111 set on high is very enjoyable.
I totally agree! Thanks for commenting Kevin!
I guess I got a good one then as I find the cloud production on the FF2 at 100% perfectly acceptable.
It definitely goes up with the 111% setting but the vapor flavour does inherit a touch of the harshness and loses some of the smooth terpene flavour that makes the FF2 my favourite of my vapes. Moves in a more pax-like direction, flavour wise.
Something else I’m noticing is that visible vapor is not a reasonable metric of quality of said vapor.
Of my three vapes… The Arizer Extreme Q, The FF2 and the Pax 2… The pax delivers the most visible vapor but produces the least quality and high potential… The Extreme Q and FF2 visible vapor production is much lower but gets me inordinately higher.
Al this talk about flavour of FF2. I have bought one and still prefer the mighty taste and vape wise. To be honest I really don’t understand the taste and flavour appreciation because it really sucks. Would love to have a more portable device but I’m selling the firefly.
I totally take back everything I said before. It’s great after learning how it works.
Thanks for writing this haven’t messed with the power tuning yet and was curious how it actually works.
Just want to add in at the normal 100% power tuning I am amble to produce really big clouds even at the medium setting. I just need to bump it up to medium high towards the end of a bowl to keep consistent density.
I feel it’s the technique in the hit that produces much denser vapor. Long draws and just make sure your making the mouthpiece whistle doesn’t have to be a super strong draw, but just enough to make it whistle if that makes sense, that usually produces great results for me.
Gonna try out the power tuning now!
That’s so great. This update made the FF2 finally usable for me! I love it so much – this 111% settings makes all the difference in the world!