Just about seven months to the day after I ordered a Grasshopper for 4.20, it has arrived.
I am a very experienced vaper. I've had an SSV for over ten years, and I started experimenting with portables with a Firefly right after they came out. So I was intrigued by the idea of a vaporizer for advanced users, a device which promises greater rewards for those who can access its full capacity.
That is the Hopper. It demands an understanding of the subtleties of heat and draw, and it's sensitive to grind and load. It is extremely satisfying to get it all right and feel the warm terpene tingle on your uvula as the Hopper extracts all the oils from your load in a few hard draws.
So there is a sense of accomplishment from achieving peak rip from a Hopper, much like using a Vapcap. And once you get the hang of it, most of the hits are peak rips.
But you do have to be consistent. A weak draw will get you no reward, while drawing too hard and long will turn your uvula to jerky. If it's turned up high enough to produce those big clouds people rave about, heat management is a big issue.
Meanwhile, I've often seen reviewers refer to the Mighty as a good beginner vape. With so many other things, from computers to motorcycles, beginner means that it's okay to start with, but you'll get bored and want more power soon. I have to admit, I was looking at vapes in those terms, assuming that the real adventure starts with advanced models.
The Mighty works whether I want to sip at it like my grandfather with his pipe, or haul on it like it's a three-foot bong. The Hopper gives amazing hits with advanced technique, while the Mighty does the same with pretty much any technique. I'd say that makes the Mighty the more sophisticated device, letting you use it as the mood suits.
One of the reasons I got the Hopper was stealth, but now that I've got it in my hands, I think my PAX 3 is less conspicuous. I've carried the PAX through a couple of international airports, as well as a number of high-security concerts, and no one gives it a second look. They probably assume it's just a charger; even under x-ray it's just a battery and some circuitry. The Hopper, on the other hand, is going to make people say "What is that giant, heavy pen all about?". Plus, with its short battery life, you'll want to carry a pocketful of batteries along with the device, which might raise questions at a security check.
Am I happy that I got it? Sure, but I have Vaporizer Acquisition Syndrome. I want to try all of the vapes. But this one is not easy to load, with its narrow chamber, battery life is short, and it's known for dependability issues. I don't see it becoming a daily driver (though it is currently at the top of the rotation, mostly for the novelty of it).
If someone is looking for a main vaporizer, as opposed to another piece in the collection, I'd look elsewhere. Right at the moment I'm with Troy--the Mighty is the best I've tried.
Of course, I haven't bought a Ghost yet, so maybe next 4.20...
