If you love nature – specifically plants, even more specifically cannabis plants – then you will love the Firefly 2+ portable vaporizer. It is designed by people who love plants, for people who love to enjoy plants, and all the subtle side effects they offer when consumed. The Firefly 2+ vaporizer can handle both herb and concentrates, but we prefer it for the vaping dabs. This dual-use vaporizer also offers the widest temperature range in the market for portable vaporizers. Read on to learn more about the evolution and use of this unique device.
The Evolution of the Firefly 2+
The Firefly 2+ had a predecessor, the Firefly 2, which the engineers fine-tuned based on feedback from the first-generation users. So what upgrades did the Firefly 2+ receive that put it ahead of the initial model? To start with, a nice fat price drop. The Firefly 2+ is now a cool $249, while the Firefly was selling at a retail price of $329. Despite the price drop, the Firefly 2+ provides even more features than the already advanced Firefly 2.
To start off, Firefly improved the airflow in its 2+ model vaporizer — by 33% to be exact. They accomplished this by making larger airflow holes in both the bowl and the mouthpiece, making the draw even easier than before. While the Firefly 2 felt like you were sucking a thick milkshake through a paper straw, the Firefly 2+ feels like you’re sipping a delicious green smoothie through a reusable stainless steel straw.
Although some first-generation users may argue that the battery life of the Firefly 2 was better, they are happy to sacrifice it for improved temperature control and vapor calibration in the Firefly 2+. In fact, the 2+ is the only vaporizer that offers dynamic heating with every inhalation. By using efficient convection heating, the Firefly 2+ increases the air temperature up to your maximum level as you take a draw.
The Firefly 2+ was also spruced up with a clean new logo and an easier way to clean between uses. The starter kit now includes a lancet for clearing airflow holes and a wire brush for scraping off residue from the bowl. With that, however, Firefly also stripped down the accessories offered in the starter kit to just the essentials. If you want to purchase extra batteries, concentrate pads, cleaning kits, or carrying cases, they can be purchased separately. Overall, the Firefly 2+ offers today’s tech-savvy and health-conscious cannabis consumer an affordable alternative to traditional smoking methods.
A Focus on The Plant
Firefly is proud to claim the 2+ provides “phenomenal flavor” — and we can stand behind that statement. The secret behind providing such great flavor in a vaporizer is the use of advanced convection heating technology. When using convection heating in a portable vaporizer, the device heats the air around your herb to the point where the active ingredients and flavors in cannabis are released in the form of vapor. In comparison to the old school method of combustion, a.k.a. flames applied to your bowl, the Firefly 2+ only heats your herb on the inhale so that you don’t waste any flower.
The Firefly 2+ also doesn’t waste any of the intended side effects. Convection heating allows the terpenes and terpenoids to activate within their optimal temperature range and not be burnt with combustion. This is achieved by heating your bowl over a wide range of temperatures with a ten-second inhale. Your first few hits may taste like pure terpenes, before the herb is heated to the point of vaporizing other compounds, like THC and CBD. The Firefly 2+ also keeps it pure all the way down to the materials used to make the heating element, which is made of proprietary, FDA food-safe super-alloy.
Combined with Plenty of Power
Even though the Firefly 2+ is only five inches tall and one and a quarter inches wide, it packs a punch of power. This portable vaporizer heats to temperature in three seconds and conserves your plant material by cooling down as quickly as it heats up. That means that you have pure vapor ready wherever you are, whether you prefer to take quick one-hitters or have long leisurely sessions. Another nice touch is the warm glow, much like a firefly, of the heating element covered in a borosilicate glass heating chamber. Although this feature may seem like a visual gimmick, it is not like the LED of digital displays you see on most portable vaporizers. It is the glow of your bowl heating up, allowing you to feel a better connection with the vaporizing experience. It also looks beautiful during dusk or nighttime sessions.
The Firefly 2+ was designed to vape both cannabis flower and concentrates, and has more than enough power and adaptability to handle both. The temperature of the Firefly 2+ ranges from 200 to 500 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the widest range offered for all portable vaporizers. This vaporizer comes preset at a temperature of 400 degrees Fahrenheit, but that can be customized with the use of an Android or desktop app. The Firefly 2+ also offers intelligent automatic firmware updates, which ensure you are up to date with the latest vaporization technology.
The Firefly 2+ has a battery that will last four to six bowls on a full charge. This, of course, varies depending on the temperature setting you are using, the length of your draws, the age of your battery, and the material you are vaporizing. When your battery is running low, you may notice your hits holding less power. When you can only achieve two bowls off of one full charge, however, it’s a sign that it’s time to replace your Firefly 2+ battery. The battery is manufactured at “70% capacity after 300 full charges” and is easily removed from the device for replacement. Firefly sells replacement batteries on their website and your old one can be recycled at any reputable battery recycler in your area.
An evolved vaping experience
The Firefly 2+ portable vaporizer is an evolved vaping experience in comparison to the Firefly 2, and many other portable vaporizers currently on the market. It was designed by creators and entrepreneurs who are “ passionately dedicated to creating innovative, satisfying, and truly great experiences.” And we would say it’s safe to claim they’ve achieved that with the Firefly 2+. However, the device does come with a slight learning curve, so we are happy to share some tips for optimizing your vaping experience.
Firefly 2+ Usage Tips
- When vaping ground up herbs, it is best to fill the bowl loosely to the rim with a medium to fine grind. This will allow for the best airflow and even heating of your flower.
- You can use a toothpick to poke holes in your packed bowl so that the airflow is increased even more, tamp it down half way through, and repoke for a consistent flow.
- When vaping concentrates, it is best to take an extra long pull on your first draw to allow the concentrate to melt onto the pad evenly for consistent vapor. Over time the concentrates pad will build up some residue and should eventually be replaced instead of repeatedly cleaned. In between bowls though, you can preheat the vape for ten to fifteen seconds to loosen any residue and then scrape it clean.
- You can disassemble the heating chamber, vapor path, mouthpiece and concentrates pad in order to deep clean your device. It is best to use the small wire brush included in the Firefly cleaning kit, along with alcohol wipes to remove any residue.
When you pick up a Firefly 2+ vaporizer at your local head shop, your box will include a battery, USB 3.0 charging cable, an extracts pad and cleaning wipes to get you started for your first session. Loading your first bowl is simple with the magnetic lid, and cleaning is a breeze on the glass vapor path. You should clean your vaporizer routinely to ensure you can enjoy the purest vapor on every hit. Over time, we found that parts and pieces will need replacing with heavy use, but this piece is sure to not fall behind the latest vaping technology any time soon. Overall, we would recommend the Firefly 2+ to anyone who loves plants and inhaling the purest vapor they can provide.
