The Silver Surfer Vaporizer is manufactured by U.S.-based company 7th Floor, the same company that makes the Da Buddha Vaporizer. 7th Floor manufactures every Silver Surfer vape by hand in Colorado, and the company has been continuously improving its products since opening for business. Since 2008, both the SSV and the DBV have earned dedicated followings and positive reviews from vaping enthusiasts.
You wonder why the Silver Surfer vape is about $50-$80 more expensive than the Da Buddha Vaporizer. The reason is that the SSV is manufactured, finished, and quality-tested in the United States. The Da Buddha, on the other hand, is made in China, then sent to 7th Floor’s U.S. plant for finishing and quality assurance.
The SSV has a few other features that set it apart. First and foremost is the analog temperature control knob. The knob is made of blown glass, so every one is slightly different. This looks a bit cooler than the unremarkable knob of the Da Buddha. Secondly, the SSV has the ability to add a special aromatherapy diffuser with the purchase of an extra $30 accessory. The thing can be used to inhale essential aromatherapy oils at the same time that you are vaping. Third, the vaporizer itself stands at an angle. This is not mere aesthetics: the heater-cover is angled downward, so the wand is attached at an upward angle. Thus, you are less likely to have your herb tumble out of your wand.
Like the DBV, the SSV also comes standard with a high-quality cushioned bag that can be used to inconspicuously carry your vape around. According to vaporizer reviews, this is a big plus.
Product Features
* Colored, heavy walled glass wand
* High quality cushioned storage bag
* Housing made from 1/5 inch thick aluminum
* Indicator light that brightens and dims as you adjust the temperature
* Heavy duty, 10 foot power cord
* 3 year manufacturers warranty (excludes glass)
Silver Surfer Vaporizer Reviews
Overall, people who have purchased and used the Silver Surfer Vaporizer were very pleased with it. The three main positives were its rugged contruction (one user said it is “like a tank”), its use of ground glass in the vapor path, and its high amount of customizability.
The SSV uses ground glass along the entire vapor path, so your draws never comes in contact with the ceramic heating element. One user pointed out the benefits of this design:
“It certainly has a clean, safe vapor path. The air intake is an inch below the top of the heater cover, so the vapor path avoids the guts of the vape and you get amazing, full vapor hits… Half the time you don’t know you’ve gotten anything until you realize your lungs are full of vapor.”
Another user pointed out that the screen was easy to change:
“The screen is more easier to change on the Surfer. That’s one thing I really appreciate on the SSV. Changing a screen seems to be a bitch with most whips.”
The SSV has another unexpected benefit: the analog temperature knob allows you to increase the temp all to the way to a whopping 900 degrees fahrenheit. 7th floor says “The element is fully adjustable from 200°F all the way up to 900°F.” Now, clearly you won’t be vaping your plant at such a high temperature, since most of your active ingredients vaporize in the 200-350 degree range. However, you can set the knob at the max when you first start up your vape, and your unit will be ready to go in 2-3 minutes! Afterwards, just reduce the heat to the desired level before you inhale.
In its standard form, the SSV is NOT hands-free – it is meant to be used manually. You must load your bowl, insert it into the heating cover, and draw. A hands-free adapter is available for around $15. However, many users actually prefer the hands-on experience:
“I am partial to using my mouthpiece and non handsfree usage of my SSV… There’s just something about the level of attention and intimacy that it entails to enjoy it. I like using the standard wand for this. It’s like driving a standard vs. automatic – you have much more control. It is quite easy to pull the wand away at the end of the hit to clear the hose, and then I can pass it to my friend. After a little practice, it also provides more even vaping than the unmoving hands-free hookup does.”
To read about a Silver Surfer Vaporizer Review vs. the Da Buddha Vaporizer, read a review here: Silver Surfer Vaporizer.
