The benefits of vaporizing vs. smoking marijuana or other herbs are many:

• Less Tar
• More Aromatic Flavor
• Conservation of Herbs
• Vapor Dissipates Faster Than Smoke

Understandably, not everyone wants to part with $500 or more for a Volcano, or even $200 for cheaper models, to reap these benefits.  There exists a solution:  enter; The Vapor Genie. 

I ran across the Genie by visiting a slew of online head-shops and reading testimonials.  The Vapor Genie looks more or less like an everyday pipe except in that it has a top piece with a patented ceramic filter inside.   Greenery is packed (loosely) into the bowl; the filter top is screwed on; and here is the beauty of it:  A flame is applied near to, but not touching, the ceramic filter warming the air to vaporization temperatures as you draw through the stem.  Ingenious!

Learning how to properly use the Vapor Genie has a learning curve of about a week but I can share some tips I have found useful.

1. Loosely Pack The Bowl:  If you think it’s just right take out a little more or risk burning your herb; in which case a regular bowl would have worked just fine
2.  Draw Slowly at First:  Inhale gently until you can sense the flavor and warmth increasing then increase your drag
3. Apply Flame Gently, Yet Consistently:  Just let the tip of the flame enter the head of the filter chamber or risk burning your filter and the goods
4. Use Electric Ignition Lighters:  Common flint lighters release flint particles into your hit
5. Change or Clean Your Screen Often:  Especially do this if you are having trouble getting an adequate draw
6. Grind Your Herb:  Don’t be lazy; grinding increases overall surface area exposed to heat giving better hits

So what does this Bush economy vaporizer cost?

$55-65 Dollars direct from www.vaporgenie.com.  Three models are available.

1. The Classic looks like a funky stack pipe and is the most affordable.  However, I have read complaints that applying a flame is more difficult given that you cannot see the filter chamber.
2. The Exotic Hardwood (Bocote) was my choice priced in the middle at $60
3. Hand-Carved which is similar to the Exotic except that it has an intricately carved bowl top

All are made with: Either Maple, Walnut, Teak, Coco Bolo, Honduran, Rosewood, or Bocote; stainless steel fittings; and food grade varnishes, carnauba wax, or beeswax.

Beware!  The Vaporbuddy is a less worthy copy of the reputable Genie which uses lead paint in it’s construction.  Not exactly what you were hoping to vaporize.

Summary

Pros:

• Affordable
• Portable
• Discreet – Except in use it in which case you look like Sherlock Holmes smoking Crack!
• Quality Build
• Functionality
• Maintenance – You can clean the filter by dripping boiling water through it but it is rarely necessary

Cons:

• Time Consuming – Smaller, loose bowls means more time recharging to get the desired state of mind
• Long Draws – To get the most out of your Genie it’s helpful to have a good set of lungs especially while  experimenting
• The Ceramic Top – Sometimes it is a bit difficult to screw on.  Of course if you are having too much of a problem   your mission is accomplished

Overall Recommendation:  Buy it, you won’t regret it.  I plan on giving mine a lifetime of use.