Introduction
Introducing the MV-1 Vaporizer by Ghost Vapes! The MV-1 was designed and built from the ground up, using medical grade materials and proprietary technology, which have resulted in something completely new and unseen in the vaporizer world.
The MV-1 offers precision temperature control, instant, on-demand, true Convection heat, dry material and concentrates, a long lasting and removable Battery Pack, a removable chamber “The Crucible,” exceptional purity and flavor, an integrated phone App and zero draw resistance, all wrapped up in a portable design, that can be taken anywhere. The Next generation in vaping is here!
The MV-1 comes in 4 colors : Black Chrome, Satin Silver, Rose Gold, Nickel. Ghost is rumored to be working on more matte color options like the Satin Silver, which I used for this review. The MV-1 retails for $295.00.
Ghost also offers some great accessories to go with your MV-1: Spare Battery Packs $59.95, Fast Charger $59.95, Crucible Kits (x3) $19.95, Cleaning Kits $9.95, Glass Stems (x3) $24.95, A Crucible Dispenser with 5 complete Crucibles $29.95, MV-1 Case ( still being developed) and other accessories are also coming soon.
The Complete MV-1 Kit
Official Ghost Vapes Website
Vapecritic Ghost MV1 Review
Ghost MV1 Vapelife forum
Features and Specifications
- On-demand, Full Convection Heat (5 second heat up)
- Dual use: Dry Material and Concentrates
- Removable Battery Pack ( 7.2v /2600mAh). Onboard USB Charging or separate Fast Charger
- Removable ceramic Chamber “Crucible.” Capacity is approx. (.12g) recommended max
- Full temperature control ( 284F – 470F )
- 3 Pre-set temps for Dry Material: ( Low – 338F, Med – 365F, High – 390F ). 1 Pre-set for Concentrates only. 2 additional temperature settings that you can customize yourself. Phone app is required. ( 6 settings total w/ app )
- Long battery life ( 100 draws on average or 10 Crucibles )
- Metal Body and Heat Sink
- Extendable glass Mouthpiece
- Built to medical standards
- Haptic feedback ( it vibrates )
- Integrated phone App that features temperature control, device locking and much more.
Design and Overview
-Overview
The MV-1 is different, really different! There isn’t a single vaporizer currently available that I can directly compare to the MV-1, which is pretty cool, especially since we see a lot of vapes lately, promising to be different but offer nothing new. The MV-1 is unique in a lot of ways and a great deal of thought and care went into bringing this vape to life and its clear once you try it.
The Ghost MV-1’s interesting and innovative design, offers instantaneous vapor and instant satisfaction, thanks to it’s powerful on-demand full Convection heat! This is the part of the reason behind the MV-1’s incredible vapor but Ghost didn’t stop there and they understand the importance of proper vapor cooling, so they added a true Heat Sink system, that features a really amazing air intake and vapor path. So many vapes may have great and powerful heaters but if you don’t have a good system to cool the vapor back down, then you won’t be able to fully enjoy and taste it. A powerful heater and cooling system have to work together and there isn’t a better example of that in the vaporizer industry than the MV-1’s design!
Inside the MV-1
The Ghost MV-1 is built to medical device standards, using only medical and food grade materials, so you can feel comfortable using this device, unlike some vapes that feel “toy-ish” and cheap. Built from the ground up, featuring almost 40 custom designed, tooled and manufactured components, which combine to deliver a truly revolutionary experience and exceptional purity.
It was love at first vapor with the MV-1 and its design and features are truly something special, which is why it has become my favorite portable vape! Is it perfect though? Maybe not, but its a great start from a new company and I will be very interested to see what they come up with next.
Ghost is definitely a vaporizer company to keep an eye on!
-Body
The MV-1 features a mostly metal body with a soft-touch plastic underside that has a great feel and it’s smooth, soft texture isn’t slippery or awkward. You can comfortably hold this vape in either hand and they placed the Heater Button or “Vape Button” perfectly, so your thumb sits nestled in a grove ready to engage the heater.
Overall, the MV-1 is heavy, heavier than most portable vapes and also bigger too but it’s still portable and it can still fit in your pocket or bag. The design is practical, stylish and although it’s heavier, at almost 12 oz., it’s incredibly well balanced and seems to almost disappear in your hand as your using it. It’s futuristic looking and it definitely doesn’t feel like a toy, like so many vapes out there! You will want to take care of this one!
The MV-1 breaks down into 3 main sections; the Main Body, the Battery Pack and the Heat Sink / Mouthpiece.
- The Main Body houses the Heat Exchanger, the Crucible and Crucible Door, the Mode Button and Vape Button.
- The Heat Sink / Mouthpiece pulls out of the MV-1 Body and is tightly sealed and held in place by a silicone Seal within the MV-1.
- The Battery Pack slides off the underside of the MV-1 with the push of a button and easily locks back into place.
-Heater System
Here you can see the “Kilstock Diffuser,” a 1.5 micron laser cut wafer of stainless steel that blocks radiant heat from the coils and spreads the air flow out evenly across the base of the Crucible. You can also see the channels within the Crucible Door and the silicone Seals, where air travels into the heater
The Heater System is my favorite component of the MV-1 and the source of it’s incredible power. This is the vape that makes true Convection Heat really shine and show what its capable of! So many vaporizers claim to be Convection because it provides superior results but they are often not true Convection vapes that vaporize ingredients using only heated air and the MV-1 does just that. They’re aren’t a lot of portable Convection vaporizers available because they are harder to design, require more space and more power for larger heaters and is usually a technology reserved for desktop vaporizers for those reasons. More and more Convection vapes are becoming available because people are starting to notice the difference in vapor quality.
Here are some of the portable Convection vaporizers available today: The Grasshopper, Firewood 4, Elevape SV, Tera, MistVape, to name a few and of those portable Convection vapes, the MV-1 provides the best vapor quality and flavor. What’s the secret? The MV-1’s Heater or Element! This Heater consists of 2 long, standing Coils, made of Inconel 601, which is a high performance, Nickel-Chromium alloy, that is highly resistant to corrosion & oxidization. These 2 Coils sit below a heavy duty stainless steel wafer called the “Kilstock Diffuser,” which blocks radiant heat and spreads the heated air flow evenly across the base of the Crucible.
The Coils are housed inside a ceramic “maze” shaped chamber, that features walls designed to pre-heat the incoming air. This fresh air is drawn in and around the Heat Sink, passing across the Crucible’s sides and is eventually drawn into this maze, where the air is channeled back and fourth, until it reaches the Coils, where the air heats instantly. This Heater’s ceramic maze and air-intake path is part of the brilliance behind the MV-1 and why it’s so fast, effective, potent, pure and flavorful. As the air is moving through the maze, its being pre-heated by the ceramic walls that have already gathered heat from the Coils inside, so when it finally does reach the glowing red hot Coils themselves, its super-heated and drawn directly into the Crucible.
Unlike other Convection based vaporizers, this device does not rely on any Conduction heat, that is added to provide a boost. These full Convection vaporizers often take a few draws to warm everything up and get the vapor flowing, so Conduction heat is added to walls of some chambers, to provide an instant hit and vapor on the first draw, like the Mighty and Crafty vaporizers but the MV-1 is so fast and efficient that it doesn’t need the Conduction and your still able to get vapor on the very first draw! I will go into further detail of how the Heat Sink also plays a roll in heating / cooling of the device in the section below (Heat Sink, Mouthpiece and Vapor Path)
The MV-1’s Heat Exchanger makes an audible noise when its heating. This noise is like a very quiet, low electronic type hum that comes on every time you hit the Vape Button and the Heater is engaged. The humming doesn’t bother me at all and it’s very quiet, some can’t even hear. The recent Firmware upgrades have also decreased this audible noise and may be mostly eliminated altogether. I’ve come across this “humm” before in other vapes like the Grasshopper, the Elo and Tera. I believe this humming sound comes from the way the high voltage electronic current is feed into these heaters and often a sign of a high quality vaporizer. I actually find the noise useful because I know the heater is engage and lets me know the coil is actually heating.
The Accessories Box that comes with every MV-1: Handy Ghost Picks, spare Crucible, Lid and Stainless Mesh Pad, 3 Cleaning Buds and Alcohol Wipes.
-Heat sink, Mouthpiece, Vapor Path
Heat-Sink and Mouthpiece
The Heat-Sink of the MV-1 is the 2nd section that makes up this device and also houses the extendable glass Mouthpiece. This assembly is really the only part of the device that will ever have to clean besides the Crucibles, which can be soaked in Alcohol but I will cover that later. The Heat Sink breaks down into a few more parts; The outer Shell is made of cast metal (the Heat Sink), inside is a ceramic Sleeve and inside of the ceramic Sleeve, lies the glass Mouthpiece, which extends out for inhalation.
The Mouthpiece and Sleeve is held in place by a small plastic chrome Cap and rubber Gasket that clip on the end of the Heat Sink for an air tight seal and allow smooth movement of the Mouthpiece. The first version of this assembly had some noticeable “grittiness” when your extended the Mouthpiece out, as the glass rubbed along the ceramic Sleeve inside but Ghost has since re-designed these pieces, so now the Mouthpiece extends smoothly and cleanly but I still notice the occasional grit… There is also a small notch in the end of the glass Mouthpiece that “catches” on the rubber Gasket and is basically the maximum length that you should extend the Mouthpiece. I recommend having it fully extended for the easiest, free flowing draw possible but if you prefer a more restricted draw, you can push the Mouthpiece in more. It is also important to place your fingers on the top of the Heat Sink as you are extending your Mouthpiece, otherwise you may pull out the whole Heat Sink assembly from the MV-1 body as it is only held in place by a silicone Seal within the vaporizer but will also easily slide back in place if it does come out, so no big deal.
Ghost is currently re-designing the Heat Sink and I will post updates as soon as I have the new part. It features a new Gasket, Ceramic Sleeve, Mouthpiece and Shell, which eliminate the glass scratching, and also has a tighter air seal and holds better within the MV-1 Body.
Air and Vapor Path
Below is a picture of the air and vapor paths of the MV-1 and is one of the secrets behind it’s amazing vapor. In the section above, I explained how the air is pre-heated and then super heated by the ceramic walls and Coils of this vaporizer and now I will go into further detail on what happens before the air reaches the Coils and after.
Before we get to the coils, the fresh air is drawn through and around the Heat Sink, where two things are happening simultaneously. First, this fresh air is cooling the Heat Sink by picking up heat as it passes over the already warmed Heat Sink, (after a few draws that is) which is the purpose behind a Heat Sink and cools the vape and vapor. Cool Heat Sink = cool vapor. Not only is the incoming air cooling the vape down but 2nd of all, the incoming air is also pre-heating from this process and will pre-heat even more once it reaches the ceramic walls of the coil housing that I explained earlier. Its perfect vape symbiosis!
This design is the reason why the MV-1 can produce such smooth, cool and potent vapor so quickly. The folks at Ghost must be very proud of this design and its quite amazing at taking advantage of a vape that has warmed up after a few draws. The hits are always cool and comfortable. I have seen other vapes that try to recycle heat and cool, like the MV-1 but Ghost’s design is truly unique and by far the most effective attempt at this. It uses something that is normally a negative, a vape getting hotter from use and turns that into something beneficial.
-Chamber “Crucible” and Crucible Door / Seals
Crucible
Crucible
The Crucible is the removable material Chamber of the MV-1. It’s an oval shaped Chamber made out of ceramic, which has an upper edge, that holds it in the “heating path,” inside the vape Body. This Chamber has a bottom with many small holes for the hot air to enter and a thick stainless steel Lid with more small holes for the vapor to exit. The steel Lid has 4 tabs that hang down and also has an indented top that keep the Lid in place on the Crucible. This Lid does not lock in place but rather sits on top and will easily come off. I would have preferred this Lid to lock in place but once you get used to the loading process, it’s not a huge deal.
The Crucible is a good size, comparable to most Chambers and holds about .12g Dry Material or about a 1/8- 1/4 teaspoon. The Crucible’s opening is about 15mm by 11mm and 6mm deep. Ceramic is an interesting material to use for this Chamber and I would have preferred steel or glass for durability and ease of cleaning but it really does a good job and probably cools / heats faster than those other materials and its also inert.
The Crucible will stain from use and can easily be broken or chipped but I haven’t broken any of mine yet and they appear quite durable. Staining is only cosmetic and doesn’t affect vapor or taste but you can clean these Crucibles again and again by soaking them in Alcohol and they usually come out looking like new!
I would love to see a Crucible made out of Zirconia Ceramic that DaVinci IQ uses. It would be a cool Crucible and wouldn’t stain or show stains and might also be easier to clean. They would be much more durable too.
Ghost has also included a Steel Mesh pad that fits inside the Crucible for using Concentrates and works just like other Mesh pads that are featured in so many other vapes. You can also use this pad to reduce the Crucible Chamber capacity by either placing below or above your herb and works quite well and allows you to use half the material.
Crucible Door / Seals
Door
The Crucible sits in a cast metal Door that rotates out from the main Body of the MV-1. This Door features channels cut into the parameter, surrounding the Crucible, to allow the fresh air to pass around the Crucible, scavenging / pre-heating from the warm Crucible before entering the ceramic housing and coils below. The Crucibles loads easily enough into this Door but it takes a little dexterity to line it up and drop it into place without loosing the Lid in the process. Once the Crucible is in position, you push the Door shut but keep and eye on that LID and the Door locks shut. The Crucible is a bit loose sitting in the Door and I think a tighter fit would align it better within the Heating Path for optimal performance.
Seals
There are two green silicone Seals that create an air tight seal around this Door / mechanism and its important that the Door is fully shut, the Lid and Crucible are in proper place, and the Seals are clear for optimal performance. These Seals have the same channels or paths in them that the Door has, as the air flows through them and into the heater, so its important to inspect them from time to time. I really wish Ghost had allowed users to remove and replace these two silicone Seals because with use, they can get dirty, possibly damaged or wear out, potentially losing their seal and it would make cleaning easier but they never get that dirty with careful use. Occasionally, its a good idea to wipe these Seals down with a Q-Tip dipped in ISO Alcohol to keep them clean and check the air paths to ensure they are clear.
Two green Silicone Seals keep the Crucible and Door air tight within the heating path
-Controls
The MV-1 is simple to use and features one Button to control the vape and one Button to engage the heater. The main Button is called the “Mode Button.” The Mode Button wakes the vape up, allows you to select your temperature, as well as check the Battery Level. I found my Mode Button to be a bit “soft” feeling and sometimes its not been very responsive and often takes more clicks to wake the vape than it should but I haven’t read of others having this issue and it’s really quite fine. I recently tried a second MV-1, Black and the Mode Button is much more responsive and springy than my Satin Silver MV-1. It takes 3 clicks to “Wake” the vape up from “Sleep” or “Shipping” Mode and put it into “Vape” Mode. Once the vape is in this Mode, you can now depress the “Heat” or Vape Button to engage the heater for vaporization. I am really not a fan of the whole “3 click” on/off system that so many vapes use but it definitely keeps you from accidently turning these devices on when you don’t mean to.
To check your Battery Level at anytime, simply hold the Mode button for a few seconds and the LED will show either, 3 LEDS for full charge, 2 LEDS, 1 LED or 1 blinking LED for dead Battery. I would like to see a more precise Battery Level Indicator, maybe 6 LEDS next time but as long as you have 1 solid LED, you will most likely be able to vape a full Crucible and most likely more.
To select your temperature, you must be in Vape Mode and then you hold the Mode Button for a few seconds and the LED will show the Battery Level but then you must quickly hold the Mode Button down again, to cycle through the Temperature Settings and it’s one click each, to cycle through these 6 settings of the MV-1. The navigation of the MV-1 is a bit “clunky” and I think it could have been made easier with an additional 2 buttons for up and down but really that’s minor, especially with a vape that only has 6 settings to cycle through. A digital screen would also be a great addition, maybe the MV-2…?
Here is the LED Key:
Battery Charge Level Indicators:
- 3 Green LED = Fully Charged Battery
- 2 Green LED = Medium Charge
- 1 Green LED = Low Charge
- 1 Flashing Green LED = Charge very soon
- 1 Flashing Red LED = Dead or needs charging
Temperature Setting Indicators:
- 1 Yellow LED = LOW Temp for Dry Material: 338F
- 2 Yellow LED = MED Temp for Dry Material: 365F
- 3 Yellow LED = HIGH Temp for Dry Material: 392F
- 1 Red LED = 1st User Customizable Temp from ( 284F – 428F )
- 2 Red LED = 2nd User Customizable Temp from ( 284F – 428F )
- 3 Red LED = Concentrate Mode ( only use this setting for Concentrates! )
-Battery
The MV-1 Battery Pack: 7.2v /2600mAh
The MV-1 features a removable Li-ion Battery Pack ( 2600 mAh ), which can be charged via USB ( slow charge ) or with their Fast Charger ( sold separately $59.95 ). The Battery Pack neatly slides onto the MV-1 and Clicks into place. You can leave the Battery on the device and charge through the USB or take it off and charge it with the Fast Charger or USB. Unfortunatly, there is no pass through charging, so you cannot use the device while its plugged in. The Battery Pack features a small LED above the USB port that is Red while charging and turns Greenish/Yellow when its full. I highly recommend getting a spare Battery Pack for the MV-1, so your never without power, although the Battery Life is quite good and I also HIGHLY recommend the Fast Charger because its much faster than charging via USB. I will cover Battery Life in the Vaporization / Usage section below. Remember to charge your MV-1 Battery overnight for the very first, initial charge, to condition the Battery and give it the best possible life.
-Phone App
The Ghost MV-1 also features an optional phone App (available for Android and Apple ) that can be used on most smart phones and allows you to check Battery Life, cycle through the Temperature Settings, update the Firmware of the MV-1, shop for Accessories, view the Manual and even lock your vape! This App is not required to use the vape but if you want to access and use the 2 Custom Heat settings, you need the app. I think Ghost should have pre-set these 2 custom temps, so people who don’t use the App can still have access to them, giving them more temperature options because 3 temperature settings is really not enough for most users. I wish these Apps could also be used on a computer, either wireless or wired, to give the user more options, especially those who may not have a smart phone.
I don’t typically like Apps with my vapes but this one is actually nice and I found it to be quite useful. I have really enjoyed using the App and its a great way to instantly change the Temperature Settings during a session and its also very easy to use, its cleanly designed, looks good, and it’s effective and practical.
Once you pair your MV-1 to the App, you will be asked to name your vape and from that point on, your MV-1 will automatically pair and sync. to the App as long as your vape is Vape mode or Sleep mode. Occasionally, you may need to re-pair your MV-1 and connect to the App but it’s usually not a problem and does it automatically. Sometimes I’ll re-start my phone if I am unable to pair and that usually does the trick. Changing Batteries can also disconnect the vape from the App and you’ll need to re-pair and this is usually the only time I have issues now, with the latest Firmware Update ( v1.3.4 ) but restarting my phone is all it takes if I can’t pair immediately.
Updating the Firmware on your MV-1 is important and I have noticed a variety of changes since the first version, compared to the latest and the MV-1 experience has improved with each update. The updates can affect temperatures, battery life, heating algorithms, etc. and even lower the sound of the electronic hum from the heater. Most MV-1’s should have the latest Firmware but in case yours doesn’t or you would like to check, go to the app and click the MV-1 “My Vapes” in the top left hand corner of the screen. Once your there, it will list your current version, just below the battery indicator. If you need to update or reset the Firmware, click the 3 vertical dots, just below the version. Next, go to “More Details” and either click “Firmware Update” or “Firmware Reset”. Your MV-1 will now reset or update and you’ll see a large progress circle, showing the current process percent and at the end you will just re-pair your MV-1 to the App.
I’ve had quite a few problems in the past updating my Firmware and connecting but with every Firmware Update, my App and MV-1 have been getting along better and better. I’m not a huge smart phone user but I’ve also had issues connecting my Crafty Vaporizer to its App and it just won’t do it on my new phone, so occasionally things aren’t compatible.
App Sections / Navigation
There are basically 3 sections of the App and its easy to navigate and use. The main screen is called the Dashboard, which shows the Battery Life and easily allows you to choose any of the 6 temperature settings on the fly and also allows you to shop for accessories and Lock your vape.
Vape Temp is the second section and shows all of the 6 Temperature Settings and allows you to select / set your custom 2 settings ( F1 and F2 ) anywhere from 284F – 428F, in 1 degree increments. The Temperature Dial for selecting the temperature is a bit hard to select exact temperatures and I wish it featured an area where you can type in your temperature. The Temperature Dial looks cool and is very clean. I hope future versions of the App will allow for further control of your device and feature Temperature Settings that can increase in temperature during your draw, like the “Smart Paths” from the DaVinci IQ Vaporizer.
The third section of the App shows your vaporizer, the name of your vape, its status ( connected or disconnected ), the Battery Level %, the Version of the App and another information area, where you can view the Manual and More Details, like Device Information and Firmware Updates / Reset. Firmware updates are important and can have a great affect on the performance of the MV-1, so its a good idea to update your vape if they are available and if you are able to. If you order an MV-1, it should come with the latest Firmware, so you will be good to go, until they release another Update.
-Accessories
Ghost has a number of great accessories to go with your MV-1 like; Cleaning Kits, Glass Stem Packs, Spare Crucibles, spare Batteries, a Crucible Dispenser and an upcoming MV-1 Case. I Highly recommend the Crucible Dispenser ($29.95), which comes with 5 Crucibles / Lids and holds 5 loaded Crucibles for fast reloading and added convenience on the go. The Dispenser is not air tight but its built very well and does a great job keeping your MV-1 fully loaded and its quite compact as well. Spare Batteries are very helpful and its so easy to have one charged and ready, so your never without power and the Fast Charger is the best way to charge your Batteries. At the very least, I recommend the Extra Crucible Pack ( $19.95 ) and comes with 3 Crucibles, 3 Lids and 3 Concentrate Pads because you will want to have spares around!
Ghost has also mentioned that they are already working on more accessories and products to come! MV-X….! ? ! I will update this review with any new products from Ghost
The perfect trio and everything you need for a great session: MV-1, Crucible Dispenser and GMO Cookies!
Vaporization
-Operation / Usage
I love loading and using my MV-1! Some people love a vape with a removable Chamber like the MV-1, like myself or they prefer a vape that you can just load directly into the vape. They both have advantages and disadvantages but overall, I found removable Chambers are more convenient for on-the-go use and also keep the vape much cleaner, for longer too. Removable Chambers often have small parts and can be more difficult and take longer to load vs. built in chambers. Sausage fingers may have minor issues with loading and unloading but I think anyone can do it.
Loading the Crucible with dry material is probably the most crucial part of the Vaporization process. The MV-1’s full Convection Heat, requires a loosely loaded Crucible, so hot air can easily and evenly travel through it. Pack it too tight and the hot air will be forced to take “paths” through the material, creating “hot spots” and uneven heat.
I recommend filling the Crucible to the top of the rim, or below but not above! Slightly less material, often equals easier vapor and better extractions, depending on your material. The Lid should sit on top of the Crucible and just touch the material beneath but not apply any pressure. You can experiment with this and certain material requires the Crucible to be packed slightly tighter and some material should be left fluffier. I think its easier to get away with more material if its fully dry and less if its “fresher.” Sometimes I get better vapor when I pack the Crucible slightly fuller and the Lid does apply slight pressure and packs the material a bit. You can also use smaller amounts of material and you can still get great vapor thanks to the Convection heat. Start with less material and begin to play around with amounts and grinds to dial in the MV-1 to the needs of your specific material.
Grind that material medium fine. More surface area is better for Convection vapes but you don’t want it too fine. If your material is too fine, it can fall through the holes of the Crucible and into the Heater but you want it fine enough to evenly cover the Crucible and fill all voids. I use a Plenty Fine Screen in the bottom of my Crucibles that I cut to fit and it sits tightly in place. This screen keeps debris from falling into my Heater and allows me to use a finer grind if I choose. I have not noticed any decreased performance or decreased taste using these screens and they do a great job keeping my vape looking like new.
I like to use the “tap and shake” method to help settle the material in the Crucible, ensuring even coverage. Typically, I overfill my Crucibles, so they are mounded over slightly and I gently tap the Crucible on my table or tap it with a brush, finger or something and the excess material falls away, bits settle and fill the nooks, which leaves a fluffy but evenly filled Crucible, ready for Lidding.
The Crucibles are great for on the go use and you can easily have another ready to pop in and vape. This is part of the reason why I love removable Chambers like the Crucible, it makes use on the go, easy and fast. However, I can definitely see that loading these Crucibles with dry material and into the device itself, could be somewhat difficult for people with dexterity issues or really large hands. A little practice is all it takes and once you load / unload a Crucible into the MV-1 a few times, its really quite easy and quick but there are some tricks;
I like to pinch my Crucibles on top and bottom with my thumb and finger and then push / drop it into the Door with my finger once its lined up. Lining them up, while keeping the Lid in place is the only b
MMM Silver and Purple!
ugger. Then to pop them out with one hand, simply hold the device in your in one hand and extend your thumb up through the bottom of the open door to push the Crucible up enough to grab it your handy, other hand standing by.
The Door tightly seals against the green silicone top and bottom of the Heating Path and its important to keep an eye on the Crucible Lid as you shut the Door. Make sure it’s still aligned and tightly sealed against the Crucible rim! Making sure this Lid is in its proper position inside the Heating Path is crucial to vapor production! I always check my Lids and the Crucible’s rim, to make sure there is no debris that will keep the Lid from nestling into place.
Now your loaded, so all that’s left is to turn the vape on, select your temp and extend the Mouthpiece to your preferred height. I extend my Mouthpiece fully, for the least draw resistance and maximum vapor. If you prefer a tighter draw or want less vapor, push the Mouthpiece in a bit and it can drastically change the draw and vapor production. Place your fingers on the top of the Heat Sink as you extend the Mouthpiece or you may end up pulling the whole assembly out.
The Session
I tend to start my sessions on Low, 338F and bump it up as I take a few draws in for increased extraction and vapor. Sometimes I’ll go even lower and set one of my Custom Settings to 315F or so, to get an even fresher, cleaner taste to begin with but usually not much visible vapor. The App is the best and easiest way to change the temps on the fly and ensures your not missing any of those “secret ingredients,” that may vaporize at different temperatures. I also vape on Low when I have a full Battery or freshly charged Battery because it seems to heat quicker and is a little hotter vs. a drained Battery. I typically use the Mid temperature ( 365F ) the most and I usually get good vapor at any Battery Charge Level, no matter the material I am using. I also may adjust the temperature, grind, pack and draw depending on if my material is dry, fresher, fluffier or denser etc. I suggest starting Low and then increase to get the vapor your looking for. A rule of thumb with the MV-1 or any vape really; start Low with a drier material and use higher temps to start when material contains more moisture. The drier your material, the easier and more effective your vaporizer will be.
View inside the MV-1
Next, I draw once temperature is reached, once it vibrates. I take fast, long, steady draws with the MV-1, typically faster than most vapes. I’ll vary my draw too, sometimes I draw faster, slower, longer or shorter depending on the temperature and material I am using. I usually don’t draw for more than 10 seconds and I usually disengage the Heater about 6-8 seconds into my draw and continue to draw a few seconds after, to get the residual heat, all the vapor and cool that Crucible / Material back down. I don’t think I’ve ever drawn so long that I’ve reached the cut-off time for the Heater, which is 15 seconds I believe and found that its not necessary to draw that long, unless you are using Concentrates. If your not getting the vapor you desire, either try drawing faster and / or longer for more vapor or slower / shorter for less vapor before you adjust the temperature. You draw greatly affects the vapor production with the MV-1 and you can also adjust the Mouthpiece like I mentioned earlier.
The MV-1 relies solely on hot air from your draw to heat your material, so occasionally I’ll open up the Crucible after 5 or more draws and give it a quick look and stir, then vape it another 5 or more draws and that’s usually enough to fully vape your material, approximately 10-20 draws. Depending on your material, grind, load, temp and even your draw, you will have more or less even heating. If you pack properly and loosely, the
Ergonomic design that fits either hand
MV-1 produces very nice, even heat and you don’t typically have to stir at all but other times your material may be fresher nearest the edge of the Crucible and more vaped towards the center, so a stir is helpful. There is no Conduction Heat with the MV-1, like other vaporizers ( Crafty, Mighty, Alternate, ArGo, BNDLS Tera, CFX, CF, CFC, Plenty, etc. ) that also have heated Chamber walls, which add to the Convection Heat, helping to ensure everything is fully heated throughout, edge to center and that you get vapor from the first draw. This is why your material may be less heated or vaporized nearest the edge of the Crucible and more vaped towards the center. This is one of the few drawbacks to full Convection Heat but with proper packing and understanding, you can great, even heat and complete extraction with your MV-1, using any material of your choice and usually without stirring.
I typically unload the material immediately after a session, while the vape is still warm. I take a few “cool” draws, without heat to cool the Crucible before I open the door or I will blow on the Crucible for a second or two, with the Door open and that’s all it takes to cool it enough to handle. If your quick, dump and brush the Crucible / Lids while they are warm, you will have an easier job and it will keep them cleaner for longer. It is very important to keep the Lid holes clear and clog free in order to have the best air flow / performance and they usually stay clean for quite a while with a quick dry brush between loads.
MV-1 in the wild
The Battery life of the MV-1 is quite good and get an average of 10 Crucibles per charge or 100 draws. This will vary, depending on a variety of factors like; temperature selection, Firmware Version, how long you engage the heater and outside temperature. I always have my other battery charged, so I am never without my MV-1, which I use daily. The Battery indicator is fairly accurate but I wish it was more precise. Your always good if you have 2 LEDS or more and you can usually still get a couple Crucibles when your down to 1 LED or even 1 Blinking LED. The app shows your Battery level too and does a slightly better job giving you a more accurate reading. You may notice a decreased in performance or vapor production when the Battery is running low but you can always get vapor and sometimes it requires bumping up the temperature. I would like to see more consistent temperatures, no matter how charged the Battery is but its seems fairly true to the temperature your on and may just take longer to reach that temperature. You should have the same temperature / vapor on 365F, on a Full Battery and a Low Battery but its not always the case and I hope further Firmware Updates will improve this consistency more and the previous updates have already improved the temperatures. I’ve read of some people taking off their Battery and popping it back on, when the Battery Level has dropped and this changes the voltage or the way the Battery works, so they get more vapor for some reason. Ghost recommends to keep the Battery connected throughout the Battery Level and instead bump the temperature up a little if your not getting the vapor you desire.
-Vapor Quality / Production
Dry Herb
As I have mentioned, the vapor quality and production can vary greatly depending on your specific material, the techniques you use to load each Crucible and how you draw on the MV-1. Some material produces huge clouds easily, while others may not and require a different temp, less material, different grind or different draw technique etc., so sometimes you need to play around to get the vapor flowing. You will quickly realize what works best for you and your material, if you are willing to work at it a little. With that said, the MV-1 quite possibly produces the best tasting, smoothest and most potent vapor, draw for draw than any other portable vaporizer I have tried, including the famous Mighty. Vapes at or near this level in taste and vapor quality include: Arizer ArGo, Firewood 4, Grasshopper, Tera, DaVinci IQ. Mighty/ Crafty, Plenty, Elevape (sometimes) and MiniVap. I’m sure there are others but these are the vapes I have experience using and have exceptional taste and vapor. I am always amazed when I blow out a huge cloud from this device because you barley know your getting a hit, it’s that smooth and cool, even at higher temps or long rips and with Concentrates and Extracts too. You’ll definitely feel a kick in your lungs from the potency, not from harshness and the exhale is just as smooth and comfortable. If you have tried other vaporizers before that were harsh and made you cough, you should try the MV-1 because it’s truly a different experience. I have used plenty of vapes and most in fact, can produce vapor that is hot and uncomfortable, especially near the end of the session, when the Material is more spent and the heat has built up, so the vapor is naturally less smooth and flavorful but the MV-1 seems smooth and flavorful from start to finish, no matter the temp.
The Crucible Door open
The vapor is always pure and I never taste or smell anything but my material. Food grade silicone seals the top and bottom of the Crucible and the hot air / vapor does pass through this silicone, indirectly, so you never taste any silicone. I’ve tired plenty of vapes that tasted and smelled so bad, like silicone, plastic and electronics, that it wasn’t worth using and completely ruined the flavor of the material being vaped. This is not the case with the Ghost MV-1 and it draws in fresh air from the outside, sealed off from electronics and contains food and medical grade components, that seem odor free and the silicone parts are mostly out of direct heat anyways. Some people may be more sensitive to silicone and could possibly taste it but it appears to be high quality and I cannot taste it.
To produce smooth and flavorful vapor, not only do you need a good pure Heat Exchanger like the MV-1’s Coils but you also need a good way to cool the vapor and the MV-1’s Heat Sink does just that. Similar to why the Mighty and Crafty are so enjoyable, is in part, thanks to their Cooling Tops that make the vapor cool enough to fully enjoy all the flavors your material offers and the MV1’s Heat Sink works the same but the flavor tastes better and for longer than the Mighty and Crafty. Heat is not always on with the MV-1, cooking the material and the pure Convection Heat does a better job pulling those flavors out in all their glory.
Even though I believe the MV1 has better vapor and better flavor than the Mighty, it can be harder to achieve the same amount of vapor as the Mighty. The Mighty can produce more vapor than the MV-1 but I believe the MV-1 delivers more potent hits, draw for draw and actually requires less to achieve the same effect and its easier to achieve your desired level without going overboard. They are totally different beasts and if you have to choose one or the other, get the Mighty if you want easy, thick, full, dense clouds with short draws, less effort and get the MV-1 if you prefer a longer draw, more flavor for longer, smooth, cool but potent hits that pack a punch.
Although I definitely notice that higher temps provide more vapor and quicker extractions, sometimes I have a hard time getting my ABV ( Already Been Vaped ) super dark, like I would in some other vapes on a similar temperature. I can set the Mighty to say 380F and get really dark ABV, always. The Mighty is very good at getting consistent and exact temperatures, so you always get great results. The MV-1 doesn’t have any Conduction Heat and a Heat Exchanger that is always on, controlling the heat precisely, so its a bit more of a wild card in terms of temperature, extraction and vapor production. There are many factors that influence the temperature that your drawing through the Crucible, which creates mixed results but overall, the MV-1 delivers consistent results and the temperatures themselves feel fairly true. Occasionally, I nearly combust my material at times, usually if I have a full Battery, some super dry material, took too long or fast of a draw and or packed the Crucible unevenly, creating a hot spot. I can taste or sense when I am approaching this near combustion zone and I release the heat and continue to draw and draw slower to cool it down faster. This is part of the learning experience with the MV-1 because there are so many variables that go into vapor production and sometimes practice makes perfect. I was able to get great vapor on my very first draw ever on the MV-1 and with time and use, its gotten even better.
ABV is typically evenly heated and extracted, around 80% without stirring. Usually, there may be some fresh Material on the top or the edges of the Crucible but if you take care to properly dry, grind and pack your Material, you wont likely need to stir. You may also notice some pieces of material may be more fully vaped than others and this is dependent on the path the hot air travels through your material and the inconsistent sizes of the pieces of material, so smaller pieces are going to vape much faster than larger pieces. Its very important to not only grind your material to the proper coarseness but to also keep it evenly ground throughout. I would like to have a Crucible that I can flip over, so you can vape normally, get a lot of vapor from the bottom up and then flip the Crucible to fully vape the top of the material.
Concentrates
I am not usually a fan of using Concentrates and Mesh Pads with these portable vaporizers because the results aren’t as good as the results when vaping Dry Material or it’s the other way around and you get better vapor from Concentrates than Dry Material. I think vapes should be designed for one form of Material or the other, focus on that and make it the best. The MV-1 uses one of these Mesh Pads, although this one is slightly harder and more compressed than other Mesh Pads that are more flexible, softer and can pull apart. Vaping Concentrates with a full Convection vape like this, its usually not possible because they often require higher temps and / or a boost from Conduction heat, which the MV-1 does not have. I was pleasantly surprised with the results from vaping Concentrates with the MV-1 but this device really shines with Dry Material.
The Crucible with Mesh Pad and Extract. Start with a grain of rice amount.
To use Concentrates with the MV-1, you need to place your Mesh pad in a Crucible and apply a tiny amount of Concentrate on the top pad. Start with a grain of rice and set the MV-1 to Level 6 or Concentrate Mode. You don’t want to add too much and risk it melting through the Pad and into the Heater, so less is more with Concentrates. This mode should only be used with Concentrates and the other 5 settings should only be used with Dry Material because not only are they different temperatures, but they also heat differently, using a specific heating algorithms depending on your temperature selection.
When you use the MV-1 in Concentrate Mode, it vibrates immediately and you begin to draw immediately. The first draw melts the Concentrate into the pad and warms everything up. You will not get vapor from the first draw and maybe the second but usually by the third. From then on, take long, steady and fast draws and I recommend drawing longer and maybe faster too, than you normally do when using Dry Materials. I do not use Concentrates much and when I do, I typically use Vape Pens mostly, but I was pleasantly surprised how good the vapor was with the MV-1 and the flavor is incredible. A little goes a long way and you can really get a ton of draws off of a tiny amount of Concentrate. The device does warm up quicker in this Mode, so I recommend holding the vape with all of your fingers below the metal Crucible Door and that usually helps keep the rest of the device cooler, longer because your hand isn’t transferring the heat from the door to the rest of the vape as quickly, it really makes a difference.
-Cleaning / Maintenance
Cleaning and maintenance of the MV-1 is pretty minimal but there are a few parts the regularly need a good cleaning. I typically clean my Heat Sink assembly every 10 or so charges or whenever I sense decreased draw resistance or the Heat Sink holes look super dirty. If you are careful and keep your MV-1 clean, it will reduce the necessity to deep clean and it will preserve the flavor and performance of your vape. I use screens in my Crucibles to avoid debris from falling into my heater and I brush my Lids and Crucibles out right after a session, while they are still warm for easier cleaning. Also having a removable Chamber like the Crucible, helps keep the vape cleaner for longer. You basically only need to clean the Heat Sink and the Crucibles and also wipe down the silicone Seals every so often. I really wish Ghost had allowed for users to take these two silicone Seals out for easier cleaning and replacement because they could become damaged over time and / or lose their tight seal.
I recommend cleaning the device after a session or when its still warm and the oils / residue are soft and easier to remove, otherwise it can be a really sticky mess, especially inside the Heat Sink and around the ceramic Sleeve inside.
The Heat Sink is made out of cast metal and chrome plated or something, same as the Crucible Door and they both feel a bit cheap. I would have liked to see some machined parts instead but that may not even be possible for the Heat Sink and it may not make any difference anyways. The entire Heat Sink and Crucible / Lid can be soaked in Alcohol, which makes cleaning a breeze. Do not soak the rubber Gasket and plastic cap of the Heat Sink because they do not get dirty and the Alcohol can damage these parts. The important thing is to keep good air flow, so be aware of the air path and holes throughout the Heat Sink and make sure they are all clear. Brushing with alcohol and rinsing with how water is all that’s needed. I let my parts air dry to avoid lint or I use a lint free cloth.
When your reassembling the Heat Sink, its important to make sure everything is clean, dry and lined up. Don’t force anything and parts should go back together smoothly. Everything can only be put in one direction, so you can’t really screw anything up, too bad… Once you have fully assembled your cleaned Heat Sink, use the palm of your hand to cup the bottom of the Heat Sink, where the holes are and create a seal. Try to take a draw with your hand covering these holes and if you can still draw air, then re-position your hand, draw again and if you can still draw air, there is most likely an air leak inside the Heat Sink and you need to take it apart and re-assemble. Its very important to make sure the Heat Sink is working properly or you will not be able to draw the hot air efficiently through the Crucible.
When placing the Heat Sink back into the MV-1, keep an eye on the silicone top Seal as I re-insert the Heat Sink slowly because you could possibly push it out of place if its not lined up and I recommend having the Crucible Door shut when re-inserting the Heat Sink into the body, to make it easier and also keep the Seal seated.
The Crucibles occasionally need to be soaked in Alcohol but as long as the Crucible rim is clean, the holes are open and the Lid holes / rim are clear, they are good to go. They do stain with use but soaking them can bring them back to almost new again and again. You can also chip and break Crucibles if your not careful but I have yet to break any but I have noticed a few chips missing, probably from cleaning and tapping on them.
Tips and Tricks for Best Performance
Once you use your MV-1 for a while, you will notice what techniques work better for a specific herb. A moister, fluffier herb may require a finer grind, less material in the Crucible and a longer, faster draw to get the same visible vapor as a drier herb that is dense, so you can add more to the Crucible, draw slower and for less time to achieve good vapor. Above all else, remember to pack the Crucible loose but to the top and I shouldn’t even say pack because you don’t want to apply hardly any pressure to your material, you just want it filled loosely and completely. Experimenting is necessary to find out what works best for you, your material and your preference, because there are a lot of variables that affect vapor quality / production with the MV-1 and every Vaporizer but more so with Convection Vaporizers.
Here are some tips and tricks that will get you on the right road to Vapor Villa:
Properly filled Crucible: to the rim but not over.
Lid should not apply pressure to material
- Select material: The drier the better and the higher the quality, the better. Herb that is slightly moister will vape but your more likely to get less quality vapor and less extraction, because if the added water content that must also be vaporized for the active ingredients to vaporize themselves. If my grinded material is not totally dry, I’ll let it sit on a piece of clean paper for a few minutes and that will help pull out excess moister and help speed the drying process. If your herbs are HIGH quality, they will have higher active ingredient content, so this greater concentration of Oils, Terpenes, etc. will make it easier to pull that vapor out.
- Grind material: I’ve found that its just as important to have an even grind as it is to have the right grind size or coarseness. I recommend something in the middle, not too fine that it will fall through the Crucible Holes but not too big either. Surface area is key with Convection and the more the better and make sure your grind is even with no bigger chunks. Again, specific material may vaporize better if its ground finer or left more coarse.
- Load Crucible: This is very important and please see my photos for visual aid. LOOSLY load the Crucible and I like to tap it, bounce it a little on my table to make sure herb settles and fill all the voids, nooks and crannies so you’ll have better air-flow through your material. Fill it to the top but don’t overfill. The Lid should hold the herb just enough not to put pressure on it but not so loose that it moves around, although it will vape less than full Crucibles.
Too much material and air flow will be impacted. You are more likely to get “Hot Spots”
- Extend the Mouthpiece: This is another important step to ensure the best experience. The further you extend the mouthpiece, the less restricted the draw and the more vapor you will get. I extend it fully, until the little “notches” on the glass Mouthpiece are lined up with the Gasket. If you like a tighter draw or want less vapor, try pushing the Mouthpiece in a bit. It is also very important to make sure the Heat Sink’s top is level with the body of the MV1 to make sure there is a proper seal and that the air is pulled through your material. If your performance is lacking, you may have an air leak somewhere and if the Heat Sink is positioned correctly, then the air leak is probably coming from the Heat Sink assembly itself or the Crucible Door. Check the Door and make sure its completely shut. Next take out the Heat Sink and cover the holes at the bottom with the palm of your hand and try to draw. If you can still inhale or draw, then there is an air leak, so take the Heat Sink apart and re-assemble and repeat the test.
- Load Crucible into MV1 and Select temp: Carefully load your Crucible into the Door of the MV-1 and make sure the Lid is positioned correctly and close the Door. Its very important to make sure the Lid is seated properly and the holes in the Lid and Crucible are free and clear. Select your temperature and I recommend starting Low and bumping it up if you desire. Lower temps bring out all the flavor and higher temps bring out the potency.
- Take a draw: Hold the Vape Button until you feel the second and longer vibration, signaling its time to draw. Start slow but draw steadily and draw for 5-15 seconds. I usually do a quick count in my head, as I’m drawing, till 7-10 and then I let go of the Vape Button and continue to draw for a few more seconds. If your not getting enough visible vapor or taste, draw faster and longer. If your getting to much vapor, draw slower and shorter or try disengaging the Heater sooner and continue to draw after the Heat has stopped. Your draw has a huge influence on vapor production and quality with the MV-1, much more so than most other vapes.
- Draw some more: I usually take 7-10 draws to finish a Crucible on levels 1-2, less on 3-4 but it depends on the material, draw style and temperature. You may find that a quick stir of your material a few draws in is beneficial but I usually don’t.
- Experiment: This vape is kind of fussy when it comes to following the “rules” but you can still get vapor if you just throw something in the Crucible. If your like me and like to experiment, you will quickly find what works and what doesn’t. Uneven heat? Make sure that Crucible is properly loaded. No vapor at all? Make sure your Heat sink is fully seated in the silicone and the top is also level with the Body of the MV-1 and make sure your Mouthpiece is properly in place, with no air leaks.
Pros
- Great flavor and vapor quality. Flavor seems to last longer
- Smooth, cool, comfortable and potent vapor
- Powerful Dual Coil Heater: Full Convection Heat
- On-Demand Heat: Nearly instant heat and vapor production. Instant satisfaction
- Minimal draw resistance
- Ability to use small amounts of material
- Great build quality and materials. Design feels very solid
- Durable metal Body
- Innovative and unique design
- Dual Use
- Removable Battery Pack
- Long lasting Battery life
- Removable chamber
- It vibrates
- Ergonomic and comfortable design
- Phone App with great features
Cons
- Somewhat of a learning curve for best vapor quality and production
- Proper grinding, packing, and drawing are required for best performance
- Vapor production can be inconstant
- Larger and Heavier than most portables
- Requires phone App for 2 custom Settings
- Limited temperature selection without the App
- Somewhat small Chamber
- Lack of digital screen
- Battery indicator could be more accurate
- Possible to near/combust material with improper techniques
- Sometimes stirring material is helpful
- Crucible Lids do not lock
- Audible electric humming noise
- Not the best vape for a group
Conclusion
The on-demand, full Convection Heat, combined with a removable Chamber, removable Battery Pack, full temperature control, dual use capabilities and outstanding vapor quality make the MV-1 my new favorite portable vaporizer! As you have read, there is a lot to this vaporizer and a lot of thought went into the design of this vape and I believe it is one of the most innovative and effective portable vaporizers out today.
Flavor and vapor quality really stand out with the MV-1 and its often the vape I grab when I want the absolute best and fullest flavor from my Material and it provides the most potent hits, draw for draw. The vapor quality is incredible and comfortable! The MV-1 produces some of the smoothest vapor I have ever experienced out of a portable vaporizer and its almost like hitting a Balloon because the vapor is so cool. You can easily blow huge clouds with this vape but it does require a little practice to get it just right.
This is the vape for the real “canna-issuer,” the flavor snob, the vape geek and medical user. It brings out all the flavor and active ingredients your material has to offer and the potency speaks for itself. You can easily achieve your desired effect with the on-demand heat and you can take a draw, put it down for a while and pick the device back up and continue from where you left off, so its perfect for medical users. The MV-1 is comfortable to hold in either hand and there is almost no draw resistance! Even though I truly love to load and use the MV-1, it does require some practice and understanding to get the absolute best results and for this reason, I don’t know if I can recommend this vaporizer to everyone. Even though the MV-1 may not be my first choice vape for beginners, it is my first choice for the vape enthusiast, those who demand the best vapor quality and taste and the MV-1 delivers that. I own and have used A LOT of different vaporizers over the years and the MV-1 is special, it’s the vape I’ve been looking for. Thank you very much for reading and I hope you found it helpful and informative. Keep Vaping!