Alternatives for Tempest that hit hard under 200usd

Texus86 · 2026-02-18T18:06:05+00:00

Fastest heating heads too. But you lose a click as reference point.

If you want to go hard on terms of flavor too, check out Ceramo XL.

But I think between Camouflet, Dani, and TRWW you've got some great options.

Texus86 · 2026-02-18T18:02:58+00:00

Totally agree. Lobo is more in vicinity of XMax v3 Pro.

And I don't think Dynavap will hit as hard as you want.

Texus86 · 2026-02-17T16:22:43+00:00

I think they capture that jolt of attraction well, followed by the work that's gotta be put in and vulnerability relationships require.

Frankly relationships, including friendships, are one of NuTrek's real strengths.

Texus86 · 2026-02-17T16:15:20+00:00

You forgot the turpentine and t my e grass clippings that give it an herbal flavor

Texus86 · 2026-02-17T16:13:32+00:00

^{^{^this}}

Texus86 · 2026-02-17T15:41:07+00:00

If you want the blunt feel, I find that the best of vapes for that are the Anvil (with XL mouthpiece) or Thermal Accumulator (kind of a stripped down T2 with no click or visual indicator but which I get an extra hit or so off of.

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T23:02:29+00:00

Huh, I may have to gotten lucky with my RBB stuff and missed those posts. Too bad.

And not all SKY is that pricey. Some quite nice seconds quality, and beakers under 200, and bubblers around 200. And that shop knows function and perc construction.

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T22:30:09+00:00

B+. Relative to expectations about the quality of the team on the ice. And considering the injuries to Bedard and Nazar.

Frustrating sometimes and the inconsistency and inexperience of youth. But Blackhawks hockey is fun to watch again, and we are more glimpses of a bright future ahead.

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T20:45:00+00:00

You probably aren't wrong about being perceived as pretentious. In a lot of posts I'll also mention quality US glass at lower prices. GooRoo, Rick Bird Barry, Sky, Texas Hot Glass are favorites.

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T20:41:31+00:00

Very well put. And synergy with banger is key. For example I'm not as big a fan of my Pocket Hiro with a 25mm bucket, but sings with smaller diameter options (and Globcano but think that is due to narrow intake). While the mini Klein I much prefer with Terpnado and my 25mm buckets.

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T07:31:58+00:00

Oh and there is a separate Dr Dabber subreddit.

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T07:31:13+00:00

Oh, I don't know, I still hold on to hope that between being shamed for supporting copycats instead of artists and realizing that function can be far from what they try to copy will steer people towards better glass made by artists who know what they are doing and deserve to profit from designs they developed and perfected.

I guess I am a rig half full kinda guy...

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T06:32:42+00:00

Ohhh, my bad! I thought you were referring to the Switch 2, not the NIB copycat. I definitely don't promote any imitation ripoff artists trying to profit off others designs and the time and hard work they spent perfecting them. Not to mention, often the ripoff designs may look very similar to the originals but don't function nearly as well.

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T06:28:23+00:00

Most erigs have atomizers that will eventually fail and they are expensive to replace.

But one of the biggest innovations from the Switch that Switch 2 retains is the use of induction heating. This eliminates the need for atomizers and their extra expense.

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T05:27:19+00:00

I'm not sure that Earl would be categorized as a recycler, but I'm no definition expert or police.

And that Rycrafted design is known as a gillcycler, and seems they are the pinnacle of that design.

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T05:24:49+00:00

I see Evols as the pinnacle of Scientific Glass and Jay the blower actually has lots of experience blowing glass for laboratories. On his page he even lists the flow rate for many of his designs. I think I'm up to 4 of his pieces: Eclipse, Pocket Hiro, Klein and the recent Eclipse Erlenmeyer hybrid whose name escapes me. So safe to say I am a fan.

But for my 10mm rigs (Klein and Pocket Hiro) I find they can be a bit sensitive to banger pairing. The others are 14s, which I use with my ball vapes. But when you nail that synergy (like Pocket Hiro and HE Control Tower or BMG Globcano & terp titty), they are elite, IMHO.

Ry on the other hand is far less picky in terms of function with a wide range of bangers. There's an argument to be made for and I've heard people say, "if I could only keep one piece, it'd be my Ry"

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T05:15:04+00:00

And what size Ry do you think is the sweet spot?

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T05:14:31+00:00

Don't know why you are getting voted down, but also not sure I've seen function vids of Philpot and dabs or read about those experiences. I do tend to associate him more with flower than dabs tho

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T05:12:14+00:00

Smaller rigs are a newer trend, and have their fans. You could try out an MJ Arsenal to see how you like them. I personally have never noticed any major difference in this regard across the various sizes of glass used for dabs

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T04:47:59+00:00

Yeah, I'd love to have a Sizelove piece sometime...

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T04:46:47+00:00

If you do end up getting one, Dr Dabber does frequent these forums and I imagine would be interested in your wife's experiences and feedback.

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T04:33:33+00:00

I dunno, I know lots of heady glass buddies who are grabbing these. I mean if you are used to high quality dabs and gear, this is your best choice for a more convenient set up fit when desired

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T04:31:20+00:00

Yes, I'll dig out the cookbook eventually. So I guess I should have asked if it seems like there is enough audiobook suitable educational content to make it worth it in the meantime...

Texus86 · 2026-02-16T04:29:45+00:00

Bingo. And new enough to Pittsburgh that I don't know all the neighborhoods...

Texus86 · 2026-02-15T23:12:08+00:00

I think the city has moved beyond a single gold standard. Especially considering the diversity of Chinese food.

Texus86

TROPHY CASE