The Omicron is a pen-style portable vaporizer that works on cartridges which can be filled with various types of concentrates (think hash oil, BHO, budder etc). The Omicron allows the user to instantly vaporize, meaning there is virtually no heat-up time.
We’d heard many good things about this device, and we first got to try it at the 2012 High Times Cannabis Cup in Amsterdam. We then got in touch with the folks at THC Scientific, and they were kind enough to hook us up with a Starter Kit of the Omicron to review.
Please note that we used version 1.1 of the Omicron for this review, which is currently no longer available as has been replaced by the V2. This is an improved version that comes with 2 replaceable batteries (version 1.1 has a built-in battery) that will also last about 10% longer than the battery in V1.1. The good news for V1.1 owners is that a separate herb chamber is in the works and will become available over time.
Aesthetics
The packaging of the Omicron looks clean and professional. We received the double unit kit, which contains two Omicrons (which essentially consists of the battery, use button and cover). The cartridges are packed in a separate box, with each cartridge having its own mouthpiece and a nifty little cap to seal the cartridge when it is not in use.
The Omicron itself looks nice and sleek. Without the mouthpiece, it is about the size of a regular pen, making it very easy to carry in your (inside) pocket. A rugged carrying case is included, which also provides room for several additional cartridges and other accessories.
Also included is a charger, where the user can choose to charge the battery via AC or by USB. Unfortunately, this USB charger won’t be included in the V2 release.
Ease of use
The Omicron can be used with severl types of extracts, provided the extract melts when heated. In our test we used BHO (Butane Hash Oil). It is also important that the concentrate does not contain any plant matter, as this can cause the cartridge to clog.
Filling a cartridge requires some effort, but the provided filling tool worked really well for us. What we did was place the filling tool on the tip of the cartridge (standing up). We then gently poured the heated hash oil into the ‘funnel’. By heating the side of the filling tool the oil becomes more liquid and will run down into the cartridge.
Each cartridge holds about a gram of oil, enough for hundreds of hits. Some users claim to have gotten more than 500 hits out of a single cartridge!
After charging the battery, which takes about 3,5 hours, the prefilled cartridge can easily be attached to the unit by screwing it on. After placing the cover over the cartridge and inserting the mouthpiece, we are ready to go.
All it takes to vaporize is to press the button on the side for 3 to 5 seconds, while at the same time gently inhaling from the silicon mouthpiece. Within seconds, nice white clouds of vapour can be observed. Quite amazing and convenient!
The cartridges come with a little whip cap that can be attached when you are not using the vaporizer. It is recommended to store the Omicron with a filled cartridge in an upright position, to prevent leaking of the cartridge. Additionally, one can choose to unload the cartridge and seal it with the white cap that comes with it.
Vapor & Taste
The taste of the vapour is good, but nothing spectacular. However, I must stress that this may have to do with the fact that I’ve never been a great fan of BHO – regarding the taste that is. As with all types of oils and extracts, I’m sure the taste can vary quite a bit. I did notice a very slight taste of metal/silicon, but this seems to fade when taking slightly larger hits. The clouds produced by the Omicron are impressive and will get you ripped in no time. The temperature of the vapor is just fine, it doesn’t get too hot at all, even after up to 5 seconds of continually – yet slowly- inhaling.
Efficiency
The Omicron is hard to beat when it comes to efficiency. One or two hits of the Omicron will produce an effect that would otherwise require several hits with other portables (when vaporizing herbs instead of extracts).
Durability
While all parts are constructed in China, the quality of the Omicron seems to be good. It feels quite sturdy and does not contain any loose or fragile parts. We’ve used our Omicron intensively for about a week, and did not encounter any issues whatsoever.
The battery lasted us about 80 hits, but this depends on the length of draws you take. Charging takes about 3,5 hours, and the Omicron cannot be used while charging.