7th Floor Elev8R

The Elev8R by 7th Floor uses ruby balls in a glass tube as a heat store. A butane torch heats the balls to operating temperature — this takes about 30-45 seconds. When you then draw through the device, air flows through the hot balls and is brought up to vaporization temperature. The thermal mass of the balls keeps the temperature constant over several draws. Compared with electronic ball vapes such as the Qaroma, there is no controller heat-up time, but you do need a good torch.

The glass tube of the Elev8R is made from borosilicate — the same material as laboratory equipment. It withstands thermal shocks that would immediately shatter normal glass. The balls sit loosely in the tube and can simply be tipped out for cleaning. An 18mm bong or a dry glass piece serves as the base — the Elev8R works with any 18mm joint. With no moving parts or electronics, there is practically nothing that can break.

The Elev8R and the Qaroma both use ruby balls, but with different heat sources. The Elev8R relies on a torch — ready for use immediately, with no heat-up time for a controller. The Qaroma heats electrically via PID — more precise and more reproducible, but it needs 3-5 minutes of lead time. In terms of flavour, both are on a par. In terms of price, the Elev8R is significantly cheaper, as no PID controller is needed.

Anyone using the Elev8R for the first time should start with a short heating cycle — 20 seconds of torch time instead of 30-45 seconds. Too hot and the material chars, too cold and it will not produce vapour. The number of balls also affects the temperature: fewer balls mean less heat storage and faster cooling between draws.

• 7th Floor