Overview
The Firewood 5 (commonly abbreviated as FW5) is a portable, on-demand convection dry herb vaporizer designed and manufactured by Marc Simmons under the Firewood brand. Released circa 2018, the Firewood 5 represents the fifth iteration of a line of artisan vaporizers known for their compact wooden enclosures, innovative multi-bowl carousel design, and convection heating. The device is powered by a single user-replaceable 18650 battery and was widely regarded within the vaporizer community as one of the most pocketable and capable on-demand convection portables available during its production run.
The Firewood line has been characterized by small-batch, handcrafted production, with the designer described by one community member as "a talented and detail-obsessed designer." The FW5 was offered in several wood species, including walnut and cherry, and shipped with a complement of accessories including extra stems and a full maintenance kit.
Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
| Heating Method | On-demand convection |
| Power Source | Single removable 18650 battery |
| Bowl System | Sliding magazine with 5 pre-loadable ceramic bowls |
| Body Material | Wood (walnut, cherry, and other species) |
| Mouthpiece | Glass tube (friction fit) |
| Temperature Control | Adjustable (specific settings managed via onboard controls) |
| App Control | None — no companion app required |
| Approximate Price (new) | Under $200 USD |
| Accessories Included | Extra glass stems, maintenance kit, pick tool |
Note: The Firewood 5 did not rely on app-based controls, which was considered a positive by some community members who valued simplicity, and a drawback by those who preferred the granular control offered by app-enabled devices.
Community Reception
The Firewood 5 was highly regarded within the vaporizer community, earning a loyal following and considerable praise for its combination of portability, vapor quality, and thoughtful design.
Pros frequently cited by community members:
- Exceptional portability: The FW5 was consistently described as one of the most pocketable convection vaporizers available. One long-term user noted it had been their daily driver carried in a pocket for over a year and a half. Another member called it "about the most portable vape I have ever tried."
- Five pre-loadable bowls: The rotating carousel system allowed users to load up to five bowls in advance, making it highly convenient for outings and extended sessions without needing to reload.
- Removable 18650 battery: The use of standard 18650 cells meant inexpensive, widely available replacement batteries and virtually unlimited battery life with spares.
- On-demand heating: The convection heating design allowed users to take a draw and set the device down without continuing to cook the herb, making it ideal for "sip and set down" usage patterns.
- Minimal cleaning requirements: Community members noted the FW5 required less frequent and less intensive cleaning compared to competing devices.
- Light weight: The device was praised for being significantly lighter than many competitors.
- No app required: The lack of a companion app was seen as a simplification that many users appreciated.
- Superior vapor quality: One experienced community member described the FW5 as "a vastly superior vape" compared to the Fury 2, and another noted the vapor quality was "basically same" as the Ghost MV1.
Cons and criticisms:
- Learning curve: The FW5 was widely acknowledged to require patience and practice to master. One community member emphasized that it "requires patience to learn how to use."
- Fragile components: The ceramic clip/tray and glass mouthpiece were identified as weak points. Multiple resale listings mentioned broken ceramic trays or cracked original mouthpieces, with one seller noting "the ceramic tray broke in half."
- Battery door retention: Over time, the click mechanism on the battery door could wear out, potentially allowing the door to open. Community members suggested using a hair tie or wristband as a simple workaround for travel.
- Bowl carousel protrusion: One community member noted that having part of the vape protruding (when a spent bowl needed to be emptied) detracted from the aesthetics and was not ideal for on-the-go use, as you needed to empty a cashed bowl promptly.
- Draw technique dependency: The device was described as being better suited for "sippers" than aggressive inhalers, suggesting users who prefer large, forceful draws might not find it ideal.
The FW5 was described by one seller as "the myth, the legend, the multi-session madness," reflecting the esteem in which the community held it. Used units consistently commanded strong resale prices, typically selling between $100 and $180 depending on condition and included accessories — a testament to the device's reputation and the relatively limited production numbers.
Tips & Techniques
Community wisdom on getting the best results from the Firewood 5 centered on several key practices:
- Be patient during the learning period: The FW5 was not considered a "pick up and go" device for beginners. Experienced users strongly recommended spending time learning the draw speed and button timing before forming opinions about the device's capabilities.
- Sipping draw technique: The community consensus was that the FW5 performed best with slow, steady sipping draws rather than hard, fast pulls. One community member specifically noted the Firewood was "better for sippers," distinguishing it from vaporizers designed for more aggressive draw techniques.
- Pre-load bowls for convenience: Taking advantage of all five carousel positions by pre-loading before outings was widely recommended as one of the FW5's greatest practical strengths.
- Pair with a backup vaporizer: One experienced community member recommended pairing the FW5 with a quick-heating butane vaporizer (such as a DynaVap VapCap) as a complementary backup, suggesting this was an ideal combination for daily use.
- Replace the glass mouthpiece with thicker lab glass: At least one long-term daily user replaced the original mouthpiece with a "thicker & longer lab glass tube," noting it provided a perfect friction fit and was preferred over the stock piece (which was prone to breakage).
Temperature Guide
Specific temperature settings and community-agreed sweet spots for the Firewood 5 were not extensively documented in the available community discussions. The device features adjustable temperature control via its onboard interface. General convection vaporizer temperature guidance applies:
| Effect | Temperature Range |
| Flavor-focused / light vapor | 170–185°C (338–365°F) |
| Balanced flavor and extraction | 185–200°C (365–392°F) |
| Maximum extraction / thick vapor | 200–220°C (392–428°F) |
Community members are encouraged to experiment within these ranges, particularly given the FW5's on-demand nature, which allows progressive temperature stepping across multiple sessions from a single bowl.
Maintenance & Cleaning
The Firewood 5 was noted for requiring relatively low maintenance compared to many portable vaporizers:
- Cleaning frequency: Community members reported that the FW5 needed "less cleaning less often" than comparable devices such as the Ghost MV1.
- Included maintenance kit: The device shipped with a full maintenance kit, indicating the manufacturer anticipated routine upkeep.
- Glass stems: The glass mouthpiece tubes can be soaked in isopropyl alcohol for cleaning and are easily replaced if broken.
- Ceramic bowl tray: Care should be taken when handling the ceramic carousel tray, as it is fragile and prone to cracking or breaking.
- Vapor path: The all-glass and ceramic vapor path means minimal residue buildup compared to devices with more complex cooling systems, though periodic cleaning of the glass stem with isopropyl alcohol is recommended to maintain flavor quality.
Common Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Details & Fix |
| Broken ceramic tray | The ceramic bowl carousel was the most commonly reported point of failure. At least one seller listed a unit with the "ceramic tray broke in half." Handle with care; replacements were available from the manufacturer. |
| Broken glass mouthpiece | The stock glass tube was relatively fragile and could break with daily pocket carry. Users found that standard lab glass tubing of the correct diameter served as a durable and inexpensive replacement, with a friction fit that worked well. |
| Battery door losing its click | With extended use, the battery door's retention mechanism could wear, causing it to lose its secure "click." A simple fix recommended by the community was wrapping a hair tie or small wristband around the device during transport. The issue was noted as cosmetic/functional rather than a fundamental failure, and users reported the door still held adequately under normal use. |
| Learning curve / weak vapor | New users sometimes struggled to produce satisfying vapor. The solution was to practice slow, steady sipping draws and allow adequate heat-up time before inhaling. Patience during the break-in period was consistently emphasized. |
Accessories & Modifications
- Replacement glass mouthpieces: The stock glass tube could be replaced with aftermarket lab glass tubing of appropriate diameter. Thicker and/or longer tubes were preferred by some users for durability and cooling.
- 18650 batteries: High-drain 18650 cells from reputable manufacturers (Samsung, Sony/Murata, LG) were recommended. Carrying spare batteries effectively gave the device unlimited field use.
- External 18650 charger: While the device may have supported some form of charging, the removable battery design meant most users relied on dedicated external chargers.
- Hair tie / wristband: A simple but effective accessory for securing the battery door on units where the click mechanism had worn.
- DynaVap VapCap (companion device): Though not an accessory per se, the community specifically recommended pairing the FW5 with a butane vaporizer as a complementary backup.
Comparisons
The Firewood 5 was frequently compared to other portable on-demand and session vaporizers of its era:
Firewood 5 vs. Fury 2
One experienced community member described the FW5 as "a vastly superior vape compared to the Fury" and noted the Firewood was "considerably faster" in heating. The Fury 2 was positioned as more of a "backup or tide you over vape," while the FW5 was seen as a long-term daily driver. The Fury 2 was generally considered easier to use out of the box but lacked the FW5's removable battery, multi-bowl system, and on-demand heating character. Both were acknowledged as on-demand-capable, but the FW5 was considered the more capable and longer-lasting investment.
Firewood 5 vs. Ghost MV1
Community members who had used both generally preferred the FW5 for its lighter weight, simpler operation (no app), standard 18650 batteries (versus the MV1's proprietary battery with slow USB charging), lower maintenance, and superior portability. The MV1 was praised for its cooling unit and was considered "better for huffers" — users who prefer large, aggressive draws — while the FW5 was "better for sippers." Vapor quality was considered comparable between the two. The MV1's high-pitched sound during operation was noted as an annoyance by some. The FW5's lower price point and five pre-loadable bowls gave it practical advantages for portable use.
Firewood 5 vs. Milaana
Both devices were recognized as on-demand convection portables, but the Milaana was considered bulkier, more expensive, and less discreet. The FW5 was favored by users who prioritized pocketability and stealth, while the Milaana was appreciated for its raw on-demand power.
Firewood 5 vs. Arizer Air
At least one user was transitioning from an Arizer Air and noted that the Air's session-style conduction/hybrid heating resulted in poor taste and smell when trying to pause and resume sessions — a use case where the FW5's on-demand convection design excelled.
The Firewood 5 was succeeded by the Firewood 6 and later the Firewood 7, both of which aimed to retain the FW5's compact, pocketable form factor while addressing its known weaknesses. Community enthusiasm for the Firewood line remained strong throughout, with members eagerly joining wait-lists for subsequent models.