Overview
The Persei is a portable concentrate vaporizer manufactured by Delta 9 Vapes (also known as W9Tech / Uptech). It was released in the early 2010s and gained a following within the vaporizer community as a modular, battery-powered concentrate device built around a pen-style form factor with interchangeable cartridges and attachments. The Persei is primarily a conduction-based vaporizer designed for use with oils, waxes, shatters, and other concentrates, though it could also handle dry herbs and e-liquids when paired with specific aftermarket or first-party attachments.
The device's distinguishing feature was its modular battery tube design, which accepted different battery configurations (single 18350 or 18650 cells), combined with a wide ecosystem of compatible cartridges and attachments produced by the same manufacturer. This modularity made the Persei a versatile platform rather than a single-purpose device, and it was frequently discussed in the community as the base unit for systems like the Hercules SR-74x, KISS carts, Hammer, and Bender attachments.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
| Type | Portable concentrate vaporizer |
| Manufacturer | Delta 9 Vapes / W9Tech / Uptech |
| Heating Method | Conduction (via interchangeable cartridges/atomizers) |
| Power Source | Removable rechargeable lithium-ion batteries |
| Battery Options | Dual 18350 (7.4V combined) or single 18650 (3.7V) configurations |
| Compatible Cartridges | 1.5 ohm carts, 5.0 ohm carts, Hercules SR-74x, Ti GR2 KISS carts, and others |
| Compatible Attachments | Hammer, Bender (for dry herb), Hercules (for concentrates with reclaim capability) |
| Primary Materials | Concentrates (oils, waxes, shatter, QWET, BHO); dry herbs and e-liquids with appropriate attachments |
| Body Finish Options | Chrome, matte |
| Included Accessories (typical) | Body tube, cartridges, batteries, charger, fill tool, adjustment tool, metal mouthpieces, funnel |
| Original Retail Price | Approximately $185–$220+ depending on configuration |
Note: The Persei's voltage output depended on the battery configuration used. The dual 18350 setup provided 7.4V, while a single-cell configuration provided 3.7V. Cartridge resistance (e.g., 1.5 ohm vs. 5.0 ohm) needed to be matched to the appropriate battery configuration for optimal performance.
Community Reception
The vaporizer community regarded the Persei as a capable and highly modular concentrate platform, though opinions were mixed regarding its suitability as a standalone device versus its role as a battery base for more advanced attachments.
Pros identified by the community:
- Modularity: The ability to swap between different cartridges and attachments (Hercules, KISS, Hammer, Bender) made the Persei a flexible investment. One community member noted it could handle concentrates, dry herbs, and e-liquids depending on the attachment purchased.
- Large concentrate capacity: When paired with the Hercules SR-74x atomizer, the system could reportedly hold up to half a gram of extract, making it practical for extended outings such as concerts without the need for constant refilling. This was cited by multiple users as a key selling point.
- Portability and discretion: The pen-style form factor was considered pocket-friendly and discreet enough for use in public settings.
- Reclaim capability: The Hercules attachment featured a reclaim reservoir in the lower chamber, which appealed to efficiency-conscious users.
Cons and concerns discussed:
- Cost: When factoring in the base unit plus necessary attachments for different materials, the total investment could exceed $200, pushing it beyond many users' budgets. The community widely agreed that the Persei alone, without attachments like the Bender or Hercules, was limited to concentrates only.
- Learning curve: Proper technique was required, particularly with the Hercules attachment, to prevent oil from leaking into the lower chamber. The need for "cooldown hits" was a recurring topic.
- Not ideal for dry herbs out of the box: Multiple community members emphasized that the base Persei unit could not vaporize dry herbs without purchasing additional attachments (Bender or Hercules). Users looking for a flower vaporizer were frequently redirected.
- Not the best for e-liquids either: Community members generally advised purchasing a separate, inexpensive e-liquid setup (such as an eGo battery with a clearomizer) rather than trying to use the Persei for dual duty, noting that dedicated e-liquid devices offered better performance at a fraction of the cost.
- Battery and quality control issues: Some users reported cosmetic defects (logo and power button misalignment on replacement tops) and battery discoloration, suggesting occasional quality control concerns.
The secondary market saw Persei units regularly changing hands, with used prices typically ranging from $90 to $150 depending on condition and included accessories.
Tips & Techniques
Concentrate Loading and Usage
- KISS carts for on-the-go loading: Community members who preferred loading small amounts as needed favored the Ti GR2 KISS cartridges, which were suited for a "load as you go" approach with smaller dabs of concentrate.
- Hercules for bulk loading: For users who wanted to load a larger quantity and vape throughout a session or outing without reloading, the Hercules SR-74x was the preferred cartridge. Its capacity to hold approximately half a gram of concentrate made it ideal for events and extended use away from home.
- Cooldown hits are essential with the Hercules: After taking a draw, users were advised to continue drawing on the device (without activating the heater) to cool the atomizer and prevent melted oil from running down into the lower reclaim chamber. Community members emphasized that neglecting cooldown hits was the primary cause of oil leakage, though one user noted it would not result in external leakage into a pocket—the oil would be contained within the lower chamber.
Using the Hammer Attachment for Dabbing
The Hammer attachment, when used with the Persei's heating rod, provided a unique approach to concentrate dabbing that reversed the typical dab workflow:
Cold-start method: Instead of heating a nail with a torch and then applying concentrate (the traditional dab method), the Hammer technique involved placing a small dab of concentrate onto a cold quartz nail, skillet, or vapor curve/swing, then applying heat from the Hammer rod directly to the dab.
Selective heating: One community member praised this method for its efficiency, noting that "instead of torching the whole ti pad, just the dab gets vaporized."
Use small dabs: Users were advised to keep dab sizes small when using the Hammer setup, as cleaning the rod was reportedly not easy.
Dedicate separate Hammer setups: Experienced users recommended having two Hammer setups—one dedicated to the Bender attachment (for dry herbs) and another dedicated to concentrate dabbing—to avoid cross-contamination and simplify maintenance.
Concentrate Types
The Persei was used successfully with a variety of concentrate types including:
- BHO (butane hash oil)
- Shatter
- Wax
- QWET (Quick Wash Ethanol) extracts
- QWISO (Quick Wash Isopropyl) extracts, including those made from high-grade kief
Temperature Guide
The Persei's temperature control was primarily governed by the combination of battery voltage and cartridge resistance rather than a direct temperature dial or digital readout. As such, the community did not establish precise temperature values in the way commonly seen with digitally-controlled vaporizers.
General guidelines discussed in the community:
- Lower power (3.7V / higher-resistance carts like 5.0 ohm): Suitable for more flavor-forward, lower-temperature draws. Recommended for users who preferred tasting terpene profiles.
- Higher power (7.4V / lower-resistance carts like 1.5 ohm): Produced more vapor and stronger effects but with a greater risk of overheating concentrates. Users needed to exercise more caution at this setting.
Because the Persei relied on an analog power system, the community widely recommended that new users start with lower power settings and shorter activation times, gradually increasing until finding their preferred balance of flavor and vapor production.
Maintenance & Cleaning
General Maintenance
- Cartridge cleaning: Cartridges required periodic cleaning to maintain performance and flavor. The specific cleaning method depended on the cartridge type in use.
- Hammer rod cleaning: The Hammer heating rod was noted as being difficult to clean, reinforcing the community recommendation to use small dabs and to dedicate separate Hammer setups for different materials.
- Battery care: Users were advised to inspect batteries regularly. Community reports of battery discoloration suggested that batteries should be replaced at the first sign of physical degradation.
- Hercules reclaim chamber: The lower chamber of the Hercules SR-74x collected oil that migrated downward during use. This reclaim could be periodically harvested, though proper cooldown technique minimized the amount of oil reaching this chamber.
Recommended Cleaning Agents
While specific cleaning agents were not extensively discussed in the available threads, isopropyl alcohol was the community standard for cleaning concentrate vaporizer components during the period the Persei was popular.
Common Issues & Fixes
| Issue | Cause | Solution |
| Oil leaking into Hercules lower chamber | Failure to perform cooldown hits after firing | Always perform cooldown hits (continue drawing without activating the heater) after each session to pull melted oil back onto the wick/heating element |
| Concentrate running down GonG stems | Low viscosity of concentrate or excessive heat when using log vapes as a complement | Use the Persei with appropriate cartridges designed to contain concentrates; consider the Hercules for its built-in reclaim system |
| Logo/button misalignment on replacement tops | Manufacturing/QC issue with replacement caps | Cosmetic only; did not affect function. Contact manufacturer for warranty replacement if needed |
| Battery discoloration | Possible overuse, age, or improper charging | Replace affected battery immediately as a safety precaution |
| Difficulty cleaning Hammer rod | Concentrate residue baked onto rod surface | Use small dab sizes to minimize buildup; dedicate separate Hammer setups for different materials |
Accessories & Modifications
The Persei's modular design was one of its greatest strengths, with a substantial ecosystem of compatible accessories:
Cartridges and Atomizers
- 1.5 ohm cartridges — Lower resistance, designed for use with the 7.4V dual-battery configuration
- 5.0 ohm cartridges — Higher resistance, compatible with single-cell configurations
- Hercules SR-74x — Premium concentrate atomizer with large capacity (~0.5g) and built-in reclaim reservoir in the lower chamber; the most discussed and recommended attachment for dedicated concentrate use
- Ti GR2 KISS carts — Titanium Grade 2 cartridges suited for load-as-you-go concentrate use with smaller quantities
Attachments
- Bender — Dry herb attachment that enabled the Persei to vaporize flowers. Required for any dry herb use.
- Hammer — Versatile heating attachment that could be used for both dry herbs (with the Bender) and for dabbing concentrates onto nails, skillets, or vapor curves/swings. Community members recommended pairing with a quartz nail and dome, or a vapor curve/swing setup.
Water Pipe Connectivity
The Hammer and Bender attachments could be used in conjunction with glass-on-glass (GonG) setups, allowing connection to water pipes for filtered vapor. Reclaimers were also discussed as desirable accessories for collecting concentrate residue during water-filtered sessions.
Battery Accessories
- 18350 batteries (dual configuration for 7.4V operation)
- 18650 battery (single cell, 3.7V operation)
- External charger (included with purchase)
- Matte body tube — Aftermarket/optional cosmetic upgrade for the battery tube
Comparisons
Persei vs. Thermovape Cera
The Thermovape Cera was mentioned as the primary alternative for users seeking a single device capable of handling both dry herbs and e-liquids. However, at approximately $350, it was significantly more expensive than the Persei system. Community members generally advised that purchasing two separate dedicated devices (one for herbs, one for e-liquids) offered better performance and value than any single multi-purpose device, including both the Persei and the Cera.
Persei vs. Dedicated E-Liquid Setups
The community consistently recommended against using the Persei for e-liquids if that was a primary use case. An eGo-style battery with a clearomizer or Evod tank could be assembled for under $20 and would outperform the Persei for e-liquid duty. One community member noted using "a mech mod with attys that I wrap my own coils with, or a variable voltage ego-c with an evod for liquids" as a far more practical solution.
Persei vs. Desktop Concentrate Methods (E-Nano with SS Wool)
At least one community member transitioned from using a desktop log vaporizer (the E-Nano) with stainless steel wool for concentrates to the Persei system, citing problems with concentrates running down the GonG adapter during desktop use. The Persei's purpose-built cartridges (particularly the Hercules) were considered a more contained and portable solution for concentrate consumption.
Persei vs. VapeXhale EVO
One community member expressed curiosity about how the Persei with herb attachments compared to the VapeXhale EVO for dry herbs. While a direct comparison was not available in the community discussions, it was noted that the Persei required additional attachments (Hercules or Hammer/Bender) for herb use and was fundamentally a concentrate-first device, whereas the EVO was designed primarily as a high-performance desktop dry herb vaporizer.