Well it looks like the Loto Labs Evoke is finally getting closer to to being released. As their project have been progressing, things have occasionally been changing, however as its getting closer to the finish line, things have started to get shaken up, leaving some people less than satisfied.
Originally the Evoke promised to work with dry herb, concentrates, and e-liquids. However each unit was separate, so you had to chose which unit you wanted when you backed the campaign, or like some people order all three options! Then recently this update came out:
Loto Labs Evoke Update:
Initially, we had contemplated making 3 separate versions of the Evoke–one for Loose Leaf, one for E-Liquids and one for Concentrates. The reason for this decision is that we didn’t
think we could make them all work as a single unit, largely due to differences in the induction coil as well as in the air system that would be needed to accommodate all 3 material types. However, after a lot of tinkering by our Master Designer and Chief Scientist, we are THRILLED to announce that all Evokes will allow for e-liquid, loose leaf and concentrates.
This update seemed great, things are looking better and better, it now looks like you can use all three (Dry herb, concentrates, and e-liquids) with the unit that was supposed to only work with one. This was probably wishful thinking, but it was worded pretty poorly so a lot of people took it that way and were quite happy. And then all of a sudden the surprises start showing up like the Evoke definitely getting bigger/fatter.
Then we get this:
Although Evoke will be compatible with all 3 materials, Indiegogo supporters will receive the one induction core they indicated on their initial order. They will also receive 3 wicks and 3 capsules that complement the core. For instance, if you choose the dry herb version, you will get the Evoke unit, the dry herb induction core + 3 dry herb bullets and 3 dry herb wicks. Batteries, chargers and accessories will be sold separately.
Wishful thinking or poor wording? Either way the one unit doesn’t do all three. It also looks like backers are going to be receiving a non-functioning unit now since it doesn’t come with batteries or chargers (they are now sold separately for an extra $89 + shipping if you live outside the US) Luckily the battery is an 18650, so a lot of people will have some extra batteries and chargers, but for people who don’t this change hurts.
And then the worst part:
With Evoke prototypes now available for trial, we have initiated limited presale of our first limited production run of 5000 units (2500 of which are already reserved for our founding Indiegogo supporters).
So they sold 2500 units during the crowd funding campaign, and funded that campaign to 324% of its goal yet the units will not be produced until ANOTHER 2500 are sold.
Unfortunately this next batch of 2500 is going to be a lot tougher to sell since they are going for $299 (without batteries/charger) and up. Whereas the initial campaign had prices at $79 for the early bird, and $99 for the campaign contributors (And people rightfully assumed they came with batteries/chargers back then).
Some good news
Please understand that Evoke is a very expensive unit to make. Each Evoke costs much more to manufacture than our original Indiegogo supporters paid for them. We expect the final retail price to be over $400
It looks like if you managed to get in on the Early bird paying only $79 for this, not only will you get the unit for at least an 80% discount over the final MSRP, but you also got a unit that actually cost more to manufacture than you paid! Even the standard backers got a 75% discount over the final MSRP. Now everyone who backed the Evoke better get out there and find more people to buy the next 2500 so these things actually get built!
Is Loto Labs Any Closer?
So what do you guys think, is this bogus? Or is this something that is to be expected with crowd funded campaigns? The Grasshopper definitely had some hiccups along the way, but now they are shipping on demand.
We also got the VapeXhale Cloud Evo from a crowd funded campaign and that turned out pretty good :) I always had faith in Grasshopper but I don’t know how this one is going to turn out…
If you want to keep up on the latest drama, check out the Evoke Indiegogo comment page
If you’re tired of dealing with crow-funded projects, check out my best portable vaporizer page here for some other options. I update it every week or so to reflect any new vaporizers coming out or changes with older vapes. If you have any questions, be sure to send me an email or leave a comment below.
