using the iolite does take a lil practice, but once it's achieved I'm sure you will find it very willing to be an excellent source for you. I had to get used to mine, and here's the only thing I can pass along. Use decent butane fuel, I use Zippo here and so far's served me well, did at first get some expensive stuff from the Headshop, but it failed on me quickly and nothing more aggravating than not having the right equipment for a good toke session. Supposedly I think there is a moisture chamber included in the iolite, whether it's there to keep it moist or to absorb I'm not so sure, I can't read the handbook it came with, fine print and all that's my problem, wonder if anyone else had that problem?. i let it heat up a cycle or two and use the extension (for stealth it's good). I can taste it but don't get any residue to exhale, but have noticed once it's going well, and if a person draws on it long, there is some exhaled breath? or?. Gets a good buzz going for me, and i chose the portable because igniting my herb wasn't healthful for my lungs anymore....my kids said...'mom you're just gonna have to quit'...and i'm like....'ah not in your life time or mine' lol

'nother thing, before i actually read thru the instructions that i could read lol, i realized that i didn't have to keep clicking it to light, it stayed lit or lit up after just a click or two....but i was anxious and wanted to 'get right on it'

peace and hope all's well