Things always feel high-tech once lasers enter the chat, especially weed accessories. The Hitoki line of cannabis devices has always sat on the cutting edge. Both the Trident and the more compact Saber use a blue laser to combust flower instead of the traditional flame.
The company holds a patent on laser combustion, so aside from the Beam, which likely has a patent on laser vaporization, this is the only laser bong on the market. It can definitely rip and delivers a mini light show with every hit.
Hitoki recently opened up pre-orders on the latest model of its flagship Trident device, a full-sized laser bong with some useful updates that make for a smoother draw, sleeker look, and less inclination to knock it over.
RELATED: Weed reform crusades hit two more states
Joe Tran, who co-founded the company with his brother Jack, recently sat down with GreenState to demonstrate the updates and share about the process. The Tran brothers created detailed cardboard models and concepts, and the manufacturing team brought them to life. After a few years of this, the Trident V3 ($600) is now available for pre-order.
Those interested in the Trident V3 can pre-order the complete set, which comes with a unit featuring the Hitoki typeface logo. The Signature Series Bundle has a special signature-style logo, Speed Loader grinder, and Hitoki Essentials Bag for easy transport. As for hitting one, that is easy.
Hitoki Trident V3 review: what’s new
The Hitoki Trident V3 has the same cylindrical body as its predecessors, with a few updates. Most noticeably, the once-grey hose is now black and made from a material that doesn’t capture dog hair quite as well. It also does not fold in the box, which was a complaint of some after purchasing the grey option.
Previous iterations had a clean edge at the acrylic base of the unit, which looked sleek but lacked some function. It easily tipped over. The V3 now features a glass base with a lipped edge to keep the piece standing upright as the hookah-style hose is passed around. This piece is also magnetically attached now, which makes setup much easier than the other versions. Spinning something onto another device while filled with water can sometimes be messy, depending on the day.
The Hitoki encourages a smaller, focused draw, not huge clouds. This is intentional, and does not always discount the resulting high.
“Of course, there are different people with different preferences, but for the most part, people are telling us that they’re consuming less and getting more potent effects for the same amount,” Tran shared.
These updates have enhanced the experience of hitting a Hitoki Trident. The basics of operating the machine are generally the same.
How to use a third generation Hitoki Trident
While it looks like a bong from the future, using the Hitoki is easy. The cannabis device consists of three main pieces. The top houses the battery and laser, and can be slid and clicked off to reveal the ceramic flower chamber. This is where the hose nozzle and the carb button are located. Pull this piece off the magnetic glass base to reveal an easy-to-fill water chamber. This is where the eventual smoke will be cooled down before it is inhaled.
RELATED: Scary economy shifts cannabis buying habits
To start, unscrew the flower chamber from the unit and load it with ground flower. Those who want wax can drop some right on top or sandwich it in the middle. The new Hitoki dab knife makes that simple. These chambers are best loaded to the rib around the outside. Any higher, and it may not all burn well. After the chamber is loaded, tamp it down and then screw it back into the correct place. Secure the top section with a click, and it is time to bring on the lasers.
Click the power button on top of the Trident five times to activate it. A blinking rainbow color will indicate that it is on. Three clicks filters through the three heat settings. Blue is the hottest, green is medium heat, and red is the coolest setting.
“We did that kind of opposite from everybody else, but that’s because our laser is blue,” Tran said. “When you have really well-dried, cured flower, or if you want to save your battery to extend it as long as possible, you go with red. Green is for your fresher, denser blends. Blue is for when you want to infuse your flower with some concentrate.”
Thick draw, stellar high
The green builds a strong hit with one go. It encompasses a flavor that feels true to the flower. As usual, one big draw from the Hitoki feels like an enormous bong rip. A little truly goes a long way in this heavy hitter. For the longest lifespan, empty the chamber and water after each use. The brand has a cleaning tool on the way to add to what feels like an ever-expanding list of nifty accessories.
Tran is most stoked on the draw, which early reviewers deem better with this version of the beloved laser bong.
“With a little bit of the burn radius open, I feel like the draw is more comfortable, a little bit less of a learning curve,” Tran explained. “And some of my team that smoke more, that’s their experience with that as well.”
RELATED: Bountiful weed byproduct enhances this health food
Though the previous Trident models were not hard to use, those used to hitting a bong or ripping a dab rig had to learn to pull low and slow for the best results. The V3 meets these users in the middle with the help of a larger burn radius. Moving from an acrylic base to the sturdier glass one was also a smart move. Not only is cleaning easier. This opens the door to collaborating with glass artists.
Futuristic bongs remind stoners why they yearned for legal weed. Amid high taxation and struggling craft farmers, innovations like these are a light in the dark. Literally, in this case, because of the lasers.
