CrossingTech Ruby Twist Injector

The Ruby Twist Injector uses an injector design: the heater head is placed into the bowl from above, forcing the hot airflow through the material. The material itself is not heated directly; instead, a chamber full of ruby balls is heated, and the incoming air flows past them.

Because the balls retain heat, more energy is available during a draw than with an exposed heating coil. Vapour is produced on demand — there is no session with a fixed end, only as much vapour as is drawn at that moment. The device has no battery and runs from a mains power supply.

The design is derived from the Thermal Twist. Its solid metal core with a spiral twist was removed and the space filled with polished rubies. The result is a larger surface area from which the air can absorb heat and a greater heat reserve for long draws.

Only titanium, glass and ruby come into contact with the vapour in the air path. All three are chemically inert at these temperatures and impart no flavour of their own — which is why ball vapes are regarded as the benchmark for flavour.

A PID controller measures the current temperature, compares it with the target value and continuously adjusts the heating power. Once set, no further adjustment is needed during the session. The manufacturer specifies 270 to 330 degrees Celsius for this device. The controller dial goes considerably further — that is the readout range of the regulator, not a clearance for the device. Either way the figure refers to the temperature at the coil, not the vapour: it reaches the mouth noticeably cooler, especially after passing through water.

The device takes approximately 45 seconds to become ready for use. It is operated using the controller on the base; the heater head itself contains no electronics.

The Ruby Twist Pro uses smaller ruby balls, improving airflow through the chamber. The Pro also adds a handcrafted wooden handle, a thicker heat shield and a revised titanium matrix injector. Existing injector owners do not need to buy a completely new device: an upgrade kit brings it up to Pro specification.

Operation requires a water pipe with a 14 or 18 joint, which is not included. A bowl for the material is also required — CrossingTech offers an Original Glass Bowl, a Microdose Bowl for small loads and a Titanium Matrix Bowl. The heater head and bowl become extremely hot during operation and remain exposed; in households with children or pets, the device must not be left unattended on a table.

The manufacturer ships the device as a complete set. It includes the injector with the ruby filling in its titanium chamber, the Micro PID controller with power cable, a 20 mm heater coil with a pre-installed silicone handle and the heat guard. Added to that are a 14.4-to-18.8 mm adapter, a Keck clip, a steel stand, scoop and tamper, a cleaning brush, spare screens and the manual.

The bowl supplied is a 14 mm glass bowl with a side carb holding roughly 0.4 grams. That is the standard portion size — the frequently searched Microdose Bowl for small loads is NOT included; it is a separate accessory, as is the Titanium Matrix Bowl. The water pipe is not included either, and without one the device cannot be used.

• Thermal – Manufacturer's website