The last days I’ve been experimenting with different ways of loading my Aizer Solo 3. Medium grind. What I have noticed is that the much loved straw method isn’t for me. I know, on the go it’s the easiest way but the best? When I’m loading with a spoon (or pour from a small jar) and a tamp down I get much better airflow and less small particles in the stem. With the straw method more restricted airflow and also often dusty parts or trichomes in my mouth. Break down a bud and fill with hand without grinder also works fine for me. This is my humble opinion. And you all, is the straw method a yes or a no?
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I always use the XL stem with my Solo 3, and I never use the straw loading method. I just use a medium grind and then load the stem from the grinder by lightly pushing it through the flower and then lightly tamping it to leave some space.
The Solo 3 is great with whole nugs like you mentioned… break off a little chunk or smaller pieces, and load the stem so there is still good airflow and sip on that thing forever lol.
I am not a fan of getting little particles in my mouth from the straw loading method.
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Ah you are using your stem as a spoon. It’s the same idea but easier. Stupid me, didn’t even thought about that 
Thanks for the tip
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Not stupid at all! Just different ways to get the same result. I bet a course grind lightly packed would be a great way to go as well. 
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I just posted about this on the essential tools thread. Try to find a funnel made for the Arizer stems. Got mine from 420edc. I know you’re in Europe so shipping would be stupid expensive for a $5 item but I’m sure there are places there that would have one. Makes loading 10x easier!
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Just tried your idea for loading, works perfect just like my spoon. Coarse grind is best for the solo, but not for my other vaporizers.
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I like to experiment with different methods and humidity. My Go-to is the TM2. With 62% humidity, and a course grind the straw method will not fill the basket screen for me. The shovel or press load, works. At lower humidity’s and a fine grind, loads up easily using the sraw method, but seems harsher, and in need of water cooling which I am stirring away from… Thanks…
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I have found that I am not a fan of the straw method either for the solo 3 stems for the exact reason you stated earlier in the thread. I tend to pre grind (medium) and carry in a small travel container (an old panoramic camera film case) where I dump directly into the stem bowl while holding the stem fully in a clenched fist. My curled finger makes a great funnel so I use this technique for all my stem loaded vapes. I am also a fan of breaking up a whole nug directly too. With my Dynavaps I prefer the straw method or the typical press the bowl into the ground pile method. I don’t get the debris through the Dynavaps with the straw method like I do the Solo stems.
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(an old panoramic camera film case) I know that one, used them also. Very sturdy, perfect small container
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They also work exceptionally well with a Brilliant Cut Grinder. The sharp curved edge of the oval shape fits the curve of the grinder perfectly. So easy to grind and fill in a blink of an eye. I still have the one I have been using for over 30 years
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Presently my preferred portable storage is a “snuff can”. Wider and more shallow than the 35mm film container. (used them for years) Shake and scatter the material till it’s equal to the deph of the basket screen (TM2 stem) , and press a load w/ very light pack. Carrying a “snuff can” in my pocket, i just look like a normal New Mexico Redneck… lol…
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I know them too, indeed easier to load a stem. Used one all the time when I still was a smoker. Mine looked liked this
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I use the Solo stem to suck weed up from my tray, then tamp it with one finger.
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i use the scoop method, using the stem to scoop directly from my grinder.
the straw/hoover technique doesn’t work for me, i alway get too much herb going through the screen. I use a fine grind though - it probably works best with coarse or medium
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