Thanks for the feedback guys. I`m leaning heavily toward the Extreme and the price is a big issue. The $700 is for the Classic, unfortunately. The recent change in exchange rate is killing us for buying products from the US. I like everything I`ve read about the Extreme so far except that it doesn`t have the reputation of the Volcano.
Edit: I just realized why I can get the Extreme for such a good price. It`s a Canadian product. I should have noticed that before.
Don't worry, you will be extremely (no pun intended) happy with the Extreme. I don't think I would have bought mine if I didn't think it was going to work as well as the Volcano. The remote, believe it or not, is great and the digital control will let you dial in exactly where you need to be. You would not believe how handy that thing is.
So, since you're getting that one I'll try and save you some time by telling you what works for me. Hopefully it'll get you close to where you want to be...
Get a grinder at your local head shop and grind (but don't pulverize) some buds.
Fill the bowl about 1/2 to 3/4 the way up in the visible part of the bowl. It's better if the weed is a little dryer.
Set the vape at 225c and put either the whip or the mini-whip for the balloon on the bowl.
Let it heat up for 3 - 5 minutes. The vape will get up to temp really quickly, but if you let the weed sit in the bowl for a few minutes, it'll act like it's in an oven and heat the weed up.
Put the fan on 3. If you're filling a balloon, step up the temp (there's a 5 degree +/- on the remote) a little at a time while it's filling. At the very end I have mine up to 250c.
Careful not to burn it. It sucks when your stuff combusts.
Make sure you don't leave the weed too loose in the bowl and don't pack it down too much. I use my pinky to barely press down the top to keep the loose stuff from clogging the screen.
This thing it really easy to use. Just play around with it until you dial in your settings.
Hopes this helps get you started.