New with the vent. I'm doing my 1st long cook with it right now. 3racks of baby backs w 100% hickory. Will give a report when I eat them tomorrow. Already I have noticed the GMG is dumping pellets a lot less than without the downdraft and holding a steady temp. Mill report later if the smoke flavor is heavier using the downdraft. Before I was using an amazin tube for more smoke flavor. Not using it on this slow cook. I have the vent closed for this cook as per the instructions and everyone's comments about using it.