New portable dry herb vaporizers seem to hit the market almost daily and while this can be exciting, it can also be overwhelming having so many options and price points to choose from.
Welcome to VaporizerWizard.com, my name is Buzz Danklin and I put together this list to help you find the best portable vaporizers in 2018. Each of the categories below will be continually updated to reflect the top rated portable and handheld vaporizers currently on the market in 2018 as well as portable vapes released prior to 2018.
At this point, I have currently tested/reviewed over 150 different portable vaporizers since I started back in 2013. My vaporizer reviews are graded by multiple different categories but the most important for me are ease of use, reliability, durability, portability, concealment, and overall vapor quality (taste, temp, smoothness). I’ve listed the top-rated portable vapes in each of the categories below.
I also have a complete list for the best desktop vaporizers of 2018 if you wanted something more stationary for home-use.
Directions: Click on a category below to learn more about the vaporizer and click the shop link for my recommended authorized retailer. You can also click on the images below to go to the full review.
| Category | Portable Vape | Best Price | Shop Vaporizer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Compact | Davinci IQ | $274 | Shop Davinci IQ |
| Most Portable/Discreet | Pax 3 | $249 | Shop Pax 3 |
| Best Vapor Quality | Firefly 2 | $329 | Shop Firefly 2 |
| Best Battery Life | Mighty | $349 | Shop Mighty |
| Best Overall Portable | Crafty | $279 | Shop Crafty |
| Best Cheap Dry Herb Vaporizer | X-Max V2Pro | $59 | Shop X-Max V2Pro |
| Best Portable Vaporizers Under $200 | Pax 3 (Basic Kit) | $199 | Shop Pax 3 |
| Best Dry Herb Portable Under $150 | CF | $109 | Shop CF |
| Best Dry Herb Vaporizer Under $100 | Xmax Starry | $99 | Shop Starry |
| Best Dry Herb Vape Pen | Grasshopper | $225 | Shop Grasshopper |
| Best Butane Vaporizer | Sticky Brick | $149 | Shop Sticky Brick |
Most Compact Vaporizer
Based on: Easiest vape to pocket and conceal.
Davinci IQ Vaporizer ($274)
The Davinci IQ is a portable dry herb vaporizer made by Davinci. The IQ vaporizer retails for $274.99 and I recommend picking it up directly from Davinci.
First things first, I’ve found the Davinci IQ to be the best tasting portable conduction vaporizer that I have tested at this point. It tastes better at higher temps and holds taste throughout the session for longer. The vapor density is unreal if that’s your thing and it can also produce smooth tasty hits at the lower temps. It comes with a replaceable battery, a 10-year warranty, ceramic zirconia vapor path/mouthpieces and very smart/innovative software.
Davinci IQ vs Pax 3 Size:
I’m a big fan of the size of the Davinci IQ. It’s very easy to pocket and can be completely palmed for discretion. Even the new Pax 3 still sticks out of the top of your hand a bit. So if you are looking for the most “compact” portable vaporizer I would go with the IQ. With that said, the IQ uses three buttons on the side of the unit so it does give off some indication that it’s a controllable device. The Pax 3 has no visible buttons and in my opinion, still holds the title for the sleek/slender option.
Check out my Pax 3 vs IQ comparison for more info on these two.
IQ Vaporizer Pros and Cons:
The IQ vape offers a full temp spectrum ranging from 250F to 430F via the “Precision Mode” and it also comes with a feature called “Smart Paths”. The four different smart paths run from 350F to 430F in 20-degree increments and each path is set to run for a 10-minute session. So if you were to set it to the default “Smart Path 1”, the IQ would heat up to 350F (in about 45 seconds) and work it’s way up to 370 at about 5 minutes. It will then stay at the 370 temp for the remainder of the session. So far the default smart paths one and two have provided the best taste to vapor production ratio. I have noticed that the IQ tastes much better at higher temps than all other conduction vaporizers and I get bigger clouds with the IQ as well. The taste will drop off quicker than lower temps and like most other conduction vaporizers, the taste drops off after a few minutes into the session.
For me, the only downsides to the Davinci IQ are the draw resistance and the time it takes to charge a battery from dead within the unit. You are looking at about four hours to completely charge a dead battery. So you’ll need to pick up a couple extra and keep them charged in your downtime. Another option that I recommend is picking up the Nitecore i2 charging dock (~$11.50) and this will cut the charge time down to about 2 1/2 hours and allow you to charge two batteries at once. I’ve been averaging about 50-80 minutes per fully charged battery depending on temps, session lengths, and how many individual sessions.
Davinci IQ APP Info:
It’s also important to note that you don’t need the app to operate the device. You can still select smart paths, boost mode, precision mode, and dim the LEDs. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to customize the smart paths without the app. I’ve honestly found it to be the best vaporizer app that I’ve tested. Each of the smart paths is fully customizable down to the temp and session length. It’s easy to take screenshots and share paths with friends. The app is very fluid with no hang ups or problems connecting to the device.
Three words to describe the Davinci IQ… Innovative, Compact, Consistent. Don’t forget to use my coupon code “WIZARD” for 10% OFF Davinci IQ Accessories!
Most Portable Vaporizers
Based on: Size, Weight, Concealment, Discreetness.
Pax 3 Vaporizer ($249)
The Pax 3 features a lot of internal changes while keeping the same size and only adding 3 grams to the overall weight. Upgrades include the option to vape both dry herbs and concentrates with the new concentrate insert.
The Pax 3 also uses an upgraded 3500mAh battery vs a 3000mAh on the Pax 2. Pre-heat times for the Pax 3 now average between 15-20 seconds whereas the Pax 2 is about 45 seconds.
You also get haptic feedback and lastly, the Pax Vapor APP is live. The Pax 3 Vapor APP will give you full control over the temp spectrum (360F-420F) with options to select different heating profiles, change colors themes, lock the device, dim the LED or completely lock the device.
Appearances wise, Pax Labs changed the outer shell from a brushed aluminum (Pax 2) to a polished finish (Pax 3). So far the shiny surface is holding up pretty well but will be more susceptible to fingerprints and scratches.
I’m really enjoying the concentrate insert but I don’t really see it replacing anyone’s dab rig or e-nail. It does extract the materials very well and without creating a big mess but it doesn’t get anywhere near as hot as traditional methods.
I’ve been averaging about 100 minutes of use on a single charge and it takes roughly 100 minutes to fully charge a dead Pax 3.
Bottom Line: The Pax 3 is about as good as it gets for a portable vaporizer when considering battery life, portability, durability and overall ease of use. The new Half-Pack lid is a great feature for single person sessions. You no longer have to buy third party accessories to maximize efficiency and the concentrate insert provides a very good option to use materials other than dry herb.
Update: Pax Vapor is now offering the Pax 3 in a “Device Only” kit for $199 which includes everything you need to vape dry herbs, except the half-pack lid which you can pick up for $12.99. The Pax 3 “Complete Kit” comes with the half-pack lid, the concentrate insert and a new carrying case for $249. So they dropped price overall by $25 and included a new carrying case.
Best Vapor Quality
Based on: Taste, Density, and Temperature.
Firefly 2 Vaporizer ($329)
The Firefly 2 is premium “pure convection” portable vaporizer made by Firefly Vapor. The Firefly 2 comes with 5 different temp settings for dry herbs and one for cocentrates. It comes with two replaceable rechargeable batteries, pre-heats in less than 10 seconds and requires below average cleaning/maitenance.
The powerful heater and quick heat up times paired with amazing taste and density create a one of a kind unique experience that I think most people will really enjoy.
The Firefly 2 is currently my favorite dry herb and oil vaporizer to use with concentrates and I consider the Firefly 2 the best portable vaporizer when you looking solely at vapor taste, production, and temp/smoothness.
The new power tuning feature in the app has improved consistency and allows users to fully customize sessions. Clean up is simple, the chamber is a good size for 1-2 people, and the battery fully recharges in 45 minutes.
Firefly 2 Pros and Cons:
The Firefly 1 was big, heavy and had below average battery life but the new Firefly 2 is over 100 grams lighter, easier to pocket/conceal and I’m getting 4-6 bowls now PER BATTERY (FF2 comes with two batteries). The batteries ARE replaceable but they will have to be charged within the unit.
The only downside to the Firefly 2 would be the unit does require some technique for best use.
Tips: Adding an extra battery isn’t a bad idea if you plan to take any long multi-day trips, concerts, hikes, etc…. It’s extremely easy to just swap one in and out.
Best Battery Life
Based on: Best average battery life per full charge.
Mighty Vaporizer ($349)
The Mighty is the bigger brother of the smaller Crafty portable vaporizer and although it’s definitely not the best small vaporizer, it comes with some pretty great features.
For one, the Mighty currently has the best battery life on the market per full charge. The unit can only be charged via DC but the battery will easily last a full day of hiking/biking or to enjoy an outdoor concert. I average between 6-8 sessions on a full charge and the unit will fully charge in about 90 minutes.
Next, the Mighty comes with an on vape, easy to read, LED display and easy to use temp buttons located on both sides. The full temp spectrum ranges from 105F-410F.
Although the Mighty is a bit big for the pockets, the extra size and weight make it extremely easy to pass around and use in group scenarios. This is perfect because the Mighty really is the best vaporizer for long sessions. It works best when you have time to sit down and enjoy a 10-15 minute session.
The Mighty could be easily be considered as the best vaporizer for dry herb. Especially if you don’t mind the size.
Mighty Pros and Cons:
Overall the Mighty is one of the easiest vaporizers to use. It’s reliable, durable and produces great vapor production. The only downsides to the unit are the overall size and weight and the battery charging options. It CAN be pocketed if needed but it’s pretty bulky in the jeans. The Mighty will fit much better in a purse, hoodie, or backpack.
Lastly, the battery can only be charged via an AC wall outlet. Check out the Crafty if you want something a little more portable with more charging options. Or check out the Pax 3 as an alternative for the best battery life.
Best Overall Portable
Based on: Portability, Vapor Quality, Ease of Use, and Design/Durability.
Crafty Vaporizer ($279)
The Crafty is the newest addition to the Storz and Bickel product line along with its big brother, the Mighty. The Crafty is easy to use with only one button and the rest is controlled via the app.
It comes with two temp selections, one default, and one boost temp. The default and boost temp can be changed to any temp ranging from 104 to 410 degrees Fahrenheit. You can also change it on the fly via the app. It uses mostly convection heating with just a little bit of conduction when pre-heating the bowl.
I consider the Crafty to be the best dry herb vaporizer for the overall enjoyment of use. I can also easily conceal the Crafty in my pocket or in a hoodie and I can almost completely palm it.
I still recommend the Pax 3 for one of the most portable vaporizers but the Crafty is pretty darn close.
The only thing I don’t really like about it is the battery life but it does use micro USB so you can charge it pretty much anywhere you have access to a USB slot. It also has pass thru charging which allows you to use the unit while it’s charging as long as it has about 20% or greater battery life remaining.
Crafty Pros & Cons
First things first, the Crafty is one of the easiest portable vaporizers to use. It’s extremely consistent and you don’t have to worry about packing/loading techniques. Just load the amount you want and go. The Crafty is very portable but still not quite as concealable as the new Pax 3 or the Grasshopper. It uses a hybrid convection/conduction heating method which creates very smooth/cool draws that are very enjoyable. You also have the ability to vape at a large spectrum of temps.
The main con of the Crafty would be the overall battery life and the fact that the battery is NOT user replaceable. The Crafty does, however, charge via USB so you can charge it in quite a few places. I just picked up an Anker battery pack for around $20 and it will fully charge my Crafty on the go two or three times. I definitely recommend this if you are going to pick up the Crafty.
If you don’t have the patience to deal with battery packs or don’t need/want absolute portability, I would check out the Mighty. With the Mighty, you get double the battery life of the average portable vaporizer, quicker heat ups, and on vape temp display. But lose USB charging and the pocketability aspect. I usually get around 6-8 sessions on a full charge with the Mighty. Whereas I get about 2-3 with the Crafty.
Best Cheap Dry Herb Vaporizer
The X-Max V2 Pro is extremely impressive for the size and price. You can pick up the X-Max V2 Pro for $59 (retail: $79) with code “XM”. You get 5 temp settings ranging from 356F-428F, an easily replaceable 18650 battery, and a ceramic heating chamber. If you want to spend $10 extra, you can get an upgraded mouthpiece with improved airflow, and requires less cleaning, or a water pipe adapter.
I recommend the V2 Pro Series 3($69) for the best cheap all-in-one vape pen and the butane powered VapCap($35) for the absolute best cheap vape.
Best Portable Vaporizers Under $200
Pax 3 ($199 – Basic Kit)
I know I’ve already listed the “Pax 3 Complete Kit” ($249) above as the most portable vaporizer but the “Pax 3 Basic Kit” for $199 is the way to go if you’re trying to stay under $200.
You get everything that comes with the complete kit except for the concentrate insert, the half-pack lid, and some extra screens. So if you’re not going to be using concentrates and just planning on sticking with dry herb, this kit is perfect for you.
You still get the 10-year warranty, the 25-second average heat up time, Bluetooth, haptic feedback, and full control with the paxvapor app. It’s literally the same device minus the insert for concentrates and the half-pack lid.
The only thing you can’t get with the basic kit is the glossy finish. I personally like the matte finish anyway so that’s not a big deal to me. The matte finish doesn’t show fingerprints or scratches as easily.
I recommend picking up the Pax 2 directly from PaxVapor or from VapeWorld. PaxVapor doesn’t ship to all states so be sure to check both sites for the best deals and shipping options.
Boundless CFX Vaporizer ($169)
Next vape in the best vape under $200 category is the Boundless CFX. The CFX vaporizer features a full temp spectrum (100F-430F) via an on vape LED display and easy to use temp change buttons.
The best feature on the CFX is the heat up/pre-heat time. I’m able to hit 400F in 20-25 seconds which is extremely quick for a portable conduction vaporizer.
The only other conduction vaporizer that heats up that fast currently is the G Pen Elite. Lastly, the CFX has outstanding battery life using two (2) 2500mAh rechargeable batteries.
CFX VS Mighty: The CFX is basically a Mighty clone with faster heat up and a prettier LED display. The Mighty is definitely the better unit delivering much better vapor quality, way less draw resistance and a proven track record of reliability/durability. BUT, the Mighty is also $349. Do I think the Mighty is $180 better than CFX? Yes. I feel like the Mighty does everything exceptionally, whereas the CFX leaves something to be desired in quite a few of my grading categories. Both units have the ability to do concentrates.
I feel like Boundless is here to stay. They have been very active within the community and seems like they are working extremely hard to push out quality vaporizers.
Best Dry Herb Portable Under $150
Boundless CF Vaporizer ($109)
The first option in the best portable vaporizer under $150 category is the Boundless CF. The CF vaporizer is the smaller version of the CFX with the same fast heat up time but only 5 preset temps and no display.
The CF is very easy to use, works well with varying load sizes and varying grind types.
It looks and feels sort of similar to the Crafty vaporizer. It’s easy to pocket, very light and almost small enough to completely palm. It uses a non-replaceable battery and can be charged via USB.
Lastly, the CF vape comes with a two-year manufacturer warranty.
Pax 2 Vaporizer ($149)
The Pax 2 received a price drop from $199 to $149 with the release of the Pax 3 Kits. The Pax 2 is now my top recommended portable vaporizer under $150 along with the Boundless CF which you can read about below.
If you don’t already have the Pax 2 and looking for an upgrade, I would go straight for the Pax 3. The quicker pre-heat time, better battery life, concentrate insert and access to the app via Bluetooth make the $100 price difference worth it.
Check out my Pax 3 review for more info on that device.
If you already have a Pax 2 and you’re looking to upgrade to the 3, I would maybe consider just picking up the concentrate insert ($50) and the half-pack lid ($13). The Concentrate Insert IS interchangeable with the Pax 2. Granted you’re missing out on the app and the quicker heat up times but they do function quite similar and you can spend a bit less money.
I recommend picking up the Pax 2 directly from PaxVapor or Vapeworld.
Best Dry Herb Vaporizer Under $100
Xmax Starry Vaporizer ($99)
The first and best option that I recommend in the under $100 vape category is the Xmax Starry Vaporizer.
The XMAX Starry is the perfect vaporizer for someone just entering the vape market. You get a full temp spectrum, replaceable battery system, it’s lightweight and very to easy to pocket for use on the go.
There’s honestly nothing cheaper that is better. It’s easy to use, easy to maintain and features an easy to read digital display.
Last but not least, the Xmax Starry comes with a one-year manufacturer warranty.
Best Dry Herb Vape Pen
Based on: A pen sized vaporizer for dry herbs.
Grasshopper Vaporizer ($225)
The Grasshopper is one of the lightest and smallest portable vaporizers currently available on the market. It’s a pen vaporizer that offers pure convection heating powerful enough to have you vaping in under 10 seconds.
The Grasshopper vaporizer directly mimics the look of an actual pen and it’s similar in size to bigger fancy pens or something like a graphic design stylus.
The Grasshopper vape is great to use on the go and powerful enough to use with your biggest glass bubblers and bongs. It’s not the best for group sessions because of the external temps but perfect for 1-2 people.
Update: Hopper Labs just released the new Grasshopper Performance Front-End or “PFE” which offers easier compatibility with your glass bubblers and decreases overall draw resistance by a good amount. The Grasshopper PFE works with your 14mm glass pieces and they offer a 14-18mm adapter. Click the shop link below for updated Grasshopper vaporizer prices.
You can choose between a classic stainless steel, a titanium version, and a colored titanium version. The main differences between the SS and TI versions are that the TI is about 10 grams lighter, it’s less prone to scratches, and the unit remains a little cooler overall. All units come with a lifetime warranty. Read the full review below.
Grasshopper Pros and Cons:
The Grasshopper is currently rated as my best dry herb vape pen. It offers replaceable batteries, quick heat up time, pure convection, great vapor quality and works well with varying load sizes.
The downside to the Grasshopper is that the unit gets pretty hot with prolonged use. So they included a silicone mouthpiece guard to use with longer sessions. The mouthpiece guard also creates a perfect fit for 14mm glass pieces.
Best Butane Vaporizer
Based on:Highest quality butane vaporizers.
The Sticky Brick vaporizers are exactly what the name implies. They are wood bricks that connect together via magnets (sticky) and use a butane torch to produce on-demand convection heating. The Sticky Brick butane vaporizers are some of the most efficient vaporizers currently on the market plus they are hand-made in the USA from natural hardwood.
Sticky Brick Original
The first butane vaporizer made by Sticky Brick is the Original or OG. I consider the Sticky Brick OG a home-use portable vaporizer because it’s definitely not going to fit in your pocket. It works great around the house and can easily be carried room to room.
I also find the Sticky Brick OG the easiest to use of all the Sticky Brick vaporizers because you get immediate clear feedback as vapor forms in the glass mouthpiece. The vapor quality is fantastic and it works very well with varying load sizes.
The wood finish is very smooth, unique and all the pieces fit together beautifully. Sticky Brick Vaporizers also come with a lifetime warranty on the wood body and 15 days on the glass pieces.
The Sticky Brick Original retails for $179 and I recommend picking it up from here.
Sticky Brick Junior
The next Sticky Brick I would recommend would be the Junior. The Sticky Brick Junior (“JR”) is very similar to the OG but smaller, more compact, and a little harder to master because it uses a smaller mouthpiece. I was able to master the technique after a couple tries and I’ve never combusted with any of the Sticky Brick vaporizers but it’s still not going to be as easy as something like the Mighty.
The cool thing about the Junior is that the glass pieces can be rotated and covered for easy concealment. Not only does this make it a good portable option but it conceals the contents of the box while it’s sitting out. Set it next to some books on a bookshelf and no one would think twice.
The other thing that I like about the Sticky Brick JR is that I feel like I can get bigger clouds and richer hits. The OG produces smoother/cooler hits but the Junior packs a punch. I’m a bit of a heavier user so I like the fact that it can get me to that next level.
There are no loading techniques with either of these vaporizers but they do require stirring after every couple draws. I also recommend an average grind and be sure to pick up a quality butane torch. I’m using a brand called “Eagle” which comes with your purchase if you buy it from the link below.
The Sticky Brick Junior retails for $149 and I recommend picking it up from here.
Sticky Brick HydroBrick/MAXX
Sticky Brick also makes two other butane vaporizers called the HydroBrick and the HydroBrick MAXX. I will be picking up the Sticky Brick MAXX here soon and add more info on it when I do. Basically, the Hydrobrick MAXX is the complete package for someone that already has some glass at home or will plan to use glass with your vaporizer. You get the 18mm connector, glass mouthpiece, whip and connector for $199.
The HydroBrick MAXX also conceals into a wooden box just like the Junior but much bigger overall. So you can still store it in plain sight but I don’t think you’ll be getting it into your pocket. Both of these vaporizers are more home-use portables just like the OG.
You can pick up the Hydrobrick MAXX here ($199) and you can check out my Sticky Brick Review (OG, JR, Hydrobrick, MAXX) for more pictures and details about each of these vaporizers.
The last butane vaporizer that I would recommend is made by Dynavap and it’s called the VapCap. I’ve already mentioned it a few times in this article but if you wanted the absolute best cheapest butane vaporizer, I recommend the VapCap at $35. It definitely looks a lot shadier because it’s just a glass tub and a torch but it does the job well.
Categories Explained:
Best Overall Portable – This is the category highlighting the best portable in terms of ease of use, consistency, vapor quality, cleaning/maintenance and dependability. This is the best of the best when it comes to portables and would be the one that I recommend most whether you are a beginner or experienced vaporist. Basically, this is my daily driver. #oneandonly
Best Vapor Quality – The word “vapor quality” gets thrown around quite a bit and it’s never really defined. So for me, the best vapor quality means the best taste, the best temperature, and the best density or production. The highest rated vaporizer in this category will produce some of the best-tasting vapor that you can experience in a portable. It will more than satisfy the daily user and leave the novice wondering why he didn’t switch to this vape earlier.
Most Portable/Discreet – This category is for those who needs absolute discretion and portability without sacrificing the main features like battery life or vapor quality. The most portable vaporizer is possibly the smallest vaporizer, definitely easily pocketable and ready to use quickly. The vape in this category can usually be taken on all-day activities like hiking, snowboarding/skiing, festivals, concerts, boating, etc…
Best Dry Herb Vape Pen – Originally this was a pretty small market with really only one option but now I have two options! yay! The vaporizers in this category will mimic the look, feel, and design of a pen. They will be easily concealable and preferably heat up very quickly in order to obtain maximum discreetness. They will also fully vaporize your herbs without combustion.
Best Battery Life – The best battery life category will have the portable vaporizer with the best average battery life per full charge.
Best Cheap Vaporizer – If you are trying to pick up a portable vaporizer on a budget, check out my recommendation for best cheapest vaporizer. When I say cheap, I don’t mean physically made cheap, I mean best priced vaped without sacrificing quality or reliability.
Best Portable Vaporizers Under $200 – This category of vaporizers will be the best options for under $200.
Still lost in the sauce?
If you still can’t quite figure out what portable vaporizer is best for you, ask yourself these questions and shoot me an email with your replies:
1. Where will you be using your portable vaporizer?
2. Will you be using it alone or with others? If groups, how many people?
3. Will you be using it for long periods in between charging?
4. How important is discreetness, size, pocketability, smell?
5. Are you wanting a session vape (10-15 minutes, similar to a joint)? OR do you want a quick somewhat on demand vape (Similar to a bowl, easy to break into multiple sessions)?
6. What is your budget? For example, “No Budget” or $300+, $200-300, $100-200, under $100.
Video review coming soon. Subscribe to my Youtube for new releases.
I do believe that any one of these vaporizers could be someone’s favorite. It’s important to know that not everyone will have the same opinion on what might be the best vaporizer. It completely depends on your specific situation.
With that said, I believe the Crafty and the Mighty are currently the best overall portable vaporizers on the market for most people due to their ease of use and consistency. The best vaporizer for the person who wants replaceable batteries would be the Davinci IQ and the best vaporizer for the stealth user always on the go is the Pax 3.
Do you have a portable vaporizer that you recommend or want to see reviewed before you buy? Leave a comment below or hit me up on my contact page and I will get back to you as soon as possible! Thanks for checking out my site and have a great day.
Reviews by Buzz Danklin
175 Comments
Hey Buzz, I don’t see an Indica vaporizer review on your site – have you tested one? If not, please let me know how to send one to you.
Hey Aaron I do have an Indica, it really does not stand out to me other than the unique design. I personally do not use mine anymore with so many other choices
Arizer air
Hi Buzz,
1st let me say thanks for all of your great reviews. I have a few questions for you. I’m on the fence between pax 2 and gh (may end up with both…). 2 things concern me about pax 2 – maintenance and wasteful cooking. Re maintenance, Vape Critic scared me with his review where he found the screen gets gunked up and restricts air flow. Cleaning of the oven and screen sounds like a pain. That’s part of the maintenance issues I had with my pax 1. Have you found the same thing as Vape Critic? How does Vape flavor compare between the pax 2 and gh? Does pax 2 cook through the load like pax 1 does? I’m not really a session guy, which is why ff is my go-to now (plus great taste).
I also considered the Crafty, but maintenance scares me on that one too (taking the top apart to clean). Big deal or no?
Thx again. I’m looking forward review updates on gh and pax 2, and your v2pro series 7 review.
Yeah, I was wondering the same. I am looking to buy me a nice lil vape this summer and I’m stuck between the Pax (original) and the grasshopper. The GH looks amazing, the only thing is that VW is the only person to have reviewed it yet, so there is not a lot of comparison. I wonder how well it REALLY functions – excited to see hot it holds up.
GRASSHOPPER OR PAX!?!?!?!?!
Try Sutra mini or the health rips fury.
I have the Healthy Rips Fury 2 right now and I’m testing it out. Should have a review up soon! Thanks for the comment.
I have different opinions about the Pax 2 than VC. I haven’t really had the problems with cleaning but I’ve been using an average grind from my SCS (Not using MFLB finishing grinder). So our experiences have differed a bit I think.
I did start to use the finishing grinder now and I have noticed that I’m able to get MUCH bigger clouds with less draw resistance. So I’ll be testing that out over the next couple days to see how it effects cleaning when using a finer grind all the time.
The Pax 2 goes hotter than Pax 1 and it’s definitely still a session vaporizer so it will definitely “cook” your bowl if you want it too. I was using it last night on a quick hike at temp 3 and that was plenty high for me.
Crafty/Mighty
I’m not really a big session guy either but as far as sessions go, the Crafty/Mighty does it best IMO. They both produce some of the smoothest/coolest vapor and the Mighty can produce HUGE clouds.
The Crafty is definitely still my favorite portable vaporizer for it’s ease of use and just flat out dependability. You can pack any amount at any temp and get great consistent results every time.
The cleaning on the Crafty is pretty minimal. I was able to get in 12 hours of use before I cleaned it my first time and even then, the unit still worked. The mouthpiece will start to stick on the top eventually but that’s with prolonged use. It takes about five minutes to clean.
Pax 2 vs Grasshopper
As for the Pax 2 vs Grasshopper, they are quite a bit different, you will have to chose which ones fits your needs/wants better.
The Grasshopper has near instant heatup, and lots of power, so it’s a really good vape for getting medicated fast, but if you are looking for a vape to have a session with, or pass around with friends, or just casually puff on for enjoyment then the Grasshopper is not the best choice, and the Pax 2 is much better.
I find the Grasshopper is really best for 1 or 2 people, whereas the Pax 2 works well with 1 or a group or people. Overall the Pax 2 produces smoother and cooler vapor, but the Grasshopper can produce denser vapor.
The battery life on the Pax2 is better since the battery has 4x the juice (750mAh vs 3000mAh) but the GH does have cheap replaceable batteries so you could carry extras. In the end, they are both two of my favorite vapes, and they both get used a lot.
With the Pax2 you are paying more, but you are getting a vape that is very versatile, and you are also getting a unit that is currently available and has a proven track record of reliability and customer service. With the GH you are still getting a high quality unit, but at a cheaper price. Unfortunately various things about the GH are still up in the air including the shipping dates, and they don’t have any longterm track record of reliability or customer service.
Hope this helps man! Thanks for the positive feedback and I really appreciate you taking the time to comment.
Thanks again,
Buzz
Great write up on pax 2 vs Gh. You should do a full post about it.
Thanks D I’ll get something together.
Have you tried any of Atmos’s flagship vaporizers, and your thoughts on their products. I bought the Orbit a while back and im looking to buy a new vaporizer and I was if you have any experience with them.
Another question, so it’s 2017… How well does the Volcano hold up these days?
Hey Taylor, I have tried most of the Atmos vapes, unfortunately I do not recommend them because they buy lesser known and unbranded made in China vaporizers, slap their own branding on them, and double or triple the price. For example the Orbit is really called the Flowermate/Smiss V3 Air, and it goes for $45
The Volcano is a beast, it is one of, if not the very most reliable vaporizers produced. To this day I still use my Classic Volcano more than any of my other vaporizers, whenever I am home I just leave it on (Digit has 30 minute auto-shutoff timer that I don’t like) so it’s always ready and waiting.
Volcano holds the first place spot for me too. I run two of them, always on, in my 540 sq ft home. Both bought in 2004, they are the best pieces of herbal equipment I ever spent dollars on and I’ve been at it since the 70s…
Hello Buzz. About the Pax2 the price is 199$; where did you find at 50$ less?
Click the link for vapeworld under the Pax 2 section. They should have it for $149 plus free shipping.
Thank you Buzz and have a good Christmas!
My pleasure! You as well! Happy Holidays!
I find the vc to be way too nit picky with the tiniest of things that don’t even matter. As far as the Grasshopper and the PAX2 I have both of them and I love both of them. The PAX2 is super simple to clean, You take the top mouth piece off, the bottom oven lid off and run a ISO soaked pipe cleaner though it a few times and its done; then take a couple q-tips with ISO and fine clean the oven, the mouth piece and the inside of the top where the mouth piece goes and the screen plate. It takes about 10 minutes to clean.
The Grasshopper is the easiest to clean. You take the vape end off and use an ISO soaked q-tip fine clean each end and you are done.
Buzz is right about what he says concerning the Grasshoppers and PAX2’s performance. I use the Grasshopper when I’m wanting to kill an oven quick and get medicated quick and having the replaceable battery is awesome. I love using the PAX2 to just sip on while in the recliner watching a movie and as a session vape on the porch with a couple of friends. IMO having both is perfect and I am glad I decided to get both. I pack both tight and get great results with both. Hope this helps. I give both very high praises and they are, IMO, the best portable vaporizers on the market.
Wow Zebra I think you hit the comparison dead on! They both have their place in a lineup. My two most used portable vaporizers are the Mighty and the Grasshopper. Quick powerful rips from the Grasshopper when I’m out on the go and long smooth sessions with the Mighty when I just want to chill. Thanks for the comment and checking out my site! Have a great day!
Thanks Buzz! I haven’t had the opportunity to use the mighty and my buddy has the crafty but he lives a few states away and he loves the crafty and the pax2. You are my go to vaporizer reviewer as you are way more in-depth and not nit picky about small irrelevant details like other reviewers I check out. Hands down you are the best reviewer!!!!
I’m interested to see your review on the Airvape XS. It seems pretty solid to me and the price is good.
Thank you for the kind words jenks! I just finished up my full AirVape XS review! Check it out here.
What about the Alfa by Goboof. Based on some YouTube reviews it seams good. You should have a go at it, would to hear your opinion.
I have the Alfa, and I do actually like it quite a bit. It is the second best tasting conduction portable behind the Pax 2 in my opinion and it’s also very portable. I will be doing a full review fairly soon.
Hi Buzz,
Im thinking about getting a new vape, and my options are the Davinci Ascent and Pax 2. Which one do you recommend me?
I definitely recommend the Pax 2 because I prefer and use my Pax 2 quite a bit more than my Ascent.
Buzz,
What are your thoughts on the DaVinci Ascent? I see it on a lot of others top choices but yours.
Hey Mike!
Thanks for taking the time to reach out. It was ‘OK’ at one point in the time, but with all the new releases and new products out, I can’t really suggest the Ascent. If you are looking for the same sort of experience I would check out the Mighty/Crafty or the Haze. All three of these units can do both dry herbs and concentrates just like the Ascent and the Mighty has about the same battery life which is really the only plus side to the Ascent IMO.
What are you looking for in a portable vape Mike?
hey Buzz! I am debating which portable vape to get, and it seems pax2 is the way to go. I was also curious about the Indica Vape as well thou. Which would you recommend?? Can you give me a brief pros and cons if possible??
The Indica is not one of my favorite portables, its just ok in my opinion. Overall my top5 are the Crafty/Firefly/Mighty/Pax2/Grasshopper. Where will you be mostly using the vape? At home? Will you be carrying it in your pocket on the go? Does it need to be rugged for mtbiking/snowboarding etc?
Hey, I really enjoy your reviews.
I had a Firefly, and it was alright. I liked the taste of the vapor and quick charge time but couldn’t get through a bowl without it overheating or dieing. Turned out it was a fake. The button placement kinda bothered me too. I loved how it was always clean though…. Ended up getting an Alfa for skiing/biking and to mix it up. It’s alright/pretty good but not totally my style (session). My Lotus just died – such a great vape. I will probably replace the cap with the high heat one that is coming but in the meantime I just have the Alfa which is stinky and a herb hog in comparison. The Lotus is also a bit hard to just sink into a couch/bed and hit – too much fire. :) Part of me really wants to get another Firefly thats real… I can get a new one with an external charger and battery for $230. But I’m getting the Grasshopper when it comes out and I’m not really one to collect. The Firefly would be an at home chill vape while the Alfa would be the mountain vape and the Lotus would be the festival/home vape.
Firefly vs Grasshopper? Do they serve the same purpose or do you find yourself grabbing the Firefly at home? Seems like it would be a tiny bit easier to clean and a bit cooler… But then again thats kinda a silly reason to get another vape… Thinking maybe I should just see how I like the Grasshopper. But then I may miss out of the 20% off coupon. On the other hand they may release a better model. On the other hand perhaps the Grasshopper will replace the Alfa as my portable vape. Anyways, whats your opinion? Thank you!
Also, for the record my favorites are the MFLB and Lotus because there instant on, require some (easy) technique, and well built. Totally different highs but both enjoyable. The Grasshoppers faster warmup is appealing…
Ps. Any preference on grinders – I have a decent metal one now but am considering upgrading to a Santa Cruz Shredder.
Those knockoff Fireflies really seem to be junk. The people I have talked with that had them told me similar stories, often overheating and combustion, and sometimes not enough heat, and wasting herb. Sorry you experienced that.
The Firefly and Grasshopper are sort of similar in use, the Grasshopper is even quicker to pre-heat, but the Firefly still has better tasting and smoother/cooler vapor. I do reach for the Firefly at home due to the more enjoyable vapor and slightly easier cleaning, but it can’t compete with the Grasshopper on the go. Maybe you could sell the Alfa when the GH comes out? I almost always take my GH over my Alfa for hiking/biking/snowboarding/etc
As far as grinders go, I prefer the grind on my Santa Cruz Shredder for convection vapes, and the mflb finishing grinder for full conduction vapes like the Alfa/Pax2/etc. But you like kief a lot, I find that my Space Case produces the best/most kief. Generally I am using using my big orange SCS though.
Thanks Buzz! Gonna do just that!
Hi Buzz
I just tried a new grinder this week that is far superior to any of my other grinders. It is much faster, grinds herb very fine, and dosen’t put blisters on your hands when grinding large quantities. It is made by Cuisinart, a bit bulky and definitely expensive but does a great job. I just can’t let the wife see me using it. :-)
Hi Buzz! This might seem like an odd question, but I’m looking for a vape that’s super easy to clean 100% so it’s safe to bring with me from one country to another. You see, I move from country to country every few months, and I’ve sometimes brought my Magic Flight Launch Box with me, but I really don’t like doing that as it is difficult to clean properly (in terms of removing all odor). Which of the vapes you have tested would fit this description the best?
My other priorities are size (I want one that’s as small as possible – including chargers etc), vape quality, and it needs to vape regular herbs.
Would really appreciate your input on this, thanks! :)
Hey Josh,
I think the best bet for you would be something like the Crafty/Mighty or the Air/Solo. With all of these vapes the bowl itself doesn’t really get dirty, and can be completely cleaned very quickly. All of the cleaning and dirtiness on these vapes collect in the stem/cooling units. I like these vapes for travel because you can buy a brand new stem/cooling unit fairly cheap for each trip/move.
Hey Buzz,
First of all, thanks for the article. It was descriptive, informative, and fun to read. I’m currently hunting for a portable vape that will “speak to me”. My main goal is to get pretty heavily medicated, pretty quickly, so vapor quality/density/potency is of utmost importance to me. I accept the cool/smooth nature of vaping, but for my money, I need something I can see/feel you know? I’m a hit & run kinda guy, so I need something that gets me where I’m going in approx. 3-5 full draws, and lasts a couple hours (my herbs are above-average quality). Every now and again I’ll want to have a moderate session at home and just get ripped, so ultimate discreetness is not a priority. I found all this out recently after purchasing the Pax 2. After reading all the reviews it seemed like the best option. In terms of all-around performance, I can sort of see what some of the hype is about, but I was utterly disappointed with the vapor quality. The draw resistance was a huge turn-off for me, and more times than not I found myself filling/adjusting the oven in pursuit of a “quality draw” (large, dense cloud and “full-chested” feeling upon inhale). I considered buying a finishing grinder to enhance the vapor, but for all that I could sell and invest in a Crafty, Mighty, or Firefly. At this point, I’ve virtually abandoned the Pax 2 and reverted back to rolling wraps to satisfy my needs. I bought the Pax 2 to quit wraps in the first place! So, is there any hope for me? Am I expecting too much from dry-vaping, or is there something out there with my name on it? Best suggestion?
Thanks!
Well first off the clouds from vaping will never compete with combustion unfortunately, they will always be thinner and wispier. Often times if you can completely quit smoking for around a week or two, you will really begin to appreciate vaping MUCH more, and if you try smoking again your palate will have shifted enough that you will taste ash a lot more than you used to which was really odd/interesting for me. So before you go buying a new vape or switching anything up, I would suggest giving it at least a week. While the finishing grinder will give you the best performance, you can still any very fine grind to get better performance. If you have a 2piece grinder, just grind it extra long, and if you have a 4piece grinder, flip it upside down, and grind it extra long. Then make sure you pack the oven full, and also semi pack it down. Now when the Pax2 is heated up, I prefer to wait another 5 seconds or so before I draw, then just take a really long and slow/deep draw. You can get very large/dense/potent clouds off the Pax 2 once you get it down.
With all of that said, if you still aren’t happy with the Pax2 the Crafty/Mighty/Firefly do all hit harder. Coming from smoking I would suggest the Crafty/Mighty as they have no technique and and just work no matter how you pack it or draw from it.
Buzz,
Taking a week or two off sounds good. I enjoyed the taste of my herbs much better through vaping and I could almost feel my lungs returning to a healthy pink after the first week, so, I wasn’t quite ready to give up yet. One thing that I noticed was that the moisture content of the herbs seemed to affect vapor quality as well. When I pre-ground my herbs and let them dry out a little, vapor quality was at it’s highest. When I used freshly-ground herbs with the dense, sticky qualities still intact, vapor quality seemed to drop off. Is there something to this?
You are definitely correct on the moisture content. If your herb is wet, definitely grind it up, and leave the grinder lid off for a while, you don’t need it to be bone dry by any means but dry is better than wet :)
Hi Buzz, love your site. Wanted to ask if you have had a chance to try the Herbalizer vaporizer? It’s definitely more on the expensive side ($700) but is very functional and designed by ex-nasa engineers.
Hey Luc,
I have not actually tried the Herbalizer mostly because it does seem a bit too pricey and I feel like nothing can really be worth $200-300 more than the Volcano. I have the CloudEVO for my bong type hits and the Volcano does the rest. Maybe one of these days I’ll get the Herbalizer. If they give it to me for super cheap on sale or something.
What’s the best “non electric” vaporizer you’ve tried? I bought a Solo and its definitely not the “most portable” but I can take it day hiking, car camping, etc, but the battery life limits it to those types of trips. How can I get a consistent vaping experience when out in the wilderness (like many nights into a backpacking trip for example)? Is a VaporGenie and a nice lighter the way to go? Is there anything else available? Is it comparatively difficult to get good vapor from a device like this?
You could try some of the butane vapes like the Lotus, VaporGenie, vapman, hammer, lily, daisy… I will start getting some of the reviews up for these but I would check out FC first or search google for these names. These are all good butane vapes that could do the trick out in the woods for you.
Ever get a chance to use the Lotus? Im on the fence looking for the thick dense vapes. By some videos it seems to be attained. However i was hoping rather for direct confirmation. I would like a crafty but just don’t wanna spend the coin,already own a volcano digit. Can those portables actually be better then the volcano?(i would expect they would be good coming from S&B). It seems to me its still champ granted i have not used as many as you have. Iolite/solo/hammer pro/mlfb/think g pen/n02. The volcano just has the best taste,preserves material best,THICK vapes always. Make sure to change your filter below every so often it does matter on this unit,at least from my findings.
Yea man I’m definitely a big Volcano user. Pretty much all day everyday lol. I think the Crafty is definitely worth it. The lack of draw resistance and ease of use is the best on the market. IMO. The Lotus is fun and I’ve used it a couple times but I haven’t been using it all too much because I combusted a couple times and it gets harder and harder to clean out the smell. I’m just a novice with the Lotus and pretty much all butane powered vapes.
I’ve seen videos of people getting super dense clouds from the Lotus but it’s definitely a novelty vaporizer. Like you can’t just hand the Lotus to a friend and be like try this out man! He’s going to burn it and probably not like it. So it’s just one of those things that if you have the time and patience to put into it, then by all means give it a try. I would check out the Grasshopper as well. The Grasshoper packs a punch and can put out a bit denser clouds than the Crafty/Mighty.
I’ll try out the lotus again here soon, I do like the idea and the design. I’m just terrible at it.
Hey buzz, really helpful article.
I currently have an MFLB, my first and only vaporizer. After using multiple times a week for 6+ months, time is taking it’s toll and the vape is becoming less efficient. I am looking for a vape to upgrade to, something small and discrete. The main issue with my mflb is vape density. I seem to not get very much vapor from each hit, so I am looking for something that will get me medicated fast with dense clouds. Also, I’ve heard that many vapes are good for the first few months you get them, but start to decrease in performance as time passes. What would be your suggestions on long lasting vapes? Battery life for me is key as I am always on the go vaping where charging isn’t always an option. Looking for something on the cheaper side but I am willing to spend that extra money if it is good vapor density/quality, and will last me awhile. Any suggestions will help me greatly.
Does size matter? If battery life is the most important than I would look into the Mighty. It is pretty pricey but it will average about 8 bowls per full charge. It has pass-through charging which allows you to charge it and use it as well. Honestly this would be the last vaporizer you would need to buy.
It’s quite a bit bigger than some of the other vaporizers but will still fit in your pocket if needed.
The other vape that I would recommend would be the Pax 2. The Pax 2 is MUCH more portable and has probably the best battery life behind the Mighty. I get about 6-7 bowls per battery and sometimes more depending on my session length, temps, herbs, and packing type. The other good thing about the Pax 2 is that it uses Micro USB so you can pick up an external battery pack (~$20 on amazon) and charge it anywhere on the go. These external battery packs are getting cheaper and cheaper by the day so this is not a bad option but it does require you to carry another item and the charging cable/adapter with you.
Downside to the Pax 2 is the draw resistance and the chamber size. It requires a bit of a sipping technique to get the best results. It’s kind of similar to the Solo. The chamber size in the Pax 2 is quite a bit bigger than the Mighty. The Pax 2 does best with a very fine grind and tight pack whereas you can load the Mighty/Crafty in any fashion and still get great results.
Those are the two I would start with and let me know if you have any more questions. I’ll try to help you narrow it down a bit more.
Will you review the Vapium Summit?
I will soon, I have it and working on the article.
Hey buzz haze or v2 pro series 7 ? I need a vape for dry herb wax and e liquids
You will be MUCH happier with the Haze.
Hey buzz, I currently own the solo and I love it! I do take it for walks and car rides but I have to be careful. but with snowboard season on its way I’m looking for a smaller and more of an on-the-go vape I have been looking at the air or the firefly but any input is much appreciated, cheers from Canada
Check out the Pax 2! I always take mine out on the slopes and I can’t wait to get out this year. The roommates and I will be taking a trip up to Fernie this year are you close to there at all?
Hello, I am so tired of wasting money on vaporizers. First I had the vapir 2 that had to go back after much fighting with the company they sent me a new one that one was just as bad as the first one. I’ve tried vape pens have tried ionic. It’s ridiculous how much these things cost. I’m a woman of a particular age and I am tired of buying and replacing and fighting with companies over their s***** products. So what is the B and all of portable vaporizers?
I would say the Crafty is the best right now until the Grasshopper gets the production issues sorted out.
Hey Buzz,
Any thoughts on the G Pro Herbal Vaporizer for a portable vape?
So far I’m really liking the G Pen Elite. I’ll be getting up a review soon and I’ll post some pictures on my instagram.
Hey Buzz,
Great site. I own an e-nano and a Goboof Alfa. Probably grabbing a Cloud Evo this week, but I’m torn on a new portable. Spend a good amount of time outside, need a decent travel vape. Crafty vs Pax 2 vs Firefly 2. I like the idea of the Crafty but the reliability issues have me scared. And I hear the Pax 2 has a strong draw resistance, and that seems to be a turnoff. what do you think??
Hey Rusty,
The Pax 2 is really pretty similar to the Alfa, just a better version. Even though the Pax 2 is my go to outdoor physical activity vape, you still might want to consider the FF2 or Crafty or Grasshopper since the Alfa is pretty similar. While the Crafty does have some battery issues, I am personally still on my first unit from 2014, so I do believe the issues are slightly over hyped. The Firefly 2 is really legit, top tier flavor and vapor coolness/smoothness, however it’s usually not my first choice for outdoor physical activities that cause me to get winded and out of breath. This is because it requires a long slow draw for the best results which is tough to do if you are out of breath from hiking/biking/etc. If you will have time to stop for a moment to catch your breath before hitting the Firefly 2 you will be totally fine, but if you are looking for that works while you are out of breath the Crafty and Pax 2 will work better.
How would you rate the Flowermate compared to the more known models? Especially Gpen Elite which I´m also considering.
I´m considering the Flowermate Mini Pro while it´s 99$ over at Puffitup. I´m tired of my messy MFLB, and while I wait for the Grasshopper I was thinking of ordering a Gpen Elite and FM Mini Pro. I really like the stealthy design of the FM Mini Pro, and that it can pass a security check as a portable charger.
I prefer the Elite over the Flowermate’s. If you are looking for something cheaper than the Elite, I would suggest the Focus Vape or the Xmax V2 Pro which are both for sale at Puffitup
Thanks! Mind if I pick your brain a bit more? What about the Elite makes it your preferred choice, and which do you prefer between the Focus and the Elite?
If I can get a good deal on the Haze 3 or Firefly 2, would you wait for the upcoming Haze Square?
Due to some order problems, PIU offered me the Elite for 110$, and a Haze V3 for 150$, I might get a discount on the FF2 if I ask nicely.
I would go for the Elite if you want a vape for being out and about and doing stuff like hiking/biking/skiing etc. If you want a vape for mainly around the house, at a buddies place etc and you want the best vapor quality you want the Firefly 2. The Haze is sort of like the jack of all trades, it does everything well, but nothing amazing, so its a really versatile vape. I like the focus because its one of the best cheap vapes, but I prefer all of the other units mentioned over it otherwise. Lastly I would personally not wait on the Haze Square since it is still a prototype at this point and could be a very long ways away from being finished and who knows how it will perform or what sort of maintenance it will need with multiple rotating bowls
Thanks man, I appreciate you taking the time and effort to answer. So to sum it up, if you were to get a temporary stealthy vape while waiting for the GH, get the Elite. The Flowermate mini pro has super stealthy design though, maybe future generations will improve? I’m thinking that soldering in a better battery would improve performance a bit.
I would go for the Elite over the Flowermate. I do expect Flowermate to continue to improve as well.
What about v2 pro series 7 or theg pen elite. Maybe purl5 deja vu. With waterfilertion. Iv been smoking for 40 years just started to vap love it . just got a cheap desktop. Easy vap 5. Dont like combust at low temperature thanks. Be advice Donovan
I have not tried the Puri5 Deja Vu, however they are a company that re-brands existing products for a higher price. I do like the G Pen Elite quite a bit, and the V2 Pro Series 7 is just an average unit. For under $200 I would suggest the Gpen Elite, or the Arizer Air (coupon to get it cheaper on my Arizer Air Review)
Buzz. Do you have any thoughts on a dry herb vaporizer that is the best for Keeping the smell to a minimum both during a session and after. I am most always solo and only need 1-2 hits to get where I want to be when I smoke so I ordered a GH thinking it was stealthy and could use small loads but with summer daze upon me and no hopper in sight I am starting my search again. Not a session as it’s just me. Small,Stealthy and portable is cool but keepin the aroma to a minimum is key.
Thanks
Hey OldStoney, I would check out the Firefly 2. I’ve always found that the convection units tend to smell less because the herbs are only being heated when you are drawing. Whereas with a conduction unit like the Pax 2, G Pen Elite, Haze V3, and the Prima are always heating the herbs regardless if you are drawing or not. So even as you finish the session and throw the vaporizer back in your pocket, it’s still hot in the chamber, vaping the herbs and allowing smell to release. Same thing with the pre-heat on a conduction unit, the smell will release as the unit heats up. I feel like the MFLB is another unit that doesn’t smell too much and the best choice, like you said, is the Grasshopper. Hands down. BUT, you probably won’t see it for 4-6 months.
Good info. What is recommendation for the best portable convection vap? Thought elite g was convection but I think it is a little of both. Want that for taste and quality and I am hoping it is a little better on the throat regarding harshness.
I wish Grenco would stop claiming the Elite was convection, in my opinion the Elite is almost entirely conduction, when I broke one open I did notice that the air passed by about 1/2 inch of the heater when it comes in the intake so it does very slightly preheat the air, but the vast majority of the heating is coming from the oven sidewalls via conduction.
My favorite full convection vaporizer for vapor quality is the Firefly 2. It has the best flavor, and also produces the coolest and smoothest vapor. On the downside it takes more practice and technique than other units to get the best results, and it’s pretty pricey. My second favorite convection unit is the Grasshopper, and it has good flavor, but the vapor is a bit hotter/harsher than average since it has a very powerful heater, and a very short vapor path.
First of all, thanks so much for the great info. I’m new to vaping. Looking to buy my first portable. I’m weighing between Crafty and PAX2. But I also read a couple interesting reviews on the Elevape. Any experience with that one? Wondering how it might compare. Thanks in advance for your time.
So for ease of use, I would recommend the Crafty > Pax 2 > Elevape. The Crafty is pretty much the easiest portable vaporizer to use. It’s easy to load, easy to draw from and requires no learning techniques. The Pax 2 is the most portable unit of the three but not as easy to use as the Crafty. The Pax 2 requires a certain fine type of grind and the you get the best results with the chamber packed down pretty tightly. It also has quite a bit more draw resistance than the Crafty. The Crafty is one of the most free flowing vaporizers (along with the Mighty) that I’ve used. The elevape will be the hardest to use but possibly one of the best tasting. Honestly if you wanted a convection unit I would recommend the Firefly 2. They’ve made it much easier to use, lighter, quicker heat ups and still very easy to clean/maintain.
So maybe the Crafty or the Firefly 2 unless you wanted the best for overall portability, then I would recommend the Pax 2. I would also say the Pax 2 is the most durable/reliable of the three and it comes with a 10 year warranty. The Crafty and Firefly both have 2 year warranties I believe.
Hopefully I didn’t just confuse you more, let me know if you have any more questions.
Hi Buzz,
Would you please also do a review on FOCUSVAPE PRO? the upgrade version on focusvape 6 temperature setting one. the full temperature range with water bubbler makes the unit quite unique on-the-go, please let us know how to send on to you? thanks
Send me an email via the contact page and I’ll get you an address! Thanks for reaching out.
Hiya Buzz,
Recently I’ve been thinking of switching from smoking (combusting) to vaporizing to enhance the longevity of my harvest / bought herb, and simply to get to where I want in a healthier way.
I’ve read a ton of reviews and pro’s/cons and came to the following choices:
1: Boundless CFX
(Love the look and options regarding useability(?) and the fact I can vape herbs/wax/concentrates without issues.)
2: DaVinci Ascent
(Again, love the look of the Stealth edition and the fact that it’s all in one. It features a full glass channel and bowl, so it should taste as pure as it should be, or so they claim. Plus, it features an incredible range of (stable) temperatures, making it easy to be able to vape near anything.)
3: Vapium Summit+
(AWESOME looks, rugged and sturdy, but it has me in doubt regarding the temperatures and materials being used. A lot of different stories are being told about the Summit and Summit+, frequently mixing them up, not being very clear in the end.)
Since I hardly smoke (will vape) on my own (always with my gf on my side), it has to be able to handle 2 hardcore smokers. I’ve been busy figuring out what would fit us best for over 2 straight months now, and it’s getting frustrating.
We’re quite outdoorsy, but will mostly be using it indoor. However, we’ve got family scattered across the country (NL) and thus we’re quite often away from home for (long) weekends. Power isn’t an issue, battery life is, aswell as durability.
It has to be able to take some rough travelling, festivals and nights of getting wasted. Since I love experimenting, it should be able to produce vape as pure as possible, hence the glass in the Ascent drew my attention.
I hope my demands on my vaporizer are understandable and that you might be able to help out on a choice. The list is in order of choice at this moment, and the budget is €200 tops. Excluding accessoires.
—–
Thanks in advance, and I loved reading your reviews, keep ’em coming!
Greetings from the Netherlands,
Kromme.
Hey Kromme, sorry for the late reply! I would have to go with the CFX or the Ascent. Between those two, you have to decide if the heat up time will be a problem. The Ascent takes about 50 seconds whereas the CFX will heat up in about 20 seconds. Both chambers are huge and work very well in group scenarios. Next, the CFX has some draw resistance whereas the Ascent is pretty much one of the freest flowing portable vaporizers. Because of this I feel like the hits on the Ascent are more whispy and not quite as dense/thick as with the CFX but the vapor is very smooth and cool on the Ascent because of this.
The CFX is much easier to clean especially if you plan on doing concentrates/oils often. Two year warranty on both the CFX and Ascent. Both have full temp spectrums. Lastly, I think the display and buttons are much better on the CFX. The Ascent screen has some issues and buttons are not the most precise/easy to push.
Let me know if you have any more questions and thanks for checking out my site! I also make a small commission if you purchase the vaporizer using my links.
Hey buzz, i have a vapedynamics V1.OS and just found out that these are now called the Flowermate V5.OS, HAD FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND PRETTY HAPPY WITH IT ,but while researching for a friend i came accross the Boundless CF vape… have you tried both of these and in your experience would you say that the Boundless CF would be a decent upgrade as i dont have a lot to spend on a high end vape, or do you think i would be wasting my money performance wise compared to what i already have ?
I mostly vape at home on my own and nearly always dry herb and i usually find that one bowl is enough unless im on a session or friends are round. your thoughts would be most appreciated and any other recommendations on other products that are of a similar cost, cheers Dave
The CF will offer much faster heat up times, better battery life, easier to use, less draw resistance and be much more consistent. Try to catch the CF on sale at puffitup and I think it would be worth the upgrade.
Hello- you really seem to know your stuff about vapes! This is all a bit overwhelming for me though, since I know nothing about them and there are so many-
I have to get one asap though, and I would really like to make the correct choice based on these requirements:
I need a vape that as discreet and swift, for just me, to take the odd hoot or two throughout the day-
I’m not into having long sessions, so I’d like the vapour to be dense to maximize effect with minimal use-
my number one overall concern and the biggest deal breaker though is that I need one which will (Hopefully without sacrificing potency of vapour)
produce a vapour that has the least smell- I live with a girl who cannot stand the smell of weed, even the tiniest, on my breath (She can smell it even if I’ve smoked a single hoot ten hours earlier) and it puts a strain on our relationship. As long as it can fit in a pocket without being too bulky small differences in size are no big deal…
But more portable is better… Anyway, I’d really appreciate some advice, that would be very kind of you. Also I’m very poor- I’d like to spend less than 150 but would consider going up to around 200 if there was a big difference in how the smell would linger on your breath.
It doesn’t seem like the breath-smell is an issue addressed anywhere…
Hey Fred, I think the vape that will be the very most fitting for you would be the Grasshopper. Unfortunately it is on pre-order, but you might be able to find one at a third party distributor in stock. Otherwise I would consider the Sticky Brick Junior which is a butane torch powered vape, but its very powerful and quick. You can take 1 or 2 quick hits and get everything you need. Lastly I would consider the Boundless CF which is a session vape, but its a fast session vape with quick preheat.
This is really good! I’m on a budget… and I only vape concentrates and dry flower on occasion.. Kindly please suggest something ? The firefly 2 is very expensive :(
Check out the Haze v3. You can usually catch it on a good sale under $200. Replaceable batteries, dual chambers, vapes concentrates and dry herb.
I have no idea what I’m doing here!!! Looking to get started into dry herb vapes, that will be it’s single use. I need help with EVERYTHING!
I think you should send me an email at admin@vaporizerwizard.com I would be happy to help you individually if you are overwhelmed
Any plans to review Vapcap?
Im really wondering If I made mistake to go with Pax2 instead of Dynavap TI Woody
I have the original Vapcap and will get a full review up soonish, however I do have a few more I am working on first. I personally use my Pax 2 more than my Vapcap. The Vapcap is more of a 1-hitter style unit with a very small bowl size, similar to the GH but less powerful and versatile. So its best for single users and quick top-ups, but it won’t get me strong medicated without a repack or two
Im intrested to hear your thoughts on Boundless CFC maybe comparison to Pax2 would be nice!
I am not quite finished with my CFC testing, so let me get back to on this one.
Hey Buzz I want a full convection portable for my next vape , I see you’ve tested the CFV by boundless , are you also gonna look at the flowermate swift pro I’ve been reading about more negatives about the swift pro external build quality and mouthpiece performance . Is the CFV better ? I know they’re both manufactured by same company but what’s the deal can you shine a bright light on this please . Also do you have a CFC from boundless on the way ? Will you be looking at that one ? And how about the firewood 4.0 and Milaana/ Zion are any of these wood pieces good in your opinion , thanks .
Hey Lu, I do have the CFV but I don’t have the Swift Pro, however they are nearly identical. Overall the CFV is decent, but nothing terribly amazing. I do have the CFC as well, and with initial testing it’s definitely showing promise. I dohave the Firewood3.0 but I don’t have the Firewood 4.0 yet. I will also be getting the Milaana/Zion once they get their production smoothed out, but they have been on a bumpy road so I have not picked them up yet.
Which portable vaporizer produces the biggest cloud?
The Grasshopper can produce the densest and thickest vapor. Some other units that can produce very dense clouds are the Davinci IQ, Crafty and Mighty.
Hey Buzz, thanks for all the reviews! I was pretty sold on the firefly 2, claiming on its website to expect 10 puffs from .2grams… I noticed you call other vapes a bit of an herb hog, but even if it’d only 5 hits per .2grams that’s amazing.. my concern is only like 5 temp settings.. I’m def not a session guy so I love it’s quick heat up time… I use my meds almost solely at home and by myself. Temp control is important to me as I know the cannabinoid content of my herbs and each one vapes at different Temps so exact control is important to me.. but #1 (well 1 and 2) that I’m looking for is which one makes herbs last the longest and temp control as i do the “hit n run” style of smoking, definitely not a session guy at all. What would u recommend? Btw I’m semi aware of the type of grind the FF2 requires and only a certain amount full… I’m willing to learn the intricacies of the vape, I just want best quality for my needs and the $ spent. (money is important but I’m looking at value not final price point)
Thanks! And thanks again for your reviews! I’ll definitely be sending some people here!
Hey Jimbro, The FF2 sounds like a great fit for you for your ‘hint n run’ style. It is also able to keep good flavor longer than my other on demand units, and the app has the power tuning feature which basically allows you to set any temperature you want.
Buzz,
I started vamping recently with just pre-filled carts and a basic pen/battery. It seems easy and discreet but lacks what I am looking for. I’ve done a ton of research on what to buy and I am super torn on what to get….I’ve found several at great prices with lots of pros and cons. Not sure how to separate or pick just one. This will be mostly for at home use with maybe some outside usage. It’s going to be mainly for 2 and we both like flower and concentrates. Neither is a “needed requirement” and can be either for flower only or both. It would be great to have one with premium vapor production, healthy – no plastic or other chemicals potentially leaking into the vapor or taste or flower, minimal maintenance and quality construction. I know I kind of want it all…and not spending tons of money (firefly/crafty/pax3 are just too pricey)
What I’m so indecisive on:
Linx Gaia
Boundless cfx
Davinci ascent
G pen elite
Atoms pillar (dual function)
Apx zero
Of the vaporizers you listed, I would go with the CFX. Great for groups, heats up quick, full temp spectrum with on vape display and it works well with varying load sizes. You can also use concentrates with pad but it’s not a permanent solution. Just something to use concentrates here and there.
Next one I would recommend is the Arizer Air. Not as portable and not as many temp options as the CFX but hands down the best flavor in the $150 price range. The Pax 2 is also now $199 and as far as I know the concentrate insert for the Pax 3 will work in the Pax 2. It’s just not released yet. So the Pax 2 might be your best bet for both dry herbs and concentrates.
Flowermate V5.0s Pro or Vaporizador Boundless CFX? What do you say? Wich is better to you?
Differences?
thank you very much!
I definitely prefer the Boundless CFX personally. The Boundless heats up faster, has better flavor, its more efficient with partial packs, and it has faster charging.
Any thoughts on the Tommys Choice TC-3? Can’t find any info.
Pretty sure its a rebranded chinese vaporizer. I wouldn’t recommend it. In that price range I would recommend the Boundless CF for $129. https://www.vaporizerwizard.com/shop/cfpotv
A few sites have listed the VaporFi Orbit as the best for dry herb. Have you tried it? Thoughts?
It’s the same as the G Pro and both of them are knock of chinese rebrands. You can get it much much cheaper if that’s the vaporizer you really want. In that price range, I would recommend the Boundless CFC at $89, CF at $129, or the Xmax v2 pro at $79.
Thank you. Is the CF worth the extra money over the CFC? I like the look of the CFC better but don’t want to compromise too much quality for aesthetics.
The only issue that I have with the CFC is that the mouthpiece gets hot with prolonged use. I think they are working on a new mouthpiece that should help with that problem but the CF does offer a better experience because of that. CFC is a good vaporizer for the price though. Good battery life, full temp, decent vapor.
Hi, are there any vaporizers under 200 dollars that can be used while charging? Also , I read on 2 other review sites the g pen elite is the best vaporizer under 200 did you try that one? Also any ideas for best vaporizer under 200 with the following: great battery life, flavour, longer mouthpiece or cooler vapour so throats hit isn’t too hot, not too difficult to load and maybe pass through ability, and something handheld, being somewhat portable.? Thanks for the site by the way, just so undecided!
Hey Tara, I do have the G Pen Elite, and it’s definitely the best unit yet from Grenco, but now that Pax 2 dropped to $199 and the Arizer Air dropped to $169 I think there are better options over the Elite in the same price range. From what you have mentioned I think the Air would be the best fit for you. It has a long glass vapor path which does a great job cooling the vapor. The air does have partial pass-through charging (you can use it while charging, but the batteries will die, just much slower) and it also has replaceable batteries. I would also consider the Pax 2, which will be smaller, more portable, and easier to conceal, but the vapor won’t be as tasty, or as cool since it has a shorter vapor path. The Air is also more efficient with your herbs. Overall I think you would be best going for the Air, and I recommend picking it up at vapeworld and using coupon code ‘AIR’ in the shopping cart to reduce it to $169 with free shipping and a free gift.
Thanks I was also looking at vapir prima, DaVinci ascent and h2oflo Flytlab. Out of the these 4 which do u think is best for what I want? Vapir prima, DaVinci ascent, arizer air or flytlab?So many decisions! I noticed you don’t mention the ascent,h20flo or prima.
Hey Tara, I do have all of those vapes, and out of those 4 vapes my first choice is the Arizer Air, my second choice is the Vapir Prima, third choice is the Davinci Ascent, and my fourth choice is the H2Flo.
Thanks Buzz keep Buzzin ! Btw nice youtube channel =) Wish you had an arizer air youtube video review :D
Oh just curious can you explain this? ” I recommend picking up the D020-D and the 18mm PVHEGonG. “
The D020-D is a bubbler, and the 18mm PVHEGonG is the Arizer stem that plugs into glass. The links should be clickable so you can check them out.
it looks like a bong, is bubbler and bong the same thing? Why would you use a bong with a vaporizer? (I’m a casual, my boyfriend is who I am shopping for , secret easter gift :)))
Bongs/bubblers are very similar. The reason you can/want to use a vaporizer through glass, is that the water will moisturize the vapor, and cool it so that you can basically take bigger/longer/higher-temp rips without coughing. It is definitely not necessary, but it’s fun :)
Coupon code ‘AIR’ doesn’t work at vapeworld, just to let you know
Very interesting… I just tried it myself and I got it to work. First I added the Arizer Air to my shopping cart, then from the page shopping cart I clicked ‘coupon code’ in the bottom left, and added ‘AIR’ (without the ”) and it drops the price by $61.
Would you want to try it again following my steps and see if it still fails? If you are still having problems I will contact Vapeworld and get to the bottom of it. Out of curiosity are you outside of the US? Maybe it’s a code for the USA or North America only potentially?
I am Canadian, I see it is much cheaper from Canadian sites also
Hey, any review on YuCan iShred?
Probably won’t get around to that one. I would check out the Xmax v2 pro – https://www.vaporizerwizard.com/shop/xmaxv2pro – retails for $59 with code XM
Hi Buzz,
So glad I found this site. Hoping you can give me some advice. I gave up smoking two years ago (both tobacco & herb) due to health reasons. I smoke an ecig but more recently I have slipped back into having a big herb roll-up each day but after abstaining, I now only need a very small amount and I like to have a few puffs and put it out and pick it up again through the evening. Preferably, I would like a vape pen or similar that I can smoke in a similar way to this. Something that is as easy to use as an ecig and that only takes a small amount. I am also on a tight budget, vapes for herbs seem to be more expensive in the UK and I would prefer not to have to regularly replace parts. After much research (and still getting nowhere) I have three ideas in mind, X-Max V2 pro series 3, Storm V2 or a similar priced Flowermate. Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks,
Sue
The X-Max is a great starter vape and really the only thing you’ll need. I would only go with the series 3 if you plan on vaping all three materials – dry herb, wax/concentrates, or e-liquid. The series 3 is basically a jack of all trades but master of none so if you’ll be vaping mostly dry herb, I would get the xmax v2 pro.
Thanks so much. I kept looking for an email, I didn’t realise you had replied on here so sorry for the long delay. I am ready to take the plunge so thank you for your great advice.
Hi Buzz,
I noticed that you give some kickass advice so I thought I’d ask the person that knows it all. I’m a casual smoker thats just tryna get the most out of his bud. I’m lookin for a vape with a good battery life, something that will give me the effects of the bud the quickest and help me use my flower to its fullest extent, and something concealable (dealin with Indian parents so…. gotta be super discreet). Also need something that will keep the smell of the bud inside, also to help out with the parents situation. My price range is around 200-250 max, leaning towards the 200 range tho hahaha. Any help will be much appreciated!!!
Grasshopper all the way Jay! Just need to decide between the Titanium model or the Stainless Steel. Everything you just described you needed the Grasshopper offers. Stealthy, heats up fast, least smelly, you can load a full chamber and have multiple sessions. The Grasshopper is my daily driver along with the Mighty. Let me know if you have any more questions! I recommend picking it up directly from Hopper Labs – https://www.vaporizerwizard.com/reddit/grasshopper
Thank you so much for takin the time out to reply to my question! I’ll definitely look up more on the grasshopper! So far I just think the problem seems to be that it looks like it’ll heat up super quick and be really hot on the mouthpiece. Everything else about it seems great though, especially love the sneaky design. My friends always recommend the Pax, so I’m just a little confused. Also what you said about GH not having a long track record of customer service or reliability makes me a little apprehensive to spend my money on it. Question: is the Pax2 good for small packs? And how does it do with the smell factor? It’s pretty easy to conceal so thats not much of a concern. And how is maintenance for both GH and Pax2? Thank you again!!!
No problem! If you are looking for reliability, I would definitely go with the Pax vaporizers. Be sure to pick up the half-pack chamber for smaller sessions. I just use the half-pack chamber for everything these days. I’d say the maintenance is easier on the GH. The Pax 2 gets dirtier faster and will require cleaning more often but it’s a quick process. Try to vape the entire chamber in one session and empty it out after to keep down on the cleaning. Let me know if you have any more questions!
I saw your review on the Pax and the half pack chamber on youtube (bomb ass videos bro), and my friend has one so I see him clean it out with this little brush things and that’s just an extra thing I needa have handy and gotta conceal from my parents so it puts me off to it just the slightest. I know I’m all over the place here but I think the Firefly 2 might be a really good choice. How do you think it handled smaller bowls? I know it’s a bit more expensive but it might just be worth the 20 taco bell trips that I don’t make lmaoo. How do you think that compares to the Pax and Grasshopper and, given my situation, what do you think would be the best for me? Not everyday you find someone that has the experience you do with so many vapes lmaoo
Jay!~ The Firefly 2 works best with a fully packed chamber. The only one you mentioned that works well with varying load sizes is the Grasshopper. You can load as much or as little as you want and still get great consistency. I prefer the vapor taste, temp and smoothness of the Firefly 2 over all of the vaporizers you mentioned. The only downsides to the Firefly 2 are the draw resistance and it requires some technique to get the best results. I’d go with the Grasshopper if you wanted to micro dose or use smaller loads and I’d go with the Firefly 2 if you wanted the absolute best tasting vapor. The Firefly 2 also works well with concentrates. Let me know if you have any more questions and thanks for the kind words my man. Take it easy and have a great day.
Living in a recently legalized state I want to get the best weed vaporizer. I see lots of talk here about dry herbs, but nothing that mentions weed vaporizer or marijuana vaporizer. Is dryherb just head shop talk?
Yep! It’s still federally illegal so we all pretty much call it dry herb as a CYA (cover your ass) type thing. Same thing goes for paraphernalia. You would call a bong or bubbler a “water piece” which is intended only for use with tobacco. Hopefully soon everything will be federally legal and we won’t have to worry about different types of lingo. Just call it what it is. A cannabis vaporizer. But for now, it’s a dry herb vaporizer.
Hey Buzz!
I really enjoyed the article, it’s very informative and well written, but I figured I wanted your personal opinion. I have never owned a portable vape, although I have used a couple. I’m looking into buying one in the next couple months and I plan on using it primarily at my apartment outside on the back porch. The qualities I am looking for are:
Quick Heat time
Compact (so I can hide it)
“Solo” Vape.
Vapor Quality
I have looked into the FireFly2 and I love the ability to set it down midsession and come back later, but I’m not sure I want to spend that much. Any suggestions?
BTW, Happy 4/20 everyone!
Happy late 420! I hope you had a great day! I would check out the Grasshopper or the Sticky Brick Butane vaporizers.
Both of these vaporizers offer convection heating a lower price. The Sticky Bricks will provide cooler vapor but the Grasshopper is by far the easiest to use. Only downside to the Grasshopper is that it can get hot with prolonged sessions. So it works best to turn it on, rip it, turn it off and just repeat that cycle.
My most used portable vaporizers are the Grasshopper and Mighty. I think the Grasshopper would be a perfect fit for your scenario plus they are finally shipping on demand so you can get one quick. Let me know if you have any more questions and thanks for checking out my site!
How long does it take to get your reply/comment posted?
Depends on what the question is!
Hi Buzz, what vaporisers would be the top 3 mobile ones but convection.
Because according to my research convection is by far superior.
This means I’ll only look at those – Thank you
1. Grasshopper
2. Firefly 2
3. Sticky Bricks
I like the Grasshopper for quick rips and you can load as little or as much herb as you want. The Grasshopper is my most used portable vaporizer along with the Mighty.
The Firefly is the best tasting but takes a couple sessions to get the best results. The Firefly relies heavily on your draw speed which can be weird for people at first.
The Sticky Bricks are butane vaporizers and not as portable as the Grasshopper or Firefly but they produce great flavor while being very efficient with your herbs.
Any thoughts on whether to get Volcano or Chongs Herbalizer vs. portable like Mighty? Using a water pipe but would like to get better sessions
Thanks
If you’re using a water pipe, I would go with the Cloud EVO. 100% hands down the best water desktop vaporizer. The Mighty is a great option if you think you’ll want to take it on the go. You can pick up a water pipe adapter for the Mighty and hook it up to your current water pieces very easily. Delta3dstudios makes a good Mighty WPA for cheap.
Great selection THANX for the post. I’m quite new to the scene but am shopping for a Vaporizer that I can possibly switch out the chambers like the V2 pro Series 7. Looking 2 use 2 different herbs in 1 day. Any recommendations?
Haze V3! Check out my review and let me know if you have any questions!
Hi Buzz,
I’m new to vaping and am still unclear after several days of reading what to buy. I use herb only for medicine. I don’t like the flavor, so bland is good, but if fewer strong flavor-filled puffs are what maximize therapeutic benefit/value, I’m good with that. No long sessions, just get my medicine and be done with it. I’m interested in health-related features like getting the most medicinal bang from the herb; materials and heating system that are best for health; and stretching the herb/concentrate/wax value as much as possible. So far, the other features that are important for me are:
1. Full temperature control, partly because I might want to try vaping other herbs too (is that wise with these devices?) and partly because different cannabinoids appear to vape best at different temperatures. Unfortunately, I do not have a smartphone, so I won’t be able to use app-controlled units. I have been unable to determine whether these apps would work on a tablet or computer (Mac). If not, I’m out of luck with the Crafty and the Davinci IQ. On the other hand, maybe I just think I need that feature for medicinal value when I really don’t. Thoughts?
2. I am just learning about waxes and concentrates and do plan to use them. Would it be better to get one unit that does it all or two separate units? If two, I would like at least one of them to be portable enough to take on the road. Doesn’t have to be too stealth. The other could be a portable or even a desktop.
3. As for my budget, I was going to splurge for the Mighty as an all-in-one solution but I am frankly nervous about the many complaints I’ve read about its mechanical failures and more importantly, the company’s lack of accountability to customers who are having problems. It also seems they should be due to put out a new or updated product. I’m on disability and can’t afford to plunk down that much money for a unit that has a short warranty, is tough to get warranty service on and may only last a short time. My budget cap for one or two units is about $350-400.
4. I’ve never tried using bags, whips or glass add-ons, and don’t know enough about the medicinal value of these approaches to know whether I should be considering them more seriously. I have read that some of the herb value may get lost when it goes through water, but don’t know if this is actually true.
I’d rather go straight to a unit that will last a long time (steeper learning curve isn’t a problem) rather than start with a “starter” vape and find myself wanting to upgrade shortly thereafter.
Thanks for your insightful reviews and help. I’ve been scouring the net looking at reviews and I think yours are the best. Sorry for the long post.
Leslie
Hey Leslie,
I would recommend the Firefly 2 but it’s not the easiest vaporizer to use. You can use the app with a tablet but I don’t think you can with a PC. The Firefly 2 is great for single quick puffs and it’s also my favorite dry herb vaporizer to use with concentrates.
I would also check out the Haze v3. The haze v3 comes with a 10 year warranty and is the best at vaping multiple types of materials. It’s basically a jack of all trades and master of none. It can vape dry herbs, e-liquids, and wax/concentrates. Check out my review and let me know if you have any questions. The only downside to the Haze in my opinion is the cleaning/maintenance, but if you keep on top of it you won’t have any problems. The haze also uses a conduction heating system so your sessions will be a little longer with a few rips in each of them versus quick heat ups and quick sessions with the Firefly 2.
As far as reliability goes, the Pax 3 will be your best bet. It’s by far the most proven vaporizer and it now comes with a concentrate insert. The Pax 3 app will work with ipads as well.
Hit me up with any questions and I can help you narrow it down.
Hi Buzz,
I am an incredibly indecisive person and I’m having trouble deciding on what vaporizer I should buy (it would be my first one)! Quality definitely matters to me and if I am going to buy a relatively expensive one, I want to do it right. That being said, I don’t see myself spending over 160 ish on one ($200 dollar budget). I have been looking into the Boundless CFX and love it. My only concern is that it is a convection/conduction system and I’ve heard mixed reviews (with convection being better?). What’s your take on the convection vs conduction debate?
Additional info!!
I mostly use dry herb but want a unit that is pretty decent with wax/liquid
Mostly solo with one or two people at times would be my sessions
Temperature control is important to me but as long as it has a low 350 degree setting, I’d be okay with it
I’d like something that uses the herb to its max
I would appreciate any help deciding and I think you are one of the best reviewers by far.
Thanks in advance!
At that price point the CFX is a great vaporizer. I would also check out the Vivant Alternate. It’s a little more on the convection side but still a hybrid like the CFX. You can’t go wrong with either! Let me know if you have any more questions and thank you for the kind words!!
Hello
So I bought to herbal vape first the flowermate and that let go first the screen,then just recently the i bought the kandy pen v2. the mouth pieces broke like on the first day becuase they didn’t say there’s a specail way to take them off anyway then after a week maybe ( today) the battery is going but it won’t heat up.was hoping maybe you could tell about a vape thats more guaranteed to last a while and portable
Hey Lilly! What can of price range are we working with here? Did you want something portable?
Hi Buzz,
I have chronic lyme disease and must avoid plastics, alloys, metals and silicones. I read that the Gaia Linx might be the “Greenest and Cleanest” vaporizer for people who must avoid metals and plastics. Any advice greatly appreciated
Jody, to be completely honest I cannot think of a single portable unit where you would be able to completely avoid all plastic, alloys, metals and silicone.
Lyme disease has nothing to do with plastics, alloys, metals and silicones. Tip: go see a real doctor. (Don’t mean to be a dick, just being straight with ya)
Have you tried the Venus vaporizer from Finnish manufacturer VS Products?
I have not.
why can’t you purchase the Ghost MV1 anywhere in Canada?
No idea, I’m sure once they hammer out all the kinks it will be available at distributors. I’m still waiting for the app to come out before I complete my review.
Hi, from your experience, is there any combustion in the X-Max V2Pro or is it only vaporize? I consider to buy it through your website but afraid that because of its relatively lower price its not really vap that good..
the reason i consider to buy a cheap one is that it’ll be my first vap..
thx!
Its good! No combustion! The XMAX v2pro is the cheapest vaporizer that I recommend that actually works well.
hey buzz! thanks for you reviews and points, my name is jorge i am looking to buy a new vaporizer my very first one, perhaps you can help me out. id appreciate it.
Im a recreational user maybe 1 or 2 times a week tops with a group of 2 3 friends i would like quality above all as i wouldn’t want to upgrade for at least 2 years, my budget will be 350 tops, i have been thinking about the mighty specially that now it has a 20% more battery but unsure about the claims it stops working after 80 hours and the support you get my other options were the iq or the pax 3
im going to the us in 2 weeks and plan to get it then (i live in south america) i mention this as the quality would have to be good, because my warranty claim or support would mean id have to send it over there and be without one for months.
also it would mostly be for dry herbs as i wouldn’t even know where to get concentrates here.
and if you could tell me the best web page to buy it from, do you think theres gonna be some deals on black friday?
thanks for your support
Jorge I’m so sorry for the late reply! I completely missed this comment. I think your best bet would be the Mighty! Check out Vapefiend or vaposhop for shipping! Sometimes puffitup will work with people on shipping as well. I’ve been using my Mighty for going on 3+ years now and I have well over 80 hours on it. I wish it kept track of the time used like the Crafty does but if I had to guess, I’d say I’m around 200 hours of use with the Mighty. It’s honestly the BEST vaporizer IMO for group sessions. It’s easy to use, very little draw resistance, easy to clean/maintain and it just works. No problems with mine whatsoever and I’ve dropped it countless times. If you don’t want to go with the Mighty, my next recommendation would be the IQ. Not near as good vapor quality and a little more draw resistance but replaceable batteries is legit. Make sure to pick up the glass spacers for those single person sessions. The chamber is pretty big with the IQ and it needs to be fully packed for the best resuts. The Mighty you can load any amount and you will get good results. Let me know if you have any more questions! Sorry about the late reply!
Yo Buzz!
First off, thanks for creating this incredibly comprehensive forum, packed with information! I know new models are continuously coming out and after reading through ALL of the comments, going back almost 2 yrs here, I’m curious what you would currently recommend as a gift for my wife. We are not session users… an occasional hit here and there, a few nights a week. She wants to switch from our old school pipe to a vape. We only use dry herb… portable would be nice, but not necessary. I don’t have a particular price point in mind, so I’m open to anything that is going to (1) taste the best (2) offer the best/easiest user experience (3) doesn’t require a lot of maintenance/cleaning (4) doesn’t have a high waste factor, given that we only smoke periodically.
I’ve been looking at the Ghost MV1, The Crafty/Mighty, PAX3, Grasshopper… and need a push in the right direction.
Would love to get something in time for the holidays.
Thank you!!!
If you’re looking for a quick hit here and there I would go with the Firefly 2 or the Grasshopper. I’m still working on a review for the Ghost MV1 but you mentioned best/easiest user experience and I don’t feel like the Ghost MV1 would rank very high in that category. It’s pretty cumbersome with multiple pieces to clean/maintain. Overall the Firefly 2 is the most consistent/reliable convection vaporizer. They also just updated the app making it easier to change temps and I feel like it’s much more consistent. Let me know if you have any more questions!
How about Hebe Titan II. It’s quite cheap and really nice in terms of vape quality. Have you checked it?
I would go with the XMAX v2 pro. This is the cheapest vaporizer that I recommend.
Hey! Thanks for the list! I will definitely try all of these. The article is also well written so looking forward to read more of your posts.
Thank you so much for the kind words! Let me know what you think!
I know this is a really old thread but I want to get one of these for someone as a gift, but I’m concerned that they may not be careful enough with something like an 18650 battery, are any of these particularly user friendly? With a charging port and batteries that aren’t removed?
Crafty, Pax 3, Pax 2, Boundless CF, Xmax Starry are some good ones. Crafty is the most expensive at $279 and the Starry is $99.
I didn’t see any reviews for the Utilian 721? I’ve heard some compare it with the Crafty but at a lower price point. Im new to vaping and looking for something 150$ or less.
Thanks
I don’t really think it’s close to a Crafty but under $150 I would go with the Xmax Starry, the Boundless CF or the Pax 2. I have reviews for all of them! All of them are under $150. My favorite would be the Pax 2 and it’s a toss up between the Starry and the CF. Check them out and let me know if you have any questions!
Great read! I have a XMAX v2 pro and, having no basis of comparison, I have no idea if it gets any better. I stopped smoking decades ago, belong to the ancient age of stoners when joints were all that were. With the new weed varieties, doing flowers instead of leaves and seed, feminine, masculine, etc, etc, I have no idea what to expect now when I vape. I don’t want to pour a lot of money into a vaporizer is I am doing all right with my vape pen. Would you recommend putting more bucks into this phase and getting something bigger? I smoke alone in the privacy of my own house and to relax. Does any of this make sense?? ;-) The bottom line is: I have no basis of comparison and want to know from a profi if the high gets better with the price of the vaporizer. Thanks for taking the time to read this… and the great blog!
Hey Eric,
So basically the XMAX v2 Pro is the lowest tier vape that I still think is acceptable and recommend due to the very low price. Basically the Xmax works pretty well and it served me well, however you only have up to go from there. Even if you jump up to a low to mid priced vape like the Boundless CS at $110 you will get better flavor, cooler vapor, denser clouds, better battery life, faster heat-up, and much more. If you jump up to one of the higher priced well known brands like the Pax/Arizer/Davinci/StorzBickel you will continue to notice improvements across the board.
Buzz, I am sure it’s been asked, but, from your experience, is there a public company that makes vaporizers that you would recommend buying the stock of?
The only one that I know is public is Namaste Technologies.
Hi, Buzz!
Have you by chance had experience with the Boundless CF Hybrid? I’m curious about it’s herbs performance and how it relates to that of the regular Boundless CF and XMAX Starry. It’s got me interested due to the user replacable battery. I would appreciate an opinon on this.
Thanks
Not the biggest fan of it. Have you seen the new Davinci Miqro?
Looks interesting, but I think I’m getting a vape this week. I’m in the market for a herb vaporizer, budget conscious, and looking for the best bang for buck. As far as I have explored, the Starry really seems to be the contender for me. I value the ability to replace the battery, for leaving the outlet behind for extended time. More convection would be nice which points me to XVAPE Fog, as I understand, by the same company, but I dislike, that it’s mouthpiece/ lid is hinged and non-replacable, because I’m afraid of dropping the vape at some point and damaging the lid/ hinge, which leads me back to the Starry.
I’m coming from using a Vaporgenie. Can you say some words regarding the difference I can expect?
Please let me know of any other tips in mind.
Thanks
I like the Starry as well. Awesome vaporizer for the price, size, and features. I think you’ll enjoy the Starry over the Fog. I would suggest the Boundless CF as well but only for better vapor quality/larger chamber. If you were going to be using it with groups more I would say the CF. CF doesn’t offer replaceable batteries or a full temp spectrum though. Personally, if it were just me I would go for the CF but the features of the Starry are hard to overlook, especially for the price.