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Vape Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Cannabis Vaporizer
Nowadays, if you ask a dozen people to tell you about their cannabis vaporizer, they'd each describe something noticeably different. That can be troubling when you're trying to pick out a vape for yourself. Every vape out there suits a different type of stoner, and we're here to help you figure out the perfect one for your lifestyle.
Contents:
While stoners used to enjoy cannabis exclusively in joints, blunts, edibles, or bowls, many have put those down and picked up vapes instead. They’ve done it for good reasons, too!
But, which vaporizer to buy?
We’ll go over each type of vaporizer you may encounter, and detail their benefits relative to one another.
Why Vape Cannabis?
Why, exactly, should you vape cannabis as opposed to enjoying it in other ways? Ultimately, it comes down to control, comfort, and convenience.
Control |
With a vape pen, for example, you can take one or two hits, put it away, and not worry about a thing. You also don’t have to worry about being locked in for a long time like you do with edibles, as effects wear off quite a bit quicker.
With a nice vape, you can set the temperature to release all of the beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes, and far fewer of the harmful substances. |
Comfort |
Every hit will be smooth, and you’ll be in a better state to think about how much you want to vape. The time you’re able to spend reflecting on your stoned state instead of coughing and complaining will allow even more comfort, and you won’t end up getting overly high with extra, unnecessary hits. |
Convenience |
You don’t have to worry about ash, filters, or anything like that. |
Control |
With a vape pen, for example, you can take one or two hits, put it away, and not worry about a thing. You also don’t have to worry about being locked in for a long time like you do with edibles, as effects wear off quite a bit quicker.
With a nice vape, you can set the temperature to release all of the beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes, and far fewer of the harmful substances. |
Comfort |
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Every hit will be smooth, and you’ll be in a better state to think about how much you want to vape. The time you’re able to spend reflecting on your stoned state instead of coughing and complaining will allow even more comfort, and you won’t end up getting overly high with extra, unnecessary hits. |
Convenience |
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You don’t have to worry about ash, filters, or anything like that. |
Which Vaporizer to Buy?
There are several different ways you can distinguish between options.
Heating Method: Conduction vs Convection |
Heating Method: Conduction vs Convection |
Getting to the core of how these devices work, vapes heat cannabis through one of three mechanisms: conduction, convection, or a hybrid of both. Conduction and convection heating systems have benefits and drawbacks relative to one another, and exploring them will help us start off our review.
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Conduction
If you see someone walking around with a portable vape that isn’t very fancy or expensive-looking, there’s a good chance it heats via conduction.
How Does It Work?
The process of conduction involves heating cannabis via direct contact with a heating element, also known as a coil (an object powered with electricity to emit heat). This process results in the cannabis heating up quickly. It also allows for hotter hits and potentially larger clouds, which often results in a more intense psychotropic sensation.
However, this process will often result in your herb or concentrate being heated unevenly; the closer to the coils, the toastier your weed will get.
That being said, considering how convenient they are in every other regard, their relatively low price point, and the fact that you can control the temperature on nicer ones to avoid burning, conduction vapes are far from a bad option.
Vape Options
You have a lot of options to choose from when looking at conduction vapes, and they're available in an equally wide price and quality range.
Flowermate Aura
You can find many conduction vapes around the €30 range, but these have a short shelf life and will cost more in the long run. If you can put a bit more cash in outright, you can get yourself the Flowermate Aura, which offers temperature adjustment capabilities and a ceramic oven for your cannabis. It also features an isolated air path for the vapor, allowing it to cool down on its way to your lungs.
Pax 3 Special RQS Edition
On the more premium end, the Pax 3 Special RQS Edition is one of the most intuitive conduction vapes on the market. It warms up in a flash and is specially designed to ensure even distribution of heat. It also boasts a suite of features that can be accessed through a companion app. You can pick the exact temperature you want to vape at, make it shine in different colours with the light settings, and save your exact preferences in the app’s memory!
Pax 3 Special Edition - Complete Kit
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Conduction |
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30 x 21 x 98 mm |
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93 gr |
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182 - 215ºC / 360 - 420ºF |
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15 - 20 sec |
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0, 35 + 0,20 gr |
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App |
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Dry herbs & concentrates |
Buy Pax 3 Special Edition - Complete Kit
DaVinci IQ2
The DaVinci IQ2 was made with the same level of care as the Aura, featuring a zirconia and glass vapor path and ceramic oven. It can also monitor your dose based on the strength of your pulls. It features temperature controls as well, along with LED lights and a battery that can run for up to three hours at a time.
DaVinci IQ2
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Conduction |
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4,5 x 9,2 x 2.5 cm |
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159 gr |
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38 - 222ºC / 100 - 431ºF |
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30 - 60 sec |
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0, 35 + 0,20 gr |
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Digital, Manual |
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Dry herbs & concentrates |
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Convection
This feature tends to be a bit more expensive, but you’ll find that convection heating offers benefits that are worth the extra money.
How Does It Work?
As an alternative to direct heating, convection systems heat cannabis via air that passes through and over it. This, as opposed to a conduction system, warms up your weed indirectly, allowing for cooler vapor that doesn't hit your lungs as harshly. As a result of that heating process, however, you also have to wait a bit longer for your vape to be ready for action.
On the flip side, thanks to the lack of direct contact with the heating element, any cannabis you put in a convection vape will heat evenly. That means there’s no need to shift the weed around after you start vaping, and you don’t have to worry about anything getting burnt up in the process.
Vape Options
So, what vapes out there utilise convection heating?
Volcano Hybrid
Most portable vapes actually utilise convection in addition to a fast-acting conduction system. That being said, there are some vapes that purely utilise convection. They take some time to get started, but they provide the cleanest vapor of any vape you’ll find. Chief amongst them, the Volcano Hybrid is one of the most powerful and reliable desktop vapes out there. You can set the temperature from 40–230ºC (104–446ºF), it plugs into the wall, and you can fill the 6.5cm³ chamber to keep the good times rolling as long as you want.
VOLCANO HYBRID
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Convection |
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26 x 26 x 26 cm |
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1.600 gr |
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40ºC - 230ºC / 104ºF - 219ºF |
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3 - 5 min |
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6,5 CM³ |
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Digital |
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Dry herbs & concentrates |
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Hybrid
If you have a hard time deciding between conduction and convection vapes, you’ll be happy to discover that many utilise both for an optimised experience.
How Does It Work?
Thankfully, they work in tandem quite easily, and many argue that they fit together like puzzle pieces.
Usually, the conduction aspect of the system will serve to jump-start the process, while the convection heater will help maintain the temperature throughout your session. This combined effort allows for quick activation and smooth, sustained, and rich vapor.
Vape Options
While you may have trouble finding these outside of specialty stores, Royal Queen Seeds has a sizable variety of hybrid vapes in stock.
Boundless CF
The Boundless CF gets your weed started up with a quick boost from its conduction element, then keeps it warm with heated air via convection. With five preset temperatures, you can also keep things cooler if you want to primarily use convection.
Boundless CF
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Conduction & Convection |
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100 x 60 x 30 mm |
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200 gr |
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60 - 230ºC /140 - 446ºF |
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20 sec |
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0,5 gr |
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Digital |
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Dry herbs & concentrates |
AirVape XS Go
Looking at the more affordable end of our selection, the AirVape XS Go offers plenty of capability in a portable, pen-like package. You can pick from one of five preset temperatures ranging from 180–215ºC, and it’ll heat up in less than 20 seconds thanks to its hybrid system and high-power battery. It also only takes 45 minutes to fully charge, so you can get up and go quicker than ever.
MIGHTY
Going up a couple tiers, the reputable Storz & Bickel, creators of the famous Volcano vape series, have their MIGHTY handheld vape to offer. It boasts dual battery power and full temperature control, and you can monitor both the temperature and power level with its LED display. The chamber fits 0.3 grams of herb or concentrate, and the efficient heating mechanism will ensure your vape lasts as long as possible.
MIGHTY+
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Conduction & Convection |
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14 x 8 x 3 cm |
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230 gr |
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40ºC - 210ºC / 104ºF - 410ºF |
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60 sec |
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0,3 gr |
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Digital |
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Dry herbs & concentrates |
Portable vs Desktop |
Portable vs Desktop |
Some vapes can go anywhere with you, but feature some power and space limitations in turn. Desktop vapes, on the other hand, have to stay near a power source, but offer more power and a longer-lasting session.
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Portable
Need a quick hit while you’re out running errands? Just trying to have a low-key session at home? A portable vape can help you get buzzed without stinking up the area around you.
Pen Vape
Along with being convenient in design, pen vapes tend to be very affordable as well. Make no mistake, though; if you want a premium pen, there are many to choose from.
Flowermate Aura
The Flowermate Aura is a classic example of a pen vape, although it’s slightly more decked-out than entry-level offerings. Despite its tiny frame it offers full control over temperature, allowing you to vape at anywhere between 40 and 230ºC. It also allows you to vape either dry herbs or concentrates, suiting a wider range of stoners.
DynaVap VapCap M
If you’re not impressed by high-tech bells and whistles, and don’t feel like worrying about battery life when you’re trying to get high, the DynaVap VapCap M was made for you. Rather than hitting a button, you’ll need a butane torch to get this vape started. Instead of lighting the weed directly, however, you’ll apply your torch to a surface that heats it in a separate chamber. Its design also allows hot air to pass over the weed, offering the smooth vapor that comes from convection heating.
DynaVap VapCap M
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Conduction & Convection |
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92 x 10 mm |
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20 gr |
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150°C - 230°C / 300°F - 450°F |
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10 sec |
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0,1 gr |
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Manual |
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Dry herbs & concentrates |
Handheld
The term “handheld”, in this context, refers to vapes that fill the palm of your hand. They’re a bit bulkier than pens, but many of them offer more power, a higher capacity, and more features in turn. They can still travel with you pretty much anywhere, and they’ll support a full session when you arrive at your destination.
CRAFTY
Along with offering full temperature control, its hefty steel and aluminum build ensures it’ll endure plenty of active sessions. It also features a cooling unit that vapor passes through before you inhale, making every hit smooth no matter how high you turn up the heat. See, it might be a bit extra to carry around, but it’s not wasted space in your pocket.
CRAFTY+
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Conduction & Convection |
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11 x 5,7 x 3,3 cm |
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135 gr |
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40ºC - 210ºC / 104ºF - 410ºF |
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60 sec |
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0,25 gr |
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Digital |
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Dry Herbs |
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Desktop
For those times when you want to keep the session going in your domain, a desktop vape will suit you perfectly.
Now, when you’re looking at these online or in stores, you’ll see varieties where you inhale via either a tube or a balloon. There are also hybrid options that allow you to switch between the two for different situations.
Tube
A tube system works pretty much how you’d expect it. Simply enough, a plastic tube is plugged into the vape and allows you to directly inhale vapor from a distance.
Balloon
On the other end of desktop devices, you’ll find some options that fill a balloon up with vapor so you can remove it and inhale the contents. It can fit quite a few hits inside, so you can pass it around easily and take it around your house. When it’s empty, though, you’ll have to plug the balloon back into the machine to fill it back up.
Hybrid
Both delivery methods have their advantages and disadvantages, so you might feel conflicted about having to choose between them.
Volcano Hybrid
Thankfully, devices like the Volcano Hybrid from Storz & Bickel are designed to allow for both types of vapor delivery. Simply switch out the respective parts on the top, and you’ll be ready for whatever type of hangout you’re planning.
Dry Herb vs Concentrates |
Dry Herb vs Concentrates |
Lastly, you can distinguish between vaporizers depending on what form of cannabis you’re trying to vape.
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Dry Herb
The idea of vaping cannabis is often associated with concentrates, but there are all sorts of vapes on the market that are exclusively designed to heat ground-up flower.
What makes it different from lighting up regularly, though? Well, the lower (but still sufficiently high) temperature will fully decarboxylate the weed without burning it.
AirVape XS Go
Dry herb vapes come in all shapes, sizes, and price ranges. If you want a simple, effective pen for instance, the AirVape XS Go will set you right for €59.
AirVape XS GO
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Conduction & Convection |
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2.5 x 2.5 x 9 cm |
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56 gr |
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180 - 215ºC / 356 - 420ºF |
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10 - 30 sec |
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0,25 gr |
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Manual |
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Dry Herbs |
DynaVap VapCap M
The DynavapCap M offers a smoother, stripped alternative if you’re willing to carry a butane torch around.
Arizer Air 2
The Arizer Air 2 is another excellent pen if you’re willing to put a bit more cash down, as it’s able to stay alive for longer and fit more cannabis in its chamber.
Arizer Air 2
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Conduction & Convection |
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12,4 cm + 9 cm |
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116 gr |
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50 - 220°C / 122°F - 428°F |
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10 - 30 sec |
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0,15 gr |
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Digital |
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Dry Herbs |
CRAFTY
Out of all exclusively dry herb vapes, though, Storz & Bickel’s CRAFTY remains unmatched. It’s one of the more premium options out there, with a €269 price tag, but it has the power to back up the asking price, along with features like a vapor cooling chamber, full-range temperature control, and a solid steel and aluminum build.
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Concentrates
When you see most people carrying around a basic vape, there’s a good chance it’s meant to heat concentrates.
You can also find some nicer desktop vape setups designed to heat concentrates. However, as we’re about to dive into a bit more, those vapes are usually hybrid devices that can work with dry herb as well.
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Hybrid
Thanks to switchable parts, you can vape flower, wax, or oil, depending on what you’ve got and what you feel like.
Flowermate Aura & Boundless CF
There are some excellent portable hybrid options in the Flowermate Aura and the Boundless CF for €69 and €99, respectively.
Flowermate Aura
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Conduction |
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2,8 cm x 2,8 cm x 14,7 cm |
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100 gr |
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40ºC - 230ºC / 104ºF - 219ºF |
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10 - 30 sec |
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1,7 ml |
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Digital |
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Dry herbs, Wax & Oils |
Pax 3 Special RQS Edition & DaVinci IQ2
If you’re willing to spend a bit more money, however, you can get yourself some of the most celebrated pens in the industry, including the Pax 3 Special RQS Edition (which also features a special Royal Queen Seeds design and a variety of colours) and the DaVinci IQ2. Both options offer full control over your vaping experience, silky smooth hits, and durable designs that ensure you won’t have to replace them for a long while.
Volcano Hybrid
The Volcano Hybrid is also a hybrid vape, so you can fuel your at-home vape sessions with whichever form of weed you feel like.
Vape Buying Guide: Which Vape Is Right for You?
With every card on the table, do you have a better idea of which vaporizer to buy? You might need some more time to think about it, and that’s totally okay! It can be a significant investment, depending on what you’re looking at, and it’s worth thinking more to make sure you welcome the right one into your life.
Regardless of which one you choose, we hope this vape buying guide helps you on your journey!
