Best portable vaporizer for weed
Over the last few years, portable vaporizers have become incredibly popular all over the world as the dangers of smoking become better known and the health benefits of using a vaporizer have been highlighted by experts worldwide. Since vaping devices simply heat up the material rather than combusting it in the same way as a regular cigarette, none of the harmful carcinogenic chemicals are produced, making vaping a much better choice for anyone who worries about their health and well-being. Over the past two years, vaporizers for dry herb have come along way and are now the perfect way to dose your medical marijuana. Portable weed vapes are the new standard for smoking cannabis.
The Benefits Of Portable vaporizers (vape pen) for marijuana
With the explosion of interest in vaping; many new devices have appeared on the market to cater to the needs of both new and experienced vapers. With a plethora of options to choose from, it can be difficult to select the right device to suit your needs. While desktop units are perfect for use in the home, with their powerful performance and highly customization options, they are connected to electricity so they are not suitable for taking out and about. Luckily, the problem of vaping on the go can be solved by investing in a portable vaporizer for marijuana. We aren’t talking about E-cigs here, vape juice is for nicotine and not vaping dry herb. These vaporizers will not help you to quit smoking cigarettes. These vaporizers are 100% to smoke weed.
Portable vaporizers or vape pen as they are also known are perfect for use on the move since they are specifically designed to be small, lightweight and compact as well as discreet. Equipped with rechargeable batteries, they can be used for extended periods without needing to charge them up meaning that there is no need to find a power outlet.
The main drawback of these portable vaporizers is that none of them come with a lifetime warranty. The best warranty offered is a 10-year limited warranty. 10 years? That’s a little bit crazy?
Types of Portable Vaporizer For Weed
There are two kinds of the portable vaporizer on the market – conduction and convection heated devices.
Conduction devices were the original vaporizer design, but are still popular today, working by heating the part of the dry herb which touches the heating element. Convection heated devices, on the other hand, are thought to be more efficient, since they work by heating up the air around the herbs for a more even heating, however, these devices are generally more expensive.
There are several types of dry herb pens for medical marijuana on the market. Some are specifically designed to vaporize dry herbs and have an oven-style chamber which is packed with herb for vaping. Others are designed solely for use with concentrates and can either use pre-filled cartridges or refillable cartridges. However, there are also 2 in 1 or 3 in 1 devices which can be used with either dry herbs, concentrates or e-liquids by changing the cartridge or by adding a concentrate insert.
Features Of Portable Vaporizers
Modern portable weed vaporizers boast many impressive features that enable vapers to customize their vaping experience. The best portable devices feature a choice of temperature settings to enable vapers to get the most out of their vape and to choose the right temperature for the material they are vaping. While some devices offer only pre-set options, other allow the user to freely select a precise temp control to suit their needs. The top-selling vaporizers also have excellent safety features such as an automatic shut-off timer which will not only boost the safety of the device but will also help to save on battery life. Cutting edge models will feature haptic feedback or a vibration alert which tells the vaper when their chosen temperature has been reached while LED digital displays are also becoming a lot more common to show a host of important details such as the battery percentage and the selected temperature. Removable batteries are another popular feature as this enables the vaper to have several spares to hand to save on downtime, while pass-through charging is also popular since that enables the user to vape while their device is charging. Another critical issue is device heat-up times. Portable vaporizers aren’t as fast as desktop models but with each new release of a portable vaporizer, they are getting faster and faster.
If you’re struggling to choose the right portable marijuana vaporizer for you, this is a brief guide to five of the top-selling portable vaporizers on the market.
The Top Selling Portable Vaporizers for Medical Marijuana
Davinci IQ
As pioneers in the vaping industry, you can expect any device from the Davinci brand to be impressive. The IQ does not disappoint. The Davinci IQ vaporizer is one of the most compact marijuana and dry herb vaporizers on the market. Reliable and high performing, this conduction model produces excellent flavor together with impressive vapor density at both high and low temperatures. It is the third vaporizer in the Davinci line and features not only a zirconia vapor path but also a ceramic heating chamber which provides a smooth and powerful vapor with every draw paired with a Bluetooth app which boosts performance and functionality. The Davinci IQ is the result of research that was used to create the DaVinci Ascent.
Vaporizers for Marijuana
While most portable vaping devices are small and compact, the Davinci IQ is especially portable. Weighing around 145 grams, it may be a little heavier than some of its competitors, however, it is small enough to easily palm in the hand for extra discretion. This device is considerably smaller than its previous incarnations, measuring just 3.5” in height and 1.65” in width. At just under 1 inch in depth, it is one of the smaller devices on the market but a lot more functional than most of them. Easily small enough to slip into your pocket or bag, there are two mouthpieces that come with this device – a flat one and a ceramic tube version which can attach to a water pipe.
Build Quality
The additional weight of this device stands testament to its high build quality. Strong and sturdy, it is very durable and has a pleasant feel in the hand with its zirconia ceramic finish. The design of this device is well thought out and it is considerably less fragile than the previous models from Davinci. Having got rid of the all-glass vapor path, the IQ uses ceramic zirconia instead for extra robustness and therefore it can be handled roughly without any need to worry about breakage. The ceramic chamber can easily be accessed through the doors at the top and bottom of the unit and the ceramic zirconia pearl which has been installed on the door ensures that heat is effectively reflected down to the bottom of the herbs for a more even cook. There is a high-quality LED display which can be dimmed for extra stealth and since the entire unit is protected by a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty, the buyer can have complete peace of mind.
The Flavor Chamber
The Davinci IQ features a “flavor chamber” which can be loaded with herbs for additional taste. This chamber partially heats to express the flavor from the herbs without actually cooking it and can even be filled with a different type of herbs to blend flavors. This chamber helps to smooth and cool down the vapor before it is inhaled while also helping to reduce the amount of time taken to clean the device.
Temperature Controls And Heating
This device produces very good vapor quality as well as a surprisingly pure flavor. The powerful heater is efficient and can be adjusted between 250 degrees Fahrenheit and 430 degrees Fahrenheit to suit the material you’re vaping. Heat up times are fast at around 45 seconds, this device can either be used in one of the four smart path modes or the precision mode or even with the Boost mode for a higher temperature. The Davinci IQ has its own downloadable app which adds even more customization to the device. Smooth and easy to use, this app allows the vaper to choose the right mode for them and to select the stealth mode to dim the LEDs. The precision mode allows the user to set their own preferred temperature while the Boost mode ensures that the temperature can rapidly increase to get the maximum effect from the herbs towards the end of the vaping session. Having both modes ensures that vapers can completely customize their experience to suit their personal preferences.
Maintenance and Packing
The chamber holds about 0.30 grams of herb and is simple to pack. This device works well with both a tight and a loose pack and even works well with a coarse grind. The Davinci IQ is very simple and quick to clean and requires cleaning around every 10 sessions. Without regular cleaning, users should be aware that this device can start to smell, and this means that it will be a lot less discreet. This goes for all portable dry herb vaporizers though.
Battery and Charging
The IQ comes complete with a rechargeable and replaceable 3500mAh battery which lasts up to 80 minutes of use. The battery takes around 4 hours to fully recharge when charged inside the device, but it can be charged in an external charger within 2 hours. Battery performance is one of the areas where this device does not perform so well as many of its rivals and its battery indicator does not always seem to be very accurate.
Pros:
- Very compact and portable size
- Fully customizable temperatures between 250 F and 430 F
- Smart paths and precision mode options
- An impressive app which allows for extra customization
- Removeable and rechargeable battery
- Strong and sturdy construction
- Supports herb wax
- Fast easy to use temp control
- Excellent vapor production
- Some stainless steel parts
Cons
- Long recharge time
- Heavier than some rival models
Pax 3
The Pax 3 vaporizer scores highly for being small, compact and easy to conceal. While it is physically like its younger brother, the Pax 2, this newer model has undergone a number of improvements while retaining its small size and adding just 3g to its overall weight. Designed for vaping both dry herbs and concentrates, this elegant looking unit is incredibly portable and has all the reliability that you would expect of a device of this caliber.
Portable Vaporizer
The Pax 3 is perfect for vaping out and about on the go. Perfect for outdoor activities, this lightweight and small device still have a wonderfully solid feel and even weight distribution that is sturdy and comfortable to use. Discreet to use, this model can be used with end caps which will conceal any excess smell produced after use since it does have a tendency to develop an odor after it has been used which makes it a little more obvious to those nearby. This is an extremely small portable vaporizer, you will likely be surprised when it’s in your hand.
Build Quality
With a highly polished finish, the Pax 3 is shiny and attractive to look at while also being robust enough to withstand regular use. Strong and durable, it is protected by a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty and features a vibration alert to allow vapers to know when it has reached its temperature. One other welcome addition is the choice of three chamber lids rather than just one. Making this device extra flexible to suit the needs of vapers who enjoy switching between different materials, this device allows for vaping both dry herb and wax and oil. To that end, this device has a lid which offers a full-size oven, as well as a half pack lid and a concentrate insert for maximum flexibility and versatility of use. The half pack lid is great for single user sessions and allows for a free-flowing draw without compromising on the excellent user experience, while the concentrate insert adds an extra element to vaping without any mess or leaks. There are two mouthpieces included – a raised one and a flat one – and both offer a different vaping experience. Whether using the Pax 3 with dry herbs or wax and oil, the flavor is fantastic and even better if it is stirred part way through the vape. Unlike some other dual-use devices, the Pax 3 ensures that users of both concentrates and dry herbs enjoy a similarly impressive experience, with an excellent flavor profile and a smooth vapor that really hits the spot.
Heating and Temperature Options
One of the top features of the Pax 3 is its rapid heating time, as it can reach vaping temperature in around 15 sessions for a super-fast performance. It offers four different heat settings from 360 degrees Fahrenheit up to 420 degrees Fahrenheit so that users can enjoy a personalized vaping experience to suit the precise material that they have chosen. It is compatible with the Pax Vapor App which can be downloaded to a mobile device and which allows for complete customization of every vaping session with the option for different heating profiles and individual temperature selections. With five modes to choose from: efficiency, boost, standard, flavor, and stealth, it allows for considerably more personalization.
Pax Vapor App
The Pax 3 can connect to the Pax Vapor App using Bluetooth, and this convenient feature is extremely useful in allowing the vaper to dial in their precise vaping temperature as well as to change their mode. The various modes on offer include:
- Boost – this reduces auto-cooling for a higher vaping temperature
- Efficiency – over time the temperature will gradually increase
- Flavour – this offers on-demand heating for the best possible flavor
- Stealth – this mode dims the lights and increases the cooling ensuring the most discreet experience
The haptic feedback setting can also be adjusted from high to medium to suit the preferences of the user.
Chamber and Cleaning
The Pax 3 has a chamber which can hold around 0.40 grams of dry herb with the standard lid. With a half pack lid, it holds up to 0.20 grams of herb as long as it is finely ground. After about 10 bowls, the draw resistance will kick up and the screen begins to clog up, and therefore a basic cleaning will be required. This is a simple and speedy process taking no longer than around 5 minutes, although more frequent cleaning will be required if the concentrate insert is used.
Batteries and Charging
The Pax 3 has a battery capacity which is around 17% higher than the Pax 2’s battery as it is 3500 mAh rather than 3000 mAh. It can handle up to 10 bowls and can last for a total run time of around 110 minutes with up to 180 draws for a single charge. The Pax 3 battery can be recharged completely in around 105 minutes, although the downside is that the battery cannot be replaced. The vaporizer comes complete with its own USB magnetic charging dock for extra convenience.
Pros
- Long battery life up to 110 minutes
- 3 lid choices for extra versatility
- Strong and robust finish for a longer lifespan
- Five modes and four heat settings
- Downloadable app for a more customized performance
- Easy cleaning and maintenance
- Can be used with both dry herbs and concentrates
- Great for herb wax
- Great dry herb vape
- Space aged heating element
- Low draw resistance
- Perfect for marijuana users
- 10-year warranty
Cons
- Can be quite smelly after use
- Slightly heavier than some rival models
- Does not have a pass-through charging function
- Concentrates chamber can become very hot after it has been used
- no extra battery packs
Firefly 2
One of the top features of the Firefly 2 is the fact that it is a pure convection model. As the 2nd iteration of the dynamic, on-demand portable Firefly vaporizer, this model has an even faster heating time of just 5 seconds for super-fast vaping. As a low maintenance unit, the Firefly 2 is incredibly popular and produces clean tasting vapor in a portable unit. With an almost on-demand heating system, it is perfect for quick vaping sessions, and as it is protected by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty it gives the user peace of mind. This is a great device for anyone who likes versatility in their vape since it allows users to choose from either dry herbs or concentrates.
Portable Weed Vaporizer
Weighing 55% less and being 33% smaller than its big brother, the original Firefly device, this unit has a body made from magnesium alloy for a lighter body weight. Although it doesn’t appear to be quite as discreet as some of its rivals, this device produces virtually no smell and is a lot less noticeable than you may think. This device comes with two replaceable batteries as well as a comprehensive cleaning kit, concentrate pads, and a USB charging block.
Build Quality
With its solid feel, the Firefly 2 has been designed to be elegant and yet sporty. It comes in two pieces – a body and a magnetic lid which easily snaps on and off to expose the air path and chamber. There is also a handy window which enables the user to see the contents of the chamber while they’re vaping to see whether or not to re-pack it. The brushed aluminum shell is high quality and gives the device a robust and durable feel. This device comes with a removable mouthpiece as well as an all-glass air path to keep the vapor down at a lower temperature for a better vaping experience, and its touch-sensitive buttons respond to body heat in order to respond to commands, making this a cutting-edge device.
Heating and Temperature Control
Using a 50 W heater together with a borosilicate glass bowl, this unit has 6 heat settings, 5 of which are for dry herb and one for concentrates. Able to reach 400 degrees Fahrenheit in just 3 seconds, its glass bowl transfers hardly any heat while its 55-hole pattern to the base of the bowl and its large air intakes improve the airflow. There is a downloadable app which can be used with this model, and it allows the vaper to check the battery life, change temperatures and some of the settings for a more personalized experience.
Maintenance
The Firefly 2 couldn’t be easier to clean and can go for a long time between cleans without compromising on performance. With no screen to clean or replace, maintenance is very low and only takes around a minute. It can take as many as 26 bowls before any degradation in performance is noticed.
Battery Life
While the original Firefly had a short battery life which was its biggest downside, the Firefly 2 has rectified that problem. Its battery now lasts for over 100% longer, allowing the vaper to get 6 bowls for each charge when using dry herbs. As there are two replaceable batteries, it is quite easy to keep downtime to a minimum, and since the batteries take just 50 minutes to recharge from flat, it couldn’t be more convenient.
Pros
- Allows users to vape both dry herbs and concentrates
- Fast charging batteries
- Longer battery life
- Incredibly low maintenance – easy to clean
- Mobile app for more personalized control
- Comes with two replaceable batteries
- Ceramic chamber
- As powerful as desktop vaporizers
- Perfect for medical marijuana patients
- Great for vaping dry herb
Cons
- This unit requires some experience to be able to use it effectively – not ideal for beginners
Crafty/Mighty Vaporizer
Both the Crafty and Mighty vaporizers are high-quality hybrid convection style devices which are portable and made by a well-known company, Storz, and Bickel which has been responsible for creating some of the best known and highest quality vaporizers on the market. Easy to use, they both rank highly for design and vapor quality, making either one perfect for both newcomers to vaping and those who are experienced. They both offer a host of excellent features that make them stand out from the crowd in the marketplace, although they are different in terms of their functionality and style.
Portable Vaporizer
The Crafty measures just 4.3” in height by 2.2 inches in width and 1.3 inches in depth. As it weighs just 4.8 ounces it can fit comfortably into the hand and be easily concealed in a pocket or purse. Although it is slightly bulkier than some other devices, overall it is easier to use and simpler to clean making it a good choice for those looking for extra convenience. This ensures that the Crafty is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a portable vape that they can take out and about with them with minimal hassle. On the other hand, the big brother of the Crafty, the Mighty, is a much larger model. In fact, it is one of the largest vaporizers which is considered to be portable on the market today. Measuring 5.5” in height, 3.2” in length and 1.2” in depth and weighing 230g, almost double the weight of the Crafty, the vape cannot be so easily concealed but can still fit with ease into a bag or backpack. While the Mighty is great to use at home, or in the home of a friend, it isn’t such a good choice for using in public due to the lack of discretion.
Heating and Temperature Controls
The Crafty comes with just two temperature settings – the Default mode of 356 degrees Fahrenheit and the Boost mode of 383 degrees. Either of these temperatures, however, can be adjusted between 104 and 410 degrees by using the compatible app ensuring a decent amount of control for the vaper. The Crafty can heat in around 2 minutes, which is quite a lot longer than the speediest models, however, it does boast a consistent temperature even with long or aggressive draws, and it also features haptic feedback to allow the user to know when it has reached its temperature which is a nice extra feature. The Mighty is a hybrid unit, using both convection and conduction methods and this ensures a dense and tasty vapor which is very consistent. With buttons on its side, it allows the user to easily control temperatures between 105 and 410 degrees Fahrenheit however it is not compatible with an app which is a little old-fashioned when compared to so many of the latest additions to the market. On the upside, it heats more quickly than the Crafty, taking just 1 minute 30 seconds to reach the chosen temperature for vaping.
Chamber
The Crafty’s chamber holds around 0.25 grams of herb although around 0.30 grams can be contained if it has a very fine grind. This is more than adequate for most users. The Crafty is also very consistent and works well with any type of pack, from full to lose so vapers don’t need to worry about how they’re going to pack their device. It also features a cooling unit which helps to cool the vapor before it arrives on the lips for a cooler and smoother experience. With a chamber that is around the same size as the Crafty, the Mighty also holds around 0.25 grams of herbs, and up to 0.30 grams if it is super finely ground. Simple to use, the Mighty is operated with a single button operating system for the ultimate in convenience for beginners, and it also comes with a filling aid to make unloading and loading the bowl a breeze. The Mighty also features a cooling unit, which has the same effect as the one on the Crafty unit so the vaper can enjoy a smooth and cool experience.
Battery and Charging
The Crafty comes with a single lithium-ion battery which can be recharged. It lasts around 45 minutes if used continuously and can fully recharge in around 2 hours, and while this is a little shorter than some of its rivals, it can also be used while charging once it has reached a battery life of 20%. With a USB charging system, it can be charged almost anywhere which is quite convenient, allowing for charging in cars or using an external battery charger. While the Crafty’s battery life is somewhat substandard, the Mighty is highly rated in this category as it will last for around 90 minutes of continuous use – twice the amount of time of its smaller sibling. With a full pass-through charging, it can also be used while plugged in which is ideal as it means no downtime, but it has no USB charging facility, unfortunately. It recharges from dead in around 2 hours but must be plugged into a power outlet and this means that it cannot be charged from a laptop, portable battery pack or car.
Pros of the Crafty
- Easy to use and very consistent level of performance
- Simple to load and holds plenty of herb
- Very portable device thanks to its small size
- Hybrid convection/conduction heating method for a cool and smooth draw
- Lots of choice over temperatures
- Compatible with a mobile app for better personalization of vaping experience
- USB charging and partial pass-through for use while charging
- If you grow weed then you’ll want to use this to smoke it
- Middle of the price range
- Incredible marijuana vaporizer
Cons of the Crafty
- Short battery life
- Non-replaceable battery
- Longer heat up time
Pros of the Mighty Crafty
- Full pass-through charging system for zero downtime
- Easy loading system for ease of use
- Single button operation for extra convenience for the user
- Excellent temperature control functions
- Double battery life compared to other portable vaporizers
- Shorter heat up time than the Crafty
Cons of the Mighty Crafty
- Much larger than other portable models so not very discreet
- Not compatible with a mobile app
- No USB charging functionality
Arizer Solo 2
The Arizer Solo was one of the most popular vaporizers on the market in its day, however, its manufacturers then brought out the Solo 2, an updated version which is even more impressive. While paying tribute to its original roots, the Solo 2 boasts even more excellent features and upgrades. With its new LED display, it allows the vaper to easily adjust their settings to customize their vape and its new oval style design makes it easier and more comfortable to hold and use. As it is also protected by a 2-year manufacturer’s warranty, vapers can have complete peace of mind when they choose this model.
Portable Vaporizer
While the Solo 2 is considered to be a portable vaporizer, it isn’t the smallest or most compact device on the market. Although it is smaller than the original Solo device, with a slimmer body, it is only marginally more portable. Yes, it will fit into a pocket, but it isn’t especially discreet and, since there is nowhere to store the aroma tubes during transport, extra pieces need to be carried around too, and even though it does come complete with a belt clip carry case, this isn’t the most convenient solution. Though this unit isn’t as small as some of the other portable vaporizers it is still small enough to use and have no issues with.
Build Quality
The Arizer brand is well known for its high quality, and the original Solo device was manufactured to the highest quality. The Solo 2 does not disappoint and is incredibly reliable and well made. While it is not as visually appealing as some of the other rival devices on the market, it has been beautifully designed and is highly functional. With its slimmer version of the Solo’s original body, it feels good in the hands, thanks to its smooth curves and although it is lighter than the original model, it still has a solid feel that ensures that it is robust enough to withstand regular use.
Battery Life
The Solo 2 boasts an impressive battery life. While the original Arizer Solo could last for around 90 minutes of continuous vaping time, this newer model can last for around 3 hours depending on which heat settings are used, making it a much longer lasting device than many of its rivals. It also takes less time to recharge, making it better value for money.
Temperature Settings
While the original Solo device maxed out at 210 degrees C, the Solo 2 brings much more precise temperature controls to the table. With its easy to understand LED display, this device can be set to a temperature of anything from 50 degrees C right up to 220 degrees C, and this gives vapers an additional 10 degrees to play with – ideal for anyone who prefers thicker vapor. Also, since the Solo 2 can heat to its maximum temperature in under 30 seconds, vapers can get their hit in a much shorter time.
Vapor Quality
While Arizer’s devices have been known for some time for their smooth and pure vapor thanks to their all-glass aroma tubes, the Solo 2 offers an even more impressive flavor. The Arizer 2 has an airflow which is considerably less restricted than the Solo original model, and this ensures a better flavor. As there is more precision of temperature control, the quality and flavor of vapor can be massively increased, however, the lower temperature settings ensure that maximum flavor can be preserved, but even at the higher temperatures, the flavor is still good.
Ease of Use
The Solo 2 is incredibly intuitive and easy to use, especially when compared to the other Arizer models. Its precise temperature controls and digital displays ensure that the user has a lot of control, and the menu ensures that settings can be perfectly tailored to the vaper’s own preferences. Simple to maintain and clean, the heating chamber of this device needs only very infrequent cleaning making it an incredibly convenient unit for both new and experienced vapers.
Discretion
Although the Solo 2 isn’t an especially discreet device due to its relatively large size and prominent aroma tubes, the LED screen is able to be dimmed to make it a little less obvious.
Pros
- Intuitive and simple to use
- Precise temperature control s between 50 degrees C and 220 degrees C
- Infrequent maintenance required
- All glass aroma tubes allow for better flavor
- Slimmer body and smoother curves for a more pleasant user experience
- LED display allows for more customized control
- Amazing marijuana vaporizer
- As powerful as a desktop vape
Cons
- Larger than many other rival models which makes it less discreet to use
- Slower heat up time than many other similar units
- Does not support vape juice
Conclusion
These models are just some of the most popular portable vaporizers on the market today. Thanks to their impressive, cutting-edge features, they make vaping on the go a breeze and ensure a convenient and simple experience with maximum discretion. Lightweight, compact and easy to use, many of these modern devices are compatible with downloadable apps for a more customized vape, and as they are designed to be long-lasting and are made from high-quality materials, any of these devices are a great choice for vapers who are looking for a reliable and impressive vaping experience while on the move. Choose from a wide range of temperature settings for a personalized experience and enjoy a smooth and flavourful vape when you choose these technologically advanced vaping devices.