As cannabis consumption becomes more ingrained in mainstream society the technology to consume the herb has advanced as well. While combustion is the traditional method for smoking cannabis, vaping the herb has become quite popular in recent years and for good reason. At its core, vaporization offers users a cleaner experience that preserves the flavour of the cannabis and maintains a greater level of potency, when compared to traditional combustion methods.
Unlike their desktop counterparts, portable herbal vaporizers are meant to be carried while on the go but are still viable for efficient cannabis consumption. These types of vaporizers generally produce less vapour, when compared to their desktop counterparts, though this plays well into the discrete nature of portable vaporizers. While their compact nature may lead some to question the capabilities of portable vaporizers, the devices actually pack many of the same features as desktop vaporizers and function in an almost identical way.
Why choose a portable vaporizer
Above all else, the primary reason to choose a portable vaporizer has to do with its compact nature. The ability to efficiently consume cannabis, in a clean and potent way, while on the go is invaluable to some consumers and the portable vaporizer perfectly allows for this. The compact designs of most portable vaporizers allow them to easily fit in a pocket or bag, and most feature enough battery power for multiple vaping sessions. In some cases, users can also adjust the various settings on their portable vaporizer to better suit their vaping needs and preferences.
Like all vaporizers, portable variants employ intelligent heating units to activate the properties of an herbal substance in a way that doesn’t cause full combustion. This process maintains the flavour and potency of the herb, while also producing a less pungent aroma. As mentioned before, some devices allow users to adjust temperature settings, though all will hit the minimum temperature in which vaporization occurs.
Yocan Evolve Plus XL Wax Vape Pen
Created by Evolve, the Plus XL Wax Vape Pen is the largest and most advanced mod in Evolve’s herbal extract lineup. Housed inside the body of the device is a 1400mAh cell, which does contribute to the larger size of the device, however, it’s still quite pocket-friendly and easy to carry around. The larger battery gives the device the ability to function for longer vaping sessions, at the small sacrifice of some pocket space. It should be noted that this device is intended to be used with herbal concentrates and utilizes quad quartz coils to maximize vapor production and density while maintaining flavour.
Score: 8.7/10
Utillian 420 Vaporizer
Utilian is no stranger to the herbal vaporizer industry, but its new 420 model showcases the company is still able to innovate the space. In terms of design, the Utillian 420 Vaporizer features an anodized aluminum shell with distinct curves that make the device incredibly comfortable to hold. Internally speaking, the Utillian 420 Vaporizer comes with 4-preset temperature settings (190C, 200C, 210C, 220C), and a large battery that should allow for 1 hour of use. The device also features a 20 second heat time and charges through a micro USB port. If you are a beginner looking for their first cannabis vaporizer, the Utillian 420 is definitely something to check out.
Score: 9/10
Arizer Air II Portable Dry Herb Vaporizer
Built to work with a standard 18650 battery, the Arizer Air II is a slim, powerful, and portable vaporizer that comes with intelligent and precise temperature control. A single LED screen on the device displays all the necessary information on the device, including the battery life, heating indicator, and temperature, which can be adjusted between 50°C-220°C by using the +/- on the device. The included 18650 in the device allows it to run for approximately 90 minutes of continuous use and the device comes with passthrough support so users can keep vaping while the Arizer Air II is charging.
Score: 9/10
Utilian 721 Convection Herbal Vaporizer
Built as an upgrade to the original 720, the Utilian 721 incorporates increased battery life as well as a convection heating system that provides optimal vapour quality. Compatible with both dry herbs and concentrates, the Utilian 721 employs an innovative heating chamber that heats up in just 1 minute. A removable concentrate dish is included and helps prevent residue from building up in the device’s oven. All the operations on the Utilian 721 are controlled by a single button, including cycling through the device’s 8 heat settings, which range from 170C to 215C.
Score: 9.5/10
PAX 3
While more companies are getting in on the herbal vaporizer market, none have been quite as successful or endearing as Pax. The Pax 3 is the latest device from the legendary company and maintains the device’s commitment to portability and efficiency. Equipped with a 3500mAh battery and a 15 second heat time, the device should be good for 5-10 vaping sessions before requiring a charge. The body of the device is constructed from polished aluminum and features a single button that operates the device. The Pax 3 comes with 4 pre-set temperatures settings, each of which are optimized to provide flavorful vapor production. The Pax 3 can only be purchased in-store at 180 Smoke.
Score: 10/10
Why we chose these vape mods
Finding the perfect portable vaporizer can be a bit of a difficult task, thanks to the plethora of options and features various devices have, but this list was carefully built around the idea of innovation and useability. The features of each device allow all levels of vapers to have an enjoyable experience, while also getting the most out of their herb or herbal material.