How to Choose Vaporizer

With more and more places prohibiting the smoking of cigarettes, furthermore, because the general unhealthiness that smoking delivers, smokers square measure currently staring at creating the switch to vaporizers. the choice to try to thus is straightforward enough, particularly given the additional health advantages of doing thus, however deciding why kind of vaporizer to induce will be robust. Walk into any store that sells vape pens and you'll enter the world wherever the choice isn't simply varied, it’s downright dizzying. the great news is that there's a vaporizer to suit each style, and it’s simply a matter of deciding that style most closely fits your specific surface.

The first factor that must be determined is whether or not you wish to travel with a transportable device or a stationary one. The transportable units square measure fairly often during a vape pen vogue, though a number of the newer designs use a boxier form. Either way, what you get with these may be a device which will simply be carried around during a pocket or a handbag. they're light-weight, efficient, and might sometimes be charged on the go via a USB charger that usually comes with the starter kit.

The stationary devices square measure larger desktop units that wield a full heap additional power and practicality. If you're somebody that likes to smoke marijuana preponderantly reception, these styles of units would be the thanks to going. If on the opposite hand, you're all regarding attempting completely different liquids to induce a range of flavors, the vape pen can nearly definitely be a stronger possibility.

That brings United States of America to precisely what it's you wish to possess in your device after you vape. Some vaporizers square measure created to carry liquids, whereas others square measure all regarding oils, wax, or dry materials. If you're during a place wherever marijuana is legal, or if you have got a legitimate prescription for medical weed, you will wish to take a position in an exceedingly} dry herb vaporizer which will function a very economical delivery system. If you're inquisitive about attempting a bunch of various things, will|you'll|you'll be able to} perpetually opt for a vaporizer that comes with completely different atomizers for every of the various substances that you just can vape. Again, there square measure variety of starter kits offered that provide that kind of possibility.

The next factor to contemplate is vapor quality, that is usually full of the temperature of the chamber wherever the materials square measure placed. you furthermore might have to be compelled to choose between conductivity and convection heating, as each delivers a special kind of vapor quality. It’s robust to mention that one is healthier than the opposite because it extremely all will return right down to personal selection. we have a tendency to advocate attempting to sample many of every, as this can provide you with a basic plan of vapor quality with every possibility.

Pricing also will play a job in your call, and you're progressing to notice that costs are everywhere the place for vape pens. we have a tendency to advocate having a budget in mind after you begin in order that you'll be able to then begin staring at all of the vaporizers offered in your value vary, keeping in mind all of the items we have a tendency to mentioned earlier during this piece. Good luck, and happy vaping.

5 Things to Look For in a Portable Vaporizer to Get the Best Value for Your Money

If you’re like many smokers out there, the chances are good that you’ve had friends explain the numerous benefits of vaping and vapor products to you. Whether you’re more interested in exploring vaping out of a desire to quit smoking, or simply wish to experience new flavors using a dry herb vaporizer or oil pen vaporizer, there’s plenty to enjoy!

When shopping for a new vaporizer you’ll notice that they range in price from under $50 to over $600. As a general statement, you get what you pay for, so vapes on the lower end tend to be made from lower quality materials and they tend to not perform as well as some of the more expensive models. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.

1. “Pocketable” Size
Of course it has to fit in your front and/or back pocket! When you’re buying a portable vape, obviously the main feature you’re looking for is portability so it’s important to look at what is needed for the vape you intend to buy. There are a variety of portable vaporizers ranging from simple, easy to use, to more complicated. Some vapes only require that you have vape juice and a charger; whereas others require you to carry separate bowls and wicks depending on whether you intend to vape juice, wax, or oils. This can make it less portable by requiring you to carry more parts.

2. Replaceable and Rechargeable Batteries
If you are out and about and there is no electric outlets, you need a device that allows you to easily remove the drained battery and replace it with a fully charged battery. The more you have of those, the more you can essentially vape. Having a vaporizer with a built-in battery would require you to find an outlet to plug your device and charge it.

3. Storage for the Mouthpiece
The last thing you want is to get your mouthpiece dirty or dent. If the vaporizer allows you to store the mouthpiece inside the device or in a case, that is definitely a plus.

4. Total Temperature Precision Control
If you are hiking or snowboarding, you want your portable vaporizer to regulate the temperature in a precise way, not being affected by altitude, ambient temperature, or pressure changes.

5. Pre-Packable Canisters
This is one of the best features you can find in a portable vaporizer. Let’s say you are tailgating or jamming to your favorite band at a concert outdoors and you just finished your vaping session. Afterwards, you really want to continue vaping so you have to unload and re-load your chambers/oven. In the majority of the cases, you would have to take out your dry herb, wax, oil, or e-liquid in public and manage to put it into the chamber without wasting some material. This is not convenient at all. On the other hand, if you have canisters already packed with your material before you leave home, all you have to do is swap the consumed canister with a new one (just like the replaceable batteries). The cleaning can be done when you get back home.

So these are the five things you should look for when buying a portable vaporizer. These devices can range in price from $50 to sometimes $600 so make sure you know what you want and that what you’re getting is going to work for you. You pay for what you get. A one-time investment is better than multiple trials to get to the same result (and it also prevents a lot of frustration). Lastly, it is important to look at the manufacturer’s warranty policy. The longer coverage period, the better.

Can Vaping Introduce Individuals to Smoking?

The days when people find it cool when you walk on the street smoking cigarette are gone. The times have changed and vaping industry is now the world’s next big thing. The vaporizer was first made in the 1960s. However, it was only around mid-2000’s when the device made it in the US .

In just less than two decades reaching the US market, the entire vaporizer industry is now worth billions. It has created employment, not to mention helped businesses. In fact, the number of stores offering vaporizers and other related products has increased significantly in the last few years. The reason for its popularity is due to a number of things.

One, you have the burgeoning cannabis industry. More and more states are allowing the use of cannabis recreationally and medically. Though still considered schedule 1, updated cannabis laws have allowed people to have access to cannabis. With a desire to maximize their supply of cannabis, they make use of vaporizers instead of just burning them. 

Another factor responsible for the popularity of vaporizers is the decline of the tobacco industry. And also, you have the tobacco industry that is now struggling.

The vaporizers stand as the healthier alternative to smoking. A device meant to function without combusting the elements; it has removed harmful toxins produced by cigarette smoking. But is it possible that vaping actually introduces young individuals to smoking? Here are some reasons how vaporizers can be our gateway to cigarette smoking.

1. Both vaporizers and smoking satisfy oral fixation

There are a lot of reasons why people would pick up the habit of smoking. Experts fear the possibility that vaporizers may become a gateway device for this vice. For some experts, the hand-to-mouth mechanism of vaping is possibly bringing people closer to smoking cigarettes.

Smoking has been a means to satisfy a person’s oral fixation. In fact, this is the reason why people gain weight after quitting smoking.

Another possible reason why people could be introduced to smoking once they start vaping, is the fact that there are different types of e-liquids. Nicotine content differs depending on the e-liquid. Nicotine content ranges from the minimal 3mg to 24mg in some instances.

The vaporizer and e-cigarette industry made it possible for consumers to choose the type of e-liquid to utilize. This way, it is easier for the person to actually get rid of his or her smoking habits without dealing with nicotine withdrawal symptoms.

And since you could easily experiment on what to use on your vaporizer, this is when it can become a bit tricky. It is possible that you become addicted to nicotine especially when you started vaping as a non-smoker.

2. It is cheap to use the vaporizers

For smokers transitioning towards vaporizers, it is no secret that they can save a lot of money when they resort to vaping than smoking. The average cost of a pack of cigarette is at $6.69. In some areas, it can be much expensive to smoke. Smoking a pack of cigarettes a day can already cost around $2,441.8.

On the other hand, you could purchase a vaporizer for around $200. That is a one-time investment that could already last for years. As for the e-liquid, you could purchase four 15 ml e-liquid bottles for $39. This amount of e-liquids could already last for a month. Now, that’s a total amount of $468 for a year supply of e-liquid. Add the $200 vaporizer, and you only have a total of $668. You get more than 70% savings annually just by choosing vaporizers over smoking cigarettes.   

How does this become a problem? For those who are already smokers, this might be good news. On the other hand, it could also be a problem, especially for people who love to experiment. With just a small amount of money, you could already have access to vaporizers and use e-liquids containing nicotine.

3. Access to vaporizers

Laws regarding access to smoking have become priority all over the world. Given the rising healthcare cost of this vice, there are laws where you could smoke. In most countries, you can’t smoke in public places. You need to find a smoking area before you could light up your cigarette. Also, you can’t purchase tobacco related products if you are below 18 years old.

On the other hand, vaporizers are still considered a grey area in different areas. Since vaporizers are not yet regulated by the FDA, it generally depends on the shop owner’s discretion whether or not to sell vaporizers to young individuals.

However, over the last few years, there are some areas that already took action. For instance, Connecticut already prohibited selling of vaporizers to any person below the age of 18. Unfortunately, there’s no universal consensus on how to handle the vaporizers. That means there are still places wherein minors could get a hold of vaporizers and use it.

Also, keep in mind that there are a significant number of stores offering vaporizers and other related products today. According to the recent numbers, there are approximately 3,500 stores offering vaporizers and accessories in the US alone. Sales increased significantly from 2013 to 2015.

4. Mainstream popularity

Part of the reason why cigarettes are popular today is because of the type of marketing that the industry has practiced over the years. They’ve spent millions of dollars on advertising campaigns just to give a positive image on tobacco. Product placement on movies influences the use of cigarettes to movie goers.

But these days, times have changed. Tobacco is no longer cool. Because of campaigns against tobacco smoking, people finally realized the dangers of smoking tobacco.

On the other hand, vaporizer industry is fast becoming popular. Nowadays, we see celebrities using vaporizers. Snoop Dogg even have his own vaporizer. With the popularity the vaporizer industry has reached today, it isn’t surprising if people are influenced to use vaporizers. 

These days, there are even individuals who opt to modify the vaporizers. We see YouTube videos of people doing vaporizer tricks. With e-liquids that contain nicotine, there is a chance that people could actually develop an addiction to nicotine.

Conclusion

Experts claim that vaporizers make the perfect alternative to smokers. In fact, it can even be used as means to benefit from the wonders of cannabis strains. However, let’s not forget that you can also make use of e-liquids that contain nicotine.

Do vaporizers introduce people to smoke? What are your thoughts? Tell us what you think and leave your comments below!

Source: smokazon blog

GETTING READY TO VAPORIZE

So this afternoon I finally picked up my loan Volcano vaporizer, after several cancelled appointments. The experiment can get underway! I’ve decided to start first thing tomorrow – a Friday.

It’s been a slightly frustrating wait; I’ve been champing at the bit and pawing the ground with anticipation. For the last couple of weeks I’ve been saying goodbye to cigarettes, thinking ‘OK, this is my last packet’, only for the delivery of the vaporizer to be delayed by another few days and another pack of smokes purchased.

So why didn’t I just quit anyway? Why wait for the vaporizer? Because this is not an exercise in will power. There are plenty of books and audio-seminars and websites and patches – whole industries devoted to quitting smoking.

There are also drugs such as Champix, Zyban and Wellbutrin that are used to lessen the cravings brought on by nicotine withdrawal, and I have a couple of friends who have used pharmaceuticals to successfully quit using tobacco. Call it strange if you like, coming from a confessed regular if not daily smoker of cannabis, but I find the idea of filling my head with some man-made drug 24/7 for months (if not years, given their addictiveness and severity of withdrawal symptoms) just too creepy and alarming.

Tobacco companies may be immoral peddlers of poison but Big Pharma’s are little better. I’ll take cannabis’ 10,000-year track record of safety over the – at best, mixed – performance of modern Psychotropics.

I specifically want to talk about removing tobacco from one’s life while leaving the enjoyment of marihuana, and using a good herbal vaporizer to do so. In essence, it is using the device to split the mixture of two weeds that comprise a joint and observe in which direction my inclination takes me.

The plan is to vaporize a small amount of tobacco when I feel a strong desire to smoke…something, and to vaporize a small amount of weed when I feel like feeling a little different. I don’t know how easy this will prove to be – I’m sure some level of self-discipline will come into play.

I believe the key is splitting the two intoxicating plants used in a joint in order to regain control over the consumption of both. I think once this separation is achieved the desire to smoke tobacco will naturally decline as the pointlessness (if indeed it is) of the nicotine buzz becomes apparent.

Talking to joint smoking friends it is clear that all of them at some stage find themselves smoking more joints than they want to as a result of craving for nicotine, not the THC from the cannabis.

It’s also clear that there is very little information above the anecdotal about this particular sub-specie of smoker. There’s research into smoking and research into cannabis consumption, but I don’t recall ever seeing research specifically into the mixture of the two, even though (in Europe at least), this is still the predominant form of consumption.

I’m wary of stripping down what is a complex physical, psychological and social practice to its bare materialist bones. I’m convinced there is more to smoking cigarettes and joints than the purely chemical-physical aspect.

Between the act of purchase to consumption there are a range of triggers and associations that also come into play. The crumbling of the weed or hash into the disemboweled cigarette; rolling the filter from a strip of cardboard; licking the gum; the feel of the joint in one’s mouth; the social conviviality of passing it around and the resulting shared intoxication.

OK, that’s enough of that for the time being. Tomorrow’s the day. Maybe just a little vapor nightcap before bed, just to test the functioning of the Volcano you understand…

Source: Vaporizerblog

What Are The Best Portable Vaporizers If Money Isn’t A Concern?

There’s a good amount of articles out there on the best portable vaporizers under a certain amount of money, but what if you want to say “screw the money” and just want the best of the best? If that’s you, then get your material, grind it up, and put it in your current sub-par vape; because after reading this article, you will be enjoying that vaporizer for the last time.

The portable vaporizers in this list are, in our opinion, currently the best ones on the market. This is not only based on our own personal experiences with them, but also on reviews and feedback from the vaporizer community as a whole. Yes it’s subjective, and we realize you may have a favorite that isn’t on this list, but we feel strongly that the majority of the vape community would agree with these. I also want to mention that this article deals with more traditional portables meant for dry herb; not pen vapes. Yes pens are technically portable as well, but we feel they have their own category and deserve a separate article of their own.

1. The Crafty Vaporizer by Storz & Bickel

Everyone knows who Storz & Bickel is. They are the company behind the Volcano, arguably one of the most popular desktop vaporizers still to this day. Well, they recently decided to get into the portable vaporizer market, and the same quality and workmanship that they put into the Volcano went into their new portable called ‘The Crafty’.

The Crafty produces some of the best vapor out of any portable currently on the market; it even rivals some desktop units, which are known for their punch. The build quality is excellent, and it feels really sturdy in your hands, so you don’t have to worry about it breaking unless you’re super clumsy with it. Even if something does break, the Crafty comes with a 2-year warranty, so you’re covered.

Now one of the coolest things about the Crafty is that you can control the temperature and other features of the device right from your phone with their mobile app. You don’t need the app to control the temperature; it does come with 2 preset temps, but the app gives you more fine-tuning, allows you to change your preset temps, and access other cool features. The temperature on the Crafty ranges from 104 – 410 degrees Fahrenheit. As far as battery life goes, you will get about 45 minutes of total battery life with the Crafty, and it fully recharges in about 2 hours. Overall, we feel the Crafty is the best portable you can buy right now if you are looking for a portable that can be taken out of the house. Awesome vapor quality, a solid warranty, and just a well-built unit all around.

2. The Mighty by Storz & Bickel

Notice how at the end of the Crafty section above I said that the Crafty is the best if you want a portable that you can take with you when you leave the house? Well the Mighty is the best portable you can buy if you want something that packs the same punch as most desktop units, but that you can carry around your house without being tied to a cord like you are with desktops.

You could travel with it, no doubt, but it’s slightly bigger than the Crafty is, making it a little less portable and harder to just stick in your pocket. 

The Mighty is made with the same quality as the Crafty, being that they are both made by Storz & Bickel. The main difference is the Mighty is bigger and has a little more power than the Crafty does. You will also get longer battery life, since the Mighty comes with 2 lithium-ion batteries, and the Crafty comes with just 1. There’s also no phone app to control the Mighty – everything is done right on the front of the unit. Some people prefer this over having to mess around with a phone app just to change the temperature, and I can totally see that point.

3. The Arizer Air

Arizer, like Storz & Bickel, is another very reputable name in the vaporizer industry. They are the same company behind the Solo, arguably the most popular portable since it came out, and the Extreme Q, the equally popular desktop unit. While the Solo was and still is a phenomenal portable vaporizer, Arizer stepped their game up and released the Air not too long ago. As great as the Solo is, the one knock on it was the fact that it could have been more portable. It’s slightly big for a portable unit, and when you add the stem, it increases the overall size even more.

The Arizer Air takes everything that was great about the Solo, but made it much more portable, solving the one issue people had. Here’s a really good image (I believe from the Vape Critic), where you can see the two units side by side. 

For reference, the Air is about as thick as a pill bottle, just to give you an idea of how easy it is to hold. The vapor quality on the Air is amazing, it has 5 different temperature settings, and the battery life is very good as well. Not only that, but it has replaceable batteries, so you can always have backups on you just in case the ones you’re using die.

4. The Pax 2

If having a high tech, stealthy unit is what you’re looking for, there’s nothing better than the Pax 2. Most vapers are familiar with the original Pax, which was a very popular unit. However, it did have some drawbacks that irritated a lot of people. For one, it was a pain to clean due to the mouthpiece design. The original Pax also didn’t have that great of a capacity, and the battery life could have been a little
better.

Pax took all of this into consideration and fixed these issues with their new Pax 2. The Pax 2 has a 20% deeper oven, giving you more capacity. It’s also even smaller and lighter than the original, making it more portable. They completely changed the mouthpiece design, so cleaning it is no longer a problem. Lastly, they made the battery life better, and now you can get around 7-8 sessions on one charge instead of ~5 like in the original.

Just to sum up:

If you want the absolute best portable vaporizer for carrying around with you out of the house, go with the Crafty. If you want something that packs the punch of a desktop unit, but without being tied to a cord, and you don’t mind it being slightly less portable, the Mighty is the vape you want.

Vaporizers to Watch in 2016

There are 3,500 vape shops in the US today and countless models of vaporizers. If we are following a consistent trend, expect the industry to reach $50 billion by 2025.

In just a few years, we’ve seen vaporizers and companies evolve. Today, portable versions have become popular for a lot of people because it can be used in a discreet manner for both short and long periods of time. Given the need for both desk and portable vaporizers, we could say that it’s an exciting time to be vaping. So what are the best portable vaporizers to watch out for this 2016? 

According to me:

Haze Version 3
A dual chamber portable vaporizer, Haze Technology has come up with a sleek and high quality product that can allow you to shift between oil, to e-liquids, wax and herbs. If you have around $250 to spare, this makes the perfect option for you.

Using both conduction and convection heating methods, it offers flexibility for a vaping connoisseur. This device is known for its temperature regulator which allows the unit to provide maximized airflow for each draw, filled with flavor.

The actual size of the Haze version 3 is similar to a flask. This device comes with a mouthpiece that retracts safely into the unit if it is not in use. It has a weight of around 193 grams.
The Haze version 3 also comes with a 10 year warranty, something that not a lot of vaporizer companies are willing to hand out.
Haze Technology uses the air outside to air that exits the system. This way, it cools the vapor for the perfect temperature without using additional fans which saves energy for more draws.
This device also evenly heats the herbs without you stirring the elements inside the Haze 3.

V2 Pro Series 7 Vaporizer
A lot of hype has been made for the V2 Pro Series 7. If you’ve used the V2 Pro Series 3 pen vaporizer, it works exactly as this portable vaporizer, only that the V2 Pro Series 7 is a bit larger and could hold more material.

V2 Pro Series 7 is a 3 in 1 device that you can carry around comfortably in your pocket. It allows you to choose between leaf, wax/oil, or e-liquids, depending on your preference.
In terms of performance, the V2 Pro Series 7 isn’t as exceptional as other high end portable vaporizers. Experts are saying that only the lowest level gives the best vapor for its user. Also, don’t expect large clouds for every draw. Holding around 0.3 grams of herbs, it can provide you around 10 to 15 draws.

Pax 2
If you are looking for a discreet and portable vaporizer that offers high quality vapor, Pax 2 makes a strong contender this year. But also, quality doesn’t come cheap. For $279, the Pax 2 vaporizer is considered a high end portable vaporizer.
Though a bit heavier and bigger than the original, the Pax 2 has an improved battery life, deeper oven and four different heat settings. The chamber is made of stainless material.
The range of temperature has also been improved for the Pax 2. It has 10 degrees lower for its lowest temperature and 10 degrees higher for the highest setting. As for its battery life, it offers 30% more than the first version of the Pax vaporizer. As point of comparison, it can be compared to the Mighty in terms of battery life.
The Pax 2 has a stealthy design and has redesigned mouthpiece from the previous models. This made the newest version to be more efficient than the last model.

Iolite WISPR 2
Iolite WISPR 2 is a one of a kind portable vaporizer. What makes it so unique? It doesn’t make use of any battery. It provides a solution to short vaping periods that people experience when using small portable vaporizers.
Instead of having a battery, it runs on butane gas. But of course, there are a couple of trade-offs that you have to consider with the Iolite Wispr 2. First, since it makes use of butane, you’ll have to deal with the smell of butane. Also, unlike other vaporizers that have multiple temperature control, it has only one temperature setting. And lastly, you also have to deal with the fact that it isn’t the most discreet device that you will carry around. Aside from the loud color, you also have to deal with the noise from the gas.
As for the quality of the vapor, you could definitely get some tasty vapor from this particular device and the temperature is also decent. This particular device is perfect for camping and for places that do not have access to electricity.

Vapir NO2 Handheld Vaporizer 

If you only have a budget of around $100 for a portable vaporizer this 2016, perhaps, you should choose the Vapir NO2 Handheld Vaporizer. The only hesitation that most vaping enthusiasts have with the Vapir NO2 Handheld Vaporizer is its herb chamber design that is a bit difficult to load and clean. The vaporizer comes with a rechargeable battery that you can plug in using the wall charger.

The Vapir NO2 Handheld Vaporizer is also easy to use. It can be used even without a manual, even by first time users. According to critics, the most efficient temperature is at 355 to 360 degrees Fahrenheit. Expect burnt taste when you go higher.

Indica Vaporizer
For those who love using cannabis for their vaporizer, the Indica Vaporizer is a great candidate for 2016. Disguised as a lighter, it is among the most discreet vaporizers in the market today. It has 5 different heat settings that you can choose from.
There are two things that stand out in this particular device, and that is the chamber’s size and sturdy design. It also weighs around 5.4 ounces, around the weight of a phone.
So what are the things that you may not like about this particular device? Just like any other small device, it is quite hard to load on the Indica Vaporizer, not to mention you only get around 12 draws for a full load.
As for the vapor quality, it has an above average vapor, but it is a bit thin, even if you used the highest setting for the device.

Vapium Summit
Makers of the Vapium Summit offer a discreet and unassuming device that really doesn’t look much. But of course, looks can be deceiving. Upon inspection of the Vapium Summit’s exterior, it is made of polycarbonate material, which feels durable.
Looking at the chamber of the Vapium Summit, you can pack as much as 0.3 grams of ground herb, something that is decent in terms of portable vaporizer standards. Also, the chamber heats the herbs evenly even if you don’t stir the material inside.

Firefly
The Firefly vaporizer is a favorite among connoisseurs. A bit price at around $270, it offers everything you want from a high end vaporizer. It has high quality vapor, easy to maintain configuration, and swappable rechargeable batteries. The only concern about this particular device is that it is portable, but not exactly discreet as it is a bit large.
The Firefly has a glass heating chamber which is responsible for the high quality vapor that you get from this particular device. Once you start vaping, it instantly turns on. The Firefly’s chamber can hold around 10 draws. You may be thinking that it isn’t enough. The good thing about this device is that you could easily clean and refill the chamber as you please without worries.

Conclusion
Location where you vape shouldn’t be a problem. If you are planning to start vaping outside your home for this year, these portable vaporizers will give you a good experience in your sessions. These vaporizers cater to vaping enthusiasts with different budgets and needs.

Do you anything which we have missed? Feel free to write your opinions on the comments below.

CHOOSING THE BEST PORTABLE VAPORIZER GUIDE

Help! I want to buy a portable vape but there’s so damn many!

The explosion in recent years of portable vaporizers entering the market means there’s now a bewildering variety of models to choose from. Which is great, but it can make choosing which one to go with a bit of a head-breaker.

Before working your way through review after review, it pays to be aware of the general range of features and limitations to bear in mind when making your choice.

Let me lead you through the variety of ingenious devices and help you focus on the most essential things to consider when you’re ready to buy your first portable vape.

 Gas or battery?

Remember: vaporization is essentially quite simple. You heat some air to around 200 degrees, then suck or blow this through a ground sample of herbs. At this heat, the essential volatile ingredients such as oils, terpenes and cannabinoids aerosolize out of the herb and are inhaled.

In practice, a large and varied number of approaches are taken to achieve this. The heat source – butane gas or battery? Design – sturdy and functional or cool? What kind of inhalation is preferred? How easy is the device to clean?

BTW, when we talk about ‘portable’ we are referring to handheld devices that are operated with one hand, using a cordless heat supply and that works with dry herbs.

Design elements

The first thing that will strike you is the vape’s design, obviously, as this is what it looks like from the outside. Consider how big and heavy the vape is to get an idea if this fits with your desired way of vaping on the go.

Will it fit in a back pocket? Your inside jacket pocket? Or will you need some kind of carry case, backpack or bumbag? How relaxed do think you’d feel whipping it out in public, or surreptitiously taking a lungful on your way into a cinema (say)? In short, how stealthy is the device? How attractive is its finish? Which is more important to you?

Materials and style

Vapes can be made of anything from wood, to brushed aluminium, to stainless steel, glass, various types of plastic, and combinations of the above. What do you prefer to feel in your hand? In your mouth?

Design also determines the vape’s stylishness, its ease of use and interface – how you switch it on, how you know when the battery is charged and when the temperature’s right for vaping. All these things vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Under the skin

Under the outside shell is where the real action takes place though, and deserves equal attention. How is the air heated? Most devices heat a metal or ceramic plate or the whole herb chamber and rely on the user inhaling to move the hot air.

This mix of conduction and convection can create singing of herb at the bottom or sides of the chamber, but you’ll need to step up to a desktop vape for pure convection heating.

How hard or soft you draw can have an effect on the temperature; some vapes use a computer chip and/or a sensor inside to smooth this out.

How soon is the vape ready to take a hit from? Butane delivers near instantly; most battery vapes need a longer or shorter heat up time. Three minutes might not bother you, but if you’ve woken up with severe pain you want something a bit speedier.

Assault on battery

Using a battery (generally Lithium-ion, but some use a simple AAA) for heat, how quickly does the vape reach the vaping temperature? How quickly does it charge and discharge with normal use?

If you’ll mostly be using the vape at home, it doesn’t matter how often you need to charge it. If want to take it away for a weekend, how long you can keep it charged will be more of a factor. Some portables have (optional) car adapters, and most these days have a USB as well as mains capability.

Those that use butane gas need some kind of barrier between the flame and the herb sample (or it would just ignite). Butane is fast, cheap and portable but some users have issues with un-burned residual gas, or just can’t get the knack of heating without burning.

Deep breaths?

When you inhale the vapor coming off your herb sample, how freely does it flow? Obviously this is not something you can try out online but our reviews always mention ‘the draw’. Some users like to sip small puffs, others like eye-popping lungfulls of thick vapor.

Does the mouthpiece feel welcome in your mouth, whether made from metal, plastic, ceramic or glass? Does this matter to you?

Clean Machine?

Cannabinoids are incredibly sticky and pretty much impossible to clean off with water. Isopropyl alcohol (ISO) and a cotton bud are usually enough to remove all the sticky goo that accumulates, but some vapes may have hard to reach areas that can shorten the usable life of the device.

Drawing power can deteriorate if a vape is not kept clean – especially any meshes or filters that the oily hot air passes through. How and where to clean is usually easy to discern from the chamber and airflow design.

But since the only way to fully assess ease of cleaning is to use the vape for some time, it’s worth reading what the manufacturer recommends, what our reviews suggest, and checking online forums.

A vape for life?

Related to cleanability is the device’s longevity. How well is it built? Are there any known weak points? The length of guarantee gives some indication of how it is expected to perform.

Are you a butter fingers? How will the vape survive being dropped? Most makers can deliver spares of breakable parts. But how upset will you be if that cool, shiny finish wears or scratches too easily?

Bottom line

Is money no object? Do you plan to build up a collection of vapes as you search for the best for particular situations? Or do you need a functional, entry-level vape that’s not necessarily the most beautiful object to look at?

There are vapes worth trying just for the novelty of their design and vaping approach alone, and judging by forum posts around the net, a lot of vape users progress to being collectors.

It’s your vape

So consider what your own requirements are. Vaping is a personal, even intimate experience. There are not many electrical devices you will put in your mouth or that deliver an essential medicine, so make sure you enjoy the experience!

Choosing to vape is a lifestyle choice, so whether you vape heavily for health or occasionally for a safe, tasty, calorie-free way of winding down after work, whether you plan to vape in public or away from mains power for extended periods, all are important factors in your vape choice.

Ultra-portables

Finally, as ‘dabbing’ with pure cannabinoid concentrates has grown in popularity in the US (but pretty illegal in most other countries), so we’ve seen a convergence of e-cigarette and vape technology with ‘e-pens’.

The majority work with highly pure concentrates only; some claim to vape herb too, but in practice most of these simply burn it.

Source:  vaporizer blog