8 Devices That Will Blow Your Mind, Because Vaporizing Cannabis Doesn’t Have To Be Disappointing

Puffco

In the gentle glow of a lit joint cradled between my fingertips, I've often found solace. This ritual, as ageless as the march of time, extends beyond mere cannabis consumption —it's a practice deeply interwoven into my Latino identity, where I live and grew to love weed, where our penchant for smoking marijuana (and not hash) in cigar form has been handed down through generations.

For many moons, I delighted in this act. The gratifying crunch of semi-dried leaves, the precision involved in crafting the perfect joint and the therapeutic inhalation of an almost sacred smoke —both fiery and calming — were parts of an experience I cherished. Yet, relentless advance of time and technology have introduced a new player on this stage: the vaporizer.

Vaporizers come in an array of shapes, sizes and capabilities. At their essence, these devices warm your chosen form of cannabis —be it dry herb, concentrates or extracts— to a precise temperature: High enough to draw out the cannabinoids and terpenes, yet restrained enough to avoid combustion.

The outcome? The absence of smoke, which is replaced by a fragrant puff of vapor.

My fondness for the traditional joint notwithstanding, I found myself progressively intrigued by the realm of vaporizers.

However, initially, their mechanical aesthetics felt foreign and detached; my preliminary encounters with these devices were largely underwhelming. They bore no resemblance to the experience of smoking. Unlike a nicotine vape, these vaporizers (not the infamous vape pens, mind you, but vape devices) failed to produce the dense, smoke-like cloud I yearned for. The vapor was almost imperceptible.

Jon Cappetta, the vice president of content at High Times Magazine, succinctly captured this sentiment: "The problem is most devices just don't get hot enough to vape the weed in an enjoyable way. They’re mostly like ovens where you gotta suck out all the nonsense as it burns off for two seconds of actual weed taste near the end."

But my perception began to pivot when I came across brands like DynaVap, Zenco, PuffCo, Storz & Brickel, Pax, Focus and Ispire. They weren't simply attempting to mimic the joint-smoking experience; they were its next evolutionary step.

What Makes A Good Vaporizer Actually Good

"First off, the device needs to be intuitive. I’m a seasoned professional when it comes to cannabis consumption, but I always try to take the purview of a newbie when I try a device," Rachelle Gordon, editor of GreenState, weighed in. "If it's not clear how it works or the instructions are not thorough, that's a negative in my mind. Second, the device needs to perform adequately. It needs to offer a smooth yet powerful draw, a good battery life if it's electronic, and relatively quick charging."

Let's break it down: vaporizers are primarily classified into dry herb and concentrate/extract vaporizers.

Dry herb vaporizers, true to their name, are tailored for ground cannabis flower, simulating the experience of smoking a traditional joint, but without the throaty harshness and with an added sense of "clean" flavor. Concentrate vaporizers, on the other hand, are designed for cannabis extracts like wax, shatter or oil – basically, dabs. These potent substances offer a smoother, more flavor-intense vapor compared to their dry herb counterparts.

On my odyssey through the nebulous cosmos of cannabis consumption, I've been enchanted by both types of vaporizers. From the DynaVap —a dry herb vaporizer whose analog design and "click" mechanism signaling the optimal temperature of the herb offered a tactile feedback I found missing in other vapes— to the Zenco —a concentrate vaporizer that delivered an unparalleled flavor odyssey and form factor where the terpenes of the cannabis extract seemed to orchestrate, crafting a symphony of flavors absent in the harsh smoke of a joint— I invite you to join me on this voyage into the universe of vaporizers.

Whether you're a traditional joint smoker like myself, curious about this innovative mode of consumption or a seasoned vape enthusiast on the hunt for your next premium device, it's time to buckle up. The future of cannabis consumption has arrived; and it's smokeless.

Dynavap

Stepping into the artful domain of minimalistic vaping, the DynaVap makes a powerful statement. As economist, IT project manager and harm reduction activist Patricio Liddle expressed, "Like many of the finer things in life, mastering the art of vaping with a battery-free vaporizer takes time and perseverance."

Engineered elegantly into a pen-like form, this resilient vaporizer is crafted from sturdy stainless steel, with a unique cap that resonates a distinctive "click." Liddle, a dedicated DynaVap user for almost three years, finds this auditory feature to be a precise indicator; it signals when the cap achieves the optimal temperature for vaporizing dry herb, playing an instrumental role in various vaping outcomes.

Liddle explained, "When you heat the cap at low temperatures, you get an outstanding flavor and a high THC extraction that is quite discreet and produces a volatile fragrance that rapidly dissolves in the air." However, Liddle also noted that a shift in heating technique can transform the entire experience.

"On the other hand," he continued, "higher temperatures will make you exhale a more dense cloud and a full extraction of all that the strain has to offer."

DynaVap's flame-powered devices embody the allure of traditional smoking rituals within the technological world of vaping. They shun batteries and electronic components in favor of the rugged simplicity of manual heating, a process that can deliver diverse results when applying different intensities or angles with your torch.

Moreover, Liddle stated, the DynaVap has allowed him to rediscover his favorite cannabis strains, revealing that "combustion not only causes the worst harms associated with the use of cannabis but also burns the majority of our precious terpenes, cannabinoids, aromas, and flavors that took so much effort to cultivate."

This pen-like vape device is also a champion in cannabis conservation. Liddle shared that for a single session, he uses "about a third of what I usually use to roll a joint," leading to considerable savings on his cannabis stash. He also applauded the device's user-friendly features such as easy cleaning and minimal odor residue. "Not having to worry about battery chargers," he commented, "the fact that it leaves almost no odor on your breath or hands and being able to use the after-vaping toasted buds for cooking are big pluses."

Puffco

"For concentrates, it's always Puffco," declared Jon Cappetta. "Since the Proxy came out, that's been my go-to, and the wizard attachment took it up another notch for even better flavor."

Bearing the torch (or more so, not bearing a torch) in the arena of concentrate vaporizers is the Puffco Peak Pro. Its impressive, ergonomic design encases a ceramic heating chamber that consistently delivers potent, flavorful vapor, while eliminating the need to use a big torch to light it, like traditional dab rigs did.

The Peak Pro also raises the bar with its astonishing degree of customization. Its smartphone app permits you to tweak heat settings to your exact preference — a feature that distinguishes it from most competitors.

Complementing the Peak Pro is its portable counterpart, the Puffco Proxy. This sleek, pocket-sized vape pipe for concentrates provides swift, discreet sessions with the simplicity of single-button operation.

Pax Plus

Pax has maintained a revered position in the vaping industry, and the Pax Plus upholds this legacy with self-confidence. This compact yet powerful dry herb vaporizer ensures a clean, smooth vaping experience – and it is the first portable electronic dry-herb vaporizer that has truly impressed me.

The Pax Plus houses a generous oven for extended sessions and boasts a rapid heat-up time. It also presents a spectrum of temperature settings, allowing you to calibrate your preferred vapor quality.

With its sophisticated design and advanced features, the Pax Plus refines the portable vaping experience. Not to forget, it can also handle concentrates, though there are superior devices for that task.

Storz & Bickel Lineup

Jon Cappetta and Gordon both endorsed the Volcano, by Storz & Bickel. Cappetta asserted, "The Storz & Bickel Volcano has been the best in the game since its inception. The Volcano offers a true vape experience. It's fun to smoke out of bags."

This iconic device, recognizable by its characteristic cone-shaped design, is lauded for its unrivaled vapor quality. It employs a unique system that fills a detachable balloon with vapor, allowing for leisurely consumption at your own pace.

The Hybrid model now also incorporates a direct draw whip feature for more immediate use. With its precise temperature control and robust construction, the Volcano Hybrid is a worthwhile investment for the discerning cannabis connoisseur.

The Zenco

Now, imagine savoring cannabis vapor as a drink. Yes, you read that correctly.

Introducing the Zenco, a concentrate vaporizer that proudly delivers an unparalleled flavor experience. This device operates with a patented ceramic coil, which heats the concentrate evenly, resulting in a smooth, flavorful vapor that fills a cup. The demonstration speaks louder than words (click on the image above to watch the video).

Its minimalist design, coupled with its ease of use, makes the Zenco an attractive choice for those seeking a straightforward, enjoyable vaping experience. By focusing on preserving the integrity of the cannabis plant's complex profile, the Zenco truly honors the art of flavor.

"What is that? Is it a portable space heater?" — a friend asked me not long ago.

It was not. What I had in my hands was The Mighty, a portable dry herb vaporizer by Storz & Bickel (the creators of the Volcano) that has earned significant acclaim for its potent performance and impressive battery life.

As Gordon highlighted, "The Storz and Bickel devices definitely command a premium price point because they’re incredibly high quality and built to last."

The Mighty's patented fusion of full hot air convection heating and additional conduction ensures efficient vaporization from the very first draw. With its precise digital temperature control and a vibration alert indicating readiness, the Mighty propels portable vaping to new heights.

Focus V Carta 2

Next on my discovery list is the Focus V Carta, an innovative device that revolutionizes the dabbing landscape with its tech-savvy approach. The Carta is a portable e-rig that's fully customizable, thanks to its accompanying app and built-in screen. This allows you to adjust temperature to an exact degree, fine-tuning your sessions to extract the best flavor and potency from your concentrates.

What truly distinguishes the Carta, however, is its dual-use capability. It comes with two different buckets: quartz for quick heating and massive clouds, and titanium for slower, more even heating to savor your concentrates' intricate flavors. Moreover, it can also handle dry herbs, making it a versatile choice for both flower and extract enthusiasts. Its design is sleek, modern and ergonomic, with a removable battery that highlights its portability.

"The Focus V Carta 2 is the best e-rig on the market: it heats up faster, has better air flow and the battery lasts longer," praised Viru Castro, a well-known cannaseur from Argentina. "I don't want to throw other brands under the bus, but other atomizers short circuit when they encounter water. Not having this is a huge advantage for the Focus V."

In essence, the Focus V Carta merges the world of traditional dabbing with modern technological conveniences, creating a dabbing experience that is both familiar and refreshingly novel.

Ispire Daab

The Ispire Daab is a handheld dab rig designed for concentrate enthusiasts craving a more streamlined and accessible dabbing experience. Its innovative design eliminates the need for a torch, offering precise temperature control for the perfect dab every time.

With its two modes —Wand Mode for traditional rig use and Freestyle Mode for direct dabbing —the Ispire Daab offers versatility, enabling users to tailor their dabbing experience to their preferences. As Gordon noted, "The Ispire Daab has an insane battery life and is the closest thing to a traditional dab on the market so I also feel it's worth its price."

As we approach the end of this journey, one thing is crystal clear: the world of vaporizers is as varied and dynamic as the cannabis plant itself. From the rugged simplicity of the DynaVap to the precision of the Volcano Hybrid, the innovative versatility of the Ispire Daab and the advanced customization of the PuffCo range, there's a vaporizer out there to suit every preference and lifestyle.

As we venture into this new era of cannabis consumption, the only constant we can be sure of is change. But also, as we continue to explore and experiment, let's remember to honor the rich heritage of our past while embracing the innovations of our present.

After all, it's just like Santana said in this recent Forbes interview: "It's not about the destination, but the journey. And the journey is always more interesting when you're following your own light."