The 3 best portable vapes under $300
Portable is the future of the vaporiser industry, and with good reason. People want their vaping experience to move with them and fit into their lifestyle in ways that desktop technology just can’t achieve. Whether you need your main device to be as flexible as you are, or you’re a desktop user who wants something smaller to take out of the house, a portable vaporizer is a welcome addition to any vaper’s life. Problem is, portables vary exponentially in price and quality. With so much variety and so many cheap, low quality and unreliable portables on the market, it can be difficult to discern the good products from the duds. If you’re looking for quality portable vapour without breaking the bank, look no further than our list of the five best portables for under $300.
1. The Arizer Solo
Our Vapour Quality Rating: 78%
Incredibly reliable and with superb vapour quality, the Arizer Solo by Arizer is a great vape for a wide variety of users. One of the cheapest and best options in the mid-price portable range, the Arizer Solo is a sturdy analogue vaporiser that produces high quality vapour and will last for years. The Solo utilises a clean ceramic element and has seven pre-set temperatures ranging from 50°C – 210°C. The Solo does sacrifice portability with its glass draw stem and slightly cumbersome cylindrical body. It won’t be ideal for vapers who want something discreet they can just throw in their pocket and go. However, for a hands-free home vaping experience, the Solo can do no wrong. Incorporating ultra simple two-button operation, passthrough charging and convenient auto-shutoff function, the Solo provides high-tech performance without the frills.
Summary:
- High quality vapour
- Great value for money
- Base unit is durable and reliable
- Simple analogue operation
- Passthrough charging
- Automatic shut-off
- Glass stems and bulky shape affect portability
- Moderate draw resistance (can be hard to pull from)
2. The Arizer Air
Our Vapour Quality Rating: 78%
The Solo’s little sibling, the Arizer Air by Arizer is a smaller and more lightweight version that incorporates replaceable batteries and shorter draw stems for added portability. Newer than the Arizer Solo, the Air produces the same high quality vapour results. Due to the high-powered battery and smaller size, the Air can get hot to hold after prolonged use, but a protective silicone skin is included to insulate heat and make it more comfortable to hold. The shorter draw stem also means that vapour can be hot to draw on higher heat settings, as there is less distance between the chamber and your mouth. However, the Air is still extremely efficient and effective at extracting pure active ingredients from your favourite botanicals and will produce great vapour results. It utilises a similar analogue interface to the Solo with five temperature settings ranging from 180°C – 210°C. The Air’s lithium batteries are removable and can also be charged externally, so a flat battery is not an issue when you’re on the go. You can simply swap it out with a fully charged spare. The Air can also be used while charging via the wall adapter. It has a fast heat up time of under two minutes and an added automatic shut-off function to preserve battery life. Smaller and more user-friendly, the Air is perfect for users who want the quality of the Solo in a more pocket-friendly unit.
Summary:
- High quality vapour
- Smaller than the Solo
- User replaceable batteries
- Passthrough charging
- Automatic shut-off
- Glass draw stems still affect portability
- Unit can get hot to hold
3. The Magic-Flight Launch Box
Our Vapour Quality Rating: 55%
The Magic Flight Launch Box by US company Magic-Flight comes with a lifetime warranty and a bit of a learning curve. Vapour results depend entirely on user technique, but it can produce some nice results when perfected. It heats via the use of a single NiMh AA battery, which heats the mesh trench when pushed into the battery port on the side of the unit. Herb is placed inside the box on the thin mesh screen and will need to be stirred or shaken occasionally in order to heat evenly. Initial learning curve aside, the MFLB is a sturdy and reliable vaporizer with a simple design and attractive “Earthy” aesthetic. Due to the learning curve and potential for uneven heating, vapour production cannot be expected to be as consistent as that produced by a vape with digital temperature controls. However, the MFLB is very popular among certain users and has a loyal customer base. It also makes a great introductory vape for first timers.
Summary:
- Vapour results depend on user technique
- Super small, around the size of a matchbox
- Lifetime warranty
- Replaceable batteries
- Very portable
- Simple design
- Combustion risk if battery is held in too long