FATX and Solo 3 comparisons

[PrematureEvaporation]

Does anyone that owns both of these and enjoys a dark roast like myself have a more effects and signature, extraction speed kind of comparison they can give?

I know one is mass produced session oriented and one is artisan on demand, quite different in a lot of ways. Different variables can affect the effects and flavour on both. All the usual spiel.

I like the strong hybrid signature, solid flavour and powerful extraction of the Solo 3 at higher temps. I find it comparable to my Anvil purely in terms of effects and signature when doing OD one hitters through a piece. It’s an excellent choice for a mass produced electric and packs quite the punch.

When using native I have come to really dislike the packing technique required for the stems which are more than a little finicky, the easily clogged airflow and the fact stuff can drop in the oven and char. I know there’s some ways around some of this but I think I simply have a stronger preference for the bowl format.

With that in mind I guess I’m just wondering if the FATX might be better for me? I also really like the walnut wood body, the ceramic bowl, and the glass stem. Seems to have quite a powerful heater and pure materials associated with good flavour. The overall form factor looks very nice too.

I’m usually not a fan of the single cell 18650 vapes, and the charge swap recharge dance routine that comes with them, but I feel like an exception could possibly be made here as everything else seems so appealing to me.

Really the main thing I’d like compared is the signature and effects when doing dark roasts. Everything else bar the battery situation I think I prefer on the FATX.

I’ve looked into the BAKX (which also gets thrown around with these two vapes) and decided it’s not for me, a little too artisan and not a fan of the 510 system. I prefer the TRWW stuff for that glass tube format.

Thanks for any input, it’s appreciated as always

 

[XoGnosis]

Following along because I have the same dilemma, from the other side. I prefer the stem system to the bowl format generally, am really enjoying the effects from my FAT-X. I haven't owned any Arizer portables in several years and am pondering picking up a Solo III v2 to see what the hype is all about.

 

[PrematureEvaporation]

Following along because I have the same dilemma, from the other side. I prefer the stem system to the bowl format generally, am really enjoying the effects from my FAT-X. I haven't owned any Arizer portables in several years and am pondering picking up a Solo III v2 to see what the hype is all about.

If you can get along with the stem system and its quirks I think you’ll enjoy the S3.

It’s incredibly powerful compared to the older Arizers - takes a bit of practice but you can easily clear the standard size stem in one hit using the on demand mode. Session mode is hard hitting too at high temp, although with the extra power it gets through the load pretty fast. Need to turn it down to make it last longer.

My favourite use of the S3 is ripping off chunks of nugs, it’s got plenty of power to fully roast them inside and out. The flavour is exceptional this way too

Very hot vapour though, a glass piece or cooling stem is highly recommended at higher temps.

Anyway let’s hope someone with experience of both can chime in and offer a true comparison.

 

[Cdwhit]

I don’t have a Solo, but I do know that the FATx is about as different as it can be from my Tafee Bowle 2 or even the TM2, but still be good. If someone could convince me a solo 3 hit like a FATx, I would order one right now! The FATx it’s my current favorite, the others getting used mostly when I’m recharging the FATx.

 

[Shit Snacks]

Have you checked the thread comparing FW7 and FW9 with Solo 3? Given everything you said I do think it's worth you trying the new X...

However it would also probably be worth you trying different stems with your Solo (I use loose fitting GVB WPA with hook, doesn't have the holes, just steel mesh basket screen, it has a horn handle and can be removed quickly to clear, I keep S3 upside down always now)

Following along because I have the same dilemma, from the other side. I prefer the stem system to the bowl format generally, am really enjoying the effects from my FAT-X. I haven't owned any Arizer portables in several years and am pondering picking up a Solo III v2 to see what the hype is all about.

I mean I much prefer Firewood vapor quality myself, more versatile with fuller temp range and full manual on demand control... TM2 is tough to beat for stem based imo too though of course that is pure convection so a bit different

 

[PrematureEvaporation]

Have you checked the thread comparing FW7 and FW9 with Solo 3? Given everything you said I do think it's worth you trying the new X...

Oh no I wasn’t aware of that! Got a link? If not I’ll go looking myself.

Been looking in the firewood thread and I’m really liking everything I’m hearing so far, that new X looks so appealing for my tastes.

However it would also probably be worth you trying different stems with your Solo (I use loose fitting GVB WPA with hook, doesn't have the holes, just steel mesh basket screen, it has a horn handle and can be removed quickly to clear, I keep S3 upside down always now)

Yeah I’ve tried a few now, definitely works better keeping the S3 upside down like you say. Avoids a lot of the issues I’ve stated.

Really my issues are during native use, seems to be where the quirks of this particular form of stem load become most apparent. Where the FATX seems like it isn’t too fussy for that use case being a bowl format?

 

[Shit Snacks]

Oh no I wasn’t aware of that! Got a link? If not I’ll go looking myself.

If you don't mind finding it yourself, I don't have it handy, I would have to search, usually comes up with google and fuck combustion or skimming the ask FC section

Been looking in the firewood thread and I’m really liking everything I’m hearing so far, that new X looks so appealing for my tastes.

Yeah exactly I think that should tell you everything you need to know, you do want to try it!

Yeah I’ve tried a few now, definitely works better keeping the S3 upside down like you say. Avoids a lot of the issues I’ve stated.

Really my issues are during native use, seems to be where the quirks of this particular form of stem load become most apparent. Where the FATX seems like it isn’t too fussy for that use case being a bowl format?

Exactly, I tried using that short straight stem originally, I don't think I ever will again? Just seems like a terrible idea, even the old bent stem probably wouldn't be enough for me anymore now, but that is still so much better... Really hard to not want to keep it upside down all the time, as I do with TM and Tetra now too