Looking for a new portable recommendation

[kingofnull]

Hello FC - it sure has been a while! I'm in the market for a new portable battery-powered herb vape. I currently have an Arizer Solo 2 (and 1) and Arizer Air, though I really only use the Solo 2. I'm looking for something a little more discreet and pocketable. Replaceable battery (18650) and would PREFER it to have USB-C even if the battery can be replaced. Vapor quality is a priority also, but it seems like most vapes on the market have decent quality, and I have the Solo 2 for more home use. I'd like to spend no more than $250, but any less I could spend would be ideal.

I've owned MFLB, Palm 2.0, various Puffco products, Iolite, heck I even had a Thermovape, I'm sure there are other portables I'm not including or have forgotten as well.

Currently looking at:

Crafty+: has a replaceable battery and USB-C charging. Vapour quality expected to be in line with other S&B products. It's at the top end of what I'm willing to spend.

POTV Lobo: Has everything I'm looking for, but it's priced high for what I assume is a rebrand.

XMax V3 (Pro): Either the base model or the POTV 'pro' version works for me. I wish the Pro came with the regular mouthpiece as well as the glass one. It has both USB-C and a replaceable battery. It's kind of long, but discreet and pocketable-esque.

Flowermate V5 Nano: I love this form factor. Disappointing it's micro USB. Does a replaceable 18650 battery.

Arizer ArGo: This one tempts me too. Again, micro USB makes this almost an immediate no for me. But I'm totally an Arizer brand loyalist (EQ, Solo(s), Air), and the price is so right on the ArGo. If I had a sense they were releasing a USB-C version, I'd just wait...

Xvape Starry 4: USB C, replaceable battery, can buy it locally for a decent price (sub $100). Form factor is lackluster for me.

Davinci: A friend had the OG (EQ?) and we didn't love it at the time. It was a decent vape, but didn't hold a candle to the Solo in either vapor quality or production, or battery life. Or ease of use/cleaning. Or price. Safe to say it never got a fair chance because the quality:cost of the Solo was so good. Happy to consider any of their newer products if anyone can make a case.

I'm not really looking at the PAX devices. They've got the best form factor hands down, but I didn't love the first iteration - found it conducted too much heat, emitted lots of cannabis odor, and was fairly difficult to clean if you didn't keep up with it every session (lots of reside in the vapor path, screens would get stuck, etc). If these complaint have been fixed with newer generations, I would be willing to take a look.

If the Tinymight wasn't $450, it would be a no-brainer.

If anyone has any feedback on the above or any other recommendations based on personal experience, I'd love to chat!

ETA: Just started looking at the Linx Gaia on planethaze (edit: nvm it's not USB-C).
ETA: Is planetvape.ca now planethaze.ca?

 

[SolidAirrr]

Not sure if you mistyped, but the the crafty+ doesn't have a replaceable battery.
Not sure on the current discount status, but the airvape legacy Pro 2 is just about to roll out and was at 179 lately.
Another one that is looking promising, especially as you called tm2 a no brainer, could be the frolic, which can be ordered since today (via thread in upcoming...)
Maybe worth checking these out?

 

[kingofnull]

Hey I'll look into both those options, thanks!

And no it wasn't a mistype - actually a misunderstanding, I was under the impression the Crafty+ was replaceable battery - must've confused it with the Mighty.

 

[Dougmeister420]

Hello FC - it sure has been a while! I'm in the market for a new portable battery-powered herb vape. I currently have an Arizer Solo 2 (and 1) and Arizer Air, though I really only use the Solo 2. I'm looking for something a little more discreet and pocketable. Replaceable battery (18650) and would PREFER it to have USB-C even if the battery can be replaced. Vapor quality is a priority also, but it seems like most vapes on the market have decent quality, and I have the Solo 2 for more home use. I'd like to spend no more than $250, but any less I could spend would be ideal.

I've owned MFLB, Palm 2.0, various Puffco products, Iolite, heck I even had a Thermovape, I'm sure there are other portables I'm not including or have forgotten as well.

Currently looking at:

Crafty+: has a replaceable battery and USB-C charging. Vapour quality expected to be in line with other S&B products. It's at the top end of what I'm willing to spend.

POTV Lobo: Has everything I'm looking for, but it's priced high for what I assume is a rebrand.

XMax V3 (Pro): Either the base model or the POTV 'pro' version works for me. I wish the Pro came with the regular mouthpiece as well as the glass one. It has both USB-C and a replaceable battery. It's kind of long, but discreet and pocketable-esque.

Flowermate V5 Nano: I love this form factor. Disappointing it's micro USB. Does a replaceable 18650 battery.

Arizer ArGo: This one tempts me too. Again, micro USB makes this almost an immediate no for me. But I'm totally an Arizer brand loyalist (EQ, Solo(s), Air), and the price is so right on the ArGo. If I had a sense they were releasing a USB-C version, I'd just wait...

Xvape Starry 4: USB C, replaceable battery, can buy it locally for a decent price (sub $100). Form factor is lackluster for me.

Davinci: A friend had the OG (EQ?) and we didn't love it at the time. It was a decent vape, but didn't hold a candle to the Solo in either vapor quality or production, or battery life. Or ease of use/cleaning. Or price. Safe to say it never got a fair chance because the quality:cost of the Solo was so good. Happy to consider any of their newer products if anyone can make a case.

I'm not really looking at the PAX devices. They've got the best form factor hands down, but I didn't love the first iteration - found it conducted too much heat, emitted lots of cannabis odor, and was fairly difficult to clean if you didn't keep up with it every session (lots of reside in the vapor path, screens would get stuck, etc). If these complaint have been fixed with newer generations, I would be willing to take a look.

If the Tinymight wasn't $450, it would be a no-brainer.

If anyone has any feedback on the above or any other recommendations based on personal experience, I'd love to chat!

ETA: Just started looking at the Linx Gaia on planethaze (edit: nvm it's not USB-C).
ETA: Is planetvape.ca now planethaze.ca?

Hey man, sounds like you’ve got a solid vape history Thermovape and MFLB really take me back . Appreciate how thoughtful your post is, and honestly you’ve already narrowed it down to some of the best options in your price range.



I’ve been dailying the XMAX V3 Pro (POTV version) for a while now, and for the price, it’s hard to beat. Vapor quality is surprisingly good, swappable 18650 is super convenient, and USB-C makes charging easy. I do agree it’s a bit long, but it still fits fine in a coat or bag pocket. If you’re worried about the mouthpiece, the POTV version with the glass stem is solid — but you can grab a standard one off eBay or straight from XMAX if you want that tighter form factor.

If you’re cool with spending a bit more, the Crafty+ definitely performs. I had one for a while and the vapor was excellent S&B lives up to the hype there. Battery life isn’t amazing, but since it’s USB-C now and finally swappable, it makes a decent travel unit. It does run warm after a few back-to-back bowls though, especially in warmer weather.

I’m also an Arizer fan (Solo 3 kills it at home), and I’ve owned the ArGo — it’s great in theory and super pocketable, but the micro-USB and slightly underpowered heater kinda show its age now. If they dropped a USB-C version with a slight bump in power, it’d be a no-brainer.

Wouldn’t bother with the Flowermate or Starry if you’ve already been spoiled by Solo-level vapor. They’re usable, but feel like a step back overall.

As for Davinci, I’ve tried the IQC and it’s… fine. Sleek body, decent vapor, but still kinda annoying to clean and nowhere near as satisfying as the Solo 3 or even the V3 Pro IMO.

And yeah PlanetVape turned into PlanetHaze a while back, still a legit source.



My Picks:

• Best value: XMAX V3 Pro or POTV LOBO(lil pricier but worth it imo) Rogue 2
• Best performance under $300: Crafty+ or Mighty/Mighty+ (if you catch a deal)
• Nostalgia pick that still kinda slaps: ArGo (if you can forgive micro USB). Hope that helps, and happy hunting — let us know what you end up going with!
  
  
  

 

[kingofnull]

And I apprecite your thoughtful response! I see you noted the Crafty+ is battery swappable - I assume that's a mod?

I'll look into the Rogue 2 - the Lobo is a rebranded Rogue, is that correct?

I'm tempted to move on the ArGo, but I have a sinking feeling they'll release a USB-C version before too long and I'll regret it!

Front runners are currently XMAX V3, Frolic and the Lobo/Rogue 2.

 

[TigoleBitties]

Not sure if you mistyped, but the the crafty+ doesn't have a replaceable battery.
Not sure on the current discount status, but the airvape legacy Pro 2 is just about to roll out and was at 179 lately.
Another one that is looking promising, especially as you called tm2 a no brainer, could be the frolic, which can be ordered since today (via thread in upcoming...)
Maybe worth checking these out?

I think the Airvape Legacy Pro 2 is the best battery portable available <$250 which meets your criteria. I have the original AVLP with the AVLP2 on order and it's a great portable.

The Tinymight2, Frolic are amazing portables for sure but only if you want to spend the $$$.

 

[nicknobody]

I vote FATX

Walnut Firewood 10

The Firewood 10 is an advanced hybrid convection/conduction heater that roasts your botanicals evenly and thoroughly, eliminating the need to stir. It is powered by an internal, user replaceable 18650 battery (not included, but available to US customers, 1 per order at checkout) with an...

firewoodaromatech.com

 

[Grass Yes]

could be the frolic

Frolic

Frolic

Seems wild to recommend this vape that literally no one outside of the company has used. It might be great, but consider that hyping a vape that is unreleased is probably a bad recommendation.

 

[Abysmal Vapor]

I would abstain to purchase vapes that are to be soon released or without much user reviews,if i am going back to vaping. Guys giving recommendation are often multivape owners and they get easily hyped about products that are not even tried.
Thermocore was a convection device if i am not mistaken ,so if you liked that signature i would suggest to look for a convection based one .
Guess Grass Yes beat me to it :

Seems wild to recommend this vape that literally no one outside of the company has used. It might be great, but consider that hyping a vape that is unreleased is probably a bad recommendation.

 

[TigoleBitties]

I would abstain to purchase vapes that are to be soon released or without much user reviews,if i am going back to vaping. Guys giving recommendation are often multivape owners and they get easily hyped about products that are not even tried.
Thermocore was a convection device if i am not mistaken ,so if you liked that signature i would suggest to look for a convection based one .
Guess Grass Yes beat me to it :

Also @Grass Yes, Yeah I jumped the gun a bit throwing the Frolic in there as it's newly released. I blame confirmation bias .

Agree that FatX is a solid choice also.

 

[Big Swifty]

And I apprecite your thoughtful response! I see you noted the Crafty+ is battery swappable - I assume that's a mod?

I'll look into the Rogue 2 - the Lobo is a rebranded Rogue, is that correct?

I'm tempted to move on the ArGo, but I have a sinking feeling they'll release a USB-C version before too long and I'll regret it!

Front runners are currently XMAX V3, Frolic and the Lobo/Rogue 2.

I went down a rabbit hole recently and came across a Reddit thread on an updated ArGo. I have no idea on the accuracy of any of it, but the thread is titled "Updated ArGo," if you want to check it out. People were saying Arizer sent out 'stay tuned' emails. One person commented: I messaged their customer service asking for a general release date a few days ago: "While we don’t have any specifics, unofficially my best guess would be Summer or Fall 2025 for release".

I just went to the ArGo page on the Arizer website. They have a photo of the current version on the right and on the left a pixelated image captioned, "Coming Soon."

 

[XpeeN]

I enjoyed using my v3p aboard, but I do feel the herb's taste better with my glow. Other options might be the ConVex or avlp(2). Ruffu could be nice too.

 

[LesPlenty]

The Roffu ticks most boxes for @kingofnull needs in this case,

XVape XLUX ROFFU

Seems like XVAPE gonna release another budget convection vape, check the official website for info. Looks interesting ngl.

fuckcombustion.com

 

[OlfactoryHue]

save some money for a few weeks/month and once you have enough grab a new black or whatever tweaked TM2 will be next up on their release schedule.. been teasing the black model for a few weeks now.... also want to grab a portable dhv with usb c and replacable bat etc and TM2 has me sold but awaiting new model info.. the Purple Heart wood with the black metal looks fantastic