Dosing cap only vape: rate my lineup

Wiccaman

New Member
Hello, I have been nosing around the forums for a while to improve my knowledge; there certainly isn't a shortage of data available! Most review articles and videos on other sites seem heavily biased so thanks guys for sharing honest opinions.

I'm thinking about taking advantage of some discounts next month but need help making a choice, please see below - thanks in advance.

SCENARIO

Let me start right off the bat by saying I'm not getting a TinyMight. Beautiful and well-made as I'm sure they are I cannot justify the expense in one go.

Additionally there is a chance that the vape could get damaged in the course of intended use (see below) or worst case confiscated and I'm not prepared to risk that on such an expensive product.

I am based in the UK and do not dabble in concentrates or extracts - flower only.

My standard routine for a good few years has been 2-3 spliffs on a weeknight and anywhere from 2-6 a day at the weekend depending on what I'm doing and who I'm with. Took a few months break beginning this year as I'd heard this was a good idea before getting into vaping. So far I have tried a couple of lower end vapes like Flowermate and an XMAX V3 Pro that have given me an idea of what I am looking for. I'm finding the effect of the V3 Pro doesn't last very long but delivers good vapour and I like the controls and styling. I find three consecutive sessions at increasing temperatures over a 10-15min period, starting at 180C and finishing at 205/210C is how I'm seeing best effect.

I do a fair bit of urban walking and country hiking either alone or with friends. Therefore the device needs to be portable and simple enough that I can pop it in a bag with a bottle of water, some snacks and head out for a few hours on an adventure.

Most importantly; I want to exclusively utilise dosing capsules for ease of use and discretion; who wants to be knocking perfectly good AVB out onto the forest floor? Or trying to pack loose herb in a stiff breeze? Not I, that is for certain. Based on my current experiences with DHV-ing I will be reloading a lot so it is essential l can preload plenty of capsules and transport them with ease.

Given I will be outside and on occasion visible to the public, it would be a good idea not to look too suspicious. Smell is one thing that obvously cannot be fully avoided but an element of visual deniability is always good. For this reason and also portability I think a manual vape like Dynavap is out; sitting on a bench with a blowtorch is going to get some concerned citizen on my case.

The ideal device characteristics therefore are:
- available in the UK
- Portable electric
- work well with dosing capsules (essential)
- under 180GBP initial cost with a good number of extra capsules
- provide good effects
- Be visually stealthy; roughly resemble a e-liquid vape

Here are some items that have caught my eye.

Arizer ArGo
Pros:
- Replaceable battery
- Hybrid heating
- Very compact
- Glass air path
Cons:
- Older technology
- Glass tubes require more protection than metal dosing capsules
- Tubes not compatible with other Arizer vapes (if I ever got another for home use like a Solo 2)
- Spare aroma tubes and travel caps more expensive than metal dosing caps
- spring loaded top possible failure point

Arizer AirMax
Pros:
- Tubes compatible with other Arizers
- Hybrid heating
- replaceable battery
- long glass air path
- easy cleaning
Cons:
- All previously mentioned points about aroma tube price and portability
- not the worst stealth but not super discreet

Xlux Roffu
Pros:
- On demand option
- Replaceable battery
- Convection heating
- Good stealth - looks very like a nic-vape
Cons:
- Small dosing chamber
- Mouthpiece looks fiddly to clean
- seen posts about airflow issues and difficulty getting a good draw
- Already own v3 pro want to try a different brand

Wolkenkraft Äris Ultra/FX Mini Ultra
Pros:
- average stealth
- convection heating
- glass air path
- simple construction
Cons:
- built in battery, not a huge concern in terms of vaping session battery life but something to factor in terms of overall vape longevity
- lack of established reviews and discussion.

Pax Plus
Pros:
- large chamber
- good visual stealth
- good reputation from some
Cons:
- more expensive initial cost for vape and budkups
- built in battery
- bad reputation from others. Some people love them, some say they're the devil's own
- conduction vape, heard people say this is inferior, my experience limited.

Honourable Mentions (try to change my mind)

AirVape Legacy Pro:
Pros:
- Average stealth
- Well reviewed in general but particularly using dosing capsules
- hybrid heating
Cons:
- Price
- read about the case not closing properly and affecting airflow
- Cleaning awkward
- textile housing
- Best waiting for AVLP v2?

Crafty+:
Getting a bit pricey, not so stealthy, slower charging, built in battery. Good amount of capsules available but flimsy

Davinci IQC
Replaceable battery, good oven size. Can't find dosing capsules anywhere, hinge looks like a failure point

Solo 2
Not stealthy enough. Glass tubes again. Good battery life and price point.

As you can see I have done my research but would appreciate some additional input from more experienced vapers. There is so much to choose from and to consider. It's like buying a car - everyone has an opinion and experiences that contradict each other.

Let me know if there are any points for or against the models I've mentioned above and I can factor in accordingly.

Many thanks for your time
 

chlorophyll_man

AVB Inspector
Hiya I'm UK too. I have the V3 Pro and the Crafty+ and use them with capsules exclusively. I rarely use the V3 Pro because I think the Crafty is an all round better vaporiser. Much better vapour production, tough, good for sharing.
I had a Pax for a while, didn't like it at all. Harsh, poor flavour, inefficient, could not recommend.
We're all different and some will agree/disagree with my Crafty+ recommendation and that's cool. If you wait until 420 sale I'm sure you'll get it for £180 and the capsules are relatively cheap compared to others.
Enjoy your hiking!
 

Radwin Bodnic

Well-Known Member
Accessory Maker
Considering your bill of specifications, I think @chlorophyll_man is right. I don't own any battery powered device but I have tried a few and I think that S&B vapes performs very well.
Just be aware that if your going to hike for the day, the battery life won't allow you to medicate all day long,

However I wanted to answer to some of your thoughts...

who wants to be knocking perfectly good AVB out onto the forest floor?
I do it all the time... :D
yes I used to save abv. Then the abv jar got full and I started to throw the excess in the compost or outdoors...
Or trying to pack loose herb in a stiff breeze?
Stem based vapes (Arizer, tinymight...) are better at this. And they handle whole nugs pretty well if you don't want to carry a ground stash.

conduction vape, heard people say this is inferior, my experience limited.
I like both. With pure convection I need more material to medicate than with pure conduction. I like heavy body effects and conduction seems to provide that better. But only experience will tell you what's your thing. Taste lasts longer with pure convection devices though...

- Best waiting for AVLP v2?
That's for sure.
 
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Sativapo

Well-Known Member
I'm happy with my V3 pro. Its my go too when not at home.Very good convection + a bit conduction with caps and metal chamber. Heats stronger than V3 pro feels better built more discrete/good looking and good airflow for me. Perfect for out and about discretion and efficiency. Cleaning is average. I like the v3 pro capsules without a screen better than purpose made capsules. Also the silicon shell is good and perfect for tinkering the well positionned airflow slot / restricting to finish faster or darker. It's like a better built v3 pro on steroids while more stealth and aesthetic.
 
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Wiccaman

New Member
However I wanted to answer to some of your thoughts...


I do it all the time... :D
yes I used to save abv. Then the abv jar got full and I started to throw the excess in the compost or outdoors...

Stem based vapes (Arizer, tinymight...) are better at this. And they handle whole nugs pretty well if you don't want to carry a ground stash.


I like both. With pure convection I need more material to medicate than with pure conduction. I like heavy body effects and conduction seems to provide that better. But only experience will tell you what's your thing. Taste lasts longer with pure convection devices though...


That's for sure.
Thank you for taking the time to consider such detailed responses.
 
Wiccaman,

TigoleBitties

Big and Bouncy
For your needs I like the Air Max, AVLP and the Crafty+. I don't know if the Healthy Rips brand is available in the UK but the Rogue 2 would be a vape to consider.

Some other variables in play with unreleased vapes like the new Argo supposedly coming. Also the AVLP2 release is not far away (4/20 I think). The AVLP with capsules was my goto portable for about 2 years so if they can fix the cleaning issues it could be a strong contender.
 
TigoleBitties,

Flotsam

Well-Known Member
Have you considered Hectar Nex? It is the one vape i have VAS for

Nectar-Hex-Dry-Herb-Vaporizer-5-2-300x300.jpg
2-1-300x286.jpg
6-1-263x300.jpg

It is made in the UK. Removable battery , gold hybrid chamber, some neat tools
the grinder is good
Full-Refilling-Rig-2.jpeg
Full-Refilling-Rig-1-300x300.jpeg


Also to OP i have a Pax Plus and I wouldn't personally recommend it Unless stealth and a solid battery are your only criteria.
 
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Flotsam,

seedy53

Well-Known Member
i have one. it's built like a tank. i've found the mouthpiece to be too hot after 1 bowl. i replaced mine with a china 510 glass drip tip and built on metal heat sink. it made it a nearly perfect vape.
 
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Flotsam

Well-Known Member
i have one. it's built like a tank. i've found the mouthpiece to be too hot after 1 bowl. i replaced mine with a china 510 glass drip tip and built on metal heat sink. it made it a nearly perfect vape.
thank you for your comment. I don't want to take over someone else's thread so i will IM you later. I am interested in hearing the good and the bad. I am just getting a Lobo now because i thought there may be supply problems here in the US instead of the NH
 
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Wiccaman

New Member
I think you should find a way to buy a POTV Lobo.
Looks similar in structure to the Wolkenkraft vapes. I have heard of it but don't think it will be easy to get one into the UK.

Have you considered Hectar Nex? It is the one vape i have VAS for
[...]
Also to OP i have a Pax Plus and I wouldn't personally recommend it Unless stealth and a solid battery are your only criteria.
Wow that's a nice looking piece of kit, never heard of it. I'll keep an eye out for discounts. Their own website seems to be out of capsules right now but thank you for the tip.
 
Wiccaman,

Pangolin 6

Member
You've certainly done your research @Wiccaman. I thought I'd add my perspective as I own both the Roffu and Airvape Legacy Pro.

Regarding the roffu I think you could do worse. I don't find the cleaning to be bad at all, actually it's fairly easy as you can definitely get away with giving the spiral only a quick wipe most times and a soak only on a full clean. (I find it easier to have a regular quick clean system and an as needed or convenient deep clean regime). I think flavour could be better. Many seem to prefer the Roffu WPA as their mouthpiece, worth noting.

The AVLP is a better vape in most ways. I think it tastes better and just has more power. The Roffu beats it on stealth hands down because, as you said, it look like a nicotine mod vape or similar. No one looks twice at you, at least with the standard mouth piece. The AVLP is also a bit more involved in cleaning but since that is supposedly solved in the upcoming AVLP2 it may be worth waiting for.

Where the AVLP excels IMHO is with capsules. The AVLP caps are particularly easy to load as they are wide. Since you are all about the caps I think this is worth emphasising. They are easy to use and degrade the flavour minimally (or not at all?) in my experience.
The Roffu caps are fiddly in comparison (as they are quite narrow) and do IMO degrade the flavour. That said the Roffu is stealthy so it my go to outdoor vape and in that case I use the caps.

I would totally be checking out the AVLP2 if I were you. How much will it be? I don't know but it could be TM2 territory which you have ruled out.
Although there might be bargains available for the AVLP right now. It's €189 on airvape.eu for example.

EDIT: Also a friend I met last week, to my surprise, had a Wolkenkraft FX mini. Stealthy little palmable thing which I believe is made by the same company who makes the POTV One & Healthy Rips Fury Edge and branded differently. Basically all three are the same with possibly little differences is my understanding. Others could confirm.
 
Pangolin 6,

Flotsam

Well-Known Member
EDIT: Also a friend I met last week, to my surprise, had a Wolkenkraft FX mini. Stealthy little palmable thing which I believe is made by the same company who makes the POTV One & Healthy Rips Fury Edge and branded differently. Basically all three are the same with possibly little differences is my understanding. Others could confirm.
Don't know it for a fact, but my understanding with Chinese manufacturing houses is that they have a White label operation and can make things on spec for a POTV or Huge Rips (HR) . There is usually a reference design they start with that they build to entice the people who will resell this. That reference design can be tailored for a customer so maybe a different coil setup for the vape or software may be somewhat different. Folkenkraft may be another that has a similar design and somewhere someone that compiled a list of 5 or 6 other "brands" that were probably only regionally sold and i never heard of any of them before. NO POTV in Europe or elsewhere but i think HR is mostly world-wide. I think it is far from the case they are all they same even functionally. I think it would be a mistake to call them all the same.

Just got my Lobo yesterday and i saw the unboxing for them and i think HR might be similar in that regard. But it seems dosing capsules are far from interchangeable. But i would guess they ALL take 14 mm glass pieces.

I think that was one reason i liked Nectar Hex, they seems to be doing a totally unique design.
 
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