Decision between TM2 and Solo 3

Raeffnix

Well-Known Member
Hi everyone :)
I know this topic comes up regularly but so far my search hasn't been fruitful. I am currently torn between these two devices as a replacement for my AE. Normally I would have just gone with the Solo 3 but I can now get the TM2 PH for the same price as the Solo 3 V2 which has me thinking.

My experience before the Angus was an a Vapman, an Arizer Air 1 and, once that broke, an Air 2, so I am quite comfortable with Arizer products. I also have mostly used session devices but am intrigued by the on-demand nature of the TM2. I have quite a low tolerance and while I think flavor is important, it is not priority number 1. Less harsh vapor I would put above flavor for example.

My biggest concerns with the TM2 are the heat of the vapor and the ease of cleaning. I've read the recommendations around using S&B dosing caps, so I would get some of those as well to reduce the need for maintenance, but the harshness of the vapor is a big question mark. I wouldn't use it through a bong or water in general and most likely just use the rocket stem that comes with it.

The rational part of me says to just get the Solo 3 and be happy with it, but another part wants to try something new, especially if the time to extract is that drastically reduced.
Is there anything else I am overlooking?

Any input is appreciated, happy Saturday :)
 

BabyFacedFinster

Anything worth doing, is worth overdoing.
There are a bunch of factors involved in your questions, such as the type of stem used and the heat settings you'll want to use. I don't own a Solo 3 but I can tell you a few things about the TM2.

I find the combination of my TM2 with a rocket stem from sneakypetes ($25) to be a wonderful pairing for flavor and cool vapor. I also have a very sensitive throat and since I vape a few bowls every day I can only go with vapes that help. On-demand is important, but both vapes have that feature. I also vape at low temps which also helps and you can certainly adjust temps with both devices. I have never thought of the TM2 as being harsh in any way, in fact for a dry stem vape it is one of the most comfortable experiences I've created. I adore my TM2. Also, you're generally only cleaning out your stem, as most of the weed is not in contact with the TM2. Every couple weeks I run a iso damp qtip through the chamber and heater screen.

About a month ago I started looking around for another vape, just because VAS gets you itchy even when your totally satisfied with what you got. I moved right past the Solo 3 after watching it being used on the Troy and Jerry show. It seems to deliver massive hits, but with some conduction heating added, it seems like it would be harsher on the throat than what I already own. Truthfully, I ended up picking up a Tafee Bowle 2 because it seemed like the only dry portable that could offer a cooler experience than my TM2. And I was right, but only by a small margin. I am very happy with that purchase too. If interested, Tafee recently sent out an email to known customers offering $50 off for the weed holiday. An email to CS might get you something off. They are a bit spendy.

In the world of battery portables, I think we've discussed the top 3 in the general market right now, so you really can't go wrong with any of them. One other point about the Bowle 2. Even though it is a bit more expensive, it comes with everything you need since the stems are proprietery. With the other 2, you will quickly want to spend more on assessories, like better stems and such. Just my :2c:.
 
Last edited:

obtainhigh

Cannabis Connoisseur
Retailer
Hey Raeffnix, Ana here from Obtain High. Both are solid picks, but if you're chasing cooler vapor and simpler upkeep, the Solo 3 might feel more familiar and forgiving—especially with your Arizer background. That said, if you're curious and want to shake things up a bit, the TM2 with dosing caps and that rocket stem really smooths out the ride more than you'd expect. You're not overlooking much, just deciding if now's the time to experiment or stick with what works. Either way, you’ll win.
 

Finessseee

Well-Known Member
Hi everyone :)
I know this topic comes up regularly but so far my search hasn't been fruitful. I am currently torn between these two devices as a replacement for my AE. Normally I would have just gone with the Solo 3 but I can now get the TM2 PH for the same price as the Solo 3 V2 which has me thinking.

My experience before the Angus was an a Vapman, an Arizer Air 1 and, once that broke, an Air 2, so I am quite comfortable with Arizer products. I also have mostly used session devices but am intrigued by the on-demand nature of the TM2. I have quite a low tolerance and while I think flavor is important, it is not priority number 1. Less harsh vapor I would put above flavor for example.

My biggest concerns with the TM2 are the heat of the vapor and the ease of cleaning. I've read the recommendations around using S&B dosing caps, so I would get some of those as well to reduce the need for maintenance, but the harshness of the vapor is a big question mark. I wouldn't use it through a bong or water in general and most likely just use the rocket stem that comes with it.

The rational part of me says to just get the Solo 3 and be happy with it, but another part wants to try something new, especially if the time to extract is that drastically reduced.
Is there anything else I am overlooking?

Any input is appreciated, happy Saturday :)

I don’t own these yet, but I’ve used the Solo 2 and Bowle V1 before. If you’re after the coolest vapor possible, Venty and Bowle are top picks — especially for those with GERD or asthma like me.

From what I’ve gathered (including posts on FC and Vaporents):

Coolest Vapor (approx order):

Bowle > Venty > Solo 3 > TM2 (Solo 3/TM2 order might be flipped).

Airflow & Smoothness:
  • Venty: Wide open airflow, smoothest, easiest draws, full session vape.
  • Bowle: Very cool vapor, also great native use.
  • Solo 3: Most restricted airflow. Harder-hitting than Venty but less smooth.
  • TM2: Hits the hardest overall.
Native vs. Glass:
  • Venty & Bowle: Great natively, all-in-one packages.
  • Solo 3 & TM2: Best used with glass for comfort/smoothness.
Anyone here please correct me if I’m wrong, but this is based off my recent research. Hope it helps OP!
 

Raeffnix

Well-Known Member
There are a bunch of factors involved in your questions, such as the type of stem used and the heat settings you'll want to use. I don't own a Solo 3 but I can tell you a few things about the TM2.

I find the combination of my TM2 with a rocket stem from sneakypetes ($25) to be a wonderful pairing for flavor and cool vapor. I also have a very sensitive throat and since I vape a few bowls every day I can only go with vapes that help. On-demand is important, but both vapes have that feature. I also vape at low temps which also helps and you can certainly adjust temps with both devices. I have never thought of the TM2 as being harsh in any way, in fact for a dry stem vape it is one of the most comfortable experiences I've created. I adore my TM2. Also, you're generally only cleaning out your stem, as most of the weed is not in contact with the TM2. Every couple weeks I run a iso damp qtip through the chamber and heater screen.

About a month ago I started looking around for another vape, just because VAS gets you itchy even when your totally satisfied with what you got. I moved right past the Solo 3 after watching it being used on the Troy and Jerry show. It seems to deliver massive hits, but with some conduction heating added, it seems like it would be harsher on the throat than what I already own. Truthfully, I ended up picking up a Tafee Bowle 2 because it seemed like the only dry portable that could offer a cooler experience than my TM2. And I was right, but only by a small margin. I am very happy with that purchase too. If interested, Tafee recently sent out an email to known customers offering $50 off for the weed holiday. An email to CS might get you something off. They are a bit spendy.

In the world of battery portables, I think we've discussed the top 3 in the general market right now, so you really can't go wrong with any of them. One other point about the Bowle 2. Even though it is a bit more expensive, it comes with everything you need since the stems are proprietery. With the other 2, you will quickly want to spend more on assessories, like better stems and such. Just my :2c:.
Appreciate the response :)

To clarify, I meant the stock stem with the clear balls that comes with the updated version of the TM2, how was your experience with that one in regard to cooling the vapor?
Good to know about the cleaning though, thanks!

I did hear a lot of good things about the TB2 as well, but the price is significantly higher where I live and I gotta admit, I find the design with the (albeit optional) cup a little strange :D

I don’t own these yet, but I’ve used the Solo 2 and Bowle V1 before. If you’re after the coolest vapor possible, Venty and Bowle are top picks — especially for those with GERD or asthma like me.

From what I’ve gathered (including posts on FC and Vaporents):

Coolest Vapor (approx order):

Bowle > Venty > Solo 3 > TM2 (Solo 3/TM2 order might be flipped).

Airflow & Smoothness:
  • Venty: Wide open airflow, smoothest, easiest draws, full session vape.
  • Bowle: Very cool vapor, also great native use.
  • Solo 3: Most restricted airflow. Harder-hitting than Venty but less smooth.
  • TM2: Hits the hardest overall.
Native vs. Glass:
  • Venty & Bowle: Great natively, all-in-one packages.
  • Solo 3 & TM2: Best used with glass for comfort/smoothness.
Anyone here please correct me if I’m wrong, but this is based off my recent research. Hope it helps OP!
Appreciate it :)

As I mentioned in the other reply, I heard good things about the TB2 but it is out of my price range unfortunately :/

One advantage I hadn't mentioned is that I still have 4 18650 Molicel batteries from my AE plus an external charger
 

davesmith

Well-Known Member
Glass Blower
in your case I’d say the solo.

I don’t like pure convection as my daily driver, I love my tm but I tend to use it either through a large water piece or when I’m out and it’s convenient to have such a discreet and powerful device. Lots of people don’t have my preferences of course, I tend to use a Vapman and tempest day to day.

That said if you had another device, solo 2, Vapman, anything really, I’d say get the tm2 as no portable hits and has such pure convection flavour.

Good luck!
 

Pukka

Well-Known Member
More importantly, how "in control" is your VAS? It controls wether you acquire one now and the other later or desire satisfaction with only one until it breaks/fails. Own both. Either are a top tier choice that I'd pick to take on the run. Both have Ed's wood stems available, the Arizer version adds more conduction over the standard one though. Personally, I find the Solo better for session vs on-demand and the reverse for the TM although both are absolutely satisfactory using their (imo) lesser style. TM's have more nifty custom stems/et. al. than the Solo. Don't know why, kind of a bummer. Make sure the Solo is a mk2 version, filling 2 big 21700's takes a while on the older version.
 

jbg87

Well-Known Member
I have solo 3 v1 and tm2…I would usually pick tm2 tbh but my solo 3 always works, long lasting battery. Session is better than on demand but I don’t miss on demand when using solo 3, session is great at producing big hits. I’m mad at my tm2 rn it’s been turning off but it’s always turned off once in a while. And reviews I see on the purple one some people have said the same. But both are pretty easy to clean but the solo is easier to clean tbh cause the tm2 has more parts to clean. The solo just has the stem and heating chamber. Dosing caps idk I don’t use them I come from a time where using metals for smoking accessories wasn’t advised so idk idc about em. I used em at first with my mighty+ and yea kept the unit cleaner but idk they got all sticky and stuck and resin rusty pretty quickly and a lot more to clean. Tm2 is hella fast I can finish a bowl under 90 seconds if I wanted too….but solo 3 is pretty fast too. They both are great I love my tm2 I want a second but idk the button seems to still be an issue in reviews.
 
jbg87,
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