I work in the industry and have owned/handled countless vaporizers (lost count around four dozen). Unlike oil vapes, dry herbal vaporizers perform very differently.
Dry herbal vapes come in many shapes and sizes - from stealthy portables to massive desktop units. Some are stealthy, some taste better, some cloud chase faster, some have better temperature regulation, etc.
The thing to understand is that for most ents who use dry vaporizers, we have multiple in our collection because there is no "perfect" device for every scenario. PLUS it's best to switch up devices a few times a year to avoid building up a "tolerance" to the device (it's mostly psychological due to the habitual use of the device - load sizes, temps used, draw patterns used, etc).
My advice would be to start with a good entry level budget-friendly device. Get your "bearings" on how dry vaporizers perform so you can then make a more educated decision when buying a second device (maybe you want one with a larger oven, or faster extraction, etc) - it's a lot easier searching for comparison reviews where people say X device is different from Y device in such ways.
Like feel free to ask me about a bunch of different devices, I'll be happy to give you the pros and cons to that device (assuming I've handled it).
For a novice user, I have three suggestions:
Xmax V3 Pro - great entry level device, removable 18650 battery (easy to swap out batteries and keep vaping), two cooking modes "session" (my favorite for the device) and "on demand" (less efficient, but pushes heater to heat up faster for a quicker "puff")
POTV One Vaporizer (HealthyRips Fury Edge device with a few revisions for the specific vendor). I'd say it cooks a bit more efficiently overall than the Xmax v3 pro, but non removable battery is bad thing to some people
Dynavap Vapcap-B - a great budget friendly device that's awesome when you learn how to use it. It's an analog device with a cult-like following these days for good reason - it performs unlike most other devices on the market lol. They're a fun device for off-the-grid use because it can be heated with so many different methods (electric induction coil, cigar torch, campfire coals, tea candle, even a magnifier and sunlight!). I think a Vapcap belongs in everyone's collection (I even have a first-gen Omnivap from Dynavap which is made out of Titanium making it more indestructible lol)
I second a Dynavap if you like durability, no batteries to worry about, modular and easy to replace parts. Bonus (or essential for poor people like me) they have cheap options (B, BB3 and M models).
They do have a learning curve which some people find easy and some difficult with varying experiences in between. I have an easy beginner friendly method if you or anyone else wants info on it.
If you don't like the idea of using a torch to heat the Dyna, you can use induction heaters instead, including portable ones like the Ispire wand.
I got the flowermate first because it was an upgrade from the mflb and was on sale. At the time I was reading heaps about the pax but it was around $400 where I live.
Ended up getting one on sale about a year later, and once I figured out how to use it just right, it became my daily carry. And because I usually carry multiple strains, I'll put the half oven in there so I can vary things up during my day.
I've been really happy with my Firewoods. I've got a 5 for daytime use and a 7 for nighttime. Love them both. Considering saving up for an 8 now.
Also, when my 7 broke and I had to send it in for repairs (I've had to order replacement parts for the 5 - glass tubes and I am a klutz - and fix it myself a few times over the years but the 7 is a little more complicated) it's been some of the best customer service I've ever had.
I hit my vape when I need to calm down during the day (less often) or to unwind in the evenings (more often). It stays in the garage so I can step out and be less obvious about it but it's not a secret.
DynaVap and Mighty+. Devices set on the opposite ends of the spectrum: consumption, construction, cost.
Mighty+ is (thermo)plastic but it's a medically-approved device, so no off-gassing and idiot-proof, expensive to buy with high material consumption. DynaVap is a miser with material, cheap to own and hard to master. Best used with an IH (I prefer the Ispire Wand).
They both get me to where I need to be, at different speeds and complexities.
I, like others, am also enjoying the dynavap. However it's not really a session, more of a single hit. So I also use mighty+, it's fantastic (but a bit pricey). Also had a good time with my pax3 before the mighty.
The budkups are really good for that! The little round case holds 6 kups. 8 cut a plastic sheet to fit in the lid so i can write what strain is in each kup. I tried the dime bag to hold it all first but then got a fire dog bag that i like better.
Thread just inspired me to try a Rogue. The Step up from the Fury Edge. Go big and get baked eh? I was always hesitant to look into these new tangled methods until now. So if this is as magic as they say, I:m stoked.
I use Zeus arc gt. Is that good? I like it but have no point of reference. Sometimes a bit bummed out about battery life, if I go to a rave for example
You can get better performance with a convection or hybrid dhv imo. The products @[email protected] recommended are great for no heavy users beginners (btw welcome to lemmy man, good to see you again!). If you are an heavy user, I'd look into ball vapes (not portable though) or Tinymight2 (but it is expensive).
Thx! Happy to be here - I've blocked Reddit so I'm no longer over there dropping knowledge for r/vaporents users lol.
Yeah the Xmax V3 Pro or POTV one are good affordable introductions to dry herbal vaporizers. Some people have a hard time breaking the habit of combustion and never fully get to enjoy vaporizers.