Arizer is a Canadian company that is known for creating high quality vaporizers and accessories. Their Solo vaporizer was originally launches in 2011 and it is still a popular option. This portable vaporizer offers incredible vapor quality, particularly considering that it is available for less than $200. The Solo uses a ceramic heating element and an all glass mouthpiece, and it is designed to provide fantastic vapor density and taste.
Features
The vapor production is smooth, thanks to the powerful stems, but the downside is that they slightly affect portability. In general, the vape offers great durability and resistance, although the glass stem should be used carefully as it can break if you drop it. An important advantage of the Solo is that it offers extended battery life that goes beyond many other units.
One concern we have about the Solo is that the glass mouthpiece is not securely attached to anything and it only slides into the ceramic chamber. If the vape falls, it is likely that the glass mouthpiece breaks. Fortunately, the mouthpiece is not too expensive but still, having to replace it regularly would be quite frustrating. The old versions of the Solo could only be used if the device was charged, but the most recent units can be used while they are charging. This makes the Solo one of the most practical options for home users.
A feature that is worth highlighting is the seven different heat levels, which lets you enjoy good performance at any temperature setting. You can adjust the heat to suit your preferences, but in general is a good idea to start at a lower level and then increase as your session progresses. The Solo features an automatic timer that shuts off the unit after 12 minutes of use to save battery. Since most vaping sessions would last about that time, the shut off timer is a practical solution that will help to preserve the battery life in case you forget to turn off the unit after use.
Portability
The main problem with the Solo is its size and weight, which makes it less portable than other units available. It is not the most discrete option to carry with you and it is not suitable for outdoor activities and travelling. The fact that the glass mouthpiece on the Solo is not attached securely and that it is likely to fall and break apart is also a downside. That being said, if you are careful, you shouldn’t have any inconvenient and overall the Solo is a fantastic vape for home use. It may not be the right choice for sports and outdoor activities, but it will be great for other settings.
There is something else to keep in mind in terms of the design of the unit. The size of the holes at the bottom of the glass stem can be a problem since it is too big for a fine grind and you may get end up getting some pieces of herbs in your mouth. The good news is that this can be solved easily by placing a screen of the same size at the bottom of the stem. This will avoid that any herbs get through the holes. Another simple option is to grind the herbs coarsely. If you normally do this anyway, you won’t experience any issues with the Solo in this area.
Conclusion
Although the Solo has been around for quite a while and has a few minor issues, it still is one of the best portable vaporizers for home use. Due to the size and weight is not the most convenient option for use on the go, but it can still be carried around if needed. Arizer has also a newer product called Arizer Air, a small vaporizer with greater portability than the Solo. While its battery life lasts less than the Solo’s, the Air preheats faster and the batteries can be removed.