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AirVape X Vaporizer Review:
An Ultra Portable Vaporizer
Written by: Taylor | Updated: March 23rd, 2019
If you're looking for an ultra portable vaporizer that delivers excellent vapor quality, the AirVape X might be for you.
When the AirVape X originally went on the market, I was one of the first people to go buy it.
There is a lot that can be said about this particular vape. Having been marketed as a light, thin, and portable device, I was thrilled at the prospect of being able to see if miniaturized vaporizers have been improving in their capabilities.
The AirVape X is light, yet sturdy. It is compact, thin like a new smartphone, but full of features. There no doubting the fact Apollo (the Airvape manufacturers) is trying very genuinely to generate a name for themselves in the herbal community.
First and foremost, what a rush! I did have a few concerns, but luckily with the release of the modified AirVape X a lot of these concerns were subdued.
The Apollo AirVape X managed to draw me in with its unique allure.
Not sure exactly why I decided to buy it, but I figured if it was anything like the AirVape XS, than it would be worth buying.
Regardless, almost immediately after they were released, I picked one up.
The price is not entry level, but not inaccessible either. Compared to many other vaporizers in the market that come at the same price with less features, the AirVape X was relatively cheaper.
Standing at only $179, it was a steal. All of that being said, there is no vaporizer without its flaws.
Here is my honest assessment of the product:
My First Impressions
Upon first seeing the device I was taken back by its impressive exterior. The AirVape X, just like its cousin the AirVape Xs, was designed in a uniquely innovative way. The sleek Aluminum exterior of the device matched with the smartphone inspired LED screen, and the magnetically retractable mouthpiece is enough to prove that Apollo’s manufacturing direction is at the core of their business model.
New & Improved Design
The level of improvement between the AirVape X, and the AirVape XS was truly astonishing. The magnetic lid made the smoking process much easier. The device has a larger chamber that can accommodate more herb, the thinness was definitely an issue with chamber size for the XS, but the X has a very healthy chamber size.. By using the concentrate pad you can use wax for a much more high-THC experience. The modifications that I saw on this device far exceeded those which I had expected.
The product has a very simple design. A “power up” button with an “up”, and a “down” button completing the interface of the device. These three buttons are used to access the vaporizer’s settings.
Weighing only 3.2 oz, the vaporizer is considerably light. The engineering direction behind producing light devices means that portability is at an all time high with the AirVape X.
In terms of the device’s dimensions, the AirVape X is 0.48 inches in breadth, 1.85 in Width, and 4.1 in length. This device is rare in how pocket portable it is, when it is all put together for traveling, I don't have to dedicate an entire pocket to it and can keep my keys and money in the same pocket.
The ceramic heating chamber of the AirVape X coupled with the mixed conduction and convection heat sources make for some above-average vapor. Vapor quality is the only department Apollo needs to improve on, but this is simply in taste and quality itself, not in how stoned you can get.
6 Things I Like About It
- Powerful 1,500 mAh battery
- Compatibility with herb/THC concentrates
- Good temperature range, 200-428 °F
- Reasonably priced
- Ceramic heating chamber makes for a great air path
- Haptic feedback: the vaporizer vibrates to let you know when you reach your preferred temperature.
How Portable Is It?
In terms of being discreet, the AirVape X isn't easily concealed by holding it a certain way when in use. As thin as it is it compensates in width and length.The flashy colors and rectangular design may draw some glances, but in terms of stealth the device can easily be concealed in your hand, and pocket when not in use.
Personally I find it just takes a little extra consideration when smoking in public to make sure no alarm bells are raised.
The device’s compact nature makes it a convenient option when it comes to vaping on the go. Few devices can fit in as many different pant pockets as this one can, and even some of my summery shorts can accommodate the X. The heat up process is rabbit quick, I can toke and be on my way in a minute or two.. Having a thickness of 0.48 inches, the device maintains the look and feel of one of the newer iPhones.
Apollo took discretion into consideration with their decision to slim down the new X model. My one proposal would be for Apollo Vaporize Inc. to produce a sister product that is slightly thicker to accommodate an even more powerful battery and a larger herb chamber, this one is not the best for sharing a single chamber between all of your friends.
Tip #1 - If you are the kind of person who enjoys smoking in public, be careful. Cover the chamber with a little bit of herb, nothing more than 0.25 grams with a temperature that doesn’t exceed 300 °F. This way the odor the vaporizer produces will be minimized into little to no effect. But that's more for the riskier public encounters. If you can blend into a crowd or dip off into somewhere secluded, blaze away and get the hell out of there.
What Comes In The Box?
Noticeable Battery Improvements
One of the things that Apollo modified when they released the AirVape X was the battery life of the device. The vaporizer’s ampere hour increased from 1,300 mAh to 1,500 mAh. This increase in electric power is supposed to translate into extra vape time if used at the same temperature settings for a moderate vaper, but several factors come into play in reality that make it less than entirely truthful, but I still find it to be a moderately scale able way to determine battery life.
The battery is built in the device in order for it to achieve its ultra-thin exterior. This does come with a price though, so make sure you prioritize the safe-keeping of the battery. The average battery life gives you an hour of continuous smoking. This number ranges depending on the temperature and frequency of usage. I can keep the device going for 8 hours if I wanted to. Constant usage will make the battery run out fairly easily, whereas more conservative use will see the device going much further on a single charge. Remember not to overcharge your device, as this is known to reduce mAh over time.
The battery charging time is about an hour and twenty minutes, making it relatively faster than other vaporizers. Every charge delivers from 3-5 bowls of herb.
Tip #2 - To avoid weakening your battery, and to preserve the unit an adjustable auto power off setting can be applied. It powers off the device if left long with no interaction.
Flavor & Vapor Production
The vapor quality is very much in-line with that of medium priced vaporizers, but falls short of top of the line quality.
The heating process combines convection with conduction. These elements combined with the ceramic airway delivers an undeniably strong robust flavor. However, compared to other vaporizers I've tried with a similar setup there is definitely a bit of a difference, negligible, but noticeable.
The unwritten rule when it comes to vaporizers is that the best way to enjoy the flavor of the herb is by lowering the temperature as well as minimizing the amount of herb placed inside the chamber. In my case I feel that placing 0.15 grams of herb combined with a temperature of 330 °F yields wondrous results. I will say that this is more for enjoying the flavor and terpene profile of your herbs, and less so for getting as absolutely blitzed as possible.
In short lower temperatures allow you to receive better flavor, however high temperatures maximize the amount of vapor inhaled from the device.
Tip #3 - To maximize the quality of the vapor pack the herb down inside the chamber with your finger. This vaporizer works best with medium packed herb. Herb packed too loosely just won't vaporize nicely and too tightly packed herb absolutely wrecks the airflow.
Pros
Cons
How Does It Work?
If this is the first time you use the device, you need to sterilize it.
Step 1: Sterilization.
Press the power button three times to open the unit. Use the “up” button to bring the device to its highest temperature 480°F. The AirVape X will automatically start heating up. After three minutes the AirVape will automatically shut down. When it shuts down you need to repeat the cycle three times so that full sterilization will occur. Those less concerned with germs from the manufacturing process can skip this process, but I can't advocate anything less than the best harm reduction techniques.
Step 2: Vaping.
Remove the magnetic retractable mouth piece. This will expose the chamber inside the device. Just place the herb, or concentrate into the chamber. After that all you have to do is replace the mouth piece and enjoy your experience.
Tip #4 - When it comes to concentrate you will need to use the bundled concentration pad or risk serious damage to your device. Use the wax tool to place a small amount of wax on the dab pad. It should be noted, however, that unlike dry herb the concentrate needs to be heated at a higher temperature. For that I recommend anything between 400-420°F. Anything lower may consume the shatter, but many valuable constituents of the shatter will be wasted as opposed to consumed.
My Final Verdict
To summarize, my final verdict on this device is that it is tech savvy, portable, and it produces great flavor. The AirVape X is effective and mobile at the same time. This balance that it maintains is perfect for a consumer like me. I am very outgoing and social, so I would feel much better knowing that I can take a hit wherever I go. I would like to see Apollo decrease the height of the device but give it a little more width for a bigger herb chamber.
With a price tag of only $179, the device is very good for its price. It offers you everything you might need. The variety of options that come from using this device are undeniably convenient. The business model that Apollo is pursuing will offer it a stand on the vape community’s podium if it continues to excel as it has in the last two years. Should you want absolutely flawless vapor quality, you'll have to spend a little more on a vaporizer that had that in mind.
About the Author Taylor
A marijuana enthusiast, vaporizer connoisseur, a frequent user of CBD and he's also the founder of iMarijuanit.com.