In this article we discuss:
Dry herb vaporizers are devices used to process dry herb so their compounds can be inhaled. Some dry herb vaporizers can also be used for concentrates, such as cannabis oil, waxes and rosin. Are dry herb vaporizers only used for cannabis? While cannabis is a common plant used in a dry herb vaporizer, they can also be used for tobacco and aromatherapy.
Dry herb vaporizers use heat to activate the dried plant material, boiling off the desired compounds (such as THC, CBD, or terpenes aka essential oils) into a vapor. When that vapor is then inhaled, those compounds can enter the body through the lungs.
People use dry herb vaporizers because they are a far healthier and more efficient alternative to traditional smoking. To learn more about the benefits of vaporizing, read our blog “Intro to Vaping.”
One drawback of early vaporizers, however, was the lack of portability. Clunky table-top versions of dry herb vaporizers were inconvenient and expensive. Thanks to the advancement of technology, today’s portable dry herb vaporizers are easy to use at both home and on the go. Do portable dry herb vaporizers work well? Yes, in fact the best portable vaporizers work even better than the original table top versions thanks to more efficient heating methods and the addition of user-friendly features.
As with anything, the quality of construction and features of the portable vaporizer will determine the quality of experience, so whether a dry herb vaporizer is “good” will vary according to the device.
Even more important than quality and features of a device is safety. Are dry herb vaporizers safe? Yes as they reduce risks associated with burning dry herbs by traditional smoking. Quality portable dry herb vaporizers also have safety features incorporated into the design, so be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions (and use common sense).
When thinking about safety some may have in mind a different meaning: Are dry herb vaporizers healthy? Dry herb vaporizers are healthier than smoking since they greatly reduce the inhalation of smoke (and its toxins). To take full advantage of this benefit, however, it’s important to use a vaporizer that uses conduction heat, which eliminates burning and smoke for the cleanest vapor. To learn more about different vaporizing methods, read our article “Heat Matters: How Heating Cannabis Determines What You Get Out Of It.”
The top five things to consider when purchasing a portable dry herb vaporizer are:
- Heating method.
- Temperature range.
- Features and easy to use.
- Quality of construction and device warranty.
- Price and value.
Heating Method. A common heating method used in vaporizers in conduction, which means that the hot surface is in direct contact with the dry herb being vaporized. Convection, on the other hand, forces hot air around and through the herb instead of directly touching the heating element.
What are the benefits of convection when using a dry herb vaporizer? Convection does not burn the dry herb, which creates cleaner vapor while also being more efficient (we’ll discuss this a bit more when considering the factors of price and value). It’s also common for vaporizers to use a combination of conduction and convection, so be sure to investigate even if a device claims to use convection.
Temperature Range. Being able to control the temperature of a session is essential for some users since it directly affects the experience. Higher temperatures generate more potent vapor as well as more intense flavor, while lower temperatures offer lower intensity vapor and allow for subtler flavors to come through.
Different cannabinoids and terpenes are activated at different temperatures, as well, so a dry herb vaporizer user can target the aroma, flavor and effects they want from a strain by simply setting the temperature.
The Firefly 2+ stands out in this regard, thanks to its Dynamic Convection technology. Firefly 2+ activates the full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes as it achieves and maintains the desired temperature. This maximizes both the flavor and effectiveness of the dry herb.
Features & Easy to Use. The design of a portable dry herb vaporizer can determine how easy it is to use, clean and maintain, as well as how efficiently the device performs. For example, the Firefly 2+ features a smooth glass vapor path and easy access magnetic lid to make loading the bowl and cleaning easy.
Another feature of the Firefly 2+ is that it heats up and cools down quickly. The Firefly 2+ takes only three seconds to preheat and be ready to use, while other vaporizers take half a minute or longer. The Firefly 2+ cools down as fast as it heats up, so each draw is its own mini-session. This allows users to easily control their dose without wasting any product.
Quality & Warranty. If making the investment in a portable dry herb vaporizer, one wants a quality device that will last. The Firefly 2+ is made using NASA grade materials and innovative technology for the ultimate in quality, but down take our word for it. Here’s what reviewers and industry experts have to say:
While we love high profile reviews and magazine mentions, what ultimately matters is what our customers think. The Firefly 2+ has a consistent five-star rating from real buyers, and here’s a sampling of what they have to say:
Read more reviews by visiting our Firefly 2+ Product Page.
Additionally, the Firefly 2+ portable dry herb vaporizer is backed by a two-year warranty, so vape shoppers can buy a Firefly with confidence.
Beware of cheaply made products, unfamiliar brands and dubious online shops. A “great deal” may quickly become “wasted money.” Instead, stick to well-reviewed companies and devices that include a guarantee with purchase.
Price & Value. Another factor when purchasing a portable dry herb vaporizer is the price and overall value. While it can be an investment, using a dry herb vaporizer is proven to save money in the long run, eventually paying for itself. How is this possible? Since a dry herb vaporizer reduces or eliminates burning, less material is wasted. Technology in the Firefly 2+, including Dynamic Convection, work to maximize the extraction of cannabinoids and terpenes for a potent and efficient vapor. Dry herb vaporizers reportedly have to buy as much as 50 - 75% less dry herb--an outstanding savings!
In addition to the Firefly, some common names in portable dry herb vaporizers are Randy Troo, Da Vinci, and G Pen. So how do these different brands stack up? Here a breakdown on how these popular portable dry herb vaporizers compare:
We can say with confidence that the Firefly 2+ portable dry herb vaporizer is the best on the market because:
- Proprietary Dynamic Convection technology that maximizes intake of the entire spectrum of desired compounds.
- Convection never burns, for a healthier and purer vapor.
- Range of temperature options for a customizable session.
- Quick warm up and cool down with breath activated conduction means the highest level of efficiency and zero product waste.
- Crafted with the same materials used by NASA for durability and quality.
- Easy to use and easy to clean.
- Sleek, appealing design.
- Long-lasting battery and easy to recharge.
- Stellar reviews from industry experts and a five-star purchase rating.
We hope those looking for a portable dry herb vaporizer will try Firefly 2+ and experience for themselves why we stand out among other devices.
