I just got the Arizer Solo 2 MAX and wanted to share my review with you guys. I've only had a short time, but I've been using Arizers since the original one and also own the Air MAX, Venty, and many others.
This is a short version of my in-depth review as published on my website.
Disclosure: Arizer sent me the review unit for free. Links are affiliate links, thanks for supporting.
Pricing: The Arizer Solo MAX will retail for $270 starting February 15th, 2024, and coupon code TVG20 will save you 20% at arizer.com
The Solo 2 MAX follows the same design lines as the outgoing Solo 2 and is practically identical in size and shape. The Solo 2 is not the most subtle and discreet unit, especially with the stem inserted. It is large and hefty, and while it is technically portable, it is better suited for home use.
The Solo 2 MAX features Arizer's signature glass stem design, where the herb is loaded directly into the stem. The stem has a little glass cup with a screen that has four holes. These are pretty large, so if you use a fine grind, you may need to use the included screen to prevent small particles from getting through. If you're using a coarse grind, you should be okay without the screens.
It fits around .2 gr of flower and shouldn't be packed too tight. You want it tight enough so that if you wiggle the stem, nothing falls out, but not tighter than that as it may restrict the airflow. Keep the herb around a millimeter under the lip, and don't overfill.
The temperature range is 122-428°F, so you can really get a spectrum of flavors. I like to start my sessions at around 370°F and increase by around 10 degrees every couple of minutes to get a better extraction. It heats up in around 20 seconds, and you can set a custom session duration.
Use it as an "on-demand" vape
The Solo is a session vape that uses a hybrid convection/conduction heating system. But, I also found a non-traditional way to turn it into a pure "on-demand" vaporizer- You can turn it on and let it heat up to temp without the stem inserted, then insert the stem when it's hot, take a hit, pull the stem out, and cover it with the silicone cap. Once you remove the stem from the chamber, you remove it from the heat source, effectively making the Solo 2 MAX a convection on-demand style vaporizer.
This method is also great if you want to microdose and have one hit at a time without wasting an entire bowl.
The kit also includes a frosted glass stem that looks the same on the end that sits in the chamber, but the other end is a 14mm WPA, which can connect to an existing rig. The display will flip and stay upright even when the vape is inverted.
The glass stem system of Arizers vapes has a few advantages.
The biggest one is their ease of use and low maintenance and cleaning requirements. Since the glass is the only part that touches the herb, it is also the only part to ever get dirty. A quick dip in ISO, and it's good as new.
And since the vapor path is made only from glass, the flavor stays pure and aromatic. All Arizers are known to produce outstanding vapor quality.
The stems can also be used as dosing capsules, and together with the caps and PVC pipes that are included in the kit, they can be taken away as ready-to-use pods, eliminating the need for a reload while on the go.
Performance & vapor quality
The Solo 2 MAX uses an improved hybrid heating system that uses mostly convection, but also conduction heat radiates through the glass into the herb that's in the chamber. It is very efficient, achieves maximum extraction, and delivers great-tasting vapor.
Solo 2 MAX vs. other vaporizers:
The most significant improvements over the outgoing Solo 2 are the following:
The proprietary DC charger plug has been updated to a USB-C. Finally.
There are also minor interface updates, such as dark mode or the rotating display.
When compared to the Air MAX:
The Solo 2 Max is larger and heavier.
The Battery of the Solo 2 MAX is more powerful and long-lasting. Around 120 minutes on the Air MAX and 170 minutes on the Solo 2 MAX.
The Solo 2 MAX heats up almost twice as fast.
The Solo 2 MAX has a larger display but no replaceable battery.
Both vapes have the same: oven size, temp range & control, hybrid heating system, and a similar interface. The stems are cross-compatible between the Old Solo, New Solo, and the Air MAX.
As far as non-Arizer vapes, I think the closest comparable is the new S&B Venty. Both vapes are pretty large, and I consider them to be "home portables."
Both vapes use a hybrid heating system that is very efficient and archives maximal extraction.
The Venty has a slightly larger oven and is a "heavier hitter." It produces slightly more vapor.
The Venty also has an adjustable airflow, so it is more flexible when it comes to inhalation technique. You can inhale short and fast vs. long and slow with the Solo 2 MAX.
Lastly, the Venty retails for $420, while the Solo 2 MAX is $270.
There are no game-changing features or upgrades, as the Solo 2 didn't need them. It is a straightforward vaporizer that has been time-tested and proven to be a winner. It has the easiest and fastest loading procedure out there, and the results are predictable and consistent. It compensates for the lack of portability with long battery life and delicious vapor.
If you already own a Solo 2 that works great and has no issues, there is no need to upgrade. If you were on the fence about getting one, this is the best time to pull the trigger.
Perfect your inhalation technique. As I mentioned, I recommend taking long, slow inhales from the Solo MAX. "Sip, don't rip" definitely applies here, and you should experiment to find the intensity that works best. Another reason to inhale slowly is that fewer particles will get sucked in, especially if you're not using the screen, which I don't.
If you're looking to get the best flavor, start inhaling while the vaporizer is pre-heating. Different terpenes vaporize at different temperatures, so inhaling while it's heating up will unlock amazing flavors and aromas. Keep in mind that not a lot of vapor will be produced at this stage.
If you're basically the opposite person of what I just described, and you want full, potent, dense hits from the first inhale, let the vape sit for an additional 10-30 seconds after it reaches the set temperature. This will allow heat to build up in the chamber and heat up the flower for a fuller, denser hit.
Empty your chamber immediately after finishing a session. Use a brush to remove any small particles that may block the holes of the glass and reduce airflow. Letting the cashed herb stay in the oven will make it stick to the glass and get it dirty a lot faster.
