Arizer Air Max vs G Pen Elite 2 Comparison

Which vape should you buy?

If you’re looking for a new 2022 hybrid dry herb vaporizer, then you’re in good luck with the recent releases of the G Pen Elite 2 and Arizer Air MAX. While they both cost about the same amount of money with an intuitive user interface and hybrid heating, there is a lot that separates them that will make them better purchases for individuals based on their unique vaping habits. Whether that be the overall versatility of the Air Max or the straightforwardness of the Elite 2, we’ll be comparing both vapes key features to help you make the right choice.

Elite 2 vs Air MAX key feature comparison

The biggest difference between the two vaporizers is the glass stem chamber design from the Arizer which has become a stable of their vaporizers. The Air Max has the same size chamber, and will be operated by removing the glass mouthpiece, and loading up to 0.2g into the bottom chamber before replacing it and operating the vape.

On the Elite 2, the mouthpiece has been upgraded to a full ceramic design from the previous model’s rubber. There is also now a better filter screen and ceramic cooling air spiral path that will help cool down the vapor before your inhale which has really helped out some of the older design’s faults.

Air MAX vs Elite 2 Portability

Both vapes are about the same size, coming in at about 4.5 inches tall and about an inch and a half in width. They’ll easily fit into your pocket, and the G Pen Elite 2’s included hemp case will help you keep everything need secure in one spot. For the Air Max, you may want to consider picking yourself up a Silverton Stash Vape Carrying Case since it comes with so many individual glass pieces. The bag comes with tonnes of customizable storage sections and a lock, which will help you keep everything organized for when it’s time to have a session.

Concentrate Use

While both vapes are made for dry herb use, they are compatible with the sandwich method by placing a rice-sized grain in between two sections of loose flower. For this, you’ll want to have the maximum temperature set while using a dab that isn’t too runny. If it’s not thick, you run the risk of having it drip down into the heating element which will cause damage. For the G Pen Elite 2, you’ll also want to have the convection boost mode activated for a hotter chamber for more THC extraction while using concentrates.

G Pen Elite 2 vs Air MAX Vapor Quality Review

In terms of vapor quality, both the Arizer Air Max and the G Pen Elite 2 have taken a ‘ripper, not sipper’ approach. By this, we mean that they have taken a fast THC extraction approach that will cook your weed and each inhale will be massive. Compared this to the more laid-back Arizer Solo 2 which is more optimized for slower THC extraction with long and slow draws over the course of ten minutes.

On the Elite 2 vape, you’ll be able to choose between pure conduction heating or a draw-activated convection boost. For flavor, the conduction mode is better as your chamber is will be more slowly heated as the ceramic oven slowly and evenly distributes heat. In convection mode, the cloud production will be really cranked up, but you’ll lose out on some of the terpene flavors that the pure conduction mode allows. For a temperature recommendation, we wouldn’t suggest going above much higher than 380F / 193C, as we found that anything more and the vapor began to get harsh, and the zirconia mouthpiece became slightly uncomfortable (although there is an included silicone mouthpiece sleave in the kit for this reason).

For the newly upgraded Air Max, the convection heating and ceramic oven have been better optimized to crank up the THC extraction process when compared to the Arizer Air 2 or Solo 2. As the convection jets have been altered for better airflow, draws will be much easier than what you’re used to. While the bowl remains the same 0.2g size, it feels like you get much bigger clouds without any of the waiting periods that you’d have to take on older models.

Since the G Pen Elite 2 has been upgraded to an isolated air path, it finally joins its Arizer counterparts in terms of vapor quality. You won’t be getting any sort of metallic aftertaste and rest easy knowing that your vapor is safer to inhale. Overall, this category is about a tie. But, read on as we get to the best tips and tricks section for a more in-depth comparison.

Battery Life

In this category, the Arizer Air Max is the clear winner thanks to a swappable 26650 battery that will last a very respectable 2 hours and 20 minutes of use. The G Pen Elite 2 will last only about an hour at high temperatures with its 2100mAh battery and then recharge over an hour and a half.

While both vapes sport USB-C charging, the better battery that is swappable on the Air Max beats out the Elite 2.

Previous Models

Compared to older models, both models have reduced their heating time, added convection, upgraded to USB-C charging, and have improved up their THC extraction.

The real winner in this category would have to be the Elite 2 though. The original model was prone to aftertastes, wear and tear on the rubber mouthpiece and an overall clunky experience. The addition of an HD screen with updateable firmware has really set it apart from its older model.

Is the G Pen Elite 2 easier to use than the Air MAX?

As mentioned, the Elite 2 Vaporizer has been upgraded to an HD screen with a variety of settings to work with including brightness, haptic feedback, F to C, and updatable firmware.

For the Air Max Vaporizer, there is also a newly updated screen with new features like custom session settings, a dark mode for discreet use, and automatic screen inversion for use while using a bong with the included 14mm water pipe adapter.

To use the G Pen Elite 2, all you’ll have to do is press the power button five times to turn it on, set the temperature with the up and down arrows, and then press the power button twice to activate the heating. After a thirty-second heat-up time, haptic feedback will let you know when your set temperature has been reached. Overall, we’d recommend leaving the convection boost on and making use of a tightly packed bowl. For best results you’ll want to use about two five-minute sessions for a full cooking of your dry herb at 380F, and will want to use the stir tool from the bottom of the vape in between sessions to make sure that you’re not getting any sort of hot spots in the chamber.

For the Air Max, you’ll have access to all of the same features you had on the Air 2, but with new session presets dark mode for discreet use and inversion for use with a bong. The glass chamber is still very easy to use, including the 14mm water pipe adapter, as all you’ll have to do is jam the chamber into your ground or loose flower, and then place it back into the stainless steel oven. With the newly upgraded ceramic donut heater, you’ll have a fast heat-up time of only 30 seconds and less waiting time in between hits. With pass-through charging and the swappable battery, you’ll basically have an endless amount of dry herb vaping, making this an optimal dry herb vape for heavy users and medicinal users.

How to clean comparison

For the G Pen Elite 2, the most important part to keep clean is the ceramic oven and the metal filter screen above it. Unfortunately, they are very prone to resin buildups that will affect performance if you aren’t on top of keeping it clean. For cleaning after sessions, you can use the included pick tool to knock out your AVB and then use vape cleaning sticks to quickly scrub up any leftover resin in the chamber or on the filter screen. Doing this will keep your performance up until it’s time for a deep cleaning about once a month. For this, you can soak all parts of the mouthpiece except the rubber gasket in isopropyl alcohol for thirty minutes before a gentle scrub and hot water rinse. For the zinc body, you can use vape alcohol wipes to get rid of any grime.

On the Air MAX, the only part to keep clean is the glass stem chamber. If you’re a heavy user, you’ll notice that with time the yellowing of the chamber. Alcohol Q-tips will be the easiest method to getting in and removing the resin. However, if you’re a connoisseur, you can always just simmer the mouthpiece in some milk to extract it and use the infused milk for some infused coffee later.

Best Tips and Tricks Comparisons

G Pen Elite 2 Bong Setup

We’ve put the Elite 2 to the test to find the best way to use it with a bong and have ultimately found the 14mm whip bubbler to be the best solution. To use it, you’ll first need to remove the mouthpiece cap and zirconia spiral, and then place the mouthpiece end from the bubbler kit into the gasket. With this, you’ll be able to run the silicone whip to any bong setup you’d like for a lot more session cooling and customization.

Best Arizer Air Max Tips and Tricks

Like the Elite 2, we’ve found that 380F is the best temperature to run to get a good mix of flavor and cloud production. With the included 14mm WPA mouthpiece, a cool bubbler would be the 14mm curved tip bubbler which will add a lot of cooling while still remaining somewhat portable.

While you’re loading the chamber, we recommend giving your dry herb a gentle stamp down which will boost the conduction THC extraction in the chamber.

Warranty

The G Pen Elite 2’s warranty is 2 years, or 3 upon registration. The Air MAX offers a three-year warranty. Since the mouthpieces on either vape are made from either zirconia or glass, these by far will be the most delicate parts of the vape.

Arizer Air Max vs G Pen Elite II Review Conclusion

In conclusion, while both vaporizers are great, we would recommend the G Pen Elite 2 for people looking for more session settings, and the Air MAX to heavy users looking for outstanding battery life and cloud production. The pure conduction mode or convection boost mode allows a bit more tweaking with the G Pen, and the bigger bowl makes it more of a relaxed vape as you’ll be able to get two five-minute sessions in for a full chamber clear. On the Air 2, this thing really shines on higher temperatures as more of a pure medicinal hybrid extraction dry herb vape similar to the Mighty+. Since the oven is upgraded, you’ll get a lot more passive THC extraction when not in use, so it’s a bit better for those looking for either microdoses, or for very heavy usage throughout the day.