Arizer Solo 2 vs Pax 3

Which vaporizer should you buy – Pax 3 vs Solo 2

Note: The Pax 3 is now discontinued, so links have been replaced with the newer model

If you’ve been looking for a mid-level portable dry herb vaporizer, then the Pax Plus and Arizer Solo 2 have certainly crossed your mind. Although they are very different by design, there is a lot to compare and contrast between these two great devices. In terms of key features, it comes down to the glass stem chamber’s vapor quality and excellent battery of the Solo 2, or the all-around consistency and durability of the Pax 3. Which is better for you, though? Let’s get into the review to help you decide.

Solo 2 Kit

Solo 2 vape LED screen vs Pax 3 vaporizer application

One of the nifty features of the Pax 3 Complete Kit is the fact that it comes with an included concentrate kit. All you’ll have to do is swap out the normal chamber for the concentrate insert and set the device to a high temperature. With the application, there are a variety of settings to be adjusted.

Within the application, there are also four unique heating profiles to choose between: boost, efficiency, stealth, and flavor.

In boost, there will be reduced cooling in the chamber for super big clouds and hits every time.

In efficiency mode, the chamber will begin at a lower temperature, but slowly rise. This will help you extract the most THC out of your dry herb. Feel free  to check out our Best AVB Recipes Blog if you’re a connoisseur that loves to get the most out of your THC.

In stealth mode, the Pax 3 will stay at lower temperatures with faster cooling, which will be great for discreetness or Cannabis Microdoses.

In flavor mode, the chamber will only activate during draws. This will allow veterans to get the most flavor out of their product, similar to a convection vaporizer.

On top of these settings, you’ll be able to change the temperature by single increments, play games, lock the vape, and change the light settings and the haptic feedback.

One the Solo 2, its main strength is its mega consistency, super strong 18650 battery, and cooling glass stem mouthpiece. The LED screen will allow you to tweak the temperature by single increments and can be easier to manage since the Pax 3 app has been banned by Apple.

Previous Models

Compared to the Pax 2, the Pax 3 featured the same device with added application integration. The Solo 2’s main upgrade from the original Solo was a massive step forward in terms of battery life and the ease of use on the screen.

• Make sure to also see how the Pax 3 compares to the newer model in our Pax Plus Review!

Solo 2 vs Pax 3 Review – Heating Systems Comparison

While the Pax 3 relies on conduction on the bottom of the device, while the Solo 2 uses a glass stem chamber inserted into the top of the device. From there, the glass-ceramic heater conduction heater and small air jets will allow for a hybrid heat that extracts a lot of THC from your dry herb. Despite the Solo 2 reaching temperatures relatively quickly, it will take a bit of time before your cannabis catches up in temperature. For most users, this will mean around 80 seconds before the hits begin to be any good.

The good thing about the Pax 3 is the fast 30-40s heating time and immediate vapor production. This is an added boost to its portability, as you won’t have to be standing around waiting for your vaporizer to heat up.

Portability and Discreetness

One of the differences between the vaporizers is the glass stem mouthpieces of the Solo 2. With the glass stem inserted, it’s going to be difficult to fit the vaporizer into your pocket. While the kit does come with a belt clip-on carrying case, this isn’t going to be the most stylish or discreet accessory to wear. For this reason, we normally recommend a Tools420 Vape Case that will allow you to store everything you need safely and conveniently while you’re on the go. One of the areas the Pax 3 does shine in, is portability. While both vaporizers sport a metallic finish, the Pax 3 is definitely the sleek design and will raise slightly less attention in public.

Suitable Substances?

As mentioned, the wax canister chamber is a super addition made to the Pax 3. While you won’t get this with the Pax 3 Device Only Kit, you’ll be able to purchase the Pax 3 Wax Insert separately, or as a replacement in case, you lose your original. While some users have gotten used to using the sandwich method (placing some shatter in between dry herb), it is designed to be used with loose flower. You’ll have to do a lot more cleaning, and you won’t quite have the same extraction from it.

Pax 3 Wax Cannister, bottom

Solo 2 Glass Stem Vapor Quality

Both vaporizers will take a bit of getting used to, especially if they are your first dry herb vaporizer. The glass stem on the Solo 2 will take a bit of getting used to, but the same can be said for the Pax 3. In terms of vapor production, the Pax 3 is the clear winner to me, as on higher temperatures it is a pure chimney factory and the clouds will be massive. The Solo 2 will also let you put out massive clouds, but you’ll have to use a finer grind, metal screen, and a longer pre-heating period.

On the other hand, the Solo 2 Vaporizer is the clear winner in terms of vapor quality. The longer glass stem provides a lot more cooling than the smaller Pax 3, and you won’t have to worry about the mouthpiece getting hot either. Although, you will have to wait a bit longer for the convection qualities of the oven to start moving through your dry herb, the flavor is simply much better. For vaping connoisseurs that won’t mind the wait or learning curve, the Solo 2 is the winner of this category.

Battery Life Comparison

On the Pax 3, you’ll be able to get up to 80 minutes of battery life. This category is where the Solo 2 really shines though. With up to a stunning three hours of battery life, you won’t have to worry about battery life when you’re on the go. And if you are, you can always pick up an Arizer Solo 2 Car Charger.

How to use the Solo 2 vs Pax 3 Comparison

The Solo 2 vape is the much easier option to operate in general. All you’ll have to do is remove the glass mouthpiece and load the chamber with a coarse grind of dry herb. To turn the vape on, simply press m and the up buttons on the front of the vape and after a countdown, the screen will turn on. From there, you’ll be able to set the temperature before the vape will automatically begin heating. While the Solo 2 will reach its set temperature relatively quickly, it’s better to wait a full 80 seconds before beginning to inhale. On the sister device, the Arizer Air 2, the heat-up time is 80 seconds, and by that time, the cannabis will be pre-heated enough so that it’s ready to be hit immediately. One of the complaints we hear about people’s new Arizer Solo 2 purchases is that they are getting no vapor, but this is simply because the dry herb will take a bit of time to get ready. Once you’re done your session, all you’ll have to do is knock out the AVB (already vaped bud) and smoosh your new product into the chamber.

On the Pax 3, after removing the magnetic chamber on the bottom of the vape and loading in your dry herb, re-attach it and then hold the upper mouthpiece for a few seconds. The purple light will begin pulsing to let you know that it’s heating up. In standard mode, it will turn solid green when it is ready, along with some haptic feedback. To change between the four pre-sets from there, just press down on the mouthpiece for two seconds. The number of lights displayed will let you know which temperature you’re on. It’s very easy to use, but the bottom chamber and mouthpiece can get gunked up quickly, and you won’t always have access to the app to adjust settings with.

Solo 2 glass stems with a 4-part metal grinder

How to clean the Solo 2 vs Pax 3

With vape cleaning Q-tips, you’ll be able to do all the cleaning you need to do on the glass stem and ceramic heating chamber. The main task will be knocking out debris after sessions to prevent unnecessary sticky resin buildup. In the glass stem, you’ll begin to notice yellowing with time, but this comes off easily with the help of isopropyl q-tips and a hot water rinse afterwards.

For the Pax 3, there are slightly more moving parts. The mouthpiece on the top of the device can be removed to access a small cooling chamber. This may be prone to wax buildup with time, so vape cleaning wipes will be your best friend for cleaning. In the bottom chamber, you may notice the seal getting gunked up with resin. About once a month, it will be in your best interest to do a thorough cleaning of the mouthpiece with an isopropyl bath and hot water rinse, as well as a plunge of the air path. In general the Solo 2 wins this category because of how fast you can clean the glass stem.

Warranties

On the Solo 2, you’ll have access to a two year functionality warranty, and one year of battery coverage. With the Pax 3, you’ll have ten years of coverage. The good thing is that both vaporizers are extremely durable, and you won’t have to worry about any parts giving out for quite some time. There are multiple stories of people dropping their pax 3 from balconies, only to have a small dent on the device. While the Solo 2 is durable as well, the glass stem is prone to shattering if dropped.

Pax 3 vs Arizer Solo 2 Conclusion

Did this review help you decide whether you want to ease of the Solo 2’s LED screen or the portability of the Pax 3?

Personally, our winner is the Arizer Solo 2. The stunning three hours of battery life combined with the flavor and vapor cooling provided by the glass stem is just way too awesome not to choose. Especially if you’re to include an Arizer Glass Stem Bubbler, or Solo 2 Water Pipe Adapter and glass bong like a 14mm globe whip bubbler, the vapor quality comparison between the two vapes is simply not comparable.

While the Pax 3 does pump out more clouds in a discreet fashion, your overall experience will be better on the Solo 2. With an integrated LED screen and full temperature control, its simply much easier to navigate than the Pax 3’s four presets, especially since you’ll be limited to an android or web application.

Still undecided? You can check out our best dry herb portable vaporizers picks to help you make the right decision.

As always, thanks for reading – To health and high times!