XMAX Starry Vaporizer Review

Is the XMAX Starry worth it?

The XMAX Starry vaporizer hasn’t really gotten that much attention since its release a few years back. However, that doesn’t mean it’s a bad choice for a budget vape. There is now a third version of the XMAX Starry, which was released in the Winter of 2019. The latest version now features upgrades like haptic feedback and a better mouthpiece. 

Just dipping your toes into the wonderful world of dry herb portable vaporizers? Check out our Vaporizer Buying Guide for everything you need to know as a newbie. As always, we recommend that all vape consumers do their homework before investing their money in a device they’ve never tried. 

Because as the saying goes, if it’s too good to be true, it probably is. With that in mind, if you are looking for a budget vaporizer with dual functionality, this could be the device for you.

• Be sure to check out the brand new XMAX Starry 4 Review

Specs & Ratings 

XMax Starry V3 Key Features

• Precision Controls 
• Solid Vapor Quality
• Durable Build 
• Haptic Feedback 
• Removable Battery
• Dual Functionality

How to use the XMAX Starry V3?

The X MAX Starry is pretty simple to use, as you would expect when it comes to portable dry herb vaporizers. Just open the chamber and load up your herbs. From there, hold down the power button for three seconds and the device turns on. Just select your desired temperature, and it takes about 20-30 seconds to heat up. 

The digital screen is bright and easy to use, and it’s also straightforward when it comes to selecting your desired temperature. We were pleased with the ease of use of the X MAX Starry.

The unit vibrates, aka has haptic feedback, when it’s ready. 

X MAX Starry V3 Temperature Settings

There is a wide range of precision temperature settings on the Starry, from 100°C/212°F to 240°C/464°F. However, we recommend sticking to about 185°C/365°F – 200°C/392°F for dry herb vaping. Most consumers shouldn’t be going too far above past 220°C/428°F because dry herb draws can get a bit warm on the throat and there is a risk of combustion.

It is nice to see a manufacturer try to accommodate consumers who love to vape concentrates by adding higher temperatures to a dual functional portable vape. Just about any temperature above 220°C/428°F should strictly be for concentrate vaping.

One place where it’s budget friendly sister device XMAX V3 Pro beats it is the ability to have both an on-demand and session heating mode which gives users more choice about how they want their THC extraction. 

XMAX Starry V3 oven materials 

This portable vaporizer uses conduction heating, which is typical for a budget vape. The chamber is made from ceramic, and it can hold up to 0.5 gram of dry herb. This is a nice sized chamber that ranks it on our list of the top stealthy vapes with big chambers.

How is the XMAX Starry v3 Vapor Quality?

The vapor quality with this unit is solid, especially for a budget vape.

That is, as long as you stick with the right temperatures and don’t venture too far above 220°C/428°F or so for vaporizing dry herbs.

There is a slight risk of reaching combustion levels on the higher end of the Starry, especially if you don’t use your grinder properly. If you like to live dangerously and want thick clouds, crank it up and test out the higher temperatures – doing so can produce some hard hitting vaporizer clouds.

As with most dual functional vapes, we recommend against buying one if you will primarily be vaping waxy concentrates.  Dual function vaporizers that are meant mostly to be used for dry herbs don’t do as good of a job as a wax pen with coils and atomizers.

X MAX Starry Vaporizer Battery Life

The Starry’s 18650 2500mAh battery is pretty good, but just about average in comparison to other devices. The battery will last about an hour or so and takes 2-3 hours to charge up. The battery can get a little warm after a longer session, but nothing that will burn. The fact that the battery is removable is a redeeming quality.

• For a little bit more money, the Arizer Air MAX also has a swappable battery and lasts about over an hour longer.

Aesthetics and Manufacturing Quality

The build quality of the Starry is great. Many budget vapes are made from plastic, but that’s not the case with the Starry’s anodized aluminum shell. The magnetic mouthpiece is ceramic as well, which helps with the smoothness of your draws. It also snaps into place easily and firmly.

The LED screen is bright and easy to read. The fact that the edges on the oven are at a perfect angle that prevents you from spilling herb, which is a feature we appreciate. 

Is the XMAX Starry V3 Portable?

It’s not the smallest vape on the market, but it’s portable enough to fit in most pockets and feels comfortable in your hand. The shape of the Starry makes so it feels natural when you grip it. If you’re looking for a waterproof and wear proof carrying case, check out our high-quality vape carry case, or for even more protection, the Stashlogix Silverton. 

What’s in the XMAX Starry V3 Kit?

The Starry has some nice accessories outside of the unit itself, the battery and USB cable. You get a great little cleaning kit that comes with a brush, a tool, and tweezers. Also included is a metal screen for the mouthpiece, two screens for the chamber and two caps for the mouthpiece.

The Starry also comes with a 10-year warranty, which is great for a budget vape.

How to Clean the X Max Starry V3 Vaporizer?

We were pretty happy with the simplicity of keeping the Starry clean. You will definitely want to use the cleaning brush on the oven and the mouthpiece, preferably right after every session. Doing it like this will remove the debris right away before it has a chance to harden. 

Every charge or so we also recommend hitting the mouthpiece and the oven with some isopropyl alcohol, gently of course. To make your life easier, check out our vaporizer cleaning sticks from Tools420 to avoid the hassle of dipping your cotton swabs or Q-Tips in alcohol. 

Bottom Line

For a budget device, the Starry features solid vapor quality, precision controls, and a durable build. The battery life is normal for a budget vape and the vapor quality could be a little bit better, but again for a budget vape it is pretty good and the unit produces thick vapor. The Utillian 722 is a similar size but has a better battery and convection heating. You will be paying a little bit more, but convection heating usually adds up to better vapor quality.  

• Also be sure to read our XMAX V3 Pro vs. XMAX Starry 4 Review!