Arizer Solo 3 V2 in the test: Is the upgrade worth it?
Arizer has upped the ante with the Solo 3 V2 – and really. The Canadian manufacturer packs a 5000 mAh battery into a device that barely weighs 230 grams. Plus USB-C, a revised airflow design and the proven Glasstem system. I tested the Solo 3 V2 over several weeks and can now assess whether it is worth buying or whether you should stick with the predecessor.
In short: The Solo 3 V2 is Arizer’s best portable yet. The battery life is exceptional for a device of this size, the vapor quality remains at the usual high level, and USB-C was long overdue. If you’re looking for a reliable session vaporizer for at home and on the go, you’ll get a really solid overall package here.
First impression: Familiar but refined
Anyone who has ever held an Arizer will immediately feel at home. The case fits well in the hand and the workmanship is impeccable. Arizer continues to use brushed aluminum – it looks high-quality and is less susceptible to fingerprints than shiny surfaces.
The OLED display shows the current and target temperature, as well as the battery level. It is operated via two buttons on the front. Set the temperature, switch it on, done. No Bluetooth, no app, no bells and whistles. Some may see this as a disadvantage – I find it refreshing. Especially with a vaporizer, I don’t want to have to open an app before I can get started.
What I noticed straight away: the USB-C port on the bottom. Finally. Arizer took his time with this, but better late than never. The charging cable is included, and with a standard USB-C quick charger, charging is much faster than with its predecessor with micro-USB or proprietary plug.
The glass stem system is known from Arizer: A borosilicate glass tube is inserted into the top of the oven and the herb goes into the small chamber at the end of the stem. The glass is easy to insert and remove, but is tight enough that nothing wobbles.
What’s new in V2?
At first glance, the Solo 3 V2 looks very similar to its predecessor. But the differences are in the details – and they make a real difference in everyday life.
Akku: The most obvious jump. 5000 mAh instead of the smaller cell in the Solo 3. That sounds like a marketing buzzword, but you notice it immediately in the test. I can easily get 12 to 15 sessions on one charge, depending on the temperature. This is really unusual for a portable of this size.
USB-C Fast Charging: Instead of the old charger, there is now USB-C with fast charging function. The battery goes from empty to full in just over an hour. This makes the Solo 3 V2 much more suitable for traveling – a power bank cable is sufficient on the go.
Improved Airflow: Arizer has redesigned the airflow. The draft resistance control is a little more open than its predecessor. You no longer have to pull as hard to get decent steam. For a session vaporizer with a glass stem, the resistance is now just right — not too loose, not too tight.
Faster heat-up time: 15 seconds to operating temperature. This is a noticeable improvement over the Solo 2, which took closer to 25 to 30 seconds. Sure, on-demand devices are faster. But for a session vaporizer with hybrid heating, 15 seconds is absolutely fine.
Dosing Capsules: The Solo 3 V2 is compatible with dosing capsules. A big plus for on the go – pre-portion the cabbage, insert the capsule, steam, done. This also makes cleaning easier because the oven stays clean.
Steam quality: Arizer delivers from
I was particularly excited here. Arizer has already delivered very good steam with the Solo 2 – how does the Solo 3 V2?
perform
The hybrid heater combines convection and conduction. In practice this means: the herb is heated evenly, both by the hot oven and by the air flowing through it. The result is dense, aromatic vapor with little burning taste – even at higher temperatures.
The temperature range is from 50 to 220 degrees Celsius. Realistically, you vape between 170 and 210 degrees. At 180 degrees you get light, tasty vapor with lots of aroma. At 200 degrees it becomes denser and stronger. And at 210 to 220 degrees you get the most out of it, but at the expense of the taste – it gets a bit harsh.
The Glasstem system has a big advantage over plastic mouthpieces: the vapor cools on the way through the glass and tastes cleaner. You really only taste the herb, no plastic or silicone notes. Anyone who appreciates pure taste can hardly avoid glass.
What surprised me positively: The steam production in the first three to four puffs. Thanks to the faster heat-up time and the improved airflow, the vapor comes out faster and denser than with the Solo 2. The session feels smoother overall – fewer dead hits at the beginning, more even vapor development throughout the entire session.
One more word about water filtering: The Solo 3 V2 is compatible with water pipes. With the appropriate adapter (WPA), the steam can be filtered through water. This makes the vapor noticeably softer and cooler – a real improvement, especially at higher temperatures.
The 5000 mAh battery: a real argument
I admit, I’m skeptical about battery information. Manufacturers like to throw around big numbers, and in the end the device only lasts five sessions. With the Solo 3 V2 the information is actually correct.
In my test at an average of 195 degrees, I achieved 13 sessions per charge. Sessions of around 8 to 10 minutes each. That’s a good two hours of pure steam time. For comparison: The Solo 2 manages around 7 to 8 sessions, the Mighty+ is 8 to 10 sessions with its 3200 mAh battery.
Who is this relevant to? For everyone who regularly uses the vaporizer on the go. If you only vape at home, you plug the device into the socket anyway. But when traveling, hiking, at festivals or simply during a long day, it’s reassuring to know that the battery will last easily.
USB-C makes things even more practical. Instead of carrying a proprietary charger, the same cable that charges your cell phone is sufficient. With a 45-watt charger, the Solo 3 V2 will be full again in about 70 minutes. That’s a decent performance for a 5000 mAh battery.
One point that struck me: Passthrough charging works. You can use the Solo 3 V2 while it is connected to the charging cable. Practical if the battery is empty and you don’t want to wait.
Solo 3 V2 vs Solo 2: The direct comparison
Many will ask themselves: I have the Solo 2, should I upgrade? Here are the hard facts:
| Feature | Arizer Solo 2 | Arizer Solo 3 V2 |
|---|---|---|
| Heating type | Hybrid (Conv./Cond.) | Hybrid (improved) |
| Temperature range | 50-220°C | 50-220°C |
| Heating time | ~25s | ~15s |
| Abattery | 3200 mAh | 5000mAh |
| Charging port | DC-Barrel | USB-C (Fast Charging) |
| Sessions per charge | 7-8 | 12-15 |
| Dosing capsules | No | Yes |
| Waterpipe | Yes (WPA) | Yes (WPA) |
| Weight | ~210g | ~230g |
| Guarantee | 2 years | 2 years |
| Price (from) | ~90€ | ~120€ |
My assessment: If you have the Solo 2 and are happy with it, you don’t have to upgrade immediately. The steam quality is similarly good. However, if you regularly suffer from the weak battery or the complicated charger, the Solo 3 V2 is definitely worth it. USB-C alone is a strong reason, the faster heating time and the dosing capsule compatibility are on top of that.
For new buyers, the matter is clear: the Solo 3 V2 is the better choice. The price difference of around 30 euros easily justifies the improvements.
Solo 3 V2 vs Mighty+: Other league?
The Mighty+ from Storz & Bickel is the top dog among portable session vaporizers. How does the Solo 3 V2 compare?
When it comes to vapor volume, the Mighty+ is ahead. The larger chamber and more powerful heater produce slightly denser clouds. The difference is there, but not huge — maybe 15 to 20 percent more steam on the Mighty+.
When it comes to taste, the two don’t care much about each other. The Glasstem system of the Solo 3 V2 delivers a slightly cleaner taste, but the CU of the Mighty+ is more practical for on the go. Glass stems are fragile – you have to keep that in mind.
When it comes to the battery, the Solo 3 V2 clearly wins. 5000 mAh vs 3400mAh. In practice, that’s four to five sessions more per charge. And the Mighty+ has only recently had USB-C.
Price-wise, the Solo 3 V2 is significantly lower than the Mighty+. For around 120 euros you can get a device that can keep up in many areas. The Mighty+ costs almost three times as much. Whether the extra charge is justified depends on how important the last bit of steam performance is to you.
Cleaning and care
Cleaning is one of the biggest pluses of the Arizer system. The glass stem can be easily pulled out and placed in isopropyl alcohol. After 20 minutes, rinse briefly, let it dry, and you’re done. The oven itself stays relatively clean because the herb sits in the stem and not directly in the device.
It becomes even easier with dosing capsules. The capsules catch all the residue and the stem stays clean. You simply replace the capsule and continue vaping. The used capsules are collected and then cleaned all at once in an alcohol bath.
What you should do regularly: Check the sieve ring in the stem. Over time it becomes clogged and affects the airflow. A quick look after every third or fourth session is enough. If necessary, clear with a fine brush or toothpick.
A little tip from practice: Don’t pull out the stem immediately after the session, but let it cool down briefly. The resin hardens slightly and can then be removed more cleanly. If you pull out the stem when it is hot, the resin sometimes smears on the edge of the oven.
replacement stems cost around 8 to 12 euros and are available in different lengths. I recommend having at least two — one in use, one clean and handy. Glass stems are robust, but they are just glass. They do not survive a fall on hard floors.
Minor criticisms
No test without criticism. The Solo 3 V2 has a few weaknesses that I don’t want to hide:
Glass stems are fragile. If you use the vaporizer a lot on the go, you need a case or protective cover for the stems. Without protection, a break is only a matter of time. Arizer could include a travel case here – but it doesn’t.
The session shutdown after 15 minutes is sometimes annoying. If you vape slowly and take breaks in between, you need to restart the device. This is a safety feature and understandable, but an optional long session mode would have been nice.
No app support. For most people this isn’t a problem. But if you want precise temperature profiles or session statistics, you have to Switch to devices like the Mighty+ or the Crafty+. The Solo 3 V2 makes it simple – and therefore deliberately different.
The stem protrudes from the top. This is due to the design and is the case with all Arizer devices. You can’t do this in your pocket, you need a bag or a backpack. There are more compact alternatives for a purely on-the-go device in your jacket pocket.
Conclusion: The best Arizer Portable — by far
The Arizer Solo 3 V2 does a lot of things right and a few things wrong. The vapor quality is excellent, the taste is crystal clear thanks to the Glasstem system, and the 5000 mAh battery sets a new standard in this device class. USB-C and fast charging were overdue and make the device more suitable for everyday use than any Arizer before it.
Who is the Solo 3 V2 for? For everyone who is looking for an uncomplicated, tasty session vaporizer with a long-lasting battery. If you vape mostly at home and occasionally on the go, you’ll get a device that won’t get boring in the next few years. The price-performance ratio is right – from around 120 euros there is little comparable in this quality.
The Solo 3 V2 is not suitable for on-demand users who want fast individual trains. That’s what DynaVaps or Tinymight are for. And if you need maximum discretion, it’s better to choose a more compact device without a protruding glass stem.
But for the classic session steamer – whether a beginner or an experienced user – the Arizer Solo 3 V2 is a clear recommendation.