Solo 3 V2 vs Crafty+ is a cross-brand mid-range comparison. The Solo 3 V2 uses glass stems for pure flavor, while the Crafty+ relies on capsules and polymer cooling.
Key differences
Solo 3 V2: glass pathway, pure taste, replaceable battery.
Crafty+: capsule workflow, app profiles, S&B cooling unit.
The Arizer Solo 3 V2 is the biggest news from Canada in five years. Arizer launched the glass stem era with the Solo model in 2013 and has been shaping the market ever since. Now the third generation brings a revolution: dual-mode operation. Session mode for relaxed 10-minute sessions or on-demand for spontaneous single hits. An 80/20 hybrid heating system (convection/conduction) combined with four glass stems included, including two XL stems with double capacity. The color display is brighter than its predecessor and even rotates when you flip the Solo 3 upside down for water pipe use. With a 5,000 mAh replaceable battery, you'll get over 10 sessions per charge. Temperature control in 1-degree increments between 50-220°C. The Solo 3 is available from ~179€ in 38 shops – check out the price comparison.
Session mode is your default operation for relaxed vaping sessions. After powering on, you only need 15 seconds until the target temperature is reached. The default session lasts 10 minutes, but you can set it between 5 and 20 minutes. Additionally, there are three customizable presets that you can access with a double-click – perfect for different herbs or times of day.
Temperature regulation happens in real-time and adapts to your draw behavior. When you pull hard, the Solo 3 detects the increased airflow and heats more to maintain the temperature. A clever strategy is temperature stepping: Start at 185°C for flavor, bump up to 193°C after a few draws for balance, and finish the session at 205°C for maximum extraction.
With an XL stem at 193°C, you get 4-6 fantastic draws with thick vapor and full flavor. After that, the taste begins to decline, even though vapor still comes. The AVB (Already Vaped Bud) comes out brown and crispy – a sign of excellent extraction without green spots. Session mode is ideal for group sessions or when you want to sit back and vape continuously.
On-Demand Mode in Detail
On-demand mode is the big innovation in the Solo 3 and distinguishes it from the Solo 2. Here you start each inhalation separately – like a mini session. The display shows a progress bar and beeps when the temperature is reached. Then you have a 10-second draw window (adjustable between 5-25 seconds). After the draw, the device immediately cools down and preserves your material.
The genius part: You can take one draw, put the device away, and come back an hour later – the herb is preserved, not overcooked like in session mode. There are five heat levels that are not customizable but fixed at 180°C, 185°C, 193°C, 205°C, and 220°C. Per XL stem, you get 2-5 powerful draws, depending on the heat level.
On-demand mode also allows intense single-hit extractions: Set it to maximum temperature and 25-second draw duration, then you can extract a complete load in a single, long draw. This is especially interesting for water pipe use. The control is precise – no accidental overheating like with butane vaporizers. On-demand mode makes the Solo 3 a versatile device that adapts to your consumption rhythm.
XL Glass Stems – Double Capacity
The Solo 3 package includes four glass stems: two straight (90mm regular + XL) and two water pipe adapters (regular + XL, with frosted tips). The XL stems are the highlight because they hold double the amount of herb – about 0.2g instead of 0.1g. That means more flavor, thicker draws, and stronger effects per session.
The XL stems make particular sense on the Solo 3 because the heating chamber is deeper than on the Solo 2 or Air MAX. On the Solo 2, the herb in XL stems sat too close to the seal where there's no heat – on the Solo 3, it sits optimally in the heating zone. Loading works best directly from the grinder: Turn the stem in the herb to fill it. From a jar: Dip the stem in and turn. Then lightly tamp with your finger, make a half turn, and the herb should stay just below the lip – not too tight, or airflow suffers.
The glass stems cool the vapor considerably. Heat is generated at the bottom of the stem (which is why the herb browns there first), and by the time the vapor reaches the top, it's pleasantly cool. The WPA stems have a frosted tip for better grip on the water pipe glass. Important: Empty the stems immediately after the session, or the AVB sticks to the glass. A brush for the glass holes keeps everything clean.
Display & Operation
The color display is an upgrade over the Solo 2. It's brighter, sharper, and has more color levels. The brightness setting ranges from 1 to 5, and even at full brightness, battery consumption is minimal. Operation is via three buttons: Power, left, right. To unlock the device, hold Power for three seconds, then press left-up-right in that sequence.
On the mode selection screen, you choose Session or On-Demand. Double-clicking a button recalls the three customizable presets. Holding the right button takes you to the settings menu: draw duration (5-25s), Celsius/Fahrenheit, notifications, brightness, display inversion, and auto-shutoff (5-20 minutes).
Display inversion is a clever feature: When you flip the Solo 3 upside down for water pipe use (stem facing down), the device detects the orientation and automatically rotates the display. Button functions also rotate – what was previously "left" is now "right". This makes operation intuitive regardless of position. The UI is overall well thought out and after a few sessions, you know where everything is.
Heating & Vapor Quality
The Solo 3 uses an 80% convection / 20% conduction hybrid heating system. Conduction keeps the glass warm, but actual extraction happens through convective heat when drawing. This balance is ideal: The glass is preheated, but the herb doesn't char between draws like with pure conduction.
Real-time temperature regulation is based on airflow: If you pull hard, the device heats more to maintain temperature. If you pull gently, it holds naturally. The AVB comes out brown and crispy – a sign of complete extraction. No green spots, no wasted cannabinoids. Heat comes from the bottom of the stem, which is why the bottom of the herb browns first.
The sweet spot is at 193°C (380°F). Below that, the AVB stays only brown; above that, the bottom turns blackish. At 193°C, you get maximum flavor, thick clouds, and clean AVB. The glass stems cool the vapor considerably – by the time it reaches your lips, it's pleasant. The first 4-6 draws in session mode are outstanding in flavor, after which intensity decreases even though vapor still comes. Slow draws ("sip don't rip") is the best technique.
Water Pipe Use
The Solo 3 comes with two water pipe adapters (WPA): regular and XL, both with frosted glass tips for better grip. The WPAs fit any 14mm bubbler. When you flip the Solo 3 upside down (stem facing down into the water pipe), the device detects the inversion and automatically rotates the display. Button functions also rotate, so "left" becomes "right" and vice versa – very well thought out.
For water pipe use, on-demand mode is recommended. Set it to high temperature (205-220°C) and long draw duration (20-25s), then you can take intense, thick draws. The water additionally filters the vapor, so even high temperatures remain pleasant. You can even extract a complete load in a single draw if you pull for 25 seconds at maximum level.
The XL WPA stems are particularly powerful here because they hold double the amount of herb. That means more material for your bubbler session. A tip: After reaching temperature, let the device sit for 10-20 seconds before drawing – this ensures a thicker first hit. The combination of Solo 3 and water pipe is a match made in heaven: precise temperature control, strong extraction, smooth vapor.
Battery & Runtime
The Solo 3 V2 has a 5,000 mAh replaceable battery – one of the largest on the market. Per charge, you'll get about 10 sessions, which is top-tier and comparable to the Venty. The battery is replaceable, so you can double runtime with a spare battery. This is ideal for festivals, hikes, or long days on the go.
Charging is via USB-C Power Delivery, which is faster than regular USB. Passthrough charging is supported, meaning you can vape while the device is plugged in. A full charge takes about 2-3 hours. The display shows battery status in percentage, so you always know where you stand.
Compared to other portables, the runtime is excellent. Devices like the Pax Plus only manage 6-7 sessions; the Solo 3 significantly exceeds that. The combination of large battery, efficient heating, and replaceable battery makes the Solo 3 one of the most reliable portable vaporizers. A spare battery costs about 30-40€ and is a worthwhile investment if you're often on the go.
Comparison: Solo 3 vs Venty
The Venty by Storz & Bickel and the Solo 3 are the two current top portables. Here are the main differences:
Feature
Solo 3 V2
Venty
Size/Weight
210g, 11.5cm
203g, 11.8cm
Battery
5000mAh, ~10 sessions
5000mAh, ~10 sessions
Heating
80/20 Hybrid
90/10 Hybrid
Modes
Session + On-Demand
Session only
Airflow
Fixed (moderate)
Adjustable (Dial)
Cooling
Glass stems
Metal cooling
App
No
Yes (Web app)
Price
~179€
~349€
The Venty scores with app control, adjustable airflow, and stronger convection. The Solo 3 has on-demand mode, which the Venty lacks, and costs half as much. Both have excellent flavor and extraction. The Venty is somewhat more powerful, the Solo 3 more versatile. If you want maximum performance and don't mind the price, get the Venty. If you're looking for versatility and value, the Solo 3 is unbeatable.
Comparison: Solo 3 vs Solo 2
The Solo 3 is a massive upgrade over the Solo 2. Arizer didn't just tweak details but completely redesigned the heating element and chamber.
Feature
Solo 3 V2
Solo 2
Heating
80/20 Hybrid, redesigned
Conduction/Hybrid
Chamber
Deeper (XL stems usable)
Shallower (XL pointless)
Modes
Session + On-Demand
Session only
Display
Brighter, color, rotates
Dimmer, color
Stems in kit
4 (2x regular, 2x XL)
2 (regular only)
Heatup
15 seconds
30 seconds
Battery
5000mAh
3400mAh
Size
11.5cm, 210g
11.3cm, 160g
Pocket-friendly
No (wider)
Yes
The Solo 2 is more compact and fits in your pocket. But the Solo 3 is superior in every other aspect: faster heating, double battery life, XL stems usable, on-demand mode, better display. If you already own the Solo 2 and are happy with it, upgrading isn't mandatory. But if you're looking for a new portable, the Solo 3 is the clearly better choice. The Solo 2 remains relevant for users who need absolutely compact devices.
1. Draw slowly: "Sip don't rip" is the motto. Slow, steady draws give the convection time to extract the herb. Fast, hard pulls can't maintain temperature.
2. Inhale during heatup: As soon as you start "Heat", you can already pull lightly. Terpenes vaporize at low temperatures first – you'll get an intense flavor draw before the target temperature is reached.
3. Wait 10-20 seconds: When the target temperature is reached, wait briefly before taking the first draw. The herb and glass need a moment to absorb the heat evenly. The first draw will be thicker.
4. Empty stems immediately: After the session, tap out the AVB from the stem while it's still warm. When it cools, it sticks to the glass and is harder to remove.
5. Brush the glass holes: A small brush (often included) cleans the screen holes in the stem. This keeps airflow optimal.
6. Don't overload: The herb should stay just below the lip of the stem. If it touches the heating element, it will stick and airflow suffers.
7. Temperature stepping: Start at 185°C, bump to 193°C after a few draws, and finish at 205°C. This way you get everything from your material.
8. XL stems for intensity: If you want thick draws and strong effects, use the XL stems. They hold double the amount and deliver correspondingly more vapor.
Technical Specifications
Specification
Value
Heating Method
Hybrid
Temperature Range
50–220 °C
Heatup Time
~15 sec
Battery
5,000 mAh
Weight
210 g
Warranty
2-Years Manufacturer Warranty
Water Pipe
Yes
Dosing Capsules
Yes
Passthrough Charging
Yes
Replaceable Battery
Yes
App Control
Yes
Comparison: Solo 3 V2 vs. Air MAX
Solo 3 V2
Air MAX
Type
Portable
Portable
Heating
Hybrid (Conv. + Cond.)
Hybrid (Conv. + Cond.)
Temperature
220 °C
220 °C
Heat-up time
15s
60s
Battery
5000 mAh
5000 mAh
Price from
199€
92€
The Solo 3 V2 suits users who prefer a portable device and appreciate a heat-up time of just 15 seconds. The Air MAX is the right pick for those who want a portable device and are comfortable with a 60-second heat-up time. Both devices come from Arizer and deliver excellent vapor quality.
The Solo 3 V2 by Arizer starts at 203€ and heats up in 15 seconds. The Veazy by Veazy starts at 179€ with a 40-second heat-up time. Both devices use Hybrid (Conv. + Cond.) and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Solo 3 V2 by Arizer starts at 203€ and heats up in 15 seconds. The PAX Flow by PAX starts at 190€ with a 35-second heat-up time. Both devices use Hybrid (Conv. + Cond.) and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Solo 3 V2 by Arizer starts at 203€ and heats up in 15 seconds. The Crafty+ by Storz & Bickel starts at 189€ with a 60-second heat-up time. Both devices use Hybrid (Conv. + Cond.) and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Solo 3 V2 suits users who prefer a portable device and appreciate a heat-up time of just 15 seconds. The XQ2 is the right pick for those who want a desktop unit and are comfortable with a 90-second heat-up time. Both devices come from Arizer and deliver excellent vapor quality.
The Solo 3 V2 by Arizer starts at 203€ and heats up in 15 seconds. The IQ3 by DaVinci starts at 182€ with a 30-second heat-up time. Both devices use different heating methods and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Solo 3 V2 by Arizer starts at 203€ and heats up in 15 seconds. The HyperDyn by DynaVap starts at 183€ with a 8-second heat-up time. Both devices use different heating methods and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Solo 3 V2 suits users who prefer a portable device and appreciate a heat-up time of just 15 seconds. The Air SE is the right pick for those who want a portable device and are comfortable with a 60-second heat-up time. Both devices come from Arizer and deliver excellent vapor quality.
The Solo 3 V2 by Arizer starts at 153€ and heats up in 15 seconds. The New Proxy by Puffco starts at 180€ with a 30-second heat-up time. Both devices use different heating methods and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Solo 3 V2 suits users who prefer a portable device and appreciate a heat-up time of just 15 seconds. The Extreme Q is the right pick for those who want a desktop unit and are comfortable with a 120-second heat-up time. Both devices come from Arizer and deliver excellent vapor quality.
The Solo 3 V2 suits users who prefer a portable device and appreciate a heat-up time of just 15 seconds. The Solo 2 MAX is the right pick for those who want a portable device and are comfortable with a 30-second heat-up time. Both devices come from Arizer and deliver excellent vapor quality.
The Solo 3 V2 suits users who prefer a portable device and appreciate a heat-up time of just 15 seconds. The ArGo is the right pick for those who want a portable device and are comfortable with a 60-second heat-up time. Both devices come from Arizer and deliver excellent vapor quality.
The Solo 3 V2 suits users who prefer a portable device and appreciate a heat-up time of just 15 seconds. The V-Tower is the right pick for those who want a desktop unit and are comfortable with a 60-second heat-up time. Both devices come from Arizer and deliver excellent vapor quality.
The Solo 3 V2 by Arizer starts at 153€ and heats up in 15 seconds. The IQC by DaVinci starts at 124€ with a 30-second heat-up time. Both devices use different heating methods and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Solo 3 V2 by Arizer starts at 153€ and heats up in 15 seconds. The Peak by Puffco starts at 141€ with a 20-second heat-up time. Both devices use different heating methods and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Solo 3 V2 suits users who prefer a portable device and appreciate a heat-up time of just 15 seconds. The Solo 2 is the right pick for those who want a portable device and are comfortable with a 30-second heat-up time. Both devices come from Arizer and deliver excellent vapor quality.
The Solo 3 V2 by Arizer starts at 153€ and heats up in 15 seconds. The Zeus Arc GT4 by Zeus starts at 180€ with a 35-second heat-up time. Both devices use different heating methods and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Solo 3 heats up in 5-15 seconds, depending on target temperature. At 193°C it takes about 10-12 seconds. That's twice as fast as the Solo 2 (30 seconds).
In Session mode, a continuous 5-20 minute session runs with constant temperature. In On-Demand mode, you start each inhalation individually – the device heats up, you draw, then it cools down. On-Demand preserves your material between draws.
With an XL stem at 193°C, you get 4-6 powerful draws in Session mode. In On-Demand mode, it's 2-5 draws per load, depending on heat level. Regular stems have about half.
Technically yes, but it doesn't make much sense. The Solo 2's heating chamber is shallower, so herb in XL stems sits too close to the seal where there's no heat. On the Solo 3, the chamber is deeper – XL stems work perfectly.
With 5,000 mAh, you get about 10 sessions per charge. That's comparable to the Storz & Bickel Venty and is top-tier for portables. The battery is replaceable; a spare doubles runtime.
193°C (380°F) is the sweet spot according to users and reviews. Below that, AVB stays only brown; above that, the bottom turns blackish. At 193°C you get maximum flavor, thick clouds, and clean AVB.
Yes, two WPA stems (regular + XL) are included. They fit 14mm bubblers. The display automatically rotates when you flip the device. On-Demand mode is ideal for water pipes.
Empty stems immediately after session while warm. Clean the screen holes with a brush. For deeper cleaning: Soak stems in isopropyl alcohol, then rinse with warm water.
Somewhat. At 210g and 11.5cm height, it's larger than the Solo 2. It fits in loose pockets, not tight ones. For on-the-go, a bag or jacket is better. The larger size was necessary for the deeper chamber and bigger battery.
Yes, passthrough charging is supported. You can plug the Solo 3 into USB-C and use it simultaneously. This doesn't preserve battery life, but it works.
80% of the heating is convection (hot air while drawing), 20% is conduction (contact with the warm glass). Conduction keeps the glass preheated, convection extracts while drawing. This is the ideal balance.
Regular stems hold about 0.1g, XL stems about 0.2g. The XL variant has double capacity and delivers proportionally more vapor and effects per session.
The Storz & Bickel Crafty+ is a portable vaporizer with hybrid heating, made in Germany. It reaches 210 °C in about 60 seconds and delivers dense, flavourful vapour. Dosing capsules keep the chamber clean, WPA and app control included. Prices in the Crafty+ price comparison.
The Crafty+ uses the same heater as the larger Mighty+. The chamber holds roughly 0.25 g and is heated via convection plus conduction. The result is even vapour without stirring or shaking. Medically certified in Germany.
Dosing capsules for clean sessions
Stainless steel capsules are pre-filled and keep the chamber nearly residue-free. On the go you just swap the capsule – no refilling needed. An 8-capsule magazine is available as an accessory.
Comparison: Crafty+ vs. Veazy
Crafty+
Veazy
Type
Portable
Portable
Heating
Hybrid (Conv. + Cond.)
Hybrid (Conv. + Cond.)
Temperature
210 °C
210 °C
Heat-up time
60s
40s
Battery
N/A (AC)
N/A (AC)
Price from
189€
179€
The Crafty+ by Storz & Bickel starts at 189€ and heats up in 60 seconds. The Veazy by Veazy starts at 179€ with a 40-second heat-up time. Both devices use Hybrid (Conv. + Cond.) and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Crafty+ suits users who prefer a portable device and appreciate a heat-up time of just 60 seconds. The Volcano Hybrid is the right pick for those who want a desktop unit and are comfortable with a 40-second heat-up time. Both devices come from Storz & Bickel and deliver excellent vapor quality.
The Crafty+ by Storz & Bickel starts at 189€ and heats up in 60 seconds. The PAX Flow by PAX starts at 190€ with a 35-second heat-up time. Both devices use Hybrid (Conv. + Cond.) and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Crafty+ by Storz & Bickel starts at 189€ and heats up in 60 seconds. The Solo 3 V2 by Arizer starts at 203€ with a 15-second heat-up time. Both devices use Hybrid (Conv. + Cond.) and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Crafty+ suits users who prefer a portable device and appreciate a heat-up time of just 60 seconds. The Volcano Classic is the right pick for those who want a desktop unit and are comfortable with a 300-second heat-up time. Both devices come from Storz & Bickel and deliver excellent vapor quality.
The Crafty+ suits users who prefer a portable device and appreciate a heat-up time of just 60 seconds. The Plenty is the right pick for those who want a desktop unit and are comfortable with a 270-second heat-up time. Both devices come from Storz & Bickel and deliver excellent vapor quality.
The Crafty+ by Storz & Bickel starts at 189€ and heats up in 60 seconds. The IQ3 by DaVinci starts at 182€ with a 30-second heat-up time. Both devices use different heating methods and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Crafty+ by Storz & Bickel starts at 189€ and heats up in 60 seconds. The HyperDyn by DynaVap starts at 183€ with a 8-second heat-up time. Both devices use different heating methods and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Crafty+ by Storz & Bickel starts at 173€ and heats up in 60 seconds. The New Proxy by Puffco starts at 180€ with a 30-second heat-up time. Both devices use different heating methods and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Crafty+ suits users who prefer a portable device and appreciate a heat-up time of just 60 seconds. The Mighty is the right pick for those who want a portable device and are comfortable with a 90-second heat-up time. Both devices come from Storz & Bickel and deliver excellent vapor quality.
The Crafty+ by Storz & Bickel starts at 173€ and heats up in 60 seconds. The Zeus Arc GT4 by Zeus starts at 180€ with a 35-second heat-up time. Both devices use different heating methods and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Crafty+ suits users who prefer a portable device and appreciate a heat-up time of just 60 seconds. The Volcano Medic 2 is the right pick for those who want a desktop unit and are comfortable with a 40-second heat-up time. Both devices come from Storz & Bickel and deliver excellent vapor quality.
The Crafty+ by Storz & Bickel starts at 173€ and heats up in 60 seconds. The Puffco New Peak by Puffco starts at 180€ with a 10-second heat-up time. Both devices use different heating methods and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Crafty+ by Storz & Bickel starts at 173€ and heats up in 60 seconds. The Aeris Ultra by Fenix starts at 159€ with a 25-second heat-up time. Both devices use different heating methods and suit demanding users in this price range.
The Crafty+ by Storz & Bickel starts at 173€ and heats up in 60 seconds. The Legacy Pro 2 by AirVape starts at 168€ with a 15-second heat-up time. Both devices use Hybrid (Conv. + Cond.) and suit demanding users in this price range.
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