Frolic vs. TEMPEST 2: Electric or Butane Under €200?
Two vaporizers under €200 that the community praises equally — yet could not be more different. The Limelight Frolic from Serbia costs around €189, runs on a 5000 mAh battery, and delivers on-demand vapour in 5 seconds. The MAD Heaters TEMPEST 2 from the UK costs roughly €173, is a battery-free ball vaporizer using pure convection and butane power.
At a Glance: The Frolic is an electric hybrid vaporizer with instant on-demand vapour and the largest battery in its class. The TEMPEST 2 is a ball vaporizer with no electronics, delivering desktop-grade convection via a lighter or induction heater. Similar price, fundamentally different philosophy.
Current prices: Frolic from ~€189 and TEMPEST 2 from ~€173.
Limelight Frolic — On-Demand at the Push of a Button
The Frolic comes from the Serbian Limelight workshop and pairs on-demand heating with a hybrid system of conduction and convection. Heat-up takes 5 seconds — press a button, draw, done. No waiting, no pre-heating, no lighter needed.
The 5000 mAh battery is the largest in its class, easily lasting a full day. Charges via USB-C, no external batteries needed. The bowl handles a full session or quick micro-doses. Max temperature of 230 °C covers the vast majority of users.
Limelight is a small workshop with a loyal reputation in community forums (r/vaporents, FC Forum). The Frolic is a precision-crafted tool, not a mass-market product. From ~€189 — Frolic price comparison
MAD Heaters TEMPEST 2 — Desktop Convection in Your Pocket
Inside the TEMPEST 2 sit balls (zirconia, steel, ruby, sapphire, quartz, or SiC) that act as a thermal buffer. Air heats over the balls and flows through the herb — pure convection, zero contact. The result: vapour that rivals desktop ball vapes like the Qaroma or B-Zero.
The body is machined from Grade 5 titanium. The bowl adjusts to three sizes (0.1–0.2 g). The 8 mm stem is DynaVap-compatible — the entire accessory ecosystem fits. Heat-up: 10–20 seconds with a jet lighter; also compatible with induction heaters.
MAD Heaters is a small UK workshop. Like Limelight: community-driven, no marketing machine. From ~€173 — TEMPEST 2 price comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Frolic | TEMPEST 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Limelight (Serbia) | MAD Heaters (UK) |
| Heating | Hybrid (Conduction + Convection) | Pure Convection (Ball Vape) |
| Power Source | Battery 5000 mAh (USB-C) | Butane / Induction Heater |
| Heat-up Time | ~5 seconds | 10–20 seconds |
| Session Type | On-Demand | Session-capable (3–8 draws) |
| Max Temperature | 230 °C | 290 °C |
| Stem Format | Proprietary | 8 mm (DynaVap-compatible) |
| Weight | ~180 g | ~46 g |
| Ball Materials | No | 6 options (zirconia, steel, ruby…) |
| Adjustable Bowl | No | Yes (3 positions) |
| Current Price (from) | ~€188 | ~€173 |
| Shops | 24 | 24 |
Vapour Quality
The Frolic delivers dense, instant hybrid vapour — consistent and reliable with every draw. The on-demand system extracts material in a few hits, with flavour particularly strong at lower temperatures.
The TEMPEST 2 uses pure convection through a ball matrix, producing more nuanced, cooler vapour across multiple draws. Experimenting with ball materials lets you shape the vapour profile: steel for density, quartz for flavour, ruby for consistency. The higher max temp (290 °C) allows denser extraction than the Frolic’s 230 °C ceiling.
Everyday Use
The Frolic wins on convenience: 5-second heat-up, push-button operation, no lighter. The 5000 mAh battery lasts a full day. The trade-off: at ~180 g, it is nearly four times heavier than the TEMPEST 2 (46 g) and eventually needs a power outlet.
The TEMPEST 2 is lighter, needs no electricity, and fits in any pocket. But it requires a lighter, takes longer to heat, and demands technique. Its advantage: it works anywhere — no battery, no cable, no power outlet.
Which One Is Right for You?
| Frolic | TEMPEST 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | ✓ 5 sec on-demand ✓ 5000 mAh (all-day) ✓ Push-button operation ✓ No lighter needed ✓ Consistent quality |
✓ Pure convection (ball vape) ✓ 6 ball materials to choose ✓ Adjustable bowl (3 sizes) ✓ DynaVap-compatible (8 mm) ✓ No battery needed (46 g) |
| Weaknesses | ✗ Heavier (~180 g) ✗ Needs a power outlet ✗ Max 230 °C ✗ Proprietary accessories |
✗ Lighter required ✗ Longer heat-up ✗ Learning curve ✗ Similar price but different |
| Shops | 24 | 24 |
Pick the Frolic if: You want instant on-demand vapour with a single button press, prefer not to carry a lighter, and need a vaporizer that lasts all day. The Frolic is the more convenient choice of the two.
Pick the TEMPEST 2 if: You want desktop-grade convection in a pocket device, enjoy experimenting with ball materials, and value independence from power outlets. The TEMPEST 2 rewards technique with more control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which produces better vapour?
Depends on what you value. The Frolic delivers instant, dense hybrid vapour — consistent and reliable. The TEMPEST 2 offers pure convection with more nuance and control through ball selection. For flavour depth, the TEMPEST 2 edges ahead. For convenience and consistency, the Frolic.
Which is better for travel?
Context matters. The Frolic is more convenient (button press, no lighter). The TEMPEST 2 is lighter (46 g vs. 180 g) and needs no electricity. For short trips without outlets: TEMPEST 2. For everyday use with USB-C access: Frolic.
Are both suitable for beginners?
The Frolic more so. Press a button, inhale — no learning curve. The TEMPEST 2 requires practice with heating time and airflow. Both are premium devices, but the Frolic is more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Can I use the TEMPEST 2 without a lighter?
Yes, with an induction heater. The iSpire Wand, YLL 3.0, or Portside Mini replace the lighter entirely — at an extra cost of €40–€80.
Conclusion
The Frolic and TEMPEST 2 cost nearly the same, but they solve the same problem in opposite ways. The Frolic uses electronics for convenience and consistency. The TEMPEST 2 uses physics and craftsmanship for control and independence. Both rank among the best portables in their respective categories.
Compare prices: Frolic from ~€189 | TEMPEST 2 from ~€173
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