MAD Heaters TEMPEST 2

The zirconium oxide balls in the TEMPEST 2 store heat like a desktop device and release it evenly into the air; this is the core of the ball vape principle.

Inside the TEMPEST 2 are zirconium oxide balls (also called Ruby Balls), which act as thermal mass. When heated with a jet flame or induction heater, they store energy and release it evenly into the air flowing through them; pure convection. The result: dense, flavourful vapour that reaches the performance of many desktop ball vapes such as Qaroma or B-Zero.

The advantage over pure flame heating: the balls buffer the heat and prevent hot spots. Even with fast heating, the temperature at the herb remains even.

The TEMPEST 2 is made from Grade-5-Titan with zirconium oxide balls as a heat reservoir. Grade-5-Titan is also used in medical technology and aviation because it does not release pollutants at high temperatures.

The body is light, extremely heat-resistant and biologically inert. At vaporizer temperatures, titanium remains taste-neutral. The chamber has three positions for the screen, allowing the fill quantity to be adjusted: approx. 0,1 g, 0,15 g or 0,2 g. Suitable for micro-dosers and full sessions alike. The total weight of only 46 g makes the TEMPEST 2 one of the lightest ball vape stems; for comparison, the Vestratto Tornado weighs over 60 g. Titanium also feels pleasantly warm and conducts heat more slowly than stainless steel.

The jet flame offers maximum control and costs only 10–20 €, while the induction heater is more reproducible and more convenient for daily users.

The TEMPEST 2 works with any single jet flame, but also with induction heaters such as the YLL 3.0 from MAD Heaters itself. Heat-up time with jet: approx. 15–20 seconds, with IH: approx. 10–15 seconds depending on the mode.

The flame method offers maximum control; the temperature can be controlled intuitively through the distance and angle of the flame. IH mode is more convenient and more reproducible: two modes (session and on-demand) cover different draw techniques. Both methods deliver dense convection draws, as the zirconium oxide balls act as a heat reservoir and release the heat evenly into the air regardless of the source.

The TEMPEST 2 supports two modes via induction heaters such as the YLL 3.0: session (constant power) and on-demand (short energy pulses).

The first mode delivers even, regulated power for session-based vaping; the material is extracted over a longer period at a constant temperature, similar to an electronic session vaporizer.

The second mode works with short energy pulses, which are especially suitable for on-demand draws: heating occurs only while inhaling, which reduces material consumption and enables more intense individual draws. Both modes use the zirconium oxide balls as a heat reservoir; the difference lies in the energy supply, not in the vapour path. The compatible YLL 3.0 supports both modes directly.

The TEMPEST 2 fits directly into 10 mm, 14 mm and 18 mm water filter adapters; without an additional adapter.

This covers the three most common ground joint sizes. Water cooling makes the vapour significantly smoother, which makes a particular difference at higher temperatures (from 210 °C). For the best effect, a small bubbler setup with little dead space is recommended, so the vapour does not cool down too much and the aromas are preserved. The combination of zirconium oxide convection and water filtration produces surprisingly dense, cool draws that, in direct comparison, are reminiscent of desktop ball vapes such as the FlowerPot B2. The integrated WPA connection of the TEMPEST 2 sits firmly and does not wobble.

Both are premium-quality titanium ball vapes; the TEMPEST 2 weighs less and offers three chamber positions, while the Tornado scores with spin airflow.

In terms of flavour, both deliver excellent vapour. The TEMPEST 2 is lighter and more flexible in fill quantity, while the Tornado feels more premium in its build with its spin-airflow design.

To the detailed Vestratto Tornado price comparison

Soak the zirconium oxide balls and the screen in isopropyl alcohol (90 %+) for 15–30 minutes, rinse, air-dry. Clean the titanium body with a pipe cleaner.

Titanium is corrosion-resistant and also tolerates longer soaking without damage. Cleaning interval: after about 10–15 sessions, a deep clean is recommended. With daily use, briefly blowing out the screen after each session is sufficient. The modular construction of the TEMPEST 2 makes maintenance especially simple: all parts can be disassembled without tools, cleaned individually and replaced cheaply when worn. Replacement screens and balls are available directly from MAD Heaters.

The TEMPEST 2 is the flagship from MAD Heaters. In addition, the brand also offers the YLL 3.0 Induction Heater as a battery-powered energy source and 16 colour variants of the TEMPEST 2 (Midnight, Black, Red, Racing Green, Purple, Natural Wood, Dark Wood, Green Wood, Black/Lime Green, Black/Purple, Black/Aqua, Titanium, Black/Aqua Ti, All Black Ti).

Important: all colour variants are technically identical to the base TEMPEST 2 — they differ only in heat shield material (wood, aluminium, titanium) and colour. Anyone looking for a TEMPEST 2 and who values appearance can choose any variant without losing function.

Anyone who wants to buy the entire system including induction heater + accessories in one go will find a preconfigured complete package in the TEMPEST 2 Bundle.

Anyone buying the TEMPEST 2 solo currently pays from around 171 Euro and chooses accessories themselves. Anyone who wants everything from one source should choose the Tempest 2 Bundle from around 284 Euro — included are Reload 3 (filling aid), Tempest Case, YLL 3.0 Induction Heater (without batteries), Ruby/Quartz/SiC ball sets, Cooling Unit, Funnel and a Bowl Screen Tool.

Rule of thumb: anyone who does not yet own an induction heater or complete accessory stack gets better value with the bundle. Anyone who has already built the setup (e.g. with Ispire Wand) and only wants to retrofit the heating head is cheaper with the solo TEMPEST 2.

When buying the individual TEMPEST 2, you typically receive: the titanium body with zirconium oxide balls, a screen set, a mouthpiece with Cooling Unit, a Heat Shield made from aluminium or wood (depending on variant) and a cleaning brush. The jet flame or induction heater are not included — this is standard in the ball vape class and allows existing equipment to be reused.

To get started at no extra cost: a standard Single-Jet-Lighter from a tobacconist is sufficient. For the IH workflow, the YLL 3.0 from the same brand is recommended, as it is directly matched to the TEMPEST 2 body.

MAD Heaters provides a 2-year manufacturer warranty on the TEMPEST 2 — clearly above average for a ball vape without electronics. Warranty handling is carried out through the authorised retailer or directly by email to MAD Heaters. As the device contains no battery and no electronics, warranty cases are rare: most complaints concern incorrectly handled Heat Shields or lost small parts.

Naturally, there is no warranty on spare parts — ball sets, screens and Heat Shields are wear parts and can be reordered individually.

• + Pure convection with desktop vapour quality
• + 46 grams light, completely portable
• + Grade-5-Titan: medically certified, taste-neutral
• + Three chamber positions for micro-dosing through to full session
• + Can be inserted directly onto 10/14/18 mm bongs
• + Works with jet flame or induction heater (flexible)
• + 2-year warranty (above average)
• + Wear parts can be reordered individually
• − Higher learning curve than battery vapes
• − Energy source (jet/IH) not included
• − Manual heating requires a feel for timing
• − Price in the premium segment (171–285 Euro)
• − Heat Shield touches very hot areas during operation — not ideal for every workflow

The TEMPEST 2 is a premium ball vape for experienced enthusiasts who want maximum flavour and vapour quality without electronic overhead. Anyone coming from the conduction camp (e.g. Pax 3 or Davinci IQ3) and wanting to experience a clear quality leap will find in the TEMPEST 2 a tool that is more reminiscent of desktop convection than portable vapes.

Anyone who is a beginner and wants to start vaping immediately without a learning curve is better served by an electronic convection vaporizer such as the Crafty+. Anyone regularly comparing it with the Vestratto Tornado or wanting a complete solution should consider the TEMPEST 2 Bundle.

You can find the current price comparison here — currently from approx. 171 Euro at 22 EU shops.

• MAD Heaters TEMPEST 2 – Official Product Page