Guide · Setup, ball materials and heater choice
Tempest 2 Guide: Setup, Ball Materials & Heater Choice
The Tempest 2 is a portable ball vape: it heats a bed of loose balls rather than a chamber wall, and the heat for that comes from outside the device. This guide works through what is in the box, the heat source, the ball materials, a repeatable basic setting and cleaning — using the numbers from the manufacturer’s manual rather than rules of thumb.
What is in the box — and what is not
When checking what’s in the box, also verify the cap variant: The manual lists zirconia as the default for the titanium cap and quartz for the stainless steel cap. The ball fill contains approximately 40 balls with a 3 mm diameter. MAD Heaters also lists a cooling unit, four replacement O-rings (three 6×1, one 8×1), two bowl screens and two ball screens, a tube for setting the bowl screen, a screen tool, and a 2 mm bit for the screwdriver. The exact contents depend on the chosen offer.
The heat source is not included. This is where most setups end up costing more than the device price suggests. The manufacturer names the Ispire Wand and the YLL 3.0 as compatible induction heaters; a torch will heat the balls as well.
The device measures 122 × 18.5 mm and weighs 46 g with the aluminum heat shield, or 43 g with wood. Stem and bowl sit on an 8 mm connection that the manufacturer describes as compatible with various DynaVap accessories — which is why an existing cooling unit can often be reused.
A basic setup in three steps
- Prepare.
Clean the device before first use following the manufacturer’s instructions. Wooden sleeves are excluded from the alcohol-cleaning procedure described there.
- Fill.
Unscrew the cap, fill the bowl, tamp only lightly if at all, and keep the threads clean. Carefully close the cap fully.
- Set your heat source.
Use the manufacturer’s instructions for your combination. The cap stays hot for several minutes after heating; have the intended rest ready.
Wand, YLL 3.0 or a torch?
| Heat source | Documented starting point | Your decision |
|---|---|---|
| YLL 3.0 | For zirconia with the titanium cap, MAD Heaters specifies 80 W and 35–40 seconds on the YLL 3.0; with the stainless steel cap, 46–50 seconds. These values apply starting from room temperature. | Worth considering if you want to set power and time separately. |
| Ispire Wand | The temperature display acts as a timer in this application; check the adapter version. | If you already own a compatible Wand, check this setup first. |
| Torch | The manufacturer lists dual-, triple- or medium-sized single-flame torches. Do not heat the indicators directly. | For those who prefer a manual heat source and want to learn its handling. |
On the Wand, the temperature display acts as a timer and does not show a measured temperature in the bowl. For zirconia, the manual specifies 280 °C with the V3 adapter and the titanium cap, and 340 °C with the stainless steel cap; heating runs until timeout, starting from room temperature. Adapter version, ball material, and cap type therefore all belong together when dialing in settings.
The practical difference between the two induction heaters is which quantity you actually set. The YLL 3.0 works in watts and seconds, the Wand through a temperature display that acts as a timer in this application. Switching ball materials on the YLL means changing the power and reading off the matching time; on the Wand, the appropriate display step shifts instead. The manufacturer states one limitation explicitly: the opening on some Wand units is too narrow for the Tempest 2 and should measure at least 14.0 mm.
A torch needs no electronics but more practice, because distance and duration are judged by hand. As a backup while traveling it stays useful, for the simple reason that it does not run out of battery.
Which balls fit your cap?
The current manual lists five ball materials: stainless steel, zirconia, ruby, silicon carbide, and quartz. Borosilicate is not on this list. The approximate fill weights are 4.6 g, 3.5 g, 2.2 g, 1.8 g, and 1.3 g. The default fill depends on the cap: zirconia for titanium, quartz for stainless steel. A higher fill weight retains heat longer; the appropriate heat-up time also depends on the cap and the heating device.
Ball materials for Tempest 2 and Tempest 2 Slim
The manual lists five ball materials for approx. 40 balls of 3 mm. Borosilicate is not included. Fill weights are approximate values.
Stainless Steel
Zirconia
Ruby
Silicon Carbide (SiC)
Quartz Glass
Source: MAD Heaters – Tempest 2 and Tempest 2 Slim manual
Manufacturer settings by heating cap material
Settings apply from room temperature. With a warm heating cap, reduce the YLL-3.0 timer by 8–12 seconds and maintain the wattage. Wand values control the timer, not the actual temperature. They apply with the V3 adapter until timeout.
| Material | YLL 3.0 60 W | YLL 3.0 80 W | YLL 3.0 100 W | Wand timer setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | 49–54 s | 38–43 s | 29–32 s | 320 °C / 610 °F |
| Zirconia | 45–50 s | 35–40 s | 27–30 s | 280 °C / 525 °F |
| Ruby | 45–50 s | 35–40 s | 27–30 s | 280 °C / 525 °F |
| Silicon Carbide | 40–45 s | 31–36 s | 24–27 s | 260 °C / 490 °F |
| Quartz Glass | 39–43 s | 30–35 s | 23–26 s | 250 °C / 480 °F |
| Material | YLL 3.0 60 W | YLL 3.0 80 W | YLL 3.0 100 W | Wand timer setting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | ≤ 60 s | 50–55 s | 38–42 s | 360 °C / 680 °F |
| Zirconia | 55–60 s | 46–50 s | 35–38 s | 340 °C / 645 °F |
| Ruby | 55–60 s | 46–50 s | 35–38 s | 340 °C / 645 °F |
| Silicon Carbide | 52–57 s | 40–45 s | 31–34 s | 320 °C / 610 °F |
| Quartz Glass | 50–54 s | 39–43 s | 29–32 s | 310 °C / 590 °F |
The two expandable tables use the manufacturer’s values, separated by cap type. With stainless steel balls and the titanium cap, the manual specifies 49–54 seconds at 60 W and 29–32 seconds at 100 W. With the stainless steel cap, it’s a maximum of 60 seconds at 60 W and 38–42 seconds at 100 W. All values apply starting from room temperature. On the YLL 3.0, with a warm cap, the timer is reduced by 8–12 seconds at the same wattage.
Start by getting familiar with the included fill and use the table for your cap and ball material. The manufacturer’s values refer to different materials, not zirconia across the board. Switching only makes sense once you know what’s missing from your current results. The ball vape head material comparison covers the general background; for specific Tempest settings, refer to the manufacturer’s table for your cap.
Finding a setting you can repeat
Record the heater, ball material, adapter version and starting setting. Then change only one parameter. This lets you return to your last usable result instead of starting every session with a new combination.
- Uneven result: First check the load, clear airflow and the documented adapter position.
- Different results from before: Compare the device’s starting temperature, battery charge and your settings.
- Unsure about assembly: Stop and consult the illustrated manual before forcing parts into place.
Draw technique, load and water filtration
In a ball vape the air passes through the hot bed of balls first and reaches the material second. That makes draw technique more consequential than on a device with a heated chamber, because a fast draw cools the balls and the air arriving behind it carries less heat. A steady, unhurried draw usually finds the spot better than a forceful one.
The manual asks for the bowl to be tamped lightly at most. The airway has to stay clear — packing it tight slows the draw and means only the top of the load ever sees much heat. If the vapor is warmer than you like, the cooling unit is the part that addresses it, and for use on a water pipe the manufacturer states WPA compatibility in 10, 14 and 18 mm; the adapter then belongs in your setup budget.
Cleaning and maintenance
For deep cleaning MAD Heaters gives a specific procedure: soak the fully assembled device, excluding the wooden sleeve, in 99% isopropyl alcohol for at least 30 minutes, recommended after roughly every 100 bowls. The wooden sleeve stays out because alcohol attacks it.
Between those, emptying the bowl after a session and keeping the screen clear is enough. The O-rings are FKM wear parts, which is why four spares are included. If the head starts to feel stiff, residue in the thread is the usual cause rather than a failed ring.
Do you need different balls or more accessories?
For a first setup, we would get to know the equipment already fitted. A different ball material is not a prerequisite for finding out whether you like the handling. Buy an upgrade for a specific purpose and check the size and specifications for your head.
When comparing prices, count the complete package: device, required heat source, any adapter and a suitable rest. Do not directly compare a standalone device with a bundle containing several of these parts — the Tempest 2 bundle is hard to weigh against a bare device price for exactly that reason.
Tempest 2 price history
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a new induction heater?
First check your existing combination against the manual and product page. MAD Heaters notes that the opening on some Wand units may be too narrow for the Tempest 2 and should measure at least 14.0 mm. A blanket compatibility promise would therefore be incorrect.
Does the displayed temperature measure the bowl?
For the Wand used with Tempest, MAD Heaters describes the setting as a timer. The number does not directly measure your material’s temperature.
Which balls should I buy first?
You don’t need additional balls to get started. Get familiar with the included fill: The manual lists zirconia as the default for the titanium cap and quartz for the stainless steel cap. Use the appropriate values for your cap, ball material, and heating device. Switching later can specifically change heat retention or heat-up time; no general flavor ranking follows from this.
Does the Tempest 2 work without an induction heater?
Yes. The manufacturer lists dual-, triple- or medium-sized single-flame torches as a heat source and notes that the indicators should not be heated directly. An induction heater makes results more repeatable because power and time are displayed; it is not required.
How often does it need cleaning?
MAD Heaters recommends deep cleaning after roughly 100 bowls: soak the assembled device without the wooden sleeve in 99% isopropyl alcohol for at least 30 minutes. Between those, emptying the bowl and keeping the screen clear is enough.
Does the Tempest 2 fit a water pipe?
The manufacturer states compatibility with water pipe adapters in 10, 14 and 18 mm. The adapter itself is not part of the package, so it belongs in the budget if you plan to run the device on a bong.
Sources and further help
- MAD Heaters: Tempest 2 manual — setup, settings, ball materials and cleaning
- MAD Heaters: Tempest 2 — package contents, dimensions and compatibility note
Compare: Ispire Wand and YLL 3.0. How ball vapes work in general is covered in the ball vape buying guide. Shop links may be affiliate links.