Vaphit HX

The Vaphit HX is heated with a jet-flame lighter. The flame hits a stainless steel heat exchanger, which transfers the energy to the air flowing through it. This creates pure convection with no battery, circuit board or display. The temperature can be controlled via the distance of the flame and the heating time. After eight to twelve seconds of heat-up time, the session begins. Once you have the technique down, you can achieve consistent results without any electronics.

The entire vapor path runs through borosilicate glass. No plastic, no silicone in the air path. Glass is flavor-neutral and easy to clean — a short soak in isopropyl alcohol removes all residue. The mouthpiece can be removed and cleaned separately. Because the path is short, the vapor hardly cools down, which delivers intense flavor at lower temperatures.

The Vaphit HX fits 14-mm joints via a glass adapter. Combined with a water pipe, the vapor is cooled and humidified further. This makes a noticeable difference to throat feel, especially at higher temperatures. The adapter sits firmly and can be changed without tools.

With no electronics, the Vaphit HX also withstands thorough cleaning with alcohol. The glass chamber can be soaked overnight in isopropyl alcohol. The stainless steel heat exchanger should be brushed out dry. There are no wear parts — as long as the glass remains intact, the device will work for years. Even so, it is worth keeping spare glass on hand in case the original is ever dropped.

The Vaphit HX needs no battery and no power socket. A torch lighter is enough. This makes it independent of charge cycles and infrastructure -- ready to use on a hike just as much as at home.

Compared with electronic portable vapes such as the Mighty or Crafty, there is no worry about battery degradation. No lithium-ion battery that starts to weaken after 2-3 years. The HX works for as long as you refill it with gas.

With the HX, the flame is not held directly against the material. Instead, it heats a heat exchanger, which warms the air. This hot air flows through the herb -- pure convection. The temperature can be controlled via the flame distance and heating time.

A single jet gives the most precise control. Heat for less time for flavor (approx. 170-180 degrees Celsius), longer for denser clouds (200-220 degrees Celsius). After 2-3 sessions, you will have the technique down.

Do not grind the HX too finely -- medium-coarse is ideal so the air can flow through well. Fill the chamber loosely, do not pack it down. Tap it out briefly after each session.

For water pipe use, use a 14-mm adapter. The vapor becomes noticeably cooler and smoother. If you use the HX daily: a set of isopropyl alcohol wipes is enough for weekly cleaning.