Review: DaVinci IQ2 Vaporizer 2022
When it comes to vaporizing your dry herb, the possibilities seem endless. There are vapes for the budget seeker, compact and portable options, and those that cost a pretty penny.
I’ve never had a problem spending money on a quality product – whether its quality makes my life easier or it’s just a well built, durable product. My first vape was the Pax 3 Complete Kit and while it has served me well, I have often wondered about other options.
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When the opportunity arose to try the new DaVinci IQ2 Carbon Fiber, I was thrilled. As with the Pax 3, its design allows it to be used with both flowers and concentrates, and it came with some nifty accessories including a hydro tube, dosing grinder, dosing pad holder, stainless steel dosing pads, engraved keychain with tools, and an 1850 battery .
First impressions
Since 2022 is DaVinci’s 10th anniversary, the brand has released this limited edition IQ2 Carbon model to commemorate it. The brand praises it as “a tribute to those who demand higher performance”.
It features a true 3K carbon fiber shell that disperses heat while embodying sophistication. Only 1,000 Collector’s Editions will be made, so you’re getting a real status piece with this device packaged in a Collector’s Edition charging and storage case.
I have to say the presentation of the IQ2 Carbon was sleek. It felt like unboxing the latest Apple device when it arrived. Everything about the packaging was high quality inside and out, and there’s a handy place for each of the included accessories.
The professionals
- Precision dosing capsules
- Adjustable airflow
- Excellent build quality
- Loading time vs. usage time
As a medical consumer, I really appreciate the convenience of the included dosage capsules. I could grind my buds up for the day and fill each capsule with enough flower for multiple sessions. The oven holds 0.5g which is too much for a single session for me, but the 0.2g dosing pods were much better.
However, if you have mobility issues with your hands, filling and inserting the capsules can be more of a hassle than it’s worth. There is also a “pearl” in the oven that needs adjustment to properly hold the capsules.
The IQ2 features an airtight glass and zirconia ceramic airpath for smooth inhalation, as well as five adjustable airflow levels to get just the right clouds for your session. Even with the airflow on the maximum setting, my vapor was still full of flavor. Right off the bat it was even smoother than my Pax.
However you prefer your flower, the DaVinci can do it. (Courtesy of DaVinci)
Everything about the IQ2 Carbon screams quality. The device itself is rugged yet lightweight and portable (5.6 oz/159 g) and feels solid in the hand.
The carbon fiber itself is niiiiice, and the storage box is slim enough that I don’t mind storing it (stowed safely). The connoisseur accessories collection makes sessions even more enjoyable.
The other nice thing about the DaVinci IQ was how much usage time I got for loading time. My Pax takes about three hours to charge and I get about 90 minutes of use.
It takes about an hour to charge the DaVinci, but that gives you up to an hour of use. Not bad. It also uses USB-C charging, and if you’re like me you’ve probably already kicked around a few of those cables (it comes with a 6ft cable in case you don’t).
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The disadvantages
- Slow heating time
- Cleaning the hydro hose is child’s play
- No remote app available
- Costs
I have to admit I’m spoiled with my Pax’s 22 second heat up time. Waiting nearly three times as long for the DaVinci to heat up felt like torture. It might seem small on the whole, but if you prefer near-instant Sesh startups, you’ll need to pack a little more patience.
While the hydro tube made an already smooth vape experience even smoother (seriously, it’s ridiculous how smooth it was), figuring out how to clean it was a nightmare.
The DaVinci website wasn’t very clear, nor does it provide instructions. Even searching the internet for an hour couldn’t fully clear things up.
The company advertises its iOS/Android app to achieve custom temperature settings, but it’s currently unavailable due to regulations in Canada. Navigating the built-in temperature control settings works well, but setting up the custom presets was so painful that I didn’t bother to finish it.
The DaVinci IQ2 Carbon Fiber doesn’t come cheap – check out the $499 price tag. But this is no entry-level vaporizer. While I initially had sticker shock, the quality, performance, and accessories more than justify the cost.
Tips for using the DaVinci IQ2 Vaporizer
I have found that the best way to clean the hydro tube is to dump out as much of the old water as possible and then fill it with rubbing alcohol. Shake and leave overnight.
Blow out as much alcohol as possible. If you want to save it, you can leave it as is. If you plan to have a session right away, fill it with fresh water and empty it as much as possible a few times to make sure all the alcohol is removed.
Like any vaporizer, the DaVinci IQ2 Carbon needs regular cleaning to get the best experience. I found it easier to do this right after a session than to wait until the next.
Final Verdict
I wouldn’t say that for the average consumer it’s necessarily worth spending the big bucks on the limited edition carbon fiber anniversary model, but if you’re going to flaunt your vape as a status symbol, then go for it.
If you are looking for an excellent portable vaporizer that can easily handle both bud and concentrates, the DaVinci IQ2 is a solid choice – despite its high price. The build quality, 10-year warranty, and ease of use make it worth the investment.
Editor’s Note: This review is the experience of freelance writer Caitlin McCormack. She received this product free of charge to inform her coverage and has no share of any resulting sales or incentives from DaVinci.
Caitlin McCormack
Caitlin McCormack is a Toronto-based author. Her work has appeared on MSN, Lift & Co., HuffPost, What to Expect and Mashable, among others. When she’s not writing, she’s busy chasing after her two sons, trying out new recipes, and working on her century-old fixer-upper.
Check out Caitlin McCormack’s articles
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