Arizer Solo vs Arizer Solo 2: Sibling Rivalry Showdown
The Arizer Solo is one of the most beloved vapourizers of all time. The amount of people who have relied on it as their first and sometimes the only vapourizer is likely higher than any other unit on the market, and its popularity continues over 6 years after it was first released. There are plenty of units out there that are higher powered with newer features, but few have ever challenged it on overall popularity.
Things are about to get interesting though, because Arizer has just introduced the Solos younger brother to the market, the Arizer Solo 2 vaporizer. The Solo 2 has a lot to live up to, and it will have to be pretty impressive to steal the spotlight from the OG Solo. I expect to have a hard time deciding the winner in this showdown between Arizer Solo vs Arizer Solo 2. This is sibling rivalry at its finest, and today were going to find out which is the better Arizer vape…
Arizer Solo vs Arizer Solo 2
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Manufacturing QualityThis is another area where the original Solo’s really shine. They are built like tanks and are comparable to the Mighty vaporizer but cheaper. While the glass stems are easy to break if you drop it or arent careful, they can easily be replaced for cheap. The actual base of the unit is seemingly invincible. I know a lot of people with Solos, and Im pretty sure theyre all still on their first one. Most of them have had them for 3+ years, which is a long time as far as portable vapourizers are concerned. The Solo 2 hasnt been out long enough to comment on its long term durability, but a visual inspection suggests its made with the same overall quality standards. Like I mentioned above, the new one looks a lot like the original, but Arizer did make some very nice upgrades. The digital screen and precise temperature control are obvious improvements, and the battery was upgraded as well. Once again, theyre both extremely well-built, but the Arizer 2 wins thanks to the upgrades. |
Ease of UseThe original Solo only has two buttons and is pretty simple to use. Using it is as easy as holding both buttons to turn on, then adjusting the temperature level up or down using the buttons individually. You have to set your temperature every time you turn it on, but that only takes a second or two. Thats basically all there is to it. The Solo 2 is also very easy to use. There are more settings to navigate, but the digital screen makes doing so straightforward. Users that are looking for an even easier option tend to prefer devices like the Utillian 722 Vapourizer that has a single button operation. Neither one of these units is hard to use by any stretch of the imagination, but the visual feedback of the Solo 2 gives it the edge. |
PortabilityHeres an area where the Solo is outshined by competitors like the Zeus Arc Vaporizer. While it is a fantastic device, its not the most portable unit in the world. Its relatively bulky and would be awkward to carry in your pocket. You really cant carry it with the glass stem attached, which means you either have to pack it right before you use it or get stem caps which are sold separately. These problems are alleviated by a carrying case, but that still puts it behind a lot of smaller portables. The Solo 2 is smaller, and definitely wins in this category. Its no where near as bulky, and it comes with a shorter stem option in the box. With that being said, its still not going to be the most convenient option as far as vapourizers go. Arizer does include a hip belt carrying case with the Solo 2, but this doesnt seem like something people will actually use. |
Battery LifeThis is an easy category to compare. They both have built in batteries, but the Solo 2s battery is bigger. You can expect to get up to 2 hours of continuous use out of the OG Solo, while the Solo 2 will deliver up to 3 hours. Even the top tier rivals like the Davinci IQC do not come anywhere close to the battery life both these units offer which makes them highly desirable vapourizer by both the beginners and seasoned vets. Even if a few quality-of-life accessories such as the Arizer Solo charging dock are only compatible with the original Solo, the Solo 2 wins this one, and the upgrade is especially nice considering the fact that the overall unit is significantly smaller. |
DiscreetnessDue to its size, the original Solo was never considered a very discreet unit. When people try to keep using it hidden while in public, theyve typically had to do something clever to cover the outside. The most famous is putting the Solo in a cup and sucking on the stem like it is a straw. The Solo 2 isnt very discreet either. Its slightly smaller and comes with a smaller stem option, but its still obviously not designed with discretion in mind. The screen may also attract a bit of attention, even though it can be dimmed. This ones a toss up. If you really need a discreet portable and this is the most important feature of your future vapourizer something similar to the Davinci Miqro, you probably dont want either of these. If we had to choose we would give the slight edge to the Solo 2 because it is marginally smaller and comes with a shorter tube. |
Temperature FlexibilityThe Solo comes with 7 temperature settings. These range from 50C to 210C. This range provides enough flexibility that pretty much everyone who uses it is able to find a level that they like. The Solo also makes it very easy to change the temperature while using it, which is what popularized the habit of increasing the temperature as the session goes on. All you have to do is hit the up arrow once to move up a temperature level. The Solo 2 features temperature control down to the exact degree. The range can also increase to 50C to 220C. These two factors make the Solo 2 the obvious winner in this category. Some users that prefer quick hits on the go usually tend to like devices like the Fire 2 Plus with heat time of just 5 seconds, unlike the Solos that has the heat times of 3 minutes for the older brother and 30 seconds for the younger. |
SHOWDOWNThe Solo 2 has outshined its older brother for sure. Its the better vapourizer, and there really isnt much to debate on that front. Arizer made a bunch of great improvements on an already fantastic design, so wed expect the Solo 2 to become a user favourite for years to come. While the original Solo may have been upstaged by the newer version, its still a great unit. If you dont have the money for the new one, the Solo still represents some of the best vapour you can get for the money. Considering its been proven over the better part of a decade, its also an extremely safe bet. You really cant go wrong with either of these. We can fully support buying either. If you have the money, get the Arizer Solo 2. If you dont, get the original Arizer Solo. Youll be happy either way. Broke the glass stem that came with your kit? Fret not because getting a replacement Arizer Solo tube is just a click away! |