Four years ago, I gave up my bong for a dry herb vaporizer after nearly 30 years of cannabis smoking. I’m a singer, and I found that continuing to smoke my favorite herb was affecting my aging voice and leaving me more susceptible to respiratory infections.
I tried several portable dry herb vaporizers, and none have pleased me more than the Aria by XVape.
I live in an unusually humid coastal environment that’s brutal on anything metal or electronic. The first vape I bought was a low-end model that stopped functioning in a few months. The second vaporizer I tried was a higher-end model, but, although I enjoyed a few of its features, I had the same result. The unit died within 10 months.
Then, I invested in the “iPhone” of portable vapes. It comes in stylish colors, has excellent temperature control, and seems to resist my extreme climate. However, I soon became annoyed by the difficulty of packing and maintaining the unit with its narrow chamber. So, my fancy pink vape now sits in its box in a drawer for “emergencies.”
Finally, I stumbled upon the Aria by XVape, and I haven’t looked back. The Aria had everything I wanted in a portable vaporizer at a fraction of the price of my luxury model.
Let’s talk about some of the things I love about the Aria by XVape, along with a few minor drawbacks.
This article contains affiliate links. If you buy your vaporizer or accessories through one of my links, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Aria by XVape: Features
Xvape released the affordable Aria in 2019. The pocket-sized vaporizer is suitable for both dry herb and concentrates. The compact unit weighs in at just 135 grams, making it perfect for vaping on the go.
Basic Features
The Aria works by conduction and features a ceramic heating chamber that’s oval-shaped and easy to clean. The magnetic ceramic mouthpiece adheres snugly to the top and is comfortable to use. The only downside is that the removable rubber cover tends to loosen after a while. However, the Limited Edition Aria vapes come with two rubber covers, and the vape works perfectly well without the cover.
The standard models have an aluminum casing with a comfortable synthetic leather covering. They’re available in black or denim blue. I’ve had mine for a couple of years, and the unit is still in perfect shape despite being thrown in my large bag with art supplies and many other items that I generally need to dig through. The standard unit comes with a charger, cleaning brush, alcohol wipes, and a pad for concentrates.
The Limited Edition Aria vape has a sleek aluminum case available in a range of dazzling finishes. It includes all the same accessories as the original, with the addition of an extra screen and a replacement silicone mouthpiece cover.
You can also buy replacement mouthpiece covers, screens, ceramic mouthpieces, and a water pipe adapter online.
Battery and Charging the Aria
The user-friendly Aria works with a standard micro USB charger. The 2,600 mAh battery requires 2-3 hours to reach a full charge, which lasts around 6 sessions, depending on your consumption rate.
Unfortunately, the battery isn’t removable, so you won’t be able to charge it while you use a second battery. However, since the vaporizer is such a bargain, you can buy more than one. I have two that I alternate.
Plus, I learned the hard way by leaving my only dry herb vape in a hostel. I had to go back to the bong while I waited for my new unit to arrive. And I can tell you that once you’ve vaped exclusively for a while, going back to smoking tastes like kissing an ashtray. Yuck!
Temperature Settings
The Aria’s digital temperature display offers a heating range from 212 to 464° (100- 240°). Precise control is essential because terpenes boil at different temperatures. I usually start around the beginning of the available temperature range and gradually increase the temperature to get the benefits of each individual terpene. You’ll know when your bowl is beat when the vapor begins to taste like burnt popcorn instead of flowers.
If you’re looking for huge vapor clouds, you can turn up the heat. However, keep in mind that flavor will be compromised.
Using the Aria Portable Vaporizer
The Aria has a 3-click on/off button. It takes just 30 seconds to heat up, so you won’t be waiting around like you do with other dry herb vapes in the same price range. The unit vibrates when it reaches your desired temperature.
I find that the vaporizer works best when packed loosely. This allows for more airflow and a better toke. Since the chamber is so easy to load and clean, I don’t mind refilling it often.
I usually compensate for the smaller bowl by adding a light sprinkling of kief to the mix. If you plan to use a lot of kief, I would suggest using the concentrate pad. The screen can get clogged if you add too much kief to the dry-herb chamber.
I don’t use a lot of concentrates, so I can’t give you an accurate opinion on using the Aria for cannabis products like oils, wax, or shatter. Some users suggest buying a second vape pen designed for concentrates if you consume them often.
Conclusion
Xvape’s Aria is one of the best budget vaporizers available. It’s user-friendly, has sufficient battery life, and stands up well in harsh conditions. The Aria fits easily into a pocket or bag, so you can take it everywhere you go. The compact size also makes the vape discreet to use.
The Aria has plenty of features for its price range, and the relatively inexpensive price tag makes the Aria an ideal vape to add to your collection. The Aria is an excellent vape for taking on camping trips or while traveling. If you occasionally leave things behind like I do, you won’t be breaking the bank if you need to replace your portable vape.
Written by Cat Winske
Photo by Cat Winske