It’s time that two of the big guns in dry herb vaporizers went head to head. In one corner we have the new comer; the Crafty Vaporizer, one of the first portables vapes from German makers – Storz & Bickel. In the opposing corner a redesign of a classic; the Firefly 2- a sleek new addition to the Firefly family with all the latest mod cons.
Technical head to head
Ok so let’s start with the basis and the technical aspects of each mod. The devices do share certain basic similarities such as the ability to vape both dried and concentrated herbs and they both come with 6 pre-set temperature settings. Each mod has its own app which can be downloaded on to Apple or Android devices and this app will let you alter the pre-set temperatures to your own style.
Both the Crafty Vaporizer and the Firefly 2 Vaporizer are charged using USB chargers, but the Firefly 2 can be charged externally by removing the batteries too. The Crafty Vaporizer however, has the added benefit of being able to be used whilst on charge, as long as the battery has at least 20% charge.
Both the Crafty vape and the Firefly 2 Vaporizer are similar in their basic specs but the two obvious pros for the Firefly include the much faster initial heating time, 5 seconds compared to the 2 minute heating time of the Crafty, plus it has almost double the battery life, lasting up to two hours compared to the one hour battery life of the Crafty vape. The longer battery life makes the Firefly more attractive to users who want to take their mod out and about and enjoy it outside or at parties.
The Crafty Vaporizer however does benefit from a larger storage capacity meaning you will need to refresh the herbs less frequently. The added benefit of being able to vape with the Crafty whilst it is charging also means there is less waiting around when you want to use the mod.
Both mods are similar in size and weight as well as both being suitable to use with dry herbs and concentrated. Similar temperature settings with the ability to alter these with a smartphone app (an important feature as you vaping concentrate requires much higher temperatures compared to vaping with dry herbs) are the end of the similarities however, with each mod using a different heating system they do produce different vaping experiences.
The vaping experience
The most important thing to compare is the overall vaping experience of both of these mods. The Crafty vape comes with a pre-charge lithium battery and can be used straight out of the box. It comes with a filling aid and Storz & Bickel grinder for your herbs; this allows you to fill your vaporizer without spillages. The Crafty vape has a built-in cooling system built in too the mouthpiece which forces the vapour to travel for longer before hitting your lungs. This results in a cooling, smooth vaping experience.
The dynamic convection technology of the Firefly 2 only heats your dry herbs when you are inhaling meaning that you can enjoy the intense flavour and active properties of the herbs as soon as they are released. The original Firefly was renowned for its clear vape and this successor is no different. The Firefly produces a smooth and tasteful vape which does not diminish over the time you are vaping. The producers of the Firefly family boast that the Firefly 2 offers the purest and clearest vapes on the market.
Handling the mods
The convection heating design of the Firefly 2 ensures that the mod does not get hot to the touch whilst in use. This is a big positive for a portable vaporizer which you will be wanting to carry around in your pocket. The mod’s mouth piece can be removed for easy cleaning, as can the internal filter, and the magnetic lid makes cleaning the mod a breeze.
The Crafty Vaporizer has a bulkier design which may appear to get dirtier on the outside of the mod than the Firefly and the mouth piece is renowned for getting particularly grimy, so it is advised to by a case for it. The mod itself disassembles easily enough however and comes with the tools you need to clean it.
The looks
If you prefer your mod to look machine-like and masculine, then the Crafty Vaporizer is the dry herb vaporizer for you. The Design of the Firefly 2 Vaporizer is much sleeker and more modern with smooth lines and scientific grade glass giving the Firefly 2 an effortlessly cool retro vibe. The Crafty Vaporizer on the other hand, looks like it has been ripped directly from the engine of a muscle car with hand crafted edges made from top quality materials, all designed to fit in your pocket.
Both the Firefly 2 Vaporizer and the Crafty vape each have their own benefits and drawbacks, but which one is the best dry herb vaporizer really depends on how you prefer to use your device. However, it is worth noting that the Crafty sales for around £195, while the £230 price tag on the Firefly 2 Vaporizer may be the difference which makes your mind up.
