The Arizer Solo 3 v2 dry herb vaporizer takes everything great about the original Solo 3 v2 and makes some notable changes, and keeps the very best things about the original. It’s the most expensive Arizer portable vaporizer, but given that it hits like vapes that are even $100 more, it’s still a good value. If you ever wanted a bigger session from an Arizer vape, or just want one of the strongest hitting portables in the vaporizer industry, the Solo 3 is the answer.
Arizer retained the look and design of the incredibly popular Arizer Solo 2, but made it bigger to handle bigger demands. The Solo 3 v2 comes with Original Arizer glass aroma tubes, and the new XL glass aroma tubes with double the herb capacity. Paired with a stronger hybrid heating system, the XL stems pack a huge punch that’s hard to match. Or use the Original stems and have a bright and tasty session like on other Arizer vapes, but in half the time.
The Solo 3 is too big for around town. It’s technically a portable vaporizer, but it really excels around the house, where I can take desktop-sized rips without being chained to the desk. If you want a little more freedom to move around the house or yard with your vapor, this Arizer Solo 3 review is for you!
If you just got yours and want to dive in, check out our Quickstart Guide for the Arizer Solo 3 V2.
Arizer Comparison: Solo 2 vs Solo 3 vs Solo 3 V2
| Feature | Solo 2 | Solo 3 | Solo 3 V2 |
| Heat-up time | 30s | 20s | 15s |
| Oven size | Standard | XL option | XL + Improved ramp |
| Heating modes | Session only | Session & On-Demand | Session & On-Demand (upgraded) |
| Controls | Simple | Button combo | Streamlined |
“Solo 3 V2 is a huge improvement. Easier to use and smoother vapor. Worth the upgrade!” — Verified POTV Customer
Still deciding between models? See how it stacks up to its predecessor in our Arizer Solo 3 vs Solo 2 comparison guide.
Arizer Solo 3 v2 Pros & Cons
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
| Rapid heat-up time | Bulky and not pocket-friendly |
| Session & On-Demand modes | Premium price tag |
| Extremely powerful hits | Controls have a steep learning curve |
| Optional XL bowl for bigger loads | Can overcook herbs if technique is off |
| USB-C charging support | Glass stems are fragile |
| Highly customizable settings | |
| Excellent battery life | |
Bottom lineThe Arizer Solo 3 v2 delivers lightning-fast heat-up, intense vapor, and XL sessions—so good, you’ll overlook the size and quirky controls. |
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Strong and tasty vapor
That’s right, I just referred to an Arizer portable vaporizer as strong! While they’ve been flavorful for years, Arizer’s portable vaporizers are usually on the lighter side when it comes to potency. But not the Solo 3 – it brings the muscle, and is a strong contender for Hardest Hitter in the portable dry herb vaporizer space.
The Arizer Solo 3 comes with two different bowl sizes and two different heat styles, and together they offer a lot of versatility. There’s something for everyone here, from light sippers to heavy rippers.
When I want to settle into a slow and tasty session similar to other Arizer portables (like the Arizer Air MAX) , I can use the smaller bowl and turn the heat way down – lower than with other vapes. I found incredibly tasty and effective vapor quality at 300℉ in Session mode.
If I want to have a fast, potent session with thicker vapor, I use the XL bowl and turn the heat up to IV in On-demand mode. Here I can tear through a large bowl in just two long hits. The herbs get dark, and the taste gets roasty on the second hit, and I know it’s done.
Those are the extremes, and you can dial in anything in between. You can even take it far enough for the herbs to combust. The Arizer Solo 3 is that powerful and unbridled. I typically lean towards the lighter and tastier side of vapor quality, but with this vape, I discovered that I liked the roasty stuff, too, thanks to the massive punch that comes with it.
Blazing-fast heat-up time
From a cold start to the end of a session, the Solo 3 dry herb vaporizer is one of the quickest on the market. The hybrid heating chamber reaches temperature in 10 to 20 seconds, depending on your set temperature and battery charge level. That’s crazy fast, and combined with a strong heater and extra-large bowls, it can really chew through your dry herbs in record time. If you want to get in and out of your sessions quickly, the Solo 3 is one of your best options.
On the test bench, the Arizer Solo 3 took 15 seconds to reach 390℉ until the battery was half full. From there it slowed down as the battery level dropped, but never took more than 20 seconds, even when set to the highest temp of 428℉. In On-demand mode the Solo 3 reached the highest temperature in 20 seconds.
Strongest Arizer ever
The Solo 3 is easily Arizer’s most powerful portable vape ever. It uses a balance of conduction and convection heat to quickly and thoroughly vape through a full bowl in just a few hits. Heat builds in the bowl, and what might have taken six or seven hits to finish a bowl with the Solo 2 now only takes three or four.
I’ve always wanted a bigger oven with my Arizer vapes, as the bowls are a little on the smaller side. The Solo 3 XL stems have twice the herb capacity of the original stems that come with other Arizer portable vapes. But the Solo 3 still works with all my old Solo and Air stems! Arizer increased the depth of the oven in the Solo 3, but kept the diameter consistent with older Arizer vapes. The Solo 3 comes with standard-sized bowls and the new XL-sized bowls in the box.
Regular and jumbo bowl sizes cook differently
The Solo 3 comes with Original and XL sized glass aroma tubes for radically different sessions. XL bowls are double the size of the original bowls. You can finally go big with your Arizer vape, but you don’t have to. All of the aroma tubes have a glass screen for an all glass vapor path. In the box are four total bowls:
- 1 Original bowl with long stem
- 1 Original bowl with 14mm water pipe adapter (frosted glass)
- 1 XL bowl with long stem
- 1 XL bowl with 14mm water pipe adapter (frosted glass)
The Original glass aroma tubes are exactly like previous stems, and hold between 0.1 and 0.2 grams of ground dry herbs, depending on how you pack them. These stems insert deeper into the Arizer Solo 3 and completely submerge into the oven for an aggressive cook that finishes off a bowl in half the time of a Solo 2.
Sessions with the XL stem feel like a different vape with incredibly potent vapor and massive clouds. With all that extra heat and double the herbs of the Original bowl (I can easily pack a quarter gram with room to spare), sessions can have a strong taste-bite in the beginning with a punchy, roasty finish. But they’re still fast – most of my sessions were done in six hits over just three minutes.
The XL bowl has one more hole in the bowl screen than the Original bowls for better airflow. It cooks the herbs a little unevenly compared to the Original bowl, but not enough for me to stir. The top of the herbs didn’t scorch until I had sessions over 370℉. After enough hits, the roasty taste told me when to stop, and if I didn’t, I only had myself to blame for the poor vapor quality that followed. This effect was exaggerated by higher temperatures. My favorite single-temperature setting for the Solo 2 is 405℉, but on the Arizer Solo 3 it was 333℉ (because 333 is more fun than 330).
If you like smaller load sizes, use the Original stem. It holds the herbs closer to the oven for a more satisfying cook. If you partially load the big stem the herbs will be further from the heat and won’t cook as fully.
Session & On-demand modes: Two ways to vape!
The Arizer Solo 3 v2 has a Session mode for longer sessions and to finish off a bowl with precise temperature controls, and an On-demand mode for when you just want a quick hit. I did a double-take when I saw it had On-demand, because that doesn’t fit the classic Arizer style, but they figured it out, and it pairs really well with the massive power and all glass vapor path.
Session mode works like a traditional vaporizer, but faster. Turn the vape on, set the temperature to between 122℉ – 428℉, wait for it to reach temperature, and hit it until the vapor fades. The vapor is tasty with thick clouds from the first hit, and the Solo 3 extracts everything in about half the time/hits it takes on a Solo 2. At lower temperatures, say below 350℉, I could take all the hits I wanted until the vapor waned, and the herbs were cooked to an even tan. Once I set the temperature to 370℉ or higher, the later hits would roast the top of the herbs when they were done, warning me to stop.
On-demand mode works a little differently and offers some clues as to what’s going on inside. You still press a button to start heating, wait for it to reach temperature, and hit it until you’re done. But once the Solo 3 v2 reaches one of the pre set temperatures in On-demand mode, it starts an adjustable hit timer (15 seconds long by default) and turns the heat off once time runs out. At this point I could put the vape away until I want another on-demand hit, but there is still so much residual heat inside that I like to hit it until the bowl is done. One or two more long hits will usually finish off the bowl and cool down the heater, but without as much roast as I would get with Session mode.
I recommend you play with both modes and different hit styles to find your sweet spot. My favorite sessions went like this:
- XL glass aroma tube
- On-demand mode
- Third temperature (Roman numeral III)
- 20-second timer.
After three long hits and a single heat cycle, the herbs were cooked to a nice, even tan without any bad taste. That’s the way I like it!
Improved controls
The worst thing about the original Solo 3 is its clunky startup sequence just to begin a session. Before, it required a minimum of five button presses just to get going. You can now disable the lock screen sequence and jump right in with the Solo 3 v2!
The On-Demand mode also got a needed overhaul. Instead of five fixed temp presets, the Solo 3 v2 gives you three customizable settings and the option to dial in exact temps and set your preferred draw length for each one. It’s simpler and more useful. No more double-tapping and guessing.
The custom settings are nice, but buried in the menu. You can change when the Arizer Solo 3 beeps, how loud it beeps, how bright the screen is, the session length, and turn the screen inversion on and off (for when the Solo III is turned upside down). To access this menu, hold down the Right button for a couple of seconds once you’re in one of the heat modes. That’s right, you can’t access this menu until you’ve button-pressed your way into a heat mode.
The best thing about the controls is the screen inversion. When you turn the Solo 3 upside down for use on a bubbler, the screen and buttons invert! It’s automatic and seamless.
Excellent battery life
The Arizer Solo 3 v2 has excellent battery life, and I never worry about it. Your battery life will differ from mine based on the settings you use and how you hit it, but it’s safe to say it’s always ready to go. Even if the powerful battery is dead, you can have a session with it plugged in, or charge it up to 20% in under five minutes with the included USB-C cable and three-amp plug.
I ran my battery tests at 390℉ in Session mode, like I always do for consistency. At that temperature, I was able to track the following through a single charge:
- 18 full sessions
- 119 hits total
- 1 hour of runtime
- 4.5 grams of dry herb (with the XL bowl)
On-demand battery life is harder to compare. If you only use one heat cycle per bowl, you’ll probably get more bowls than you would in Session mode. But if you use multiple heat cycles, expect to get between ten and fifteen bowls per full charge.
USB-C charging
The Solo 3 v2 charges quickly via USB-C, and you can plug in almost anywhere. Your total charge time will vary based on your power adapter, but the included 3A plug is impressively fast. Here’s what I observed:
- 0% to 10% in 90 seconds
- 50% charge in 30 minutes
- 98% charge in 90 minutes
While it worked with every USB-C charger I tested, it did not work with the Storz & Bickel Supercharger for the Mighty+.
Built strong like a weapon
I would hate to be on the receiving end of a Solo 3 to the head. It’s built like a tank – big, heavy, and made of metal. It feels like a self-defense vape, or an oversized kubaton. The shape is comfortable in the hand (same shape as the Solo 2), but its size makes it impossible to conceal.
Everything about the construction screams great manufacturing quality. From the color display to the metal endplates, this vape feels like it was built to last.
One of the largest portables you can buy
The Arizer Solo 3 v2 is technically a portable vaporizer, but it’s not pocket-friendly. It’s best for around the house, in the yard, or on long trips. Add a glass stem or two in their own travel tubes, and you’ve got a full pocket dedicated to just the Solo 3, and you’ll feel the weight with every step. If I were to go places with it, I’d have a dedicated travel case and use it when I could sit down and work with all the pieces.
Without a stem installed, the Solo 3 v2 measures:
- 2” wide
- 1¼” deep
- 5⅛” tall
Insert the included stem, and it’s a whopping 7½” tall. That’s a big handheld vape! With the stem, the Solo 3 weighs ⅔ of a pound, or 291 grams.
Made for dry herbs: Can the Solo 3 v2 vape concentrates?
The Solo 3 dry herb vaporizer is made for, you guessed it, dry herbs. There are no concentrate pads or accessories for it because no one wants to see their extracts drip down into the heater below, forever messing with the flavor of your vapor. That being said, the Solo 3 has more than enough heat to do the job.
The best way to enjoy concentrates with your Solo 3 is to sandwich a little bit between your herbs. Pack a little bit of herb into the bowl, followed by some concentrate, and then some more herb to top it off. The concentrate will melt into the herbs, not your heater below, and vape for a long time! I recommend you vape this sandwich with the Solo 3 held upside down (like a hamster bottle). That way, if you pack too much, it will run into the glass vapor path (easy to clean) instead of the heater (nightmare to clean).
What’s in the box
- 1 x Solo 3 v2 Vaporizer
- 1 x USB-C Charger (5V, 3A)
- 1 x XL Glass Aroma Tube (90mm)
- 1 x XL Frosted Glass Aroma Tube (14mm water pipe adapter)
- 1 x Original Air/Solo Glass Aroma Tube (90mm)
- 1 x Original Air/Solo Frosted Glass Aroma Tube (14mm water pipe adapter)
- 4 x Air/Solo Silicone Stem Caps
- 2 x PVC Travel Tubes w/ Cap (90mm size)
- 2 x PVC Travel Tubes w/ Cap (70mm size)
- 1 x Stainless Steel Stirring Tool
- 4 x Air/Solo Stainless Steel Filter Screens
- 1 x Solo 3 v2 Owner’s Manual
What I didn’t like
I really like the Arizer Solo 3 v2. The vapor is strong and tasty, and the effects are undeniable. But there are a few things I don’t love about it.
I already documented in detail above what I think of the controls. The Solo 3 v2 improved them and it’s now more accessible and not a clunky experience. You’ll still need to crack open the manual, even with these improvements, but it’s not a deal-breaker.
I’d love for the Solo 3 to be smaller. With the stem inserted, it’s the largest portable dry herb vape I own. With my favorite stem, the shorter 3D Flow Aroma Tube, the Solo 3 is about as tall as the Venty vape. I could walk down the street with the Solo 3, but I’d feel a little awkward. I’ll limit it to sessions around the house and yard.
Glass stems break, and when they do, you’re out of business with an Arizer vape. I broke my XL stem this morning and am down to the Original stem for dry hits. Time to order a replacement.
Two-year warranty
Arizer covers any workmanship and defect issues for two years, with a one-year warranty on the battery, and a lifetime warranty on the heating element. Like all of our products, the Solo 3 v2 vaporizer is backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
How to get the best results with the Arizer Solo 3 v2
The Arizer Solo 3 v2 is versatile enough to suit many vaping styles—but the key is finding your sweet spot. Below is my go-to session setup, followed by tips to help you tweak your experience to perfection.
✅ My Favorite Solo 3 v2 Session Setup
Prep:
- Use a medium grind.
- Load the standard bowl (save the XL for later).
- Fill by jabbing the stem into your herb.
- Gently tamp until there’s ~2mm of space from the top of the bowl. (This is crucial—don’t skip it!)
Heat & Hit:
- Insert the stem and turn on the Solo 3 v2.
- Select On-Demand Mode.
- Choose Temperature III (double-press “Left” or “Right” to set).
- Press the Up button to start heating.
- Once ready, take a long, slow draw until the Solo 3 v2 beeps (~15 sec).
💡 Pro tip: If you draw too fast, the vapor will taste weak and the herbs may not cook evenly. A slower, controlled inhale helps the Solo 3 v2 deliver thicker, more flavorful hits—especially in On-Demand mode. - Take a second long draw without reheating—it’s still hot enough.
- Turn off the Solo 3 v2 and empty the bowl.
What to Look For:
Your herbs should come out evenly toasted to a tan color. If there’s still some green left, your draw may have been too short—but that’s okay! You can refine in future sessions.
🔄 Want to Experiment? Try These Tweaks:
- Longer draws = hotter bowl = fuller extraction, but can also scorch. Stop the hit as soon as you taste it change.
-
XL bowl: Delivers more flavor and stronger effects, but may cook unevenly at high temps or with long hits.
- Don’t like stirring? Try lowering the temp or shortening the draw.
- Overcooking herbs in Session Mode? Switch to On-Demand Mode to avoid overheating between hits.
- Always keep herbs below the glass rim. If they touch the oven, the session can taste burnt fast.
- Migrating from another Arizer vape? Try setting the temp 50–80℉ lower for similar performance.
- Want to power through a bowl? Try:
- XL bowl
- Session Mode
- Temp: 390℉
- Take three long hits. (It’s roasty, but hits hard!)
How to Clean the Arizer Solo 3 V2 (Maintenance Guide)
The Solo 3 v2 is one of the easiest dry herb vaporizers to clean, thanks to its simple design. Most of the residue builds up inside the glass aroma tubes, which are easy to remove and soak. Just drop them in a glass of isopropyl alcohol and they’ll be good as new.
While our full Cleaning and Maintenance Guide is coming soon, the basics are simple: empty your bowl right after each session. Leaving herbs in the bowl will gunk up your stems faster and affect flavor.
When you’re done, just blow the bowl out into the trash, and give it a quick brush to remove any remaining bits. That’s all it takes to keep your Solo 3 v2 running smoothly.
🔋 Arizer Solo 3 v2 Scoring Breakdown
We rated the Arizer Solo 3 v2 across 10 core categories. Here’s how it scored:
Final Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 9.2/10 (92%)
| Category | Score |
|---|---|
| Vapor Quality | 9 |
| Ease of Use/Sharing | 7 |
| Build Quality | 9 |
| Portability | 5 |
| Efficiency | 10 |
| Battery Life | 10 |
| Cleaning & Maintenance | 8 |
| Value | 5 |
| Customization & Accessories | 7 |
| Warranty & Reliability | 9 |
| Arizer Solo 3 v2 Rating: | 9.2 / 10 (92%) |
With a final score of 9.2 out of 10 (92%), the Arizer Solo 3 v2 excels in vapor quality, efficiency, and reliability. It’s a top-tier choice for those who don’t mind a little extra bulk.
Who is the Solo 3 v2 for?
For anyone who ever wanted their Arizer portable vape to hit harder and/or have a larger bowl, the Solo 3 is your answer. It’s big and carries a high price tag, but the Solo 3 v2 is one of the hardest-hitting portable dry herb vapes you will find, in the same lane as the Tinymight 2, Venty, and POTV Lobo.
If you’re still shopping, don’t miss our expert roundup of the best portable vaporizers of the year.
Who is the Solo 3 v2 not for?
If you prefer a lighter vaping experience, save some money and grab the Arizer Solo 2, because the Solo 3 vapes it fast and strong, and most bowls end darker than with other Arizer portables. If you like a vape that keeps you on the rails, far from combustion or the roasty-ending taste, I would again recommend a different Arizer portable vape. And if you’re on a budget – same answer!
Conclusion: Should You Upgrade to the Solo 3 v2?
My first Arizer portable vape was the original Arizer Solo back in 2011, and I rocked it for years until my tolerance required something bigger. That something bigger wasn’t to come from Arizer until now, and the Solo 3 feels like it was made for my needs. With a bigger bowl and stronger heater I can now get in and out of a big bowl in just a few hits, and get back to the party.
The Solo 3 is too big for me to walk around the neighborhood with, but it will work fine for most of my vaping, which is done at home or in the passenger seat of my car. Everything about the Solo 3 is bigger – the size, the punch, even the price. Big must be the new trend, with the Solo 3 and Storz & Bickel Venty leading the charge. But I’d rather keep things smaller.
When I first got the Solo 3 I was concerned about how big it was, but the sessions soon won me over. Yes, it’s huge, but that only matters if you’re trying to be discreet. In the end, I think most people will adore the Solo 3 for its potent sessions, quick heat up, and easy maintenance.
Our Expert Take
After testing dozens of dry herb vaporizers over the years, we think the Arizer Solo 3 V2 is a smart pick for users who want dense vapor and customizable sessions without stepping into desktop territory. It’s not the smallest or cheapest, but if performance is your priority, this one punches above its price.
Best for: Daily home users, flavor chasers, water pipe lovers
Not ideal for: Pocket carrying, ultra-stealthy vaping, beginners on a tight budget
Solo 3 V2 FAQs
Is the Arizer Solo 3 V2 worth it?
Yes, the Arizer Solo 3 V2 is absolutely worth it if you want one of the strongest portable dry herb vaporizers available. It improves on the original with easier controls, smoother vapor, and powerful performance—all at a mid-range price.
How long does the battery last on the Solo 3 V2?
The Solo 3 V2 is rated for up to three hours of use. In testing at 390℉, it delivered around 18 sessions or one hour of runtime. It charges via USB-C and supports pass-through vaping while plugged in.
What’s the best temperature for the Arizer Solo 3 V2?
Many users find 340–360℉ ideal in Session Mode, or Level III in On-Demand Mode. The Solo 3 V2’s powerful heater lets you vape at 50–80℉ lower than older Arizer models and still get great results.
Does the Solo 3 V2 produce much smell?
The Solo 3 V2 produces minimal odor during use. Smell is mostly trapped in the glass aroma tubes, which can be sealed in travel tubes for discreet transport.
What’s the difference between the Arizer Solo 3 and the Solo 3 V2?
The Solo 3 V2 features upgraded firmware, simpler controls, improved On-Demand Mode, and more even vaporization. It addresses key complaints from the original Solo 3 while keeping its powerful heater and glass vapor path.
