In the ever-expanding world of budget-friendly vaporizers, XMAX has made a notable mark with its Starry and V3 Pro models. With the recent release of the XMAX Starry V4, many enthusiasts and newcomers alike are curious about how it stacks up against the well-regarded XMAX V3 Pro. This comparison aims to dissect their strengths and weaknesses to help you make an informed choice.
XMAX V3 Pro vs. XMAX Starry V4: Key Specifications
| Feature | XMAX V3 Pro | XMAX Starry V4 |
|---|---|---|
| Material Compatibility | Dry Herb + Wax | Dry Herb (Wax Pad sold separately) |
| Pass-Through Charging | No | No |
| Swappable Battery | Yes | Yes |
| Charge Time | 2 Hours | 80 Minutes |
| Charging Port | USB-C | USB-C |
| Battery Life | 45 Minutes | 80 Minutes |
| Heating System | Convection | Conduction |
| Heat-Up Time | ~20 Seconds | 25 Seconds |
| Temperature Range | 212°F – 428°F / 100°C – 220°C | 212°F – 464°F / 100°C – 240°C |
| Oven Size | 0.25g | 0.3g |
| Vapor Pathway | Steel | Ceramic |
| Accessories | Mouthpieces, Capsules, Wax Cup | WPA, Liquid Pad, Dosing Capsule |
| Vibration Alert | Yes | Yes |
| Motion Sensor | No | No |
| Warranty Period | 1 Year | 1 Year |
| Price | $99 | $140 |
Key Feature Differences
-
Heating System:
- The XMAX Starry V4 uses conduction heating, which heats the material directly through contact with the oven. This results in faster heating and dense vapor production.
- The XMAX V3 Pro employs convection heating, which warms the air that passes through the material, providing better flavor retention but requiring longer inhales for optimal results.
-
Temperature Control:
- The Starry V4 has a broader temperature range (320°F – 464°F) compared to the V3 Pro (212°F – 428°F), offering more flexibility in adjusting to your preferred vapor density.
- Both devices feature precision temperature control but differ in their maximum temperature capabilities.
-
Portability:
- The XMAX Starry V4 is more compact (4.5in x 1.5in x 1in) and slightly heavier (120g), making it easier to carry around.
- The XMAX V3 Pro is longer (6x1x1in) and lighter (105g), which can affect pocketability.
Kit Comparison
Both kits come with essentials but differ in included accessories:
- XMAX V3 Pro Kit: Includes a wax cup for concentrates, a cleaning brush, USB-C charger, and several dosing capsules.
- XMAX Starry V4 Kit: Features a dosing capsule, USB-C cable, cleaning tools, and silicone mouthpiece caps.
Vapor Quality
- XMAX Starry V4: Known for its robust cloud production due to its conduction heating system. The vapor is dense, though it may have a less pronounced terpene flavor compared to convection systems.
- XMAX V3 Pro: Offers superior flavor extraction with its convection heating. However, it requires longer inhales to produce large clouds and may have a steeper learning curve for new users.
Can They Vape Wax?
- The XMAX Starry V4 is capable of vaping wax but requires a separately purchased mesh pad.
- The XMAX V3 Pro includes a wax cup in its kit, though some users find it less efficient compared to dedicated wax pens.
Portability and Battery Life
- XMAX Starry V4: More portable due to its compact design and offers a longer battery life of about 80 minutes.
- XMAX V3 Pro: While slightly less portable due to its size, it has a shorter battery life of around 45 minutes, which can be reduced further in on-demand mode.
Build Quality and Ease of Use
Both vaporizers are well-built with durable materials. The XMAX Starry V4 has a zirconia mouthpiece and ceramic oven, while the V3 Pro uses a stainless steel oven and plastic mouthpiece. Both are easy to use, with similar OLED screens and controls for temperature and session timers.
Ease of Cleaning
- XMAX Starry V4: Slightly more involved due to its zirconia mouthpiece and additional parts. The ceramic oven requires regular cleaning.
- XMAX V3 Pro: Easier for daily maintenance with its removable mouthpiece and simple construction.
Community Consensus
- XMAX Starry V4: Favored by beginners for its ease of use and strong vapor production right out of the box. Ideal for those looking for a straightforward, high-performance device.
- XMAX V3 Pro: Preferred by users who appreciate customization and better flavor profiles, and are comfortable with its longer inhale requirements.
Warranty
Both models come with a one-year warranty. XMAX is known for its reliable customer service and support.
Conclusion
Choosing between the XMAX V3 Pro and the XMAX Starry V4 largely depends on your preferences and needs. If you’re seeking robust vapor production and straightforward use, the Starry V4 is a solid choice. However, if you value flavor and are open to a bit of a learning curve, the V3 Pro offers superior flavor extraction and customization.
No matter which model you choose, both the XMAX V3 Pro and XMAX Starry V4 offer excellent value for their price range. Each has its unique advantages, making them worthwhile options in the budget vaporizer market.
