Arizer Solo 3 Review

The Arizer Solo has long been a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts for its outstanding vapor quality and ease of use. In 2024, Arizer took this legendary vape to new heights with the release of the Arizer Solo 3.

With both session and on-demand modes, the Solo 3 caters to every vaping style and preference. Want to savor your cannabis flower slowly? Session mode has you covered. Need quick medicating on the fly? Fire up on-demand mode and you’re good to go.

Arizer’s signature all-glass vapor path ensures that every hit is clean, smooth, and bursting with the natural flavors of your herbs. Stick around to find out if the Solo 3’s new features justify its premium price point.

Discover our vaporizer evaluation process in the methodology section.

October 2024 Update

It’s been a few months since I reviewed the Arizer Solo 3, and I’ve now had the chance to compare it more extensively with other vapes in its price range.

The Solo 3 continues to impress me with its powerful hybrid heating and excellent vapor quality. While it may not be as compact as the Mighty+, the Solo 3’s versatility with on-demand and session modes sets it apart.

Compared to the Tinymight 2, the Solo 3 holds its own in terms of vapor production and flavor. The Tinymight 2’s heat-up is lightning fast, but I appreciate the Solo 3’s more precise temperature control and longer battery life.

Another strong competitor is the XLUX Roffu, which offers similar features at a lower price point. While the Roffu’s vapor quality is impressive, especially with its glass chamber, the Solo 3’s build quality and overall performance still justify its higher cost in my opinion.

Quick Review Summary

Unboxing and First Impressions

[P1 – Photo of the Arizer Solo 3 with accessories lined up]

The Arizer Solo 3 comes in sleek packaging with everything you need to get started vaping right away. Here’s what you’ll find in the box:

• 1 x Arizer Solo 3 vaporizer
• 1 x USB-C charger
• 1 x Regular glass aroma tube (90mm)
• 1 x XL glass aroma tube (90mm)
• 1 x Regular frosted glass aroma tube (14mm water pipe adapter)
• 1 x XL frosted glass aroma tube (14mm water pipe adapter)
• 4 x Silicone stem caps
• 1 x Stainless steel stirring tool
• 4 x Stainless steel filter screens
• 1 x Owner’s manual

[P2 – Photo of all the accessories and items included in the Solo 3 box]

The first thing I noticed when unboxing the Solo 3 is its size and weight. At 5.5 inches (14 cm) tall and weighing 9.7 oz (275 g), it’s noticeably larger than its predecessor and many other portable vapes. While not exactly pocket-friendly, it feels substantial and well-built in the hand.

The brushed aluminum body gives the Solo 3 a premium look and feel. The color OLED display is bright and easy to read, showing temperature, battery life, and other key info. The button layout is simple with just three buttons for power and temperature control.

[P3 – Close up photo of the Solo 3 showing the display, buttons, and USB-C charging port]

Key Features and Performance

The Solo 3 utilizes a hybrid heating system that combines conduction and convection heat for efficient and even vaporization. The oven is made from a combination of ceramic and stainless steel, which provides good heat retention and prevents any off-flavors from bleeding into the vapor.

[P4 – Close-up picture of the Solo 3’s heating chamber]

The isolated airpath is another major selling point. From the oven to the mouthpiece, your vapor only passes through glass and stainless steel components – never any plastic or silicone. This helps to preserve the pure flavor of your dry herbs and ensures a clean, enjoyable vaping experience.

To further customize your sessions, the Solo 3 offers precision temperature controls with a range of 122-428°F (50-220°C). Using the OLED display and buttons on the device, you can make single degree adjustments to dial in the perfect temp for your preferences. Lower settings produce more flavorful vapor, while higher temps generate thicker clouds.

On-demand and Session Mode

One of the most significant upgrades in the Solo 3 is the addition of on-demand heating alongside the traditional session mode. This versatility allows users to tailor their vaping experience to their preferences and lifestyle.

[P5 – Photo of the menu selection where the Session or On-Demand mode is selected]

Session Mode: This is the classic Arizer experience. The device maintains a constant temperature for a set duration (typically 5-15 minutes), allowing for leisurely, consistent vaping sessions. It’s perfect for when you have time to relax and enjoy your herb thoroughly.

On-Demand Mode: This new feature heats up the device only when you’re ready to take a hit. It reaches vaping temperature in about 15 seconds and provides 5-25 seconds of heat (adjustable in the settings) per activation. This mode is ideal for microdosing or quick hits throughout the day, and it’s more efficient with both your herb and battery life.

[P6 – Two vertical images showing the Solo 3 display in both session and on-demand modes]

Switching between modes is simple, requiring just a few button presses. I found the on-demand mode particularly useful for testing different strains or for those times when I wanted just a hit or two without committing to a full session.

Standard and XL and Glass Stems

The Solo 3 comes with both standard and XL glass stems, offering flexibility in bowl size and vapor cooling:

[P7 – Side-by-side comparison of the intake holes of the stems]

Standard stems These are similar to those found in previous Solo models, holding about 0.1-0.15g of herb. They provide excellent flavor and are perfect for solo sessions or microdosing.

XL stems: A new addition to the Solo line, these stems can hold up to 0.3g of herb. They offer several advantages:

• Larger bowl capacity for longer sessions or sharing
• Allows for a looser pack, which some users prefer for certain strains
• Slightly improved airflow due to an extra air intake hole

[P8 – Side-by-side comparison of the standard and XL stems loaded with herbs to show the difference of chamber size]

In my testing, I found the XL stems particularly useful for group sessions or when I wanted a more intense experience. However, the standard stems still delivered excellent performance and were my go-to for everyday use due to their efficiency and ease of handling.

Vapor Quality

Vapor quality is where the Solo 3 really shines, especially considering its portable size. The glass stems, ceramic/steel oven, and isolated airpath all work together beautifully to deliver smooth, tasty draws.

On lower temperature settings around 360-380°F (182-193°C), I was able to enjoy the distinct flavors of each strain I vaped. The subtle fruity and earthy notes really came through during the first 4-5 hits. As the session progressed, the vapor became slightly thicker and more potent in effect.

[P9 – Picture of vapor being exhaled from the Solo 3]

Bumping the temperature up to 390-410°F (199-210°C) produced larger clouds with a bit more body. The vapor was never harsh or too hot, and I didn’t experience any irritation in my throat or lungs. The glass stem does an excellent job of cooling down the vapor before it reaches your mouth.

Water Pipe Compatibility

The Arizer Solo 3 comes with two water pipe adapters (WPA) – a standard and an XL version – both designed to fit 14mm female joints. This thoughtful inclusion allows users to easily connect the vaporizer to their favorite glass pieces without purchasing additional accessories. The frosted glass WPAs maintain the all-glass vapor path, ensuring pure flavor even when using water filtration.

[P10 – Both Solo 3 WPA’s shown side by side]

Using the Solo 3 with a water pipe is straightforward. Simply load your herbs into the WPA, insert it into the vaporizer’s oven, and then place the adapter into your bong’s downstem. The Solo 3’s automatic display inversion feature is particularly useful here, flipping the screen for easy reading when the device is upside down. This makes adjusting settings while using a water pipe much more convenient.

The addition of water filtration significantly cools and conditions the vapor, allowing for larger, smoother hits. This is especially beneficial when vaping at higher temperatures, as it helps mitigate any potential harshness.

[P11 – Arizer Solo 3 connected to a bong via a VPA with the screen inverted from the normal position]

The Solo 3’s powerful heating system and excellent airflow work well with water pipes, producing thick, milky vapor that rivals many desktop vaporizers. For those who enjoy big clouds or have sensitive lungs, using the Solo 3 with a bong is a game-changer.

Battery Life and Charging

The Solo 3 has impressive battery life thanks to the dual internal 18650 batteries. Arizer claims up to 3 hours of continuous use in session mode or over 100 on-demand draws per charge. In my testing, these estimates held up well.

I was able to get through 12-15 full sessions on a single charge, which equates to several days of heavy use for most people. The on-demand mode is even more efficient, easily lasting a week or more of regular use before needing a recharge.

[P12 – Picture of the Solo 3’s USB-C charging port]

The Solo 3 charges via USB-C, which is a welcome upgrade from the proprietary chargers of older models. However, charging is still quite slow, taking 3-4 hours for a full charge. On the plus side, pass-through charging is supported, so you can use the device while it’s plugged in.

Ease of Use and Maintenance

The Solo 3’s user interface is straightforward, but it does have a bit of a learning curve. To turn on the device, you need to hold the center button, then enter a specific button sequence (left, up, right). While this prevents accidental activation, it can be annoying for frequent users.

[P13 – Close-up of the Solo 3’s lock button sqeuence]

Once powered on, you choose between session and on-demand modes, then set your desired temperature. The color OLED display clearly shows all relevant information. In use, the Solo 3 is simple – just inhale from the glass stem once it reaches temperature.

The Solo 3 includes optional stainless steel filter screens for the glass stems. These can prevent fine particles from passing through, especially with finely ground herb. While not essential, screens can help maintain a cleaner vapor path and reduce cleaning frequency.

[P14 – The normal glass stem with a steel filter inserted into it]

Cleaning and maintenance are minimal thanks to the all-glass vapor path. The stems can be soaked in isopropyl alcohol for easy cleaning, while the oven itself rarely needs more than a quick brush-out. This makes the Solo 3 one of the lowest-maintenance vaporizers I’ve used.

Portability and Discretion

The Solo 3’s larger size does impact its portability. At 5.5 inches (14 cm) tall and nearly 10 oz (283 g), it’s not the most pocket-friendly option. It’s better suited for home use or carrying in a bag rather than on-the-go vaping.

The glass stems also require some care when transporting. Arizer includes silicone caps and plastic tubes for the stems, which help, but it’s still not as convenient as all-in-one units like the XMax V3 Pro or Wolkenkraft FX Mini.

[P15 – Photo of someone carrying around the Arizer – Soft Storage Case]

Value and Competition

At around $275 USD, the Solo 3 sits in the upper mid-range of portable vaporizers. While not cheap, I believe it offers excellent value considering its performance, vapor quality, and durability. Arizer has a reputation for building vapes that last for years, which helps justify the investment.

The Solo 3’s main competitors include:

• Venty vaporizer ($499): More portable, similar vapor quality, faster charging
• Arizer Air Max ($199): More portable, removable battery, less powerful
• Tinymight 2 ($349): On-demand specialist, more portable, removable battery

[P16 – Comparison photo of the Solo 3 in the middle next to its main competitors the Venty vaporizer and the Tinymight 2]

Final Thoughts

The Arizer Solo 3 represents a significant leap forward for the Solo line and for portable vaporizers in general. Its combination of fast heat-up times, powerful performance, and versatile heating modes make it one of the most capable portables on the market.

While it may not be the most pocket-friendly option, the Solo 3 excels as a home portable that can deliver desktop-quality vapor. The all-glass vapor path ensures pure flavor, while the long battery life means you can vape for days without recharging.

[P17 – Beauty shot of the Solo 3 in use]

The addition of on-demand heating addresses one of the main criticisms of previous Arizer portables, making the Solo 3 much more flexible for different vaping styles. Whether you prefer quick hits or long, leisurely sessions, this vape can accommodate your needs.

There are some minor drawbacks, like the somewhat clunky interface and slow charging times. However, these are easily outweighed by the Solo 3’s stellar performance and vapor quality.

[P18 – Solo 3 standing by itself with the “Hi” welcome smiley on screen]

For those willing to invest in a high-quality, powerful portable vaporizer, the Arizer Solo 3 is an excellent choice that should provide years of satisfying vape sessions. It earns my strong recommendation for both newcomers to vaping and experienced users looking to upgrade their setup.