Arizer V-Tower BL2 [A9]

As a long-time vaporizer enthusiast, I’ve had the pleasure of trying out many different desktop units over the years. One that has consistently impressed me with its exceptional vapor quality and affordability is the Arizer V-Tower. This whip-style vaporizer is a streamlined version of Arizer’s popular Extreme Q model, offering much of the same great performance at an even more attractive price point. In this in-depth review, I’ll share my experiences with the V-Tower and why I think it’s one of the best values you can find in a desktop vaporizer.

Gain insight into how we test vaporizers in the methodology section.

July 2024 Update

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Quick Review Summary

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Arizer V-Tower comes securely packaged with all the accessories you need to get started. In the box, you’ll find:

• V-Tower Vaporizer
• Power Adapter
• Glass Cyclone Bowl
• Glass Aromatherapy Dish
• 3 Ft Whip (Silicone)
• Mini Whip
• Glass Elbow Adapter
• Flat Screens
• Dome Screens

The first thing that struck me when unboxing the V-Tower was the solid, high-quality feel of the unit. At around 6.5 inches tall and 6.5 inches in diameter (16.5cm x 16.5cm), it has some heft to it at about 1lb 10oz (737g). The brushed stainless steel exterior looks sleek and stylish.

[P1 – Photo of the V-Tower and all included accessories]

The digital display and buttons are located on the front of the unit. They allow you to easily control and monitor the temperature. The cylindrical shape and flat base give it a relatively small footprint, so it doesn’t take up too much space on a desk or table.

[P2 – Closeup of the V-Tower’s digital temperature display and control buttons]

The glass components, including the Cyclone Bowl, elbow adapter, and whip pieces are all made of high-quality borosilicate glass. They have a nice weight and clarity to them. Arizer clearly didn’t cut any corners here.

[P3 – Photo showing the V-Tower’s glass components]

One unique accessory is the aromatherapy dish. This frosted glass dish can be used in place of the Cyclone Bowl to diffuse your favorite essential oils. It’s a nice option to have, as you can use your V-Tower to freshen up a room in between vape sessions.

Heating System and Vapor Quality

The Arizer V-Tower uses 100% convection heating, which means the air is heated rather than the bowl itself. This helps deliver pure, flavorful vapor without any harshness or combustion. The ceramic heating element provides fast, even heat distribution.

To use the V-Tower, you simply fill the Cyclone Bowl with your ground botanical of choice, attach it to the top of the unit, and set your desired temperature using the buttons on the front. The digital display shows the current and set temperatures, and has a range of 122-428°F (50-220°C). I found the controls very intuitive and easy to use.

[P4 – Photo showing how to attach the Cyclone Bowl to the V-Tower]

Once the unit reaches your set temperature, you attach the whip (which consists of the silicone tubing, glass elbow adapter, and glass mouthpiece) and start drawing gentle, consistent breaths. The vapor is delivered through the whip and is nice and cool by the time it reaches your mouth thanks to the 3-foot silicone tubing.

[P5 – Photo demonstrating how to use the V-Tower with the whip attachment]

The vapor quality from the V-Tower is excellent. The all-glass vapor path ensures pure flavor, and the convection heating delivers smooth, tasty hits. I was able to get impressive clouds, especially at the higher temperature settings around 392-410°F (200-210°C). The vapor is never harsh, and I could enjoy long sessions without any irritation.

One minor drawback is the heat-up time. It takes about 4-5 minutes to reach vaping temperatures, which is a bit longer than some other desktop units. However, this is a common trade-off for vaporizers that use convection heating. I found the best results came from letting the V-Tower heat up for an extra minute or two past the set temperature to really let the glass components get nice and warm.

Efficiency is another area where the V-Tower shines. Thanks to the convection heating and dome screen in the Cyclone Bowl, you can extract every last bit of goodness from your botanicals. I was consistently impressed by how evenly vaped my herbs were, with no charring or hot spots. A little goes a long way with this vape, which is great for your wallet.

Maintenance and Cleaning

Keeping the V-Tower in top shape is relatively simple. The most important thing is to brush out the Cyclone Bowl after each session to remove any leftover debris. This keeps the screen clear and maintains good airflow.

The glass components will need a more thorough cleaning every week or two, depending on how frequently you use your V-Tower. To do this, disassemble the pieces and soak them in isopropyl alcohol for about 30 minutes. Rinse them well with warm water and let them air dry before reassembling.

[P6 – Photo showing how to clean the V-Tower’s glass components]

The whip tubing will also collect residue over time and should be replaced every few months to keep your vapor tasting fresh. Thankfully, Arizer sells the tubing for a very reasonable price.

While care must be taken not to break the glass pieces, overall I found the V-Tower to be very user-friendly in terms of maintenance. With regular upkeep, this vape will continue to perform like a champ.

Comparisons

Compared to its big brother, the Arizer Extreme Q, the V-Tower offers a very similar vaping experience at a lower cost. The main difference is that the V-Tower is a whip-only vape, while the Extreme Q also includes a balloon system. The Extreme Q also has a few extra features like a remote control and fan-assisted draw. However, in terms of vapor quality, the two units are nearly identical. I think the V-Tower is the better value for most users, unless you really want the balloon option.

[P7 – Side-by-side photo of the Arizer V-Tower and Extreme Q]

If you’re considering the V-Tower, another vape in a similar price range is the Storz & Bickel Plenty. The Plenty is a hand-held desktop unit, so it has a different form factor than the V-Tower. It also uses a mix of convection and conduction heating, while the V-Tower is pure convection. Both deliver great vapor, but the V-Tower has a slight advantage in terms of flavor thanks to the all-glass air path. The Plenty does have a more powerful heater and can deliver bigger hits, but the V-Tower is no slouch in the potency department.

Ultimately, I think the V-Tower compares very favorably to other popular desktop vapes in its class. It may not have all the bells and whistles of some more expensive models, but it nails the fundamentals and delivers where it counts.

Final Thoughts

After spending a lot of time with the Arizer V-Tower, I can confidently say it’s one of the best values in the desktop vaporizer market. With its excellent vapor quality, high-quality construction, and user-friendly design, it checks all the boxes for a great at-home vaping experience.

While it may lack some of the advanced features found in more expensive models, the V-Tower’s pure convection heating and precision temperature control allow it to hold its own against the competition. The vapor it produces is flavorful, smooth, and potent, rivaling units that cost twice as much.

I also appreciate the simplicity of the whip-style design. It’s a tried-and-true setup that’s easy to use and maintain, making the V-Tower a great choice for beginners and veterans alike. The fact that Arizer backs it up with a 2-year warranty is just icing on the cake.

Of course, no vape is perfect, and the V-Tower does have a few minor drawbacks. The heat-up time is a bit slower than some other units, and you’ll need to be careful with the glass components. But these are pretty minor nitpicks in the grand scheme of things.

At the end of the day, if you’re looking for a high-performance desktop vaporizer that won’t break the bank, the Arizer V-Tower is an excellent choice. It may not be the fanciest or most feature-packed unit on the market, but it delivers where it counts, and that’s what matters most.