Volcano Hybrid BL38 [A30]

Updated on 24 November, 2024

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In the world of desktop vaporizers, one name stands above the rest: the Volcano. And with the release of the Volcano Hybrid in 2019, Storz & Bickel have once again raised the bar for vaping cannabis at home.

Volcano Hybrid is a true powerhouse, combining convection and conduction heating to deliver unbelievably tasty, potent vapor.

Precision temperature control, a user-friendly interface, and Bluetooth app integration make setting up your perfect session easy. Plus, with the ability to fill balloon bags or use the direct draw whip, you can choose how you enjoy the delicious vapor.

So sit back, relax, and let us guide you through everything that makes the Volcano Hybrid the set the gold standard of desktop vaping.

Discover our vaporizer evaluation process in the methodology section.

October 2024 Update

As a long-time Volcano Hybrid owner, I can confidently say it’s still one of the best desktop vaporizers. The vapor quality is just as impressive as the day I bought it, delivering cool, flavorful hits that are smooth and potent.

The Hybrid’s balloon bag and whip inhalation options provide great versatility for solo and group sessions. The bags are perfect for passing around or microdosing. Competing desktops like the Volcano Classic are more limited in comparison.

Ultimately, the Volcano Hybrid is an investment in premium vapor production and long-term durability. Its medical-grade components and advanced features more than justify the high price point even in 2024.

Quick Review Summary

[P1 – Detailed product shot of the Volcano Hybrid showing the full device with a filled balloon bag attached]

Pros
  • Considered the best dry herb desktop vaporizer
  • Balloon bag and whip inhalation methods
  • Powerful hybrid convection/conduction heating
  • Precise temperature control and Bluetooth app
  • Medical-grade components and manufacturing
  • Excellent vapor quality and THC extraction
Cons
  • Very expensive at $699
  • Not portable, must be plugged in
  • Slight learning curve with controls/features
  • Loud when filling bags

Unboxing and First Impressions

The Volcano Hybrid comes very well packaged with everything you need to get started vaping right out of the box. Here’s what’s included:

  • Volcano Hybrid Vaporizer
  • Power Cord
  • Easy Valve Balloon with Adapter
  • 3 Easy Valve Balloons with Mouthpiece
  • Tube System (Whip)
  • Filling Chamber
  • Air Filter Set
  • Herb Mill (Grinder)
  • Cleaning Brush
  • Instructions Manual

The Volcano Hybrid is available in two colors – a classic stainless steel and a sleek matte black called “Onyx”. I opted for the Onyx version and it looks absolutely stunning in person. The quality of the materials and manufacturing is immediately apparent when unboxing. This is clearly a premium, medical-grade device.

[P2 – Image showing everything included in the box with the Onyx Volcano Hybrid]

The Volcano measures about 7.1 inches (18 cm) tall by 7.9 inches (20 cm) wide and weighs a hefty 6.5 pounds (2.9 kg). So while you probably won’t be traveling with it, the Hybrid looks great as a tabletop cannabis vaporizer and feels extremely durable and well-built.

[P3 – Side profile shot of the Volcano Hybrid showing its size and conical “volcano” shape]

The biggest change from the Volcano Classic is the addition of a touch screen display and buttons on the front of the device. This allows you to precisely control the temperature, turn the heater and air on/off, and access settings. The display shows the current and set temperatures, as well as a diagram of the heating and air status.

Heating, Temperature, and Vapor Quality

The Volcano Hybrid heating system is a significant upgrade from the Classic model. It now uses a combination of convection and conduction heating, compared to just convection in the older models. What this means is that the Hybrid heats up much faster and provides thicker, more potent vapor right from the first draw.

The Hybrid’s temperature is fully adjustable from 104-446°F (40-230°C), allowing you to dial in the perfect temp for your cannabis strain and preferences. Lower temperatures will provide more flavor while higher temps will produce bigger clouds and stronger effects.

[P4 – Closeup shot of the digital temperature controls and display on the Volcano Hybrid]

The vapor quality from the Volcano Hybrid is simply outstanding. The first bag filled at around 350°F (177°C) tastes incredibly pure and flavorful, really allowing the terpenes of the cannabis to shine. Bumping the temp up to 380°F (193°C) and beyond produces massive, dense clouds that are still surprisingly smooth and easy on the throat and lungs.

Thanks to the conduction heating, the Hybrid is able to thoroughly extract the THC and other cannabinoids very efficiently. I found that even after filling several bags, the spent material in the chamber was still a light brown color rather than charred black like from some other vapes. The vapor remained tasty and potent all the way through.

[P5 – Image showing a bag being filled with thick, dense vapor from the Volcano Hybrid]

The Hybrid heats up in about 1-2 minutes, compared to around 5 minutes with the Classic Volcano. Once it reaches temp, it only takes about 30 seconds to fill a bag. The whole process is very quick and easy.

One thing to note – the Hybrid is quite loud when the air pump is running to fill a bag. It’s definitely louder than the older models. Not a huge deal, but something to be aware of if discretion is a concern.

Balloon Bags vs. Whip Attachment

[P6 – Side-by-side image comparing the Volcano Hybrid with a balloon bag attached vs. the whip attachment]

The Volcano vaporizers have traditionally been known for their iconic balloon bag system. The Hybrid includes four Easy Valve balloon bags with replaceable mouthpieces. Storz & Bickel also sells the balloon material in rolls so you can make your own custom sized bags.

Filling a bag is super simple. Once the Hybrid is heated, just attach the filling chamber with your ground cannabis onto the top of the unit. Then connect the balloon valve on top of the chamber and press the air button. The bag will automatically start inflating with vapor. Once it’s full, just detach the bag and press the mouthpiece to inhale. Easy peasy!

[P7 – Close up shot demonstrating how to attach and fill a balloon bag on the Volcano Hybrid]

The balloon bags are awesome for solo sessions or sharing with friends. You can fill a bag and pass it around, or even set it aside and come back to it later. The vapor remains fresh and potent in the bag for quite a while. I found the Easy Valve system very intuitive to use compared to fiddling with the Solid Valve on the Classic Volcano.

In addition to the balloon bags, the Volcano Hybrid also includes a whip attachment. This allows you to draw direct vapor without having to fill a bag. The whip is made from high-quality silicone tubing and has a swivel mouthpiece on the end so you can easily pass it around.

Ease of Use

[P8 – Image showing the simple 3-button control interface on the Volcano Hybrid]

Despite its advanced features, the Volcano Hybrid is surprisingly easy to use. The touch buttons and display on the front of the unit control all the main functions:

The heat button turns the heater on/off and activates the temperature settings. The up and down buttons adjust the target temperature. The air button toggles the air pump to fill bags or deliver fresh air to the whip.

The Hybrid also has Bluetooth integration with the Storz & Bickel web app. This allows you to remotely control your vape and access additional settings like the shutoff timer, alarm, and LED brightness. You can also create custom heating routines and workflows.

Cleaning and maintenance on the Volcano Hybrid is very simple. The filling chamber, screens, and mouthpieces can be easily disassembled and cleaned with isopropyl alcohol. The balloon bags are disposable and can just be replaced when they get dirty or start to develop an odor.

Who Is It For?

[P9 – Image of someone using the Volcano Hybrid whip attachment]

The Volcano Hybrid is an ideal desktop vaporizer for cannabis connoisseurs and medical patients who want the best vapor quality and versatility. With its precise temperature control, fast heat up time, and ability to deliver vapor via bags or whip, it can cater to any user’s needs.

The Hybrid is especially great for those who need high doses of THC for symptom relief. The efficient hybrid heating ensures that you’re extracting the maximum potency from your cannabis flower. And the bags make it easy to take big draws without any harsh smoke or combustion byproducts.

The only real downside to the Volcano Hybrid is the price. At $699, it’s definitely a serious investment. But if you’re a frequent cannabis user, the cost may be justified by the medical-grade construction, advanced features, and stellar vapor production. Plus, Storz & Bickel vaporizers are known for their durability and longevity.

If you’re looking for the absolute best desktop dry herb vaporizer on the market and have the budget for it, the Volcano Hybrid is a hard one to beat. It’s truly in a league of its own.

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