Since its 2021 release, the XMAX V3 Pro has been making waves in the cannabis vaping community as an affordable, high-performance option. This compact vape packs a serious punch with its full convection heating and impressive feature set.
Enjoy the convenience of USB-C charging, a replaceable 18650 battery, and the ability to switch between session and on-demand modes – all at a wallet-friendly price.
Can a budget vape really deliver a premium experience? Find out as we take a closer look into the XMAX V3 Pro’s pros, cons, and performance.
Discover our vaporizer evaluation process in the methodology section.
In this review
October 2024 Update
As we approach the end of 2024, the XMAX V3 Pro is still going strong as a budget-friendly portable vaporizer. In a market where high-end devices like the Solo 3 and Venty often steal the spotlight, it’s refreshing to see an affordable option that can hold its own in terms of performance.
The V3 Pro’s vapor quality may not quite match that of the vapes mention above, but it comes surprisingly close considering the significant price difference. The convection heating and isolated airpath deliver flavorful, potent vapor, while the session and on-demand modes provide flexibility for different vaping preferences.
While newer budget vapes like the XLUX Roffu have given the V3 Pro some serious competition over the past year, I still find myself reaching for the trusty V3 Pro on a regular basis. The replaceable battery, USB-C charging, and compact design make it a convenient choice for vaping when I’m headed outside, and the performance remains impressive for the price. The V3 Pro is still an easy recommendation in 2024.
Quick Review Summary
- Full convection heating for great flavor
- Session and on-demand modes
- Fast 20-second heat-up time
- Replaceable 18650 battery
- USB-C charging
- Compact and portable design for easy on-the-go use
- Vapor can be hot due to short air path
- Small 0.15g oven capacity
- Mouthpiece and vapor get warm during longer sessions
Unboxing and First Impressions
The XMAX V3 Pro comes in a fairly basic box, but includes everything you need to get started:
[P1 – The XMAX V3 Pro and included accessories]
- XMAX V3 Pro vaporizer
- 18650 battery (2600mAh)
- USB-C charging cable
- Wax cup for concentrates
- Screens
- Picking tool
- Cleaning brush
- Alcohol pads
- Cotton swabs
- User manual
The vaporizer itself has a sleek, understated design. The black aluminum body has a nice matte finish that feels good in the hand. At just 5.91″ tall, 1.05″ wide, and 0.94″ deep (15 x 2.5 x 2.3cm), it’s compact enough to easily slip into a pocket or small bag.
On the front of the device, you’ll find a bright 0.96″ OLED display that shows current temp, battery level, and heating mode. The three buttons below the screen allow you to power the unit on/off and adjust the temperature. The magnetic mouthpiece at the top can be easily removed to expose the stainless steel oven.
[P2 – Closeup of the V3 Pro’s OLED display and control buttons]
Flipping the vape over reveals the magnetic battery door. Installing the included 18650 battery is a breeze. Simply remove the door, drop in the battery (positive end first), and replace the cover. The USB-C charging port is located on the bottom of the unit.
[P3 – The V3 Pro’s magnetic battery door and 18650 battery]
Overall, the XMAX V3 Pro makes a great first impression with its portable size, solid build quality, and useful features like the replaceable battery and USB-C charging. The inclusion of both session and on-demand heating modes is also a big plus for a vape in this price range.
Heating, Vapor Quality and Performance
The V3 Pro uses a hybrid heating system, but it leans heavily towards convection. This means that the device primarily heats your material with hot air as you inhale, rather than relying on conduction from the oven walls. The result is impressive vapor flavor, especially for a vaporizer under $150.
With a full temp spectrum ranging from 212-428°F (100-220°C), you can really dial in your preferred experience. Lower temps produce the best flavor while cranking up the heat generates bigger clouds at the expense of taste.
[P4 – The V3 Pro’s full temp spectrum on the OLED display]
The V3 Pro heats up impressively fast, taking just 15-20 seconds to reach temp thanks to the convection heating. Once it’s ready, the device will vibrate to let you know it’s time to start inhaling.
In session mode, the V3 Pro heats continuously for either 4 or 6 minutes (user selectable). This is great for longer solo sessions or passing the vape around a small group. On-demand mode, on the other hand, only heats the oven when you hold down the power button. This makes it super efficient if you just want a quick hit or two without wasting any of your precious herbs.
[P5 – Session mode and on-demand mode on the V3 Pro’s OLED display]
Vapor quality is impressive for such an affordable vaporizer. The mainly convection heating preserves flavor well and the isolated air path keeps things nice and pure tasting. The oven holds about 0.15 grams of dry herb, which is on the smaller side but helps maintain efficiency.
The biggest downside in the vapor department is the short air path. This means the vapor doesn’t have much time to cool before reaching your lips, so it can feel a bit hot and harsh, especially at higher temperatures. Luckily, XMAX offers a few aftermarket glass mouthpieces that help address this issue.
[P6 – V3 Pro shown producing vapor]
When it comes to clouds, the V3 Pro is no slouch. While it may not keep up with more expensive heavy hitters like the Mighty+, it definitely holds its own and can produce some impressively thick vapor. Just be sure to take long, slow draws to get the most out of the convection heating.
Overall, the XMAX V3 Pro delivers top-tier vapor quality and performance, especially considering the reasonable price point. The combination of convection heating, session and on-demand modes, and fast heat up times make it a very compelling option for flavor-lovers and cloud-chasers alike.
Battery Life and Charging
The V3 Pro is powered by a single 18650 battery. The included cell is rated for 2600mAh, which translates to roughly 6-8 bowls per charge when using session mode. This is pretty average for a portable vaporizer these days. If you opt for on-demand heating, you can stretch that to 10+ bowls since the oven isn’t running non-stop.
[P7 – Replacing the 18650 battery on the V3 Pro]
One of the best features of the V3 Pro is the user-replaceable battery. Instead of being stuck with a built-in battery that will eventually degrade, you can simply pop in a new 18650 when needed. I highly recommend picking up a spare or two, especially if you plan to use the vape heavily. With a couple charged batteries on hand, you’ll never have to worry about running out of juice.
[P8 – The V3 Pro’s USB-C charging port]
When it does come time to recharge, the V3 Pro has a convenient USB-C charging port on the bottom of the unit. This is a big step up from older vapes that used outdated micro-USB ports. USB-C allows for faster charging speeds and a more reliable connection.
Using the included cable, you can fully charge a dead battery in around 2-3 hours. That’s not the fastest charging speed out there, but it’s pretty standard for a vape in this class. Pass-through charging is supported, so you can continue to use the V3 Pro while it’s plugged in as long as the battery has at least a 30% charge.
Cleaning and Maintenance
[P9 – V3 Pro with the basic cleaning supplies next to it]
Keeping the V3 Pro clean is fairly simple, but it’s important to stay on top of regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. XMAX includes some basic cleaning supplies in the box, like brushes and alcohol wipes, to help you get started.
After each session, it’s a good idea to empty out the oven and brush away any leftover debris. This will help prevent buildup and keep the air path clear for smooth, tasty hits. The included pick tool on the mouthpiece makes it easy to scoop out the used herbs.
[P10 – Using the pick tool on the mouthpiece to clean the oven]
Every week or so, depending on usage, you’ll want to give the oven and mouthpiece a more thorough cleaning. Start by removing the mouthpiece and brushing out the oven and screen. If there’s stubborn buildup, you can use a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol to wipe everything down. Just be sure the oven is completely dry before using the vape again.
[P11 – Silicone parts of the mouthpiece removed]
The silicone parts of the mouthpiece can also be removed for cleaning. A quick soak in some warm soapy water or isopropyl alcohol will break down any gunk. Rinse the pieces well and let them air dry completely before reassembling the mouthpiece.
With regular cleaning and some basic maintenance, the XMAX V3 Pro should continue to deliver great performance for a long time. The simple design and easily accessible parts make upkeep a breeze compared to some more complicated vaporizers on the market.
Verdict
[P12 – The XMAX V3 Pro powering up]
The XMAX V3 Pro is an impressive portable dry herb vaporizer, especially considering the wallet-friendly price point. With convection heating, a replaceable battery, USB-C charging, and both session and on-demand modes, it offers features usually reserved for much more expensive devices.
Vapor quality is excellent, with great flavor and decent cloud production. The short vapor path can make the hits a bit harsh, but aftermarket glass mouthpieces are available to help with that. Battery life is solid and the inclusion of USB-C charging and a replaceable 18650 cell means you’ll never be without power for long.
[P12 – The XMAX V3 Pro powering up]
Beginners and experienced vapers alike will appreciate the V3 Pro’s simple controls, fast heat up times, and efficient extraction. The small oven size is perfect for solo sessions and the option to use both session and on-demand heating modes makes it very versatile.
[P13 – The V3 Pro in a pocket zoomed in on (shirt pocket?)]
While it may not be the most powerful or feature-packed vaporizer on the market, the XMAX V3 Pro is arguably the best value currently available. It’s an easy recommendation for anyone looking for a portable, hard-hitting device that won’t break the bank.
Quick Start Guide
Maintenance and Cleaning
Specifications
Resources
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