The phrase "good things come in small packages" is often considered an excuse rather than a compliment. The DaVinci IQ proves that small and mighty is indeed a praiseworthy statement.
Carrying with it a reputation for crafting some of the best portable vaporizers around, DaVinci has a lot to live up to with the IQ. Many consider previous iterations of DaVinci portable vapes to be market leading, but just looking at the feature list for the IQ seems like they might already be onto a winner.
The portable vaporizer market continues to flourish. The requirement for discreet, “on the go” vaping shows no signs of slowing. With this increase in popularity comes a lust for vaporizers of a higher standard. Portability, precise temperature control, and density of vapor are all essential boxes that need to be ticked.
DaVinci's latest offering, the IQ, is aimed at the high-end market of vaporizer users. As always, the goal is to provide a well-rounded product without any lackluster tradeoffs. Considering the high-end market is becoming increasingly competitive, how does the IQ stack up?
HOW THE DAVINCI IQ WORKS
Incredibly sophisticated in nature, the IQ presents itself very discreetly. Completely metal in construction (bearing a ceramic oven), its weight in your hand feels reassuring, a sign of its structural quality. Surprisingly small to be packing the feature list that it does, not much gives away its true purpose other than a few LEDs on the exterior. Suitable only for dry herbs, it heats up to 430°F (220°C).
Everything is catered for. Within the box, you are presented with the following:
• DaVinci IQ Vaporizer
• Keychain tool
• USB charging cable
• Cleaning brush
• 9 alcohol wipes
• Herb carrying can
• 10mm extended mouthpiece/water pipe adapter
• DaVinci sticker
Using the IQ could not be simpler. Starting with your weed, grind it incredibly fine. This is a key point to address. The loading chamber isn't overly large and vape density is not optimal unless the chamber is packed tightly. So, grind your herb and load the chamber located on the bottom of the device. There is a removable ceramic ball located on the loading chamber hatch. This is easy to lose so make sure you keep a close eye on it.
Flipping to the other end of the vaporizer, the mouthpiece can be opened to reveal three things, access to the 18650 battery, vape path, and the first of its many new features, a “flavor chamber.” Charging is done via micro USB, the port itself being located on the back of the vaporizer. It will take roughly 3 hours to become fully charged. With heavy use, expect 60–70mins out of one charge.
As the name suggests, loading the flavor chamber aims to provide light, even heating in effort to produce a stronger aroma and flavor as the vapor travels along its path.
With the herb chamber at the bottom loaded and the battery charged, activation requires a simple press of the “on” switch located on the side of the device. There is also a boost button that will slowly increase the temperature until released. The rest of the temperature management is achieved through the DaVinci App.
This is where the next, most important feature steps in. The app allows users to set their own custom temperature settings using Precision Mode along with a Smart Path temperature profile. Smart Path is DaVinci's own creation.
Starting with a specific temperature, heat will slowly increase over the course of 5½ minutes. This allows users to leave the vaporizer to do its own thing, so no need to fiddle with the buttons to adjust the temperature.
DaVinci also argues that this provides the best possible vaping experience as gradual heating facilitates the release of all the cannabinoids and terpenes.
The LEDs on the front of the vaporizer indicate when it is powered on and signify if it is being heated up or cooled down. Drawing from the vape is achieved through the standard mouth opening located on the top of the device or via an interchangeable 10mm mouthpiece. Simply turn on, activate your chosen Smart Path via the app, and start vaping.
THE GOOD
Let's start with the build quality and the materials used. You certainly don’t have to be too careful when throwing this in a bag or carrying it in your pocket, as the all-metal construction is incredibly durable.
Ceramic zirconia is featured throughout the device and offers the absolute best in terms of quality and durability. It allows for unadulterated vapor flavor and conducts the least amount of external heat, which is vital when holding a vaporizer in your hand.
Given its size, unassuming LEDs, and tasteful branding, no one ever needs to know about the tasty buds contained within. This makes it a true high-class portable vaporizer, usable in any situation.
DaVinci has struck gold with the Smart Path temperature profile, which allows users to select 4 different temperature settings. The app could not be easier to pair with your smartphone (Apple or Android), and it offers a clean and intuitive experience when using.
There's no need to constantly review your vaporizer to see what temperature it’s set to. The ability to save a custom profile also means that once you've found what works for you, it can be replicated time and time again.
Finally, one previously unmentioned feature is the inclusion of a water pipe adapter. This makes the IQ useable with most water rigs, meaning there’s no need to neglect your new purchase when at home. You could even have different profiles set for when you are using your bong, winning!
THE BAD
A difficult section to fill as fortunately, the IQ carries very few negative points.
The introduction of the flavor chamber is an unnecessary feature. Generally, this did little to noticeably improve the flavor and aroma, and just takes up additional space. A larger herb chamber would have been preferable over the inclusion of the flavor chamber.
Staying within this realm, the chamber needs to be packed tight, like really tight, to get the best rips and thickest clouds of vapor. Not necessarily a bad point per se, but just finishing off a bit of leftover bud will provide a less ideal vaping experience.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The DaVinci IQ represents one of the best portable vaporizers on the market today. If you are slightly put off by the price, rest assured that the feature list is well worth the investment. Its incredible ease of use and premium materials make for a very enjoyable vaping experience.
DaVinci has continued to raise the bar in handheld vaping, bringing with it an extremely strong recommendation from us.
