Arizer has long been a reputable name in the world of vaporizers, known for its focus on quality vapor and user-friendly devices. With the release of the Solo 2 and its newer iteration, the Solo 2 MAX, Arizer continues to refine their approach to portable vaporizing. Let’s see how these two powerhouses compare.
Solo 2 vs Solo 2 MAX: Quick Summary
Similarities
The Solo 2 and Solo 2 MAX both exemplify Arizer's commitment to quality vapor, with a ceramic hybrid heating system and precise temperature control for potent herbal flavors. They share key features, including a 30-second heat-up time, passthrough charging, and similar battery life.
Differences
Despite their similarities, the Solo 2 MAX distinguishes itself with several enhancements, including a USB-C charging port, Dark Mode for discreet sessions, and a 14mm Water Pipe Adapter for bubbler compatibility. It also offers improved airflow and an innovative feature that inverts the controls and screen when attached to a bubbler.
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Solo 2 MAX: Pros👍 |
Solo 2: Pros 👍 |
| Excellent flavor | Fantastic taste |
| Long battery life | Long battery life |
| Water Pipe Adapter Included | Plethora of glass accessories |
| Fast, universal USB-C charge port | Full-featured, on-board controls |
| Full-featured, on-board controls | 30-second heat up time |
| 30-second heat up time | Use while charging |
| Use while charging | Cheaper option |
| Dark Mode | |
Bottom lineGet the Solo 2 MAX if you want the latest tech in a Solo 2 vaporizer, like USB-C, Dark Mode, plus bubbler-ready features. Get the original Solo 2 if you want the cheaper option and don’t care for the latest features. |
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What is the Solo 2?
The Arizer Solo 2 has held down the Arizer fort as their flagship model for nearly seven years. It introduced a smaller, faster vaporizer with a long-lasting battery, good airflow, and full digital controls. At its current price, the Arizer Solo 2 vaporizer stands as a great budget-friendly option. $119.95
Regular price:
$134.95
The Solo 2 is Arizer’s most popular portable vaporizer. 
Arizer Solo 2 Vaporizer
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What is the Solo 2 MAX?
The Solo 2 MAX improves on the original with subtle tweaks and upgrades for modern times. Despite its higher price point, the Solo 2 MAX retains the brand's commitment to flavor and quality, with added features like USB-C charging, Dark Mode, a 14mm Water Pipe Adapter, and more. $199.95
Regular price:
$219.95
The Solo 2 MAX is Arizer’s strongest portable vape yet. 
Arizer Solo 2 MAX Vaporizer
Same great vapor quality
Both Solo 2 vaporizers specialize in potent vapor with an emphasis on herbal flavors. Vapor quality is similar between the original Solo 2 and the Solo 2 MAX. A ceramic hybrid heating system heating element powers both vapes and sends the vapor through a glass stem to preserve the flavors. The Solo 2 MAX sees a slight tweak to its heating element for a slight bump up in vapor quality, however, it’s very slight and you may not notice a huge difference in its already great performance.
Solo 2 MAX has improved airflow
Airflow on these two vaporizers is on the tighter side, but the Solo 2 MAX has improved it slightly to keep up with the demands when paired with a bubbler. It’s slightly more open than the original, but how you pack the glass aroma tubes has the biggest impact. For example, a light pack with a soft tamp will yield better airflow, but a tight pack will create a tighter draw. Again, airflow is lightly better on the Solo 2 MAX, but the pack and tamp are the key factors here.
Quick heat up times
Both vapes tout a 30-second heat-up time, each hitting that mark fairly consistently in our testing. Side by side, the Solo 2 may be a few seconds quicker than the MAX, but not by much. Both vapes will hit 390° F in around 30 seconds and the top temperature in under 40 seconds.
Both last up to three hours
Battery life is the highlight of the Solo 2 vaporizers. Your mileage will vary depending on your vaping style, but you’re guaranteed between 90 and 180 minutes of use with each vaporizer. Our tests found that higher temperatures will yield a bit shorter runtime while low temperatures give you the best bang for your buck.
Solo 2 MAX comes with a WPA
The Solo 2 MAX comes with a 14mm male adapter to connect directly to a tabletop bubbler, and it functions just like a regular Arizer stem. Simply pack the bottom of the stem, insert it into the Solo 2 MAX heating chamber, then attach it to your bubbler.
The original Solo 2 vaporizer doesn't come with a water pipe adapter, but there is one available for it. You can pick it up separately here.
Solo 2 MAX inverts the controls and screen when you need
Much like the Arizer Air MAX vaporizer, the Solo 2 MAX boasts a clever built-in function that automatically rotates the screen and onboard controls when inverted and attached to a bubbler, and it works flawlessly. Attach it to a bubbler with the included adapter, and the Solo 2 MAX will follow suit.
The original Solo 2 does not come with this feature. While you can hook it up to a bubbler with a water pipe adapter, the controls and screen remain unchanged.
The Solo 2 MAX comes with Dark Mode
The Solo 2 MAX also introduces Dark Mode, which dims the lights and reduces onscreen clutter with a minimal user interface. Little symbols in each corner of the screen relay important info as your session starts, and the screen goes completely dark a few seconds after it reaches temp. It serves well for those who need a more discreet session.
Passthrough charging with different ports
Both Solo 2 vaporizers feature passthrough charging, where you can charge your vape and enjoy a session simultaneously. The Solo 2 MAX comes with an updated USB-C port that you can easily replace if you lose it*.
The original Solo 2 vaporizer utilizes a barrel port charger and plugs directly into a wall outlet. This charger is much bulkier than a USB-C cable and adapter, but it does the same job well. The only downside is that you likely don’t have another one lying around, so if you lose it, you’ll likely need to buy another one.
*Note: a minimum of 3a is required with the Solo 2 MAX for optimal passthrough charging.
Accessories
Compared to each other, the original Solo 2 portable dry herb vaporizer comes with a short glass stem, a glass aroma dish, a sample of botanicals, and a belt-clip carry case. The Solo 2 MAX comes with a 14mm water pipe adapter, but none of the accessories mentioned above.
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Solo 2 MAX Box Contents |
Solo 2 Box Contents |
| Arizer Solo 2 MAX Dry Herb Vaporizer | Arizer Solo 2 Dry Herb Vaporizer |
| Long Glass Aroma Tube (110mm) with PVC Travel Tube | Glass Stem Aroma Tube (90mm) with PVC Travel Tube |
| Frosted Glass Aroma Tube (Water Pipe Adapter) with PVC Travel Tube | Long Glass Aroma Tube (110mm) with PVC Travel Tube |
| Stir Tool with PVC Travel Tube | Stir Tool with PVC Travel Tube |
| Two Stem Caps | Two Stem Caps |
| USB-C to USB-A Cable & Adapter | Barrel Port Charger & Adapter |
| Screen Pack | Screen Pack |
| Owner’s Manual | Owner’s Manual |
| Glass Aroma Dish with PVC Travel Tube | |
| Belt-Clip Carry Case | |
| Sample of Aromatic Botanicals |
Which one should you buy?
Get the original Solo 2 if…
If you want the core Solo 2 vaping experience without shelling out a decent chunk of change, the original Solo 2 is the best option. Vapor quality is roughly the same between the two vapes, and the overall user experience is nearly identical, minus a few upgrades. Its barrel port charger is now considered outdated with the release of USB-C, but don’t misplace it and you’ll be just fine.
Get the Solo 2 MAX if…
If you want the Solo 2 experience with slightly better airflow, a modern charger, and the best bubbler experience, the Solo 2 MAX is it. With the latest tech and features, this vape does everything the Solo 2 can, and more, and even refines a few key elements for an elevated experience over the original.
Conclusion
Whether you lean towards the classic efficiency and affordability of the Solo 2 or favor the modern enhancements and bubbler compatibility of the Solo 2 MAX, Arizer ensures a quality vaping adventure either way. Both devices offer an impressive array of features, from rapid heat-up times to extensive battery life, and ensure a top-notch vaping experience. Ultimately, your choice depends on what you value most: the tried-and-true reliability and cost-effectiveness of the Solo 2, or the cutting-edge features and slightly enhanced performance of the Solo 2 MAX.
