As a long-time vaporizer enthusiast and reviewer for herbvape.co.uk, I've had the pleasure of testing countless devices over the years. The Solo 2 Max, Arizer's latest offering, has been my daily driver for the past four months, and I'm excited to share my in-depth, hands-on experience with this impressive device.
Unlike some reviews you might find on major vaporizer retail sites, this assessment isn't influenced by product affiliations or sales goals. My aim is to provide you, the reader, with an honest, comprehensive look at what it's like to use the Solo 2 Max day in and day out. I'll cover everything from vapor quality to long-term maintenance, highlighting both strengths and potential drawbacks, so you can make an informed decision based on real-world performance, not marketing hype.
The Solo 2 Max promises to build upon the success of its predecessor, the Solo 2, with improved battery life, faster heat-up times, and enhanced temperature control. But does it live up to these claims? Is it worth upgrading if you already own a Solo 2? And how does it stack up against other popular portables in its price range?
In this detailed review, I'll dive deep into every aspect of the Solo 2 Max, drawing from my personal experience and broader user feedback from forums like Reddit and other online communities. Whether you're a vaping novice or a seasoned enthusiast, my goal is to provide you with the most reliable, detailed, and user-focused review available online. Let's explore what makes the Solo 2 Max tick, and whether it deserves a place in your vaporizer collection.

When I first unboxed the Solo 2 Max, I was immediately struck by its familiar yet refined design. Arizer has maintained the cylindrical form factor of the original Solo 2, but with some notable improvements. The device feels substantial in hand, weighing about 250g, which gives it a premium feel without being cumbersome.
The body is crafted from high-quality anodized aluminum, which not only looks sleek but also does an excellent job of heat management. Even during extended sessions at high temperatures, the device remains comfortable to hold. The textured grip around the middle of the unit is a nice touch, providing a secure hold even with slightly sweaty hands.
One of the most significant design improvements is the larger, more vibrant OLED display. It's crisp, easy to read even in bright sunlight, and provides clear information on temperature and battery life. The button layout remains intuitive, with responsive controls that have a satisfying click.
The glass stems, a hallmark of Arizer vaporizers, are as high-quality as ever. The kit comes with two stems (one short, one long), and they fit snugly into the heating chamber with a satisfying seal. I appreciate that Arizer has slightly recessed the chamber, which provides better protection for the stem when it's inserted.
A minor gripe I've seen echoed in online forums is that the glass stems can be a bit fragile. While I haven't broken one yet, I can see how it could happen if you're not careful. However, this is a trade-off for the excellent vapor quality they provide, and replacements are readily available and affordable.
Overall, the Solo 2 Max exudes quality. It's clear that Arizer has refined their design based on user feedback, resulting in a device that's both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional.

This is where the Solo 2 Max truly shines. The vapor quality is, in a word, exceptional. The combination of the ceramic heating element, borosilicate glass pathway, and precise temperature control results in some of the purest, most flavorful vapor I've experienced from a portable device.
The heat-up time has been significantly improved from the original Solo 2. It now reaches vaping temperature in about 20-25 seconds, which is impressive for a session vaporizer. This quicker heat-up time has made a noticeable difference in my daily use, especially when I'm on the go.
I've tested the Solo 2 Max with a variety of herbs and at different grind levels, and it performs admirably in all scenarios. The vapor is consistently smooth and cool, even at higher temperatures, thanks to the all-glass vapor path. The flavor preservation is outstanding – I can often distinguish subtle terpene notes that I miss with other vaporizers.
The temperature range (50°C to 220°C) provides plenty of flexibility. I find that starting at around 180°C and gradually increasing to 210°C over a 15-minute session gives me the best balance of flavor and effects. The ability to adjust temperature in 1°C increments allows for precise control over your vaping experience.
One of the standout features is the new Max mode, which boosts the heater to maximum power. This is particularly useful for quick extraction or when using concentrates with the optional attachment. However, I've found that I don't use this feature as often as I initially thought I would – the standard heating is usually more than sufficient.
Efficiency is another strong point. The Solo 2 Max extracts thoroughly and evenly, leaving behind uniformly browned ABV (Already Been Vaped) material. I've noticed that I use less herb compared to some other vaporizers to achieve the same effects.
The only minor drawback I've experienced is that the draw resistance can be a bit high, especially if you pack the stem too tightly. However, this is easily mitigated with a slightly coarser grind and a looser pack.

The battery life on the Solo 2 Max is nothing short of impressive. Arizer claims up to 3 hours of continuous use, and in my experience, this isn't far off. I typically get about 15-20 sessions per charge, depending on the temperature settings and session length. This easily lasts me several days of regular use.
The device uses a removable 18650 battery, which is a huge plus in my book. This means you can carry spare batteries for extended trips, and you're not stuck with a paperweight if the battery degrades over time. The ability to use aftermarket 18650 batteries is appreciated, though I've found the included Arizer battery to be of high quality.
Charging is done via USB-C, which is a welcome upgrade from the original Solo 2. It charges from empty to full in about 2 hours with the included charger. The pass-through charging feature is handy – you can use the device while it's plugged in, although it charges more slowly when in use.
One thoughtful feature is the battery percentage indicator on the display. It gives a much clearer picture of remaining battery life compared to the simple bar indicator on many other vaporizers.
The only minor complaint I have is that the device doesn't come with an external battery charger. While not necessary, it would have been a nice inclusion for those who want to keep a spare battery ready to go.

The Solo 2 Max offers a wide temperature range of 50°C to 220°C (122°F to 428°F), which covers all my vaping needs. The ability to adjust in 1°C/1°F increments allows for precise control over your session.
The controls are intuitive and easy to use. The large OLED display clearly shows the current and set temperatures, as well as battery life and session duration. The menu system is straightforward to navigate, allowing you to customize settings like session length, display brightness, and temperature scale (°C or °F).
One feature I particularly appreciate is the ability to set custom temperature presets. I've set mine to 180°C, 195°C, and 210°C, which allows for quick switching between my preferred temperatures without scrolling through the entire range.
The new Max mode, activated by holding the up button, boosts the heater to its maximum power. While it's a nice feature to have, especially for concentrate use, I find I don't use it often in my regular dry herb sessions.
One minor gripe I've seen mentioned on forums, and I agree with, is that the automatic shutoff timer maxes out at 15 minutes. For those who prefer longer sessions, this can be a bit annoying. However, it's a small inconvenience in the grand scheme of things.

The Solo 2 Max is remarkably user-friendly, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced users. The learning curve is minimal – simply grind your herb, load the stem, insert it into the device, set your temperature, and you're good to go.
Loading the stem is straightforward, although it can be a bit messy if you're not careful. I've found that using a small funnel or the rim of your grinder can help with precision. The stems can be pre-loaded for convenience, which is great for on-the-go use.
The glass stems do require a bit more care than some all-in-one portable vaporizers, but they're easy to clean and contribute significantly to the vapor quality. I usually carry mine in a small padded case to prevent breakage.
One aspect that I really appreciate is the minimal maintenance required. A quick brush of the heating chamber and a rinse of the stem after each session keeps things clean. For deeper cleaning, soaking the stems in isopropyl alcohol works wonders.
The interface is intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons and a logical menu structure. The large display makes it easy to see your settings at a glance.
One minor inconvenience is the lack of haptic feedback. While not a deal-breaker, vibration alerts for reaching temperature or session end would have been a nice addition.

While the Solo 2 Max is certainly portable, it's not the most pocket-friendly device on the market. At about 4.5 inches tall and 1.75 inches in diameter, it's more suited to a small bag or large pocket than jeans pocket carry.
That said, its durability makes it an excellent choice for outdoor adventures. The solid aluminum body can take a few knocks without issue, and the recessed heating chamber provides some protection for the glass stem when it's inserted.
The impressive battery life is a big plus for portability. Being able to go several days without needing to recharge is fantastic for travel. The ability to carry spare 18650 batteries extends this even further.
One portability feature I love is the stem caps. These allow you to pre-load stems and carry them safely, making for quick and easy loading on the go.
The main drawback in terms of portability is the glass stems. While they contribute greatly to vapor quality, they require a bit more care when traveling. I always make sure to carry mine in a padded case.
Overall, while it's not the most discreet or compact portable vaporizer, the Solo 2 Max strikes a good balance between portability and performance. It's become my go-to for day trips and outdoor sessions.

At £199.99, the Solo 2 Max sits in the mid-to-high range for portable vaporizers. After using it extensively, I believe it offers excellent value for money.
The build quality is exceptional, and based on my experience with other Arizer products, I expect this device to last for years. The 2-year warranty on the electronics (lifetime on the heating element) provides additional peace of mind.
The vapor quality and consistency are top-notch, rivaling or surpassing vaporizers in higher price brackets. The efficiency of herb use also adds to its value – I've found I use less material to achieve the same effects compared to many other vaporizers.
The inclusion of two stems, a carrying case, and other accessories in the base package is generous. The only additional purchase I'd recommend is a spare battery and possibly an external charger, which aren't strictly necessary but nice to have.
One aspect that adds to its value is the ability to use it with other Arizer accessories. For example, the water pipe adapter allows you to use it with your favorite glass pieces, extending its versatility.
While it's not the cheapest option on the market, the Solo 2 Max offers a combination of performance, durability, and ease of use that I believe justifies its price tag. For those upgrading from the original Solo 2, the improvements in heat-up time and battery life make it a worthwhile investment in my opinion.

One of the Solo 2 Max's strengths is its ease of maintenance. The all-glass vapor path not only contributes to excellent flavor but also makes cleaning a breeze.
For daily maintenance, I simply brush out the heating chamber after each use and give the stem a quick rinse with warm water. This keeps things clean for several sessions.
For a deeper clean, I soak the glass stems in isopropyl alcohol for an hour or so, then rinse thoroughly with water. They come out looking brand new every time. The heating chamber rarely needs more than a quick swab with an alcohol-dipped cotton bud.
One tip I've found useful is to use the device while it's still warm (but not hot) and turn it upside down. This allows any loose particles to fall out of the heating chamber, preventing buildup.
The only part that requires a bit more attention is the screen in the stem. It can get clogged over time, but it's easily removed and cleaned or replaced.
Overall, maintenance is minimal and straightforward, which is a big plus in my book. It's far less involved than many other vaporizers I've used, especially those with more complex air paths or cooling units.

Conclusion

After extensive use, I can confidently say the Solo 2 Max is one of the best portable vaporizers I've had the pleasure of using. It excels in vapor quality, battery life, and ease of use, making it a top choice for both newcomers and experienced users who prioritize flavor and efficiency.
The improvements over the original Solo 2, particularly the faster heat-up time and enhanced battery life, address key user feedback and significantly enhance the overall experience. While it's not the most pocket-friendly or discreet option, it's perfect for home use or outdoor adventures where size isn't an issue.
The Solo 2 Max is ideal for:
Users who prioritize vapor quality and flavor
Those who value long battery life and the convenience of removable batteries
Anyone looking for a durable, long-lasting vaporizer
Users who appreciate precise temperature control
Those who don't mind a slightly larger portable device in exchange for performance
It might not be the best fit for:
Users needing ultra-portable or discreet options
Those who prefer faster extraction methods like on-demand vaporizers
People who find glass stems too fragile for their lifestyle
Users on a tight budget looking for a more affordable option
Final Rating: 9.2/10
The Solo 2 Max isn't perfect, but it comes impressively close for a portable vaporizer. Its few shortcomings are far outweighed by its outstanding performance in key areas. The combination of top-tier vapor quality, impressive battery life, and ease of use makes it a standout device in the current market.
What truly sets the Solo 2 Max apart is its ability to deliver desktop-quality vapor in a portable package. The all-glass vapor path and precise temperature control result in a purity of flavor that's hard to match in the portable segment. While it may not be the most pocket-friendly device, the trade-off in vapor quality and battery life is well worth it for many users, myself included.
The device's efficiency is another major selling point. I've found myself using less herb to achieve desired effects, which can lead to long-term savings that help offset the initial investment. Additionally, the minimal maintenance required and the durability of the device make it a reliable choice for daily use.
For those upgrading from the original Solo 2, the faster heat-up times and improved battery life make it a worthwhile investment. New users will appreciate its ease of use and the top-notch vapor quality right out of the box.
In conclusion, if you're serious about vaporizing and want a device that delivers exceptional vapor quality, long battery life, and ease of use in a relatively portable package, the Solo 2 Max is an investment you're unlikely to regret. It successfully bridges the gap between high-performance desktop units and portable vaporizers, offering the best of both worlds for discerning users. Whether you're a flavor chaser, a cloud enthusiast, or somewhere in between, the Solo 2 Max has something to offer, cementing its place as one of the top portable vaporizers of 2024.