DaVinci

Background

The DaVinci MIQRO-C is a portable dry herb vaporizer, maybe the smallest I’ve ever seen. It is built with the same design lines as the DaVinci IQC (read review), and it offers many of the same features in a much more compact design. 

It retails for $109, and you can save 15% with coupon code TVG15 directly from DaVinci.

The MIQRO is designed for use with dry herb (but it is also compatible with concentrates), and it has a ceramic heating chamber that is capable of producing dense, flavorful vapor. It has four temperature settings and an adjustable oven size that allows you to use less herb while still getting a full-flavored vapor. 

Design & Features

So the first thing that comes to mind is- tiny. This thing is small. It is smaller than the Pax Mini (we’ll compare the two below.)

It has a sleek, modern design with an anodized aluminum exterior and a ceramic heating chamber. The device is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, making it easy to take on the go.

The design is minimalistic, with a single-button interface that is used to power it on and off, as well as to adjust the temperature. It also has four small OLEDs that show the current temperature and battery life. 

The oven is under the bottom latch. It is made from Ceramic and can hold around a quarter of a gram. Just like the IQ, the Micro-C has a removable pearl that can be used to adjust the size of the oven, allowing you to use less herb while still getting a dense vapor.

The top latch is also the mouthpiece which is made from medical-grade silicone. There is a removable battery and a tocked-in oven tool. A lot of elements that we are familiar with from the IQ2.

The Micro supports USB-C rapid charging (finally, DaVinci!) and charges up in around an hour to two. 

Conduction heating

The DaVinci Miqro-C uses a conduction heating system, which means that the material is heated by coming into contact with a hot surface. The Miqro-C heats up relatively quickly at around 30 seconds, and the zirconia pearl helps to ensure that the material is evenly heated for a consistent experience. 

The device has a temperature range of 300°F to 430°F, adjustable by +/- 1 degree. There are also four built-in “smart paths,” which will start on a low temp and increase throughout the session.

Pax Mini VS. DaVinci Miqro

The DaVinci MIQRO and the PAX MINI are both compact and discreet portable vaporizers that are known for their high-quality vapor production and easy-to-use interfaces.

Size: The MIQRO is slightly smaller and more discreet. It’s not a big difference, but the Miqro is smaller for sure.

Oven size: The MIQRO has an adjustable oven size (of 0.2-0.3gr), which allows you to use less herb while still getting a full-flavored vapor. The PAX MINI, on the other hand, does not have this feature, which means you will need to use a full oven load (0.25gr) in order to get the most out of your sessions.

Temperature settings: The MIQRO can be used with pre-set heat settings called “smart paths” or manually adjustable by +/-1 degree. The PAX MINI has one temperature setting.

In terms of battery life, the PAX MINI has a slightly longer-lasting battery, but the MIQRO is not far behind. Both vaporizers are easy to use, and both are excellent choices for those who are looking for a portable vaporizer that is easy to use and produces high-quality vapor. 

Performance& Vapor Quality

In terms of vapor production, the MIQRO can produce a good amount of vapor with each draw. The density of the vapor will depend on the temperature setting and the amount of herb that is used. 

The glass-lined ceramic oven allows you to use less herb while still getting vapor-packed hits. This makes it a great choice for solo sessions or for those who prefer microdosing, using less than .2gr of dry herb. 

It is a DiVinci product, so it features its standard “clean tech” approach, keeping the vapor path with no metals or plastics. 

Overall, the MIQRO produces high-quality vapor that is both smooth and flavorful. With our coupon code (TVG15) you can buy it for less than $100 directly from DaVinci. That’s incredible value for this little beast. 

Background

DaVinci’s latest release is the ARTIQ 510 battery, which is a surprising release from a brand that until now only released dry herb vapes. Dry Herb “purists” usually snob away from 510 carts, and it used to have a good reason- most carts use solvents and are considered more “processed” than herb or even dabs. 

But extraction methods have come a long way in the last couple of years, and these days, dispensaries sell live rosin carts that are cold-extracted without using any solvents. Plus, carts are easier to use and have no learning curve when compared to herb or wax, so it looks like carts are making a comeback.

Design & Features

Most carts use a universal connection called a 510 thread to connect to a battery. It just means that there are ten threads with 0.5mm in between them.

So carts from all brands are compatible with a variety of batteries. 

Super-stealthy 

The DaVinci ARTIQ is a little different than most 510 batteries, as the cart is completely concealed inside the body. Pen-style batteries are the least stealthy, then there are semi-concealed ones where only the tip of the battery is visible, and there are very few batteries out there that fully conceal the cart. 

Obviously, the advantage of such a battery is that it easily flies under the radar and can pass as a pod vape or an eCig, which has nothing to do with weed or carts. It can easily pass an external hard drive or a power bank. The bottom has an air intake hole, USB-C charging port, and an activation button.

The DaVinci has an Aluminum body that slides up, and the cart sits here with a magnetic adapter. There are two of these adapters included, so you can swap carts easily, and the mechanism works flawlessly. 

Cooling mechanism

The ARTIQ also has a cooling mechanism that, according to DaVinci, will reduce the temperature of the vapor by up to 90%. But we’ll get to that in sec.

The vapor comes out of the cart here and goes through this elongated vapor path here which cools it down vs. if you inhale it directly from the tip of the cart. 

But to be honest, I never have issues with hot vapor unless I rip on the vape nonstop back to back, which I really never do. This type of use is also called “blinkers,” as the battery shuts off after ten seconds or so, and the light starts blinking. 

So maybe if you do multiple blinkers, you will feel a substantial difference in the temperature of the vapor, but in everyday life, this cooling feature doesn’t make a huge difference. And just to be clear, there is no “active cooling” here. It’s just the longer vapor path that cools down the vapor. 

Bubbler adapter

The kit also includes a raised mouthpiece that can be used as an adapter for glass rigs or used with DaVinci’s glass bubbler, that’s available separately. 

Using the bubbler obviously improved the flavor by order of magnitude. Shipping the ARTIQ with the raised mouthpiece included instead of shipping separates shows a lot about the brand and how they cater to both beginners and experienced users.

Usage

It has three voltage settings, with a triple tap to toggle, and I’ll set mine on Blue, which is the lowest. 

Then I can inhale through the mouthpiece for draw activation, or I can click the button twice to start preheating. I use preheating for the first inhale of the session, but if I take a few inhales back to back, I just inhale without preheating in between. 

When inhaling, the ARTIQ has this heartbeat-haptic feedback that lets you know that the draw is registered and the device is working. 

Pressing and holding the button will function as a carb cap and stop activation so you can clear the remaining vapor from the air path.

Bottom line

I’ve been using the ARTIQ for a couple of weeks now, and it is definitely well-made and cleverly designed. The cooling feature, in my opinion, is more of a marketing gimmick than a real-life feature, but regardless of that, the ARTIQ performed very well in my testing. 

I especially like how the cart is concealed here. First, it is protected from damage, plus it is a lot more discreet than exposed carts. 

With preheat mode, carb mode, and haptic feedback, the ARTIQ is easily the most feature-packed 510 battery I’ve ever used. And I think at $60, actually $48, if you use the coupon code listed below, it provides great value over other options. 

The Yocan UNI, for example, which is made in China, is not fully concealed, has basically zero options except for voltage levels, and it costs $50. The ARTIQ is head and shoulders above it, in my opinion, and easily the smarter buy, especially if you value stealth and discretion. 

Background

The original DaVinci IQ was released late 2016 and it’s been a crowd favorite thanks ato its unique features. DaVinci later released the Miqro in July 2018, which is essentially a smaller version of the IQ. 

In late 2019, DaVinci released the IQ2, which builds upon the strong aspects of the original unit. It has the same general look and feel, but a lot has changed under the hood. The IQ2 is primarily a dry herb vaporizer but is also compatible with solid concentrates.  

July 2022 Update: Carbon Fiber Version Released

2022 marks DaVinci’s 10th anniversary, so it’s only fitting for them to release an iconic version of one of their bestsellers – the IQ2 Carbon. It takes the already impressive IQ2 and upgrades it’s shell to real 3K weave carbon fiber, which disperses heat for an overall better experience.

How is the IQ2 Carbon different from the standard IQ2?

Well, the most obvious difference is the Carbon shell upgrade over the original Aluminum. 

To be clear, this is not some sticker or wrap – this is the real deal. The shell looks absolutely beautiful that people have been approaching me and asking me about it whenever I use it in public. 

But the value you get from the Carbon version goes beyond looks. Not only does the Carbon finish make it look nice, it also dissipates heat better so the unit gets less hot to touch. The kit also comes with a few additional accessories that are otherwise available separately (visit davinci):

• Bubbler or Hydrotube (retails for $85)
• Dosage grinder (around $50)
• Dosage Pods & holder ($30)
• Engraved Keychain with tool
• Premium Storage Box

The Carbon version retails for $500 (view product), which is $200 more than the original IQ2 priced at $249 (view product). But considering that you get accessories worth $165 plus the upgraded shell, it justifies the price especially if you’re gonna get the accessories anyway. 

The carbon version was also upgraded to USB-C charging vs USB mini on the standard IQ2.

Otherwise, both versions are identical in terms of internal build and usage process. 

Kit & Accessories

The standard kit comes with:

• Davinci IQ2 vaporizer
• Dosage pod & ceramic extract disc
• Flat & Extended mouthpiece
• Alcohol wipes, organic cotton pods
• Charging cable, manual, spare pick tool

Dosage Pod

The (included) dosage pod is a little ceramic canister that can be used with dry herbs but also allow the use of solid extracts. 

To use it with dry herbs, each dosage pod fits around 0.2gr of dry herbs instead of the 0.5gr that fits into the oven. This makes it perfect as an oven reducer for microdosing. 

Mouthpiece options

The IQ2 comes with a flat mouthpiece installed and ready to use, but there is another (extended) mouthpiece in the box. The extended mouthpiece can also be used as a 10mm adapter for various accessories or water filtration devices.

The extended mouthpiece is my favorite mouthpiece so far because the longer airpath helps to cool down the vapor, making each hit feel more natural. The downside is that it reduces portability a little.

Both mouthpieces are made from Zirconia, which is an advanced, pure material that has similar properties to Ceramic. 

18650 Battery

The IQ2 uses a replaceable 18650 battery, which is included in the box.

The battery lasts for around one hour of continuous use, which is not bad at all. But when using the micro USB port that’s on the device to charge the battery while inside the device, it takes 6 hours to reach a full charge. An external charger can reduce the charge time to three hours, which we’ll cover in a bit.

Optional Accessories 

Glass Spacers (View in Store): There are optional 10mm and 6mm glass spacers available for the IQ. They are inserted into the herb chamber, reducing its capacity for users who want to use less herb. There are three different oven sizes to choose from.

External Charger (view on Amazon): You can purchase an external charger for the removable 18650 battery to split the charging time by half. You can also purchase more 18650 Batteries , so that you can have a few extra fully-charged ones handy once the one in your IQ2 runs out. Some users don’t want to pop batteries in and out of the vape and a charger constantly, but it’s the best way to get the lengthy charging issue out of the way.

Design & Features

High Quality Build

The IQ2 has a brushed aluminum finish, an upgrade to the sandblasted aluminum used in the original IQ. The new finish makes the device smoother and emphasizes its sturdy, high-quality build even more.

The top and bottom of the device open up with a latch mechanism to expose its internal components. If you open it from the bottom, it exposes there is a nice funnel-shaped sink that slides the herb right into the oven. The oven is made from glass and ceramic and is shaped like a deep cylinder. 

The top latch opens to reveal the battery, the flavor chamber, and a small pick tool. Both lids are magnetic and easily open and close.

Zirconia Pearl

The bottom lid of the IQ has a Zirconia Pearl that slides right into the oven. It reflects heat back into the oven, resulting in an efficient and even “roast” of the herbs.

The Zirconia Pearl can also be adjusted to reduce the size of the oven, but I suggest just leaving it in the default position. That’s because when you screw it out too much, it prevents the latch from closing smoothly. 

Flavor Chamber

The IQ2 features a “flavor chamber,” which is essentially the vapor path. Also made from zirconia, it cools down the vapor and doubles as a small storage container. The flavor chamber sits under the top lid and can be pulled out and opened with the small pick tool that’s tucked right next to it. 

DaVinci says that you can also pack some herb in there to enhance the flavor or save for later use. But I see very few people use this as a storage container, and I don’t recommend it either. I see it as the vapor path, and I like the fact that it easily pulls out for convenient cleaning. 

Adjustable Airflow

The bottom lid of the IQ2 includes an airflow control dial with four levels to choose from, with four holes representing each level. Switching from one to four holes will increase the amount of air that can pass through, which influences the type of vapor you can get. Increasing the airflow will cause air to pass through the oven faster, resulting in cooler, less dense vapor. Closing the dial and reducing the airflow will result in a warmer, thicker vapor. 

LED Display

The IQ2 features a grid LED display that displays temperature levels and other settings. The IQ2 also has a “stealth mode” that can be activated by pressing the power button and the down arrow together to dim the LEDs.

Wax Compatible

The ceramic disc that comes with the IQ2 kit can be inserted into the dosage pod, which allows you to use solid extracts like wax or dab. However, I recommend avoiding the use of concentrates in your primary dry herb vaporizer. Over time, residue will build up, and everything will become sticky. Use a dab pen for your extracts instead and stick to dry herbs when using your IQ2.

Usage and Interface

The IQ2 can be a great fit for any kind of user. It’s simple enough to use for beginners, but its customization options also make it appealing for advanced users.

The IQ2 comes with three different modes – Smart Path, Precision mode, and Boost mode. The Smart Path mode gradually increases the temperature by 20 degrees as you vape. You can either choose among four preset Smart Paths, or customize your own. 

The Precision mode lets you set a specific temperature to maintain throughout a single session. Meanwhile, Boost mode lets you boost the temperature straight to 430 degrees by simply pressing and holding the power button.

View the official user manual here to find out more about how to use the IQ2.

Performance & Vapor Quality

Overall Performance

The IQ2 produces some of the best and densest vapor I have ever experienced. I thank the Air Dial for this, because I experienced some of the best vapor when I started playing around with the dial. DaVinci made the right call incorporating this feature, knowing that this is the only dry herb vape I’ve seen so far that has efficient adjustable airflow.

Vapor Quality

The IQ2 produces clean, flavorful vapor, and preserves the delicate flavors of the terpenes. This can be owed to the fact that it uses a glass and zirconia airpath free of plastic, metal, and electronic components. 

I experienced the best vapor at around 390F at precision mode or the second and third smart paths. For heavy hitters- the IQ2 can heat up to 430F, which is higher than even the Mighty’s 410F. The higher temperature can be used for extracts, but I do not recommend going over 420F with dry herbs.

The vapor was surprisingly thick. The not-so-secret secret is the zirconia pearl in the oven that helps to regulate the temperature and provide a nice even vape to the herbs. The long airpath helps to cool down the vapor, particularly with the extended mouthpiece.

What Could Have Been Better

Well, battery life. For sure. I mentioned the battery issue earlier, which could be solved using an external battery charger and a few extra batteries. The IQ2 still uses a Micro USB which is slow and not efficient. The new Carbon version has USB-C and I hope the IQ2 will be upgraded as well in the future.

Bottom Line

It’s immediately obvious that a lot of thought and engineering went into creating the IQ2. It’s not perfect, but it’s still one of the most solid options for those looking for strong vapor in a small and stealthy vape. Its size-to-performance ratio remains one of the highest in the industry, which is one good reason why the IQ2 remains one of the best dry herb vapes out there.

The original DaVinci IQ was released late 2016 and it’s been a crowd favorite thanks to its unique features. DaVinci later released the Miqro in July 2018, which is essentially a smaller version of the IQ. 

In late 2019, DaVinci released the IQ2, which builds upon the strong aspects of the original unit. It has the same general look and feel, but a lot has changed under the hood. The IQ2 is primarily a dry herb vaporizer but is also compatible with solid concentrates. 

Background

Since the original DaVinci IQ (review) was released in 2016, there have been a lot of improvements in material quality and design technology – allowing DaVinci to take this device design even further. Making it more functional, improving its ergonomics, applied materials, and overall performance. These improvements were first seen on the DaVinci IQ2, and that device easily won over critics and users alike. Just when we thought the IQ2 was near perfect, DaVinci’s pursuit of relentless innovation brings us the new DaVinci IQC. 

The DaVinci IQC (buy) retains its iconic, portable body, but with a few of the IQ2’s bells and whistles trimmed off – such as the dosage control and the air dial. Several of the former zirconia pieces have been replaced with hi-temperature silicone parts, and the aluminum lids have been swapped out for antimicrobial polymer lids. These swaps drove down its price point from $295 to $229. The charging port has also been switched out from the outdated micro- USB to the more apt USB-C. 

With all these considered, the only question left to ask is if this device performs and satisfies just like its critically acclaimed predecessor. Just like the IQ2, it’s compatible with both dry herb and concentrates. Although, I’d tell you from the get-go that it’s best to keep your concentrate device and dry herb vaporizer separate. To test the IQC, I used it with CBD herb from In-hemp and THC from my local dispensary. 

Design

DaVinci Tech’s design philosophy is stated as “designing tiny devices that aim to change the bigger conversation about cannabis consumption”. This mantra definitely shows throughout their product line, no DaVinci device is loud or ostentatious, but rather sleek and discreet- perfect for daily use even out in public. 

Body: The IQC sports a durable sandblasted aluminum body. Sandblasted aluminum was actually the same material used on the original IQ, and was switched out for brushed aluminum on the IQ2. The IQC’s body definitely has a more rugged, rough feel in comparison to the IQ2 – which lends itself well to the overall balance and hand feel of this new device. 

Right at the top of the device is the noticeable black antimicrobial polymer lid which houses the mouthpiece and may be opened to expose the airpath and replaceable battery. This new black accent adds to that rugged look and feel mentioned earlier. It’s a pretty cool contrast from the rest of the DaVinci products, which were more minimalist due to their monochromatic looks and aluminum lids. 

The bottom of the device opens to expose the ceramic oven and zirconia pearl. The Zirconia pearl is a DaVinci signature, and it serves two functions:

1. it encloses the oven from the bottom, and it heats up to create a more even heat distribution, therefore creating a more even “burn” of the herbs. 
2. it sits on a short thread that allows you to screw it out a bit, reducing the space in the oven and allowing any user to use less herb in a session. 

There are two details worth nothing here. One is that on the IQ2, I actually recommended that the pearl be left in its default position and not be screwed out since it interfered with the latch closure. But now, (and this is the second thing to note) on the IQC, all the latches have been improved to be more efficient. So the Zirconia pearl (View in Store) may now be used to its fullest. 

Flavor Chamber

Just like the rest of the IQ line, the DaVinci IQC features a “flavor chamber,” which cools down the vapor, and can double as a small storage container. The flavor chamber is also made out of zirconia and holds just enough herb for a session. On the former devices, the lid that sealed the flavor chamber was also made of zirconia- but on the IQC, it’s been replaced with the same hi-temp silicone that’s present throughout the device. 

Battery

Opening the top lid exposes the removable 18650 battery which lasts about around 6-8 sessions before needing a recharge. While the charging port has been upgraded to USB-C, it does take 2 hours to recharge, depending on the output of your wall outlet. 

If you can’t wait 2 hours, consider purchasing a replacement battery (buy on amazon) so you can swap the dead one out for a charged one at every turn. 

Mouthpiece

Just like the IQ2, the IQC’s kit comes with two mouthpieces, one is a flat mouthpiece that sits flush at the top of the device and the other is a ‘straw’ style mouthpiece that can also be used as an adapter to any 10mm glass rig (View in Store).

But unlike the IQ2 which had zirconia mouthpieces, they’ve been swapped out for hi-temperature silicone which is better at staying cool even after successive uses. The magnet that secures the mouthpieces have also been made stronger and more secure. 

LED Display 

The LED display is another brand signature and has remained largely unchanged since the original device. 

It is a small LED grid that displays the current temperature levels, device status, and battery level. To dim the LEDs, activate “stealth mode” by pressing the power button together with the down arrow button. 

DaVinci IQC vs. DaVinci IQ2

The differences and similarities between the IQC and its predecessor are peppered throughout this review. As mentioned earlier- they’re nearly similar but with a few features and some hardware changes. Think of the IQC as the “S” version of the iPhone – sporting a few design improvements while retaining the overall functionality that the IQ2 is well known for – at a more affordable price point.

Here’s what’s changed:

• The mouthpieces and the lid that covers the ‘flavor chamber’ are now made of high-temperature silicone instead of zirconia.  High-temperature silicone does a much better job of dampening heat even after successive sessions, ensuring that your IQC stays cool to the touch.
• The magnet that secures the mouthpiece to the device has been made bigger and more secure.
• The hinges on the top and bottom covers have been improved and are now more durable.
• At the bottom of the IQ2 – there’s an airflow dial that allows users to adjust the draw resistance to some extent. On the IQC, it’s been removed and replaced with a simple logo image.
• The removable 18650 battery can now be charged via USB-C instead of the archaic micro-USB. USB-C allows for faster charging and provides more power than the former.

What remains the same:

• The IQC retains the same funnel-shaped oven and still has a zirconia adjustable pearl. This means that loading the IQC is just as easy and seamless as the IQ2 and its performance and vapor quality remain excellent.
• The LED grid that displays temperature levels is the same and so is toggling through the various device settings with the three-button interface.
• Both devices are compatible with the DaVinci Mobile App with the same functionality. Dosage, however, is limited to the IQ2.
• Both the IQ2 and IQC weigh roughly 150 grams and have dimensions of 4.5 x 9.2 x 2.5 cm.
• The IQC and the IQ2 both have a removable 18650 battery which lasts around 6-8 sessions before needing a recharge.

Performance and Vapor Quality 

To use the DaVinci IQC, open the bottom latch, adjust the pearl to your liking and pack the oven. It’s essential for the material to be packed just right but not too tight – but as close to the internal heating element as possible. The pearl does a good job of making sure it stays close to the heating element without exactly squeezing it in. Packing slightly loosely also means less draw resistance, as the airflow is less restricted, creating a better inhale.

Modes and Smart Profiles

After filling the oven with just enough herb, turn the DaVinci IQC on by pressing the power button 5 times, toggle through the pre-set smart heating profiles by pressing the up or down buttons. Once you select your Smart Path setting, the LED lights flash until it reaches the right temperature. Once it’s fully heated up, it also vibrates to let you know when it’s ready. The smart profiles will gradually increase the oven temperature during your session and lasts 8 minutes. You may also opt to customize and control these settings to a “T” with the accompanying smartphone app. 

• Mode 1: starts at 350F and increases to 370F
• Mode 2: starts at 370F and increases to 390F
• Mode 3- starts at 390 and increases to 410F
• Mode 4: starts at 410 and increases to 430F

The IQC can also be used in ‘precision mode’, which keeps a constant temperature in the oven throughout the session. To switch to “precision mode” click the power button once and use the arrows to set the temperature. The precise temp will be displayed on the LED grid. The vape will vibrate when the desired temperature is reached. 

Vapor Quality

The IQ2 produced clean, flavorful vapor, and preserved the delicate flavors of the terpenes. The IQ2 uses a glass and zirconia airpath, free of plastic, metal, and electronic components. The vapor was surprisingly thick, especially for a conduction vaporizer. The not-so-secret secret is the zirconia pearl in the oven that helps to regulate the temperature and provides a nice even vape to the herbs. The long airpath helps to cool down the vapor, particularly with the extended mouthpiece. 

The IQC’s oven is also similar to the IQ2, it’s funnel-shaped and makes loading a breeze since the material just slides in. For an even better loading experience, I highly recommend the use of an herb spoon (buy on Amazon). DaVinci also sells dosage pods on their website, which can be pre-loaded with herb and stored in a holder, and then just popped into the oven while on the go, eliminating the need for manual loading. I also highly suggest using a great grinder such as SLX (review).

Being the improved version of the IQ2 meant that there were high expectations for this device. The resulting vapor on the IQC is on par with its predecessor. It produces pure, flavorful vapor that is also very thick and dense. I might even go as far as saying that it probably provides the most potent vapor out of any vape available right now. 

Other Functional Options

• Boost mode can be activated by holding down the power button during a session, and that will heat up and maintain max power and reach the max temp of 430F until you release the button.  
• To toggle between F/C, click all three buttons together.
• To check the current temp in the oven while in smart path mode, click the power button once

Bottom Line 

It’s not often that we come across a device that’s an update on something that’s already proven to be so good, and yet have it be even cheaper than its predecessor. The IQC is the revamped IQ, staying true to the quality we’re used to seeing from DaVinci, sans all the bells and spare features. 

Though essentially, it wasn’t a full overhaul – the few changes and improvements elevated what was already a popular and well-performing device. The IQC is positioned to be one of the top-selling vapes of this year, with an outstanding balance of performance, features, and portability.