Introduction
Storz & Bickel (homepage) is definitely a brand name that most vaporizer enthusiasts associate with heavy-duty, very reliable devices. They released their flagship portable, The Mighty in 2014 and has since updated it in 2021 as the Mighty+ (review | buy). The Mighty+ (Plus) features a ceramic-lined filling chamber, fast USB-C charging, 60-second heat-up time, a new preset: the superbooster, and is the first-ever portable to be certified for medical use. Just like its predecessor, the Mighty+ retains its large LED screen, precise temperature control, swiveling mouthpiece, and of course – S&B Hybrid Heating.
In the 7 years between the Mighty and the Mighty+, there have been several new and notable portables that have hit the market- offering more options even for the most discerning user. One of the newest devices released is the DaVinci IQC (review| buy) – which is an updated and refreshed version of the very popular DaVinci IQ2 (review | buy).
The DaVinci IQC retains the brand’s signature design elements such as a lightweight and uber portable body, LED light display, and zirconia pearl. In essence, it’s the IQ2 with a few extras trimmed off (the dosage control and air dial) and with a few elements swapped out / improved. The IQC features the same conduction heating system as its predecessor and delivers exactly the same quality of vapor.
Why compare both?
One of the most surprising things about the IQC is that despite being new and updated, the swaps DaVinci has made on this device have actually made it cheaper. The IQC is priced at $229, which is a lot less than the $295 IQ2. On the other hand, the Mighty+ (plus)’s price hasn’t changed in the last 7 years – it remains at a steep $399, classifying it as a premium vaporizer.
Despite the significant price difference, both devices deliver high-quality results and are common daily drivers among vaporizer enthusiasts. Both devices are also updates on very popular and highly acclaimed predecessors – which definitely makes seeing what these manufacturers have done, very interesting.
Kit and Accessories
The DaVinci IQC and the Mighty+ (Plus) both come with pretty well-stocked kits with everything you need to get started (sans the dry herb, of course). The IQC currently does have a line-up of accessories and several spares available for sale on their website- notably the dosage pods and the silicone glove. Although from the looks of it they’re mostly exclusively compatible for the IQC only.
S&B Ecosystem
S&B has the upper hand in this category by ensuring that all accessories that are available are compatible with all their portables. All of these accessories are available to purchase individually or packaged as part of a kit. Notable kits are the
- The Side Kit (visit store) is a set of accessories and spares that are compatible with the classic Mighty, Crafty, Crafty+ (Plus), and the Mighty+ (Plus). It retails for $20 and contains spares, cleaning tools, a filling aid (a S&B must-have), capsule caddy, and herb mill.
- Wear and Tear kit (visit store) which are all the spare pieces to refresh the cooling unit. It retails for $35 and it includes a spare cooling unit, mouthpieces, filling chamber, and other spares and cleaning tools.
Design and Notable Features
There’s definitely a big difference in design philosophy between these two products. S&B’s entire product line (including accessories) is designed with rugged and utilitarian looks. Usually sporting the brand’s signature black/monochromatic color scheme, accented by a bit of orange here and there.
DaVinci products, on the other hand, are minimal and sleek devices with understated looks. The IQC sports a durable sandblasted aluminum body, and a simple columnar design that’s quite concealable in your palm. The IQC’s finish has a smooth texture and a matte finish (very similar to the feel and finish of a MacBook’s shell). And while the Mighty+ (Plus) is only available in one color, the IQC is available in 4 different colors.
Portability and Stealth
The IQC definitely will fit perfectly in your palm and even more so – your pocket. Also, depending on which color you choose – the IQC’s design makes it very stealthy. The IQC’s black antimicrobial polymer lid makes the device look a bit more rugged (albeit still minimalist). This top lid is where the recessed mouthpiece is located and may be opened to expose the airpath and removable battery.
The Mighty+ (plus) on the other hand – it’s on the larger end for a portable and is defined in looks by the ingenious finned design that keeps the entire device very cool to the touch. The Mighty +and its little brother, the Crafty +, are both made from a medical-grade, advanced biomaterial called PEEK.
The cooling unit and swiveling mouthpiece are at the top of the device, and this sits right above three (3) columns: two batteries on either side and the hybrid heating chamber in the center. The bottom half of the device houses the larger-than-usual LED screen and two tactile triangular temperature buttons. All this considered, the Mighty+ isn’t one to fit in any pocket, but it might fit a small or medium-sized bag.
Medical Certification
The Mighty+ is TÜV certified for medical use and the first-ever vaporizer to carry the UL logo. The Mighty+ conforms to UL8139, which guarantees the safety of the battery, charging, electrical, and heating components.
Mouthpieces
The Mighty+’s swiveling mouthpiece is also made from PEEK and sits right above the cooling unit. The fact that it tucks away when it’s not in use is quite convenient, but it is still relatively short. The Mighty+ (Plus) is capable of reaching pretty high temperatures and even more so once “super boost” is on, and while PEEK is heat resistant – it’s the cooling unit that greatly helps reduce vapor temperature.
Just like all DaVinci products, the IQC kit also comes with two mouthpieces. One is a flat mouthpiece which sits flush on top of the device and another is a “straw” style mouthpiece that sticks out of the device and can also be used as an adapter to any 10mm glass rig. Both mouthpieces are made of hi-temperature silicone, which stays cool even after successive draws.
Between these two mouthpiece options, I definitely prefer the longer straw style mouthpiece, it’s easier to draw from and it adds to the length of the air path- further cooling the vapor.
Cooling Unit
The Cooling Unit on the Mighty+ is definitely product of great engineering, it’s essentially a lengthy vapor path within a small space. Hot air travels up from the chamber and is directed through the maze-like path in the unit before it goes through the mouthpiece – resulting in perfectly cooled, excellent tasting vapor.
The entire cooling unit is also fully replaceable – which makes the Mighty+ one of the only devices (the other being the Crafty+) with a fully replaceable vapor path. You can opt to purchase it separately for $20 on the Storz & Bickel website or if you have a Mighty, you can get the “Wear and Tear Kit” (visit store).
Smart Paths and the Smartphone app
The IQC has two modes: Precision mode and Smart Profiles. Precision mode allows for to-the-degree temperature control which is similar to what you get on the Mighty+ .
Smart Profiles are an exclusive DaVinci feature and it’s fully customizable via the accompanying smartphone app. Essentially it gradually increases the oven temperature during your session and lasts 8 minutes. Once you select your Smart Profile setting, the LED lights flash until it reaches the right temperature and vibrates to let you know when it’s ready.
By default, these are the pre-set smart profile temperatures:
- 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
On-Board Controls
The Mighty+ and the IQC are both ready to use straight away – but between them, with its app and smart profiles, the IQC is definitely more on the techy side of things. While the Mighty+ (plus) though improved, is still definitely keeping things pretty simple.
One of the first things anyone will notice about the Mighty+ is its large LED screen alongside its two control buttons and all the controls and information are displayed upfront. The only button that’s separate from the rest is the small orange power button on the side – although the Mighty also shuts off automatically after two minutes of inactivity.
The IQC can somewhat be used in a similar fashion when on precision mode, but the LED grid just isn’t as easy to read as the Mighty+’s display.
USB C Charging
Here’s something both these devices share: USB-C charging. Which is definitely more stable and faster than the older Micro USB, and in the case of the Mighty+ (Plus) is much better than the old proprietary charger. At 4600mAH, the Mighty+ boasts of one of the best and biggest batteries in the industry. It also only takes 90 minutes to charge.
The IQC is powered by a removable 18650 battery with a 3500mAh capacity- which is good for an hour of continuous use or 6-8 sessions before needing a 2-hour recharge.
2 hours is long – but since the batteries on the IQC are replaceable, you can opt to get a spare battery (buy on Amazon) and charger (buy on Amazon) so you can swap out the drained battery for a charged one at any time.
IQC vs Crafty+
Since the IQC is a handy device, it definitely makes a lot of sense to also pit it against the Mighty+ (Plus)’s smaller brother – the Crafty+ (plus). They share a few similarities such as an accompanying smartphone app, USB-C charging, and of course portability.
But there is a lot more about them that’s different – the Crafty+ has a smaller battery at 2800mAh and it doesn’t have a display or on-board controls – but everything may be controlled to a T with the Crafty+ app. On the app, you can select any temperature between 104°F and 410°F. The Crafty+ of course features S&B’s hybrid heating while the IQC has conduction heating and a temp range of 355-420°F (alongside the brand’s signature zirconia pearl). The Crafty+ also has a cooling unit and swiveling mouthpiece.
Between these two portables, the IQC definitely has more power available to it, and is easier to use due to its onboard controls and display – but S&B’s hybrid heating + the cooling unit does result in cooler vapor and more flavor.
Performance and Vapor Quality
A major differentiator between these two products is their heating systems. The Mighty has a hybrid heating system, while the IQC is only conduction heating. The vapor quality on Storz & Bickel products is considered the industry standard, and for good reason. S&B invented the hybrid heating system.
The first draw on the Mighty+ (Plus) results in a light yet very flavorful vapor, while subsequent draws are denser and more visible. One of the Mighty+ (Plus) best qualities is its consistency- each session is just as good as the last. Making it one of the most reliable devices on the market.
The IQC makes use of conduction heating – meaning it heats the herb via direct contact. The resulting vapor on the IQC is delicate, clean, and flavorful. While conduction heating usually results in harsh and hot vapor, the IQC’s sealed zirconia/glass vapor path does a very good job of cooling down vapor. The zirconia pearl also helps regulate temperature and helps heat the herb more evenly than it would if it wasn’t there.
Which one should you get?
If we’re talking just about portability – then the IQC is your best bet – it’s smaller and everything about it is more discreet. The Mighty+ is definitely larger and can’t be taken around as much – it’s more of a powerhouse and would definitely be the better choice judging from performance and vapor quality, but it is a little cost prohibitive at $399.
The cost definitely might just be worth it though, if what you’re after is a device that’ll last you ages and never fail- then the Mighty+ plus is the one. There’s a reason the older Mighty has been on our best dry herb list for as long as it has- and that’s cause it does the job and does it wonderfully well -and the Mighty+? It does it even better.
