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Discontinued

Published: Aug 25, 2020
Updated: Feb 12, 2024

Review Summary

The U421 features adjustable airflow and has a wider range of preset temp settings which you don’t usually see on similarly-priced vapes. It’s simple and user-friendly since it has a single-button interface and has a LED screen that displays the temp settings and battery life. For a weed vape that’s under $100, this is a fine choice to start vaping or a secondary device for traveling (if you already own a desktop vaporizer).

Background

Utillian 421 is an upgrade from its predecessor, Utillian 420. They both have the same box-type build and glass mouthpiece but the U421 has a longer battery life, two additional temp settings, and has a better LED Display. 

It's a simple dry herb vape with a single-button and has 4 color variants that you can choose from. It has an adjustable airflow which allows users to customize the way they inhale the vapor (whether tight or loose). This is a useful feature since it gives first-time vapers room to explore their preferred draw technique.

Design & Features

The Utillian 421 has an anodized steel finish that looks sleek and clean. I like the black color variant since it makes the device look expensive while maintaining the stealthy vibe in it. It has an ergonomic design that feels light and sturdy which is a nice thing for a budget vape. Standing at 4″ tall, it fits comfortably in my hand and can easily put in a bag or purse.

It has an oval-shaped power button on the side to turn on/off the device and to pick any 6 preset temperatures that range from 356°F-446°F. The internal battery has a 2300 mAh battery which is incredibly good for its price range and size. Both the temperature (current and set temp setting) and the battery are indicated by the LED display on top.

Mouthpiece

The mouthpiece is located just beside the LED display. It's made out of glass and has a metal heatsink which is a great combination since it makes the vapor cool and brings out more flavor from your herb. This is a pretty good mouthpiece for its price because most affordable vapes have plastic or even metal mouthpieces that get hot when in use.

However, the thing with a glass mouthpiece is it's fragile and you need to take extra care when using it. My advice is to invest in a carrying bag that’s built to put your vaporizer and other accessories in place.

Heating Chamber

The ceramic heating chamber can hold up to 0.3g that can heat up to 60 seconds depending on the temp settings. The U421 uses conduction heating which is pretty common to use for a dry herb vape (both entry-level vapes to high-end vapes). The downside of this heating method is there's a chance for your herbs to get burnt or scorched especially on a higher temp setting.

Adjustable Airflow

The adjustable airflow on the bottom of the U421 is a feature that you don't particularly see on an inexpensive vape. This allows you to customize your session- you can either take long slow draws or even sip on it like a frappe. Beginners will have zero problems setting the airflow since there are lines that indicate the draw strength.

How To Use

The U421 has a one-button interface which makes it very easy to use and beginners will have no problem with using it. To use it you need to:

  1. Unscrew the mouthpiece to expose the heating chamber.
  2. Load the herbs and reattach the mouthpiece.
  3. Turn on the device by rapidly pushing the power button 5 times.
  4. Hold down the power button to set your temperature.
  5. Once the set temperature matches the current temperature, the device is done heating.
  6. Inhale from the mouthpiece.

Preset Temperatures: The current and set temp settings are indicated by the LED display: 180°C/356°F | 190°C/374°F | 200°C/392°F | 210°C/410°F | 220°C/428°F | 230°C/446°F

Auto Shut-off Feature: The device turns off after 7 minutes.

Performance & Vapor Quality

The U421 heats up at around 60 seconds and I get 5-6 good hits before losing the flavor and get a burnt taste from the vapor. The AVB (Already Vaped Bud) is mostly brown and crispy which means the herbs are fully extracted. The feature that's worth noting from the U421 is the customizable airflow which allows me to set the draw resistance according to my preference.

The vapor quality of the U421 is possibly the best for its price point. The vapor is cool when it hits your lips and the flavor just explodes in your mouth. I spend most of my time vaping around 380°F-400°F which is where the sweet spot of flavor and vapor density collide. Any higher, it will produce more clouds and less flavor, and any lower, the vapor will be less dense in exchange for flavor.

Battery Performance: As I've mentioned before, it has a 2300 mAh battery that can last up to 6-8 sessions. It's enough to sustain a whole day of vaping (for most users). It uses a micro-USB cable and the recharge time is 1 hour⁠—which is relatively good considering the battery life.

Bottom Line

The U421 is probably one of the viable options out there for beginners. The vapor is decent, it's simple and easy to use, and I think it's durable enough to last long. Yes, it's a good upgrade from its previous model (420) and provides great value for its price. However, you'll eventually grow out of it and will look for a more advanced vape that produces superior vapor quality.

If you're looking for a decent upgrade that won't cost you a lot, you can check the Arizer Solo 2 (Review) or the Utillian 722 (Review). But if you want to have a one-time upgrade and willing to spend more $ for your vaporizer, nothing beats the reigning supremacy of the Crafty+ (Review) | Mighty (Review).

Specs

General Specs

  • Compatible: Dry Herb
  • Released Date: Oct 2020
  • Body Material: Metal
  • Smartphone App: No
  • Vibration Notification: No
  • Adjustable Airflow: Yes
  • Mouthpiece Material: Glass
  • Warranty: 1 Year

Heating Element

  • Oven Material: Ceramic
  • Oven Capacity: 0.3gr grams
  • Temperature Settings: 356-446°F
  • Heating Method: Conduction
  • Heat up Time: 50-60

Battery

  • Charger Type: Micro-USB
  • Battery Type: Internal
  • Battery Capacity: 2300mAh
  • Sesh Per Charge: 6-9 Sessions

Rating

  • Overall Score: 4.6

Purchase Information

Authorized Dealers

MSRP $94
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