Background
Both Utillian and Zeus Arsenal are Canadian brands that take very practical approaches to their devices. Utillian devices lean quite heavily towards the mid-market, below the $200 range, and are known for being well-performing, uncomplicated vaporizers. The Utillian 722 (review | buy) is a simple-use, box-style, convection vaporizer with four preset temperature levels (+Boost mode).
Zeus on the other hand; keeps their devices basic in form and function – alongside a few unexpected features. the Zeus Arc GTS (review | buy) is part of a new 3rd generation of vaporizers that come fully equipped with not just the device but comes alongside a full suite of accessories / aka the “The Hub”. It also defines “solid-gold vaping” with its gold heatsink and vapor path.
Comparison Snapshot
Similarities
- Box-Style, Minimalist Design
- LED Indicators
- Single Button Operation
- Pre-Set Temperatures
- Internal Batteries
Differences
- Price
- Arc GTS: The Hub Kit and Extruder
- Utillian 722: Swiveling Mouthpiece
- The GTS Mouthpiece
- Arc GTS: Arcpods
- Utillian 722: Concentrate Compatibility
- Utillian 722: Stainless Steel Chamber & Convection Heating
- Arc GTS: Gold Heatsink & Conduction Heating
Utillian 722 vs. Zeus Arc GTS Hub Similarities
Box-Style, Minimalist Design
Nearly all compact portables follow a very similar design aesthetic – sleek and minimal devices that are easy to use and prioritize discretion above everything else. Both the Utillian 722 and the Zeus Arc GTS feature a box-style design that hits all those points. The Zeus Arc GT represents a more futuristic take on the box style, while the Utillian 722 sits on the more basic, functional end of the design.
Zeus Arc GTS Hub
The Arc GTS has a matte black, rectangular body with flat sides and a slight center curve. The gold “GTS” lettering on the side definitely adds to the premium look and feel of a simple device body. Just like most small devices, the GTS has a single button (located at the top, adjacent to the mouthpiece) and has no display- instead, there are three LED strips that light up accordingly.
All Zeus devices have an anodized aluminum construction. The aluminum shell is pretty scratch resistant and has a dense, high-quality feel in your hand. At only 3.5 inches tall and 1.6 inches wide – it’s definitely very portable and concealable in your hand.
Utillian 722
The 722 has a square design, where the bottom of the vape is where the battery and all electronic parts are located, and the oven sits on top and is covered by the magnetic mouthpiece. At the bottom of the device is where the Micro USB charging port and the air-intake hole are.
The exterior shell is also made from anodized aluminum with a rubber coating, which I assume helps isolate and contain the heat. It also has a nice touch non-slip feel to it. There’s nothing about this device that’s flashy at all, but rather the Utillian 722 definitely says “basic and utilitarian”.
LED indicators
Since both the Utillian 722 and the Zeus Arc GTS lack an onboard display, and the device status is effectively communicated via LED light indicators. On the 722, the LED light is right at the top (shaped like the Utillian logo), on the opposite side of the mouthpiece. On the Arc GTS, 3 LED strips are placed on the opposite side of the gold lettering. Both sets of light indicate the temperature setting, battery level, and in the case of the Arc GTS – the current heating cycle you’re on.
Single Button Operation
Both the 722 and The Arc GTS make usage super simple by having only one button to control all functions. The Arc GTS button is located on the top and is accessed by pressing down on the side of the mouthpiece. The 722’s is located right on the spine of the device, opposite the direction of the mouthpiece. Between these two, I definitely prefer the 722’s, since that’s where your thumb would naturally be when using the device. Whereas pressing down on the mouthpiece’s side (in the case of the Arc GTS) seems a little unnatural.
Pre-Set Temperatures
In lieu of precise temperature control, the Utillian 722 and the Zeus Arc GTS have pre-set temperatures you can opt to choose from. While being able to select a precise temperature is great, pre-set temperatures are quicker to go through, and best for beginners.
The Utillian 722 has four pre-sets at 356°F, 374°F, 392°F, and 410°F. There’s also Boost Mode which heats the oven up to its max temperature of 437°F – great for finishing off sessions and getting the most out of that last bit of herb.
The Zeus Arc GTS Hub has a more advanced and interesting approach to pre-sets. The latest firmware update allows users to select the heating cycle that best matches their vaping styles and habits. Basically, the cycles allow you to use the same load at different times or you can opt to have a long session in one go.
- Performance mode: is the default setting for the Zeus Arc. Its temperature settings are 205 C, 215 C°, and 225 C°.
- Flavor Mode: This one is obviously for the flavor fiends, in this setting, the default temperatures are scaled down by 20C
- Balanced Mode: This is the best of both worlds, providing a more dramatic gap in-between temperatures. The starting temp is lower at 185C, while the middle temp is 205C, before cranking it up to the default 225C
Internal Batteries
The Zeus Arc GTS has a 3500mAh battery which is good for about 90 minutes of use. The Arc GTS has a default power-saving mode, which means it’ll shut itself off after 10 minutes of inactivity. The GTS charges from 0 in about an hour via micro-USB. The Utillian 722 has a smaller 2300mAh battery, which should last 60 mins of use- and will charge from 0 in the same amount of time.
While both the 722 and Arc GTS charge via Micro-USB, it is quite disappointing to see Micro-USB on the Arc GTS, which is supposedly a“high-tech” flagship vaporizer.
Utillian 722 vs. Zeus Arc GTS Hub Differences
Pricing
There’s a big price difference between these two, with the Utillian 722 priced at $149 and the Zeus Arc GTS (with the Hub) costing $239. Alongside its Hub, the GTS becomes one of the most convenient devices on the market – you wouldn’t need anything that isn’t already in there. But you’d also be hard-pressed to find a device with as great a price-to-performance ratio as the 722.
Zeus Arc Hub Kit and Extruder
The Hub and the Arcpods are what define the Zeus Arc GTS as a third-generation vaporizer. The Hub is a command station for all your vaping essentials and has everything covered (except herb, of course).
The entire Arc GTS hub kit includes:
- Zeus Arc GTS
- 15 ArcPods and 45 ArcPod Lids
- Zeus Xtruder
- Carry case
- Micro-USB charging cable
- Gold Flow Sink Tool
- Instruction Manual
The Xtruder is probably the largest grinder you’ll ever lay your eyes on, but it serves a pretty specific purpose. It’s designed for exclusive use with the Arcpods and automatically ejects it once the pod hits capacity. It’s made with food-grade plastic and grinds dry herb to perfectly match the Arc GTS.
Utillian 722: Swiveling Magnetic Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece sits on top of the device, is held securely onto the device by strong magnets, and uses a twist-open design.
The main piece has a straw-like extension that can be folded away when not in use. (Similar to the ones seen on S&B Devices such as the Crafty+). This extension lengthens what was once a pretty short vapor path, and effectively delivers cooler results.
The GTS Mouthpiece
The Arc GTS’ top lid/mouthpiece sits flush at the top of the device and is fully removable to expose the gold heatsink. It’s secured by strong magnets and is made of medical-grade plastic instead of the former silicone (on the GT). This plastic is also heat-resistant, which is great for when you’re cranking it up to the highest temperature level.
Though the plastic does resist heat better than its predecessor, it certainly doesn’t change the fact that your bottom lip is bound to feel some warmth coming from the device itself as your draw. It is also a bit more prone to scratches, especially when used with the included pick.
Arc GTS: Arcpods
The Zeus ArcPods are capsules that hold around 0.3g of herb and may be pre-filled and popped into the oven. Each ArcPod is made from energy-efficient aluminum for rapid heat transfer from the chamber to the dry herb inside. Each kit comes with 3 boxes of 5 pods, which you can use to store filled ArcPods with different strains.
Utillian 722: Concentrate Compatibility
The 722 may be used with dab and other concentrates alongside the cup included in its kit. Its performance with concentrates is above average, especially in comparison to other dual-use devices. However, it's reccommended that you keep your concentrate and dry herb devices separate – to ensure their longevity. If you're looking for a reliable and well-performing wax pen, check out our list of the top wax/dab pens of 2024.
Utillian 722: Stainless Steel Chamber & Convection Heating
The Utillian 722 has a stainless steel chamber that holds 0.3g of dry herb. Since the 722 makes use of convection heating, you’ll definitely have to ensure that you grind your dry herb to a fluffy consistency and pack the oven slightly loosely. Convection generates heat from outside the oven, and the resulting hot air travels through the material. This way, the flavors come through, and the herb is efficiently vaporized – without direct contact with the heating element.
Vapor Quality: Utillian may not make flashy devices, but they do deliver on vapor quality. The 722 produced thick, easily visible vapor, especially on the high settings. The second and third settings of around 390F were the “sweet spot” with well-balanced vapor density and flavor.
Arc GTS: Gold Heatsink & Conduction Heating
Other than the Hub, it’s the gold heatsink and vapor path that make the GTS unique. When it first appeared on the Zeus Arc GT, many definitely thought it was all marketing – but it's not. The gold-lined parts of the Arc GTS allow for the rapid heating of your material, but a near-instant cooldown of the vapor.
Vapor Quality: The Arc GTS whether used with the pods or the conventional way – delivers terpene heavy, rightfully dense, and balanced vapor. This vapor quality is pretty impressive especially when you consider that the Arc GTS is a conduction vaporizer with a flat mouthpiece – a combination that rarely results in vapor this good.
Bottom Line
These two devices represent two different approaches to making vaping as smooth and as seamless an experience as possible. The Zeus Arc GTS alongside the Hub – provides you with little to none left to purchase before you can start enjoying your sessions. The Utillian 722 on the other hand, delivers premium vapor quality, from an easy to use, simply designed device.
If you’re new to vaping or are looking for a first device, the Utillian 722 is a worthy investment and a great step towards more advanced vapes in the future. But if your main priority is convenience – the Zeus Arc GTS Hub is definitely one to check out. To read more about the best devices available and all our in-depth reviews on each one, check out our list of the best dry herb vaporizers of 2024.
