Arizer Air 2 vs Utillian 721 Vaporizer Showdown
Arizer Air 2 vs Utillian 721
Vapor QualityArizers portables produce some of the best vapor on the entire market. In fact, theyre pretty much second only to Storz and Bickel when it comes to vapor quality. So it shouldnt be much of a surprise to hear that the Arizer Air 2 produces great vapor, just like the Solo, Air, and Solo 2. The two areas where it performs particularly well are flavor and smoothness. Id say that vapor density is only slightly above average. This doesnt bother me all that much because all of Arizers vapes seem to be great at producing enjoyable vapor for longer (i.e. more draws) than most others, so it all works out to the same effects in the end. As Ive mentioned in other reviews and comparisons featuring the Air 2, the vapor is largely the same as it was with the Air. The draw resistance is slightly improved, but not enough to make a big difference to the overall enjoyment of using this. Despite how good the Air 2 is in this department, the Utillian 722 still wins in my opinion. The fully convection heating style really shines through here. The flavor is extremely good, allowing you to clearly notice subtle differences between varieties of herbs that get covered up with other vaporizers. The vapor is also very smooth, and the density is at least on par with the Air 2. I actually think it is a little better, though not by much. There is also very little draw resistance, which I like a lot as well. For the price, you really cant beat the vapor production of the 721. It delivers vapor just as good as units that are twice as expensive. |
Manufacturing QualityBoth of these are very well made vaporizers. The Air 2 is a lot like the original Air, just with a better battery life, a faster heat up time, and a digital screen that offers full temperature control. The airpath is isolated, and the vapor pathway is just the glass stem. Like the Air, the Air 2 has a removeable battery, which is something a lot of people prefer because you can easily get a new one to extend your battery life further. Based on Arizers other portables, you can expect the Air 2 to last a very long time. The Utillian 721 has one big advantage over the Air 2. While the Air 2 has a hybrid heating style, the 721 is 100% convection. The 721 doesnt have full temperature control, but there are a total of 8 settings to choose between (4 base levels + a boost mode for each). The heat up time and battery life are comparable, although the 721 has an internal battery. I wish the 721 used less plastic, but it doesnt seem to affect the vapor quality at all. Again, these are both well made. They have different strengths and I dont think one clearly beats the other here. |
Ease of UseThis is another category where it’s difficult to say one is better than the other. These are both easy to use, but in slightly different ways. The nice thing about the Air 2 is the digital screen and full temperature control. When you want to change the temperature, you just press the up or down button until you get to the level you want. Loading the chamber is as easy as pulling the stem out and putting fresh material in. The Utillian 721 doesnt have a digital screen, but it has a 1-button design. That means that all you have to do to use this is remember how many times to click that button. 5 times turns it on and off, 2 times cycles the temperature. Pressing and holding the button engages the boost mode. The aspect where we will give the edge to the 721 is the fact that you do not need to be nearly as delicate with the 721 as you do with the Air 2. You have to be extremely careful with the stems of the Air 2 especially after a session, if you drop them chances are they will break. The 721 on the other hand does not employ glass in its construction and is able to withstand rougher treatment and accidental drops. |
PortabilitySome people may not agree with me, but I think the Utillian 721 is the more portable vaporizer. It all comes down to the design. The 721 doesnt have any extra pieces that stick out when youre not using it, and there isnt any glass on it. Its just barely small enough to comfortably carry in a pocket, and its durable enough to be thrown in a bag. The Air 2s downfall is the glass stem. I actually like the glass stems a lot for at home use, but they just arent very practical for using when out and about. Even though the vape is small enough to just slip in your pocket and go, you have to carry the stem separately. This means transporting this is best done with a Zeus Armor vaporizer case. |
Battery LifeThe Utillian 721 offers an improved battery life over the previous iteration maxing out at about 60 minutes of use. This is about average for dry herb vaporizers. The Air 2 battery lasts roughly 90 minutes per charge and wins this category easily because you can remove its battery. This means you can get extras to swap in and out as soon as one dies. By using a system like this, you can pretty much guarantee that youre vape is always ready to go. |
DiscreetnessThis is another area where the glass stem hurts the Air 2. While they arent that big, they still extend above the base and the bottom of them near the heating chamber gets hot too touch. This means you cant really conceal the whole vaporizer with your hand. I feel like I have an easier time being inconspicuous with the 721. The mouthpiece doesnt extend much above the base, and when you put the unit in your palm its hard to tell what you are holding. |
Temperature FlexibilityWhile the Utillian 721 offers plenty of flexibility for most people, the Air 2 easily beats it in this category. You can choose any temperature that you want with the Air 2 between 50°C / 122°F and 220°C / 428°F. You just press the up or down button, and it can scroll in 1 or 10 degree increments too. With the 721, you get four base temperatures that can all be boosted by 5°C. That makes your options: 170°C, 175°C, 180°C, 185°C, 190°C, 195°C, 210°C, and 215°C. Again, this is more than enough to get great results too. |
SHOWDOWNThe Utillian 721 is our winner!!! While they may not have near the exposure that Arizer does, Utillian is making some extremely good vaporizers. The really impressive thing about the 721 is the vapor quality. It produces vapor that can be considered on par with the big boys. In my opinion, this is one of the best bargains available as far as portable vaporizers go. You cant go wrong with either of these, but my money would go to getting a Utillian 721. If youd like to see another comparison, check out our recent showdown between the Utillian 721 vs Crafty and to see how these 2 units stack up against the field, be sure to check out our Portable Vaporizer Ranking Chart. |