DaVinci IQ vs Arizer Solo 2 Vaporizer Showdown

Updated: October 6, 2023
If you’re looking to get one of the best vaporizers available, the DaVinci IQ and the Arizer Solo 2 are two options worthy of your attention. From exceptional vapor to advanced features, these two are packed with things that will make your friends jealous. You really can’t go wrong with either, but today we’re going to put them up against each other and find out which one is better…

DaVinci IQ vs Arizer Solo 2
DaVinci IQ vs Arizer Solo 2


Arizer Solo 2 with glass stemVapor Quality

With either of these units, you’re looking at the top tier of all portables in terms of vapor quality. The IQ is a fully conduction unit, but don’t let that fool you. The flavor is still very good, especially if you remember to stir it frequently. This is a little inconvenient and I usually forget to do it, but it still performs well enough even when you don’t stir it.

The flavor is helped by the ceramic zirconia vapor pathway. The IQ also seems good at actually regulating the temperature to prevent your herbs from overheating, unlike many cheaper conduction units. DaVinci also built in a feature called Smart Paths, which allow you to start a session at a low temperature for flavor then have the device automatically increase it throughout to achieve full extraction from you herbs.

On top of the good flavor, the draws are also strong and smooth with the IQ.

This is all probably sounding great, but before you get too excited, you should know that the Solo 2’s vapor is even better. It offers a blend of conduction and convection heating, and the long glass stems preserve the flavor better and give the vapor more time and space to cool.

The result is some of the best vapor I’ve ever experienced from a portable. While there are a handful that can slightly beat the Solo 2 on flavor like the Firefly 2 and Mighty, the overall quality of the Solo 2 may actually be the best. Every draw is bursting with flavor, but they’re also dense and smooth. The draw resistance of the Solo 2 is also improved over the original Solo’s.

Arizer Solo 2 profileManufacturing Quality

The IQ is absolutely packed with innovative features. I frequently complain that apps shouldn’t replace functionality built into the vaporizer, they should enhance it. DaVinci did a great job with this in the IQ. The device lets you choose a precise temperature and even engage Smart Paths, while the app unlocks the ability to set the temperatures in the Smart Paths.

Beyond the app and electronics, the IQ is just made well in general. I really like the way it looks, and it’s actually shorter than the Pax 3 to give you a perspective on the size. It has a grid of small lights instead of a digital screen, which is something that has been growing on me. It’s also powered by a removable 18650 battery.

Once again, the Solo 2 beats the IQ in a category that the IQ performs very well in. The Solo 2 is just that good. Arizer kept all my favorite things about the original Solo and made it even better.

My favorite upgrades are the digital screen and the battery life. The screen gives you full control over the temperature, while the battery delivers up to 3 hours on a single charge! From what I understand, the interior air pathway of the Solo 2 is also now completely enclosed. And taking into consideration my original Solo is still running, while I went through 3 Ascents in the same time, I have got to give it up to Arizer who’s manufacturing quality is top notch.

Solo 2 with hand removing glass stemEase of Use

This category is less of a contest. The Solo 2 is much easier to use in my opinion. The reasons are pretty simple. For starters, the screen is much easier to read than the grid of lights.The buttons are also placed more conveniently, and it’s even easier to use during a session because you get better results from it without stopping to stir your herb. The IQ’s app also complicates things a bit, even if it is also adding functionality.

DaVinci IQ with Zeus Armor CasePortability

Portability is also an easy win, but this time for the IQ. Like I mentioned before, the IQ is actually shorter than the Pax 3. It’s also wider, but the overall size is very convenient for carrying. It’s easy to grip in your palm, and it’s also flat enough that it’s comfortable inside a pocket. The battery life with one battery is average for a premium portable, but you can always get a second.

The Solo 2 isn’t very portable. This is mostly due to the glass stems because they’re an extra piece you have to carry, and you also have to be careful not to break them. On the plus side, Arizer does include a carrying case and the battery life is great for extended trips away from power.

Solo 2 with chargerBattery Life

The Solo 2 has the best battery life out of every portable vaporizer I’ve ever tried at 3 hours. It’s double the 1.5 hour average. You can technically achieve the same life with two batteries and the IQ, but that’s not nearly as convenient.

Remember, carrying 18650s isn’t the safest thing in the world. They should always have a case or cover so they don’t short circuit on keys or something like that.

DaVinci IQ in handDiscreetness

The IQ is more discreet for the same reasons it’s more portable. It’s smaller, and the Solo 2 has a glass stem sticking out the top. You’d have a much easier time concealing the IQ, and you can also engage stealth mode to keep the lights dimmer.

With either of these you’ll want to remember to keep temperatures low when in public so that odors and visible vapor are limited.

Solo 2 beside DaVinci IQTemperature Flexibility

The temperature flexibility is fantastic on each of these. They both allow you to choose a precise temperature using just the device, and the max temperature is around 430F for both as well.
The IQ offers the additional heating modes, but that doesn’t really change the temperature flexibility. Even the Smart Paths are something that can be easily replicated on the Solo 2 by just clicking the up arrow a few times during your session.

Solo 2 vaporizer showdown winnerSHOWDOWN

The Arizer Solo 2 is the clear winner of this showdown.

The IQ has many cool features, but the Solo 2 has all the right ones. At the end of the day, you’re going to get much more enjoyment from a portable with excellent vapor and a huge battery than one with fancier heating modes.

Don’t get me wrong, the IQ is still a very good vaporizer. I’d recommend it over the Solo 2 for people that are more concerned with discretion and portability. The vapor is still better than the vast majority of portables, just not the one it is going up against today.

If you’re hunt for a vaporizer has come down to these two, hopefully I’ve made the decision easier for you. Go with the Solo 2 if it will be primarily used at home or in situations where you won’t have to carry it in your pocket. If you do plan on carrying it more often, go with the IQ.

If you’d like to see another comparison, check out our recent showdown between the Zeus Arc & Arizer Solo 2 and to see how these 2 units stack up against the field, be sure to check out our Portable Vaporizer Ranking Chart.

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About Author
Avatar for Alex Karakatsanis

Alex is a cannabis enthusiast, long time vaporizer lover, writer and filmmaker. He is also a board and video game nerd with a penchant for hosting a weekly board game night. Partygoers have been heard saying things like “is anyone else going to show up?” and “I don’t think I can make it next week”. He strives to make people laugh at every opportunity and sees cannabis as a helpful tool in doing so.

The reviews and ratings are based on personal and decade-plus of industry experience. Such content is based on the opinion of the Editor/Author. They are solely provided as a basis for research and should be used only as guidance. We encourage thorough research by all visitors to attain the most objective viewpoint before purchasing.