Pulsar APX V2 Review: New Look, Same Great Taste

Pulsar APX V2 Review: New Look, Same Great Taste

The Pulsar APX vaporizer was one of the most popular portables for dry herb, it’s simple but stable operation, quality components and Killer price point make it a no-brainer. With this re-vamped version, Pulsar updates the original with features that make the unit an even more attractive option. Wanna see what’s new with the Pulsar APX version II? Check the review below.

Pros

  • Re-designed mouthpiece is more heat resistant than the previous iteration
  • Illuminated temperatures makes the unit easier to read
  • Haptic feedback alerts you when the device reaches temperature
  • Removal of screens eliminates frustrating maintenance
  • The refined finish feels more solid

Cons

  • We no longer sell this
  • No longer includes tank for concentrates
  • Chamber capacity is geared more towards personal usage; might not be great if you vape in groups
  • May not be a significant enough upgrade to warrant purchase by current APX owners

 


TLDR; The Pulsar APX V2 packs everything we love about the original into a smaller package with a better finish and improved display. While the unit no longer includes a wax can for use with concentrates, the addition of haptic feedback and the re-designed mouthpiece more than make up for it. The Pulsar APX V2 remains an unbeatable value for those looking for a portable vaporizer for dry herb.

 

Pulsar APX V2: Design

While externally the APX V2 bears a strong resemblance to its predecessor, this is in no way a bad thing. We found the original APX to be minimal while remaining attractive. This re-designed version manages to keep everything that we enjoyed about the first iteration while also skimming some size off the overall package. While I found this size difference to be nearly indecipherable from the OG Pulsar APX, the new finish to feels sturdier and more appealing in the hand to me personally. 

At the top of the unit is a mouthpiece featuring a silicone vapor path. This is another area of re-design on the APX V2. The original unit featured a small stainless-steel screen, which fit into the mouthpiece. This is a pretty common method of filtering particulate in portable vaporizers for dry herb. While this solution works fine, in most applications, I must admit it is one of my biggest pet peeves.

My problem is that they can be a bit fiddly to remove for cleaning, which is a pain. Also, they are incredibly easy to lose, especially if you’ve been hitting your vape before cleaning. Losing this tiny screen generally necessitates a replacement of the entire mouthpiece assembly. Thirdly, if you manage to clean it and not lose it if you don’t get the placement correct in the mouthpiece, the hits are off, and the airflow is messed up.

The new design features an all silicone vapor path in place of the original stainless screen. This re-designed mouthpiece not only decreases maintenance but also greatly improves airflow, due to its shape. Owners of the original APX are no doubt familiar with the heating of the mouthpiece which could be persistent on the original. At times the mouthpiece would reach temperatures that made it uncomfortable on the lips for prolonged usage. This issue seems to be somewhat alleviated with the re-design.

 

Pulsar APX V2: Performance

Performance of the APX V2 is like the original APX portable vaporizer for dry herb. Which is to say, quite impressive, especially considering the price. The combination of conduction and convection heating is carried out by a ceramic heating element with a capacity of around .3 gram. The Airflow is quite natural and the APX pumps out capable vapor at most any temperature. The temperature range is perfect for dry herb applications, with preset selections between 356-428 degrees Fahrenheit.

One big difference to the Pulsar APX V2 is the omission of the APX W tank for use with concentrates. Now, it’s important to note that the tank can still be purchased separately, but it no longer is included with the unit. This may come as a disappointment to some, however, this seems done more likely as an effort to focus the APX solely on usage with dry herb.  The temperature range on the APX while perfect for extracting effects and essential oils from dry herb, this isn’t best suited to wax use in my opinion.

The battery is rated at 1600mAh, which is powerful for a vape of this size. The Pulsar APX V2 should be good for about an hour and a half of continuous run time, depending on the heat setting used. The battery takes about as long to charge as it does to use, so you won’t be waiting a long time in between sessions.

Pulsar APX V2: Operation

If you’re unfamiliar with the original APX, the operation is a very intuitive affair. There is a selection of pre-set temperatures all of which are prominently displayed and easy to read for your convenience. A single button on the face of the unit controls all functions.  This button is re-designed ll and feels sturdier.

To get going, simply remove the mouthpiece, load the chamber and set your temperature. Really not much to it, which is the way I prefer it. The simple operation makes the unit a great “set and forget” device which is perfect for taking out of your pocket and hitting whenever the moment strikes you. The addition of haptic feedback improves the experience by offering vibration feedback when the unit reaches the desired heat setting. While haptic feedback is becoming more popular in portable vaporizers, there is no other vape for dry herb in this price range that is currently offering it.

Pulsar APX V2: Care & Maintenance

Proper care and maintenance are essential to the longevity and optimal performance of any vape. Luckily, vape maintenance is easy with the APX. For ease of maintenance Pulsar has included a pick and a cleaning brush to care for your APX V2. After every fully vaped chamber, the user should remove the mouthpiece and empty the vaped contents. Next, give the chamber a wipe down with the included brush. If the residue is gumming up your mouthpiece, remove the silicone insert and soak it in alcohol, then scrub with a Q-tip. That’s about it, straightforward in the maintenance department.

Conclusion

The Pulsar APX V2 Remains one of our favorite values in portable dry herb vaporizers. While there are certainly better vaporizers out there, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better performing vaporizer for less than $150 dollars. The improvements offer massive upside, while not attempting to re-invent the wheel. The combination of finish, performance, and features at $70 is an investment you won’t be disappointed in.

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