[Updated] Storz & Bickel - Volcano Hybrid Vaporizer Review

When it comes to Desktop Vaporizers, there is nothing quite like the quality, vapour delivery, and interface of Storz & Bickel. Present since 1999, they have yet again delivered on their promise of unique, high-end, durable, and exceptional desktop vaporizers that have no match from any other brand or type. When you know, you know.

If you've used the Volcano Classic or Digital, you know the quality of vapour to expect from this beast machine. However, the Volcano Hybrid comes after years of waiting, and what a ride it has been. In this Volcano Hybrid Review, I will be taking you through the new & interesting features, the drawbacks, and also a comparison with the previous model to ensure you know what upgrades you're paying for. Let's deep dive then!

Volcano Hybrid vs. Volcano Digital - The Difference

If you look at both these models of Storz & Bickel Vaporizer, they might not seem very different. But they have done an exceptional job of hiding the best under the hood, so what you see is just a pretty, aesthetic body while the mechanism works underneath to deliver the best hits. The design and the basic shape remains the same, which has been the patented style of the company since 2001.

Apart from the design, they have completely ramped up the features and worked on the feedback they had from their users with the Digital Model. Before we move forward with the comparison, please note that I am just putting this out in a brief section - all the other features are discussed in detail later on.  

Whips & Bags

This is one area where Storz & Bickel really listened to their customers, and when that happens, magic happens. You can use the Volcano Hybrid with whips and bags, depending on your preference, whereas the previous models were made to be used with only bags which was inconvenient to some people. 

Convection & Conduction

The Volcano Hybrid uses both, convection & conduction method of heating whereas the previous model used only convection. This has led to a more efficient heating system and better delivery of flavour and vapour. 

Technology

The Volcano Hybrid, as stated before, has added a little more 'oomph' into their product to ensure that their users never have to go anywhere else for the complete experience. The button interface is replaced with a modern touch screen which can be used to customise the temperatures. And if you're a fan of customizable and complete control of the temperature while smoking, the S&B smartphone app uses Bluetooth to give you the heating control as well as inflating profiles. That's a never-seen-before level of customization. 

Looking at the complete accessory, we can be assured that it stands at a higher position than the previous versions, as it is designed to offer more and more. Before you make a decision, let's look at the other features in the Volcano Hybrid Review. 

What’s in the box?

• 1 VOLCANO HYBRID Hot Air Generator
• 1 Power Cord
• 3 x EASY VALVE Balloon with Mouthpiece
• 1 EASY VALVE Balloon with Adapter
• 1 Tube System
• 1 Filling Chamber (including: 1 Cap Ring, 1 Normal Screen Set, 1 Concentrate Pad, 1 Cleaning Brush)
• 1 Air Filter Set
• 1 Herb Mill
• Instructions

The Price Tag

Let's get this out once and for all - The Volcano Hybrid Vaporizer is not a cheap one. It is priced at $700, a little higher than the previous versions. Vaping connoisseurs know that this expensive instrument has to offer, and it definitely lasts a lifetime. If you're an ardent vaper looking for a lifetime companionship, this is definitely a great investment. It is also interesting to note that it is just $100 more than Hybrid Digital but offers a larger number of features. 

Whip - The Greatest Addition

The future is here! Volcano Hybrid Vaporizer offers the option to use both - Bags and Whips. As we know, Bags aren't everybody's jam and we have seen users passing over a good desktop vaporizer simply because it doesn't offer a whip. But those days are over now.

The Volcano Hybrid offers the convenient delivery option of a whip, which is easy and comfortable to use, and not to forget, delivers exceptional flavour and hit. The airflow is designed to be as smooth as you can imagine, whereas the fan can be switched on for more assistance and added punch if you're looking for larger hits. The most impressive part of the whip is the swivel on top of the loading chamber, which makes it very suitable to be passed around in groups without knocking the device over. 

There have been talks about using the whip with other models, but let's face it, it's not the same thing. It does securely fit with other models, and without the conduction heat, the hits are not that powerful and satisfying. 

Heating Mechanism - A Revamp

Nobody likes to wait when they're in the vaping mode and Storz & Bickel have ensured that there is minimal waiting time by redesigning the heat exchanger. It now heats up in under two minutes and takes only 30-35 seconds to fill up a bag. This is a pretty huge change since the previous version took three-six minute of heating time to deliver a good flavour. Storz & Bickel says that the Hybrid Unit does not take more than 90 seconds to reach any temperature. Impressive, isn't it?

We have already discussed how they have added the conduction method of heating. The metal ring is placed on top of the vaporizer, which gets heated up and transfers it to the loading chamber. When the loading chamber gets heated up, the herbs/substance gets preheated before you take a drag, delivering exceptional flavour and vapour quality. 

Control with the App

Storz & Bickel rolled out their mobile application which was designed to control the Crafty Vaporizer and the Volcano Hybrid - a single place for both vapes. 

It is a fairly simple app with four tabs depicting controls, deeper settings, monitoring, and information. The app can be used to customize everything that you can imagine, including the brightness on your display, and shutoff timer, etc. But apart from that, the best feature is called 'Workflows' and 'Iterations'. They are used to customize the three commands - heat, blow and hold as per your preference. 

Let's look at them in detail. 

Iterations - The new programming feature

Iteration was the most impressive feature, as I like to vape without any interruptions or changing the temperature, etc. The new programming feature allows you to design a set of commands for a predetermined time, allowing you to toke in peace. This, of course, works best with the whip.

For example, you can start your vaping session at 320°F and then customize the increase in the temperature over the period that you want to smoke for. Simply automate it!

Workflows - How do they work?

Workflows are rightfully called a vaper's playground. They are essentially a set of commands that you can play once, and then stop. This was added for the medical users of vape but definitely adds a huge factor for the enthusiastic recreational vapers. You can heat the vaporizer to any temperature, hold it for a few seconds, and then repeat with increased temperatures. Play around to find your perfect settings and then let the vapour take over. 

Dry Herbs & Concentrate - The Entire Spectrum

The Volcano Hybrid Vaporizer allows you to use dry herbs and concentrates, with any kind of dosage. This really sits well with all kinds of vapers, since you don't have to base your dosage on the equipment. The large filling chamber can accommodate half a gram of dry herbs or any amount of concentrate with the help of the stainless steel mesh pad.

You can vape a smaller amount of substance with the help of the reducer equipped with the product.

Manufacturing Quality

There is no doubt about quality when it comes to the German build and engineering of Storz & Bickel. They are designed with long-term efficiency and working, and you can see these little beast vaporizers lasting for a lifetime. The perfect amount of reliability and dependability for the user!

Cleaning & Maintenance

Volcano Hybrid is designed to work without any deep cleaning or maintenance for months. The most you have to do regularly is brushing the screens and the filling chamber, which takes the least amount of time. The cleaning brush is included with the product to make things easier. You might have to replace the bags after you have used them to the point of exhaustion and the vapour quality is affected. At this point, you can get the replacement bags and tubes. 

Cons - The other side of the Product

1. Portability - If you're someone who wants a compact device that you can put it in your pocket while going out, the Hybrid Vaporizer would not suit the needs. You would need to be within near distance of a power cord. 
2. Assemble Time -  When it comes to desktop Vaporizer, it is not a new fact that it will take a few minutes to be set up and running. For the impatient lot, this might irk you a little bit. 
3. Getting used to it - For most of the desktop users, it might seem like the device is fairly simple. But for the newer vapers, the desktop vaporizers have a steeper learning curve than portable ones. 

This brings us to the end of Volcano Hybrid Vaporizer Review. Feel free to leave your doubts & questions below, and I will get back to you.

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Keep toking, Cheers!

FAQs

1. Are Hybrid Volcanoes worth it?
Ans: Hybrid Volcanoes are engineered to offer a better heat-up time, more versatile temperature control, and a modern build that satiates any herb-head. What’s more, they offer an excellent vapor quality that surpasses what countless other vaporizers provide!

2.  Is the Volcano Hybrid better than the Classic?
Ans:  Storz and Bickel’s Volcano Classic and Hybrid are almost peas of the same pod. However, the Hybrid makes for a better pick if you need a wider temperature range and more precise temperature control. While both the vaporizers can reach 446°F (230°C), the Classic can go only as low as 266°F (130°C). On the contrary, you can dial down the Hybrid to 104°F (40°C).

3. Is the Hybrid Volcano safe?
Ans:  Storz and Bickel are known for maintaining the highest benchmark for all their products, when it comes to longevity and reliability. Their Volcano Hybrid carries the same standards, in terms of its build and tech, offering maximum safety for stress-free vaping sessions.