Dynavap M7 Review (+XL)

Background

The new Dynvap M7 is the latest flagship battery-free vaporizer by the Wisconsin-based manufacturer- Dynvap. They pretty much invented the “battery-free” category back in 2015 with its original VapCap. Since then, they have released an updated version every year. This year it's M7 and M7XL, which aim to have a 20% reduction in heat transfer to the mouthpiece. 

The M7 retails for $75 for the “regular” size and $100 for the XL size., and you can use coupon code TVG10 to save 10% from vape-smart.com.

In this short review, I'll look at the design and features, explain the difference between the regular size and the XL, I'll show you guys how to load it and use it, in this case, with the Aspire Wand as a heat source. I'll also explain the whole concept of “battery-free” or, as they are often called, “butane vapes” so new users can decide if that's a better choice for them over a regular portable vape. 

What's in the kit?

The kit is pretty basic and only contains the vape itself, so there is not much unboxing to do. If you purchase the XL version, you'll get an additional “condenser,” which we'll look at in a minute.

Design

The M7 is made out of medical-grade stainless steel, is about 4″ tall and about as slim as your average pen. It's definitely pocketable (but the butane torch you'll need might not be).

Anatomy of a Dynavap

It helps to take it apart to understand how it works.

First off, is the cap. Next, the tip is held in place with pressure and sealed with O-rings. Then, if you look inside, you can see that the vapor path (aka condenser) is isolated from the body of the vape. I can use the cap to gently push it out as it is also held in place by pressure and o-rings.

These four components are made from medical-grade stainless steel, and they all fit together perfectly. Outstanding engineering and precision manufacturing. 

XL Version

If you purchase the XL version, you're also getting a second condenser, this time with a mouthpice attached on top. That mouthpiece is the difference between the regular and the XL version. 

How to assemble 

To put it together, I'll use the XL condenser this time. Just push it in, and then the tip, and that's your XL version. Having the mouthpiece means a longer vapor path and less heat transfer, and it feels more natural on the lips while inhaling. Worth the $25 update in my opinion.

How to load

Ok, from here, I'll load my tip by scoping some herbs from my grinder and just pack them nicely and tightly so nothing falls out. Now I'll close it with the cap and push it all the way in, and it's ready for heat up. 

Heating options

Now, I have two choices. Since the Dynavap doesn't have a battery or a heating element, the heat has to be applied externally. You can either use a butane torch (a regular lighter won't work) or a light, but in my case, I opt for the “flame-less” options and use an induction heater. 

This is the Inspire Wand, and it's a simple yet very clever device. It's not the time and the place to explain in-depth how induction heaters work, but the TL:DR is- it creates an electromagnetic field inside this chamber here that will heat any metal that's inserted here. It costs around $100, and I prefer that over a torch. 

The temperature here doesn't matter; the Dynavap will sound a click [pause] once the right temp has reached. Continue heating up the tip after the click, and you'll most likely burn the flower. Theres a saying in Dyna community, saying “respect the click.”

Vapor Quality

I get an average of 3-5 good hits from each bowl. And that's a lot, considering that it has a very small bowl capacity of a little over a tenth of a gram. 

The Dynavape has an air-intake hole on the side, and this shouldn't be mistaken for a carb cap. It injects more air into the bowl to boost the extraction, and closing it will lead to suboptimal performance. 

The vapor quality is amazing. There is nothing but stainless steel in the very short and smiple vapor path, which perserves the flavor exceptionally well. 

I think Dynavap has established itself as the best in the category, so if you're looking for a battery-free vaporizer, the M7 is your best option right now. 

Battery-free VS. Portable

I want you to stop for a second and consider the pros and cons of a manual vape like the Dynavap, when compared to an Electric vape like Solo, Venty, or PAX. Espcially if you're a new user. And just a reminder, I have coupon codes for all three. Use my search tool to find the review pages. 

A portable vape will mean there is no need to deal with lighters or induction heaters. It also means that there is no dangerously hot metal just hanging out somewhere; the heat is contained in a vape, which is a lot safer to hold and handle. 

On the other hand, the Dynvap offers the closest experience to traditional smoking when compared to portables. The small bowl means that you can Microdose and don't have to waste a quarter gram, as you will with the Venty. It will make the most out of your flower and will stretch it the longest. 

The Dynavap M7 is the best in the category. Just ask yourself if you're looking in the right category. For other options, check out my top-rated vapes for 2024.