XVape Aria Review

Background:

X-Vape is known for making straightforward products that are usually comfortable for beginners thanks to their ease to use and low price. They recently released the Vista mini (Review), an exceptionally small e-nail, that provides impressive performance for its size and fantastic price ($159).

In 2019, they released the X-Vape Aria, a budget-friendly portable vape compatible with dry herbs and concentrates. Aria has its benefits and drawbacks, but considering its price, it is offering a good value.

Design & Features: 

Design:

X-Vape designed the Aria with an aluminum shell wrapped with synthetic leather in the front. Holding it, I liked the isolated feel of the rubberized finish. However, it did make me wonder just how long-lasting it is, and will it wear out after a while(?).

Aria has a three-button interface with an LED screen and a micro-USB port that supports pass-through charging capability. The precise temperature and digital display are notable features for a vape at this price range.

At its top, Aria has a full ceramic mouthpiece attached to the oven with a magnet. The magnet is pretty strong, so you don't have to worry about it falling off in your pocket. At the bottom of the unit, there's a hidden stir tool for mixing up your herb and for emptying the chamber from the cashed herb. 

Heating Oven:

Aria has an oval-shaped ceramic heating chamber located at the top of the vape, right under the mouthpiece. It uses a conduction heating method (convection vs. conduction), and the oven can load up to 0.3 grams of dry herbs. Using the stirring tool between sessions is highly recommended and improved efficiency.

Precise Temperature:

The Aria has precise temp control, offering a range of 212°F – 464°F (100-240°C). The temperature can be easily set through the buttons, and a short vibration will let you know it's ready for you.

I would recommend staying away from the higher temperature range when vaping dry herb. However, I know some users like the strong thick clouds it produces. 

The Aria can heat up to high temps, as it is required for efficient concentrates vaping. But you should never vape dry herbs on more than 420°F- unless you like burnt popcorn taste, because that what you'll be inhaling. Also, while the Aria is compatible with extracts, I always recommend not using extracts with your dry herb vape as it'll make everything sticky. Buy a separate dab pen for all your “meltables” and use your herbal vape exclusively with dry herb. 

Battery Life:

Aria is powered with a 2600mAh built-in battery, and it uses a standard micro USB charger. It takes about 3 hours from empty to fully charged, and it will last for 4-8 sessions per charge, depending on your vaping temperature.

Optional Accessories:

X-Vape also offers a mouthpiece adaptor to a water filtration system that you can separately purchase to extend its functionality and use with dab rigs.

X-Vape Aria VS X-Max Starry V3

Both Aria and Starry V3 (Review) are dual-use portable vaporizers released by X-Vape in 2019. Both have the same interface, precise temperature control, Haptic feedback features, and generally the same size.

The Starry has a removable battery that gives it a great advantage and is preferable comparing a built-in one.

Design-wise, Starry felt more sturdy and solid when holding it, and its aluminum body seems longer lasting compared to Aria's leather cover.

Between the two, I would recommend adding $20 and go with the Starry. 

With that being said, if you are looking for a high-performance vaporizer, there are better options out there that are slightly more expensive but offer substantial value – such as Uttilian 620 (Review) and 722 (Review). 

Performance & Vapor Quality

Performance

Aria heating time is about thirty seconds, which is considered fast for a dry herb vape. The first few hits were nice and smooth with great taste, but the mouthpiece did get warm after a few draws, making for a harsh, warm vapor. 

Despite its isolated airflow, the airpath is too short to enable the vapor to cool. As a result, both the device and the mouthpiece become too warm after a short session, and for me, it is definitely a drawback performance-wise. As we mentioned above, this heat-up issue is common with smaller vapes.

Vapor Quality

Considering its price tag, Aria produces nice vapor quality, with many similarities to X-Vape other popular portable vape- the Starry V3 (Review).

As I mentioned, Aria did produce big clouds at high temps, but the flavor was bloody damaged as a result.

Bottom line

The Aria does what it is set to do. Nothing less, and nothing more. It is a decent vape for the price and is a good choice if you are a beginner looking for a simple vaporizer. I found the vapor quality to be avarge at best, and build quality could have been better. If you can add $20, you should consider the Starry V3 at least, or as mentioned above, Uttilian vapes that give a higher value for a fair supplement.