XVape Vista Mini 2 Review

Background:

Based in California, XVape has been around for a few years, making entry-level products usually budget-friendly. Their previous significant releases are the XVape Aria (Review), and the XVape Starry V3 (Review) dry herb vapes, and now they released a new version for their flagship dab rig called Vista Mini 2.

The Vista Mini 2 is a small and stealthy eRig that is aimed at beginners that are looking for a straightforward electric dab rig. eRigs are considered to be expensive vapes, such as Puffco Peak (Review) – $300, and KandyPens Oura –  $350. 

The vista is maybe smaller and less powerful than these vapes, yet it comes at half the price. It has some very surprising features such as wireless charging (Qi compatible), haptic feedback, as well as 4 temp levels with LED indicators that light up the vape. 

Kit & Accessories

XVape Vista Mini 2 comes in an elegant zipper traveling case that is smell proof. The case is well-designed and holds all the accessories in place without moving around. It felt sturdy while in the case, and I even took it out for a bike ride and felt totally confident that the pieces are protected. 

It’s clear that XVape is trying to give users an inclusive experience as far as the packaging and the included accessories. Despite the relatively low price, the case is very well equipped and wasn't deprived.

The package contains:

• XVape Vista mini 2
• Glass mouthpiece 
• Mouthpiece plastic clip
• Silicone Connect Ring and Carb Cap Connectors
• An extra atomizer and o-rings
• Dab tool
• Mini USB charging cable
• Some cotton swabs and alcohol wipes
• Instructions manual

Design & Features: 

Design:

The Vista mini is relatively small compared to its colleague dab rigs in the market. It sits on a 2-inch base, and it is 6 inches tall without the mouthpiece. Even though dab-rigs are much less portable than dab pens, this device is pretty comfortable carrying out-of-the-house, due to its small size and carrying case.

Vista mini 2 looks elegant and feels stable, its solid base has a one-button interface and some stylish engraving to it. A noticeable feature is the clear carb cap that gives us a beautiful glance of the vapor during sessions. The water bubbler also has a red line to show you how much water you should fill up with.  

The mouthpiece is a removable glass tube that can be secure with a plastic buckle before starting the session. The buckle securely fixative, so it doesn't fall off. The mouthpiece rounded tip isn't my favorite design; the round shape feels too big and doesn't feel natural on your lips.

But overall, I am still satisfied with the Vista design and look; it is well-built for its purpose.

Atomizer:

Vista Mini 2 has a rock-solid atomizer placed on the top of the vape, rather than on the side, and the see-through carb cap is attached with pressure and doesn't come apart.  

The atomizer is replaceable, so when it wears off (not soon hopefully), you can remove the old one yourself and use the new one that's in your kit.

LED Light:

Featuring a LED lighting system that changes colors according to temperature levels, and it illuminates the water chamber while vaping. The temperature levels are White – 536°F, Green – 608°F, Blue – 662°F, Red – 752°F.

Wireless Charging:

An awesome and surprising feature of the Vista Mini 2 is its wireless charging option. Just place it on an ordinary Qi wireless charger (that you’d use for your smartphone) between sessions or throughout the night, and it will always be ready to use. 

Of course, you can also charge it via the standard micro USB cable included in the kit. Charging it wirelessly took about 3 hours, a bit longer than standard cable charging.

How to Use

1. Fully charge the device before your first use (LED indicates the battery level as follows: Red- low battery, Green – half battery, White – fully charged).

1. Fill the bubbler with water up to the red line.
2. Turn the device on by triple-clicking the power button.
3. Set your desired heat level by double-clicking the power button. The LED will illuminate the bubbler with the level color (I recommend starting with the white/green, you can always tone it up as you go).
4. Place your chosen concentrate inside the atomizer and cover it up with the carb cap.
5. Press the power button to activate the heater, and wait for the device to vibrate when it's ready.
6. Inhale the vapor from the bubbler.
7. Each session is set for 35 seconds. Press the button to extend the session for another 35 seconds.
8. The device will automatically shut off after the session, or click the power button to shut it off sooner.

Tips:

• Snap the clip on the mouthpiece to secure it.
• In any case, don't use force trying to disconnect any of its parts. If something feels stuck, just wait until it cools off or gently rinse the mouthpiece with water (not the battery part).

Low temp vs High temp dabbing:

We already have a post on which temp you should use for dabbing, and the result can be as mild or as intense and you’d like. Here are the two main dabbing methods-

• Low temp dabbing: If you place your dab in the atomizer before initiating heat-up, you’d be able to start inhaling when the rig is heating up and enjoy mild and flavorful vapor. Since you place the dab on a “cold” surface and then start heating it, the wax heats up gradually and over a spectrum of temperatures. This results in a gradual release of terpenes and cannabinoids and produces in the form of mild vapor. 
• High temp dabbing: If you are looking for the strongest, most intense vapor, then you can first heat up the vape, and then load the wax once the temperature has reached. This way the dab hits the hot surface and immediately becomes vapor, producing intense vapor, but not as flavorful. 

High-temperature dabbing isn’t necessary to release all of the cannabinoids in the marijuana plant, but it really depends on your usage habits and desired experience.

For me, dabbing at low temps is more joyful since I am here for flavor. And though most users will dab at high temps for the high, you'll be surprised to know that low temps high come gradually, but stay longer.

Performance & Vapor Quality

Performance: One common characteristic of portable e-nails is their fast heat-up time, and the Vista Mini 2 no different, with 8 seconds heat-up time to the lowest temp level (white).

I suggest starting off with the White or Green levels and work your way up as you go.

The hits were fair, yet not the finest we've seen. The Vista pulled through long stable draws respectfully, even at the lower temps, and the extendable mouthpiece did a great job cooling the vapor.

Vapor Quality: The vapor quality of the Vista Mini was surprisingly good; it didn't fall short of its competitors. The hits were soft and mild, and not aggressive and strong as you would have expected from other rigs such as the Puffco Peak. 

My preferred temperature settings were the two middle ones since I got the best quality flavor from them. The Green level produced great flavor and average vapor. And the Blue level produces thicker clouds. The flavor on this level wasn't as clean but was still impressively good.

Battery: The battery is not as strong as other e-nails, which I expected considering its size. A fully charged battery lasted for about 15-20 sessions, and if you use the highest temp levels, it will probably last even less. But it is still not a bad battery life considering its size and price. And hey- it has wireless charging- so that isn’t too bad. 

Bottom line

The Vista Mini 2 has a great value/ performance ratio. It is especially appealing to vapers that want to try out eRigs but found the prices or usage too intimidating. I like how small it is, and the manufacturing quality is pretty good. The built quality is impressive, and it can be carried around during a session without worrying about parts falling off.

The Vista is probably not one of the strongest e-nails on the market when it comes to performance and can not compete with the fine taste or powerful battery of the Puffco Peak (Review). But, as I mentioned earlier – it comes for half the price.