Table of contents
- Vapor
- Two ways to vape: Session & On-demand
- Stretch your stash with convection heat
- Pros & Cons
- Outstanding battery performance
- Extremely pocketable
- 15 to 20 second heat up time
- Longer hits get the best rips
- Strong construction
- Average size bowl
- Works with POTV ONE Dosing capsules
- Easy to use with full temperature control
- Mouthpiece with a stir tool
- Water pipe adapter for bubblers
- One year warranty
- What’s in the box
- For best results
- Easy maintenance
- Who is the XMAX V3 Pro for?
- Who is the XMAX V3 Pro not for?
- Conclusion
The XMAX V3 Pro dry herb vaporizer delivers - it’s small, punchy, and affordable with great battery life! Whether you want a high performance vape, or a budget option, you just might find both here. We spent a few weeks with it for our XMAX V3 Pro vaporizer review and have plenty to say, so let’s dig in!
POTV XMAX V3 Pro Vaporizer
C$134.95
The XMAX V3 Pro hits the value bullseye, with:
- Strong, tasty, convection vapor
- Long battery life and removable batteries
- Budget-friendly price
- Session and On-demand modes
- Pocketable
Free Canadian Shipping
Easy Returns
Expert Advice
Great tasting vapor
Vapor from the XMAX V3 Pro is punchy, tasty and comfortable. The convection heater extends the flavor well into a session and produces bigger hits the longer you draw. The flavor is as good as I’ve tasted from a dry herb vaporizer at this price point. The dimpled glass stem cools the vapor well and leaves nothing to be desired, but our line of glass accessories is available for the accessory attachment if you want to cool it even further. Bottom line, this vaporizer satisfies.
Two ways to vape: Session & On-demand
Session Mode
Select Session mode when you want to tear through an entire bowl in one sitting, or switch to On-demand mode for the occasional hit here and there. Both modes work well, although On-demand mode drains the battery more. I thought I would only use Session mode like I do with other vapes, but once I got used to On-demand mode, it was hard to go back. The vapor from On-demand mode was surprisingly satisfying.
New On-demand mode
On-demand mode is a game changer for those who only need one or two hits at a time. In On-demand mode, hold the heat button until it buzzes, and continue to hold it in throughout your hit. Let go when done, and the heater cools down slowly, turning off after two minutes if you forget about it. You won’t get more hits out of a bowl with On-demand mode, but you can spread them out as far apart as you want - even by days, if you wish.
Stretch your stash with convection heat
The XMAX V3 Pro is the first of its kind - a pocketable, full convection vaporizer with endless battery life for only $134.95. Convection lovers who’ve waited years for a small and affordable vape that actually delivers have something to get excited about.
The V3 Pro’s convection heater can save you money. It barely cooks your herbs between hits, no matter which mode you use. On-demand mode conserves slightly better, as the heat drops instantly after a hit, and the vape will turn off after two minutes of inactivity.
For those interested in maximizing taste, convection heat is the way to go. It’s gentler on the herbs and only cooks during a hit. The V3 Pro’s taste lasts longer into a session than other vapes with less convection.
V3 Pro Pros & Cons
Pros 👍 |
Cons 👎 |
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Bottom lineThe XMAX V3 Pro is a steal at $134.95. It’s highly portable, comes with both session and on-demand modes, and produces satisfying, flavorful vapor. The V3 Pro stands out with features and performance usually reserved for high-end vaporizers. |
Outstanding battery performance
The battery life on the V3 Pro is a strong point, and should satisfy even heavy users. It’s so good that I complained about how long it took to fully test. I’ll be conservative and say most people will get around 12 to 15 bowls per charge in Session mode, and ten per charge in On-demand mode, but my test results were even better. And with the POTV V3 Pro’s upgraded battery, you may get even better results.
With the XMAX’s original battery, I consistently got 18 bowls per charge in Session mode. It didn’t matter whether I took four hits or eight per session, the bowl count was steady. It seems the greatest drain on the battery is the initial heat up for each session. And for that reason, On-demand mode drains the battery quicker.
I tracked battery life from several perspectives. In Session mode, I got 18 bowls, 90 hits, and 48 minutes of runtime. In On-demand mode, I got 13 bowls, 63 hits, and 31 minutes of runtime (all of my hits were full length, until the vape timed out). No matter how you slice it, on-demand mode battery life is about ⅓ shorter than with Session mode.
But the V3 Pro doesn’t just have great battery life. It also has universal USB-C charging, and is powered by a single 18650 rechargeable battery. Pick up a premium battery and get even better performance. A USB-C charger cable is included.
Extremely pocketable
The V3 Pro is almost the exact same size as the XMAX V2 Pro, XMAX's conduction vaporizer. It's pen-shaped but cigar-sized, and can fit in any pocket, bag or purse. The magnetic mouthpiece stays on well, and it didn't fall off during travel once during my tests (only when I dropped it).
15 to 20 second heat up time
The XMAX V3 Pro convection vaporizer heats up fast and faster, depending on which mode you use. In Session mode, the fast heat up time is around 20 seconds on a fresh battery. Add another five seconds to the heat up time on the back half of a battery charge.
In On-demand mode, the V3 Pro heats up in 15 seconds. If your hits are on the shorter side (ten seconds or less), the on-demand hits feel a shade lighter than in Session mode. But if you take a long hit until it times out (15 - 20 seconds), the hits are just as strong.
Longer hits get the best rips
The V3 Pro is capable of some impressively big hits, especially on the back end of longer draws. If it struggles anywhere, it’s when the user takes short little sips. The convection heater needs a little more time until the vapor flows. If you require short sips throughout a session, you’ll find more satisfying vapor from a conduction vape like the POTV Starry or the PAX 2.
On-demand mode gives us some clues about the V3 Pro’s strengths. The heater engages for as long as we press the power button, up to 30 seconds when it times out. With a freshly charged battery, it takes a little longer than ten seconds to heat up, leaving a 20 second hit. Not everyone is comfortable with a 20 second hit, but I am, and I found the vapor started to get thick around four or five seconds into the hit. The rest of the hit is a cloud machine. I was able to finish off every bowl with four full-length hits in On-demand mode.
Near the end of the battery’s charge, the heat up time extended up to 20 seconds, and left a 10 second hit. The hits grew weaker, but it was due to the shorter hit, not the session’s power. To make up for this, I immediately started another hit, which got to temperature quickly and had plenty of heat for a big cloud.
Strong construction
XMAX makes solid vapes, and the V3 Pro is no exception. The aluminum outer shell (not plastic!) has just enough texture to hide fingerprints, and gives the vape a sturdy feel. The buttons don’t appear cheap, while the magnetic mouthpiece and battery cover elevate the style. My review unit has already taken a few falls, but keeps on trucking.
The display and controls are easy to use, as they lean on refinements learned from past vapes. Like the Starry dry herb vaporizer, the V3 Pro has three buttons and a digital display that communicates all the essentials with just a glance - set and actual temperatures, session timer and battery meter.
The magnetic mouthpiece houses a stainless steel and ceramic vapor path that cools the vapor really well. It’s great to see attention paid to cool vapor with quality materials, especially at this price point! The mouthpiece comes apart easily when it’s time to clean.
The Accessory Attachment and dimpled glass stem cool the vapor really well and pull apart easily when it’s time to clean.
Average size bowl
The V3 Pro heating chamber holds around 0.1 grams of loosely filled dry herbs, and 0.13 grams of dry herbs when packed with a gentle tamp. That’s plenty for light to average users, but heavy users will run through multiple bowls in one sitting. Luckily for them, you can finish a bowl off in just four long hits.
Works with POTV ONE Dosing capsules
The V3 Pro’s bowl is the same size as the bowl in the POTV ONE, and the dosing capsules and caddies for those vapes are interchangeable. The dosing capsules hold less herbs than an empty oven, and reduce the load size by one-third to one-half of a full bowl, but are incredibly convenient for on-the-go vaping. Pre-pack as many as you want, and quickly swap in a fresh capsule as soon as the current one is done!
Easy to use with full temperature control
The V3 Pro controls are intuitive and easy to figure out. The big button turns it on and off, and starts the heater in On-demand mode. The little buttons adjust the temperature. The V3 Pro has a temperature range from 212° F (100° C) to 428° F (220° C). There are also simple button combinations to change from Session to On-demand mode, from Celsius to Fahrenheit, and from four to six minutes on the session timer. Vibration feedback tells you when the V3 Pro has turned on, off, or hit the set temperature.
In Session mode, the OLED screen tells us the set temperature, actual temperature, battery meter and session timer. Just turn the V3 Pro on, set the temperature, wait for it to vibrate, and hit it.
In On-demand mode, the display exchanges the session timer and set temperature for a “hot coffee” icon that blinks while heating. Turn the herb vape on, set the temperature, press the power button to engage the heater, and keep it pressed until you’re done with the hit.
Mouthpiece with a stir tool
I already mentioned a lot about the mouthpiece - the magnetic connection and high quality internal parts. But it also has a stir tool / scraping tool built into the side. The tail on the back of the mouthpiece securely slides into a slot in the body, and can be used to stir the bowl. Best of all, stirring is optional, depending on your expectations. I rarely stir this vape during a session, but when I do I’m rewarded with a little more oomph on the next hit. When I don’t stir, the herbs in the bottom of the bowl will come out a little darker than herbs at the top after a full session.
Accessory Attachment for bubblers
We’re really proud of our Accessory Attachment. It opens the doors to our suite of glass bubblers, stems, and our universal water pipe adapter that easily swap in and out of place. The stainless steel screen assembly also serves as a splash plate to cool the vapor just enough to make this a dual use mouthpiece - wet or dry!
See more of our XMAX Accessories.
One year warranty
XMAX (or Topgreen) covers any workmanship and defect issues for the V3 Pro with a one year manufacturer warranty. Like all of our products, the V3 Pro is covered by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee.
What’s in the box
- 1pc. XMAX V3 PRO POTV Vaporizer
- 1pc. 18650 Battery
- 1pc. Accessory Attachment
- 1pc. Dimpled Glass Stem
- 1pc. Dosing Capsule
- 1pc. Cleaning Brush
- 1pc. USB-C Charger
- 1pc. User Manual
- Cotton Swabs
- Alcohol Prep Pads
For best results
Our Tips and Tricks blog post is right around the corner. For now, just watch how you pack the V3 Pro. It works well with a loose pack, or with a gentle tamp, but don’t pack it tightly. That will restrict the airflow and can ruin your session’s taste.
Easy maintenance
Our Cleaning and Maintenance Guide is coming soon, but until then, make sure to empty out the bowl immediately after it’s spent. If you leave the herbs in the oven to cool down, the screens get dirty a lot quicker. When you’re done, just empty the bowl and brush off the screen.
Who is the XMAX V3 Pro for?
Given the incredibly friendly $134.95 price point, the XMAX V3 Pro is an easy pick to make, and could be a slam dunk among portable vaporizers. Sessions are strong and tasty. The battery life, coupled with USB-C charging and removable batteries, are head and shoulders above anything at this size and price point. This vape would be a good deal if all it had was Session mode. But instead of commanding a higher price, the V3 Pro adds on-demand convection heating, our signature Accessory Attachment, and screams value.
Who is the XMAX V3 Pro not for?
It’s hard to find fault with this vape. The battery life, vapor quality, size and price point make it an easy buy. However, people with weaker lungs who take the shortest of hits might not enjoy it as much. But I’m talking about the shortest of hits - less than one or two seconds. Anyone who can stretch it to three seconds or more will be fine.
Conclusion - the V3 Pro is a deal!
Most of the time I have to tell vape manufacturers why their vapes should be priced for less. The XMAX V3 Pro is a rare exception that I think could sell for more. Sessions are comparable to the POTV ONE, but with better battery life. Convection heating unlocks On-demand mode, which operates more like a Firefly 2+, but at less than half the price. It’s small enough to go anywhere, and strong enough to fill a bubbler. Bottom line - you should give it a shot!
POTV XMAX V3 Pro Vaporizer
C$134.95
The XMAX V3 Pro hits the value bullseye, with:
- Strong, tasty, convection vapor
- Long battery life and removable batteries
- Budget-friendly price
- Session and On-demand modes
- Pocketable