The V-Tower Extreme is a nice followup to the original V-Tower vaporizer.  The V-Tower Extreme is a whip-style convection vaporizer that can also fill up balloons.  It is also the only vaporizer I know of with a remote control.  Featuring its manufacturer's signature tower-based setup, the V-Tower Extreme would be a nice addition to any vaporizer collection.

This article is part of the Vaporizer Review Series.

My Experience: I did not purchase this vaporizer, but I do have one in my posession.  An ex-girlfriend had left it at my place while we were still together and after the breakup, she never asked for it back, so I never said anything either.  I've had it for a couple months now and my friends and I all enjoy using it occasionally.

Pros:  The V-Tower Extreme is awesome in large groups and has a digital screen with digital controls.  It also has a remote which is cool, but I don't really know why it's there.  The manufacturer makes a note to proclaim that they use glass parts wherever possible, which is commendable, but the effect is minimal.

Cons:  Slightly expensive and the construction looks a little cheap if you ask me, though I haven't had any problems with it.

Heating Method: Convection.  The unit uses a ceramic/quartz heating element which some claim performs better and lasts longer than the aluminum composite ones used by Volcano.  The unit has a digital lcd screen to output the current temperature and digital controls to adjust it.  It can also be controlled by remote.

Airflow: Forced-air.  The unit uses a fan to pass air over the plant material.  The fan has three different speed settings, which gives users decent control over the fan, though it is not a continuous dial as with some other vaporizers.  The unit seems to be designed primarily to be used with the whip-style tube, but it also fills up balloons.

Price: $300-$400. The price for this vaporizer is in line with other high quality table-top vaporizer units.  $300 is no joke, but it's a lot cheaper than the Volcano.  In my opinion, it is slightly over-priced, but I'll let you be the judge of that.

Taste: 9/10.  The taste of the vapor was on a par with other high quality vaporizers.  The hits taken directly from the whip were fairly smooth due to the tube's long length and coughing was at a minimum.  From the balloon, the flavor was equally as good.  The manufacturer claims to use only glass parts wherever possible to improve the taste, however I did not find that this made any particular difference.

Style: 7/10.  I don't really like the way this vaporizer looks.  Other people might disagree, but to me it just doesn't look as well-made as the Volcano or the Vapormatic Deluxe.  The fact that it uses glass parts wherever possible is a plus, but it clashes with the metal body.  Ultimately, I wouldn't keep this one on your coffee table.

Use:  8/10.  The unit has a vertical glass-bowl to hold the ground marijuana.  The bowl attachment slides into the top of the tower and the hose is attached to the top of the glass bowl and snapped into place.  Overall, pretty simple to use and the fact that the bowl is glass means it does not get as hot as other metal ones, but it's still pretty warm.  The unit has a remote control which I suppose might make reclining and taking hits from the whip slightly more convenient, but I have yet to find a really good use for it.

Wait Time: 8/10. The unit heats up relatively quickly.  If you turn it on and begin packing the bowl, you only have to wait a couple minutes to begin using this vaporizer.  When one bowl is cached, the repacking is fairly simple and because the glass bowl doesn't get as hot as metal containers, you don't have to wait long for it to cool.  

Efficiency: 7/10.  The bowl does not cache as quickly as with the Volcano Vaporizer.  You seem to get more hits for a half gram of marijuana than with most vaporizers, but it also seems like you need a lot more to feel any significant effects.  It would appear that the V-Tower either simply works at a slower rate than other vaporizers or actually has some invisible vapor loss.

Experience: 8/10. Bottom line is that I don't seem to get as high with this vaporizer as with the Volcano or the Vapormatic Deluxe.  I have to take more hits than usual to feel anything significant.  The quality of the highs is similar to the highs from other vaporizers-- very similar to eating marijuana, but less intense and less lengthy.

Portability: 6/10.  The unit is fairly compact, so it easier to move around than bigger table-top models, but the many small glass pieces make me worry anytime I take it anywhere.  The manufacturer claims the parts are made from the strongest glass available, but it's still glass so you have to be careful.  They sell a battery pack for it so you can take it on the go, but I'd stick to indoor use.

Group Use: 9/10.  Despite the unit's flaws, I think it is ideal for group use.  Because a half gram of marijuana can be spread out to more hits than other vaporizers, it allows a little bit of weed to go a long way in a group of people.  We've had groups as large as 10-12 use this and all get suitably high for a quality group-toking experience. Using the whip is easy in a group because it is about 3-feet long and passing balloons is always easy, so I would recommend this for group use.

Conclusion:  If you are looking for a vaporizer for personal use, I would not recommend the V-Tower Extreme, because for around the same price, you can get the Vapormatic Deluxe, which is in my opinion an overall better vaporizer.  The only reason I would suggest purchasing this over the Vapormatic Deluxe would be for its superior group use.  It's a great party favor to set on the coffee table and let guests use at their leisure.  If you're interested, you can visit the Vaporizer Giant V-Tower Extreme product page.  They sell it for around $300.

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