The new DaVinci IQ3 is here and it is packed with a wealth of updates, ranging from its battery performance to its oven capacity…
DaVinci has always made rock-solid vaporizers. I used its OG IQ, IQ2, and more recently its more affordable IQC extensively over the past few years.
They’re reliable, easy to use, and ultra portable, so you can take them anywhere you go – just don’t risk it at airports. I made that mistake in 2022 and it nearly got me busted.
As we approach the back-end of 2024, DaVinci has returned with a brand new model: the Davinci IQ3. What’s new? Quite a lot as it goes, here’s 12 of its biggest new features and upgrades…
DaVinci IQ3 Best New Features Detailed
Precise Temperature Control
- IQ3 Advantage: Offers +/- 1° precision temperature adjustments, letting you fine-tune your sessions to the exact degree.
- Why It Matters: More control means you can target specific cannabinoid activation temperatures for a customized experience.
This isn’t a massive update but It is something tinkerers – or perfectionists – will appreciate.
Having more granular control over the heating settings lets you influence not only the types but also the quantities of the cannabinoids released.
For medical users, this will be super-useful because you might only really want to focus on CBD production, over, say, THC.
You’ll still get both, but the CBD will be more prominent.
Confused? Here’s how it breaks down:
Temperature Ranges and Cannabinoid Release
Low Temperatures (150°C – 170°C / 302°F – 338°F)
At these lower temperatures, cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and some terpenes are released.
This range is optimal for preserving the flavor and aromatic properties of the terpenes, which can enhance the overall experience without producing significant psychoactive effects.
Effects: Users may experience mild therapeutic effects, such as relaxation or pain relief, with less risk of anxiety or paranoia.
Moderate Temperatures (170°C – 200°C / 338°F – 392°F)
This range allows for the efficient release of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol), the primary psychoactive component in cannabis.
Studies suggest that THC begins to vaporize effectively around 157°C (315°F), with optimal yields typically around 200°C (392°F) to 230°C (446°F) 24.
Effects: Users often report stronger psychoactive effects, including euphoria and increased sensory perception. However, there is also a heightened risk of experiencing anxiety or paranoia, particularly in infrequent users 5.
High Temperatures (200°C – 230°C / 392°F – 446°F)
At these temperatures, a broader spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes are released, including some degradation products.
While THC is still predominant, other cannabinoids like CBN (cannabinol) may also become more prevalent due to thermal degradation processes 12.
Effects: The psychoactive effects are more pronounced, and users may experience stronger sensations of intoxication. However, this can also lead to increased side effects such as dry mouth and impaired cognitive functions 5.
Very High Temperatures (>230°C / >446°F)
Exceeding this temperature can lead to combustion rather than vaporization, resulting in harmful by-products similar to those produced by smoking.
The efficiency of cannabinoid extraction decreases as more plant material burns rather than vaporizes.
Effects: Users may experience adverse effects associated with smoking, including exposure to harmful toxins.
Larger Oven Capacity
- IQ3 Advantage: Holds up to 0.7 grams of material, a 33% increase over the IQ2’s 0.5 grams.
- Why It Matters: Bigger capacity allows for longer sessions and is great for sharing with friends without constant reloading.
More capacity in the oven means longer sessions and fewer refills. The IQ2 was already pretty good in this regard, so a 33% increase is pretty darn nice.
Add in things like its larger battery and faster charging and the case for upgrading to the IQ3 starts to look pretty darn compelling.
Upgraded Battery Performance
- IQ3 Advantage: Features a 21700 lithium-ion battery, providing up to 90 minutes of use; the IQ, IQ2, and IQC all ran on a single 18650 battery.
- Why It Matters: Longer battery life means more sessions on a single charge, perfect for on-the-go vaping.
As noted above, the Davinci IQ3 runs a new style of removable battery, a 21700mAh capacity one. This is bigger than the 18650 battery used in the IQC and IQ2 and that means better battery life.
The big thing here, however, is this: the battery remains removable.
For me, this is one of DaVinci’s main USPs. Vaporizers like the PAX Plus and the Crafty+ all run on non-removable batteries, so when the battery is dead, so is your session.
With DaVinci’s IQ vaporizers, you can just plop in a fresh battery and continue right away. You’ll need a spare battery, of course, but they’re not exactly expensive, and neither are the charging docks for them.
Advanced Cooling Technology
- IQ3 Advantage: Equipped with the Cool Core system that cools vapor by up to 50%.
- Why It Matters: Cooler vapor results in smoother, more enjoyable inhales, enhancing the overall experience.
If you’re tired of harsh, hot vapor ruining your sessions, this technology is about to change your vaping game. And it is one of the flagship features of the IQ3.
Which is nice way of saying: this is why the IQ3 costs more than the IQ2 did at launch.
The Cool Core system is designed to do one thing: deliver cooler, smoother vapor — up to 50% cooler than what you get with earlier DaVinci models.
Here’s how it pulls this off:
- Zirconia Glass Chamber: The vapor journeys through a specially designed chamber made of zirconia glass. This material is chosen for its exceptional thermal properties, effectively reducing the vapor’s temperature as it passes through. For an extra chill, you can even pre-freeze the chamber. Imagine taking a hit that’s not just smooth but refreshingly cool!
- Enhanced Air Dial Feature: The IQ3 doesn’t stop at just cooling the vapor; it also optimizes airflow. The upgraded Air Dial increases air velocity by 70%, ensuring each draw is smoother and more flavorful. This feature works hand-in-hand with the Cool Core system, making every puff a pleasure.
- Precision Temperature Control: With the ability to reach up to 430°F (221°C) in just 30 seconds, you have full command over your session’s temperature. Whether you’re chasing robust flavors or dense clouds, the IQ3 lets you dial in the exact setting you prefer, enhancing the overall vapor quality.
How It Affects Performance
So, why should you care about all this cool-down tech?
Here’s three, cool new benefits it brings to the IQ3 and its overall user experience:
- Enhanced Flavor Profiles: Cooler vapor means you get to savor the full spectrum of flavors from your material. The terpenes remain intact, offering a richer, more nuanced taste with every draw.
- Smoother Hits: Say goodbye to throat irritation. The combination of a cooler vapor path and increased airflow results in hits that are gentle on your throat, allowing for longer, more enjoyable sessions.
- Customized Vaping Experience: The synergy between the Cool Core™ system and the Enhanced Air Dial™ gives you unprecedented control. Adjust the airflow and temperature to find that sweet spot between flavor intensity and vapor density.
Improved Airflow Control
- IQ3 Advantage: The new Air Dial increases air velocity by 70%.
- Why It Matters: Enhanced airflow delivers richer flavor and thicker vapor, and lets you customize the draw resistance to your liking.
We touched on this earlier, but one of the drawbacks of the IQ2 was that it lacked the punch of some of its peers. The output was solid, but it could have been a little more powerful.
The IQ3 addresses this with massively increase air velocity – it’s up 70% over the IQ2 which is significant.
You also have adjustable airflow control too, as you do on the IQ2, so this combined with the new and improved air velocity means you dial in some seriously distinct resistances.
You can keep it tight and focussed, or have it all swooshy and open. Either way, you’ll get LOADS more vapor regardless of the setting. Winner, winner. Chicken dinner.
Other Cool, Notable Updates Inside The DaVinci IQ3
I could go on and on about the updates, but this post is getting LONG so for the sake of brevity let’s wrap things up with all the other main – but not massively important – updates.
Faster Charging with Type-C Port
- IQ3 Advantage: Upgraded to a Type-C charging port for quicker and more efficient charging.
- Why It Matters: Less downtime waiting for your device to charge means more time enjoying it.
Extended Warranty
- IQ3 Advantage: Comes with a 10-year warranty, doubling the coverage of the IQ2.
- Why It Matters: Greater peace of mind and confidence in the device’s durability and longevity.
Better Mobile App Integration
- IQ3 Advantage: Full control via the mobile app, including custom Smart Paths™ and precise temperature settings.
- Why It Matters: Enhanced app features allow for a highly personalized vaping experience.
Better Build and Design
- IQ3 Advantage: Features upgraded materials and a refined design for improved durability and aesthetics.
- Why It Matters: A more robust device that not only looks better but also stands up to regular use.
Simplified Cleaning and Maintenance
- IQ3 Advantage: Redesigned for easier disassembly and cleaning, with materials that reduce residue buildup.
- Why It Matters: Easier maintenance means your device stays in top condition with less effort.
Battery Efficiency
- Why It Matters: Maintains performance over time, so you get consistent sessions without battery degradation.
- IQ3 Advantage: Improved power management ensures longer battery life even after multiple charging cycles.
Bottom Line?
Whichever way you slice it, the DaVinci IQ3 is a massive update, pretty much across the board.
The design has been improved, the battery life is better, the vapor production has been massively overhauled, it has a new cooling system, an updated app, more granular control… AND it heats up faster – no in just 30 seconds (versus 90 on the IQ2).
Yes, it is more expensive than the IQ2 when it came out. But I’d argue DaVinci has done more than enough to warrant the slight price increase.
Is it worth getting? If you want a portable weed vaporizer that packs in a series amount of tech, a large oven, fast heating, market-leading vapor cooling, and – most importantly – runs removable batteries, then the IQ3 is well worth a look.
I’m really enjoying mine. Whether it’ll replace my Crafty+ as my daily driver is another thing entirely. I’ll need to spend a good, few months testing it out to make that call.
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