Storz & Bickel is having all kinds of issue with its Venty vaporizer – and long time fans of the brand are not happy
The Venty vaporizer is Storz & Bickel’s latest, flagship portable vaporizer. But you already knew that. What you might not know, however, is that it has been plagued by reliability issues since it launched.
There’s already been one recall and, based on user comments on social media, there could be more on the way.
Officially, the initial problem with the first batch of Venty vaporizers has been fixed. The elephant in the room, however, is that the actual issue was never officially detailed.
It was something to do with overheating, apparently. Not something you want happening with any kind of vaporizer.
Storz & Bickel says it fixed the issue with a software update. But there are a slew of reports from users on Reddit and X about on-going issues with the device – one user has been through FOUR units in as many months.
Venty Vaporizer Issues & Problems
Error Codes and Software Dependency
One of the most widely reported issues with the Venty is the infamous E04 error code. This error can render the device inoperable and often requires a firmware update or even sending the unit back for repairs.
With something like the Mighty+ or another non-software driven vaporizer, everything is done mechanically, more or less. That means less room for errors.
When things become TOO reliant on software – whether you’re talking about cars, weed vaporizers or home appliances – the frequency for error increases dramatically.
In my review of the Venty, this was my chief complaint about it (versus the Mighty+). If something goes wrong with the software, the entire device is bricked.
And as good as Storz & Bickel is with engineering and R&D, it is NOT a software company – software is a whole other kettle of fish.
What users say:
“I’m on my 4th Venty, and I have no faith in the device. E04 errors still persist even after firmware updates.”
“For $400, a device shouldn’t be so dependent on software that could break at any moment.”
Potential risks:
The reliance on software introduces concerns about long-term usability. If Storz & Bickel discontinues updates or faces security vulnerabilities, the device could become obsolete.
Quality Control Concerns
I’ve had my Volcano for over 10 years. I got the Mighty+ as soon as it came out. Both still work fine today, years later (a decade+ in the case of the Volcano).
Storz & Bickel cut its teeth on making the most durable, well-made and reliable vaporizers money could buy – that’s why people didn’t mind paying top dollar for them.
But like all brands, you’re only one bad product away from oblivion. And right now, even if some reports are bogus, as is often the case on social media, Storz & Bickel is very much in the throes of a PR crisis with the Venty.
What users say:
“It feels like early buyers were treated as beta testers. For this price, quality control should have been top-notch.”
“I’ve had to send mine back multiple times. That’s not acceptable for a $400 device.”
Durability Doubts
The Venty’s sleek design and advanced features come with a trade-off: durability. Unlike the Mighty and the Mighty+, which is famed for its ruggedness, the Venty – according to some users – doesn’t feel quite as robust.
My experience doesn’t wash with this, however; the Venty I tested felt as robust and as well made as anything else from the brand. The software-side of things is turning into a nightmare, but the industrial design, in my time with the device, was fine.
I’m also very careful with my gear. But I did drop the Venty a few times, all on hard floor, and it survived. To be frank, I don’t think there is anything physically wrong with the Venty. Gremlins in the software are what’s ruining this device.
What users say:
“My Mighty+ survived countless drops and still works. I can’t say the same for the Venty.”
“The cooling unit looks like a nightmare to clean and feels flimsy compared to older Storz & Bickel devices.”
Customer Service Frustrations
If you do buy the Venty, it comes with a pretty solid warranty: three years. This means, should anything go wrong with it Storz & Bickel will fix it or replace it.
That’s the good news. The bad news is that, given the unprecedented number of issues with this device, Storz & Bickel’s support infrastructure appears to have been pushed beyond its operational capabilities.
If you’re a company whose products are reliable and remain functional for decades at a time, you’d probably only run a skeleton crew for customer support, right? Makes sense. Why spend money on things you don’t need.
But then the Venty comes along and you go from 10-20 complaints a month to hundreds a week. This creates a bottleneck, slows communication, and results in angry, frustrated users.
Now, I don’t know if this is what’s happening at Storz & Bickel right now; it’s just a theory based on my past experience with Storz & Bickel’s customer support. Normally, its support is very good and always fast.
I had an issue with my Volcano Hybrid a couple of years back. My support ticket was acknowledged pretty much immediately and the issue was resolved a few days later.
This is no longer the case, apparently – at least at the time of writing. Hence my theory about its support team being overwhelmed with tickets about the Venty.
What users say:
“Customer support is slow, and communication is lacking. I waited over a month for my replacement.”
“The RMA process is tedious, and they don’t seem eager to admit there are widespread issues.”
Overhyped and Underwhelming?
The Venty is far from an underwhelming device. When it works as intended, it’s fantastic. It outperforms the Mighty+ with better hits, its adjustable airflow is a standout feature, and the vapor quality is exactly what you’d expect from a Storz & Bickel product: top-tier.
It’s also more compact than the Mighty+, which is a big plus. But here’s the catch: it’s significantly more expensive than both the Mighty+ and the Crafty+, and that extra cost largely goes toward its fancy, software-based features—the very features responsible for its current issues.
And that’s a huge problem. Not just for users, but for Storz & Bickel as a brand. How much longer can they ignore the fundamental flaws in this product? How many more software patches will it take to truly fix it?
Let’s be honest here: we’re talking about weed vaporizers, not smartphones. They don’t need to be packed with high-tech features that add complexity. When I use the Mighty+, I never wish for app-based controls or extra software. It works perfectly as it is, and that’s why it’s so beloved.
The Mighty+ delivers where it matters most: solid battery life, excellent vapor quality, and a durable, reliable design. The Venty, by contrast, feels like it’s chasing trends.
The AirVape Legacy Pro introduced these software-based features first, and it seems like the Venty was created to compete. But much like BlackBerry trying to mimic touchscreen phones with the Bold, chasing what others are doing often undermines what makes a company great.
Storz & Bickel built its reputation on simplicity, durability, and reliability. The Venty is a reminder that sometimes sticking to what you do best is the smartest move.
What users say:
“When it works, it’s great. But for $400, there shouldn’t even be a ‘but.’”
“The Mighty+ offers 98% of the experience for less money and with far fewer headaches.”
Final Thoughts
While the Venty has undeniable potential, its launch has been marred by quality control issues, software dependency, and durability concerns. If you’re set on getting one, it might be wise to wait until these problems are resolved in future updates.
For now, my recommendation for anyone that wants to buy a vaporizer today would be to go with either the TinyMight 2 or sticking with a tried-and-tested Storz & Bickel model like the Mighty+.
The bottom line? The Venty might be innovative, but innovation means little without reliability. If you’re spending $400, make sure it’s on a device that delivers the performance you expect without the headaches.
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