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Arizer XQ2 vs Extreme Q Vaporizer Comparison
By
Alex Karakatsanis
Arizer XQ2 vs Extreme Q Vaporizer Comparison
October 6, 2023
on
Desktop Showdowns, Vaporizer Showdowns
Updated: October 6, 2023
It’s no secret that Arizer loves sequels and the Arizer XQ2 is just another follow up on that trend. They’ve done a pretty great job at implementing improvements in its successors to their popular dry herb vaporizers as evidenced by the Arizer Solo and Solo 2, and the Air and Air 2. The Arizer XQ2 as the name implies carries on the legacy of the massively popular Arizer Extreme Q which was well loved for its reliable performance offered at a budget price. But can they replicate their success for the third time? Let’s find out down below in our exclusive Arizer XQ2 vs Extreme Q showdown!
Arizer XQ2 vs Extreme Q Comparison
Table of contents
How it Works
While a cursory glance might not reveal a lot of differences between the Arizer XQ2 and its predecessor, a closer look shows that Arizer has made some welcome QoL upgrades. The most obvious change is the switch from the rather dated LCD screen used by the Extreme Q to a much clearer and brighter LED user interface on the Arizer XQ2. Not only does the display on the XQ2 offers a much higher resolution, but the user interface is also a lot cleaner and easier to read as well.
Another quality of life improvement is the addition of a dedicated fan speed control button which was sorely missing on the original Arizer Extreme Q. Not only does it allow the user to directly control the rate at which the Arizer XQ2 fills up the bag when vaping in bag mode, it can be used to switch the fan off to allow your dry herb to preheat prior to starting your session.
Vapor Quality
The original Arizer Extreme Q achieved its level of success and popularity by providing a decent desktop vaporizing experience at a relatively low price point. But when push came to shove it had a hard time competing against higher priced stationary vapes such as the fabled Volcano Classic when it came down to overall vapor quality. The Arizer XQ2 offers a relatively better vapor than its predecessor by a good margin and we’re glad to report that it definitely punches above its price bracket as far as value for your dollar is concerned.
Vapor is dense and flavorful when you want it to be but that can also be changed depending on your preferred temperature and fan speed settings. Craving for a light and airy vape? Simply crank up the fans with a simple push of the button. The Arizer XQ2 also does a better job of fully extracting the loaded dry herb compared to the Extreme Q which had the tendency to leave some bud not fully vaped.
Manufacturing Quality
The Arizer XQ abandons the retro sci-fi aesthetic of the Extreme Q and instead opts for a much cleaner, streamlined, and contemporary look. Almost too contemporary in fact, which is mostly thanks to the inclusion of an RGB LED strip that’s been incorporated into the base of the Arizer XQ2 unit itself. The said LED strip isn’t just for show and also provides an effective method of relaying the vaporizer’s status to the user. We’re not the biggest fans of this look however as we feel that the RGB trend was a ship that already sailed in the past decade.
Personal tastes aside, the Arizer XQ2 is very well put together and exemplifies the excellent quality control that managed to put Arizer on the map. Just like the Extreme Q, the Arizer XQ2 comes bundled with a wide variety of attachments that let you vape in either whip or bag mode. All the parts fit remarkably well and without issue which is more than what we can say for other desktop vaporizers that try to pull off the use of glass tubes.
Temperature Flexibility
The Arizer XQ2 and the Extreme Q both feature the same temperature ranges and offer full precision temperature control. Quite frankly we were not really expecting any sort of bump up in temperature considering that the original Extreme Q was already hitting the higher range of the temperature spectrum as far as vaporizing goes.
Ease of Use
The Arizer XQ2 introduces a 360 degree swivelling whip attachment which does make it a bit easier to use the vaporizer in whip mode when sharing a session with friends. Unfortunately one of our biggest qualms with the Extreme Q was its rather lackluster implementation of a bag system and that hasn’t really been fixed with the new XQ2.
The newly designed connoisseur bowl of the Arizer XQ2 is a nice step up from the Cyclone bowl that came with the Extreme Q. The glass filter that’s built into it has less of a tendency to clog up. The herb chamber is positioned a bit closer to the heating element which allows for faster and more efficient heating of your dry herb as well.
The Arizer XQ2 also comes bundled with a redesigned remote control that lets you configure the settings as well as cycle the vaporizer on and off without having to reach for the device. The new interface on the remote is a decent upgrade over what now feels like an archaic design on the original Extreme Q’s remote.
Final Verdict
The Arizer XQ2 provides a wide variety of incremental upgrades over the original Extreme Q which makes for a compelling case for current owners of the latter that might be considering a new stationary vaporizer. While the old Extreme Q is definitely no slouch, it’s vapor output has the tendency to sometimes feel a bit anemic, especially when the Cyclone bowl wasn’t properly loaded. In contrast, the Arizer XQ2 offers a more robust vaping experience that even comes close to the performance that more expensive desktop vaporizers such as the Volcano offers.
The implementation of a new LED screen, an RGB indicator, and a new remote control feels like a breath of fresh air with the Arizer XQ2. Not only does it perform better than its predecessor in practically every way, but it’s a lot easier to use as well thanks to the cleaner user interface.
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