The POTV Lobo is Planet of the Vapes’ latest entry into the portable vaporizer space, and it arrives at a moment when competition is tougher than ever. Many new Portable Vaporizers promise a mix of modern features like hybrid heating, replaceable batteries, or glass vapor paths, but the Lobo pulls these elements together in its own way.
Similarly built to the budget option that Utillian offers, the U621, but offers minor improvements. The Lobo dry herb vape carves out a sweet spot between power and portability. It’s designed for people who want solid vapor on demand, whether they’re out for a quick solo hit or setting up longer sessions through a bubbler.
We’ve spent time testing the Lobo Vape in real-world conditions and evaluating how it compares to the competition. For those looking to find the best of the best, check out our Best Dry Herb Vaporizers ranking page.
How It Works
The POTV Lobo keeps operations straightforward while giving you standard control over your sessions. Here’s how to use the Planet of the Vapes Lobo:
Step 1: Remove the glass mouthpiece and adapter from the Lobo, then load your herbs into the chamber.
Step 2: Put the adapter and mouthpiece back in their place.
Step 3: Triple-click the power button to turn on the device.
Step 4: Use the plus and minus buttons to set your desired heat level.
Step 5: Wait for the vibration notification after about 40 seconds of heating.
Step 6: Draw steadily through the mouthpiece and enjoy your session.
Once you’ve got the basic steps down, there are a couple of things that can change how you run your session. The Lobo does include a concentrate pad, but it only works when used inside the dosing capsule. If you want to vape wax or concentrates, you’ll need to load the pad into the capsule first before placing it in the oven. It’s a slightly different process than using dry herbs, but it gives you the option if you want to mix things up.
Another point to keep in mind is how the digital screen shows temperature. The large number is the current oven temperature, while the smaller number below it is your set temperature. When you press the plus or minus buttons, you’re adjusting that set temperature, and you’ll see the current one slowly climb until it matches. When it reaches your target, the device vibrates to let you know it’s ready.
Vapor Quality
When it comes to vapor quality, there are usually two main factors to consider: flavor and vapor output. Flavor is typically stronger at lower temperatures, where delicate terpenes are preserved, while vapor output becomes denser as temperatures rise, often at the cost of taste. Most vaporizers aim to find a middle ground, and the POTV Lobo does this by relying on a convection-heavy hybrid system. Conduction provides the direct heat needed for strong extraction, while convection circulates hot air for more even coverage across the chamber.
This balance lets the Lobo adapt to either side of the spectrum. You can run it at lower temperatures for cleaner, more pronounced flavor, or push it higher for thicker clouds. In practice, it leans a little more toward flavor than sheer output, thanks in part to touches like the glass mouthpiece and the dimpled stem that help smooth out the vapor.
One thing worth noting is that the airflow is on the tighter side than on some other portables. Tighter airflow generally means vapor spends more time in the oven before it reaches you, which can make it denser and more flavorful, though it also requires a slower, steadier draw. By comparison, more open systems like the Storz & Bickel Venty feel freer and deliver cooler clouds, but they are usually not as dense in comparison.
Overall, the Lobo offers a flexible experience that can swing between flavor-focused sessions and heavier cloud production. It doesn’t lock you into one style, but the design choices lean it slightly toward flavor preservation, which will likely stand out most to users who prioritize taste over maximum output.
Manufacturing Quality
The POTV Lobo makes a strong first impression when you pick it up. Its anodized aluminum body feels solid without being heavy, and it sheds heat well enough that the shell never gets uncomfortable during longer sessions. It’s a simple design choice that makes the device both durable and practical.
Inside, the chamber combines a titanium oven with a stainless steel heater. Titanium is valued for heating quickly and cooling down fast once you’re done, which helps preserve efficiency between sessions. Stainless steel, on the other hand, is stable under high heat and doesn’t add any taste of its own. Together, they create a system that extracts evenly while keeping the vapor clean. Just as important is the isolated vapor path. By avoiding silicone or standard plastics, the Lobo steers clear of the off-flavors these materials can introduce, especially once they start to absorb vapor over time.
The included glass stem adds to that clean taste and uses a dimpled design to soften vapor on the way out. While glass isn’t the most durable option on the go, it’s hard to beat when it comes to delivering pure, clean flavor.
The threaded battery cap requires some care when swapping batteries, since it isn’t tethered to the device. It’s easy enough to manage with attention, but a built-in tether could make future versions even more convenient. The LCD display is crisp and easy to read indoors, though like most portables, it can be harder to see in direct sunlight. Fortunately, the brightness can be adjusted, which helps in brighter environments.
Overall, the Lobo’s build shows careful attention to the fundamentals: strong materials, a clean vapor path, and thoughtful airflow. It may not have every convenience perfected, but it feels dependable in daily use and stands up well when compared to premium models like the Zeus Arc GT3, which leans on refinements such as a gold-plated chamber and vapor path for a more polished finish.
Temperature Flexibility
When it comes to the actual flexibility of the temperature range, the POTV Lobo covers a wide temperature spectrum. Ranging from 320°F to 430°F (160°C to 221°C), this provides you with sufficient range to explore various extraction styles without feeling constrained. Throughout testing, I found the device consistently heats to 360°F in about 45 seconds, which feels deliberate rather than sluggish. That slower ramp-up time actually works in the Lobo’s favor, allowing the entire vapor path to warm gradually and creating those exceptional flavor profiles you notice right from the first draw.
What I appreciate about this temperature approach is that it allows you to schedule sessions according to your mood and situation. Set it to 390°F and wait for that haptic buzz, then take slow 3-5 second draws for balanced extraction. The titanium chamber holds heat remarkably well, so you can take a few hits, set it down, and come back later without losing much thermal momentum.
The seven session timer options range from 3 to 6 minutes in 30-second intervals. These add another layer of customization that becomes more valuable than you might expect. I’ve grown to really appreciate those longer settings. There’s something satisfying about not having to restart mid-session just because the timer ran out during a relaxed sit-down session.
However, the temperature ceiling does leave some room for exploration. While 430°F handles most extraction needs effectively, some situations call for that extra push. To put it into perspective, some budget-focused devices like the Tronian Milatron reach up to 464°F (240°C), which is great for finishing your session or simply getting the most extraction out of your herbs. That extended upper range can be particularly helpful for users transitioning from combustion who want those thick, satisfying clouds that make the switch feel less like a compromise. The higher ceiling also helps when working through particularly dense or sticky material that needs more aggressive extraction.
The Lobo’s current range handles the sweet spots well. You get excellent flavor preservation at lower temps and satisfying vapor density as you climb toward the higher settings. Most users will find their preferred zone somewhere in that spectrum without feeling limited. However, having that extra headroom would open up possibilities, especially for users who like using wax concentrates.
Battery Life
The POTV Lobo runs on a 3500mAh 18650 battery, offering a solid 30 to 40 minutes of actual usage time. In my testing, I got around eight 4-minute sessions at mid-range temperatures. That’s enough for casual outings or home use.
Another quick note here, something I learned a little too late into my testing. For at-home use, I recommend dimming the screen as much as you can. This small change drastically extended the device’s runtime.You still might need to pump it up if you’re outside in the sun, but whenever you can, going to lower light will save your battery quite a bit. I’ll go into a little more detail about this feature in the Discreetness section.
While the battery size matches what’s found in high-end portables like the Zeus Arc GT3, the runtime doesn’t quite stretch as far. The GT3 pushes closer to 90 minutes of continuous use, which is over double what I’ve been getting with the Lobo and also charges significantly faster, reaching about 66% in just 40 minutes. The Lobo takes roughly two hours to charge from empty.
However, the Lobo’s replaceable battery design offers a practical solution that many competing devices can’t match. When your battery starts running low, you can simply swap in a fresh 18650 and continue your session immediately.
This replaceable approach also future-proofs the device in ways that built-in batteries simply can’t. When the original battery eventually degrades after hundreds of charge cycles, you’re not facing device replacement.
Portability
The POTV Lobo finds a good middle ground when it comes to portability. It’s compact enough to fit into most pants or jacket pockets and light enough to pass around comfortably during a session. At around 155 grams (with battery), it’s slightly heavier than some ultra-portables, but still manageable for daily carry.
In terms of actual footprint, it’s somewhere between the POTV ONE and something like a Nectar Hex, making it a practical pick for both home and mobile use. It’s not the smallest option out there, but it avoids feeling bulky unless you’ve got a bubbler or water piece attached.
If you’re after ultra-pocketable or stealthy, there are definitely more discreet options available. Devices like the Litl 1 come to mind. They’re smaller and lighter, which is great for quick hits without drawing attention. But that minimalism often comes at the cost of battery size or temperature flexibility, which is where the Lobo offers more long-term flexibility. The Milatron, for instance, keeps things low-profile and still manages to deliver some big hits for its size, but lacks the swappable battery setup you get with the Lobo. That kind of tradeoff matters if you’re planning full-day outings without reliable access to a charger.
Discreetness
While the POTV Lobo isn’t exactly a stealth king, it does have a few built-in touches that help tone things down when you need to be more subtle. One handy feature is its Stealth Mode I mentioned previously, which dims the display when you hold the power and plus buttons together for a few seconds. It won’t make the device invisible, but for those late-night sessions or moments when you don’t want a glowing screen in your face, it’s a welcome option. Just repeat the same button combo to bring it back to full brightness.
The design aesthetic itself walks a fine line between premium appeal and low-key operation. While the black finish helps it blend into most environments, it’s worth noting how different approaches affect real-world discretion.
For everyday carry, the Lobo strikes a decent balance. For those of you who still want a discreet device, the Lobo is not as discreet as some smaller vapes, but it can still get the job done without drawing too much attention.
Ease of Use
The POTV Lobo is easy to get along with on a daily basis. Three buttons control everything: power, temperature up, and temperature down, and the display makes it clear what the device is doing. A vibration lets you know when it’s ready, so there’s no second-guessing during heat-up. It’s the kind of layout you can hand to someone without a walkthrough, and they’ll figure it out quickly.
The dosing capsule system adds another layer of convenience. Being able to pre-pack a few sessions and swap them in without cleaning the oven each time keeps things moving, especially in group settings. The same capsule system is also used to handle concentrates. The Lobo comes with a concentrate pad designed to be inserted into a capsule. It’s not going to replace a dedicated Dab Pen, but it works reliably when you want to switch things up. Devices like the Utillia 723 take a slightly different approach with a separate wax canister, but the end result is similar: a dry herb vape that can cover concentrates in a pinch.
The glass stem delivers clean flavor, but it can feel fragile when carried loose, and the threaded battery cap takes more fiddling than a simple latch or magnetic design. Still, these don’t make the Lobo difficult to use; they’re just things to keep in mind if you’re planning to carry it everywhere.
All told, the Lobo nails the basics of everyday operation. It’s straightforward, consistent, and easy to manage whether you’re packing for quick hits or settling in for a longer session.
Overall Experience
The POTV Lobo comes across as a well-rounded portable vaporizer that prioritizes flavor and clean construction without overcomplicating things. Its convection-heavy hybrid heating, titanium oven, and capsule system make it easy to get consistent results whether you’re loading for solo use or running back-to-back sessions. The draw is on the slightly restrictive side, but that actually plays into its strength, concentrating flavor in a way that stands out compared to more open systems.
In terms of comparisons, the Utillian 621 is the closest parallel. It shares a similar look and size, and it also supports both herbs and concentrates, though with a wax canister instead of a concentrate pad. The 621 comes in at a lower price point, making it a solid alternative if you’re after something in the same mold but slightly more budget-friendly. The Lobo slots in neatly between this unit and higher-priced units such a the Venty, giving you a taste-first experience with portability and flexibility that feels more balanced.
Taken together, the Lobo feels best suited for users who want a straightforward, flavor-leaning portable with the flexibility to handle both herbs and concentrates in one device. It’s not chasing maximum cloud output, and it’s not trying to be the smallest unit in your pocket. Instead, it’s a dependable middle ground: portable enough for daily carry, strong enough to satisfy at home, and simple enough to live with long-term.
If you want to see how it stacks up against the rest of the field, take a look at our Best Dry Herb Vaporizers page, where we compare it directly with both budget-friendly and premium alternatives.
