Yocan Vane Review: Does Affordability Compromise its quality?

The Yocan Vane is a compact dry herb vaporizer, the latest offering from Yocan, a brand that’s been carving out a space for itself in the budget-friendly segment of the market. Budget units usually fall into three categories: enough to get the job done, a hidden gem, or straight-up nonusable. Let’s find out which one the Vane is in.

The Yocan Vane stands out for its straightforward approach to vaporizing. It’s a device that doesn’t complicate the experience with unnecessary frills, instead focusing on delivering a functional and discreet vaping session. But how does it fare in real-world use as a portable vaporizer?

It’s important to note that the Yocan Vane did not secure a spot on our Best Budget Vaporizer Rankings. Our rankings are curated to guide users towards the best devices that excel in all aspects, not just in terms of value. We believe in recommending vaporizers that deliver a comprehensive experience, balancing cost, quality, and user satisfaction.

As we review the Yocan Vane dry herb vaporizer, we’ll examine its performance, design, and overall value proposition. Does it stand out in a market flooded with budget options, or does it blend into the background? Let’s find out.

How it Works

Yocan Vane vaporizer is not hard to use. It’s pretty straightforward and usually goes that way with these cheaper options. Here’s how Yocan Vane works:

Step 1: Remove the magnetic mouthpiece to reveal the heating chamber. Gently load the ground herb into the chamber, being careful not to overpack.
Step 2: To turn on the vaporizer, quickly press the power button five times.
Step 3: Use the plus (+) and minus (-) buttons to select your desired temperature.
Step 4: After setting your temperature, hold down the power button.
Step 5: The device is ready when the display shows the set temperature has been reached.
Step 6: Start Inhaling from the mouthpiece and release the button.

Each session lasts for 2 minutes and 30 seconds. In general, this time is very low for most experienced connoisseurs. In our survey, we found that most users prefer longer sessions; 55% of the users went as far as choosing 10+ minutes. And while this is a budget option, I think 2 minutes and 30 seconds is just too low. For example, the Tronian Milatron, which is known for its budget nature, can go up to 6 minutes per session.

Temperature Flexibility

The Yocan Vane offers a range of temperatures from 200F to 480F (93C to 250C), which on paper, suggests a good degree of flexibility. However, the reality is a bit more complex. While it’s great to have the option to fine-tune your vaping experience, the Vane’s temperature control isn’t as precise as you might hope, especially when compared to higher-end models like the Utillian 621.

One of the main issues I’ve encountered with the Vane is the mouthpiece heating up significantly after the first session at temperatures over 350F. This can be uncomfortable and is something to consider if you prefer longer sessions or higher temperatures.

While this unit, in theory, does get the job done, it’s not something I would pick up just because of its flexibility. Although I appreciate the fact that the range is so big, going towards the higher end of the spectrum is not useful at all.

Vapor Quality

The vapor quality of this unit is not good. It has a noticeable plastic smell that is unpleasant, which makes me question its safety.

I wanted to like this device because it’s portable and affordable, but the vapor quality is a deal-breaker for me. It reminds me that sometimes saving money initially can cost more in the long run, especially when it comes to the quality of the experience and potentially my health.

It’s clear to me that Yocan didn’t pay attention to the quality of this vape, mostly due to the choice of build materials. While most of Yocan’s units use cheaper materials, I haven’t experienced this level of plastic smell with their other units. Usually, budget-friendly options have to go with silicone or plastic, but they try to avoid using them in the vapor path so as not to contaminate the vapor itself. We can see this on units like the Utillian 421 which goes with Glass for the mouthpiece instead of plastic or silicone. But even if that unit uses silicone for the heatshield to reduce cost, the important thing is that it’s not in the direct path of your vapor.

Manufacturing Quality

The Vane is a super small vape which is great for having a low-key on-the-go vaporizer. While it checks the basic boxes for functionality, the device’s build quality doesn’t inspire the confidence that one might expect from a portable vaporizer.

The Vane’s small stature is commendable for its portability, but the quality of materials used somewhat overshadows this advantage. The lightweight design, while convenient, raises questions about the device’s durability over time.

However, the Yocan Vane comes with a digital OLED display. While not the brightest under intense sunlight, it provides essential information at a glance.

Again, I would say that Yocan hasn’t done anything super innovative with this device other than trying to make a dry herb vaporizer at the cheapest price possible. I like the small touches of haptic feedback, a magnetic mouthpiece, and the OLED screen. Other than that, there’s not a lot to talk about.

As I said, the materials used are very cheap. Although I appreciate the sentiment to make a budget device, it doesn’t mean much when you don’t feel safe using it due to the plastic smell – especially considering that vaporizers will save you money especially if they are efficient at heating your herbs.

Battery Life

The Yocan Vane’s attempt to balance cost and functionality is evident in its battery design. It features an 1100mAh internal battery, which is commendable for its size, and the inclusion of a USB-C charging port is a modern touch I appreciate. The industry’s shift towards USB-C is a welcome trend for its convenience and speed, and the Vane’s ability to charge in about 15 minutes is impressive.

However, the device’s session timer is on the shorter side, which can be frustrating. The battery is also not replaceable. If you’re someone who enjoys back-to-back sessions, you’ll find the battery draining quicker than expected. It’s clear that the Vane isn’t built for endurance, which is a significant drawback for moderate to heavy users.

While the Yocan Vane may be suitable for light users or those who vape infrequently, heavy users might find the battery life lacking. It’s a reminder that sometimes, you get what you pay for, and in the case of the Vane, the lower price point is reflected in its battery performance. For those who prioritize battery life and session length, it might be worth considering other units.

Portability

When it comes to vaping on the go, the Yocan Vane stands out for its ultra-compact design. It’s the kind of device that’s meant to be a constant companion, whether you’re heading out for a quick errand or embarking on a longer journey. Its ultra-small and ultra-light build means it can slip into any pocket or bag with ease, making it a hassle-free option for those who prioritize discretion and convenience.

Despite its size, the Yocan Vane doesn’t skimp on safety features. It comes equipped with NTC protection, no atomizer protection, and short-circuit protection, ensuring a secure experience every time. Plus, the 30-minute auto shut-off is a thoughtful addition that prevents any accidental activation when you’re on the move.

For a night out and about, the Vane can get the job done, but I’d say if you like something with enough juice to last you the full night out, I would recommend something with a little bit more battery life and convenient to load, like the Zeus Arc S which comes with the benefit of being optimized for ArcPod use.

Ease of Use

The Yocan Vane is easy to use with 5 taps to turn the device on, 3 to change temperature, and a press and hold to start heating.

Cleaning has been made pretty simple, as Yocan has made the ceramic filter in the mouthpiece removable, which is a common feature with many devices of this budget range.

For those unsure how to clean their vaporizer, we’ve created an article that goes into the details and even features a step-by-step video guide.

Despite its user-friendly design, the Yocan Vane does have its drawbacks. The absence of a loading tool and the display’s poor visibility in bright conditions are points to consider.

When it comes to upkeep, the Yocan Vane keeps it simple. The removable mouthpiece filter eases the cleaning process, although the lack of additional cleaning tools means you’ll need to supply your own.

Exploring other options might be beneficial for those seeking a more comprehensive package with better visibility and longer session capabilities. However, for quick, hassle-free vaping, the Vane does the job.

Discreetness

This is where the Yocan Vane would shine when taken into consideration. As I stated, it is incredibly small and fits in your hand easily. You can definitely even fit it in that “don’t lose stuff” pocket inside the pocket of your jeans.

It heats up in about 30 seconds, allowing you to take a quick rip and then stash it away again. Honestly, this is the only case I would recommend this device. If you really only need a backup device that is very small and unnoticeable while knowingly accepting that it will produce low-quality and maybe even unsafe vapor.

In terms of being super small, I would more favorably recommend the Litl One, which is smaller in size and price but provides enjoyable vapor.

Overall Experience

After spending some time with the Yocan Vane, it’s clear that while it aims to be a budget-friendly Portable Vaporizer, it falls short in several key areas. The device is incredibly portable and discreet, which is a plus for those who value stealthiness in their vaping experience. It’s small enough to fit in the palm of your hand or that tiny pocket in your jeans, making it ideal for quick, inconspicuous sessions.

However, the Vane disappoints the most in its vapor quality. The plastic smell was an immediate red flag, suggesting that the materials used in its construction might not be the safest. This concern is compounded when the device is used at higher temperatures, where the risk of combustion and the unpleasant plastic smell becomes more pronounced.

Still, please be advised that this is our opinion, and no safety testing has been done on the plastics, as that generally costs about $20,000. However, in our personal testing, we observed a significant plastic and insulation smell that we are familiar with, to the extent that the testing was cut short as the reviewer did not wish to inhale from the device.

The Yocan Vane might be a good vaporizer as a backup device for quick, stealthy hits, but for those seeking a reliable, high-quality vaporizer, there are better options available. Devices like the Tronian Milatron offer a better balance of price, performance, and features, making it more recommendable for both newcomers and seasoned users alike.

Finally, the Yocan Vane is not a device I can confidently recommend. Its shortcomings in vapor quality, material safety, and battery life are significant enough to suggest looking elsewhere. For those on a budget, it’s worth exploring other budget vaporizers that offer a better overall experience without compromising on the essentials. Thanks for reading our Yocan Vane review and as always, keep vapin’!