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Zeus Arc GTS Hub vs Arizer Solo 2 Vaporizer Comparison
By
Alex Karakatsanis
Zeus Arc GTS Hub vs Arizer Solo 2 Vaporizer Comparison
October 6, 2023
on
Portable Showdown, Vaporizer Showdowns
Updated: October 6, 2023
Today brings us another conduction vs convection mashup as we square off the venerable Arizer Solo 2 against the relatively new Zeus Arc GTS. While these two flagship portable vaporizers are the best of the brands they represent, they each tote their own specific strengths. The Arizer Solo 2 is generally known for its premium flavor production while the Zeus Arc GTS Hub brings in value and convenience that has been unsurpassed so far in the electronic vaporizer space. But what does it feel like when running dry herb in these two side by side? Well that’s what we’re going to find out right down below!
Zeus Arc GTS Hub vs Arizer Solo 2
Table of contents
How it Works
The Arizer Solo 2 shines here with it’s digital display that gives an accurate readout of the current and desired temperatures when setting the vaporizer. This makes it a bit easier to use for those looking to vaporize their dry herb at a specific temperature with the caveat of not being as straightforward to use as the Zeus Arc GTS Hub with its simple temp presets that work great out of the box.
The Arizer Solo 2 is a bit dated in comparison however so the display isn’t the best and can be difficult to read especially when viewed in harsh lighting conditions such direct sunlight. The LED indicators on the Zeus Arc GTS Hub perform better in this regard when relaying to the user the status of the vaporizer at any given time.
Vapor Quality
Both the Arizer Solo 2 and the Zeus Arc GTS Hub deliver great tasting vapor although the latter has a slight advantage when it comes to the overall volume of vapor produced. The tight draw on the Arizer Solo 2 is a love or hate affair depending on the user, with the Mighty+ standing on the opposite end of the spectrum with its loose and free-flowing airflow.
The Zeus Arc GTS Hub serves as a nice middle ground between these two and provides just the right amount of airflow to provide a satisfying session. We’ve also found that the Arc GTS has a slightly shorter ramp up in temperature which means impatient connoisseurs can get vaping sooner than when using the Arizer Solo 2.
Manufacturing Quality
When it comes to durability, it’s hard to go wrong with either of these devices. The Arizer Solo 2 and Zeus Arc GTS Hub both sport a clean and premium looking finish, although subjectively speaking we’re bigger fans of the black hard anodizing on the Zeus Arc GTS Hub which gives it a deeper black color and is also more resistant to the typical dings or scratches that any portable vaporizer is bound to go through.
While the glass stems that come with the Arizer Solo 2 are very well made, they’re far from shatter proof and extra care needs to be taken especially when taking the device with you on the go. The Zeus Arc GTS Hub on the other hand features a medical grade silicone mouthpiece which makes it the more robust vaporizer suited for users that use and abuse their vapes when taking them on the go.
The Zeus Arc GTS comes with a handy hardshell case in the form of the Zeus Hub which not only provides extra protection but also serves as a quick and easy way to organize the entire kit. The Zeus Hub also comes with an AVB tray and delidding tool for effortless opening of the included Zeus Arcpods while providing secure storage for the already vaped bud for those that like to incorporate the stuff in their edibles or tinctures.
Battery Life
The battery ratings between both vaporizers are very close with the Zeus Arc GTS Hub’s 3500mAh lithium battery holding a small lead over the Solo 2’s 3400mAh. When it comes to actual use, however, the differences are harder to spot as they both deliver about a day’s worth of use before needing to be recharged.
One major difference though is the rather outdated DC power port being used by the Arizer Solo 2 makes it impossible to charge when not within the vicinity of an electrical outlet. In contrast, the Zeus Arc GTS Hub makes use of a micro USB charging port which lets you charge the vaporizer with any sufficiently powered USB port, making portable charging a possibility with the help of a power bank.
Temperature Flexibility
Out of the box, the Arizer Solo 2 is a bit more straightforward when it comes to accurate temp control as all settings can be controlled on the device itself. The Zeus Arc GTS Hub sacrifices its precision temperature for simple presets that do well enough on their own. For users of the Arc GTS that want to get the most out of their sessions, it does feature custom updatable firmware that are better suited to either lower or higher vaporizing temps.
As for the overall max temperature, the Zeus Arc GTS Hub has the Arizer Solo 2 beat. While the Arc GTS does get warmer, it provides a more full-bodied vapor that we found to be lacking with the Solo 2 despite the latter’s tighter airflow. It’s important to mention that the Arc GTS compensates for the hotter vapor by including a waterpipe adapter which can be paired with a bubbler for cooler hits via water filtration.
Ease of Use
This is where the Zeus Arc GTS Hub shines. The included Zeus Xtruder herb mill and Arcpod combo make quick work of filling up pods for easy use. While the Arc GTS works fine with straight dry herb, we just love the convenience of using the Zeus ArcPods in tandem with the Zeus Xtruder. This also leaves minimal residue in the chamber of the Arc GTS that needs to be cleaned.
The Arizer Solo 2 is fairly easy to use as well but takes a bit of technique when it comes to packing dry herb into the device. We also like that the glass stem easily comes off for convenient cleaning via a good isopropyl alcohol soak which leaves it squeaky clean for future use
Final Thoughts
While the Zeus Arc GTS does have the higher price tag among the two, it’s also the newer device. Not to mention the added value of the Zeus Hub, Xtruder, and ArcPods which all form a complete one-stop experience when using the Zeus Arc GTS Hub straight out of the box. If price wasn’t a factor, our vote completely goes to the Arc GTS.
Users on tight budgets however can’t go wrong with the Arizer Solo 2, especially for connoisseurs that prefer the feel of glass mouthpieces over the silicone that the Zeus Arc GTS Hub provides.
If you like the feature set that the Zeus Arc GTS Hub provides, but are limited to a sub $200 budget, we definitely recommend the Zeus Arc GT which delivers the same performance of the Arc GTS across the board, while being a pod–only device.
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