DynaVap VapCap M Review: Redemption of the Flame

The DynaVap VapCap M 2019 edition is an update to the previous VapCap vaporizer that does not use batteries of electronics. The VapCap uses a titanium cap filled with a dry herb that users heat with a butane torch. When the device reaches temperature, the mechanism clicks to signal it is ready to vape.

The device has no buttons, electronics, screens or batteries. It is a self-contained, pen-like device that is ultra-portable and easy-to-conceal. The VapCap M uses a hybrid heating style that combines convection and conduction to deliver quality vaper for enthusiasts wanting a more tactile experience when vaping dry herb material.

Table of Contents

• General Overview
• What’s in the Box
• Build Quality and Design
• User Instructions
• Performance
• The Competition
• Closing Thoughts

An Up-Close Look at the DynaVap VapCap M

The DynaVap VapCap is a simple-looking but well-designed piece of hardware that holds a lot of appeal for old-school aromatherapy enthusiasts. It betrays a unique, insightful design behind its straightforward facade. The device works a lot like a pipe, but with an important difference.

First, the main unit consists of four pieces:

These four pieces combine much like a pipe, even though the end product has the appearance of a capped pen. When the unit is assembled and loaded, users apply heat to one end and inhale from the opposite end. The stainless steel cap heats the material inside and then triggers a “click” sound to notify the user that it is ready.

The titanium section, where vapers load their material, can hold up to 0.1g of ground-up bud, which is perfect for quality, micro-doses. Vapers can load only a little material to get the same effects. The re-designed VapCap M has unique stylistic features. It has a more textured body that also serves a practical purpose.

There are a series of 3D duvets and ridges near the titanium tip. These touches serve as a warning to users, as they know they are getting too close to the heated tip when they feel the ridges. The 3D surfaces also reveal the VapCap M to be an authentic product, as fake units will not have those same markings.

Kit Contents

The DynaVap VapCap M comes tightly packed with only a few essential parts. The four parts mentioned already plus some protector sleeves to keep the device from becoming scratched. Inside every VapCap M box, users will find the following:

The DynaVap Cap M does not come with a torch lighter. Some vendors may offer the option as an extra at check-out, but the standard kit does not come with a heating device, so users will have to source them from somewhere else.

The Look and Feel

The DynaVap M 2019 – the company releases a different version every year – has some changes to it than the 2018 version. The 2019 DynaVap features a few design upgrades like the new snake-like grooves on the tip to improve airflow and heat distribution. The new tip is also medical-grade stainless steel although the previous all-titanium version also works on this new VapCap.

The assembled unit measures under four inches so it is very lightweight, portable and discreet. There are also many textural additions to the DynaVap M stem.

The air hole of DynaVap is also a little larger than the previous M. Its position is lowered and integrated into the unit itself, rather than standing out from the rest of the unit. The mouthpiece is more ergonomic and has smoother edges for a more comfortable grip.

Using the DynaVap

One thing that a lot of users love about the DynaVap is that there are so many different ways to use it. The standard manufacturer instructions state that users need to first assemble their device.

First, the user must:

Then comes the trickiest part of using the DynaVap device: the heating. There are no screens or buttons or electronics on this vaporizer so users control the temperature by placing the flame on a specific place. Some users like to heat the tip of the cap, which offers the most flavor. Others like to light the flame closer to the tip for bigger clouds.

Applying Heat

Users have to buy a single or dual-flame butane lighter to use with DynaVap. Regular, single flame, Bic lighters will end up staining the stainless steel finish and take a very long time to heat up. A butane torch lighter is faster and more efficient so it is recommended to use that type of heat source.

Another thing to remember to heat the VapCap is to rotate the cap so the material gets evenly heated. The design of the stem helps in this function as it is easy to grip and turn only with one hand. The heat-up time for the VapCap takes between five and ten seconds.

Obey the “Click”

Some vaporizers vibrate. Others light-up when ready. The DynaVap clicks. The company does not say why the unit clicks, but there could be an explanation. Inside the cap, there are two, or maybe one, metal discs that are concave but expand when heated. The discs expand and push against the sides of the cap, which then makes them “pop” the other way.

It’s not as high-tech as haptic feedback, but it is an effective way to perform the same function. And there is not just one click. The first click signals that the high temperature has been reached. The second is when it has fallen below optimal, which is just the disc going back to its original shape as DynaVap cools down.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The DynaVap is very easy to maintain. Once the cap has fallen below the temperature and has cooled, users can remove the cap and empty the ABV. As the capacity of the oven is minimal – only 0.1g – there is not much material to clean. Using a metal pick or tool will easily get rid of the excess material and users can also tap the sides of the oven to get it fully clean.

The condenser tube may also need cleaning. User can simply remove it from its housing and dip it in some isopropyl alcohol to wash away the resin. Apply a Q-Tip or a pipe cleaner soaked in alcohol through the inside of the tube to get rid of stuck-on residue. User can also push out the screen in the tip by using the condenser tube and then soak it in alcohol or give it a good wipe.

Vaping Time

The DynaVap is a novel idea. In the era of super-intelligent, Bluetooth compatible, smartphone-connected devices, you can still get high-quality vapor with a simple butane lighter and a stainless steel cap and stem. The DynaVap is great for small doses.

The heating style may be tricky, but the most difficult question – when to stop heating – is solved by the ingenious “click” sound. It is a simple principle, but it takes a while to get used to it in reality. Old-school vapers may only light one end of the cap, expecting it to light up like a joint. But it is important to rotate the stem so that all the material gets heated.

When the click finally comes, it’s all you need to know to put down the lighter and start inhaling DynaVap. You will only get one or two draws from a single dose, but they will, depending on your experience, be very flavorful and potent, without the harshness. The stated temperature range for the device is between 300-450F, which is standard for other electronic vaporizers.

Competitors

PAX 3

Where the DynaVap represents one end of the vaping spectrum, the Pax 3 occupies the opposite end. Where the DynaVap uses a stainless steel cap and a butane lighter to get results, the Pax 3 uses a 3500mAh battery and stainless steel heating chamber to vaporize dry herb materials.

The Pax 3 also includes an insert to vape concentrates, but only in the Deluxe package. The Pax 3 has four preset temperature settings, but the user can sync the phone with the device to apply precise temperature measurements via the Pax app.

Khan Vaporizer

The Khan is also portable and hand-held, although it is electronic, as it uses a 2200mAh battery and a ceramic-lined heating chamber to vaporize dry herb materials. The Khan is single-use only and it does not support concentrates vaping. The Khan has a temperature range of 302-464F, which is similar to the DynaVap’s range.

The Khan has a small OLED at its base where vapers can set their preferred heat setting using the unit’s single operating button. There is also a small USB port at the base where vapers can charge the internal battery.

Pros & Cons

Closing Thoughts: DynaVap M Review: The Old Ways Meet the New Ways

The DynaVap M is an old idea updated for modern times. It is a very well-machined device with expert design and finishing. Its simple look and form factor, though, hides some very thoughtful engineering. The design is very straightforward so people new to vaping can use it. It recalls the same methods long-time vapers will know so they will not have a hard time using it.

There may be some initial confusion about the heating, but always remember to listen for the click, which will tell you when it is ready. Other than that there is no charging, button-pressing or Bluetooth compatibility. The DynaVap gets back to basics while adding something unique.