Most people buy a vape the wrong way because they chase hype instead of performance.
A good vaporizer should extract flavor clean, hit smooth, and keep every terpene alive.
You are heating flower, not burning it.
Three heating styles run the game today: conduction, convection, and ball vapes.
Knowing the difference helps you buy smart instead of guessing.


Good grind and proper packing matter as much as the device you choose.
Conduction Vaporizers
Fast heat and simple design, but it can scorch if you do not stir.
A conduction vape heats your herb by direct contact with a hot metal or ceramic surface.
Think of it like a tiny skillet for your flower. It is simple and fast, which is why many
early portable vapes used conduction only.
Pros
- Heats up quickly
- Affordable entry point for new users
- Simple to operate
Cons
- Hot spots and uneven extraction without stirring
- Higher chance of combustion and harsh hits
- Best flavor falls off fast during the session
Conduction is fine for casual vaping, but if you care about flavor and efficiency,
there are better options.
Convection Vaporizers
Cleaner vapor, deeper extraction, and longer lasting flavor.
Convection vapes heat your herb with hot air that flows through the bowl instead of
pressing your flower against a hot plate. This keeps temperatures more even and helps
pull terpenes and cannabinoids out gently.
Pros
- Smoother, more flavorful vapor
- More efficient extraction from your flower
- Better for people who hate harsh hits
Cons
- Can take longer to preheat
- Needs good airflow and a bit of technique
- Price can be higher than simple conduction vapes
Convection is a strong choice for everyday flower use. For many people, it is the sweet
spot between ease and performance.

Convection uses hot air instead of a hot plate to keep flavors clean and bright.
Ball Vapes
They supercharge convection for huge clouds and full terp extraction without combustion.
Ball vapes are the heavyweights. Inside the head of the device, a heater warms a chamber
filled with ruby or sapphire beads. Those balls store a massive amount of heat. When air
passes through them and into your bowl, it comes out hot and stable.
Why people love ball vapes
- Flavor stays strong even in long sessions
- Clouds are dense without burning your flower
- Some of the most efficient extraction available
- Perfect for people who want a full spectrum experience from their herb
If you want efficiency, taste, and thick vapor, ball vapes sit at the top of the food chain.
Which Vape Should You Choose?
If you want fast and simple, convection beats conduction every time.
If you want the best flavor, power, and extraction, ball vapes stand out.
| Best For | Recommended Style |
|---|---|
| Flavor and efficiency | Ball vape |
| Smooth daily use | Convection |
| Budget and simplicity | Conduction |
Elev8 Recommendations
At Elev8 we build and use ball vapes every day. We believe in full terp extraction and
clean vapor. If you are upgrading from combustion or switching from dabs back to flower,
a well built ball vape can change how you think about vaping.
When you are ready to step up, check out our line of desktop vaporizers and ball systems
on our dedicated site:
Elev8Vaporizer.com
.