The XMAX [POTV] Starry V3 is a portable conduction vaporizer made by XMAX. They also make the v2 pro which is one of the cheapest portable vaporizers that I actually recommend.
Update: The Starry v3 has been replaced by the new Starry 4.
Check out my XMAX Starry 4 review for all the latest upgrades, pricing info, and best place to buy.
The Starry vaporizer is nicely designed and small enough to be easily pocketed out on the go. It also comes with a full temp spectrum, an easy-to-read digital display, and a replaceable battery.
Before we get too far into the review I wanted to point out that there are two different versions of this vaporizer. The original by XMAX with the “Starry” logo on it and then there’s another version with the POTV (planet of the vapes) logo. It’s exactly the same vaporizer just different logos. POTV didn’t like the flashy and bright starry logo and many people complained about it so they made it more inconspicuous.
I personally think it looks much better overall. Again, same price, the same functionality, just a different logo.
Table of Contents
The Xmax Starry vaporizer retails for $99 and I recommend picking it up here. Read on below to get my full Xmax starry vaporizer review.
Size, Portability, and Build Quality
The Starry vaporizer is about the same size as the Pax Mini. Maybe a smidgen wider but very close. The Starry weighs roughly 120 grams with the battery in which is about 30 grams more than the Pax Mini.
I’m comparing these two together because they function in a very similar fashion, very similar design-wise, and only separated in price by about $30. The Pax Mini is $125 and comes with a two-year warranty but doesn’t come with a replaceable battery system.
The Starry is very easy to pocket, easy to grip, and pass around. It’s perfect for the adventurous type whether you’re hiking, biking, or just a night out on the town. It’s very easy to conceal and even palm if needed.
Really the only downside with the overall design is the fact that the mouthpiece and upper lid do get pretty hot with prolonged use. I’m talking long sessions at high temps but overall it’s not bad.
XMAX Starry Accessories
The Starry will come with your average cleaning tools, one replaceable rechargeable battery, a USB charging cable, an instruction manual, and a few extra screens. I recommend picking up an extra battery and the Nitecore I2 external charger if you think you will be using the Starry very often. The batteries will charge faster in the external charger and it’s always nice to have a spare just in case.
Heating Specs and Temp Options
I’m pretty impressed with the heat-up times and temp options. Not only does the unit heat up in under 30 seconds but you get a full temp spectrum with on vape display and easy-to-use temp buttons. You very rarely find a vaporizer under $150 let alone $100 with a full temp display.
The full temp spectrum runs from 221F to 464F. I never really go above 420 but the option is there to really cook your herbs if you wanted. The Starry features a 5 or 10-minute session timer which is user adjustable by holding the power and up buttons.
POTV Starry Battery Specs
The Xmax Starry vaporizer uses a 2500MAH 18650 rechargeable replaceable battery. I’ve been averaging about 70-80 minutes of battery life on a single charge which is really good for the size of this device. Charging takes anywhere from 90 to 120 minutes with the included micro USB cable, but you can reduce the charging times with an external charger.
Vapor Quality, Draw Resistance, Usage Tips
Vapor Quality: While The XMAX Starry vaporizer does have better flavor than other conduction units at or below this price, it is still like most conduction vaporizers. Great taste at lower temps, especially on the first couple rips but as the temp goes up and the session goes on, the taste goes downhill.
The good news is that the Starry vape will put out HUGE clouds on the higher temps. With a tight pack and a fine grind, you will be thoroughly impressed with the vapor output. The Starry will also vape very evenly with no need to stir.
Draw Resistance: The draw resistance is about average when clean but goes up when dirty. The biggest contributor to the draw resistance is the mouthpiece/screen. It tends to clog up after multiple sessions so it’s important to brush out the chamber and mouthpiece after every session. I also try not to leave herbs in the chamber after a session. When possible I Immediately dump the bowl to help keep down on cleaning.
XMAX STARRY TIPS:
- I recommend a fine grind. You can achieve a fine grind by picking up something like the MFLB Finishing Grinder OR you can use a regular grinder but just grind it upside down to get it finer.
- Best results with a fully packed chamber.
- The lid and mouthpiece tend to get hot with prolonged use. When vaping a long session you can use your hand or fingers to help dissipate the heat from the unit before a draw. Just place your fingers over the mouthpiece when you’re waiting for the next draw and it will cool it down.
If you want to reduce screen cleaning, you can place a small metal screen cut to size over the top of the packed bowl, this definitely reduces cleaning, but its an extra step each time you pack and unpack the bowl so I generally don’t do this.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Overall the cleaning and maintenance are very easy with the Xmax Starry especially if you stay on top of it and brush out the chamber and lid after every session. As I said, the screen will collect the most debris so try to keep it clean for best results.
A full cleaning is easy. Just throw some ISO on a q–tip, wipe out the chamber (with the unit upside down so nothing drips down into the unit), then wipe or soak the lid and mouthpiece and you’re good to go.
Other Portable Vaporizer Comparisons
The Pax Mini (Pax Mini Vaporizer review) is even better now that they dropped the price to $149. It functions very similar to the Xmax Starry but doesn’t come with a replaceable battery and the heat up is about 30 seconds slower. The Pax Mini has the bowl at the bottom of the unit with a longer vapor path so it produces a bit tastier and cooler vapor the one other thing that Pax Mini has is a long history of proven reliability and performance. If both units were the same price, I would go with the Pax Mini but once again, you’re spending more money. The Starry price point is tough to beat.
The Boundless CF (Boundless CF Vaporizer review) is one of the most popular portable vaporizers at around $100. The CF mimics the Storz and Bickel Crafty with hybrid convection/conduction heating systems (although the Boundless vapes utilize much more conduction). I guess you could say the CF gives you around 75% of the performance at under 50% of the cost of the OG Crafty.
XMAX / POTV V3 Starry Review Wrap-Up
The XMAX Starry V3 is the perfect vaporizer for someone just entering the vape market.
You don’t have to shell out a bunch of cash to get good results and the performance is really unmatched at this price point. It’s easy to conceal, easy to use, and easy to maintain.
If you aren’t quite sold on the POTV V3 Starry, I recommend checking out my article for the best dry herb vaporizers. This list is continually updating to reflect new and changing information.
I recommend picking up the Xmax Starry here. Let me know if you have any questions about the Starry or any other vaporizer by leaving a comment below.
Thanks for checking out my site and thanks for reading my x-max starry review!
