Testing the Torch vaporizer

LThe Torch vaporizer is the latest vaporizer from the brand TopBond, a new entrant in the vaporizer market that previously had the Odin.

The Torch clearly positions itself as an entry-level vape, but it holds its own for its price, with a few reservations nonetheless.

Torchlight

The Torch has a very simple design that incorporates elements from various other vaporizers. It is also placed very close to the Flowermate Aura, with its large mouthpiece, and the grooves are reminiscent of vaporizers from Storz & Bickel. The exterior of the vape is anodized aluminum, while the rest of the device is made of PolyEtherEtherCretone, a material used for surgical implants, for instance.

It's quite small, 13cm, so it will be discreet in your hand.

When you tilt the mouthpiece, you reveal the heating chamber, which appears to be ceramic. The mouthpiece also incorporates the screen that prevents material from coming up during inhalation. The finish of the seal around the mouthpiece leaves something to be desired.

Below the mouthpiece, you can see the air intakes that will be used to draw vapor to the inhalation. Unlike the Focus Vape, these air intakes are not adjustable.

Torch Features

The Torch vaporizer comes with:

• USB charger
• A cleaning brush
• A dabber
• Spare grilles

It recharges via USB, and the battery is not removable.

In contrast, the Torch vaporizer is very simple to use: a single button does everything.

You'll need 3 clicks to turn it on and off, and to hold down the button to change the temperature. It allows you to choose between 6 temperatures, from 175 to 225°C. It's best to stay between 195 and 205°C. Below that, the vapor production isn't really sufficient. Above that, it's too strong and bothersome. The Torch heats up relatively quickly, and the battery lasts between 4 to 6 sessions.

The wax cartridges, like those included with the Flowermate Aura, fit into the Torch's oven. Top Bond also offers its own cartridges, sold separately. We haven't had a chance to try it with the Torch, but our intuition is that it doesn't reach a high enough temperature to fully enjoy concentrates. It might do the job for low-temperature wax vaporization.

You can also purchase a glass mouthpiece and a water pipe adapter separately. It connects to the vape and replaces the bowl on a water pipe, allowing you to enjoy dried herb vapor through a bong.

Debrief of the Torch

In use, we regret :

• The plastic nozzle flattens the taste of dried herbs. You also have to use it several times before getting the best taste out of your dried herbs.
• You also need to regulate your inhalations with the vape. What worked best for us were long, slow inhalations.
• The LEDs are very close together. You can only see the selected temperature clearly if you look straight at it.

On the other hand, we appreciate :

• Which makes it a discreet pen vaporizer
• The price. The Torch is clearly positioned in the entry-level segment of vaporizers. It is intended more for people who want to try vaporization on a small budget, at the risk of being disappointed by the overall vaporization quality.

Verdict:

If we had to give it a rating, we'd give it a 6.5/10. At €89, the Torch can't compete with high-end vaporizers like the Pax or the GPen Elite. Its size and good functioning make it a vaporizer that can be recommended if you are looking for a small, inexpensive vaporizer that gets the job done, without being excessive.