Read time: 8 minutes | merryjayne.co.uk
If you’ve been researching dry herb vaporisers for more than five minutes, you’ve almost certainly come across two names: Xmax and Storz & Bickel. They sit at opposite ends of the price spectrum, yet both are perennial favourites in the vaping community. One is German engineering at its finest; precise, powerful, and premium. The other is a Chinese manufacturer that keeps punching well above its weight class.
So which should you buy? That depends entirely on what you need, what you value, and let’s be honest, what you’re prepared to spend. This guide breaks down the Xmax Starry V4 and V3 Pro against the Storz & Bickel Mighty+ and Crafty+. We’ll cover vapour quality, build, battery life, heating method, portability, and value. By the end, you’ll know exactly which device is right for you.
A Quick Brand Overview
Xmax (TopGreen)
Xmax is the consumer brand of TopGreen Technology, a Chinese manufacturer that has been producing vaporisers for over a decade. Their devices are known for delivering impressive specs at genuinely affordable prices, things like replaceable 18650 batteries, ceramic heating chambers, and OLED displays that you’d normally expect to pay two or three times the price for. The Starry V4 and V3 Pro are their flagship handhelds (excluding the newer Xmax V4 Pro, which is not discussed here)
Storz & Bickel
Based in Tuttlingen, Germany, Storz & Bickel are arguably the most respected name in the entire vaporiser industry. They make the legendary Volcano desktop vaporiser, and their portable lineup, the Mighty+ and Crafty+, has dominated the premium handheld market for years. Their devices are used medically in several countries and are often recommended by healthcare professionals. They cost significantly more, and for good reason.
The Devices at a Glance
| Feature | Xmax Starry V4 | Xmax V3 Pro | S&B Crafty+ | S&B Mighty+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heating | Conduction | Hybrid | Hybrid | Hybrid |
| Weight | 120g | 106g | 135g | 230g |
| Battery | Replaceable 18650 | Replaceable 18650 | Internal 3200mAh | Dual internal |
| On-demand mode | No | Yes | No | No |
| App control | No | No | Yes (Bluetooth) | No (on-device controls) |
| Approx. price | ~£90 | ~£90 | ~£210 | ~£300 |
Vapour Quality: The Core Question
Xmax Starry V4
The Starry V4 uses a pure conduction heating system with a ceramic chamber. At lower temperatures (around 180°C–190°C), flavour is clean and noticeably good for the price point. The ceramic and zirconia mouthpiece genuinely keep the vapour path clean and taste-forward. As you climb higher toward 210°C+, clouds become denser but flavour starts to drop off.
The Starry V4 is not an on-demand device, you’ll get the most out of it by letting it sit for 45–60 seconds after reaching temperature before your first draw. Once heat soaked, it rewards patience with solid, consistent vapour.
Xmax V3 Pro
A step up from the Starry V4, the V3 Pro uses a hybrid heating system combining both convection and conduction. This delivers better flavour consistency and more even extraction across a session. It also features an on demand heating mode, meaning you only apply heat when you draw, reducing herb waste between hits. Flavour is noticeably cleaner than the Starry V4, and the slightly smaller oven suits solo microdosing sessions perfectly.
Storz & Bickel Crafty+ and Mighty+
Both S&B portables use the same hybrid heating system, warm air flows through the herb (convection) while the chamber simultaneously conducts heat. The result is vapour quality that is consistently excellent across the entire temperature range. Flavour preservation at lower temperatures is outstanding, and at higher temperatures the clouds are dense and highly efficient, you’ll extract more from your herb compared to conduction only devices.
The Mighty+ in particular produces vapour that some users describe as approaching desktop level quality in a portable form factor. The Crafty+ delivers essentially the same vapour experience, the difference between the two S&B devices is about size, battery, and controls rather than vapour quality itself.
Verdict: Storz & Bickel wins on raw vapour quality. But the V3 Pro closes the gap considerably, especially at the price difference.
Heating Method: Conduction vs Hybrid
| Heating Type | How It Works | Pros | Cons | Devices |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Conduction | Herb sits directly against a heated surface | Fast heat up, affordable | Uneven extraction; stir between draws | Starry V4 |
| Hybrid | Hot air flows through herb + chamber conducts heat | Even extraction, better flavour, less scorching | More complex to engineer; higher cost | V3 Pro, Crafty+, Mighty+ |
Portability and Build Quality
Xmax Devices
The Starry V4 is genuinely tiny, at 120g and roughly the size of a lighter, it disappears into any pocket. The anodised aluminium body feels more premium than the price suggests, and the magnetic zirconia mouthpiece adds a quality touch. The V3 Pro is even lighter at 106g and more streamlined in design.
Both Xmax devices have one standout feature that even some expensive competitors lack: a replaceable 18650 battery. If you’re out and about and running low, you swap the battery and keep going.
Storz & Bickel Crafty+
At 135g and genuinely pocket sized, the Crafty+ is S&B’s most portable device. It’s heavier and bulkier than the Xmax devices but still absolutely pocketable. The build quality is exceptional; thick, durable plastic casing that can take a knock. The internal 3200mAh battery gives solid session life, and Bluetooth app control lets you dial in temperature precisely from your phone.
Storz & Bickel Mighty+
The Mighty+ is where S&B portables stop being truly pocket friendly. At 230g, it’s a substantial device. That weight comes with benefits though: dual internal batteries that last all day, on device temperature controls with a clear digital display (no app needed), and a larger oven for longer group sessions.
Battery Life Comparison
| Device | Battery Type | Replaceable? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Xmax Starry V4 | 18650 | ✅ Yes | Unlimited runtime with spare cells |
| Xmax V3 Pro | 18650 | ✅ Yes | Unlimited runtime with spare cells |
| S&B Crafty+ | Internal 3200mAh | ❌ No | Solo sessions, recharge between use |
| S&B Mighty+ | Dual internal | ❌ No | All-day use on a single charge |
The Mighty+ wins on total battery life per charge. But the replaceable battery on both Xmax devices means unlimited runtime with spare cells, something neither S&B device can match.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy the Xmax Starry V4 if you…
- Are new to dry herb vaping and want an affordable, reliable entry point
- Prioritise pocket portability above everything else
- Want a replaceable battery without spending premium money
- Need a discreet backup or travel vape
Buy the Xmax V3 Pro if you…
- Want the best Xmax has to offer without the S&B price tag
- Value hybrid heating and cleaner flavour
- Do mostly solo, at home sessions with occasional outdoor use
- Want on demand heating in an affordable package
Buy the Storz & Bickel Crafty+ if you…
- Want genuine premium vapour quality in a pocketable form factor
- Appreciate Bluetooth app control and precise temperature dialling
- Are happy to invest in a device that will last years
- Primarily vape solo or in pairs
Buy the Storz & Bickel Mighty+ if you…
- Want one of the best performing handheld portables on the market
- Session length and battery life matter more than portability
- Enjoy longer or social sessions
- Want a device that essentially never needs replacing
The Value Question
If you spend £90 on an Xmax V3 Pro, you’re getting genuinely good vapour quality, excellent portability, and a replaceable battery. That’s outstanding value.
If you spend £300 on a Mighty+, you’re getting noticeably better vapour, more consistent extraction, a device backed by a 2-year extendable warranty with exceptional after sales support, and arguably one of the most reliable portable vaporisers on the planet. The step up in performance is real, but whether it’s worth a £210 difference is a deeply personal question.
Our take: Start with Xmax if you’re new to dry herb vaping. Get comfortable with sessions, learn what you like, and if you find yourself wanting more, the S&B upgrade will feel worthwhile and informed. As a bonus, you’ll still have a capable backup device rather than replacing your first purchase entirely.
Browse Xmax and Storz & Bickel at Merry Jayne
At Merry Jayne, we stock a handpicked range of both Xmax and Storz & Bickel devices, along with all the accessories you’ll need. We offer free shipping, price matching, and same-day delivery in Jersey. Not sure which device is right for you? Book a free consultation with our team and we’ll help you find your perfect match.
- Shop: merryjayne.co.uk/product-category/vaporisers/handheld-devices/
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Merry Jayne is an approved, certified vaporiser retailer. All products are genuine and covered by manufacturer warranties.
