Earlier this year, I stumbled upon the Dynavap M completely by chance. I never expected to be blown away by this device as it’s not my first TED, but that is exactly what happened.
My trusty XMAX Vital (Vital review) started having some issues with the battery after years of use. I started my search for a new electronic TED and was disappointed to find that there are almost no options available for purchase domestically within India. Some helpful people online pointed me towards the Dynavap M and I was suddenly introduced to the Dynaverse.
My initial reaction when I started researching about the Dynavap was pure confusion. My knowledge about TEDs did not extend much beyond devices such as a few XMAX devices, the PAX line-up, S&B’s medical grade devices such as the Mighty and Volcano, and a few budget TEDs like the Hugo Pathfinder V2.
The Dynavap M has no resemblance to any of these devices and it took me some time to wrap my head around what it is and how it works. The ‘M’ line is Dynavap’s budget offering, serving as an introduction to their range of Dynavap models which also includes more expensive models - namely, the VonG (comes with a wooden stem designed specifically for use with glass and bubblers) and the company’s flagship Omni (a Titanium body device with some neat features).
As I have never owned a Dynavap device before, this review is not just about the M 2021, rather about my experience with the ‘M‘ line of Dynavaps.
The Dynavap M 2021 has the most minimal unboxing experience you can possibly imagine. The entire package simply consists of a cardboard box shaped like Dynavap’s patented Vapcap. The artwork inside the box has a trippy cosmic theme, which plays into Dynavap’s slogan of ‘Welcome to the Dynaverse’. You will find out what this means later in the article.
It would have been great if Dynavap provided some extra O-rings or screens in the package, but it is what it is. However, their exclusion is somewhat understandable considering that the Dynavap M 2021 is an extremely durable device that requires minimal maintenance and part replacement.
The Dynavap M 2021 is made up of four major parts:
In the context of this review, I am looking at the ‘vanilla’ M 2021.
Personally, I dig the look of the M 2021 quite a bit. The various cuts and grooves aren’t just aesthetically pleasing but also serve various functions - such as aiding in even heating and making the device easy to hold. I’m also a fan of the M-shaped air port that makes it simpler to control the intake of cool air.
The standard M 2021 is made up of a stainless steel tip, stem and condenser, with a bi-metallic cap and silicone o-rings.
When it comes to style, the 2021 M comes in three colour variants apart from the standard stainless steel version that has no colour coating. These are the RosiuM (pink), AzuriuM (blue) and VerdiuM (green).
In the past, Dyanvap has released versions of the M in colour such as black, gold and bronze but these are not officially available for the 2021 version of the M. Below is a pic of my 2021 M beside a limited-edition bronze M called the ‘C-Vap’ (showcase coming soon).
As mentioned previously in my temperature control guide, the cap clicks in the range of 300°F to 450°F depending on the position of the cap that you hear. Therefore, the M 2021 makes a considerable temperature range available to users. The range can further be expanded with the use of the Low Temp Captive Cap that clicks at 15°F lower than the standard cap.
One of the biggest strengths, and ironically also one of the biggest drawbacks in my opinion, is that the M does not have any heat source of its own. Electronic TEDs usually come equipped with the combination of a battery and coil to heat the herb up. Dynavaps, on the other hand, rely on an external heat source.
The ‘default’ heat sources for Dynavap devices are considered to be a butane torch or an induction heater. However, there are a wide variety of other heat sources that you can use with the M 2021 without damaging the cap, such as a spirit lamp, candle or even a regular Bic lighter.
The upside of this is that you never have to worry about running out of battery. A fully-filled butane torch will last you quite a few sessions. Carry an extra torch or butane refill can to keep the device going for as many sessions as you like.
Unfortunately, there are quite a few drawbacks to this too. First of all, using a torch with a metal pipe looks a bit shady. In theory, the M 2021 is the ultimate portable TED because all you need is the M itself and a small butane torch. In practice, it doesn’t work out so well because using the M is not exactly discreet. Unlike an electronic TED that you can simply switch on and use stealthily even in public, the M cannot be used so inconspicuously.
Secondly, you will be using quite a bit of butane if you are a heavy user which will necessitate regularly refilling the torch. As a result, butane cans become a recurring expense and I don’t find this ideal after purchasing a device that already has a considerable upfront cost.
The counter to the above points is to use an induction heater. There are several different IH models available ranging from branded ones like KoilBoi as well as custom made ones. While an induction header exponentially increases the convenience of using a Dynavap, most models are not pocketable. An even bigger deterrent is that IHs generally cost more than the 2021 M itself.
Fortunately, the learning curve is not too steep as the click is hard to miss due to being quite loud. There are also a lot of helpful videos on Dynavap’s YouTube channel to help newbies figure out which heating techniques work best for them.
Comparing it with the XMAX Vital, I wouldn’t say that the result is much different. Both of them are like strapping a rocket on my back and flying to the moon. The difference with the 2021 M is that it feels closer to blazing a J. The device’s design and ability to produce thicker clouds make it an absolute pleasure to use.
The reason that the M is able to produce such an amazing experience is two-fold. Firstly, unlike an electronic conduction TED, the M’s bowl is not continuously heated. Therefore, the vapours are released in short cycles which results in more cloud volume per rip instead. Additionally, the M’s condenser provides a cooling path, which means that you can take longer pulls without hurting your throat or coughing. This makes the 2021 M a superb device for extracting flavour.
One thing that could be a drawback for some is that the M has a smaller bowl than most TEDs. This is only really a problem if you are a session user. If you are an on-demand user or a microdoser, you won’t face any issue as the M even allows you to reduce the bowl size from the original setting. That being said, I’m a session user myself and find the bowl size big enough if I pack super tight.
While I still go back to the XMAX Vital occasionally, the M 2021 has been my daily driver since the day I got it. I also switch to the C-Vap once in a while but I find the 2021 M to be marginally better.
I won’t go into too much detail about cleaning the M 2021 as Dynavap themselves have posted great guides for cleaning the M as well as for cleaning the cap.
I don’t even use isopropyl alcohol as recommended and only rinse the condenser in soap water. I also use an opened-up paper clip to clean gunk out. This simple cleaning method also seems to get the job done. Depending on your usage, cleaning the device once a month may be enough.
The original price of the 2021 M in the USA is $75 (approx. ₹6,000). If you decide to import it from the US instead of buying it domestically, it will end up costing you roughly the same once you add the cost of shipping and customs duty. However, importing TEDs into India currently is a bit risky due to ambiguity regarding their legal status.
Alternatively, if you have friends or family abroad who are planning to visit India, you can ask them to bring one along with them to save a bunch of money.
Dynavap is the worst offender when it comes to VAS because not only do they have different models, they also offer various parts separately, such as condensers, stems and tips. Therefore, you can ‘upgrade’ the M in various ways, such as attaching a glass BB9 stem or an XL condenser for better cooling, or a Titanium Tip instead of the default stainless steel one for faster heat up and cooldown.
Honestly, the M is an excellent device in itself and there is no real need to upgrade it.
Many consider the Dynavap M to be the endgame portable TED. While I don’t necessarily share this opinion as it is not perfect for all outdoor conditions, it has vastly changed my perspective on what TEDs can offer.
What the M 2021 lacks in ease of use is more than made up for by how hard it hits once you have a good hang of heating techniques. For its size and price, the 2021 M is the best experience offered by any TED currently available. While there are certainly TEDs out there that hit harder or are more convenient to use, it is hard to fault the Dynavap M once you actually use it.
Found the review helpful? Want to share your experience with the Dynavap M 2021? Drop a comment like you’re Kevin dropping a pot of chilli or DM me on Reddit.
As I have never owned a Dynavap device before, this review is not just about the M 2021, rather about my experience with the ‘M‘ line of Dynavaps.
Unboxing
The Dynavap M 2021 has the most minimal unboxing experience you can possibly imagine. The entire package simply consists of a cardboard box shaped like Dynavap’s patented Vapcap. The artwork inside the box has a trippy cosmic theme, which plays into Dynavap’s slogan of ‘Welcome to the Dynaverse’. You will find out what this means later in the article.
It would have been great if Dynavap provided some extra O-rings or screens in the package, but it is what it is. However, their exclusion is somewhat understandable considering that the Dynavap M 2021 is an extremely durable device that requires minimal maintenance and part replacement.
What is the ‘Dynaverse’?
The Dynavap M 2021 is the result of years of evolution, after the release of the first Dynavap line-up in 2015. One of the things that makes Dynavap models special is that they are modular in nature. Let’s take a look at the parts of the M 2021:The Dynavap M 2021 is made up of four major parts:
- Captive Cap
- Tip (Stainless Steel)
- Stem (Stainless Steel)
- Condenser
In the context of this review, I am looking at the ‘vanilla’ M 2021.
Style, Materials & Dimensions
The Dynavap M 2021 looks like nothing more than a simple metal pipe at first glance. It is incredibly sleek and currently stands as one of the smallest TEDs available at just over 3.5” in length and weighing 19 grams.
Personally, I dig the look of the M 2021 quite a bit. The various cuts and grooves aren’t just aesthetically pleasing but also serve various functions - such as aiding in even heating and making the device easy to hold. I’m also a fan of the M-shaped air port that makes it simpler to control the intake of cool air.
The standard M 2021 is made up of a stainless steel tip, stem and condenser, with a bi-metallic cap and silicone o-rings.
When it comes to style, the 2021 M comes in three colour variants apart from the standard stainless steel version that has no colour coating. These are the RosiuM (pink), AzuriuM (blue) and VerdiuM (green).
In the past, Dyanvap has released versions of the M in colour such as black, gold and bronze but these are not officially available for the 2021 version of the M. Below is a pic of my 2021 M beside a limited-edition bronze M called the ‘C-Vap’ (showcase coming soon).
Temperature Controls
The M is a completely analog device and doesn’t have any display or temperature control settings like electronic TEDs do. Instead, you have to rely on the ‘click’ of the cap to know that the device has reached an optimal temperature for extraction.As mentioned previously in my temperature control guide, the cap clicks in the range of 300°F to 450°F depending on the position of the cap that you hear. Therefore, the M 2021 makes a considerable temperature range available to users. The range can further be expanded with the use of the Low Temp Captive Cap that clicks at 15°F lower than the standard cap.
Powering the Device
One of the biggest strengths, and ironically also one of the biggest drawbacks in my opinion, is that the M does not have any heat source of its own. Electronic TEDs usually come equipped with the combination of a battery and coil to heat the herb up. Dynavaps, on the other hand, rely on an external heat source.
The ‘default’ heat sources for Dynavap devices are considered to be a butane torch or an induction heater. However, there are a wide variety of other heat sources that you can use with the M 2021 without damaging the cap, such as a spirit lamp, candle or even a regular Bic lighter.
The upside of this is that you never have to worry about running out of battery. A fully-filled butane torch will last you quite a few sessions. Carry an extra torch or butane refill can to keep the device going for as many sessions as you like.
Unfortunately, there are quite a few drawbacks to this too. First of all, using a torch with a metal pipe looks a bit shady. In theory, the M 2021 is the ultimate portable TED because all you need is the M itself and a small butane torch. In practice, it doesn’t work out so well because using the M is not exactly discreet. Unlike an electronic TED that you can simply switch on and use stealthily even in public, the M cannot be used so inconspicuously.
Secondly, you will be using quite a bit of butane if you are a heavy user which will necessitate regularly refilling the torch. As a result, butane cans become a recurring expense and I don’t find this ideal after purchasing a device that already has a considerable upfront cost.
The counter to the above points is to use an induction heater. There are several different IH models available ranging from branded ones like KoilBoi as well as custom made ones. While an induction header exponentially increases the convenience of using a Dynavap, most models are not pocketable. An even bigger deterrent is that IHs generally cost more than the 2021 M itself.
While I have an induction heater myself (Custom IH review) and fully recommend getting one if you have the budget, the combination of the 2021 M and an induction heater is nowhere near as portable as carrying along an electronic TED.
The obvious solution is to use an IH indoors and carry along a torch for outdoor use.
The obvious solution is to use an IH indoors and carry along a torch for outdoor use.
Learning Curve
Even experienced TEDheads may initially struggle with the M 2021 because of how different it is from an electronic TED. The biggest issue is that you can end up combusting the herbs if you go past the click.Fortunately, the learning curve is not too steep as the click is hard to miss due to being quite loud. There are also a lot of helpful videos on Dynavap’s YouTube channel to help newbies figure out which heating techniques work best for them.
Experience
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that I have a low opinion of the 2021 M by reading all the drawbacks listed above. I have been using mine for a little while and have figured out my preferred methods for packing and heating. Once you have your technique down, the M 2021 is a cloud machine!Comparing it with the XMAX Vital, I wouldn’t say that the result is much different. Both of them are like strapping a rocket on my back and flying to the moon. The difference with the 2021 M is that it feels closer to blazing a J. The device’s design and ability to produce thicker clouds make it an absolute pleasure to use.
The reason that the M is able to produce such an amazing experience is two-fold. Firstly, unlike an electronic conduction TED, the M’s bowl is not continuously heated. Therefore, the vapours are released in short cycles which results in more cloud volume per rip instead. Additionally, the M’s condenser provides a cooling path, which means that you can take longer pulls without hurting your throat or coughing. This makes the 2021 M a superb device for extracting flavour.
One thing that could be a drawback for some is that the M has a smaller bowl than most TEDs. This is only really a problem if you are a session user. If you are an on-demand user or a microdoser, you won’t face any issue as the M even allows you to reduce the bowl size from the original setting. That being said, I’m a session user myself and find the bowl size big enough if I pack super tight.
While I still go back to the XMAX Vital occasionally, the M 2021 has been my daily driver since the day I got it. I also switch to the C-Vap once in a while but I find the 2021 M to be marginally better.
Cleaning & Maintenance
The M 2021 is very easy to take apart and clean. There are no screws in the device; the various parts are held together only using o-rings. The M is also thoughtfully designed such that you don’t need any additional tools to open it up.I won’t go into too much detail about cleaning the M 2021 as Dynavap themselves have posted great guides for cleaning the M as well as for cleaning the cap.
I don’t even use isopropyl alcohol as recommended and only rinse the condenser in soap water. I also use an opened-up paper clip to clean gunk out. This simple cleaning method also seems to get the job done. Depending on your usage, cleaning the device once a month may be enough.
Dynavap M 2021 Price & Where to Buy in India
The M 2021 retails on TerpeneCentral for ₹5,699 using the discount code DESITED5. It is also available on TheGiggleGrass for ₹5,999.
The original price of the 2021 M in the USA is $75 (approx. ₹6,000). If you decide to import it from the US instead of buying it domestically, it will end up costing you roughly the same once you add the cost of shipping and customs duty. However, importing TEDs into India currently is a bit risky due to ambiguity regarding their legal status.
Alternatively, if you have friends or family abroad who are planning to visit India, you can ask them to bring one along with them to save a bunch of money.
Upgrading the M
The ‘Dynaverse’ is kind of a euphemism for the condition known as Vape Acquisition Syndrome (VAS) that affects a large population of TEDheads. There are so many different TED brands and models in the market with unique advantages that people end up having a collection.Dynavap is the worst offender when it comes to VAS because not only do they have different models, they also offer various parts separately, such as condensers, stems and tips. Therefore, you can ‘upgrade’ the M in various ways, such as attaching a glass BB9 stem or an XL condenser for better cooling, or a Titanium Tip instead of the default stainless steel one for faster heat up and cooldown.
Honestly, the M is an excellent device in itself and there is no real need to upgrade it.
Conclusion
Many consider the Dynavap M to be the endgame portable TED. While I don’t necessarily share this opinion as it is not perfect for all outdoor conditions, it has vastly changed my perspective on what TEDs can offer.
What the M 2021 lacks in ease of use is more than made up for by how hard it hits once you have a good hang of heating techniques. For its size and price, the 2021 M is the best experience offered by any TED currently available. While there are certainly TEDs out there that hit harder or are more convenient to use, it is hard to fault the Dynavap M once you actually use it.
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https://asiavape.co/news/buy-vapes-india/ do you have any idea about importing device from them?
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