DynaVap M and OmniVap Titanium Review

We are about to introduce you to a product that has distilled the vape down to its very essence. This company has stripped away all unnecessary complexity and refined the vape into pure unadulterated functionality. Introducing: DynaVap and the VapCap line of flame-powered dry herb vaporizers.

DynaVap Vaporizers

This review raises a fundamental question: just what is a vape, really? The most commonly understood definition is that a vape is a device which produces vapor from a source material and delivers it into the user’s lungs. To achieve this, a vape needs a chamber to hold the material, a heat source to extract vapor from the material, and a delivery mechanism such as a stem, bag or whip through which the user can inhale. Everything else – electronic temperature controls, batteries, mobile apps, LCD screens – is extraneous.

If you are searching for an at-home device to vaporize large quantities over long sessions then this review is not for you, and we suggest you check out our in-depth review of the Volcano. But if you are looking for something truly unique in the ultra-portable sphere then, by all means, keep reading.

Expansive Product Line

DynaVap vaporizers are available over a wide range of price points, from the super affordable VapCap M to the still-affordable higher-tech and collector models. In this review, VapeGuide focuses on the highly engineered OminiVap Titanium and the entry-level M models. We also provide a summary of some of the company’s other vaping units and a sampling of its broad line of accessories.  Stay tuned for in-depth reviews of DynVap’s other vapes at a later date because there is just too much to cover in this initial review.

Hand Crafted in Wisconsin

DynaVap vaporizers are born of meticulous attention to form, function, and discretion. They are crafted to be simple, durable, and intuitive. The DynaVap team takes simplicity seriously. So seriously, in fact, that not one of their vapes has a single electronic component. The company’s founder, designer, and CEO is passionate to the point of obsession about DynaVap quality and evolution. Every unit is designed and handcrafted in his Wisconsin “laboratory.” (Can you say mad scientist?)

Intelligently Engineered Simplicity

In using these devices and speaking to creator George Breiwa, it was apparent that a tremendous amount of thought went into every aspect of DynaVap’s engineering and manufacturing processes. DynaVap’s dedication to quality and design was obvious in every product VapeGuide tested. If it were possible for such a simple device to be over-engineered DynaVap’s line of vapes would be title contenders.

Modularity

The entire DynaVap line was designed to be totally modular, making it easy to share parts among varying models. One of the key uses VapeGuide found for this modularity was adapting the OmniVap for use with a water pipe. By switching any standard DynaVap body for a NonaVonG body, the devices can be used with most 14mm water pipe adapters.

Heat Source

All DynaVap models are flame-powered, meaning the chambers are heated manually using a butane torch instead of an internal heating element. DynaVap’s lack of electronics means you never have to worry about dead batteries, failure-prone components or access to electricity. What this does mean, however, is that you will always need an external heat source to fire the chamber. A triple-jet butane lighter works best, though anything from a stovetop to a campfire ember could conceivably do the trick.

The Cap

The caps on all DynaVaps have an extended tail, or tang etched with the DynaVap logo. At first glance, this may appear to be a purely aesthetic detail. But this tail is actually an ingenious tool used to scrape ABV from the chamber. The tail also makes a perfect little shovel for scooping concentrate into the chamber.

The Screen

Many devices use a simple piece of wire mesh similar to that found on most kitchen faucets to prevent material being sucked into the stem. DynaVap rethought this design, seeking a more durable and scorch-resistant solution. The end result was a small disc machined from a solid piece of metal. Small slits radiate from the disk’s center. The slits are just large enough to allow the maximum amount of vapor to pass through. And just small enough to restrict vape material from passing.

The Click

A very cool feature we discovered about all DynaVap models is the audible and slightly tactile notification by way of a clicking sound.  Every Dynavap model is engineered to produce this clicking effect when it reaches a temp sufficient for drawing vapor.  And it gives off another click when the temp has cooled enough to reapply heat. Read more about this little metallurgical engineering marvel below in the section on How to Use a DynaVap Vape.

The DynaVap line has something for everyone, from the novice looking to pick up his or her first vaporizer to the enthusiast who wants a collector’s piece. Below we’ll discuss our impressions of the “M” and the “OmniVap Titanium” models as well as a brief overview of other options DynaVap offers.

VapCap OmniVap Titanium

We’re going to begin with DynaVap’s little bad boy – the OmniVap Titanium.  This slick little vape, not much larger than a single hitter combustion device, is easy to fall in love with. It’s beautiful, functional, and an absolute pleasure to use. It won’t take long for the OmniVap Titanium to become an everyday driver for most new users. Coming in at around $170, it’s a little on the high end of electronics-free vape options, but well worth it in our opinion.  Read on for more details.

True to its name, the OmniVap Titanium is made almost entirely of unalloyed medical grade titanium. This is not just a marketing gimmick. There’s a reason for using titanium, a chemical element with symbol Ti and atomic number 22. It is super low in density, high in strength and resistant to corrosion.  Most importantly, titanium heats and cools extremely fast, making it an ideal material for a flame powered vaporizer. This material choice, combined with the heat sinks located around the tip, means your fingers are unlikely to ever get too warm while gripping the device.

Like every other Omni model in the DynaVap line, the OmniVap Titanium has an adjustable condenser allowing easy control over an increase or decrease in the amount of air induced into each draw by simply twisting the mouthpiece. This functionality, combined with the carb on the side, makes controlling airflow a breeze.

The geometric texturing along the body does more than just provide a grippable surface. The texture along the body of the OmniVap Titanium is varied, with the area around the carburetor being slightly raised. The idea is to make it easy to locate the carb by touch without having to look at the device. Perfect for dark concert venues and similar low-light scenarios. It’s a small detail indicative of the level of planning that went into the design.

DynaVap M

Next up is DynaVap’s economy model, the “M”.  Compared to the Titanium, the “M” resides at the other end of the affordability scale coming in at around $50. Like all DynaVap products, the “M” is durable, discreet, and easy to use. Made of 100% medical grade stainless steel, you can expect this piece to last a lifetime.

Affordability does, however, come with a small compromise. Unlike DynaVap’s Omni models, The “M” does not have an adjustable condenser. This means the device’s air/vapor mix can only be controlled by covering or uncovering the carb during draws, not by twisting the mouthpiece. Because the body and mouthpiece are machined from a single piece of metal, the “M” also sacrifices the degree of modularity available with other models.

If you’re looking for a great product on a budget, the “M” is a solid choice. If you have a little more to spend, consider building your own custom rig from the many options offered by DynaVap, or spring for the highly engineered, multi-functional OmniVap Titanium.

How To Use A DynaVap

To load your Dynavap, remove the cap and push the tip of the device into a container of herb while twisting. DynaVap recommends using unground herb, though the VapeGuide review team preferred using coarsely ground herb. Loading is easiest when the herb is in a deep and narrow container like the DynaStash, which is a fantastic accessory. Vaping concentrates is also possible using de-gummed hemp fiber as a wick, or by adding a bit of concentrate to increase the potency of your dried blend.

Once the chamber is full, replace the cap and test the draw. On all Omni models, airflow can be adjusted by twisting the mouthpiece, thereby extending or retracting the condenser. When initially trying to adjust the airflow on an OmniVap Titanium, VapeGuide found that the condenser was stuck in the fully retracted position. This was easily fixed by removing the mouthpiece and gently unscrewing the condenser one full rotation. Airflow can be further controlled in mid-pull by covering and uncovering the carb on the side of the device.

How to Heat a DynaVap

To heat the chamber, ignite your torch and dip the cap into the flame while continuously rotating to ensure even heating. DynaVap recommends using a very low flame setting on your torch. If you are using a normal soft flame lighter, be sure to keep the cap is deep in the blue part of the flame to avoid soot buildup. Avoid applying the flame directly to the closed end of the cap.

How to Interpret the DynaVap Click

When the chamber is hot enough for extraction, the cap will make a small mechanical clicking sound. While this impressive bit of metallurgical engineering does not provide digital temperature control, it doesn’t take long to learn how to adjust your technique to achieve specific effects. For example, holding the flame slightly closer to the body will produce larger clouds, while holding the flame closer to the tip will produce more flavorful hits and allow more heating cycles per load. It is important that the heat source is removed from the cap immediately after the click. Failure to do so can result in herbal combustion and possible damage to the clicking mechanism

How Many Hits per DynaVap Heating Cycle

Once the chamber is heated and the devices clicks you’re good to go. In VapeGuide’s experience, users can typically expect to get a few good pulls from each heating cycle. A short while after the first click, the cap will emit a second click indicating the chamber has cooled sufficiently and is ready to be heated again. Failure to wait for the cooling click before reheating the chamber can result in combustion.

Users can expect to get 2-3 heating cycles from each load before experiencing a rapid decline in vapor quality. In testing, VapeGuide went as far as 5 cycles before accidentally combusting the dry ABV. To summarize, expect to get two to three pulls per heating cycle, and two to three cycles per load, resulting in excellent efficiency.

How to Clean a DynaVap

When you’re ready to clean out the ABV simply remove the cap and use the tang to scrape out the chamber. Blowing through the mouthpiece will help to expel any stubborn ABV that may remain lodged in the screen. How simple is that?

Other DynaVap Options

In the interest of full disclosure, VapeGuide would like to note that (aside from the OmniVonG) we have not yet tested any of the options listed below (we are looking forward to it, though). While customer reviews and forum commentary on these options are overwhelmingly positive, until VapeGuide has had the opportunity to review each of DynaVap’s other options, readers should do their own research before buying. Having said that, it is difficult to imagine that DynaVap’s attention to detail and functionality are not present across the entire product line.

Wood Body DynaVap VonG Models

DynaVap produces several wooden bodies (and mouthpieces), which are standard on the VonG models. The NonaVonG comes sans mouthpiece, while the OmniVonG has the spinning mouthpiece plus the internal hydro-mechanics of the Omni line. The wooden bodies, while not as durable as metal, are extremely attractive and have the advantage of insulating your hand from any excess heat. Occasionally DynaVap will offer limited edition components made of woods that are not among their standard offerings.

VonG bodies and stems can be used as a normal DynaVap or inserted into a 14mm water pipe adapter. It’s not as if the DynaVap produces hot and harsh vapor, but for those who like the bubbly experience the water option is nice to have.

Carbon Fiber DynaVap

There’s no doubt about it, carbon fiber looks cool. It’s also extremely light and just 1/10th as heat conductive as steel, making it a great material for a vape. DynaVap’s carbon fiber bodies are occasionally available as an option in their DynaBuilder customization portal and as an individual part.

S Model DynaVaps with Spinning Mouthpieces

All DynaVap S models (with an “S” at the end of the name) feature a spinning mouthpiece. But don’t get the wrong idea about the spinning mouthpiece. It’s NOT so you can hold it in your mouth and spin the device while heating. It’s to allow you to grip the mouthpiece by the outside edge of your hand and simultaneously spin it using your thumb and forefinger of the same hand while holding the torch in the other hand to heat. The spinning mouthpiece makes heating the device a bit easier, allowing one hand to hold and spin, and the other hand to manipulate the torch.

Omni DynaVap

The Omni line, which includes the OmniVap Titanium (in both standard and XL versions) and the wood-bodied OmniVonG, allows for the air/vapor mix to be adjusted by twisting the mouthpiece to extend or retract the condenser.

The gap between the interior of the tip and the end of the condenser inside the body of the device creates extreme turbulence during a draw, which acts to combine vapor with the desired quantity of air. This feature improves the vaping experience and is covered further in the “How To Use A DynaVap” section of this review.

Uni DynaVap

The DynaVap Uni line is named for its universal compatibility. All parts on Uni devices are interchangeable. This line is great for the user who wants to start with a basic model and upgrade over time.  All Uni devices that do not feature a spinning mouthpiece have a stem and no mouthpiece. Some stems feature a metal crown on both ends for added durability and aesthetics.

XL DynaVap

Several DynaVap vapes are available in “XL” versions. These longer vapes measure 109mm as opposed to the standard 92mm. The longer body on these vapes provides smoother, cooler hits. Note that the longer XL models will not fit in the standard DynaStash container. For this, there is the DynaStash XL (see the “Accessories” section for details).

DynaVap Accessories

DynaStash

The DynaStash is a fantastic accessory for any vapester on the go. They are essentially a dugout pipe box for your DynaVap and stash. DynaStashes are perfectly sized for your DynaVap, and come in a variety of attractive (and occasionally limited-edition) woods.

The DynaStash has two compartments, one for storing your DynaVap and a second for storing your herb. The deep herb chamber holds a decent quantity of ground material. The lid fits snuggly to the top and can be rotated so that just one compartment is open. This makes it possible to keep your herb chamber covered while tipping the DynaStash to slide out your unit.

The DynaStash incorporates a neodymium rare earth magnet mounted into and flush with the side of the container. The magnet is multifunctional. It can be used to remove a hot cap in the middle of a session or to hold your vape as if it’s standing on a platform when not in use.

DynaStash ER

This version features a small dabbing tool concealed under the lid between the container’s chambers. There’s also a little silicone tub, set into the wood, used for storing waxes and other extracts. It’s large enough to fit about a gram (snugly).

DynaStash XL

Long versions of the DynaStash are available for XL devices, though at the time of this review DynaVap is not offering a DynaStash ER XL.

Cyclone II Triple Torch

It is highly recommended that you use a butane torch for your DynaVap device. DynaVap sells several torch lighters on its website and provided the Cyclone II Triple Torch for this review. This torch is extremely reliable in both indoor and outdoor applications. It produces three powerful jets that are perfectly spaced to evenly heat the chamber of a DynaVap vaporizer. The rounded tank has a good hand feel and is clear so that fuel levels are observable. The flame can be adjusted using a small dial surrounding the refill port on the bottom of the torch. The torch comes in a black carrying case that is just large enough to fit a DynaVap alongside the torch for those times when traveling light is a necessity.

Customer Service

Accounts of customer service interactions with DynaVap are stellar. Way back in 2016 there were reports that service was occasionally slow, but more recent reports are that the customer support team consistently responds within 24 hours. In all instances of customer feedback that VapeGuide could find, customer issues were fully and speedily resolved. We personally have had zero issues with our units so cannot opine with any first-hand confirmation.  But judging by how fast the company founder and his team have responded to any and all queries we think it’s safe to say you will not be disappointed.

The Verdict

Vapor Quality – 8
The quality and quantity of vapor produced by this device are surprising for its size. Clouds won’t be gigantic given the device’s small chamber, but the DynaVap is intended to be a highly portable vaporizer, not a tabletop cloud machine. Hits can be a little heavy if you get the air-to-vapor ratio wrong, but with a bit of tinkering, you are sure to find your sweet spot. It should be noted that unlike a pipe, one-hitter, chillum or any other combustion device, the chamber on a DynaVap is fully enclosed. This means there is no chance of getting off-tastes from butane in the vapor.

Fuel Efficiency – 9
Though VapeGuide found that we went through butane rather quickly while using a three-torch lighter, a full tank still allowed for far more heating cycles than we would expect from a single battery charge on an electronic vape. There’s also no need to wait around for a recharge since it’s just a matter of refilling your torch or finding another heating source. If you don’t mind keeping a good torch and a can of high-quality butane on hand, chances are good you won’t miss your electronic vape for solo or duo sessions.

Portability – 10
DynaVap products are extremely portable, easily tucked away for situations where discretion is important. They are only slightly longer than a standard cigarette (and a bit longer still for XL models). The light bodies on the OmniVap Titanium and carbon fiber models specifically make them extremely versatile, allowing them to comfortably rest behind the user’s ear (once they’ve cooled down, of course). It’s hard to imagine a more portable vape. Though having to carry or improvise an external heating source may be a mark against DynaVap portability for some users, we found this a small price to pay for the product’s other virtues.

Appearance – 10
In a market that is saturated with boxy electronic brick vapes, the DynaVap line has a refreshingly simple aesthetic. You’d be hard-pressed to find a more attractive little vape on the market.

Features – 7
The OmniVap Titanium is defined as much by the features it doesn’t have as by those it does. By removing the most common failure points found in conventional vapes, DynaVap has created a product that is incredibly durable. Combine that durability with the tremendous attention to detail that went into creating these devices, and you’ve got an offering that’s difficult to beat. Across the line, these vapes deliver by trimming the fat.

Price – 8
At $180 the OmniVap Titanium is not cheap, but for good reason. Given DynaVap’s dedication to keeping their manufacturing in the US and the expense of working with titanium, the price isn’t entirely surprising. Fortunately, the “M” is a spectacular entry model at just $55. Mid-range price options are also available for around $100 depending on which custom options you choose.

We’ve presented a lot of information in this review of the DynaVap VapCap OmniVap line of vaporizers. If you’ve made it this far, you’re the kind of person who takes due diligence seriously. Therefore, you may want to check out our reviews of a couple of very different, but equally impressive, portables: the Crafty by Storz & Bickel and the IQ by Davinci.