Popular convection models include the Vapolution, VooDoo, Mystifire, Vapezilla (and its digital sibling, Super Vapezilla) and Volatizer VM3 (the most portable convection model available). While convection units can be expensive, good models can be purchased for under $200 (such as the $125 Vapolution, the $149 Vape and the $199 VooDoo). Efficiency Efficiency is a measure of the thoroughness with which a particular vaporizer model extracts THC and other active cannabinoids from a sample of herb. Inefficient models result in wasted pot, leaving you with partially consumed buds to cook or smoke (and making you wonder why the hell you paid for a vaporizer in the first place). Among the most efficient models are the Vapezilla and Super Vapezilla, Volcano, Mystifire and Vapolution. Portability Some vaporizer models-such as the VooDoo, Vape, Volatizer VM3 and the Dominizer-have begun to focus on portability and stealth. Currently, however, you'll have to trade portability for efficiency, or vice versa, depending on which attribute you give priority. The most portable models are typically the least efficient (with the exception of the Volatizer VM3 and the Erbo). But keep in mind, this inefficiency is relative to top-shelf models such as the Mystifire, Vapezilla and Volcano. With slick portable models such as the Erbo and Volatizer VM3 beginning to appear, the future is bright for high-end portable vaporization. Standouts There's no such thing as the "best" vaporizer. For example, although they're certainly top of the line, the Mystifire and Volcano are poor choices for a weekend campout. If your campsite has power, better choices are the VooDoo, Vapolution and Vape. No power? Consider the Erbo or the Solarizer, or buy the optional two-hour battery pack for the Vapolution. Of course, if you have the $500, the lithium-battery-powered Volatizer VM3 is a sweet unit that's sure to satisfy the most discerning stoner's geeky gadget lust.

If you're looking for a relatively inexpensive conduction-based model, the $99 BC Vaporizer is a good choice. If you want a superior convection-based machine, there are many choices in a wide range of prices. Recommended models include the Vapolution, VooDoo, Mystifire, Vapezilla, Volcano and Volatizer VM3. If bang for your buck in a convection model is what you're after, check out the VooDoo and Vapolution. Both are great units offering good portability, moderate stealth and good extraction rates. Summary The vaporizer market shows no signs of slowing. In the coming year, a plethora of more efficient and less expensive models will appear. A focus of the industry will be portability. Models will begin to appear that combine small form factors designed for travel with high-quality convection-heating technologies (resulting in greater efficiency). As the best convection-based models decrease in price, conduction models will slowly disappear from the market. Many smoking cafes and compassion clubs are beginning to offer group vapor lounges where "party" models-such as the VooDoo, Volcano, Mystifire and herbalAire-offer the convenience of a passable vapor bag. These models are basically the joints of the vaporization world, allowing for fellowship and interaction with a passable THC source. In the end, the decision as to which is the "best" vaporizer is a highly subjective one, based entirely on one's personal preferences, reasons for vaporizing and budget. You can spend as little as $40 for a Solarizer or $99 for a BC Vaporizer or the unique, shotgunning Erbo, or as much as $400 for the wicked Vapezilla or $550 on the Volcano. The top portable choices are the $500 Volatizer VM3 and the surprisingly effective $99 Erbo. Regardless of which model you choose, smokeless vaporization is a decidedly healthy choice for the modern toker.