I’ve been experimenting with the Nectar Hex for some time, and I must admit, it’s left quite an impression. For those out of the loop, Nectar has carved out a strong reputation with their innovative vaporisers in recent years. The Hex, however, is a game-changer. This vaporiser sets itself apart visually with its distinctive hexagonal design and feels premium in the hand too. Thanks to the all-metal body, along with the weight of the vape, the build quality of the Hex is the first thing you notice and makes some of my former dry herb vapes feel like toys.
The Hex has launched at a £169.99 price point, a good bit cheaper than most competitors. You can buy it from the Nectar website or via Amazon.
I can get a better hit of vapour from this than any other portable device, only beaten by massive mains-powered desktop vapes with massive chambers and loads of herb packed inside. The original S&B Crafty was my portable of choice for years until I tried the Hex, and while the Crafty’s vapour production isn’t miles behind the Hex, it’s getting pretty knackered. The Hex has brought in some of the great usability features I’m used to from the world of nicotine vaping which I think make it a worthy upgrade.
It heats up fast, going from cold to 200°C in just over 20 seconds, and achieves any further changes in temperature faster than you can click the buttons. It’s not the only dry herb vape with a screen by any means, even at this price point, but it’s a big win over the S&B Crafty series where you need a mobile phone app to check the temperature and battery level or to make any adjustments. It won’t be the only dry herb vape with USB-C charging and a replaceable battery, but surprisingly few of its competitors have adopted the universal port and most use an integrated battery. The battery in my Crafty is long past it’s best but I can’t change it without following a long tutorial with a soldering iron. The Hex, it’s like changing the batteries in a TV remote.
What’s in the box?
In the basic kit, you’ll get the vape itself packaged with a few spare parts, cleaning bits and perhaps most importantly, everything you need to try vaping concentrates rather than dry herbs. You won’t have to buy an expensive ‘concentrates kit’ just to try them out, as you would with some competitors.
Box contents:
- Nectar Hex vape
- Magnetic poking stick which slots into the bottom of the vape
- Dosing capsule for herbs
- Dosing capsule for concentrates
- Cleaning kit + 2 isopropyl pads
- 3 spare gauzes
- USB-C charging cable
There’s no paper user manual included but you’ll get a QR code with a link to download the PDF from Nectar’s website. Extra dosing capsules for the Nectar Hex are available from Amazon or the Nectar website in a pack of 7. The dry herb capsules are usually slightly cheaper than the concentrate capsules.
Usability
Let’s dive into the day-to-day usability of the Nectar Hex. First off, the heating speed is truly impressive. From a cold start, it ramps up to 200°C in just a tad over 20 seconds, with additional temperature changes being nearly instantaneous. You get a bigger range of temperatures than many competitors with the Nectar Hex adjustable from 160°C all the way to 240°C. I wouldn’t use either of those extremes myself but I’m sure some users will have a reason to.
The device’s display screen is clear and intuitive, providing a stark contrast to vapes like the S&B Crafty series, which leans on a mobile app for temperature adjustments and battery status. With the Nectar Hex, all vital information is right at your fingertips on the device. However, I did notice that the screen can be somewhat tricky to view in bright sunlight. While it remains perfectly functional, you might have to block the sun with your hand to get a quick glance at the temps. A silver lining to this? When vaping indoors or in dim lighting, you won’t be disturbed by glaringly bright screens or LEDs – the Hex maintains a more discreet and atmospheric presence.
One of my favourite convenient features, simple as it seems, is the Nectar Hex’s USB-C charging. In an age where pretty much all devices from my £8 Crystal Bar to my laptop share the same charging port, it’s quite perplexing (and frankly, annoying) when manufacturers choose to deviate from this standard. It means I can have one cable in my bag with my power bank and know I can recharge whatever I need to on-the-go.
But the true standout is the battery setup. The Hex uses a standard 18650 battery, which, while not as ubiquitous as AA batteries, is easily sourced online or from local vape and electronics shops. This design choice makes it incredibly simple for users to swap out batteries as needed. The ease of this process is a world away from other devices like the Crafty, where soldering becomes necessary when the battery gives out.
One thing to note is the chamber size. It’s slightly smaller than what I’ve been used to, which means a bit more refilling. But this could be a blessing in disguise for those aiming for shorter, more controlled sessions. It might also be a good reason for me to start using dosing capsules again. These are super-convienient as you can fill as many as you want ahead of time and swap over to a fresh chamber of herbs (or concentrate) in seconds, I’ve just been too lazy to use them and put my herbs directly in the chamber.
The only issue I had initially was with the magnetic lid and mouthpiece section. Generally, it’s a secure as anything you’d have to unscrew or click into place, much easier to use and feels very premium – it’s been done very well. However, and maybe this is just me with a habit I’ve picked up from my Crafty, if you’re holding the vape in one hand and go to rotate the mouthpiece closed with your thumb, you’ll knock the lid off and possibly spill herbs all over yourself.
After the first week or two of use, I’ve broken this habit and it’s no longer an issue. It’s a consequence of the mouthpiece being solid and taking a bit of force to rotate, which is probably for the best as you wouldn’t want it to be loose or become loose after years of use. It’s not a problem, just something to watch out for as you get used to it.
Vapor Quality and Efficiency
The Nectar Hex truly stands out when you talk about vapor quality in portable devices. Its performance is commendable, especially when you consider its compact size.
While the Hex’s vapor production is remarkable and notably better than many portable competitors, it’s essential to keep things in perspective. The vapor production is close to, but not quite surpassing the Crafty. And as for desktop vapes, yes, there’s no denying that some can outperform the Hex. However, one needs to remember that many of these desktop units can come with a price tag almost three times higher than the Hex. Plus, their bulkiness makes them a task to move from one room to another, not to mention the constraint of needing mains power. The Hex gives you the liberty to move around without being tethered to a spot.
The chamber of the Nectar Hex, although slightly smaller than I’m used to, is efficient. It manages to extract the essence from your herbs meticulously, ensuring you get a flavorful and fulfilling session every time.
Airflow in the Hex is adaptable, a nod to its user-centric design. On the bottom, there’s an adjustable slider allowing users to tailor the draw resistance to their liking. You have the flexibility to go from a smooth and unrestricted draw to something slightly tighter, depending on your preference. This feature proves to be an excellent addition for those who like to have a personalized vaping experience.
Heat distribution is another strong suit for the Hex. Extended sessions don’t result in uncomfortably hot vapor, a feat that underscores the device’s thoughtful design. The metal body does become warm over time, but it’s never alarmingly so.
In wrapping up this section, the Nectar Hex strikes an impressive balance between portability and vapor quality. It might not rival some high-end desktop units, but for its price point and the freedom it offers, it’s a contender that’s hard to overlook.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Like any device that’s used regularly, the Nectar Hex requires maintenance to ensure optimal performance. However, Nectar seems to understand the importance of user-friendliness in this regard, making the cleaning process more straightforward than many other vapes I’ve encountered.
Ease of Disassembly: The Hex comes apart easily, which is a huge plus when it’s time for a thorough clean. Key components, such as the chamber and mouthpiece, can be detached without any fuss. This is beneficial, especially when you consider how sticky and resinous dry herb vaporizers can become with regular use.
Cleaning Tools Included: The inclusion of a cleaning kit with isopropyl pads in the box is a thoughtful touch. It means you have almost everything you need to start your maintenance right away. The pads are especially handy for breaking down and wiping away any resin build-up inside the chamber.
Frequency of Cleaning: Like most vaporizers, the frequency of cleaning largely depends on usage. For light users, a weekly or bi-weekly cleaning routine should suffice. However, for more frequent vapers, a quick wipe down after every few sessions combined with a thorough clean every week is recommended to keep the Hex performing at its best.
Replacement Parts: The official replacement parts seem to be very reasonably priced with the RRP for a full replacement cooling unit just £29.99 (meaning the top bit / lid, including mouthpiece, seals, resin trap and filters etc). All other replacement parts are under a tenner. They’re available from the Nectar website or from Amazon.
Tips for Longevity: While the Hex is relatively low-maintenance, here are a few tips to ensure it stands the test of time:
- Make sure the device is cool before cleaning to avoid any accidental burns or damages.
- For deeper cleans, consider soaking the removable components in isopropyl alcohol for a few minutes before rinsing and drying them.
- Always ensure the device is thoroughly dry before reassembling and using.
- Replace the gauzes as needed; spare ones are provided in the box, but depending on usage, consider purchasing more ahead of time.
Conclusion
After spending a considerable amount of time with the Nectar Hex, it’s clear that Nectar has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with portable vaporizers. The Hex’s unique design, coupled with its superior build quality and attention to user experience, has made it stand out in a crowded market.
While no device is without its flaws, the Hex’s minor shortcomings, such as the screen visibility in bright sunlight, are easily overshadowed by its many strengths. From the impressive vapour production that rivals more cumbersome desktop units to the intuitive usability features borrowed from nicotine vaping, the Hex seems to tick almost every box. Its quick heat-up time, user-friendly display, and universally embraced USB-C charging make it an attractive proposition for both vaping novices and aficionados alike.
Furthermore, the Hex’s commitment to user convenience is evident in its maintenance. Cleaning and maintaining it is as seamless as its usage, with easy disassembly and included cleaning tools, ensuring that the device remains in peak condition.
In the world of dry herb vaporizers, it’s rare to find a device that strikes a balance between innovation, performance, and user experience. However, with the Hex, Nectar seems to have achieved just that. Whether you’re looking to upgrade from an older model or step into the world of vaping, the Nectar Hex is undeniably worthy of consideration.
Where to Buy the Nectar Hex?
If you’re convinced the Nectar Hex is the next addition to your vaping arsenal (or if you’re just intrigued to try it out), you have a couple of great options:
- Official Nectar Website: The Nectar Hex is available directly from their official site for £169.99, which includes delivery.
- Amazon: Nectar are selling the Hex themselves from their official Amazon store, despatched from an Amazon warehouse with Prime delivery available.
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