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Vessel Core Vape Pen Review: Everything You Need To Know About the Solstice Series

March 23, 2022   9:27 am PDT | Updated 8 months ago

Vessel's been in the game of high-quality vape tech for a while now, including all of the accessories that enhance the vaping experience. The brand is known for its Expedition vape pen series, as well as its Compass and Vessel Core pens (which you can read about below).

And in honor of everything beautiful about summer, Vessel has now realized a limited edition Vessel Solstice series, which is a new look at its famed batteries.

What is the Vessel Solstice series?

The Vessel Solstice series features colorful designs on devices you already know and love: the Vessel Compass and the Vessel Core. Both are 510-thread vape batteries that work well for those seeking portability, convenience, and ease of use when vaping cannabis concentrates.

The Vessel Compass is a small yet powerful device that features an incredible high-capacity battery, the brand's signature tuned airflow, and an ergonomic design. It costs $59.

The Core is powered by a smaller, compact battery with similar controls and variability across the line and a wide 510 crown to accommodate cartridges of all diameters. Vessel batteries power any oil in style, with details including optimized airflow technology, low-temperature settings, and extra-long battery life. The Core costs $39.

Vessel Solstice Series design and features

The Solstice series features Vessel batteries that you're probably already familiar with, but now they come in some dope-ass limited edition colorways that will remind you of drinking fruit-flavored lemonades on a hot summer day. Only instead of sugar water, you'll be drinking delicious weed vapor.

The new Series designs evoke the beauty of all sun phases throughout the day: Daybreak, Soleil, and Dusk. The Compass comes in Daybreak, while the Core comes in Soleil and Dusk.

Daybreak is a sunrise-inspired design; Soleil is inspired by the golden hour; and Dusk is a blend of sunset shades. All of these designs are hydro-dipped. Hydro-dipping is the process of decorating an item with complicated or precise patterns by dipping it into water with a film floating on top.

Vessel's website details the Compass features as:

  • Features a protected, cartridge drop-in design
  • Fits most 510 thread cartridges (cartridge not included)
  • Features cartridge swivel for proper mouthpiece alignment
  • Powered by a high-quality 550mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery core
  • 3-LEDs indicate battery life and power settings
  • Four (4) power/voltage settings (2.4V, 2.8V, 3.2V, 3.6V)
  • USB-C charging port + cable
  • Dimensions: 2.625"L x 1.625"W x 0.75"D
  • Weight: 66g
  • Six (6) month limited warranty
  • Compatible with Ridge Charger and Scout Cases

Vessel's website details the Core's features as:

  • Features a wide 510 crown to accommodate cartridges of all diameters
  • Powered by a high-quality 260mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery core
  • 3-LEDs indicate battery life and power settings
  • Four (4) power/voltage settings (2.4V, 2.8V, 3.2V, 3.6V)
  • USB-C charging port + cable
  • Compatible with Rover Cases
  • Dimensions: 3.3"L x 0.55"D
  • Weight: 23g
  • Six (6) month limited warranty

How to Use Vessel Solstice Series

The standard power and heat-cycling instructions remain with both the Compass and the Core: click the power button five times to power on/off devices; click the power button three times to cycle through battery voltages; and hold the button and inhale to vape your cannabis concentrates. Pretty easy, right?

Vessel Solstice Series performance

I've always sung the praises of the Vessel vape batteries. They're one of the few batteries I've come across that always work no matter what. My preferred voltage setting is 2.4V (Green) or 2.8V (Cyan), for a low-temperature flavor feel; but when you get down to that last little bit of vape oil, ramping up the voltage to the magenta setting (3.6V) will clear your cart right out.

Battery-wise, the Compass and the Core last forever. You can seriously go 1-2 weeks without charging them and be just fine, which is clutch because we all hate that feeling of clicking the button on a vape battery and getting the blinking light of a dead battery and despair. To fully charge them only takes an hour and some change, so truthfully, the Compass and Core are some of the best vape battery options on the market.

The difference between the two comes down to their shape and battery size. There are some carts that won't fit into the Compass' hole, however, that won't be an issue with the Core. The Core also has a smaller battery, but that didn't feel too detectable when using the two.

Vessel Solstice Series experience

Upon opening the Daybreak Compass, my first reaction was “Wow, what a cute lil' device.” It lowkey looks as if a vape battery was wearing an Atlanta Hawks throwback jersey.

To test out the battery, I tossed in a Jungle Boys Grape Cake Head live resin cartridge for the trial and spent about an hour puffing on the vape at various settings. Like always, I found that my favorite temperature setting is in the Cyan one. I'm a simple man that doesn't need much variation, but for general flavor and getting highed up, those middle options are always great.

The type of puffs that will have you absolutely zooted if you get too unconscious with it too. When using these batteries, I definitely can get as high as when I'm smoking some herb, which is always interesting. Two thumbs up on the Daybreak Compass experience. It's definitely worth the cop.

For the Core, I had the same reaction of “Wow, this looks great.” These Solstice series color schemes will definitely catch your eye. Again, I used the Jungle Boys Grape Cake Head live resin cartridge. To be real, the experience felt pretty similar to using the Compass, which leads me to believe that the choice between the two is really an aesthetic-based decision.

In the end, the Vessel Solstice series Compass and Core batteries are a great choice for anyone that wants a high-quality battery that will work any cartridge they toss into them. The designs are appealing, the batteries are long-lasting, and their performance is top-tier.

Keep reading for our original review from 2022 by Tess Lampert.

What is the Vessel Core vaporizer?

The Vessel Core is a vape pen featuring a 260mAh lithium-ion rechargeable battery core and is compatible with a wide range of cartridges. Included in the box are the device and USB-c charging cable.

Vessel also makes the Rover carrying case that holds up to two pens and two additional cartridges, available for purchase separately.

How does it work?

Attach any 510-thread cartridge (the industry standard) by screwing it to the Core to fit snugly, without over-tightening. Five rapid clicks of the main button will turn on the device, and you can choose between four color-coded voltage settings — 2.4V, 2.8V, 3.2V, and 3.6V — with three rapid clicks.

Once your preferred temperature is selected, hold down the main button and inhale. The hits are smooth and a gentle inhale will do the trick.

Charging the Core

The three LED lights above the main power button are used to indicate battery life, alerting you with advance notice when it is time to charge. While charging, the lights blink red and turn off completely when fully charged.

It is not recommended to use the device while charging.

Cleaning

Leaky cartridges are a fact of life. When the connection area does get some goop on it, simply use a cotton swab with alcohol to clean it off. Always allow it to dry completely before using the device again.

What's the appeal?

At $39, the Vessel Core is not going to break the bank while offering a luxury look and feel. This lightweight device feels good in the hand and is easy to use and charge, and the matte colors look good without being flashy.

The hits from the Core are clean and smooth, with good airflow from the battery, and having a high-quality battery that fits a wide range of cartridges is extra convenient. The Rover case mentioned above efficiently organizes and stores two fully assembled vape pens and an additional two cartridges, making the entire kit easily portable. Those who frequently use cartridges — and definitely anyone who likes to swap between cartridges — would likely appreciate this premium step up.

Check out the Core Vessel Pacific Vape and other color choices at vesselbrand.com. Photo courtesy of Vessel.

Weedmaps' product reviews reflect only the author's dope opinions. Products are chosen independently by Weedmaps and the author.