Puff or Pass: Utillian 8 Turbo
Cannabis consumers are frequently looking for the next “big” thing that will completely change their rituals – maybe an upgrade, maybe just a better way to “do the pot.” For dabbers, there have been more innovations in cannabis tech than ever before – and for brands like PuffCo or Storz and Bickel, brand loyalty is critical to their success.
Several years ago, we took a ton of flak for “passing” on the PuffCo Proxy. PuffCo has established itself as a concentrate lover’s go-to – and while their devices are good quality, my fundamental issue with PuffCo is that people who purchase one of their gadgets find themselves having to pay extra for accessories that shouldn’t be add-ons. Carrying a premium price tag, the Peak is priced at $310 with a hot knife included. That’s where the problem comes in – no case, no extras, just the Peak and the hot knife.
The Utillian 8 Turbo might change how cannabis lovers dab without breaking the bank. Let’s be clear, it’s not inexpensive, but it also has far more “included” extras that make the price easier to swallow. We received the Utillian 8 Turbo and the unboxing was an event. A hard-sided case unzipped to reveal a sleek machine that looks amazingly similar to the PuffCo Peak, but that’s where the “included” components really stand apart. Not only was there a package of grime sticks (Iso-snaps!) but a second heating chamber, a cover for the device, as well as cleaning tools and terp pearls, PLUS a Hot Wax Axe hot knife. These were all part of the kit, without having to pay extra for any of the additions.
But how does it perform? Why did we “Puff” on this? The U8Turbo is a top winner not only for thoughtful one-box quick start use, but also for impeccable performance. The thing that really sets this device apart is the Turbo Spinner Carb Cap. At first glance, it might seem like a gimmick – when inhaling, you spin the cap, and your experience is instantly improved. Did we mention the U8Turbo’s glass percolator is a bubbler, cooling the smoke even more? There was real thought in designing this machine – and the claims about better dabbing are valid. The dual-spinner cap provides an airflow system designed to control how air moves through the chamber. Using a vortex-style airflow pattern, it makes material distribution far more efficient and vapor production impressive.
The device has another benefit too – should you wear out the chamber over time, you don’t have to replace the entire device – just swap out the ceramic.
PuffCo Peak Pro customers can replace their chamber, but it comes at a premium – with a new one setting you back $100 or more depending on your model. New bases are $200, and a travel case will set you back $50; a hot knife addition is another $60. For brand loyalists, this might not matter, but for someone putting together their own dab system, these add up quickly. The Utillian 8 Turbo has a swappable 3D heating element that you replace – and 2 of them make up a set, with a $49.99 price tag. The price is nice – at just $288, including the hot knife – makes this easier to fit into a budget without sacrificing quality or durability.
But how’s the device at dabbing? It’s a winner there too, with 12 preset temperature settings, real-time temperature control, and the terp pearls that keep things moving smoothly; this is one superior experience. Battery life is outstanding, and multiple sessions can easily cruise through on a single charge. Want more flexibility? You can choose how long your sesh should be, giving you options for 30, 60, 90, or 120 seconds – controlled by you.
The Hot Wax Axe, the included hot knife, works like a charm, heating up super quickly and maintaining the temp while you make the transfer from jar to device. No muss, no fuss. Also included in the $288 price tag.
When it comes to electronic dab rigs, there are plenty of options. But for the dabber looking for a balance of value AND performance, we’re massive fans of the Utillian 8 Turbo. For the price and how it stands up to prolonged use?
This is definitely a puff!
Verdict: PUFF
Want to see the full video review? Check it out here.
