DaVinci IQC Review: What's new in this improved version of the IQ?

DaVinci IQC Review: What's new in this improved version of the IQ? 

DaVinci earned a strong reputation for producing some of the best portable vaporizers on the market. 

The IQ2 is a portable conduction vaporizer, representing their flagship model. Released in late 2019, and following up on the original IQ, the IQ2 introduced new features such as adjustable airflow, improved battery insulation, a dosage control function, and a sleek brushed aluminium body. 

In July 2021, DaVinci launched the new IQC. There was some initial confusion as to whether this was the long-awaited update to the IQ2. In fact, this model is intended to replace the original IQ. The latest edition shares many features with the IQ2 but is less expensive. 

In this article, we will test and review the new IQC model. We will also compare it with the IQ2, to help you decide which one is best for you. 

 

Unboxing and first look at the Davinci IQC 

The IQC comes in a nice packaging that includes the device, an 18650 rechargeable battery, a charging cable, an all-silicone water pipe adapter, some alcohol wipes, and an integrated stirring tool.   

The kit does not include the Davinci dosing pods or extraction kit, both of which are available separately. You should keep in mind that the removable battery is the only battery included in the kit and there is no additional battery included here. 

Davinci also offers interesting accessories, such as dosing capsules inspired by the IQ design. 

The IQC vaporizer is available in 4 assorted colours: onyx, emerald, ruby, and sapphire.   

We used the sapphire version for this test and really liked its look and design! When you take the IQC out of its box, you will notice several small dots on the front of the device. This is where the device displays the temperature and settings using indicator lights. 

 

First impression of the Davinci IQC 

The IQC has a fairly simplistic design, but that doesn't make it any less attractive. The IQC has a brushed aluminium casing that is both stylish and easy to hold. 

On the back of the device, you'll find the brand-new USB-C charging port. With USB-C charging, you can fully charge the DaVinci IQC in only 2 hours! 

Opening the top of the vaporizer reveals the removable, rechargeable 3,000 Mah battery that you can replace whenever you want. There is also a removable "flavour chamber" with an included metal pick that you can use to clean the IQC after a session. 

When you open the bottom of the unit, you can see the glass-lined ceramic oven where you load your herbs. The chamber is completed with a nice smooth metal tray, making loading the vaporizer quick and easy. 

An FDA-approved Micro biopolymer is used to make the ShareSafe™ mouthpiece safer and to minimize heat retention. 

 

Getting started with your IQC 

Both IQs share the same user-friendly 3-button interface. So if you know how to use a first-generation IQ, you can easily use the IQC. In fact, the interface has not changed since the first IQ and MIQRO. There's a power button, the up and down adjustment buttons, and that's about it - it's a pretty intuitive system. 

 

Here is a summary of how to use the IQ2 and IQC using Smart Paths or Precision Mode: 

• Press the power button 5 times to turn the unit on/off. 

• Turn the unit over and open the bottom lid to access the heating chamber. 
• For optimal performance, choose a medium to fine grind. 
• Fill the chamber tightly with up to 0.5 grams of flower. 
• You can also load a dosing capsule with 0.2-0.3 grams of dry herb. 
• Adjust the Pearl in the oven until it touches your material. 

• Press the up and down buttons to choose your Smart Path. 
• Press the start button and then the adjustment buttons to enter the Precision Mode. 
• The unit vibrates when it reaches the desired temperature. 
• Hold down the power button to switch to boost mode while you vape. 
• In boost mode, simply release the button to switch to cooling mode. 

• Press any button while in cooling mode to return to the previous temperature setting. 
• After 8 minutes of use, the device will automatically vibrate and turn off. 
• Brush the chamber and dosing capsules after each session. 

 

Davinci IQC features and vapour quality 

The biggest distinction on the IQC is that it charges via USB-C, therefore the C.   

It doesn't allow you to monitor your dosages and doesn't have adjustable airflow, but it does recharge much faster than the IQ2! The heating chambers are identical on the IQC and IQ2, but the cap on the IQC chamber is made from silicone versus ceramic for the IQ2.  

The included mouthpieces are made of silicone, but ceramic options are available separately. 

Both devices have a white ceramic heating chamber. It is not removable, but almost everything else on the device is. This includes the savour chamber, the battery and the mouthpiece. All DaVinci vaporizers we tested come with a loading tool that fits discreetly and conveniently under the lid of the unit. 

Other common features include the adjustable Pearl, which helps conduct heat for a perfect micro-dosing, 4 Smart Paths presets and the ability to set specific temperatures. Finally, the IQC and IQ2 come with water pipe adapters to enjoy water-cooled vapour. 

The vapour performance was excellent during our tests. The zirconia ceramic heating chamber provides excellent flavour, and you can get really dense clouds if you run it at higher temperatures. The IQC heats up and charges faster than the IQ2 and is more affordable. In our experience, the IQ2 has a small advantage when it comes to performance. When we use them on a bong, the difference in vapour density is noticeable and the draw resistance setting is appreciable.  

The IQC's silicone mouthpiece is slightly inferior to the IQ2's ceramic mouthpiece in terms of flavour. Not by much, but the zirconia ceramic is simply better for flavours in our experience.  

If you go for the IQC, we suggest you replace the mouthpiece for a few extra euros and we highly recommend the dosing capsules. They are available in ceramic and stainless steel. 

 

After-use comparison and maintenance of the Davinci IQC 

 

Battery life and charging time 

Both the IQC and IQ2 are equipped with the same 18650 battery. Expect about an hour of runtime, although this may vary depending on your temperature settings.  

For example, if you only use the first Smart Path instead of running it at 220°C for your entire session, you should be able to squeeze extra juice from it. We were still able to get 5 or 6 good sessions by using it at maximum for the entire duration. 

As for the charging time, it's a different story. The IQC charges in 2 hours while the IQ2 takes nearly 5 hours via micro-USB. Both devices can be charged while using them thanks to their path-through capacity.  

Of course, you can also use an external 18650 charger to always have a fully charged battery ready to go. The battery door is a bit tedious to handle, but it stays tightly locked, so we can't really complain here. 

 

Cleaning and maintenance 

The IQC and IQ2 are very similar when it comes to the cleaning process. 

After a few sessions, the IQs will start to accumulate resin. This is quite common with most vaporizers, and usually occurs around the mouthpiece area. We like to use a clean cotton swab after our sessions to unclog the mouthpiece and wipe off some of the resin that inevitably builds up inside the device. We suggest you do this while it is still warm. If you wait too long, you can always use the included ISO alcohol swabs. 

To thoroughly clean your device, you need to take everything apart. Start by removing the mouthpiece. The IQC mouthpiece has a simple one-piece design. You can also remove the flavour chamber and the loading tool to soak them as well. 

While soaking the small parts, you can clean the inside of the device with a cotton swab or pipe cleaner. Do not use your vaporizer until all parts have been thoroughly rinsed and dried. 

 

Conclusion of our DaVinci IQC review 

DaVinci is a respected name in the vaping scene, and the IQC is the culmination of the company's work over the years. Its powerful replaceable battery that can be charged very quickly via USB-C helps make the IQC an extremely functional and convenient vaporizer. 

If you're looking for a smart, well-designed vaporizer that's easy to use and control, then we absolutely recommend the DaVinci IQC. It's the perfect combination of portability and efficiency, and it delivers smooth, quality vapour. 

The vaporizer comes with a 5-year warranty, so you can rest assured that it will last a long time. 

 

Benefits 

• Incredible flavours 

• Fast charging via USB-C 
• 30 seconds heating time 
• Sturdy build 
• Discreet design 
• Easy to use and clean 

• Pocket size 
• Replaceable components 
• Good battery life 
• Compatible with Davinci dosing capsules 
• Included tool 

• 5-year warranty 
• Cheaper than the IQ2 

 

Disadvantages 

• No adjustable airflow 

• No concentrate option included 
• Silicone parts have a subtle impact on flavours 

 

Video Test 

 

Find a complete video test made by www.cannavapos.fr, the #1 site in France for vaporizer reviews and comparisons.