POTV Arizer Solo 3 Cooling Stem VS The Vapetrix Cooling Stem – Which Is The Best?!
POTV Arizer Solo 3 Cooling Stem VS The Vapetrix Cooling Stem – Which Is The Best?!
If you’re looking to upgrade your vapor quality with a cooling stem for the Arizer Solo 3, you’ve probably come across two main contenders: the popular POTV stem and our very own Vapetrix Cooling Stem. Both are built from borosilicate glass, both promise smoother vapor, and both are compatible with Solo 2, Solo 3, and the Air series.
But while we’re obviously a little biased, this article gives you a fair (but honest) comparison to help you decide which stem actually performs best when it comes to real-world vapor cooling and user experience.
Overview: The Two Cooling Stems
| Feature | The Vapetrix Cooling Stem | POTV Cooling Stem |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling Element | High-density glass micro-beads | Fewer, larger grey glass beads |
| Bead Count | Over 100+ | Roughly 8–10 |
| Surface Area | Much higher (tighter packing, smaller beads) | Lower (larger gaps between beads) |
| Cooling Performance | Exceptional — cool, smooth vapor even at higher temps | Decent — better than stock, but less noticeable |
| Compatibility | Arizer Solo 2, Solo 3, Air 2, Air Max | Arizer Solo 2, Solo 3, Air 2, Air Max |
| Material | Borosilicate glass + clear lab-grade micro-beads | Borosilicate glass + grey marbles |
Cooling Technology: Beads Make the Difference
Both stems work on the same basic principle: air is forced through a tight chamber of glass beads, which absorb heat and increase surface area for rapid cooling. However, the **POTV stem uses fewer and larger beads**, which creates larger gaps and less turbulence. While it does improve the experience over the standard glass tube, the cooling is limited.
In contrast, The Vapetrix Cooling Stem is densely packed with dozens of micro glass beads. This creates a much more chaotic air path and dramatically increases the contact area, resulting in significantly cooler vapor even on higher temperature settings.
If cooling performance is your priority — and for most dry herb users it is — the difference is immediate and noticeable.
Design & Feel
Both stems are handcrafted from thick, lab-grade borosilicate glass and feel solid in the hand. The POTV stem has a clean, minimalist look with visible grey beads, while The Vapetrix version looks more technical and “lab-style” thanks to the clear glass-on-glass design.
Bonus: Our version is slightly heavier due to the higher bead count, which adds a satisfying weight and durability many users appreciate.
Cleaning & Maintenance
Both stems are fully washable and easy to maintain with isopropyl alcohol and hot water. However, due to the higher bead density, The Vapetrix Cooling Stem benefits from a brief soak or ultrasonic cleaner to fully reset. If you’re already in the habit of cleaning stems weekly, this won’t be an issue.
User Feedback
We’ve received tons of feedback from customers who’ve tried both stems. Here are some common themes:
- “The Vapetrix stem cools better, no doubt.”
- “With POTV’s version I still coughed on high — with yours I don’t.”
- “Feels more premium, especially with the tighter bead fill.”
Several users have even swapped out their original POTV version for The Vapetrix after giving both a try.
So... Which One Should You Buy?
If you just want a basic upgrade from the stock stem, POTV’s version will do the job. It’s simple, solid, and performs better than plain glass.
But if you want the best possible vapor cooling, enhanced airflow resistance, and a smoother session — The Vapetrix Cooling Stem is hands-down the better performer.
It’s not just about more beads — it’s about smarter airflow, higher thermal absorption, and a design built specifically for the Solo 2 and 3’s powerful output.
🔗 Shop The Vapetrix Cooling Stem Now
Cooler vapor, better hits, and premium craftsmanship — all in one game-changing glass stem. Your Solo 3 deserves it.
Finally if you want to get the latest news from Arizer you should check out our Arizer Blog!