Tempest 2 Review (2025) | Mad Heaters’ Next-Generation Portable Dry Herb Device

If you’ve been following the evolution of portable dry herb technology, you know the bar keeps getting raised — and Mad Heaters just pushed it higher with the Tempest 2. This second-generation portable is designed to deliver desktop-style performance in a device that still fits in your pocket.

In this in-depth Tempest 2 review, we’ll cover everything you need to know — including features, build quality, how it compares to other popular devices, and whether it lives up to the hype.

What Is the Tempest 2?

The Tempest 2 is a portable dry herb device created by Mad Heaters, the same team behind the original Tempest and accessories like The Revolve stem. What makes the Tempest 2 unique is its ball-filled convection core — a zirconia housing loaded with tiny thermal beads that retain and deliver heat in a way no standard conduction portable can match.

In short: it’s designed to hit like a desktop, but travel like a pocket piece.

Key Features of the Tempest 2

Mad Heaters clearly listened to user feedback when designing the Tempest 2. Here are the standout upgrades:

• Zirconia + titanium build for durability and clean flavour
• Ball-filled core for powerful, convection-style extraction
• Twist-to-lock adjustable screen lets you change bowl size (0.1–0.2g)
• Induction heater compatibility (works perfectly with The Wand)
• Torch-friendly sleeve for manual heating
• Carb system for full airflow control
• Cooling unit for smoother draws
• Click indicator + visual temp gauge for precise sessions

This combination makes the Tempest 2 one of the most versatile portable devices currently available.

How Does the Tempest 2 Perform?

The performance is what sets the Tempest 2 apart. Even at a medium load, the airflow is wide open, and when run through water the hits are thick, cool, and incredibly flavourful. The zirconia beads retain heat so efficiently that extraction happens in just a couple of draws.

Compared to most portable dry herb devices — which can feel restricted or underpowered — the Tempest 2 keeps up with heavy hitters. It can handle microdoses with the adjustable screen, or full sessions with bigger packs.

Torch vs. Induction Heating

The Tempest 2 gives you two heating methods:

• Torch heating: fast and powerful, but requires a bit of technique.
• Induction heating: consistent and hands-free when paired with The Wand or similar devices.

Both work well, but if you want repeatable performance every time, induction is the clear winner.

Price & Value

The Tempest 2 retails for around $200 USD, making it one of the most affordable ways to experience a ball-style portable. When compared to both desktop and other premium portables, the value is hard to beat.

For the price, you’re getting a titanium + zirconia build, a unique ball-loaded thermal engine, and compatibility with both torch and induction heating. That’s a serious amount of tech for under $200.

Tempest 2 vs. Tempest (Original)

Wondering how the Tempest 2 compares to the original Tempest? Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Stronger induction sleeve for more reliable wand use
• Adjustable bowl size instead of fixed
• Improved airflow with less restriction
• Cooling redesign for smoother draws
• Better thermal retention with updated bead core

If you loved the idea of the original but wanted more refinement, the Tempest 2 delivers.

Who Is the Tempest 2 Best For?

• Enthusiasts who want desktop power in a portable form
• Water-pipe users looking for big rips through glass
• People who already own an induction heater like The Wand
• Anyone wanting premium flavour without sacrificing portability

Tempest 2 FAQ

Is the Tempest 2 hard to use?

Not at all. With induction, it’s as simple as pressing a button. With a torch, there’s a small learning curve, but the click indicator makes it easy.

Does the Tempest 2 work with concentrates?

It’s primarily designed for dry material, but some users experiment with small inserts or pads. For best results, stick with flower.

How much can the bowl hold?

Between 0.1–0.2g depending on how you set the adjustable screen.

What makes the Tempest 2 better than other portables?

The ball core gives it desktop-style extraction power, while most portables rely on conduction or less efficient convection systems.

Final Thoughts

The Tempest 2 by Mad Heaters is a major step forward for portable dry herb tech. It combines the flavour and power of a desktop with the flexibility and freedom of a pocket-sized device. At around $200, it’s one of the best-value premium portables on the market in 2025.

If you’re ready to experience full performance in a portable form — the Tempest 2 is the one to watch.