Last month Vaporbrothers released the smaller side kick, the Mini Hydrator, to their already popular Clear Precision Hydrator. When I saw the Vaporbrothers Mini Hydrator for the first time, I thought it wasn't too "mini" next to the Vaporbrothers Clear Precision Hydrator.
At a quick glance the two bubblers look very similar. But upon closer inspection, the Clear Precision is a bit more elegant and finished looking. That may have to do with the female ground glass joints rising out of the body of the hydrator. Whereas with the Mini Hydrator, the only female ground glass joint is found tucked away inside the body giving it a squat or mini appearance next to the more regal Clear Precision Hydrator.
Both the Vaporbrothers Clear Precision and the Mini Hydrator are made in the U.S.A. from scientific, borosilicate glass. Each hydrator features the round old school Vaporbrothers logo (their logo has recently taken on a whole new appearance and can be found on the new Hands Free Vaporizer boxes) etched onto the glass body. The downstem on each hydrator is not removable. So if you break the downstem, it's game over.
One of the biggest differences between the two hydrators, is the redesigned mouthpiece found on the Mini. Vaporbrothers decided to make the Mini's mouthpiece non-removable. While it gives the Mini a rather clunky appearance, it adds a safety measure to the hydrator. The removable mouthpiece on the Clear Precision hydrator could literally be the downfall of that model. If someone grabbed the CP Hydrator by the mouthpiece and were not quick to react, the result usually ends up being a shattered hydrator. To those that use extra care, the removable mouthpiece on the Clear Precision offers extra advantages. If you break the mouthpiece on the Mini good luck trying to replace it, with the CP VaporWarehouse sells replacement mouthpieces for that hydrator. The other advantage, is with the use of a 14mm ground glass h2o adapter, a hose (VaporWarehouse recommends using Vaporbrothers Silicone hoses with all hydrators), and a mouthpiece of your choice you can extend of the reach of the hydrator. VaporWarehouse recommends using the Vaporbrothers Silicone Hose as they are much more flexible than the Vaporbrothers Clear Hoses.
Vaporists looking for diffusion, the Mini is the clear hands down winner. Unlike the Clear Precision, that has 3 slits on the bottom of the downstem, the Mini has five diffusion slits. Two on each side and one on the bottom for diffusion at it's finest.
Each Hydrator has it's own pluses and minuses. It's up to you to decide which one best suits your needs. If the budget is tight or you have clumsy friends go with the Vaporbrothers Mini Hydrator (although it's probably best to keep those friends away from all your glass). If you are more concerned with appearance or want more versatility, definitely go with the Vaporbrothers Clear Precision Hydrator. Both are great choices, there's no loser here.
Vaporbrothers Clear Precision vs. Mini Hydrator
| | Vaporbrothers Mini Hydrator | Vaporbrothers Clear Precison |
| Bottom Circumference | 7 7/8" | 8 1/2" |
| Upper Circumference | 6 3/8" | 6 3/8" |
| Body Height | 3 6/8" | 4 1/8" |
| Height with H2O Adaptor | 4 7/8" | 6 5/8" |
| Height with Mouthpiece | 7" | 8 5/8" |
| Diffusion Slits | 5 | 3 |
| Mouthpiece | Non-removeable | 14mm |
| Downstem Adaptor Size | 14mm Angled | 19mm Angled |
| Removeable Downstem | No | No |
| Weight | 6.1 oz. | 6.6 oz. |