For anyone who has ever attended a rock concert, it's clear that there's a special synergy between lasers and the euphoric atmosphere created by the smoke of cannabis. Many enthusiasts have likely wondered if there could be a way to merge these two experiences. Well, wonder no more: Luminary has unveiled The Beam, a handheld vaporizer that utilizes a visible class-1 laser to heat cannabis extracts. Initially, I thought this might be a gimmick, but I discovered it to be an ingenious piece of technology for a first-generation product.

The Beam's design is sleek and unassuming, closely resembling traditional handheld vaporizers. It features a sturdy black metal body, measuring approximately 4 x 2 x 1 inches, and weighs in at a lightweight 7 ouncesthe perfect size for discreetly slipping into a front pocket. When you remove the bottom compartment, youll find a small cylindrical cartridge holder, where you can place your desired cannabis material. The modular system allows for the use of both thicker concentrates and thinner oils, enhancing versatility.

At first glance, the vaporizer presents a single button interface which controls the power, temperature adjustments, and activates the laser. A glass window on the opposite side allows you to marvel at the blue laser beam as it illuminates the vapor-filled chambera visually striking feature that adds to the overall experience.

So, what are the pros and cons of The Beam? While it has its quirks, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks. The Beam delivers an incredibly smooth and flavorful vapor and boasts impressive battery life. Moreover, the inclusion of the visible laser enhances its appeal. On the downside, the vaporizer can be somewhat finicky to use initially, and users will likely need to refer to the instructions. Loading the device can also be tricky, and there is no designated storage for the accompanying metal tool.

Now, you may wonder, why utilize a laser for this purpose? Beyond the mesmerizing visual effect, there are practical advantages. Traditional concentrate vaporizers typically employ metal coils or wires, which can lead to several issues, including metal corrosion, uneven heating, and the unpleasant metallic taste that can permeate the vapor. In contrast, the cartridge system used in The Beam is made entirely of non-metal materials. This means theres no risk of metal residue impacting flavor, resulting in a pure and enjoyable vaping experience. The laser efficiently heats the product against a black ceramic tile, ensuring even heating and flavorful vapor, especially at lower temperatures.

Upon opening the packaging, users may feel a bit overwhelmed by the array of accessories included. The kit features a metal tool for loading and stirring the cannabis extract, a silicone sleeve for holding this tool, various cleaning implements, a cartridge for oils, an additional cartridge for concentrates, instructions, and a USB charging cable. The vaporizer comes pre-loaded with one cartridge. It's essential to carefully review the instructions, as using the device intuitively may take some practice. I found myself thankful to be sober during my initial attempts, but once you familiarize yourself with the operation, it becomes quite manageable.

When working with the concentrates cartridge, users will need to scoop a small amount of concentrate, approximately the size of a grain of rice, with the metal tool. This process can feel reminiscent of the popular game 'Operation,' as you cautiously maneuver the sticky substance onto the tiny black ceramic plate located within the cartridge. It can be a fiddly task; you'll often find yourself scraping the goop against the window's sides, but it's crucial to direct the concentrate into the designated area for optimal vaporization. After securing the cartridge back into the vaporizer, you'll notice that the concentrates cartridge features a silicone cylinder at the base to accommodate additional concentrate, enhancing portability.

The oil cartridge, on the other hand, requires more initial effort but allows for extended use without the need for frequent reloading, similar to traditional vape pens. Users simply unscrew the top and fill the food-grade plastic cylinder at the bottom with oil, which typically comes in a syringe. This cartridge, designed to hold 0.95 grams of material, will soon be upgraded to a borosilicate glass version for enhanced quality. The oil cartridge incorporates a longer "wick" that extends into the oil, functioning similarly to a ceramic heat tile found in spacecraft, which adds to its appeal.

Once your cartridge is adequately loaded, the device needs to be powered on by holding down the button to cycle through various power levels, starting with white, indicating the highest temperature at around 400 degrees, followed by green (the lowest) and blue (medium power). While this process may not seem intuitive at first, it becomes second nature with practice. It would be beneficial for future iterations to begin at the low setting and increase from there, rather than starting at the top.

After selecting your desired power level, press the button three times quickly to initiate the device. A vibration signals that it is powered on and ready for use. By holding down the button, users can inhale as the beam activates and heats the chosen substance for as long as the button is pressed.

One of the standout features of The Beams laser system is its instant-on capability. Unlike many handheld vaporizers that require a minute or more to preheat, this device is ready to go almost immediately. Although it may take a couple of puffs for the concentrate to melt onto the heating plate, once it gets going, it rivals the speed of instant-inhale vape pens. The vapor chamber glows blue, and blowing vapor back into the mouthpiece reveals the laser's brilliance, making for an impressive visual experience.

The ultimate verdict? The vapor produced is incredibly tasty and smooth. When I tried the oil cartridge loaded with live resin from Jetty Extracts, the low setting delivered exceptional flavor, reminiscent of fresh cannabis flowers. The terpene profiles were prominent, and the vapor was so smooth that I often questioned whether I was getting sufficient intake until I exhaled a sizable cloud. At the medium setting, the vapor produced a thicker cloud but was harsher on the throat, while the high setting unfortunately resulted in a burnt taste, which I found unpleasant. For those who are more sensitive to harshness, sticking to the low setting is advisable.

Using the concentrates cartridge filled with high-grade live resin (over 80-percent THC) from Raw Garden, I found that the blue setting provided the perfect balance of flavor and cloud production. The vapor was not only thick but also potent, an essential factor for seasoned users. The device vibrates every two seconds while the laser is engaged, serving as a handy dosage gauge; this feature is particularly useful since the smoothness of the vapor might lead some to accidentally overindulge.

Routine cleaning of the device's various components is highly recommended to maintain optimal performance. This includes frequent cleaning of the glass lens through which the laser fires. A cloudy lens can significantly reduce the effectiveness of the vaporization process. Fortunately, Luminary includes foam-tipped swabs specifically designed for this purpose, as regular Q-tips are not suitable due to the risk of fibers blocking the lens. Additionally, cleaning the cartridges every few weeks ensures a consistently enjoyable experience.

As a first-generation product, there are areas for improvement. The oil cartridge, for instance, will soon transition to a glass reservoir, minimizing plastic interaction with the concentrates. Personally, I believe a second button for temperature control would enhance usability, as would more precise temperature adjustments, similar to competitors like the DaVinci. Moreover, housing the metal scooping tool within the device itself would eliminate the need for the bulkiness of the silicone sleeve. Luminary is aware of these considerations and is developing an accessory called the EverDabber, which will allow for easier concentrate loading. This innovative accessory will enable users to load a larger reservoir and dispense smaller amounts of concentrate as needed, enhancing ease of use.

Despite its flaws, I was thoroughly impressed with The Beam during a gathering with friends who are avid cannabis users. When I introduced them to this device, they were initially busy loading a large bong but quickly became engrossed in trying The Beam. With the oil cartridge set to low, all three were captivated by the taste and smoothness, expressing surprise at how much they enjoyed the experience, especially since they typically prefer flower over concentrates. When I revealed the price tag of $200, they unanimously agreed it was a fair investment.

In conclusion, Luminary's The Beam is not just visually striking; it also delivers on functionality, heating rapidly and providing a delicious and smooth vaping experience. I am looking forward to the EverDabber accessory and the potential improvements that future iterations may bring. For now, The Beam stands as the smoothest portable concentrate vaporizer I have ever encountered, all while featuring the added thrill of a laser!