Introduction
The Dr. Dabber Boost Evo sits at $154, right between budget e-rigs and premium options like the Switch². Most portable devices make you choose between battery life and vapor quality. The Boost Evo tries to give you both.
And it mostly pulls it off. 60 cycles per charge is exceptional for a portable rig. The quartz-to-glass vapor path keeps your concentrates tasting like they should.
What We Tested
Our hands-on testing methodology
Unit Tested
Dr. Dabber Boost Evo (Black)
Testing Period
10 days of regular use
Temps Tested
All 6 settings (500-750°F)
Atomizer
Stock quartz atomizer
Concentrates Used
Wax, shatter, live rosin
Features Verified
Quick Connect, pass-through charging
Design and Build
At 7.75 inches tall and 12.8 ounces, the Boost Evo is compact enough to actually travel with. It's smaller and lighter than desktop rigs like the Switch², and it doesn't feel cheap.
The soft-touch coating grips well without turning into a fingerprint magnet. A weighted base keeps it stable during sessions, so you won't knock it over reaching for your dab tool.
RGB lighting around the base shows your temperature setting. You can't customize it (no app), but the color-coded feedback is useful when you're cycling through temps.
Quick Connect System
The Quick Connect adapter is the best design choice here. It's a magnetic system that attaches the glass bubbler to the base. No threading, no friction fitting. The glass clicks into place and releases with a slight twist.
What you get:
- Fast assembly and disassembly
- Secure connection that won't pop off mid-session
- Built-in carb button for airflow control
- Easy glass swapping for cleaning or upgrades
The integrated carb button is smart. You get dedicated airflow control without fumbling with a separate carb cap.
What's in the Box
The Boost Evo kit includes:
- Boost Evo base unit
- Quartz atomizer
- Glass bubbler attachment
- Quick Connect adapter
- Custom loading tool
- USB-C charging cable
- Hard carrying case
- User manual
The hard case is a nice bonus. It actually protects the device for travel. Lots of competitors at this price skip the case entirely.
Temperature Settings
The Boost Evo offers six calibrated temperature settings ranging from 500-750°F:
| Setting | Temperature | LED Color | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 500°F | Blue | Flavor-focused, lighter hits |
| 2 | 550°F | Cyan | Balanced low-temp |
| 3 | 600°F | Green | All-around use |
| 4 | 650°F | Yellow | Standard dabbing |
| 5 | 700°F | Orange | Thicker concentrates |
| 6 | 750°F | Red | Maximum vapor, heavy use |
The 500°F floor is higher than some competitors. If you live for low-temp dabs, this might be a dealbreaker. That said, the quartz atomizer and glass pathway still deliver clean flavor at the lower settings.
Heat-up takes 9-12 seconds depending on your temperature. Fast enough that you're not sitting around waiting.
Performance
Vapor Quality
The vapor path matters here. It runs from the quartz atomizer through glass, never touching plastic or metal. Your concentrates taste like your concentrates.
At 500-600°F, flavor is clean with solid terpene expression. Water filtration keeps things smooth, though the smaller glass chamber means less cooling than desktop units.
Crank it to 650-750°F and you're prioritizing clouds over flavor. That's true for any device. The Boost Evo makes respectable vapor at max settings, but it won't match larger e-rigs.
Atomizer Options
The stock quartz atomizer works well for most people. But Dr. Dabber sells a Sapphire atomizer upgrade for $90 that offers:
- Better heat retention for longer sessions
- Cleaner flavor (sapphire is more inert than quartz)
- Easier cleaning
- More even heat distribution
If you're using this thing daily, the sapphire is worth a look. But the stock quartz gets the job done.
Battery Life
60 cycles per charge. That's the headline spec, and it's real. Most portable e-rigs get 20-40 cycles before dying. The Boost Evo nearly doubles that.
What does 60 cycles mean in practice?
- Light users: Multiple days between charges
- Moderate users: A full day, no problem
- Heavy users: Enough for a long outing
USB-C pass-through charging lets you use it while plugged in. Near an outlet? Unlimited sessions. Full charge takes 1-2 hours.
Usability
Single-Button Operation
One button runs the whole thing:
| Action | Function |
|---|---|
| 5 clicks | Power on/off |
| 3 clicks | Cycle temperature |
| 2 clicks | Start heating session |
| Hold during session | Manual heating boost |
Simple enough that anyone can figure it out. The tradeoff? No fine-tuning. You can't adjust session length, create custom temperature curves, or tweak settings like you would with an app-connected device.
Session Flow
- Power on (5 clicks)
- Select temperature (3 clicks to cycle)
- Load concentrate onto the atomizer
- Double-click to start heating
- Wait 9-12 seconds for heat-up
- Inhale while pressing the carb button
- Repeat as desired
The Quick Connect carb button makes airflow control easy. Press for restriction, release for more airflow. Way better than fumbling with separate carb caps.
Water Filtration
The glass bubbler does its job. Fill it just above the intake holes for filtration without splashing.
It's smaller than desktop e-rig glass, which cuts both ways:
- Less cooling than larger units
- Easier to transport and clean
- Less water to deal with
- Quicker turnaround between sessions
For a portable device, the size makes sense. If maximum cooling is your priority, look at the Switch² or other desktop options.
Maintenance
Keeping the Boost Evo clean isn't complicated:
After Each Session
- Q-tip the atomizer while warm
- Empty water if not using again soon
Weekly
- Soak atomizer in isopropyl alcohol
- Clean glass attachment with alcohol
- Wipe base with damp cloth
Atomizer Care
- Replace atomizer when flavor degrades
- Avoid overloading to prevent overflow
- Clean regularly to extend life
Quick Connect makes disassembly fast. Everything that needs cleaning detaches easily.
Comparison to Competitors
vs. Puffco Peak
The Peak is the closest competitor at this price. Boost Evo wins on battery life (60 vs. 30 cycles) and has the Quick Connect system. The Peak has a bigger glass chamber and a more established accessory ecosystem.
vs. Switch²
The Switch² is Dr. Dabber's flagship at $420. It has induction heating, app control, and temps as low as 250°F. Get the Boost Evo for portability and value. Get the Switch² for home use and maximum flavor.
vs. Budget E-Rigs
Sub-$100 e-rigs exist. The Boost Evo beats them on build quality, battery life, and the Quick Connect convenience. You're paying more for real improvements in performance and durability.
Who Should Buy the Boost Evo
Portable users: Size, weight, and battery life make this actually travel-friendly. The included case helps.
All-day users: 60 cycles means no charger anxiety, even with heavy use.
Quality seekers: Quartz-to-glass vapor path gives you clean flavor without paying desktop prices.
First e-rig buyers: Simple to use, quality results. Good starting point.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Low-temp enthusiasts: 500°F minimum might be too hot if you're chasing maximum terpene preservation.
Customization fans: No app means you're stuck with six preset temperatures. That's it.
Desktop users: If you're using this at home and don't need portability, the Switch² offers better flavor and control.
Final Verdict
The Boost Evo is a portable e-rig that doesn't compromise too much on performance. 60 cycles per charge leads its class. The Quick Connect system is clever. Vapor quality satisfies most users.
At $154, it goes head-to-head with the Puffco Peak and wins on battery life and build quality. No app and a higher minimum temp are the tradeoffs. For this price, they're fair.
Want e-rig performance you can actually take places? The Boost Evo delivers. It's not trying to be the Switch². It's trying to be the best portable option in its price range, and it mostly pulls that off.
Related: Dr. Dabber Boost Evo Manual | Dr. Dabber Switch² Review