Overview
The Lookah Seahorse Max takes a different approach than other Seahorse devices. The Pro Plus and 2.0 models focus on portability. The Max focuses on vapor quality through water filtration.
A removable glass percolator sits on top. Fill it with water and every hit passes through, cooling the vapor before it reaches your lungs. Pair that with a 950mAh battery and quartz coils, and you get something that feels closer to a dab rig than a typical nectar collector.
What We Tested
Our hands-on testing methodology
Unit Tested
Lookah Seahorse Max (Black)
Testing Period
9 days desktop use
Coils Tested
Both included quartz tips
Voltages Tested
All 3 settings (3.2V-4.1V)
Water Filtration
Multiple fill levels tested
Arc Stand Tested
Desktop positioning verified
Design & Build Quality
You can tell this isn't a pocket device the moment you pick it up. At 247mm tall and 183 grams, it's bigger and heavier than the Pro models. The aluminum body feels solid though. Has some weight to it in a good way.
The glass bubbler is the visual standout. It attaches securely to the top and adds water filtration without needing separate glass pieces or adapters. Glass quality is decent, and the percolator design does its job.
Arc Stand Design
The included arc stand might be my favorite detail. It's a curved base that holds the Seahorse Max at the right angle for desktop dabbing. Put your concentrate container in front of the stand, heat the tip, and dip. No juggling required.
The stand doubles as storage too. Keeps the device upright and ready to go. A small thing, but it shows Lookah built this for desk use, not pocket carry.
Micro-USB Charging
The charging port is where the Max shows its age. Micro-USB instead of USB-C. Charging takes about 45 minutes, which is fine, but that non-reversible connector feels outdated on a $70 device. The Pro Plus and 2.0 already moved to USB-C.
Features
Integrated Glass Bubbler
The bubbler is why you buy the Max over other Seahorse models. Water filtration brings real benefits:
- Cooled vapor: Hits feel noticeably less hot
- Less harshness: Easier on your throat and lungs
- Filtered hits: Water catches some particulates
- Looks cool: Watching vapor bubble through glass never gets old
The percolator creates good filtration without adding much drag. Glass is thick enough for regular use, but don't drop it.
For filling, add enough water to cover the percolation holes. About 15-20ml works well. Change it every few sessions to keep things tasting fresh.
Dual Quartz Coils
Two quartz coils come in the box. Quartz heats evenly, produces clean flavor, and doesn't add any taste of its own. Having a spare means you can keep dabbing while the other coil soaks in ISO, or swap in a fresh tip if one breaks.
The coils use standard 510 threading, so replacement is simple.
Variable Voltage
Three voltage settings give you temperature control:
| Voltage | LED Color | Character |
|---|---|---|
| 3.2V | Green | Maximum flavor, gentle hits |
| 3.6V | Blue | Balanced performance |
| 4.1V | Purple | Maximum vapor production |
Water filtration plus variable voltage means lots of options. Low temp through water gives smooth, flavorful hits. High temp through water gives big clouds without the throat burn you'd get from unfiltered high-temp dabs.
Manual and Auto Modes
Manual Mode: Hold the power button to heat the tip. Cuts off automatically after 20 seconds.
Auto Mode: Triple-click within 1.5 seconds. The device preheats, then stays at your selected voltage for 30 seconds without needing to hold anything.
Auto Mode works great with the arc stand. Let it preheat, position your concentrate, dab hands-free.
510 Thread Compatibility
Remove the quartz tip and you can screw in 510 cartridges. The big battery makes it a capable cart battery too, though using something this size for carts feels like overkill.
Performance
The water bubbler makes a real difference. Even at the highest voltage, hits feel gentler than direct-from-tip dabbing on other nectar collectors. Cooler, smoother, easier to take bigger hits without coughing.
That 950mAh battery handles heavy use. You'll get way more sessions per charge than the 650mAh Pro models. For home use, battery life stops being something you think about.
Vapor production is solid across all three voltages. Quartz tips heat fast and stay consistent. The water smooths everything out enough that you can push harder than you would with unfiltered devices.
Heating Performance
Heat-up takes 3-5 seconds to reach dabbing temperature. The quartz distributes heat evenly, so it doesn't matter much where your concentrate touches the tip.
Auto mode runs 30 seconds after preheat. Plenty of time for most dabs. You can touch concentrate multiple times in a single session without reheating.
Who Is This For?
Desktop dabbers: If you mainly use concentrates at home and want the smoothest possible hits, this delivers.
People who find nectar collectors harsh: Water filtration actually helps. A lot.
Heavy users: The big battery handles all-day use without constant charging.
Dab rig owners who want convenience: You already know you like water-filtered concentrates. This gives you that with a button instead of a torch.
Gift buyers: The premium packaging and included accessories make it a solid gift for concentrate fans.
Who Should Consider Alternatives?
Portability matters: At 247mm tall and 183g, this doesn't fit in pockets. The Seahorse 2 or Pro Plus are better for on-the-go use.
Budget is tight: The Max costs more than the Pro models. If you don't care about water filtration, save the money.
You want USB-C: The Pro Plus and 2.0 have it. The Max doesn't.
The Bottom Line
The Seahorse Max sits in an interesting spot. Too big to be truly portable, but smaller and easier than a traditional dab rig. That middle ground works if you want water-filtered smoothness without the torch and glass setup.
The bubbler actually improves the experience. Hits feel cooler and go down easier. The arc stand is a nice touch for desktop use. Battery life is excellent.
Micro-USB charging on a $70 device in 2025 is annoying. And yeah, it costs more than other Seahorse models. But if you'll actually use the water filtration at home, no other Seahorse does what this one does. It's not the most portable option. It might be the smoothest one. For more options, check out our best nectar collectors roundup.
Related: Lookah Seahorse Max Manual