Overview
The Pulsar SYNDR enters the competitive budget dry herb vaporizer market with a compelling proposition: capable performance at a price point accessible to nearly everyone. At under $30, it undercuts much of its competition while delivering features typically reserved for more expensive devices.
Standing just 4.25 inches tall with dimensions of 25mm x 18.2mm x 108.9mm, the SYNDR is genuinely pocket-friendly. This isn't a device you'll struggle to carry; it disappears into a pocket or bag with ease. Yet despite its compact footprint, Pulsar has managed to include four temperature settings, an 880mAh battery, USB-C charging, and thoughtful design elements like haptic feedback and a ceramic heat sink mouthpiece.
The SYNDR represents Pulsar's understanding that not every user needs or wants a premium-priced vaporizer. For beginners exploring dry herb vaporization, casual users who don't vape daily, or experienced consumers seeking an affordable backup device, the SYNDR offers a legitimate option worth considering.
Design & Build Quality
The SYNDR's design prioritizes portability without completely sacrificing ergonomics. The elongated cylindrical shape fits naturally in hand, with a slight taper that provides comfortable grip during use. The overall aesthetic is clean and understated, avoiding the aggressive styling that makes some vaporizers conspicuous.
Materials and Construction
The exterior shell combines plastic and metal elements in a way that feels more substantial than the price suggests. While it won't be mistaken for a premium all-metal device, the construction is solid with no noticeable flex or creaking. The matte finish resists fingerprints reasonably well and provides adequate grip.
The mouthpiece incorporates ceramic and silicone materials serving as a heat sink. This design choice keeps draws comfortable even during extended sessions, preventing the lip-burning that plagues lesser devices. The mouthpiece also includes LED indicators visible during operation.
Chamber and Airpath
The bottom-loaded stainless steel herb chamber accepts finely ground material and heats via conduction from multiple directions. Air flows from the chamber base, drawing heat evenly across the material as you inhale. The chamber capacity is appropriate for solo sessions, holding enough herb for satisfying use without waste.
A silicone cover protects the USB-C charging port from debris and moisture, a thoughtful inclusion that helps maintain long-term reliability. Stainless steel chamber screens (two included) prevent draw-through and keep the airpath clean.
Available Colors
The SYNDR comes in several color options to match personal style:
- Classic Black
- Sleek Silver
- Vibrant Blue
- Stylish Red
- Thermo Series (color-changing variants)
The Thermo Series is particularly interesting, featuring heat-reactive colors that shift during use, though functionality remains identical across all variants.
Features
Four Temperature Settings
The SYNDR offers four preset temperature options, allowing users to customize their sessions based on preference:
| Setting | Temperature | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 360°F | Maximum flavor, light vapor, terpene preservation |
| 2 | 380°F | Balanced flavor and vapor |
| 3 | 410°F | Increased vapor production |
| 4 | 440°F | Maximum extraction, dense clouds |
Cycling through temperatures is simple: click the power button during operation to advance to the next setting. The LED indicator changes color to reflect the current temperature, making it easy to identify your selection at a glance.
The range from 360°F to 440°F covers the practical spectrum for dry herb vaporization. Lower temperatures extract lighter, more flavorful compounds while preserving delicate terpenes. Higher temperatures maximize total extraction and vapor density at the expense of some flavor nuance.
Single-Button Operation
All SYNDR functions operate through a single button, keeping the interface intuitive:
- 5 clicks: Power on/off
- During session: Single click cycles temperature
- Press and hold: Heat activation (or auto-draw, depending on model variant)
This simplicity benefits new users who might find multi-button interfaces confusing. There's no learning curve; anyone can pick up the SYNDR and start using it within minutes.
Haptic Feedback
The SYNDR provides haptic (vibration) feedback at key moments:
- When the device reaches target temperature
- When session timer nears completion
- During certain button interactions
This tactile feedback is more useful than you might expect. Rather than constantly watching LED indicators, you can feel when the device is ready. It's especially helpful when using the SYNDR in situations where visual attention isn't practical.
30-Second Heat-Up
From button press to ready-to-vape, the SYNDR reaches temperature in approximately 30 seconds. While not the fastest heat-up in the category, it's quick enough for practical use without frustrating waits. The heat-up time is consistent across all temperature settings.
180-Second Session Timer
Each session runs for 180 seconds (3 minutes) before auto-shutoff. This timer provides consistent session length and prevents accidental battery drain if you forget to power off. For some users, 3 minutes feels restrictive; you can immediately restart for back-to-back sessions, but there's no way to extend the timer.
USB-C Charging
Perhaps surprisingly for a sub-$30 device, the SYNDR includes USB-C charging rather than the increasingly outdated micro-USB. This modern charging standard means faster charging times and compatibility with the cables most users already have. The included USB-C cable works perfectly, though any standard USB-C cable will suffice.
Performance
Vapor Quality
The SYNDR produces respectable vapor quality considering its price point and heating method. Conduction heating works by directly contacting herb with heated chamber walls, which the SYNDR implements effectively through its multi-directional heating approach.
At lower temperatures (360°F-380°F), vapor is light and flavorful. Terpene expression is good, especially on fresh herb, though not quite matching dedicated flavor-focused devices. The ceramic heat sink mouthpiece contributes to comfortable draws that don't feel harsh on the throat.
At higher temperatures (410°F-440°F), vapor density increases substantially. Those prioritizing thick clouds over nuanced flavor will find the 440°F setting delivers satisfying output. Extraction feels thorough, with spent herb emerging evenly browned.
Conduction Heating Characteristics
As a conduction device, the SYNDR has inherent heating characteristics users should understand:
Advantages:
- Faster heat-up time than convection
- Consistent temperature maintenance
- Simpler, more reliable heating system
- Lower manufacturing cost (enabling the budget price)
Considerations:
- Herb touching chamber walls heats more than center material
- Stirring between draws improves even extraction
- Herb continues cooking between draws (even without inhaling)
- May produce slightly toasted flavor toward session end
These characteristics aren't flaws but rather traits of conduction heating generally. Experienced users often develop techniques (like occasional stirring or pulsed draws) to optimize extraction.
Battery Life
The 880mAh battery provides adequate power for casual use but may feel limiting for heavy users. Expect approximately:
- Light use: 4-6 sessions per charge
- Moderate use: 3-4 sessions per charge
- Heavy use: 2-3 sessions per charge
Session count varies based on temperature settings (higher temps drain battery faster) and ambient conditions. USB-C charging helps offset the moderate capacity, with full charges completing in approximately 60-90 minutes.
For users planning extended outings, the compact size makes carrying a power bank or using car charging practical options.
Real-World Usage
In daily use, the SYNDR performs as expected for its category. Heat-up feels appropriately quick, vapor production satisfies without impressing, and the overall experience is competent and reliable.
The 3-minute session timer becomes the most noticeable limitation during actual use. For quick sessions, it's perfectly adequate. For leisurely use or sharing, you'll find yourself restarting sessions regularly. This isn't unusual for budget devices but worth noting for those accustomed to longer timers.
Pocket carry works well thanks to the genuinely compact dimensions. The charging port cover prevents debris accumulation, and the sturdy construction handles daily carry without concerning flex or fragility.
Who Is This For?
The Pulsar SYNDR targets several specific user profiles:
Beginners: Those new to dry herb vaporization get a capable introduction without significant financial commitment. The simple operation, clear temperature options, and forgiving design make it an excellent learning device.
Budget-Conscious Consumers: Users who want dry herb vaporization without premium pricing will find the SYNDR delivers legitimate value. It's not a toy or novelty; it's a functional vaporizer at an accessible price.
Backup Device Seekers: Experienced vapers wanting an inexpensive backup for travel or situations where they wouldn't want to risk their primary device will appreciate the SYNDR's disposability. If lost or damaged, replacement doesn't sting.
Casual Users: Those who vape dry herb occasionally rather than daily may not need premium features. The SYNDR provides "good enough" performance for irregular use without paying for capabilities they'd rarely utilize.
Gift Givers: The combination of affordable pricing and genuine functionality makes the SYNDR a thoughtful gift for curious friends or family members interested in trying dry herb vaporization.
The Bottom Line
The Pulsar SYNDR demonstrates that budget-friendly doesn't have to mean feature-poor or unreliable. For under $30, Pulsar delivers a dry herb vaporizer with four temperature settings, USB-C charging, haptic feedback, and genuinely compact dimensions. That's a compelling package at any price; at this price, it's remarkable.
Performance is appropriate for the category: satisfying without being exceptional. Vapor quality is good, especially at lower temperatures where flavor shines. The conduction heating works as intended, though users seeking the most even extraction may eventually graduate to convection devices.
The 880mAh battery and 3-minute session timer represent the most significant limitations. Neither is a dealbreaker, but both influence how and when you'll use the device. For quick solo sessions, they're non-issues. For extended use or sharing, they require accommodation.
Should you buy the SYNDR? If you're new to dry herb vaporization, absolutely. If you need an affordable backup or travel device, certainly. If you're a budget-conscious consumer who simply doesn't want to spend premium prices, the SYNDR earns a recommendation.
If you're an experienced user seeking top-tier performance, the SYNDR won't replace your primary device. But that's not its purpose. As an entry point, backup, or budget option, the Pulsar SYNDR delivers genuine value that's difficult to match at its price point.
Related: Pulsar SYNDR Manual