Overview
The Vessel Compass is their flagship 510 battery, and it's easy to see why. It fits in your palm, fully protects your cartridge, and feels like something you'd actually want to carry around. Most 510 batteries leave your cart exposed. This one doesn't.
Vessel made their name by treating vape batteries like actual products worth designing well. The Compass shows that off. Weighted aluminum body. A swivel that clicks into place. Small stuff that adds up.
What We Tested
Our hands-on testing methodology
Unit Tested
Vessel Compass (Gunmetal)
Testing Period
1 week daily carry
Cartridges Tested
5 different brands/viscosities
Voltages Tested
All 4 settings (2.4V-3.6V)
Features Verified
Drop-in fit, swivel mechanism
Carry Tested
Pocket, bag, and desk use
Design & Build Quality
Premium Materials
The Compass uses anodized aluminum for the back cover and a plastic faceplate up front. At 70 grams, it has real weight to it. You won't mistake this for a cheap pen.
The anodized finish holds up well against scratches. It fits naturally in your hand, and at 2.625" x 1.625" x 0.75", it's still small enough for your pocket.
Available Colors
| Color | Style |
|---|---|
| Gunmetal | Dark, professional |
| Copper | Warm, classic |
| Yosemite | Nature-inspired |
| Mojave | Desert aesthetic |
Drop-In Cartridge Protection
This is the big selling point. Your cartridge drops into the body and stays fully enclosed. No exposed glass. No worrying about cracks when it's in your pocket or bag.
The design also keeps things discreet since there's no visible cartridge. And because it stores vertically, you get less leaking. It looks like a nice accessory rather than an obvious vape pen.
Cartridge Swivel
The cartridge chamber swivels so you can point the mouthpiece wherever feels natural. Sounds minor. Actually makes a difference when you're using it throughout the day.
Features
Four Voltage Settings
You get four voltage options, which is more than most batteries offer:
| Voltage | LED Color | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4V | White | Maximum flavor, thin oils |
| 2.8V | Blue | Light vapor, flavor focus |
| 3.2V | Green | Balanced vapor and flavor |
| 3.6V | Red | Maximum vapor, thick oils |
Triple-click the power button to cycle through settings. The LED color tells you where you're at.
LED Battery Indicator
Three LEDs show your remaining battery:
| LEDs Lit | Battery Level |
|---|---|
| 3 LEDs | 70-100% |
| 2 LEDs | 30-70% |
| 1 LED | 10-30% |
| Flashing | Low battery |
Universal 510 Compatibility
Works with standard 510 thread cartridges, though extra-wide ones might not fit. The recessed connection keeps things secure and consistent.
Accessory Compatibility
- Compatible: Ridge Charger, Scout Case
- Not Compatible: Hub Case, Apex Charger
Performance
Vapor Production
Vapor stays consistent across all settings. The 550mAh battery delivers steady power, so you don't get that fading hit you sometimes notice on cheaper batteries.
Lower voltages (2.4V-2.8V) give you more flavor, cooler vapor, and work best with thin to medium oils. If you care about terpenes, stay on the lower end.
Crank it to 3.2V or 3.6V for bigger clouds and stronger effects. These higher settings handle thick distillates better and give more throat hit.
Battery Life
The 550mAh battery lasts 2-4 days if you're a light user, 1-2 days for moderate use. Heavy users will probably charge daily.
USB-C means fast charging. You're back to full in 1-2 hours.
Heating Response
No waiting around. Press the button and it heats immediately. Power delivery stays consistent through your session.
Build Comparison
Here's how the Compass stacks up against Vessel's other batteries like the Vessel Core:
| Feature | Compass | Core | Vista |
|---|---|---|---|
| Battery | 550mAh | 240mAh | 550mAh |
| Voltages | 4 | 3 | 4 |
| Protection | Full | Exposed | Full |
| Swivel | Yes | No | Yes |
| Price | $45 | $30 | $60 |
Who Is It For?
Ideal Users
The Compass makes sense if you care about build quality and want something that feels solid. Good for people who keep breaking cartridges on exposed pen batteries. Also a solid gift since the packaging and presentation are nice.
If you're into flavor and want to dial in your voltage settings, you'll appreciate the four options here.
Consider Alternatives If
You're on a tight budget. You want something super slim. You need pass-through charging (the Compass doesn't have it). Or you want more color choices.
Value Assessment
$45 is real money for a 510 battery. But the Compass earns it. If you're looking for alternatives, check out our list of the best 510 thread batteries.
The build quality means it'll last. The cartridge protection saves you from breaking carts. Small touches like the swivel actually improve daily use. And you get a 6-month warranty.
If you've ever cracked a cartridge because it was sticking out of a cheap pen, you know how fast those replacement costs add up. The Compass pays for itself.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Solid aluminum build that actually feels nice
- Your cartridge stays protected inside the body
- Swivel mouthpiece for comfortable positioning
- Four voltage levels give you control
- Good weight and grip
- USB-C charging
Cons:
- $45 is steep compared to basic pens
- Only works with some Vessel accessories
- Limited color selection
- Extra-wide carts might not fit
Verdict
The Compass is Vessel's flagship for a reason. $45 is a lot for a battery, but you're paying for real build quality and a design that actually protects your cartridges. Most pen batteries can't say that.
If you've dealt with cracked carts, leaking oil, or cheap plastic that falls apart, this is the upgrade worth making. It feels like something you'd want to use rather than just something that gets the job done.
For people who want quality and don't mind paying for it, the Compass should be at the top of your list.
Related: Vessel Compass Manual