Overview
The Vessel Compass Rise represents the evolution of one of the most acclaimed 510 batteries on the market. Building on the success of the original Compass, the Rise edition introduces enhanced ergonomics, refined aesthetics, and the same premium build quality that has made Vessel a favorite among discerning vapers.
At $69, this is firmly premium territory. But Vessel has built its reputation on the principle that a quality battery enhances the entire vaping experience, and the Compass Rise delivers on that promise with five voltage settings, a protective drop-in cartridge design, and construction that feels like it belongs in a luxury goods catalog.
Design & Build Quality
The Compass Rise is, simply put, beautiful. The all-metal exterior has a weight and solidity that immediately communicates quality. At 100g, it's substantially heavier than basic stick batteries, but that heft translates to a premium feel that budget options can't replicate.
Vessel offers the Compass Rise in two sophisticated colorways: Obsidian (black) and Sage (green). Both feature the brand's signature minimalist aesthetic that looks at home whether you're at a dinner party or a casual outdoor gathering.
Drop-In Cartridge Protection
The standout design feature is the drop-in cartridge chamber. Rather than exposing your cartridge to potential damage, the Compass Rise envelops it within the device body. This provides several benefits:
- Protection - Cartridges are shielded from impacts and accidental drops
- Discretion - The cartridge is less visible when inserted
- Stability - Cartridges can't wobble or get knocked loose
The swivel mechanism allows you to adjust mouthpiece alignment for comfortable draws regardless of your grip.
Stands Upright
A thoughtful detail: the Compass Rise can stand upright on its own. This prevents your cartridge from sitting in a position where oil can leak or pool awkwardly. It also makes the device easy to spot on a desk or nightstand.
Features
Five Voltage Settings
The Compass Rise provides five power levels, offering more granularity than most competitors:
- 1.9V - Ultra-low for maximum flavor and thin oils
- 2.4V - Low vapor with excellent terpene preservation
- 2.8V - Balanced everyday setting
- 3.2V - Increased vapor production
- 3.6V - Maximum power for thick concentrates
This range spans from gentler than most batteries go (1.9V) to slightly above average at the top end (3.6V). The five settings let you dial in your experience with precision that three or four-setting batteries can't match.
Voltage Memory
The Compass Rise remembers your preferred voltage setting between sessions. Turn it off at 2.8V, and it powers back on at 2.8V. It's a small detail that eliminates the minor annoyance of resetting your preference every time you use the device.
Pre-Heat Function
For thick oils that need warming before use, the pre-heat function gently raises the temperature to improve flow without risking combustion. This is particularly useful on cold days or with cartridges that have been sitting unused.
Three LED Indicators
The Compass Rise uses three LEDs to communicate both battery level and current voltage setting. While not as precise as a digital display, the triple-LED system provides clear feedback at a glance.
550mAh Battery
The 550mAh lithium-ion battery provides solid capacity for a device in this form factor. Most users will get 1-2 days between charges, and USB-C charging makes topping up quick and convenient.
Performance
In testing, the Compass Rise delivered exactly what we expected from a premium Vessel product: consistent, reliable performance across all voltage settings.
At the lower voltages (1.9V and 2.4V), flavor clarity is exceptional. These settings pair beautifully with live resin and full-spectrum cartridges where you want to taste every terpene. The 1.9V setting is gentler than many batteries offer, making it ideal for users who prioritize flavor over cloud production.
The 2.8V setting serves as an excellent all-rounder. It's the sweet spot for most cartridges and most users, delivering balanced flavor and vapor.
At 3.2V and 3.6V, vapor production increases noticeably. These settings handle thick distillates with ease and satisfy users who want visible clouds with their draws.
The drop-in design ensures consistent cartridge connection, and we experienced zero connection issues during our testing period. Every draw fired reliably.
Comparison to Original Compass
For those familiar with the original Vessel Compass, the Rise edition offers several improvements:
- Enhanced ergonomics - Refined shape for more comfortable grip
- Updated aesthetics - Modernized design language
- Same core excellence - All-metal build, voltage options, cartridge protection
If you loved the original Compass, the Rise is a worthy upgrade. If you're new to Vessel, the Rise represents their current best thinking on what a 510 battery should be.
Compatibility
The Compass Rise works with most 510 thread cartridges up to 11.5mm in diameter, with 1g cartridges being the recommended size. Larger cartridges may not fit properly in the drop-in chamber.
Vessel accessory compatibility:
- Compatible: Hub Case, Apex Charger
- Not Compatible: Scout Case, Ridge Charger
Who Should Buy This?
The Compass Rise is perfect for:
- Premium cartridge users who want a battery that matches their oil quality
- Design-conscious vapers who appreciate premium materials and aesthetics
- Quality-first buyers who believe you get what you pay for
- Heavy users who benefit from cartridge protection
- Anyone tired of replacing cheap batteries every few months
It may not be ideal for:
- Budget-conscious shoppers looking for maximum value
- Users who prefer ultra-compact, pocket-friendly devices
- Those who need variable wattage or advanced features
The Bottom Line
The Vessel Compass Rise is a statement piece. At $69, it costs more than many vapers spend on batteries, but it delivers an experience that budget options simply cannot match.
The all-metal construction will last for years. The five voltage settings provide precision control. The drop-in design protects your investment in premium cartridges. And the aesthetics? Nothing else in the category comes close.
If you're the type of person who buys quality once rather than cheap twice, the Compass Rise rewards that philosophy. It's the last 510 battery you'll need to buy, and every draw will remind you why premium matters.
Related: Vessel Compass Rise Manual