Overview
The Vessel Helix stands as the brand's most ambitious 510 battery to date, introducing a patent-pending double helix air pathway that fundamentally changes how vapor travels from cartridge to mouthpiece. Priced at $65, the Helix occupies the ultra-premium tier of 510 batteries, targeting discerning vapers who demand innovation alongside refinement.
Where other premium batteries focus solely on materials and aesthetics, Vessel engineered the Helix around a radical concept: what if the airpath itself could enhance the vaping experience? The result is a spiral channel that nearly triples the distance vapor travels, cooling it significantly before inhalation. Combined with a textured grip that ensures secure handling and the four-voltage system Vessel perfected across their lineup, the Helix delivers an experience unlike anything else in the 510 market.
Design & Build Quality
The Helix immediately distinguishes itself through its spiral exterior design, which isn't merely decorative. The external helix pattern follows the internal air pathway, creating a visual representation of the engineering within. At 38 grams and 4.2 inches in length, the Helix feels substantial and purposeful in hand.
Vessel crafted the Helix from precision-machined brass, delivering exceptional durability while maintaining a premium heft that signals quality. The textured grip isn't an afterthought; it's meticulously engineered with a diamond-pattern knurling that provides secure purchase without being aggressive or uncomfortable during extended sessions.
Finish Options
The Helix arrives in five carefully curated finishes:
- Gunmetal - Sophisticated, dark metallic gray with subtle depth
- Rose Gold - Warm, elegant copper-pink that catches light beautifully
- Sierra - Earthy copper tones inspired by desert landscapes
- Maritime - Deep navy with subtle metallic undertones
- Black - Classic matte finish for understated elegance
Each finish showcases Vessel's commitment to premium aesthetics. The anodized coating resists scratches and fingerprints, maintaining its appearance through daily use.
The Spiral Air Pathway Revolution
The Helix's defining feature is its double helix air pathway. When you draw on the device, vapor doesn't travel in a straight line from cartridge to mouthpiece. Instead, it spirals through an elongated channel, covering nearly three times the distance. This extended journey through the brass body:
- Cools vapor significantly before it reaches your lips
- Filters out microscopic debris through the spiral motion
- Smooths the draw by eliminating turbulence
- Enhances flavor clarity by reducing harshness
The difference is immediately noticeable. Vapor arrives cooler, smoother, and more refined than from any traditional 510 battery we've tested.
Textured Grip
Vessel recognized that a premium battery shouldn't be slippery. The Helix features a textured grip zone covering the primary contact area, using a precision-machined diamond pattern that provides excellent grip without creating discomfort. Whether your hands are dry or damp, the Helix stays secure.
Features
Four-Stage Voltage Control
The Helix inherits Vessel's proven four-voltage system:
- 2.4V - Ultra-low for maximum flavor with thin oils
- 2.8V - Balanced setting for most cartridges
- 3.2V - Enhanced vapor with maintained flavor
- 3.6V - Maximum production for thick concentrates
These voltages skew lower than many competitors, reflecting Vessel's understanding that quality cartridges perform best at measured temperatures. The 2.4V option is particularly valuable for live resin and high-terpene extracts where heat is the enemy of flavor.
Wide 510 Crown
The Helix features Vessel's signature wide crown connection, accommodating cartridges of all diameters without the wobble, overhang, or poor connection that plagues narrower batteries. Your cartridge sits flush and secure, regardless of its size.
3-LED Indicator System
The triple-LED display provides intuitive feedback for:
- Voltage level - Displayed when cycling settings
- Battery status - Shown during operation
- Charging progress - Indicated while connected to power
The system is simple to learn and provides at-a-glance information without the complexity of digital displays.
USB-C Charging
Modern USB-C charging ensures compatibility with contemporary chargers and faster charging speeds. The included cable means you're ready to charge immediately, and the reversible connector eliminates fumbling in low light.
Performance
In extensive testing, the Helix demonstrated why its $65 price point is justified. The spiral air pathway isn't marketing hyperbole; it genuinely transforms the vaping experience.
Temperature Testing
Using identical cartridges on the Helix and a standard 510 battery at matching voltages, we measured vapor temperature at the mouthpiece:
- At 3.6V, the Helix delivered vapor approximately 15-20% cooler than the standard battery
- At 2.8V, the difference was even more pronounced, with noticeably smoother draws
- At 2.4V, the ultra-cool vapor approached room temperature, preserving delicate terpenes
Flavor Enhancement
The cooled vapor doesn't just feel smoother; it tastes better. Lower temperatures preserve volatile compounds that higher-heat vaping destroys. Across multiple cartridge brands and extraction types, the Helix consistently delivered:
- More nuanced flavor profiles
- Greater terpene expression
- Reduced throat irritation
- Cleaner finish without harsh aftertaste
Voltage Performance
Each voltage setting performs as expected:
2.4V produces whisper-light vapor with exceptional flavor clarity. Ideal for high-quality live resin or when you want to taste every terpene.
2.8V became our daily driver setting, offering the perfect balance of flavor and visible vapor. Most users will find this their go-to.
3.2V increases vapor production while the spiral pathway maintains smoothness. Excellent for standard distillate cartridges.
3.6V delivers substantial clouds, though even at maximum output, the Helix produces smoother hits than competitors at lower voltages.
The Textured Grip Advantage
The diamond-pattern grip proved invaluable during testing. Unlike slick pen-style batteries that can slip, the Helix remains secure in any position. This is particularly important given the device's weight; you want confident handling.
Battery Life
The 350mAh lithium-ion battery represents a meaningful upgrade over Vessel's pen-style offerings. Expect:
- Light users (10-15 puffs/day): 3-4 days between charges
- Moderate users (25-35 puffs/day): 2-3 days between charges
- Heavy users (50+ puffs/day): Daily charging required
USB-C charging completes in approximately 90-120 minutes from empty. The larger battery capacity compensates for the spiral pathway's slightly increased power requirements, resulting in better overall endurance than the Core series.
Who Should Buy This?
The Vessel Helix is ideal for:
- Flavor enthusiasts who want the smoothest, coolest vapor possible
- Premium cartridge users who invest in quality concentrates
- Comfort seekers who find standard vapor too harsh
- Design appreciators who want their battery to make a statement
- Gift buyers seeking an impressive, memorable vaporizer
- Vessel fans upgrading from Core or Compass models
It may not be ideal for:
- Budget-conscious buyers who can't justify the $65 price
- Minimalists who prefer small, lightweight batteries
- Stealth users who need ultra-compact devices
- Tech enthusiasts wanting app connectivity or digital displays
Comparison to Other Vessel Batteries
| Feature | Helix | Core | Compass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $65 | $35 | $80+ |
| Battery | 350mAh | 260mAh | 550mAh |
| Spiral Airpath | Yes | No | No |
| Textured Grip | Yes | No | No |
| Voltage Settings | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Form Factor | Premium cylinder | Pen | Box |
The Helix occupies a unique position: it offers the spiral cooling technology unavailable elsewhere while maintaining a reasonable form factor and price point between the Core and premium Compass series.
The Bottom Line
The Vessel Helix represents genuine innovation in a category where most competitors simply vary aesthetics. The double helix air pathway isn't a gimmick; it measurably cools vapor, enhances flavor, and transforms the cartridge experience. Combined with the textured grip, premium brass construction, and Vessel's four-voltage system, the Helix delivers something no other 510 battery can match.
At $65, the Helix demands a premium. But for vapers who've experienced the difference between a $5 gas station battery and a quality device, the Helix takes that leap even further. It's the first 510 battery that genuinely improves vapor quality rather than just delivering it.
If you prioritize smooth, flavorful draws and don't mind the investment, the Vessel Helix sets a new standard for what a 510 battery can achieve.
Looking for more Vessel products? Check out our Vessel brand page for reviews of their full lineup.
Related: Vessel Helix Manual