Prices tracked daily across 100+ shops. Last reviewed: March 2026.
Frolic vs. TEMPEST 2: Electric or Butane Under €200?
Two vaporizers under €200 that the community praises equally — yet could not be more different. The Limelight Frolic from Serbia costs around €189, runs on a 5000 mAh battery, and delivers on-demand vapour in 5 seconds. The MAD Heaters TEMPEST 2 from the UK costs roughly €173, is a battery-free ball vaporizer using pure convection and butane power.
At a Glance: The Frolic is an electric hybrid vaporizer with instant on-demand vapour and the largest battery in its class. The TEMPEST 2 is a ball vaporizer with no electronics, delivering desktop-grade convection via a lighter or induction heater. Similar price, fundamentally different philosophy.
Current prices: Frolic from ~€189 and TEMPEST 2 from ~€173.
Limelight Frolic — On-Demand at the Push of a Button
The Frolic comes from the Serbian Limelight workshop and pairs on-demand heating with a hybrid system of conduction and convection. Heat-up takes 5 seconds — press a button, draw, done. No waiting, no pre-heating, no lighter needed.
The 5000 mAh battery is the largest in its class, easily lasting a full day. Charges via USB-C, no external batteries needed. The bowl handles a full session or quick micro-doses. Max temperature of 230 °C covers the vast majority of users.
Limelight is a small workshop with a loyal reputation in community forums (r/vaporents, FC Forum). The Frolic is a precision-crafted tool, not a mass-market product. From ~€189 — Frolic price comparison
MAD Heaters TEMPEST 2 — Desktop Convection in Your Pocket
The TEMPEST 2 (convection) preserves terpenes noticeably better below 190 °C, heating material only when you inhale. The Frolic (hybrid) produces visible vapor from the first draw with any technique. Heat-up: Frolic 5s vs. TEMPEST 2 15s.
Inside the TEMPEST 2 sit balls (zirconia, steel, ruby, sapphire, quartz, or SiC) that act as a thermal buffer. Air heats over the balls and flows through the herb — pure convection, zero contact. The result: vapour that rivals desktop ball vapes like the Qaroma or B-Zero.
The body is machined from Grade 5 titanium. The bowl adjusts to three sizes (0.1–0.2 g). The 8 mm stem is DynaVap-compatible — the entire accessory ecosystem fits. Heat-up: 10–20 seconds with a jet lighter; also compatible with induction heaters.
MAD Heaters is a small UK workshop. Like Limelight: community-driven, no marketing machine. From ~€173 — TEMPEST 2 price comparison
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Frolic | TEMPEST 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Limelight (Serbia) | MAD Heaters (UK) |
| Heating | Hybrid (Conduction + Convection) | Pure Convection (Ball Vape) |
| Power Source | Battery 5000 mAh (USB-C) | Butane / Induction Heater |
| Heat-up Time | ~5 seconds | 10–20 seconds |
| Session Type | On-Demand | Session-capable (3–8 draws) |
| Max Temperature | 230 °C | 290 °C |
| Stem Format | Proprietary | 8 mm (DynaVap-compatible) |
| Weight | ~180 g | ~46 g |
| Ball Materials | No | 6 options (zirconia, steel, ruby…) |
| Adjustable Bowl | No | Yes (3 positions) |
| Current Price (from) | ~€187 | ~€120 |
| Shops | 26 | 26 |
Vapour Quality
The Frolic delivers dense, instant hybrid vapour — consistent and reliable with every draw. The on-demand system extracts material in a few hits, with flavour particularly strong at lower temperatures.
The TEMPEST 2 uses pure convection through a ball matrix, producing more nuanced, cooler vapour across multiple draws. Experimenting with ball materials lets you shape the vapour profile: steel for density, quartz for flavour, ruby for consistency. The higher max temp (290 °C) allows denser extraction than the Frolic’s 230 °C ceiling.
Everyday Use
The Frolic wins on convenience: 5-second heat-up, push-button operation, no lighter. The 5000 mAh battery lasts a full day. The trade-off: at ~180 g, it is nearly four times heavier than the TEMPEST 2 (46 g) and eventually needs a power outlet.
The TEMPEST 2 is lighter, needs no electricity, and fits in any pocket. But it requires a lighter, takes longer to heat, and demands technique. Its advantage: it works anywhere — no battery, no cable, no power outlet.
Which One Is Right for You?
| Frolic | TEMPEST 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | ✓ 5 sec on-demand ✓ 5000 mAh (all-day) ✓ Push-button operation ✓ No lighter needed ✓ Consistent quality |
✓ Pure convection (ball vape) ✓ 6 ball materials to choose ✓ Adjustable bowl (3 sizes) ✓ DynaVap-compatible (8 mm) ✓ No battery needed (46 g) |
| Weaknesses | ✗ Heavier (~180 g) ✗ Needs a power outlet ✗ Max 230 °C ✗ Proprietary accessories |
✗ Lighter required ✗ Longer heat-up ✗ Learning curve ✗ Similar price but different |
| Shops | 26 | 26 |
Pick the Frolic if: You want instant on-demand vapour with a single button press, prefer not to carry a lighter, and need a vaporizer that lasts all day. The Frolic is the more convenient choice of the two.
Pick the TEMPEST 2 if: You want desktop-grade convection in a pocket device, enjoy experimenting with ball materials, and value independence from power outlets. The TEMPEST 2 rewards technique with more control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which produces better vapour?
Depends on what you value. The Frolic delivers instant, dense hybrid vapour — consistent and reliable. The TEMPEST 2 offers pure convection with more nuance and control through ball selection. For flavour depth, the TEMPEST 2 edges ahead. For convenience and consistency, the Frolic.
Which is better for travel?
Context matters. The Frolic is more convenient (button press, no lighter). The TEMPEST 2 is lighter (46 g vs. 180 g) and needs no electricity. For short trips without outlets: TEMPEST 2. For everyday use with USB-C access: Frolic.
Are both suitable for beginners?
The Frolic more so. Press a button, inhale — no learning curve. The TEMPEST 2 requires practice with heating time and airflow. Both are premium devices, but the Frolic is more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
Can I use the TEMPEST 2 without a lighter?
Yes, with an induction heater. The iSpire Wand, YLL 3.0, or Portside Mini replace the lighter entirely — at an extra cost of €40–€80.
Conclusion
The Frolic and TEMPEST 2 cost nearly the same, but they solve the same problem in opposite ways. The Frolic uses electronics for convenience and consistency. The TEMPEST 2 uses physics and craftsmanship for control and independence. Both rank among the best portables in their respective categories.
Compare prices: Frolic from ~€189 | TEMPEST 2 from ~€173
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Frequently Asked Questions
Preisverlauf
Daily Use and Practicality
In everyday use, heat-up time shapes your routine more than any spec sheet suggests. The Frolic reaches operating temperature in 5 seconds, while the TEMPEST 2 needs 15 seconds. That difference adds up over weeks of daily sessions. Quick morning sessions before work favor the faster device; relaxed evening sessions make the gap irrelevant.
Consider your typical usage pattern. If you vaporize 3-5 times daily, a few seconds per session compound into meaningful time savings. If you have one session per evening, both devices serve equally well. The Frolic rewards impulsive, grab-and-go use. The TEMPEST 2 rewards users who plan their sessions.
Build Quality and Materials
The Frolic: Well-built device with solid materials.
The TEMPEST 2: Well-built device with solid materials.
Water Pipe Compatibility
Both devices support water pipe use. Water filtration cools the vapor and makes higher temperatures more comfortable. WPA adapters (14mm and 18mm joints) are available for both the Frolic and TEMPEST 2. Combining a vaporizer with glass elevates the experience significantly.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Regular cleaning directly affects vapor flavor and device longevity. Both the Frolic and TEMPEST 2 benefit from weekly isopropyl alcohol soaks of removable parts. Screens and seals are consumable items that should be replaced every few months for optimal performance. A basic cleaning kit consisting of isopropyl alcohol (90 percent or higher), cotton swabs, and pipe cleaners covers most devices.
A clean device delivers noticeably better flavor than a neglected one. Most flavor complaints in online forums trace back to insufficient cleaning rather than device limitations. Residue buildup narrows the vapor path, increases draw resistance, and adds a stale taste. Budget 10 minutes per week for maintenance and both devices will perform at their best for years. Deep cleaning every 2-4 weeks prevents hard-to-remove buildup and keeps the airflow unrestricted.
Long-Term Value and Durability
A vaporizer is a long-term investment. Beyond the purchase price, consider replacement parts, cleaning supplies, and eventual battery degradation. The Frolic has the longer warranty at 2 years versus 1 years for the TEMPEST 2.
The resale market for vaporizers is active. Well-maintained devices from reputable brands retain 50-70 percent of their original value after a year. Both the Frolic and TEMPEST 2 hold their value well due to brand reputation and build quality. Buying a quality device upfront typically costs less than cycling through cheaper alternatives.
Community support also factors into long-term value. Devices with large user bases have better troubleshooting resources, aftermarket accessories, and replacement part availability. Both brands covered here have established communities that make ownership easier over the years.
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Who Should Buy Which?
- Users who need quick sessions should pick the Frolic (5s heat-up).
- Off-grid users (camping, travel): TEMPEST 2. Maximum comfort: Frolic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Frolic better than the TEMPEST 2?
Which heats up faster: Frolic or TEMPEST 2?
Which has the better warranty?
Testing and comparing vaporizers at VapoChecker since 2020. 800+ devices, 274 shops, 51 countries.