How to Grind, Pack, and Dose for Optimal Performance (2025 Guide)

Introduction

How you prepare your herb has a huge impact on vapour quality, flavour, and efficiency. Even the best vaporizer won’t perform at its peak without the right grind, pack, and dose.

This guide explains how to grind, pack, and dose properly for dry herb vaporizers, with examples from top brands like Storz & Bickel, Arizer, PAX, XMAX, DaVinci, and Dynavap — all available at DopeVapes.co.uk.

For a full overview of types, heating methods, and buying advice, see our Ultimate Guide to Dry Herb Vaporizers in the UK (2025 Edition).

Step 1: Grinding Your Herb

A consistent grind ensures even heating and better vapour.

• Conduction vapes (e.g. PAX Mini, DaVinci Miqro):
  • Use a fine-to-medium grind for maximum surface contact.
  • A firm pack improves efficiency.
• Convection vapes (e.g. XMAX V3 Pro, Storz & Bickel Venty):
  • Use a medium grind to allow airflow.
  • Avoid over-grinding, which clogs screens.
• Hybrid vapes (e.g. Mighty+, Arizer Solo 3 V2, PAX Flow):
  • Perform best with a medium grind for balance.
• Mechanical vapes (e.g. Dynavap VonG):
  • Handle a coarser grind and smaller loads well, since chambers are compact.

👉 Pro Tip: Use a quality grinder for consistent results. Multi-piece grinders also collect kief, which can be sprinkled into bowls later.

Step 2: Packing the Chamber

How you pack determines vapour density, airflow, and flavour.

• Conduction devices: Pack firmly so herb contacts the oven walls, but don’t block airflow.
• Convection devices: Pack loosely to allow hot air to flow through evenly.
• Hybrid devices: A medium, balanced pack works best.
• Dosing capsules: For models like the XMAX Starry V4 and V3 Pro, capsules simplify packing and keep ovens cleaner.

👉 Pro Tip: Tap the device lightly after loading to settle the herb evenly. For smaller ovens (like the PAX Mini), use spacers or half-pack lids for partial doses.

Step 3: Dosing for Optimal Performance

Dosing is about choosing the right amount for your style of use.

• Microdosing:
  • Use 0.05–0.1g in on-demand or mechanical devices.
  • Perfect for light, controlled effects.
  • Best in devices like the Tinymight 2, VonG, or using dosing capsules in the V3 Pro.
• Standard sessions:
  • 0.15–0.25g works well in most portables like the PAX Flow, Mighty+, or Arizer Solo 3 V2.
  • Produces multiple smooth draws with consistent flavour.
• Group sessions / desktops:
  • 0.3g+ in large chambers such as the Volcano Hybrid, Volcano Classic, or Arizer XQ2.
  • Balloon and whip systems are designed for sharing.

👉 Pro Tip: Pre-pack dosing capsules for consistent, mess-free dosing. Especially useful for medical users.

FAQs (Great for Voice Search)

• Q: Should I grind fine or coarse for my vaporizer?
  A: Fine for conduction, medium for convection, medium-fine for hybrids.
• Q: How tight should I pack my vaporizer?
  A: Conduction vapes prefer firmer packs, convection vapes work best loosely packed.
• Q: What is microdosing with a vaporizer?
  A: Using small amounts (0.05–0.1g) for lighter effects or precise medical control.
• Q: Do I need dosing capsules?
  A: Not essential, but they improve cleanliness and consistency.

Our Staff Picks for Best Performance

• Budget-Friendly:
  • XMAX Starry V4 — affordable, capsule-ready, good flavour.
  • XMAX V3 Pro — versatile with session/on-demand modes.
• Mid-Range:
  • PAX Flow — sleek, hybrid heating, easy to load.
  • Arizer Solo 3 V2 — excellent flavour, forgiving with pack styles.
• Premium:
  • Storz & Bickel Venty — powerful airflow, convection-leaning hybrid, premium build.
  • Mighty+ — consistent performance, great for standard doses.
  • Tinymight 2 - Hybrid Heating, versatile, powerhouse
• Mechanical:
  • Dynavap VonG — rugged, battery-free, efficient with small loads.
• Desktop:
  • Volcano Hybrid — best for large sessions and precise dosing.
  • Arizer XQ2 — underrated value, versatile balloon/whip system.

Final Thoughts

Grind, pack, and dose may seem like small details, but they make the biggest difference in vapour quality and efficiency. Conduction devices prefer fine grinds and firmer packs, convection vapes thrive on medium grinds and loose packs, and dosing capsules bring extra convenience.

👉 For more usage tips, check out our How to Use a Dry Herb Vaporizer (Step-by-Step Guide).
👉 Or explore our full collection of vaporizers to find your ideal match.

About the Author

Written by the DopeVapes editorial team — dry herb vaporizer specialists with over a decade of experience helping UK customers prepare, pack, and dose their vaporizers for maximum performance.