Every year, I struggle to find the perfect gift for my brother. He’s the type who appreciates quality over quantity, high-end gadgets, premium accessories, things that show I actually put thought into it. Since he’s been getting into cannabis lately, I figured this year I’d find him something that combined both his interests: premium quality and cannabis consumption.

I started my search looking at everything from luxury watches to high-end headphones, but nothing felt quite right. Then I stumbled into the world of premium vaporisers. I’ll be honest. I didn’t even know “luxury vaporisers” were a thing until I started digging deeper. But once I did, one device kept popping up in forums, reviews, and discussions: something with a gold-coated heating chamber.

That device was the Zeus Arc GT4 from TVape, and what caught my attention wasn’t just the flashy description. It is the combination of German engineering, 24-karat gold components, and this modular pod system that seemed genuinely innovative. But I’m not the type to buy something expensive just because it looks good on paper. I needed to know if this thing actually delivered, so I dug into reviews and comparisons of the dry herb vaporisers to see how it stacked up against the competition. And boy, it was!

So I did what any reasonable person would do: I bought one myself to test it out before wrapping it up as a gift. Over the next couple of weeks, I put the GT4 through its paces, using it with both dry herbs and concentrates, experimenting with different temperature settings, and seeing how it held up in daily use.

First Impressions: Unboxing the GT4

When the package arrived, I could tell immediately that Zeus wasn’t messing around. The GT4 comes in this premium presentation box that feels like you’re unboxing a luxury watch rather than a vaporiser. Inside, everything has its place: the device itself (I went with the 24K Gold Edition because if you’re going luxury, go all in), ArcPods for dry herb, a Wax Pod for concentrates, a multi-tool that magnetically attaches to the device, cleaning tools, and adapters for water filtration.

The device itself is surprisingly compact. But pick it up, and you immediately feel the quality. The gold finish isn’t just painted on; it’s a proper 24-karat PVD coating that catches the light beautifully. The body is food-grade anodised steel (not that you should eat it, as the manual humorously notes), and everything feels precisely machined. There’s no rattle, no loose parts, just solid, premium construction.

Getting Started: Easier Than Expected

I’ll admit, I was a bit intimidated at first. Luxury devices sometimes come with complicated setups that make you feel like you need an engineering degree. But the GT4 surprised me with how straightforward it was.

Before my first real session, I ran a burn-off cycle. It’s basically heating the empty chamber at maximum temperature to clear out any manufacturing residues. Then I charged it up using the USB-C port (thank god, no proprietary cables). The LED lights on the device actually show the charging progress, which is a nice touch. I actually found a Reddit thread where users were discussing whether frequent USB-C charging could damage devices, and it was really helpful to get some practical insights.

Here’s where things get interesting: the GT4 has two distinct modes: one for dry herbs and one for wax concentrates. When you power it on (hold the button for two seconds), it starts in herb mode by default. Three quick clicks switch it to wax mode. The LED system uses colour coding that’s actually intuitive once you understand it:

Here’s where things get interesting: the GT4 has two distinct modes: one for dry herbs and one for wax concentrates. When you power it on (hold the button for two seconds), it starts in herb mode by default. Three quick clicks switch it to wax mode. The LED system uses colour coding that’s actually intuitive once you understand it:

Green lights (1, 2, or 3 LEDs): Lower herb temperatures (195°C, 201°C, 207°C)
Blue lights (1, 2, or 3 LEDs): Higher herb temperatures (213°C, 219°C, 225°C)
Orange lights (1, 2, or 3 LEDs): Wax temperatures (235°C, 245°C, 255°C)

Single clicks cycle through the temps, and the device heats up in about 35 seconds. When it’s ready, you get a vibration and solid LED lights.

The ArcPod System

This is where the GT4 really separates itself from everything else I’ve tested. Most vaporisers make you pack the chamber every single time, which gets messy and annoying, especially when you’re on the go. The ArcPod system eliminates that hassle.

These are small, gold-coated pods that you pre-fill with dry herb. Each one holds about 0.3 grams, which is the perfect amount for a session. I spent one evening grinding up herbs and filling about a dozen pods using the included multi-tool. Then I just stored them in a small container, and boom. I had ready-to-go sessions for days.

When I wanted to use one, I’d just pop off the GT4’s mouthpiece, drop in a filled ArcPod, close it up, and I was ready to go in literally five seconds. No grinding, no packing, no mess. It’s especially clutch when you’re away from home.

One thing I learned the hard way: when using ArcPods, you need to remove the Flow Sink (a small metal piece inside the chamber). Leaving it in restricts airflow too much and makes the draw uncomfortably tight. With it removed, airflow is smooth, and vapour production is excellent.

For concentrates, the Wax Pod works on the same principle. You fill it with about 0.2-0.3 grams of wax, drop it in, switch to wax mode, and you’re set. It keeps everything contained and makes cleanup basically non-existent.

Dry Herb Sessions

For herbs, I found myself gravitating toward the middle temperature range, usually around Level 3 or 4 (207 °C or 213 °C). At these temps, I got vapour that was flavorful, smooth, and substantial without being harsh. The lower green settings (195 °C‑201 °C) preserved those subtle, aromatic notes really well, almost like a flavour-focused session where you’re tasting every terpene. The higher blue settings (219 °C‑225 °C) produced thicker, denser clouds but sacrificed some of the nuanced flavours. As CannaMD notes, “the optimal temperature range for vaporising marijuana is generally between 180 °C and 210 °C to balance flavour and cannabinoid extraction” (source), which aligns perfectly with the GT4’s middle settings.

What impressed me most was the consistency. Every draw felt controlled and even. There were no hot spots or uneven heating that sometimes happens with cheaper devices. The gold-coated chamber and heat sink genuinely seem to distribute heat more evenly, and the dual-screen filtration system keeps the vapour smooth by catching fine particles before they reach your mouth.

Each session runs for six minutes before auto-shutoff, which I found to be just about perfect. Sometimes I’d finish before then, but the motion sensor is smart. If you set the device down for 45 seconds, it starts cooling, and after a couple more minutes of inactivity, it shuts off completely to save battery.

Concentrate Sessions

Switching to concentrates was seamless. I’d fill a Wax Pod, drop it into the chamber (again, Flow Sink removed), triple-click to wax mode, and select my temperature. For wax, the GT4 offers three settings, all specifically tuned for concentrates.

The vapour from concentrates was notably denser and more intense. At the highest setting (255°C), I got thick, potent clouds, though the flavour was less nuanced than at lower temps. The middle setting (245°C) struck the best balance for me as it gave strong vapour with decent flavour retention.

Wax sessions auto-shut off after two minutes, which makes sense since concentrates vaporise faster than herbs. The Wax Pod itself is brilliant because it contains all the sticky residue. Cleanup is literally just removing the pod and wiping it out. I didn’t need to scrape the chamber or deal with baked-on wax.

The gold-coated ArcPods are particularly clever. They have integrated mesh screens at the base that filter out particles while the gold coating ensures efficient heat transfer. Combined with the double-screen system at the heat sink (vapour passes through two layers of filtration), you get exceptionally clean, smooth draws.

Is all this gold necessary?

Technically, no.

You could build a functional vaporiser without it.

But does it make a tangible difference in vapour quality and consistency?

Absolutely.

As a gift, there’s something undeniably special about giving someone a device made with 24-karat gold.

Battery Life and Practical Use

The GT4 packs a 3500 mAh battery, and in real-world use, it performed admirably. On a full charge, I could get through about five or six herb sessions or seven to eight wax sessions (since wax sessions are shorter). For moderate daily use, that meant charging every two to three days.

Charging via USB-C took about 90 minutes from empty to full, which is reasonable. I appreciated the battery check feature. It just gives the device two quick shakes, and the LEDs display the remaining charge level. It’s a small touch, but it’s those kinds of thoughtful details that add up.

The motion sensor battery-saving feature actually works well. If you put the device down mid-session and forget about it, it won’t just sit there draining power. It recognises inactivity and powers down gracefully.

Portability: Pocket-Friendly Luxury

Despite being a premium device, the GT4 doesn’t sacrifice portability. It fits easily in my jeans pocket or jacket. The gold finish does attract fingerprints more than the black version would, but I found myself not caring; it just looks too good.

The real portability advantage comes back to the ArcPod system. I could load up four or five pods into a small container, toss them in my bag with the GT4, and have multiple sessions ready to go wherever I was. No grinder, no loose herb, no mess. Just grab the device, pop in a pod, and go.

For a weekend trip, I packed the GT4, about eight pre-filled ArcPods, two Wax Pods, and the cleaning tools in a small case. Everything fit easily, and I had more than enough for the entire trip without needing to prep anything on the spot. I loved the convenience, but I’ll admit I was a little concerned about the lingering smell. Even with a vaporiser, cannabis aroma can cling to clothes or luggage, which isn’t ideal when travelling. After some searching, I came across a comprehensive guide on how to get rid of weed smell that walks through storage tips, odour-neutralising techniques, and other practical strategies. Knowing I had those options gave me peace of mind for the trip.

Cleaning and Maintenance: Surprisingly Easy

I expected a device this premium to be finicky about maintenance, but the GT4 is actually straightforward to keep clean.

After every few sessions, I’d pop off the mouthpiece, remove the heat sink and screens, and soak them in isopropyl alcohol for 20-30 minutes. A quick scrub with the included cleaning tool, a rinse, and everything was spotless.

The chamber itself I’d wipe down with alcohol-dipped cotton swabs. Because the ArcPods contain most of the material, the chamber stays relatively clean compared to direct-loading vaporisers. Even after two weeks of regular use, there was minimal residue buildup.

The Wax Pods made concentrate cleanup even easier. Instead of scraping sticky wax out of the chamber, I just removed the pod, wiped it out, and I was done. This alone is worth the price of admission if you use concentrates regularly.

Why the GT4 Works as a Holiday Gift

From my experience, the Zeus Arc GT4 is suitable as a high-end holiday gift because it balances functionality with refined construction. Its 24-karat gold coating distinguishes it visually from other devices without affecting its usability. The combination of temperature control, dual-use compatibility, and a modular pod system makes it versatile for different preferences.

The device is portable but substantial, providing a sense of quality in hand. Accessories like the Iceborn and waterpipe adapters offer flexibility in how they are used. Its performance was consistent across multiple sessions, making it practical for someone who values a reliable, high-end device.

My Final Thoughts

The Zeus Arc GT4 lives up to its “Rolex of vaporisers” reputation. It’s expensive, yes, but it delivers a level of quality, performance, and sophistication that justifies the price. Using it felt like a genuine upgrade from every other vaporiser I’ve tried.

For my brother, this is exactly the type of gift that shows I paid attention to what he values. It’s not just functional; it’s something he’ll appreciate for years, something that combines craftsmanship with everyday utility.

If you’re shopping for someone who appreciates premium products, takes their cannabis consumption seriously, and values design as much as performance, the Zeus Arc GT4 is worth every penny. It’s not a vaporiser, it’s a statement piece that happens to work exceptionally well.

After all my testing, I’m not just giving this to my brother as a gift. I’m already planning to order a second one for myself. That’s probably the highest recommendation I can give.

Also, if you want more ideas for luxury gifts this holiday season, check out our full Christmas Gift Guide for inspiration. After all my testing, I’m not just giving this to my brother as a gift. I’m already planning to order a second one for myself. That’s probably the highest recommendation I can give.