Hidden Hills' unique mystique stems from its reference to the exclusive, private community of Hidden Hills, California where celebrities reside. The Hidden Hills name implies that there will be an exceptional and secretive experience offered by the brand. I've personally experienced the rise of Hidden Hills from being a popular newcomer within the vape world to now becoming a staple within dispensaries across the country.
However, with their new lines of devices, they seem to be taking the user experience to the next level, while still maintaining the allure of the brand. I decided to spend some time with their latest products to see if they were truly delivering more than just good branding.
First Impressions: The Unboxing as an Experience
One of the things that Hidden Hills is doing exceptionally well is creating a deliberate unboxing experience. The battery for one of their new disposables is substantial and a noticeable upgrade over the cheap, plastic, flimsy disposables that I've seen so much of lately. The battery itself is made of a matte finish material that gives a sense of quality. Their minimalistic logo is not printed onto the battery, it's actually molded onto it providing a more premium feel.
This is not my opinion, but rather a design decision based on consumer behavior research. A 2022 Journal of Consumer Marketing study concluded that superior haptic feedback (the feel of a product) can improve users perceptions of the products quality and value by up to 25 percent. Hidden Hills did an excellent job of creating a premium feeling product immediately upon picking it up.
The Hardware Evolution: Where Form Meets Function
The real innovation that Hidden Hills is bringing to the table with their new line of products is their upgraded hardware. They're moving away from using generic and cheap parts, and it shows in the final product.
1. The Ceramic Coil Revolution
I've long complained about the lackluster, burnt taste that many disposable vape oils produce toward the end of their lifespan. With Hidden Hills using the innovative ceramic coil, I didn't experience this issue. The taste remained constant from start to finish. I experienced no harshness, no burned after-taste – just a pure and clean terpene profile throughout the entire product.
Why does this matter? Ceramic coils heat more evenly and at a lower temperature than typical wicks. By heating the oils more evenly, it helps preserve the delicate terpenes (the compounds that provide flavor and aroma). Additionally, the low heat reduces the chance of degrading the THC into undesirable compounds. This improvement in technology directly translates to a better user experience.
2. The Power of Adjustable Airflow
This is something I never thought I would need, but once I tried it I realized how valuable it is. The latest Hidden Hills disposables include a small and discrete dial located at the bottom of the device that allows consumers to adjust the airflow. When turned down tight, the device creates a restrictive draw similar to smoking a traditional joint. Turn the dial open wide and you'll experience a large and airy draw straight into your lungs.
Adjustable airflow is not a gimmick, it's a major advancement in giving consumers control over their vaping experience. During a relaxing afternoon I prefer a smaller draw for savoring the flavors of the oil. On other occasions, when I'm trying to consume a larger dose of THC, I prefer to turn the airflow open wide and take a large hit.
3. Long-Lasting Batteries
There's nothing worse than a disposable vape that runs out of power before the oil is completely consumed. Hidden Hills claims that their new line of products utilize a 500 mAh battery. After putting this claim to the test, I was able to finish a 2 gram disposable without ever needing to charge the battery. To give you a comparison, many standard 1 gram disposables are utilizing 280 mAh batteries, which contributes greatly to their limited shelf life. By using such a large battery size, Hidden Hills is ensuring that you receive every last drop of the oil you purchased.
The Oil: Potency, Quality, and Effects
A beautiful device is useless without quality oil to fill it. Hidden Hills consistently utilizes top-tier live resin and distillate blends. The effects of the oil are always reliable, fast acting, and clean. While some of the heavier indica strains cause sedation and couch lock, the sativa and hybrid strains that Hidden Hills offers are ideal for daytime or social use.
Objective data supports the quality of Hidden Hills' oil. Many of their products contain 80-90% total THC content, and the COAs (Certificates of Analysis) from third party labs are available via QR code, verifying that their products do not contain pesticides or heavy metals. Transparency in this industry is paramount, and Hidden Hills is leading the way.
The Bottom Line: Is It Worth the Hype?
After reviewing multiple units of their latest models, I believe that Hidden Hills has evolved from being a brand to being engineers of the user experience. Their intentional inclusion of ceramic coils, adjustable airflow, and a robust battery demonstrate that Hidden Hills is listening to what discerning consumers are asking for – consistency, flavor and control.
While Hidden Hills may cost a few dollars more than the cheapest disposable options, I believe the added expense is justified. You're paying for a product that incorporates refined technology that produces a consistent and premium experience from start to finish. Whether you're a seasoned consumer looking for a disposable that doesn't compromise, or a new user looking for a hassle free way to experience quality vaping, the latest models from Hidden Hills are, in my opinion, definitely worth adding to your rotation.