Accelerant PRO2 vs. Hefestus AuraX: Which Pre-Roll Machine Provides the Better ROI?

Whether you’re just starting up or seeking to improve your existing workflows, it’s only natural to be exploring Accelerant PRO2 and the Hefestus AuraX for automation. Both machines help operators like you scale through higher output per hour. 

However, there are significant differences not only in the production of each machine but also in its training, support, and financing or payment terms. So, if you’re ready to make your decision and still need help deciding which is right for you, this guide will help. 

Here, we’ll cover each machine in depth and the most significant factors to consider when comparing the Accelerant PRO2 vs. the Hefestus AuraX pre-roll automation equipment. Keep reading to get a side-by-side comparison and answers to frequently asked questions, too. 

Accelerant PRO2 vs. Hefestus AuraX: Quick Comparison

Machine	Estimated Production Volume	Production Capabilities	Training & Support	Estimated Price	Notable Customers
Hefestus AuraX	2,000+/hr	Cones, straight rolls, and every other pre-roll shape and size; every kind of infused pre-roll	Full week of on-site training and SOP development; 24/7 support from technicians in US and abroad	$230k	AWH, Verano, Lowell Herb Co, STIIZY, MUNCHIES!, Juicy Joints, Jetleaf, High Grade
Accelerant PRO2	1,500/hr	Cones and straight rolls; some types of infused pre-roll	Standard training and support	Pay-per-joint pricing model	Ilera Holistic

Accelerant PRO2 Overview

The Accelerant PRO2 is a unique, fully automated pre-roll machine that offers operators a pay-per-joint business model rather than an upfront investment. This means you’ll pay based on the number of joints you produce rather than purchasing or owning the machine. 

The idea behind the production as a service model is that you can overcome the barrier of an initial capital investment, while still receiving installation, setup, training, service, and ultimately increased SKU production, without committing to ownership. 

The PRO2 produces 1,500 pre-rolls per hour, making it ideal for mid- to high-volume operations. Per month, the output allows you to produce up to 30k joints. 

While achieving this scale without the upfront cost might seem like a game-changer, though, it restricts your margins in the long term. Instead of enjoying progressively better margins the most pre-rolls you produce, you become stuck at a profit ceiling no matter what scale you reach. 

A system like the Hefestus AuraX might be more expensive, but it gives you the leverage required to build your cannabis brand profitably over the long term. 

The PRO2’s capabilities are comparable to those of the AuraX, with full automation for cones and integrated monitoring. However, one significant difference can affect your ability to scale in the future: the PRO2 lacks the versatility to handle multiple joint types and infused materials. 

In comparison, the Hefestus AuraX allows you to seamlessly transition between cones, straight rolls, blunts, and infused SKUs, enhancing scalability over time, especially for co-packing operations and MSOs. 

When it comes to training and support, Accelerant offers maintenance and service as part of its subscription-based payment model. This allows you to manage uptime efficiently and ensure reliability with timely repairs. 

While this type of hands-on support may seem appealing for start-ups that lack in-house expertise, it doesn’t include customized SOP creation as AuraX does. This means you could be forced to retrain new employees rather than build operational independence. 

All in all, the pricing and financing terms of the PRO2 are its main advantage for operators. Instead of making an initial investment, you can pay per joint, making the machine accessible for those who can’t afford a significant capital investment. 

Of course, with any large purchase, it’s best to review the short-term and long-term gains. Over time, the pay-per-joint model becomes costly, especially as production volume increases.

Think of it like living expenses. In the short term, renting might be convenient, but not profitable in the long term. The same goes for the ROI you’ll get from the Accelerant PRO2, but not for a system that you own like the Hefestus AurAX. 

Pros

• No Upfront Investment: The pay-per-joint model eliminates the barrier of large initial expenditures, making automated production more accessible.
• Maintenance and Service: Accelerant provides ongoing maintenance, repairs, and technical support as part of the subscription, ensuring consistent uptime.
• Solid Output: Producing 1,500 pre-rolls per hour with full automation for cones and integrated monitoring, the PRO2 delivers reliable production for growing operations.

Cons

• Long-Term Costs: The pay-per-joint model becomes increasingly expensive as production volume grows, ultimately exceeding the cost of purchasing equipment and reducing long-term ROI.
• Limited Product Versatility: Unlike competitors like the Hefestus AuraX, the PRO2 cannot handle multiple joint types (straight rolls, blunts) or infused materials, restricting scalability and product diversification.
• No Customized SOP Creation: While maintenance is included, Accelerant doesn’t provide tailored standard operating procedures, forcing operators to develop their own training protocols and potentially retrain employees repeatedly.

Best For

The Accelerant PRO2 is best for mid- to high-volume producers who don’t have access to significant capital to make a large upfront investment. In light of the flexible financing offered by companies like Hefestus, the Accelerant PRO2’s pay-per-joint model is best for those not seeking to scale or planning to be in business only for the short term. 

Hefestus AuraX Overview

The Hefestus AuraX is a fully automated pre-roll production system that prioritizes multiple SKU formats, with no retooling or hardware changes necessary, consistency, and most importantly, high-volume output. 

Our machine integrates filling, folding, packing, and sealing into a single process for nearly every type of wrap or paper. From pre-roll cones to straight-rolls, blunts, and infused materials, the AuraX’s versatility is a primary advantage for producers seeking to scale.  

The AuraX is made by Hefestus, which has over 30 years of automation experience and over a decade in the cannabis industry. This engineering expertise underpins every feature and function of our signature machine, designed to deliver maximum output, reliability, and flexibility. 

The AuraX produces 2,000+ pre-rolls per hour with just one operator, outpacing the PRO2 by approximately 30%. By combining speed and efficiency, you can typically replace multiple employees, allowing you to put your labor costs toward higher-leverage tasks. 

Through a wider timeframe, the AuraX supports the production of 30,000+ joints per month, making it ideal for co-packers serving multiple brands, MSOs, or those seeking to scale within their individual markets. 

When it comes to capabilities, the AuraX’s biggest differentiator from the PRO2 and other machines in its class is its versatility. The machine handles all types of papers with ease, and inputs, including infused joints made with diamonds, live resin, kief, isolate, or wax. 

Our modular add-ons, the Weight Checker and AutoTube, further streamline workflows for maximum efficiency and help reduce labor costs. The Weight Checker provides inline validation for compliance, while the AutoTube automatically tubes and packages each joint. 

Another differentiator comes from our training and support program. We provide five full days of on-site training from Hefestus engineers with every AuraX purchase, including SOP creation tailored to your facility, workflow, and product lineup. 

Beyond the initial training and setup, we also provide 24/7 global support, enabled by us having teams in both the U.S. and Israel, ensuring you have a direct line to experts who can resolve issues quickly and minimize downtime. 

The AuraX costs around $230,000 up-front, but delivers faster ROI thanks to its ownership model, higher output, and versatility.

We also understand the capital constraints that operators face in this industry, and that’s why we offer flexible financing that reduces upfront costs and aligns payments with increasing production. 

You’ll still be able to minimize initial capital outlay, but you’ll actually be able to end up owning the machine. 

It’s just a fact: over time, owning an AuraX becomes far more cost-effective than paying ongoing per-joint fees, allowing operators to scale profits instead of expenses. If you’re an ambitious operator with plans to scale, there’s no better option on the market. 

Pros

• Unmatched Versatility: The AuraX handles all joint types without retooling or hardware changes, enabling product diversification and market responsiveness.
• Superior Output: Producing 2,000+ pre-rolls per hour (30% more than the PRO2) with a single operator, the AuraX supports 30,000+ joints monthly while reducing labor costs.
• Training and Support: Hefestus provides five days of on-site training with customized SOP creation for your facility, plus 24/7 global support from U.S. and Israel teams.

Cons

• Upfront Investment: The $230,000 price tag represents a significant capital barrier that may be prohibitive for smaller operators or startups.
• Ownership Responsibility: Unlike service-based models, owners bear full responsibility for maintenance, repairs, and technical troubleshooting.
• Operational Complexity: The machine’s advanced automation and versatility across multiple formats and materials require substantial technical knowledge.

Best For

The Hefestus AuraX is best for mid- to high-volume operators seeking to maximize output, while maintaining quality, consistency, and versatility. 

It’s ideal for established operations, MSOs, and co-packers serving multiple brands who are ready to scale aggressively with diverse product lines. 

If you’re already producing 30,000+ joints monthly or seek to scale to this output strategically, the AuraX’s ownership model is best for eliminating ongoing service costs for optimal ROI. 

Accelerant PRO2 vs. Hefestus AuraX: How Do They Compare?

When purchasing automation equipment for pre-roll production, there are a few specific categories to compare: production volume, capabilities, training and support, and pricing or financing. 

Next, we’ll compare the Accelerant PRO2 and Hefestus AuraX on these deciding factors to help you choose the one best suited to your unique business and long-term goals. 

Production Volume

The Hefestus AuraX outperforms the Accerlant PRO2 by 500 joints per hour. The AuraX delivers 2,000+ pre-rolls per hour, while the Accelerant PRO2 produces 1,500+ per hour. 

On a monthly production basis, however, the extra output puts AuraX far ahead of the Accelerant PRO2, producing 30K joints, versus 10K-30K with the PRO2. Meaning the AuraX has a 30% overall throughput advantage. 

This increased output allows you to meet higher demand with fewer machines, a single operator, and less floor space, all of which directly impact scalability potential.

So, if your operation is in the early stage of scaling and plans to stay under the 30,000 joints per month threshold, the Accelerant PRO2 is feasible. If you have aggressive growth targets or high-volume contracts to meet, AuraX eliminates bottlenecks to meet demand. 

The Hefestus AuraX is the system you choose when you’re ready to scale past 10,000-30,000 joints per month and need the capacity to support enterprise-level expansion.

Production Capabilities

The PRO2 solely focuses on cone production, making it less effective and efficient for alternative SKUS such as straight-rolls, blunts, or infused varieties. 

On the flip side, the AuraX is engineered with versatility in mind. It runs cones, straight rolls, blunts, and infused joints with all types of infusion materials (kief, wax, live resin, etc.) with ease, requiring no retooling or equipment changes. 

This further supports scalability with diversified product lines, the ability to pivot to market trends, and the ability to serve multiple brands with a single machine for co-packers, maximizing equipment utilization and revenue potential. 

The PRO2’s cone-only focus limits operational opportunities. It may require additional investments as consumer preferences shift towards infused products or alternative formats and SKUs, ultimately plateauing in its advantages for the operator. 

Beyond its standard design, the AuraX is also adaptable for further automation, with its Weight Checker and AutoTube module add-ons. As operators scale, they can continue to improve efficiency by automating additional workflow steps, such as weighing and packaging.  

When product diversification and premium SKU production, as well as ultimate scalability, are central to your growth strategy, the AuraX’s unmatched versatility makes it the clear winner.

Training & Support

Another critical factor in your equipment purchase will be the training and support provided by the equipment manufacturer. Hefestus offers five full days of on-site training, with customized SOPs tailored to your facility and product lineup. 

After the initial onboarding, we also provide 24/7 global technical support from our teams in the U.S. and Israel. As for Accelerant, they offer initial training and uptime service through a vendor-managed model. 

Keep in mind that with the Accelerant PRO2, you don’t own the equipment, so support can vary depending on the specific vendor relationship, potentially affecting the equipment’s uptime. 

While both companies provide support for troubleshooting issues and making necessary repairs to increase uptime, our comprehensive onboarding for AuraX customers supports independent operation rather than reliance on ongoing vendor dependency. 

Even more, the customized SOPs we’ll provide for your brand become valuable intellectual property that streamlines onboarding and ensures consistency across shifts, employee changeovers, and facilities.

Altogether, Hefestus delivers the same level of training, support, and attention as Accelerant, but you actually own the machine and the operational expertise that comes with it. This gives Hefestus the advantage over Accelerant in in-depth training and support. 

Price & Financing

The AuraX costs approximately $230,000 upfront with flexible financing options and full ownership, while the PRO2 operates on a pay-per-joint model with no initial capital investment but ongoing recurring expenses. 

For startups or operations with uncertain production volumes, the PRO2’s zero-upfront cost reduces financial risk and provides immediate access to automation without debt or capital allocation. But you’ll want to keep your eye on the future when making this decision. 

As production scales beyond 20,000-30,000 joints monthly, the cumulative per-joint fees quickly exceed the AuraX’s purchase price, eroding profit margins precisely when volume should be driving profitability. 

This means the AuraX achieves faster ROI through ownership economics. Every joint produced after break-even contributes directly to margin expansion rather than vendor payments. So, while the PRO2 is cost-effective for startups, it becomes unsustainable as production scales up.

Flexible financing from Hefestus also supports continual growth, aligning payments with increasing production revenue. This makes the upfront investment more manageable while preserving the long-term cost advantages of ownership. 

The PRO2 might be cheaper in the short term, but its business model is antithetical to the core purpose of automation: improving profit margins as you scale. The ownership and financing terms you’ll get when you choose the AuraX give it the clear profitability edge.

Conclusion: Which Automated Pre-Roll System is Better for Your Business?

In this guide, you’ve learned that there are many differences between the Accelerant PRO2 and the Hefestus AuraX, but the most significant is regarding pricing and financing. While the Accelerant PRO2 is more accessible at first, the AuraX is more profitable over time. 

Even more, long-term success for pre-roll manufacturers often comes down to SKU versatility. Again, AuraX stands out with the ability to produce pre-roll cones, straight-rolls, infused varieties, and blunts with ease. 

With flexible financing, there’s only one choice for ultimate long-term ROI and profitability: the AuraX. Get in touch with Hefestus’ world-class sales and support team now to begin exploring what ownership will look like for your operation. 

Want to know how the AuraX stacks up to other machines? Check out our other comparisons:

• RollPros Blackbird vs. Hefestus AuraX
• Apehex vs. Hefestus AuraX
• PreRoll-Er 200 vs. Hefestus AuraX
• FLEXPAK MAX vs. Hefestus AuraX
• Canapa JuanaRoll-1 vs. Hefestus AuraX

Accelerant PRO2 vs. Hefestus AuraX: Frequently Asked Questions

To finish our complete guide on the Accelerant PRO2 vs Hefestus AuraX, let’s finish with two FAQs whose answers might help you make a decision. 

Why Choose the AuraX Over the Accelerant PRO2?

You should choose AuraX over Accelerant PRO2 if you want to scale over 30k joints per month, with product SKU versatility, and a faster ROI. 

Why Choose the Accelerant PRO2 Over the AuraX?

You should choose the Accelerant PRO2 over the AuraX if you want to scale to 10k-30k joints per month without an upfront investment, and you will only be producing pre-roll cones.