Blast Off with Dab Pens: A Guide to Potent Adventures On-The-Go

Over the past few years, concentrates have taken the spotlight, even outshining dry herb vaporizers. And it’s easy to see why. Vaping cannabis concentrates is not only more efficient but also more discreet than vaping weed flowers. Plus, dab pens can save you money since you don’t need as many hits as you would with dry herb vaporizers.

Switching from dry herb to concentrates might mean investing in new devices, but some vaporizers already support dual functionality. The key difference is that concentrates like wax, crumble, badder, oil, and shatter require more precise temperatures to vaporize compared to dry herb.

Ready to make the switch to vaping concentrates? We’ve got you covered. From answering your FAQs to recommending the best dab pens on the market, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Why Use A Dab Pen?

When talking about wax pens, the question “What is dabbing?” often comes up. Dabbing, not to be confused with the dance move, means consuming highly concentrated cannabis, typically in the form of waxy substances like shatter. Traditionally, dabbing involved using a glass rig and a blowtorch, a method that can not only be dangerous but also intimidating, especially for newcomers. Using a large butane torch can be off-putting for those interested in the medicinal benefits of cannabis.

Thankfully, wax pens are changing the game. While some heavy users still prefer torches and glass rigs, that approach is becoming outdated. Wax pens are much more accessible, especially for newbies wanting to try concentrates like live resin, which uses the whole plant. Plus, wax pens are far more portable than traditional or electric dab rigs.

Dab Pens Compared: They’re Not All The Same!

No matter the brand or price, every wax pen has three main parts: the atomizer, battery, and mouthpiece.

The atomizer is where you load your favorite concentrates. As it heats up to your desired temperature, vaporization happens. A single wax pen might come with various atomizers, and some even have multiple ones. Atomizers come in different materials, sizes, and shapes, but their job is the same—vaping concentrates. Since these components don’t last forever, you should change the atomizer in your wax pen every couple of months.

Atomizer Types: Ceramic, Quartz & Coil-Less Buckets

Ceramic Atomizers & Coils

Most atomizers today are made from ceramic, but this is starting to change as vaporizers evolve. These atomizers feature titanium coils wrapped around a ceramic rod. Ceramic rods are popular because they resist heat well and are very durable. However, they can be tricky to keep clean, especially if you neglect regular maintenance.

Quartz Atomizers & Coils

Another popular choice for atomizers in wax pens is quartz crystal rods. Similar to ceramic rods, they use quartz instead. Quartz rods tend to provide better vapor flavor and are easier to clean than ceramic. However, quartz is more fragile and can break more easily than ceramic.

Ceramic & Quartz Buckets

Coil-less ceramic and quartz pad atomizers are gaining popularity in the vaporizer market. These atomizers eliminate the exposed coil around a rod, aiming to heat the wax more evenly and efficiently. This design tends to require less heat to properly vaporize concentrates, resulting in a smoother, more flavorful draw.

Batteries: Why They Matter

The battery is the powerhouse of a dab pen. Every dab pen or concentrate vape comes with its own battery, each varying in charge times and battery life. Some devices offer precise temperature control, while others have preset temperatures. Temperature flexibility is crucial for your vaping experience. Lower temperatures deliver the best flavor and thinner vape clouds, while higher temperatures produce thick clouds but less flavor.

Mouthpieces: You Can’t Dab Without One!

The final essential component of a wax pen is the mouthpiece. They are often made from metal, glass, ceramic, or plastic.

• Plastic Mouthpieces: While they can sometimes feel cheap, they are usually durable and heat resistant.
• Metal/Plastic Mouthpieces: These tend to cause a subtle muting of dab flavors compared to glass or ceramic. To enhance the user experience, some companies now offer a choice between various mouthpieces.
• Glass Mouthpieces: While they are the cleanest tasting and smoothest feeling materials, they are also the most fragile. Many experienced dab pen users go with a removable glass mouthpiece to keep it safe or store their dab pen in a padded case to prevent a broken mouthpiece.

What Are The Best Dab Pens On The Market?

For newbies, the best wax pen to start with is a value device. These affordable units are easy to use, simple to clean, and deliver decent flavor. Some examples of value pens include:

Yocan Armor Concentrate Pen Vaporizer

At just over 4 inches (10.16 cm) long, the Yocan Armor Concentrate Pen Vaporizer is among the smallest and most discreet vaporizers available today. This little hard-hitter is equipped with a dual quartz coil atomizer to provide the smoothest and purest vaporization experience, and it has a functional coil cap to keep heat–and your concentrates–securely contained.

The Armor Vaporizer‘s 10 second preheat function heats your concentrates before use with just a double-click of the button and the variable voltage feature allows the user to adjust the heat level to customize their own ideal settings. These compact vape charges in just 30 minutes and is always ready for your next adventure. 

Boundless Vaporizer Terp Pen

The Boundless Vaporizer Terp Pen has a ceramic coil that heats up almost instantaneously and is activated automatically by a sensor that detects your inhale. You simply apply the coil directly to a small amount of concentrate and… WHAMMO, rip away to your heart’s content.

The amount of vapor produced is entirely up to you. Enjoy short draws or inhale for up to 10 seconds before the automatic shutdown activates.

The included magnetic cap allows for quick storage. This easily cleanable pen is slightly larger than your average writing pen, making it ultra-discreet. Equipped with a long battery life, this pen allows for all day use and can be recharged using the included Micro USB cable. It is that simple!

Advanced Dab Pens: More Durability, More Features

For more advanced features and increased durability, here are a few of our favorites!

Lookah Swordfish

An homage to the beauty of the ocean, the Lookah Swordfish Concentrate Vape Pen is streamlined and sleek to fit comfortably in the hand while still looking classy. At just 4.5 inches (11.6cm) tall, this pocket-sized wax pen packs a punch with its 950mAh battery. Variable voltage settings allow customers to control the level of their vaping with a power range of 3.5V to 3.9V.

The Lookah Swordfish is made for customer ease with a simple 5-click on/off feature and external lights to show the device is pre-heating. The clamshell bracket mouthpiece snaps into place with a magnetic connector to give quick access to the atomizer for reloads and cleaning.

This masterful vape pen is functional with Lookah‘s Type A Dish Quartz coil, Type B Dual Hole Quartz coil, and Type C Square Quartz coil. 710 threading allows for use with any available atomizer with a 710 interface. The included dab tool even has its own storage spot in the base of the device. Features Type-C USB fast charging.

G Pen Micro+ Concentrate Vaporizer

The G-Pen Micro+ Concentrate Vaporizer from Grenco Science is made for smooth, flavorful clouds for the connoisseur on the go. The ceramic plate heating element provides superior flavor and vapor production from the user’s concentrates while the ceramic air path ensures clean, untainted hits. The powerful 850mAh battery provides manual and automatic heat-up and provides three variable voltage heat settings. The mouthpiece has a silicone sleeve with an easy to maintain and clean internal pathway. This kit includes a premium travel case with space for a wax container and an included packing tool.

Conclusion

In the rapidly evolving world of cannabis consumption, concentrates have risen to prominence, offering a more efficient and discreet alternative to traditional dry herb vaporizers. Dab pens have become the go-to choice for many users due to their ease of use, portability, and cost-effectiveness. Transitioning to concentrates might require new devices, but the benefits—richer flavors, smoother hits, and greater control over your vaping experience—make it worthwhile.

Whether you’re a newbie or a seasoned user, there’s a dab pen out there to suit your needs. From value devices that are budget-friendly and user-friendly to advanced options that offer enhanced features and durability, the market is brimming with choices. The key components of a wax pen—atomizers, batteries, and mouthpieces—each play a crucial role in delivering the perfect vaping experience. As technology advances, new materials and designs continue to improve the flavor, efficiency, and overall enjoyment of vaping concentrates.

Ready to launch into the world of concentrates? Explore our recommendations, find the perfect dab pen for your needs, and elevate your vaping experience to stellar heights.