Best Wax or Dab Pens of 2023
Lastest update September 24, 2023
Pufffco Plus
The Puffco Plus is a heavyweight when it comes to producing smooth and tasty vapor. It's a sleek-looking vape that features a dab tool built into it, which means there is one less accessory for you to carry around. The battery life is a little disappointing, but the short charge time makes up for it. For $90, this is probably the best price to performance ratio you'll find, making it an incredible value.
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MSRP $89- Vape-Smart coupon TVG10 $80Official Store
Utiallian 5 V3
The 5 is a low-cost wax pen that is capable of producing intense and strong vapor. It has a thick and sturdy build with a long battery life that can last for a couple of sessions. It is a real lungbuster of a vape pen but if big clouds are what you want, then big clouds are what you'll get. However, if you favor flavor over vapor production, there are probably better options out there.
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MSRP $89- Vape-Smart coupon TVG10 $81Official Store
Dr Dabber Stella
Dr. Dabber Stella is a sleek-looking vape that produces stellar vapor flavor. It features a Temperature Coefficient Resistance which prevents the wax from getting burned. Also, the ‘floating coil' design helped with dispersing the heat properly. For a $100 vape, this is suitable for both newcomers and experienced vapers who prefer vapor flavor above anything else.
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MSRP $99- Vape-Smart coupon TVG10 $89Official Store
Yocan Orbit
The Yocan Orbit is a back-to-basics wax pen with a unique see-through coil-less oven, and the option to use the accompanying terp pearls to better vaporize wax. It also features a stainless-steel body, 3 pre-set settings, a 1700 mAh battery, and USB-C charging.
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MSRP $54- Vape-Smart coupon TVG10 $48Official Store
Yocan Phaser Ace
The Yocan Black ACE is a dab pen compatible with concentrates/extracts, retailing at $65. It shares the ergonomic design, trigger operation, and OLED screen of the MAX, but lacks water filtration. The ACE uses TGT coils, which are hard to clean and lack precise temperature control. Despite this, it offers a good experience for its price, although the vapor can be harsh due to the direct coil-to-mouthpiece design.
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MSRP $65- Vape-Smart coupon TVG10 $58Official Store
Best Honey Straws (aka Vertical Vaporizers)
Honey Straws are sort of an inverted vape pen. Instead of putting the wax into the pen, you put the pen into the wax container. This method is very efficient and will ensure minimal waste of your precious concentrates.
Kandypens Oculus
The KandyPens Oculus is the brand's first Honey Straws and in true KandyPens fashion, it goes beyond basic by also having the Oculus glass water bubbler built right in. Water filters vapor, rids it of impurities- so you get only the cleanest, most flavorful results. It also features a unique design, a zinc-alloy main body, a single-button operation, a quartz mesh tip, and is powered by a 500mAh battery that charges via USB-C.
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MSRP $99- KandyPens coupon TVG25 $74Official Store
Terp Pen & Terp Pen XL
The Terp Pen XL is an upgraded version of the original Terp pen that was released in 2019. They essentially function in the same ways, as a draw-activated Honey Straw that can also be used as an eRig for smaller stemmed water pipes. For devices that are well below $100, these Terp Pens are a great device that makes it easy for anyone to vape concentrates on the go.
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MSRP $60- Boundless coupon TVG15 $51Official Store
- Vape-Smart coupon TVG10 $54Official Store
Lookah Seahorse Pro Plus
The Lookah Seahorse Pro Plus is an ergonomically designed portable Honey Straw that showcases the brand's expertise in glass. It features a glass vapor path, a removable glass mouthpiece, a see-through quartz tip, variable voltage, and dual-use modes. Powered by a 650mAh battery and charges quickly via USB-C. Priced at $43, it's a mid-range Honey Straw that's well worth it.
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MSRP $43- Vape-Smart coupon TVG10 $38Official Store
Yocan Black Phaser Arc
The Yocan Black Phaser Arc is a comfortable, ergonomic eRig for wax/dab, retailing at $100. It operates as a dab straw, dipping the coil into the extract container. It features a trigger activation button, RGB lights, and an OLED screen. Despite not being the cheapest, it stands out for its quality and intuitive design, making it a top choice among similar devices.
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MSRP $100- Vape-Smart coupon TVG10 $90Official Store
Best unique designs
These extract vaporizers are not dab pens, they have the same purpose.
Puffco Proxy
The Puffco Proxy looks like a traditional pipe but has a high-tech modular design with a Ceramic chamber and Puffco's advanced 3D heating technology. It is compatible with Extracts right out of the box, and there is a dry herb attachment available separately. It is another groundbreaking device from Puffco, it delivers big on vapor quality, and it is approachable with zero learning curve. Worth it if you can afford it.
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MSRP $299- Vape-Smart coupon TVG10 $270Official Store
Tronian Omegatron
The Omegatron joins a fast-growing list of "vapor cup" style vaporizers. It is compatible with dabs as well as 510 carts, and it has an internal pump that extracts the vapor into a glass cup. You can then consume or "sip" it on demand, having full control over how much vapor you sip with every inhale. The Tronian is fun to use and has a wow factor, especially once the creamy clouds start flowing into the cup. It provides great value for the price.
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MSRP $149- Vape-Smart coupon TVG10 $135Official Store
What are dab pens?
Dab Pens are also known as Wax Pens or Weed Pens and are compatible with CBD/ THC shatter, extract, Wax, concentrate, dab, etc. On this list are the best dab pens of this year, in different categories. We posted links to authorized stores and coupon codes where available. We update the list as we test new pens.
Things to consider when buying a Dab Pen
1. The CBD/THC Extracts
The CBD/ THC Extracts are available in dispensaries within legal states. These concentrates can be up to 95% THC, and give instant results on demand. If you don’t live in a legal state, you can purchase CBD dabs, such as the one from Steve’s Goods or from In-Hemp (Visit Store). These are derived from hemp so they are legal in all states.
2. Coils: Quartz VS Ceramic
You can read this post for the full rundown. But basically- Quartz is typically intense (more vapor, less flavor), and Ceramic is usually soft (better flavor, less harsh).
Some Wax Pens (KandyPens Amber, Prism) come with starter kits that include both atomizers so you can try and see which one suits you best.
3. Vaping Dabs VS Dry Herb
The sweet spot vaping temperature of THC Dabs starts around 410F and goes up to 500F. The good news is that to reach that temperature for a few seconds, to heat very little material, vape pens do not need a lot of power. This means that vape pens can be small and discreet, unlike dry herb vaporizers. Dry herb vapes need to stay at a high temperature for an extended “session” and require a large battery and involved usage. Dab pens are more practical and easy to use.
4. Wax VS Oil vape pens
CBD/ THC Wax (also known as crumble, shatter, dab, concentrate, etc.) is solid at room temperature. It can sometimes have “honey” like consistency, but it is not “oily.” Oil is a liquid in room temperature and has a similar consistency to olive oil. Oil usually comes in pre-filled 510 cartridges, like these from Medix CBD. Read this post to understand the differences between Cannabis Oil and Wax.
5. Price Point
As you notice at the list above, vape pen prices can vary dramatically (KP Amber- $148, GP Nova- $35) and wonder what may be the difference. Typically, with higher-end vape pens, you’d get a better battery, better kit (includes more coils, oil compatibility). The build quality may be better, keeping the air-path pure from plastic or silicone. And they would also last longer. Cheap vape pens can be good for travel or as a backup, but if you’re serious about dabbing, you should invest in a good pen.
Glossary
- Dab – This is the amount of Wax placed in the atomizer of the wax pen. The size of the dab depends on the size of the atomizer.
- Atomizer/ Coil – This is where you place the Wax in the dab pen. The atomizer heats up the Wax and turns it into vapor.
- 510 Thread – A type of threading that is the industry standard. It is used for connecting the battery to the atomizer. Devices with 510 threading are compatible with each other, so a 510 threaded atomizer can work with any 510 threaded battery.
- Sesh Mode – Most vape pens automatically shut off after a certain amount of time. Some dab pens have a sesh mode that overrides the automatic shut off time and allows users to keep vaping for longer.
FAQs
What are Concentrate Straws?
These are a subset of wax pens, but the main difference is that the Wax isn’t placed inside the atomizer. Instead of an atomizer, concentrate straws have a heating tip on one end and the mouthpiece on the other. The tip is placed into a shallow dish of Wax when it heats up, it melts and vaporizes the Wax. The vapor is inhaled through a small opening in the tip and up into the mouthpiece. Concentrate straws are a little easier to use than dab pens since you don’t have to worry about loading your Wax into them. However, you do give up the portability of wax pens with concentrate straws.
What is the difference between quartz rod atomizers and ceramic atomizers?
Quartz atomizers typically heat up faster than Ceramic, and the vapor they produce tends to be harsher and denser as a result. Ceramic atomizers heat up more slowly, and their vapor quality tends to be more palatable. Ceramic atomizers tend to produce thinner clouds. If you’re a beginner, we recommend starting out with Ceramic.
Do wax pens smell like weed?
There is a marijuana smell since Wax is a concentrated form of marijuana after all; however, it dissipates very quickly and doesn’t stick to clothes or hair.
Do wax pens get you higher than dry herb vaporizers?
Since Wax is a concentrated form of marijuana, the high it gives you is faster and more intense than what you would get from dry herb.
Can I use Wax in a dry herb vaporizer?
Some dry herb vaporizers include an accessory that allows you to use Wax. However, dry herb vapes do not tend to reach the high temperatures necessary to provide a good vaping experience. A dedicated dab pen is the best way to use Wax in a portable device.
What type of Extracts can be used with a dab pen?
Only solid extracts can be used in wax pens. So extracts like Wax, crumble, or budder should be used. Some Wax pens are 510 thread, and therefore, they are compatible with 510 pre-filled cartridges.
Is Wax the same as oil?
Even though they are created using similar extraction methods, Wax and oil are different when it comes to consistency. Wax is either a semi-soft substance or a hard, brittle substance, while oil is a thin, liquid substance.
Where can I buy THC and CBD Wax / Extract?
THC extracts are available in dispensaries within legal states; it cannot be purchased online. CBD extracts and CBD infused products can be purchased from online and brick and mortar smoke shops and dispensaries since CBD is legal in all 50 states.
Can wax vape pens be used with oil carts?
If the vape pen battery and the oil cartridge are both 510 threaded, then the cartridge can be attached to the vape pen battery. However, you should not put oil in a vape pen’s atomizer because it is not designed for use with that substance.
Dab Pens FAQs
What are dab pens?
Dab Pens (aka wax pens, weed pens) are "pen-style" vapes that are compatible with CBD/THC extracts such as shatter, rosin, resin, crumble, etc. They typically have a coil that boils the extracts to aerosol the active compounds in the form of inhalable vapor.
On this list are the best dab pens of this year in different categories. We posted links to authorized stores and coupon codes where available.
We update the list as we test new vape pens.
What are Concentrate Straws?
Concentrate Straws (aka wax straws, nectar straws) are a subset of wax pens that have the following difference:
Unlike a dab pen, the wax isn't placed inside the atomizer (coil). Instead, the coil is on the tip of the device, and once hot, it is placed into a shallow dish of wax to melt and vaporize the material. The vapor is inhaled through a small opening in the tip and up into the mouthpiece, hence the name "dab straws."
Concentrate straws are a little easier to use than dab pens since you don't have to worry about loading your wax into them. However, you do give up some portability with concentrate straws as you'd have to carry the jar with you.
Do wax pens smell like weed?
Yes. Concentrate vaporizers produce a smell that is less noticeable and potent than the smell produced by smoking.
Almost like the smell of fresh ground coffee, it has a strong aroma that can fill a room but will fade quickly.
Is wax the same as oil?
No.
- Wax/dabs are usually solid at room temperature and can sometimes have a consistency similar to honey. Oil, on the other hand, is a liquid at room temperature and has a similar consistency to olive oil.
- Wax usually comes in 1g containers that you have to load into the coil before every session, and oil usually comes in pre-filled 510 cartridges that can be screwed into a battery and used on-demand until the oil runs out.
- Wax is considered to be less processed and a more "pure" way to consume extracts. Therefore, it is also more potent.
Related:
Cheap vs. expensive dab pens- what’s the difference?
As you notice in the list above, vape pen prices can vary dramatically, and you wonder what the difference may be.
Typically, with higher-end vape pens, you'd get a more:
- Inclusive kit with more coils & a carry case.
- Better build quality, keeping the air-path pure from plastic or silicone.
- Robust and long-lasting battery
- Better availability of coils and replacement parts.
Cheap vape pens can be good for travel or as a backup, but if you're serious about dabbing, you should invest in a good pen.
Where can I buy THC Concentrates?
Concentrates & Extracts are available from licensed dispensaries in legal states. These concentrates can be up to 95% THC and are typically sold in a one-gram container. The retail price can vary from $30 for simple rosin and up to $90 for "solventless" rosin.
Related:
If you don't live in a legal state, you can purchase CBD dabs that are derived from hemp, so they are legal in all states.
Do wax pens get you higher than dry herb vaporizers?
Generally, Yes. Dabs and concentrates are generally much more potent than flowers, with THC levels often reaching 80% or higher, while flower is usually 20-30% THC.
Quartz vs. Ceramic atomizers- what’s the difference?
Quartz is typically intense (more vapor, less flavor), and Ceramic is usually soft (better flavor, less harsh).
Quartz heats up faster but doesn't have the same heat retention as Ceramic. This quality makes Quartz hard to temp-control, much like a traditional nail.
Ceramic is considered to have better flavor and provide a "softer" experience when compared to Quartz.
Dab pens vs. dry herb vaporizers- what’s the difference?
Here are a couple of the major differences between dab pens and dry herb vaporizers:
- Dab pens are smaller. A dry herb oven has to heat up a large amount of herb for a long session, requiring a large battery and a heat sink. Dab pens, on the other hand, heat up for a burst of a few seconds, allowing them to be less complex, smaller, and more discreet.
- Session vs. on-demand: Dry herb vapes heat up slowly for a "session," while Dab pens heat up quickly for a burst. So you can take a one drag from a dab pen and leave the rest for later, but you can not do the same with a flower vape.
What is the best temperature for dabbing?
Typically, the sweet spot vaping temperature of THC Dabs starts around 410F and goes up to 500F.
Some people prefer low to mid-temperature dabs, which happen at 315°F to 450°F, while others prefer high-temperature dabs over 600°F.
Related:
A good rule of thumb is to start low and raise as needed. Lower temps mean better flavor and a more pleasant experience, especially for beginners.
Are dabs stronger than carts?
Yes. Dabs are more concentrated than oil and therefore are more potent and have stronger effects
Can wax vape pens be used with oil carts?
Oil carts typically use a "510 thread" to connect to the battery, so a wax pen will work with carts only if it has a 510 thread connection between the battery and the coil.
What type of Extracts can be used with a dab pen?
We have a whole guide about the types of extracts, but generally, the following extracts are compatible with dab pens: wax, shatter, budder, crumble, sugar, diamonds, batter, and rosin.
How long does the battery last on an electric dab straw vaporizer?
Battery life varies widely between different models and depends on the temperature settings used. However, many models offer several hours of continuous use and can be easily recharged via USB.