Puffco

Background

The Peak Pro is Puffco’s flagship Dab Rig and is probably considered by many to be the best in the world. Some call it Peak Pro 2 or v2, but Puffco themselves are calling it the “New Peak Pro,” and that’s what I’ll call it too.

The now “old” Peak Pro was a game-changer in the world of concentrate vaporizers and also my daily driver for the past couple of years. So I’m excited about this release and coming into this review with “high” expectations. Pun intended. I have a separate comparison of the new and old Peak Pros, so check that out for the full list of differences.

In this review, we’ll look at the features of the New Peak Pro, test its performance, and compare it to the old one. There is a lot to cover, and I’ll move through it quickly, so get comfy, grab a dab, and let’s get into it!

UPDATE [July 2023]: 3DXL Chamber just released

Puffco just released a new 3DXL chamber for the old/new Peak Pro, which has a 78% larger bowl and is able to produce double the vapor. It ships together with an XL Joystick carb cap, and the price is $125 (visit store, use coupon TVG10 for 10% off)). It also opens up a new “XL” vapor production mode on the smartphone app. Check out the 3DXL Review for more info.

Design

There are three main components to the Peak Pro- The glass, the body, and the chamber. Let’s talk about each one separately, starting with- the glass bubbler.

Glass bubbler

It has the same cone shape that we know from the previous version but with a few upgrades:

• It is heavier and sturdier. The old bubbler weighs around 81 grams, while the one clocks in at 96 grams.
• There are now five laser-cut air holes at the base of the bubbler instead of two in the outgoing version. Since the carb cap, which we’ll get to in a minute, has more holes and allows more air into the coil, the five holes allow more air into the bubbler.
• Then, the air travels upwards into these vortex-shaped grooves. This design, also called a “percolator, ” is known to increase airflow and cool down vapor or smoke in glass bubblers.

These grooves seem to set the theme for the New Peak Pro, as they also extend to the body, around the chamber, and even in the trimming or the case.

In my opinion, it gives the Peak more personality than the old version and makes it look more modern.

The Base

The front has one activation button, which now has tap vibrations, meaning a slight haptic feedback vibration. Similar to the tactile feedback you get while toggling settings on an iPhone, for example.

The base also has a USB-C port at the back and the Puffco logo right above it. Both the old and the new versions support USB-C or wireless charging, with a power dock that’s available separately.

The bottom has a light ring, and there are also lights under the bubbler, which together will communicate the device status and heat settings.

The New 3D Chamber

Until this new version, the 3D chamber was not included in the kit and had to be purchased separately. Now, it is finally standard with each New Peak Pro. There are a few upgrades here over the old version-

• Connection improvements: both the digital interface and the mechanical locking mechanism of the chamber’s connection to the base have been updated. The chamber connects more easily now with a quarter turn.
• Joystick carb cap: the Peak Pro now ships with a raised carb cap that allows you to direct the airflow to the corners of the chamber and get maximal extraction from the concentrates. Puffco calls it a “joystick,” and for a good reason. It snaps back to the center as soon as you let go and has a very tactile feel to it, almost like a gaming controller. It is very satisfying to fiddle around with, and it is super functional when it comes to extraction efficiency and vapor quality. Also worth mentioning is that it has four air intake holes vs. two in the previous version, for, once again, increased airflow.
• Internal upgrades: sources at Pufcco are also telling me that internal improvements have been made to the chamber that makes it more efficient and work with less power.

Old vs New 3D chamber

The old chamber has a Red trim, and the new one has a Black trim, but otherwise, the chambers are practically the same and are cross-compatible between the old and the new units.

The bubbler as well, by the way, cross-compatible.

Intensity mode

The new Peak Pro has four preset temp settings with a single click to toggle. Blue is the lowest, and then Green, Red, and White.

Now, there is one “hidden” mode that you need to know about. I’m saying hidden because it doesn’t mention it in the manual, and holy shit, this bumps things up.

So it is called “Intensity mode,” and it is accessible by clicking the button five times. This mode is not a fifth heat setting. It is available for each of the four settings independently as an enhancement of that settings. So, for example if I set it to Green, which is the second setting, and click five times, it’ll blink all colors and then switch back to red. Same on the rest of the settings.

And Intensity mode is not just a temperature bump, like “boost mode,” which is accessible by double tapping during a session. This is some algorithmic magic that the Peak Pro does with the way it heats the dabs, and it creates noticeably thicker, milkier clouds that, for me, were noticeably more potent.

And this intensity mode is also available for the old Peak Pro, with a firmware update through the app. So if you own the old one, update the software immediately. And that brings me to the last feature we’ll talk about today- the app.

Peak Pro Smartphone App

The Puffco Connect app is extensive and deserves its own article, but here are a few things that you can do with the app-

• View the battery level, heat setting, current temperature in the chamber, and your usage.
• You can also edit the four heating profiles and add new heating ones. Enter temperature, duration, and even vapor production control.

For example, I’ve set here a profile with a temperature of 510F, a quick 15 seconds duration, maximal vapor production, and Purple light. Then I’ll name it “Purple Haze” and save it to my list. Plus I can even save it to the device so it is accessible without the app.

There is something very cool about vaping with the app. The corresponding colors and even the countdown timer around the live display of the chamber temperature. Something about it gives the experience another dimension. The app is well-made and works flawlessly.

Oh, and most importantly- the app enables software updates! My old Peak Pro just gained the ability to have insanity mode via an over-the-air update, which is pretty sick.

Real-Time temp control

The most significant feature that differentiates the Peak Pro from cheaper eRigs is Real-time temperature control. So let’s take a moment and talk about that.

To explain the idea of temp control, I’ll use a little analogy, so stay with me.

You’re driving a car one a road with a speed limit of 60 miles per hour. But your car only operates in the following way- Once you hit a button, it accelerates at 100% for two minutes and then shuts off. You’d quickly pass the speed limit and probably crash into something.

Now let’s imagine that the car operates regularly. You can accelerate freely and hit the throttle as much or as little as you need in order to keep a constant speed once you get to the speed limit.

Now let’s replace:
-“car” with “chamber.”
-“speed” with “temperature.”
-and “you,” my friend, is the dab.

So in the first scenario, the wax will get burned and spend very little time at the ideal temperature. The correct term to use here is voltage levels, not temperature levels.

The Peak Pro operates like the car in the second scenario. It heats up in a controlled way and makes adjustments to keep a precise temp in the chamber and not burn your wax.

You can even view this live with the mobile app. The Peak Pro has multiple temperature sensors in the coil and a micro-chip that makes real-time adjustments to keep the temperature consistent regardless of how much you load or how hard you inhale.

This makes a huge difference when it comes to flavor, but it also goes a long way when it comes to efficiency, and the Peak Pro will easily make you stretch your dabs the longest way. The same amount that will give you four nice hits with the Peak Pro just burns away in a second with one of these cheap rigs. In fact, let me show you what I think about these types of rigs. [moment of silence]

Bottom line

The old Puffco Peak has always been my #1 choice for extracts, and that solidified even more with this release. While the experience is not substantially different than the old unit, the package is a lot more complete now with the 3D chamber included and the new joystick carb cap. It is much better value and makes it easy for me to recommend.

From the magnets on the case, to the intelligent chamber, the joystick cap, and even the app, are all designed to perfection.

The performance is consistently great, very predictable, and accurate.

Budget is personal, so I can’t tell you if it makes sense for you to buy it because, at $420 (visit store and use coupon TVG10 for 10% off), this is probably not for everyone. But if you’re serious about dabbing and looking for the best, there is- the Peak Pro is as good as dabbing gets.

both beginners and connoisseurs alike.

Background

Puffco Plus is one of the sleekest-looking vape pens around. It features a mouthpiece with a built-in dab tool and has a ceramic chamber that produces mild and tasty vapor. And earlier this year, Puffco released a limited edition of the Plus called Puffco Vision Plus. It retains the qualities of the previous Puffco Plus but with a whole new aesthetic—a psychedelic trippy theme. 

Vision Plus has a multi-colored body that looks good for the eyes. The power button has a neon green color while the mouth tip is blue. The ‘Dart’, which is the star feature of the Plus, is slightly curved than the original. Also, the grips included in the box come with two different color variants. 

Design & Features

The Plus has a grey/black metallic finish with a fingerprint-proof coating which makes it shiny and classy. It looks good in the eyes and when you hold it—even though it has a slim and thin body—it’s durable and built to last. It’s an easy-to-use vaporizer since it has a single button that is used to turn on/off the device and maneuver through different temperature settings.

Mouthpiece

The mouthpiece is the standout feature of the Plus because it both has the design and innovation I’ve been looking for in a vape pen:

• On the outside: The mouthpiece narrows as it approaches the tip, giving it a different look than the hourglass shape you see in a lot of other vape pen mouthpieces. It feels good inhaling from it even though the shape is kind of different from the norm.
• On the inside: It has a dab tool built right into the mouthpiece. It’s called, “Dart” and it’s very useful because you have one less accessory to carry around. Considering how easy it is to lose a dab tool, having one integrated into the vape pen is a thoughtful design decision. The tool works better with thicker extracts than runnier ones because it’s better at sticking than scooping, so you should keep that in mind when using it.

Also, the mouthpiece serves as a carb-cap and splash-guard, meaning it allows concentrates to be vaporized evenly to produce a more potent and tasty vapor while protecting you from “spit-back” as you inhale. 

However, the mouth tip (plunger) that is used to extend the Dart can make inhaling from the device feel a little strange at first. You get used to it pretty quickly but remember to make sure that your fingers are clean when using it since your mouth will be going there later.

Coil

The Plus has a Ceramic coil that produces strong and cleaner vapor. And since Ceramic is a neutral material, it does not have any effect on the flavor of the wax so the taste is pure. It does have a slow heat time compared to rod coils but it heats the wax more evenly. However, ceramic coils can be a little fragile, they can get a crack or break if you dropped it. So take extra care especially when you’re cleaning the device.

How To Use

The Plus is a simple and straightforward device like most of the vape pens. It also has a Sesh Mode where it heats up continuously for twelve seconds. This can be done by rapidly clicking the power button, twice. This is a great feature especially if you want longer sessions since you don’t need to hold down the power button to do so. Whether this is your first vape pen or your tenth, you won’t have any problems using the Plus. 

To use it you need to:

1. Remove the mouthpiece from the battery and press down on the plunger to extend the dart.
2. Dab the dart into your wax to collect a small pea-sized amount.
3. Place the wax into the coil chamber and then reattach the mouthpiece to the battery.
4. Power up the device by pressing the power button five times.
5. Press the power button four times to cycle through the different temperature settings.
6. Once heating is complete, inhale from the mouthpiece while holding down the power button.

For more information, you can down the user manual here.

Temperature Settings: The Plus has three temperature settings, They are color-coded in the following way: Green – Lowest setting | Blue – Medium setting | White – The highest setting

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Plus is pretty easy to clean. You can just use one of the included cleaning swabs that have been soaked in isopropyl alcohol to wipe away any excess residue in the bowl. For a stubborn residue, you can engage sesh mode repeatedly on the highest setting—this will melt any excess residue. 

Since the dab tool is integrated into the mouthpiece, you’ll need to clean that too, but doing so is even easier than cleaning the bowl. Just wipe it down with a damp cloth and you’re done.

Performance & Vapor Quality

The heat-up time is quite slow since it uses a ceramic bowl compared to some vape pens but the flavor produced by the Plus is phenomenal. And since it doesn’t heat up quickly, there is less burning of the wax and prevents the body from overheating. The draw resistance is good that you can get smooth and flavorful vapor at any temp settings but the middle one is my favorite.

Some people might lament the fact that the Plus doesn’t include a rod coil like most vape pens do but the flavor is so good that I don’t think that most will mind. The only problem anyone could have with the ceramic coil instead of a rod coil is that it doesn’t produce the dense vapor clouds that some people like. 

Battery Performance: The Plus uses a 520mAh battery that lasts for just under an hour, which should be a full day for most users. It can recharge in thirty to forty-five minutes which is much faster than some vape pens in the same category.

What could have been better?

I really wished that Puffco improved the battery life when they released the Vision Plus instead of improving the Dart. Yes, the battery life and charge time even out but it isn’t enough to make it further in the line of best vape pens.

Bottom Line

The Puffco Plus is a small and durable vape pen that produces potent vapor. I got a good result with just using a tiny dab since it vapes the wax efficiently. It has features that you don’t usually see in other similarly priced vape pens like the integrated dab tool and extended sesh mode that comes handy in any occasion. However, the Plus cannot produce big intense clouds that some vapers like. Instead, it produces soft and mild vapor, which I personally prefer over the intense vapor of pens such as the Utillian 5 (Review).

Who is it for: Vapers who like to take discreet sessions and prioritize vapor quality above anything else.

Who is it NOT for: Anyone who likes lung-busting clouds when they vape. If you’re looking for a suitable vaporizer you can take a look at Utillian 5.

Background

The Proxy is a first-of-a-kind modular vaping system that is compatible with any type of extract such as wax, dabs, shatter, or crumble.

I ordered my Proxy and accessories (bubbler, flower bowl, travel pack) from the Puffco website and it took almost a month to get here (Florida.) So I defiantly recommend buying from Vape-Smart.com which has all of them in stock and ships a lot faster.

Design

Right off the bat, it’s obvious that the Proxy has a different design than most concentrate vapes. It is not a vape pen and not an electric Rig. It looks like an old-school sherlock pipe that you may have seen in your grandparent’s house or at an old movie. It feels balanced and ergonomic while holding and has a flat base, so it is stable while standing on the table.

I can talk a lot about how aesthetically pleasing this vape is, but its true innovation is in the design. As I mentioned that the Proxy is a first-of-a-kind modular vaporizer, and here is how it works-

The vape has two main components– the glass and the base. The glass is just the body, which is essentially a huge mouthpiece. The glass is black near the base and becomes clear towards the tip.

The base has all the electric components, as well as the battery, power button, charging port, and the coil, which I’ll go over shortly.

This clever modular design means that you can use the base with various compatible glass bodies made by Puffco or by third parties. Puffco is already offering glass with water filtration, which they call the Bub.

Independent glass artists made crazy glass for the Peak Pro, but it was a complicated unit to build for. Puffco encourages the community to develop unique base designs by making the Proxy easy to build around.

This modular design unlocks endless personalization opportunities, but more importantly, it makes the Proxy the first vape with an independent “transferable” heating element.

It can be used as a heat source for basically any piece that is made in the right dimensions to house it and creates an airtight seal with the base.

Heating Element & 3D Chamber

The Proxy features Puffcos advanced 3D ceramic coil, which, if you look closely, you will be able to see the heating wire embedded into the walls of the coils.

Unlike traditional coils, which get their heat only from the bottom, the heat here comes from all directions.

This heating system, coupled with precise temp control, prevents the extract from boiling off before you actually draw. This system creates consistent, predictable results.

How to use

The Proxy is a cold-load vape meaning it has to be loaded before it starts heating up.

But before I load it up, let’s take a second and talk about loading tools.

You can use the included dab tool, which is fine if you use extracts that crumble and are not sticky.

But if you use any type of sticky extract, you should use a “hot” loading tool such as the Puffco Hot Knife (visit store).

The tip gets hot and melts the dabs into the center of the coil instead of scraping them on the side walls of the chamber with the included tool.

Using the hot knife will extend the longevity of the coils, prevent loss of extracts, and increases efficiency.

After dabbing the material into the chamber, close the carb cap and hold the button for three seconds to unlock it.

Then single press to toggle through four temp settings with the lowest being blue and the highest being white.

I’ll set mine up on Green which is the second setting, and then double click to start heating up.

A slow pulse indicates it is warming up, and the vape will vibrate and become solid once it’s ready to inhale.

Vapor Quality

The vapor quality of this thing is incredible. It is creamy and full of flavor and terpenes.

Unlike a vape pen, the Proxy has a large mouthpiece that allows the vapor to cool down before inhaling it.

Heat rises, and the design of the Proxy allows the excess heat to dissipate into the air instead of into the mouthpiece or into your face.

Traditional pipes have been taking advantage of this design for a long time. It’s been time-tested and proven to work. Puffco didn’t invent the wheel here. They just modernized it.

The Proxy stays hot for around four draws before automatically turning off the heat, and you can extend the session by double-tapping the button.

Extracts are the fastest-growing segment of vaping and are becoming many users’ favorite way to consume.

The Proxy lowers the barrier of entry with zero learning curve. It is much easier to use than a Rig, yet it is more versatile.

The familiar design is approachable and creates an instant nostalgic feeling when holding it. Everyone I showed it to loved the elegant retro look.

What could have been better?

The Proxy’s small all-in-one form also means a smaller battery. I got an average of 5-6 sessions before running out of battery.

A recharge takes around 60 minutes on average. So not the largest battery, but it uses a USB-C, so it’s easy to get a boost just about anywhere.

Tripple clicking the button will display the current battery level with green, orange, or red light.

Another thing that could have been better, and I know I’m nit-picking here, is that the case could have been smaller.

It is high-end and functional, but when it comes to everyday carry, all you need is the Proxy and a one wax container.

So a slimmer case would have made this vape a little easier to carry and use outside of the house.

Optional accessories

The Bub water bubbler

First off, visually, this thing is beautiful. It’s a large piece of curved glass that can house the Proxy and enable water filtration.

To use, you just fill it up with water until this line and place the Proxy in its spot.

Water filtration cools down the vapor and is especially useful for high-temp dabbing. Now you can go from dry-dabbing to water bubbler in three seconds second.

The flower bowl 

This glass piece is made in the same exact dimensions as the top of the Proxy, so it fits on the dry pipe that comes with the Proxy kit or on the bubbler.

So the flower bowl is an attachment that doesn’t have a battery or a heat source. It is used in the traditional way- load it up with some ground dry herb, and then light it up with a lighter.

The flower bowl is independent of the Proxy and is a nice little addition to the platform, which I’m sure many users will enjoy.

Travel pack 

The Travel Pack contains a few products: A silicone “backpack” with a compartment for swabs or a loading tool, a silicone mouthpiece tip, a replacement unit of the original carb cap that is included in the proxy kit, plus an upgraded ball cap that can be pushed in or out to allow air into the coil without opening the cap.

The silicone backpack makes the curved bottom of the Proxy flat, so it can stand by itself without leaning on the mouthpiece. It keeps the mouthpiece elevated from the surface, which I personally prefer. It also protects it, and the storage space comes in handy.

After every session, you should use a cotton swab to soak up the leftover residue. Leaving it there to dry will make it hard to remove in the future and will shorten the life of your 3D coil.

Which brings me to the last accessory- 

The dual tool

This handy little tool has a loading tool to scoop up wax on one side and a large cotton head on the other side that will mop the oven after each session.

These come 50 in a pack that costs less than $6, so it is a no-brainer to have.

If you are using extracts that are super sticky, you may also want to consider a hot loading tool such as the Puffco Hot knife. The Ceramic tip gets hot and melts the extracts into the center of the coil. If you use mostly crumble/non-sticky concentrate, then the dual tool works perfectly.

Where to buy Proxy accessories

Vape-Smart.com sells a bundle that includes all these accessories and will probably take a third of the time to get to you than ordering through the Puffco website.

Bottom Line

The Proxy is another groundbreaking device from Puffco. A company that has been redefining cannabis consumption since its inception in 2013.

First with the Puffco Plus, then with the Peak, and now with the Proxy, which is their new flagship product, and is surely one of the best wax vapes of this year.

I mean, even the name they choose is clever. Proxy means “authority or power to act for another,” in this case, the Proxy will power any body that can house it.

I have been vaping for years and tested hundreds of vapes, so I’m pretty hard to impress, but the Proxy has elevated the way I consume my extracts. I think it would unleash new gen of vaporizers.

I’m sure that Puffco’s next-gen enails will be compatible with the base, and I can see people creating a variety of new bodies to house the Proxy.

I also expect to see other manufacturers adopt similar modular designs that use an independent base with swappable bodies.

Background

US-based brand, Puffco, created the heavyweight wax pen, the Puffco Plus (review). They’re also credited for making the first dab rig on the market – the Puffco Plus. A device that could be held in your hand like a bong and provide a powerful vaping experience.

All this said Puffco’s newest product is a complete 180 from the tech and minimalist design of most Puffco products. The Puffco Budsy (buy) is a water pipe disguised as your everyday water bottle. It’s also the brand’s first product designed for the consumption of dry herb and is an homage to the roots of an e-nail – the bong. The Budsy is made with BPA-free Tritan plastic which is food-safe and shatter-resistant and features a ceramic bowl that’s inconspicuously hidden underneath the “straw” / mouthpiece, which is under a screw cap.

Compatibility: The Budsy may be used for dry herb only. I tested the Budsy with Sour Glue CBD from InHemp and THC herb from my local dispensary.

Design and Features

The Puffco Budsy’s outer design isn’t new – it’s a water bottle with an opaque cap and a transparent body, a lot like a Nalgene bottle. It’s what’s going on in the Budsy that’s interesting.

• Ceramic Bowl with silicone tab: Underneath the top cap is the straw which is actually the mouthpiece, and lifting that exposes the ceramic bowl which is conveniently snug in a storage spot. There’s also an attached silicone tab on the bowl for better handling.
• Shatter-resistant BPA- Free Tritan Construction: A plastic material free of harmful additives and strong and sturdy enough to survive falls and bumps – making it the perfect companion for outdoor trips
• Easy Cleaning: All of Budsy’s plastic components are all dishwasher safe and are also easily cleaned with soap and water.

Regarding its portability – it both is and isn’t exactly portable. On one hand, it’s made with a pretty heavy-duty plastic and, it looks like a bottle, making it easy to take anywhere. But, on the other hand, you do need to have a lighter ready to use the Budsy, and it’s a 1000mL water bottle. Which means it’s both tall and quite heavy when filled. It’s larger than even the largest dry herb vaporizers – the Mighty (review) or the Arizer Solo 2 (review)

Performance and Ease Of Use

To use the Puffco Budsy, fill the bottle with 420mL of water and replace the main lid. You can then opt to fill the ceramic chamber and light up, or keep it hidden under the mouthpiece to be used later. You can also take smaller hits throughout the day and just place the tab in storage. Since the Budsy is made of plastic, I highly recommend using a regular lighter and not a torch.

The vapor quality on the Budsy was as expected – flavorful, dense, made even better with water filtration. One of the main draws of the Budsy is being able to discreetly consume, with the added bonus of water filtration – any time, and anywhere. Water filters out ash, tar, and other impurities that might be inhaled. It also instantly cools down the vapor, which makes for smooth and fuller draws.

Also, for an even better experience, always grind your herbs. The SLX (review) grinds your dry herb into an even, fluffy consistency that’s great for whether you’re vaporizing or doing it the old-fashioned way.

Puffco Cupsy

Seems like Puffco has found a niche market in making water pipes disguised as everyday objects. The Puffco Cupsy (buy), released in 2022 – is a water pipe that’s made to look like a reusable coffee cup – and it might just be the perfect pick-me-up you need every day.

It features a stainless steel body with a white exterior and a rubber grip (you know, because coffee is “hot”). The leak-proof silicone lid is similar in functional design as its predecessor, with the same foldable mouthpiece/ straw and ceramic cup that may be pre-filled and tucked away. The Cupsy is clearly smaller than the Budsy, but due to its stainless steel construction – is priced a bit higher at $59.99.  

Bottom Line

The Puffco Budsy is different from the usual Puffco products – their product line is filled with sleek, stylish, geometric devices. All with the latest in vaporizer tech and other interesting features. The Budsy is no doubt high in novelty value but is surprisingly also delivers excellent vapor, and is no doubt discreet enough to take anywhere.

At only $49, it’s the cheapest Puffco product available and would be a fun addition to anyone’s water pipe collection. Although, I’d highly recommend vaping your herb as opposed to combustion. If you’re looking for a vaporizer that’s just as discreet – and doesn’t require 420mL of water, check out our list of the best dry herb vaporizers of 2022.