Introduction
Concentrate consumption has gone far beyond the simple days of the old school torch and nail. I’m pretty sure we’re all glad that technology has caught up with consumption and the risk of causing accidents are now pretty close to zero. Now we have several ways to enjoy our favorite solids, whether it’s via a much larger e-nail/rig set up or the particularly portable wax pen.
Dab/Wax Pens, in a nutshell, are designed for users who want the flavor and potency of concentrates without the hassle of carrying a large device. Dab Pens are self-contained – with their own ovens or bowls, and heat to very specified temperatures. Simply load in some concentrate, screw on the mouthpiece, and puff away
California-based brand Grenco Science has long been in business and gained a lot of popularity upon the release of its original G-Pen. Their latest device, the G-Pen Micro+ (review | buy) is an updated version of the classic G-Pen Micro. The Micro+ (Plus) is comprised of three main components – a food-grade silicone mouthpiece, the Micro+ tank (a quartz coil with ceramic lining), and the 850mAH battery with 510 threading.
The Puffco Plus (review | buy) is a great contrast to the thick, chunky pens on the market at the moment. It’s easily one of the sleekest-looking vape pens around. It features a mouthpiece named “the dart” which has a built-in dab tool and has a ceramic chamber that produces mild and tasty vapor.
Both devices are compatible with THC/CBD cartridges, and solid concentrates such as dab and wax. I tested the Micro+ and Puffco Plus with CBD dab from Steve’s Goods and a Delta 8 Cart from Industrial Hemp Farms.
Design and Features
Most vape pens follow a pretty formulaic pattern of being connected to a coil or cartridge and delivering vapor at the push of a button. What both the G-Pen Micro+ and Puffco Plus have done is elevate these pieces and make them more functional and efficient.
Both the Micro+ and the Puffco Plus are extremely portable devices. The Puffco Plus is slim and most closely resembles your everyday pen. It has a grey/black metallic finish with a fingerprint-proof coating which makes it shiny and classy.
While the Micro+ is a shorter, more stout device – with a semi-gloss finish and a single button outlined by LED lights. All of the Micro+’s three main components are connected via strong magnets to create a pretty solid, sturdy device.
Mouthpiece
The mouthpiece of the Puffco Plus is probably one of its standout features -the mouthpiece narrows as it approaches the tip, giving it a different look from the hourglass shape you see in other mouthpieces.
Inside is what is called “the Dart” – a dab tool built right into the mouthpiece. It also 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.
The mouthpiece of the Micro+ is also thoughtfully designed – comprised has two main pieces: a ceramic mechanism that cools the vapor as it travels, and an outer food-grade silicone cover that protects the airpath. One of the best things about silicone is that it doesn’t get too hot – especially on the lips, but having this dual-layered mouthpiece ensures the mouthpiece is always cool.
The Micro+ Battery
The Micro+ battery is probably one of the smartest batteries I’ve seen on a device so far. The 850mAH battery makes up the bulk of the device and is rechargeable via USB-C. It has a chip that gets real-time feedback from the coil and makes instant micro-adjustments to the power output in order to keep the temperature at the coil steady and consistent.
The Puffco Plus has a 520mAh battery which should be more than enough for a full day’s use. It recharges in 45 minutes via a 510 threaded charger – definitely faster than most devices on the market.
510 Threading
Both the Puffco Plus and Micro+ are 510 threaded – which means you can use it with any oil cartridge with the same standard threading. To use either device with a 510 cart, simply unscrew the tank/bowl and connect your desired THC or CBD cartridge.
A neat trick on the Micro+ however, is that it features 510 cartridge recognition technology, which distinguishes between cartridges and the Micro+ tank.
Interface & Usage
Like most Dab Pens, the Micro+ and the Puffco Plus have a single firing button and 3 pre-set temperatures. Whether it’s your first pen or your 10th, you won’t have any issues with using either device.
They also share the same usage flow, press the button 5x to turn the device on, and triple-click to cycle through the Blue (lowest), Green, and Red (highest) temps. Hold the button for 10 seconds to activate session mode/ automatic heating. The current status of either device is indicated by LED lights and with haptic feedback on the Micro+
Performance
As mentioned earlier – dab pens are designed for the flavor fiends. And that’s exactly where the Puffco Plus and the Micro+ excel. The Puffco Plus has a ceramic coil which is a slow heating material that produces utterly flavorful results. Since it doesn’t heat up quickly, there is less burning of the wax which prevents the body from overheating.
The vapor quality on the Puffco is smooth, light, and very terpene-rich – especially at its sweet spot: the middle/green temp. Neither the Puffco Plus nor the G-Pen Micro+ come with coil/rods which is the material known for producing thick, dense vapor.
The Micro+ Tank
Another elevated feature of the Micro+ is the Micro+ Tank. It’s lined with both quartz and ceramic inside of a dual-channel stainless-steel enclosure. The Tank is built to provide consistent heat application, optimal flavor profiles on every heat setting, and balanced airflow for maximum vapor production.
The Micro+ Tank definitely raised the bar for dab pen coils and what other features can be packed into it. These added features and smart tweaks made the results on the Micro+ absolutely excellent. Still on the light side (like the Puffco) yet, definitely flavorful.
Bottom Line
The Puffco Plus is priced at $89 while the G-Pen Micro+ is just a bit cheaper at $80. With all the smart features loaded onto the Micro+ (Plus), it’s clearly the clear winner here. The Micro+ is everything new and right – setting the standard for wax pens.
Not to say that the Puffco isn’t worth it – it is. It delivers full-flavored, light vapor – in a sleek and beautiful design. But the Micro+ currently holds the top spot on our list of best dab pens of 2024 and is currently my favorite device for dabs and 510 carts.
Whether you’re looking for a main concentrate device or a spare to add to your collection – the G-Pen Micro+ is worth a look.
