I’ve recently been exploring the world of vaping concentrates, and I must admit, it’s been quite an exciting journey. With so many devices available for vaping, dabs and wax pens have caught my attention the most. I’ve even come across dab pens that can be used with wax, provided they’re compatible.
To help you and others understand the differences between a wax pen and a dab pen, I’ve put together this guide.
Dab Pens & Wax Pens
First things first, dab pens and wax pens are the same thing, and the terms can be used interchangeably. They’re not the same as vape pens, though many people think they are.
You can call it either a dab pen or a wax pen, depending on your preference. Vape shops, both online and in-person, might use different terms, but rest assured, they’re talking about the same thing.
What Defines a Dab Pen/Wax Pen?
Now, you may be wondering what exactly makes a pen a dab pen or a wax pen. It’s crucial to understand the features and components that make it what it is, so you know what you’re buying and what it can be used for.
Here are the essential things to look for to identify a dab pen/wax pen:
- Vape Battery: Though not a vaporizer, a dab pen or wax pen needs vape pen batteries to operate efficiently.
- Wax Coil: Specific to the wax pen, this is the part that vaporizes the concentrates. You can place the wax directly onto the coil or the dab nail, and it will heat the wax, producing vapor for your enjoyment.
- Vaporize Wax Concentrates: Most plain vaporizers can’t vaporize a wax concentrate. If they do, the information will be on the box or the website. You might find a vaporizer pen with a vape coil attachment that can modify the vape pen into a wax pen. Ensure it has the right components to handle wax effectively if you want to use a vaporizer as a dab pen or wax pen.
Wax Pen vs. Dab Pen vs. Vape Pen
The real question is, what’s the difference between a vape pen and wax pens and dab pens? Vape pens are different, while wax pens and dab pens share many features.
A vape pen is a general term used for a vape pen battery and a prefilled THC cartridge. It’s often more affordable and the second most popular item purchased from vape stores, besides the cannabis flower.
Some vape pens are designed for use with nicotine products. They can be heated to various temperatures, usually between 2.4 and 4.0 volts. Vape pens can’t use wax unless specifically designed for it, with higher temperature settings to melt the wax. Some companies sell interchangeable pens, so you can always check with them to see what kinds of pens they offer.
With a vape pen, you don’t load your own concentrates. The cannabis oil comes preloaded in the vape pen, unlike wax pens and dab pens where you can put your own concentrate.
Pros of Vape Pens
Though many consider wax pens and dab pens superior in some ways, there are advantages to vape pens, too. They are more available and often cost-effective.
Vape pens and their cartridges offer the following benefits:
- Discreet
- Almost scentless
- Convenient and usable on the go
- Small and compact
- Long-lasting without constant concentrate loading
- Highly potent
- Disposable options available
What is a Wax Pen?
Wax pens share many characteristics with vape pens, including batteries. However, wax pens often have stronger batteries, making them slightly bulkier.
Wax pens differ from vaporizers in that they use a concentrate chamber and an atomizer to vaporize the concentrate you put into the pen. They also tend to reach higher temperatures than vape pens. With a wax pen, you can choose to use wax, shatter, live resin, and various other concentrates in the chamber.
If you’re used to vape pens, you might find that wax pens require more maintenance. You’ll need to clean the chamber after each use and replace the atomizers when they collect too much debris.
Wax pens are more portable, which is why many choose them over vape pens. The vapor from wax pens is often very potent, much like what you’d experience with a dab pen. That’s why people use the terms wax pen and dab pen interchangeably.
Wax Pens Use All Types of Cannabis Extracts
With a wax pen, you can use various cannabis extracts, including shatter, rosin, budder, crumble, and wax. This versatility makes wax pens quite appealing. Wax pens can handle the thick consistencies of these extracts, unlike vaporizers that can only handle liquid extracts.
Your wax pen should also come with a ceramic heating atomizer to warm the wax for inhalation. Wax pens often get hotter because the wax needs more heat to melt due to its thickness.
Loading Your Concentrates
Unlike vaporizers, wax pens aren’t meant for use with prefilled cartridges. This means you can put your choice of concentrate in the wax pen. You’ll use a special dab tool to load the concentrates into the pen.
Wax pens allow for a personalized vaping experience, which many people prefer.
What is a Dab Pen?
Dab pens get their name from the intense high users experience when inhaling. Most wax pens can offer the same high if the heat settings are high, and you’re using quality material.
Many people call various devices dab pens as long as they provide the dab high and intensity when inhaled. So, when it comes down to it, wax pens and dab pens are essentially the same thing, offering you an intense and customizable vaping experience.
