If you’re a weed connoisseur, you know all about dabbing. An experienced dabber knows what’s involved, but dabbing can be a complicated, labor-intensive process for the uninitiated. Things can also get pretty scary when the dab torch comes out. And because you can’t take a torch everywhere, most dab accessories aren’t portable options. Most dab rigs even need their own spot in your house. Some can fit in a backpack, but like a bong, they’re still not a practical smoking device when on the go.
So for those who love the excellent high dabs provide but don’t want to set up a rig, get a torch, and deal with ultra-high temperatures, what else is there to do For starters, they can try a dab pen.
What Is A Dab Pen?
Dab Pens are electronic devices that release vaporized cannabis concentrates and are a good option for those looking to vaporize their CBD concentrates. Dab pens are similar to vape pens and e-cigarettes but modified so the user can take a hit of cannabis concentrate or cannabis oil.
Dab pens offer more convenience and portability than a traditional dab rig and are perfect for users who prefer the vaping lifestyle. High-quality dab pens are typically made of glass, plastic, copper, quartz, ceramic, titanium, and titanium alloy. The best dab pens are made of metal, and you should avoid any made with plastic for the best vaping experience.
Some dab pens are referred to by the type of concentrates used in them. So, if you hear someone mention a “wax pen,” they have a dab pen that uses wax concentrates, and so on.
What To Use In a Dab Pen
Dab pens hold cannabis concentrates like resin, shatter, wax, etc. Some pens are compatible with the types of e-liquid used in vape pens. However, always check your specific dab pen’s instructions to ensure your liquids won’t ruin your pen.
Most dab pens are not designed to handle dried cannabis flower. That's what dry herb vaporizers are for. Some hybrid vaporizer heating chambers may support vaporizing dried flower, but again, always check your instruction manual.
How Do You Hit A Dab Pen?
Now that we’re clear on what a dab pen is, how do you use one? You hit most vaping devices the same way, but knowing exactly how to use each is essential.
Once your dab pen is loaded, hitting it is easy.
- Remove the mouthpiece from the pen to access the heating coil or remove the heating chamber.
- Using a metal tool, prepare the amount of concentrate you’d like to hit.
- Place the concentrate on the heating coil or wick, close the chamber, or reattach the mouthpiece.
- Adjust your temperature settings or voltage (may not be necessary depending on your pen type)
- Press the button to heat the dab and inhale simultaneously.
Yocan Evolve Vaporizer
By Yocan
Available in
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What Are The Benefits Of Using A Dab Pen?
All-In-One
The most significant benefit of the dab pen is that it’s an all-in-one device that can do everything for you. All you have to do is inhale, and you need nothing more than your dab pen. You can leave all the paraphernalia necessary to make the dab rig work behind. Your dab pen will sit peacefully in your pocket until you’re ready for a hit.
Compact And Portable
Based on what we just discussed, dab pens are compact and portable. They are called dab PENS, after all. Now, all we need is a pocket protector for our dab pens, and we’ll be all set.
Potent
Dab pens use concentrated extracts like wax, shatter, and budder, so their vapor is exceptionally potent. Even seasoned smokers only need a hit, maybe two, to experience a remarkable high. A quick hit from a dab pen is perfect for a night on the town or a relaxing day in the park.
Are There Any Cons Of Using A Dab Pen?
Limited Battery Life
Dab pens are battery-powered, so you’ll be dependent on the battery life of your pen. We still haven’t developed a battery that will last forever (come on, Elon), so you have to pay attention to the battery life of your pen before you head out for the day. Fortunately, most pens have a rechargeable battery, so bringing your pen back to life is no big deal.
You Have To Put Them Together
One of the drawbacks to dab pens being so versatile is that some assembly is required. This could be a problem if you’re not the best at following instructions or you’re limited on patience (like when you’ve just taken your pizza out of the oven, and you want to eat it while the cheese is still deliciously melty).
Some dab pens also allow for customization, like how hot the heating element burns. This makes for a good experience, but you must get familiar with everything before perfecting your high.
They Require Constant Cleaning
Dab pens are small, so naturally they have small internal parts. These parts can be more difficult to clean than other types of smoking devices, and require constant cleaning so that they don’t get too gunked up with concentrate.
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Evolve Apple Green
Evolve Azure Green
Evolve ChampagneWhat Are The Differences Between A Dab Pen, Vape Pen, and A Wax Pen?
The primary difference between these pens is the concentrate they use. Vape pens are limited to oil cartridges with refined cannabis. Dab pens can vape thicker concentrates like rosin and shatter. Wax pens are the same as dab pens and the terms can be used interchangeably.
Vape pens are trendy because they are the easiest to use with prefilled THC cartridges. Wax pens have more of a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it’s like riding a bike. With a wax pen, you load the concentrate into the heating chamber, set the proper heat settings, and keep the device clean, so it works properly.
Vape pens preloaded with THC are better for beginners or people craving simplicity. Vape pens and prefilled THC cartridges are very simple and provide many of the benefits of vaping concentrates at an affordable price.
Dab Pens vs. Dab Rigs
Numerous styles of dab pens exist, and the higher-end models remove the need to apply heat to the concentrate chamber manually. Traditional dab rigs require a manual heat source like an electronic nail or a blowtorch.
And we have to admit, using a blowtorch to get high is pretty cool, but it isn’t always practical. Practicality and portability isn’t the first thing you’ll think of when you look at the mountain of accessories you need for a dab rig.
Pens make dabs extremely portable without needing to set up the rig, banger, and nail. All you have to do is load the dab pen’s chamber with concentrate, press the right button, and you’re all set.
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RainbowWhat Should You Consider Before Buying A Dab Pen?
Functionality
The first thing to consider before buying a dab pen is its functionality. Some dab pens are extremely simple. All you do is load the concentrate, put the pen cap back on, press the power button, and enjoy. But some dab pens have different features like temperature control, voltage control, and programmable pre-sets.
Consider how simple or complex you want your dab pen to be and base your decision on that.
Battery Capacity
As mentioned above, your dab pen needs a power source to operate. Dab pen batteries are typically lithium-ion and can be recharged with a USB or type-C charging cord. Whether you’re vaping at home, on a hike, or with friends on the weekends, you need a portable dab pen with a battery strong enough to meet your needs. Fortunately, most dab pens today can last for days on a single charge. There are different charging methods available, so pick the one you prefer.
Warranty
If you’re investing in a high-end piece, look for a dab pen with a decent warranty. Some brands offer limited warranties, while others have lifetime warranties. Some warranties are repair-only, while some are direct replacement, meaning you get a new pen if something goes wrong. Read online reviews and research warranty coverage on the dab pen you have your eyes on before you commit to it.
Where to Buy Dab Pens
Dab pens can be found at your local dispensary or your favorite online retailer. Grab yourself a fancy new dab pen from our massive collection at Smoke Cartel, and experience their potent highs for yourself!
