The Pulsar APX Smoker V3 is a handheld electric pipe for dry herbs that eliminates the need for a lighter by using a powerful internal battery and a rapid-heating ceramic element. From the moment our team got our hands on this device, its purpose was clear: to solve that age-old, frustrating problem of being ready for a session only to realize your lighter has mysteriously vanished.
At just 3.25 inches long, it’s a compact piece of tech designed by Pulsar that aims to deliver the classic pipe experience with a modern, convenient twist. We were eager to see if this lighterless pipe could really deliver those "big dank clouds" it promises.
Quick Verdict
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Overall Rating |
⭐⭐☆☆☆ (2.5) |
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Best For |
On-the-go users, outdoor users, and anyone tired of carrying a lighter. |
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Key Pros |
Incredibly fast 7-second heat-up, extremely portable, simple push-button operation. |
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Key Cons |
Limited 1.5-hour battery life per charge, strictly a combustion device. |
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Price |
What Are the Key Features and Specifications of the APX Smoker V3?
The Pulsar APX Smoker V3 features a 1100mAh battery, a 7-second heat-up time, and a high-temperature ceramic heating element. We found its design to be a bundle of practical choices aimed squarely at convenience.
Here’s a breakdown of what our team noted:
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Materials: The device uses a stay-cool zirconia mouthpiece, which felt comfortable and did an excellent job of not transferring heat, making sure the flavor from our dry herbs remained pure. The removable quartz-lined chamber is a fantastic touch, making loading and cleaning significantly easier while preserving taste.
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Heating Element: It’s equipped with a self-cleaning ceramic power pad heating element. This element reaches a scorching 950°F - 1094°F, which is key to its function as a combustion pipe, not a vaporizer.
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Dimensions: At a mere 3.25 inches long, this electric pipe is genuinely palm-sized. It slipped into our pockets with ease, making it a stellar companion for discreet, on-the-go use.
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Battery & Power: The internal 1100mAh battery provides about 1.5 hours of use time and, conveniently, also takes about 1.5 hours to fully recharge via the included USB cable.
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Unique Selling Points (USPs): Two features really stood out in our sessions. The 2-click hands-free mode was a game-changer for group settings or just kicking back, and the built-in stir stick is one of those "why didn't I think of that?" features that proved incredibly useful for optimizing the bowl mid-session.
How Does the Pulsar APX Smoker V3 Perform? Our User Experience
Our team found the APX Smoker V3 delivers powerful, smoke-filled hits almost instantly thanks to its rapid heating and high-temperature design. It effectively mimics a traditional pipe experience, just without the flame.
What is the Hit Quality and Performance Like?
The performance is defined by speed and power. A 7-second heat-up is no joke; the device is ready to go almost as fast as you can press the button. This isn't a low-and-slow vaporizer; it’s a combustion device through and through.
The ceramic element gets incredibly hot, producing thick, dense smoke clouds with every press. For users looking for that classic pipe feel, it delivers exactly that. The zirconia mouthpiece makes sure the smoke is as cool and flavorful as possible under such high heat.
How Is the Ease of Use and Setup?
We found it to be incredibly straightforward. The single-button operation is intuitive, and the built-in heat and battery life indicators leave no room for guesswork. The 2-click hands-free mode is simple to activate and works perfectly, heating the bowl for you so you can just focus on the draw. It’s about as plug-and-play (or, charge-and-play) as it gets.
What Is the Portability and Discretion Factor?
This is where the APX Smoker V3 truly excels. Its 3.25-inch frame makes it one of the most portable electronic smoking devices we’ve tested. It’s perfect for tossing in a bag or pocket for a concert, hike, or just a walk around the block. Its discreet form factor doesn't scream for attention, and not needing a separate lighter streamlines your pocket-carry significantly.
What are the Benefits of Using the Pulsar APX Smoker V3? (Pros)
There are 4 main benefits we identified during our review of the APX Smoker V3, centering on its sheer convenience.
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Lighter-Free Convenience: The primary benefit is never having to search for a lighter again. This electronic pipe is a self-contained system, which our team found incredibly freeing.
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Extreme Portability: Its compact, pocket-friendly size makes it the perfect travel companion for nearly any situation.
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Rapid-Fire Sessions: The 7-second heat-up time means your session starts the moment you decide you want one, with no waiting around.
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User-Friendly Features: The inclusion of a hands-free mode and a built-in stir stick shows a thoughtful design process focused on an effortless user experience.
What are the Drawbacks of the Pulsar APX Smoker V3? (Cons)
Our team noted 3 potential drawbacks with the APX Smoker V3 that users should consider.
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Limited Session Time: The battery provides about 1.5 hours of use, which means for heavy users or long days out, you’ll need to plan for recharging.
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Combustion, Not Vaporization: It’s crucial to understand this is a high-heat electric pipe, not a true vaporizer. If you’re looking for low-temperature terpene preservation, this isn’t the device for you.
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Tethered to a Charger: While it’s portable in use, its battery life means it relies on regular access to a USB charging port to keep it in action.
Who Should Buy the Pulsar APX Smoker V3 Electric Pipe?
The Pulsar APX Smoker V3 is best suited for the dry herb user who prioritizes convenience, speed, and portability above all else. It’s the perfect device for someone who loves the ritual and effect of a traditional pipe but is constantly frustrated by wind, dead lighters, or simply not wanting to carry extra gear.
This is an ideal electronic pipe for:
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Campers, hikers, and other outdoor users.
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Concert and festival-goers.
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Anyone who wants a reliable, quick-hitting pipe for on-the-go sessions.
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The person in your friend group who is always asking to borrow a lighter.
How Do You Use the Pulsar APX Smoker V3? (Our Beginner's Guide)
To use the Pulsar APX Smoker V3, first charge it fully, then load the chamber and press the button to heat and smoke. Our team found getting started was a breeze.
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Charge It Up: Use the included USB cable to give the 1100mAh battery a full charge before your first use.
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Load the Chamber: Remove the mouthpiece to access the removable quartz-lined chamber. Loosely pack your favorite dry herb inside.
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Power On & Hit: Press the power button to begin heating. It’s ready in 7 seconds. Hold the button while you draw to get a thick cloud of smoke.
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Go Hands-Free (Optional): For a more relaxed session, click the power button twice to activate the hands-free mode.
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Stir as Needed: Use the handy built-in stir stick to mix the contents of the bowl between hits for an even burn.
How Do You Clean and Maintain the Pulsar APX Smoker V3?
Cleaning the Pulsar APX Smoker V3 involves detaching the quartz-lined chamber for easy access and leveraging the self-cleaning heating pad. We found maintenance to be surprisingly simple.
For a quick clean, just remove the quartz chamber and wipe it out. For a deeper clean, a soak in isopropyl alcohol will have it looking new. The ceramic heating element is self-cleaning, which helps minimize buildup and maintain performance over time.
Is the Pulsar APX Smoker V3 Electric Pipe Worth the Investment? (Final Verdict)
Yes, the Pulsar APX Smoker V3 is absolutely worth the investment for the right person. If your goal is to find the most convenient, portable, and fastest way to enjoy a traditional smoke session without a flame, this device is a clear winner.
Its thoughtful features like the built-in stir stick and hands-free mode elevate it beyond a simple novelty. While it won't replace a low-temp vaporizer for flavor purists, it masterfully achieves its goal of being the ultimate lighter replacement.
Where Can You Buy the Pulsar APX Smoker V3?
Our team got to test this handy device, and you can get one for yourself, too. The Pulsar APX Smoker V3 Electric Pipe is available in multiple colors and limited edition designs right here on our site.
Ready to ditch the lighter for good? Check out the Pulsar APX Smoker V3 on smokecartel.com!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the Pulsar APX Smoker V3
What is the heat-up time for the Pulsar APX Smoker V3?
The Pulsar APX Smoker V3 has an extremely fast 7-second heat-up time, allowing you to start your session almost instantly.
How long does the Pulsar APX Smoker V3 battery last?
On a full charge, the 1100mAh battery provides approximately 1.5 hours of use, and it also takes about 1.5 hours to recharge completely.
How does the "hands-free mode" work on the Pulsar APX Smoker V3?
The hands-free mode is activated with two quick clicks of the power button, which then automatically heats the chamber for continuous, easy hits without needing to hold the button down.
Is the Pulsar APX Smoker V3 a combustion device or a vaporizer?
It is a combustion device. With a temperature range of 950°F - 1094°F, it is designed to combust dry herbs to produce smoke, not vapor.

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