Wax pens and vape pens aren’t like they’re often treated. In fact, they’re different in quite a few ways, including the material they vaporize, how they’re made and how they’re used. So, what is a dab pen vs a vape pen? Why is it important to know the difference? Well, if you go into a smoke shop and ask for a wax pen and you have a wax pen cartridge you want to use, they might not bring back what you expected. Think about it this way: all wax pens are vape pens, but not all vape pens are wax pens… and then some are both. Let’s break it down.
Wax Pens
All wax pens are technically vape pens because of the literal vaporization that occurs to the material in the device. Dab vape pens include a heating coil and atomizer to vaporize the thicker consistency of wax. The heating coil is responsible for carrying out the first step of vaporization in your device. It converts the power from the battery into heat, which vaporizes the wax in the atomizer. The atomizer is necessary only for dab vape pens, since this is where the wax or concentrate is loaded before reattaching it to the battery.
Preparation with a wax vape pen is a bit more of a process than the one for concentrates. This makes dab pens great for the hands-on stoner who prefers raw material and finds the entire smoking process meditative. First, use a dabbing tool to take a bit of wax out of the container and into the atomizer. The dabbing tool should be a heat-resistant and non-stick material so it’s easy to slide your wax off it.
Vape Pens
Vape pens are a simple battery device on which to attach a 510 thread, pre-filled oil cartridge. These are often single-use cartridges that you can buy from the dispensary already loaded with cannabis oil. This oil is extracted from the cannabis plant and often consists of a range of cannabinoids and terpenes for flavor. Most pre-filled oil cartridges on the market are “510 thread.” This refers to the way it physically connects to your vape battery, and most vape pens are made to be compatible with 510 thread cartridges.
Understanding the nuances between vape pens and wax pens is crucial for selecting the right device for your needs. To complement this knowledge, dive into our extensive 510 thread battery, where you'll find versatile options that cater to both types of pens, ensuring a perfect match for any preference.
Double-Duty Devices
As the cannabis industry continues to quickly evolve, it’s not a bad idea to invest in a device that can be used for both cartridges and raw concentrates. Not to mention, your own preferences might change over time. Our Duplex Dual Extract Vaporizer and the Ooze Duplex Pro is a vape battery device that can be used for 510 threaded pre-filled THC cartridges and includes a coil and atomizer for wax.
No matter your smoking style, there’s a vape pen to fit. Whether you like to mix it up between dabs and oil, or just stick with one, invest in something that will make your day a little easier—and more fun!
Now that you know which device to use, check out how to adjust the temperature settings that best fit your cannabis material of choice.