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Best Dab/Wax Pens of 2024 + New User Guide

All dab pens have a similar anatomy- a battery, chamber, and mouthpiece. The main difference is in the coil design. Dab pens can have a "coil-less" bowl where the heat is generated under the bowl and heats the dabs indirectly, or "exposed coils" which have a heating wire wrapped around a center rod and heat up the dabs by direct contact. 

The two different coil types cater to the two different groups of dab users- the soft and flavorful vs. the harsh and potent. The first group is looking for a mild experience that highlights every terpene of their delicious solventless rosin, and the second group is looking for high-temp dabbing that provides an experience closer to traditional dabbing with harsh vapor and a strong throat hit. 

I fall into the first group more than the second, but regardless, I understand that different users have different preferences, and I will list options for both types of users.

Notes:

Some of these vapes were sent to me for free by the manufacturer for reviews, which I publish on my website- vapeguy.com 

Links are affiliate. Thanks for supporting. 

Full list of coupons can be found here- https://vapeguy.com/coupon-codes/ 

"Soft and flavorful."

The Puffco Plus has a built-in ceramic dab tool that can be used to scoop a tiny amount. Screwing the mouthpiece back will position the dab right in the center of the coil so it melts in as soon as you activate the heat. It has three temperature levels, and you can hold it for manual heat or double-click for a ten-minute session. The flavor is good, and this pen is dead simple to use. 

The cons of the Plus are- 

The chamber is on the small side. Load a tiny amount and be careful not to overfill it. 

It uses a 510 charger instead of the more modern and accessible USB-C. 

The Puffco Plus retails for $89 from vape-smart.com, and you can use coupon code TVG10 for 10% off. 

The Gpen Mirco+ is slightly shorter than the Puffco, has three temp levels, and while it doesn't have a built-in dab tool like the Puffco, it features the much preferred USB-C charger plug.

It also has a microchip that regulates the temperature in the bowl, ensuring the concentrate does not overheat. It has great vapor quality, and at $75, it is a really solid option. 

GPen Micro Plus retails for $75 directly from G-Pen and you can use coupon code TVG20 for 20% discount.

"Strong & harsh" 

Tronian Gammatron & Utillian 5- Both vapes have a heating wire wrapped around a center red. These get "red hot" very quickly and create a nail-like experience. 

The Utillian is thicker and heavier, and it has adjustable airflow and four temperature levels. The Tronian has a built-in wax container and three temperature levels. Both vapes also have a dab tool built into the mouthpiece, but just a heads up, the one of the Utillian 5 is fragile and can break easily. I already broke one. Utillian also sells a compatible water bubbler that sits on top and adds water filtration for more comfortable consumption. 

Both vapes are very good options, but I will give a slight edge to the Tronian. They are available from vape-smart.com and you can use coupon code TVG10 for 10% disount.

Hybrid or dual-use vapes

The Ooze Booster has three temp levels and a coil that looks like a spongy stone that soaks up the wax and vaporizes it. The bottom has a 14mm adapter, so it can easily power any existing rig, replacing the old-school nail and torch setup. Read my full review here.

The XMAX Riggo is not a dab pen, but it functions the same way. It has a similar coil and can be used as a dry pipe or used with the included adapter to connect to a bubbler. It has four temp levels and, interestingly enough, can be used with 510 carts as well. Vapor quality is pretty good, considering the $60 price tag. Read my full review here.

The Boundless Terp Pen is a dab straw. Instead of loading dab into the coil, you dip the coil directly into the container. This consumption method means zero wastage and ultimate control over how much vapor you're getting. By moving the coil closer or further away, you have fine control over the experience. 

The Boundless also has a built-in wax container, so you can take around a quarter of a graham to go, three temp levels, and a tapered rim that will fit bubblers as well. Read my full review here.

I think that basically covers the available options. Do you have any suggestions? Which vape pens should be added and why? 

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Arizer Solo 2 Max Review

I just got the Arizer Solo 2 MAX and wanted to share my review with you guys. I've only had a short time, but I've been using Arizers since the original one and also own the Air MAX, Venty, and many others.

This is a short version of my in-depth review as published on my website.

Disclosure: Arizer sent me the review unit for free. Links are affiliate links, thanks for supporting.

Pricing: The Arizer Solo MAX will retail for $270 starting February 15th, 2024, and coupon code TVG20 will save you 20% at arizer.com

Design

The Solo 2 MAX follows the same design lines as the outgoing Solo 2 and is practically identical in size and shape. The Solo 2 is not the most subtle and discreet unit, especially with the stem inserted. It is large and hefty, and while it is technically portable, it is better suited for home use. 

Glass Stems

The Solo 2 MAX features Arizer's signature glass stem design, where the herb is loaded directly into the stem. The stem has a little glass cup with a screen that has four holes. These are pretty large, so if you use a fine grind, you may need to use the included screen to prevent small particles from getting through. If you're using a coarse grind, you should be okay without the screens. 

It fits around .2 gr of flower and shouldn't be packed too tight. You want it tight enough so that if you wiggle the stem, nothing falls out, but not tighter than that as it may restrict the airflow. Keep the herb around a millimeter under the lip, and don't overfill. 

Best temp

The temperature range is 122-428°F, so you can really get a spectrum of flavors. I like to start my sessions at around 370°F and increase by around 10 degrees every couple of minutes to get a better extraction. It heats up in around 20 seconds, and you can set a custom session duration. 

Use it as an "on-demand" vape

The Solo is a session vape that uses a hybrid convection/conduction heating system. But, I also found a non-traditional way to turn it into a pure "on-demand" vaporizer- You can turn it on and let it heat up to temp without the stem inserted, then insert the stem when it's hot, take a hit, pull the stem out, and cover it with the silicone cap. Once you remove the stem from the chamber, you remove it from the heat source, effectively making the Solo 2 MAX a convection on-demand style vaporizer. 

This method is also great if you want to microdose and have one hit at a time without wasting an entire bowl.

14mm Adapter

The kit also includes a frosted glass stem that looks the same on the end that sits in the chamber, but the other end is a 14mm WPA, which can connect to an existing rig. The display will flip and stay upright even when the vape is inverted. 

Zero maintenance design

The glass stem system of Arizers vapes has a few advantages. 

The biggest one is their ease of use and low maintenance and cleaning requirements. Since the glass is the only part that touches the herb, it is also the only part to ever get dirty. A quick dip in ISO, and it's good as new. 

And since the vapor path is made only from glass, the flavor stays pure and aromatic. All Arizers are known to produce outstanding vapor quality.

The stems can also be used as dosing capsules, and together with the caps and PVC pipes that are included in the kit, they can be taken away as ready-to-use pods, eliminating the need for a reload while on the go. 

Performance & vapor quality

The Solo 2 MAX uses an improved hybrid heating system that uses mostly convection, but also conduction heat radiates through the glass into the herb that's in the chamber. It is very efficient, achieves maximum extraction, and delivers great-tasting vapor.

Solo 2 MAX vs. other vaporizers:

The most significant improvements over the outgoing Solo 2 are the following:

The proprietary DC charger plug has been updated to a USB-C. Finally.

There are also minor interface updates, such as dark mode or the rotating display.

When compared to the Air MAX:

The Solo 2 Max is larger and heavier.

The Battery of the Solo 2 MAX is more powerful and long-lasting. Around 120 minutes on the Air MAX and 170 minutes on the Solo 2 MAX.

The Solo 2 MAX heats up almost twice as fast.

The Solo 2 MAX has a larger display but no replaceable battery.

Both vapes have the same: oven size, temp range & control, hybrid heating system, and a similar interface. The stems are cross-compatible between the Old Solo, New Solo, and the Air MAX. 

As far as non-Arizer vapes, I think the closest comparable is the new S&B Venty. Both vapes are pretty large, and I consider them to be "home portables."

Both vapes use a hybrid heating system that is very efficient and archives maximal extraction.

The Venty has a slightly larger oven and is a "heavier hitter." It produces slightly more vapor.

The Venty also has an adjustable airflow, so it is more flexible when it comes to inhalation technique. You can inhale short and fast vs. long and slow with the Solo 2 MAX.

Lastly, the Venty retails for $420, while the Solo 2 MAX is $270. 

Bottom line:

There are no game-changing features or upgrades, as the Solo 2 didn't need them. It is a straightforward vaporizer that has been time-tested and proven to be a winner. It has the easiest and fastest loading procedure out there, and the results are predictable and consistent. It compensates for the lack of portability with long battery life and delicious vapor.

Should you upgrade? 

If you already own a Solo 2 that works great and has no issues, there is no need to upgrade. If you were on the fence about getting one, this is the best time to pull the trigger. 

Tips for best use:

Perfect your inhalation technique. As I mentioned, I recommend taking long, slow inhales from the Solo MAX. "Sip, don't rip" definitely applies here, and you should experiment to find the intensity that works best. Another reason to inhale slowly is that fewer particles will get sucked in, especially if you're not using the screen, which I don't. 

If you're looking to get the best flavor, start inhaling while the vaporizer is pre-heating. Different terpenes vaporize at different temperatures, so inhaling while it's heating up will unlock amazing flavors and aromas. Keep in mind that not a lot of vapor will be produced at this stage. 

If you're basically the opposite person of what I just described, and you want full, potent, dense hits from the first inhale, let the vape sit for an additional 10-30 seconds after it reaches the set temperature. This will allow heat to build up in the chamber and heat up the flower for a fuller, denser hit. 

Empty your chamber immediately after finishing a session. Use a brush to remove any small particles that may block the holes of the glass and reduce airflow. Letting the cashed herb stay in the oven will make it stick to the glass and get it dirty a lot faster. 

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Best Dry Herb Vaporizer of 2024

Hello all. 2024 is here, and with it, my list of the best dry herb vaporizers you can buy today. As you probably know, dry herb vapes are not "one-size-fits-all." The best vaporizer for me might not be the best for you, as we may prioritize different features. So, I've broken the list down by categories.

If you use any of these dry herb vapes (or any other ones), I'd be glad to know your opinion and experience with them. 

* Check out this list for coupon codes, let me know if any are not working (these are affiliate links/coupons) 

* I also published this list as video on my YouTube channel

Best Overall Vaporizer- Venty

The Venty by Storz & Bickel was released a couple of months ago by a company with nearly 30 years of experience in dry herb vaporizers. S&B, the maker of the iconic Volcano desktop vaporizer, has developed the Venty as their flagship portable model after years of research and development.

The Venty has several strong pros:

It uses a super-efficient hybrid heating system and achieves maximum extraction. The herb is initially heated with conduction, meaning contact with the chamber's walls, and then convection heat is pulled in with each inhale to boost the extraction. The results it produces are predictable and consistently great.

It's as close to "medical grade" as it gets. The Venty has a UL certification and has been rigorously tested to ensure pure vapor with no contaminants.

It is very simple to use: Open, Load, Close, Ready, Set, Go.

Lastly, it is made to last. Built from premium materials, S&B has a proven track record of sturdy, long-lasting vapes.

The cons are:

First, it's expensive. At $450, it is not for everyone. The price tag is definitely a barrier for many users.

Second, it's big. While not huge and definitely manageable, it won't comfortably fit in a pocket. So, if you're an on-the-go user or value discreetness, the next vape on the list might be more suitable for you. However, for home use, larger vapes have a few benefits: they get less hot during use, typically have larger batteries, and are sturdier and easier to handle. So, the size can be a pro or con, depending on your perspective.

Best small-from vaporizer- Pax Plus

The Pax Plus is the company's fourth iteration since the original was released in 2012. It maintained the same size and shape but with significant internal improvements. At $200, Pax strikes a balance between price and performance and is a good fit for new users and pros alike. 

Here are a few of my favorite features:

Pax Plus easily has the best size/performance ratio in the industry. It's small and discreet and easily fits in a pocket or concealed in my palm. With the flat mouthpiece, it's almost impossible to tell what this thing is without seeing you actually using it. It's my top choice for going out, and since it's so small, sometimes I'll even pack my old Pax 3 and bring it with me as well so I can enjoy two sessions without repacking. 

It has a huge oven, which again can be a pro or a con, depending on the user. I can easily put half a gram into this press, which is a must-have if you buy the Pax, and pack it into this brick, which perfectly fits in the oven. This capacity is double that of most vapes, like the Venty, which fits around a quarter gram. A large oven fits more herb, meaning more THC. A proper session with the Pax can send most users to Mars faster than Elon's rockets. 

It's easy to use and clean, has a wireless charger, and is long-lasting. Look how banged up mine is, and it still works perfectly.

The cons are:

It doesn't have precise temperature control. Unlike the Venty, which can adjust the temperature by +/- 1°, the Pax has four preset levels. I typically start it on the third setting to get a good flavor and then bump it up to the fourth to maximize extraction.

Since it has a small body, it gets hot towards the end of sessions. This is a sacrifice you're making when opting for a smaller vape.

Easiest Vaporizer to Use and Maintain- Arizer Air MAX

The Arizer Air MAX is Arizer's latest release and features their signature usage process, which involves loading herbs into the glass mouthpiece, which is then inserted into the heating chamber. The original version of this vape was one of my first vaporizers and helped me personally switch from combustion to 100% vaping. Here's why I love it:

Pros:

It's unique loading system means only glass touches the herb, keeping the flavor pure and making it the only part that ever gets dirty. A quick dip in ISO once in a while easily removes the residue and leaves you with a clean air path.

It makes the most out of your flower. It has a small chamber perfect for solo use, and if you're looking to conserve flower due to cost or availability issues, the Air Max will stretch it the longest.

It has a replaceable battery, precise temperature control, and it comes with a 14mm rig adapter included in the kit.

Under $100- XMAX Starry 4

In the value category of under $100, I have the Xmax Starry. The latest version, the Starry 4, was released in mid-2023. Using the coupon code on the review page (linked below), you can get this vape for $90, which is excellent value. It has a ceramic oven with a capacity of a quarter gram, precise temperature control, and an adjustable airflow. It's an entry-level vape, so it doesn't have the vapor quality of more premium vapes, but it still punches above its weight class and is an excellent option for beginners. 

Best Convection Vaporizer- Tinymight 2

The Tinymight 2 is the best convection (aka on-demand) vaporizer. Convection vaporizers produce heat in a heating element outside the chamber. The heat is pulled into the chamber with each inhale, extracting vapor into the mouthpiece.

This means that each inhale is a mini-session, and you can hit it, leave it for an hour, and hit it again. But make no mistake, the Tinymight 2 is a super heavy hitter. If you build up to it, you can probably down an entire bowl with an intense 10-second inhale. That will hit you hard.

However, convection vapes like the TM2 have a slight learning curve and may not be the right fit for most people. I don't suggest buying the TM2 as a first-time vape unless you've tried it before and know what to expect.

If you're looking to save flower, you're probably better off with a small-oven hybrid vape such as the Venty or Air Max mentioned earlier.

Other all-rounders that are good choices include:

POTV Lobo: Uses a hybrid heating system, has a 0.25g chamber capacity, precise temp control, is super easy to use, has a few mouthpiece attachment options and a nice ecosystem available.

G-Pen Dash+: Another small and discreet option. It has a titanium heating chamber with 0.25g capacity, precise temp control, and is super simple to use.

Ooze Verge: This is another entry-level vape that performs excellent for its price. With the coupon on the review page, it's $125 and probably has the best vapor quality at that price. The battery life is on the shorter side, but still, this vape is a solid choice. 

And just a reminder - check out the review pages for more info and coupon codes for all these products- https://vapeguy.com/best-dry-herb-vaporizer/

This is the first post in a series of "best lists," where I'll break down my top choices for concentrate vaporizers, dab pens, eRigs, 510 batteries, and even vapor cups. I'd love to hear your thoughts or experience with any of these vapes or an insightful review of any other vape.