Wax Pens vs. Vape Pens: How Do They Work?

How people consume cannabis products have come a long way. On the contrary, it took strides away from the rolled-up joint, causing controversy. There are now more socially acceptable methods of getting your fix—wax pens and vape pens.

However, the idea existed for centuries before personal vaporizers became commercial. But vaping products are the fastest-growing sector of the tobacco industry.

Unfortunately, many are still unsure of which device to choose. Below is more information on both pens to help guide the undecided:

What Is A Wax Pen?

Dab pens, also known as wax pens, are essential for anyone interested in dabbing. ‘Dabbing’ uses a small amount of cannabis concentrate, also known as wax. This type of cannabis is much more potent than the traditional flower, so it’s essential to use the correct type of pen.

A great wax pen is a discreet, handheld device that heats wax or concentrates to a high enough temperature to release vapors, allowing users to inhale it. Wax pens are usually battery-operated, making them convenient and easy to use.

Furthermore, the wax pen consists of several different parts, as set out here:

The battery is the power source and is typically rechargeable.
The atomizer is the device’s heating element and heats the wax or oil.
The cartridge or chamber is where the wax or oil goes.
The mouthpiece is where you inhale the vapor.

Wax pens are a newer concept than vape pens, although many still prefer their trusty vapes. Looking at the differences could help you understand why.

What Is A Vape Pen?

Vape pens, on the other hand, are designed for use with dry herbs or vape oil. If you’re interested in using cannabis for medicinal purposes, a vape pen is an excellent choice. However, if you want to get the most out of cannabis concentrates, a wax pen may be the way to go.

Also called an e-cigarette, it functions similarly to a wax pen. One significant difference is that it vaporizes a flavored liquid or oil instead of the more solid wax. Vape pens use a heating element, a battery, and a cartridge to heat the liquid and turn it into vapor. The user then inhales the vapors through the mouthpiece of the device.

Various styles and designs make them more attractive to buyers. From sleek and discreet models to flashy and colorful or high-tech vaporizers—there’s something for everyone. What’s more, vape pens can use a variety of liquids. Fruit-flavored e-juices, nicotine-infused e-liquids, or herbal oils or extracts are only some examples.

Benefits Of Using A Wax Pen

The main benefit of using wax pens is that they are a highly discreet way to consume cannabis concentrates. Wax pens are tiny, allowing users to take a dab without a dab rig or torch. There are many more benefits, including:

It is discreet: Wax pens are small and portable enough to take anywhere, making them ideal for users to smoke when they travel.
Use less concentrate: The high wax concentration means smokers need less of it to get their hit.
Intense flavors: Wax concentrates are more potent than traditional flowers, giving them a unique, flavorful experience.
They’re cost-effective: Unlike vape pens, the wax versions don’t need expensive glass parts, vaporizers, or other additions.
Reduce inhaling toxins: Smoking could include burnt material from the paper or filter that wax pens don’t have.

Now let’s see if the vape pen holds up to the same benefits. It’s important to compare to make the best choice in the end.

Benefits Of Using A Vape Pen

One of the best features of a vape pen is that it is a much healthier alternative to smoking. When smoking cannabis, some of the compounds created by combustion can cause harm to the body, such as carbon monoxide and tar. Vaping cuts these from the equation.

But this isn’t the only benefit. There are many more to discuss here:

Reduced cannabis smell: Vapers could combine their cannabis oil with flavorings to mask the scent, making it less detectable.
Take smaller inhalations: When sparking up a joint, most feel compelled to complete it. In contrast, with a vape pen, they can only inhale the needed amount.
Improved taste: Unlike smoking, vaping pens could have adjustable temperature settings. It allows users to control the flavor without heating it as much as combustion methods.
Increased convenience: Vape pens can hold a specific amount of vaping liquid, making them easy to carry around and use. In comparison, smoking could be cumbersome when you need to roll it first before smoking.
Cost saving: Vape liquids could last longer than ground components. Although purchasing the initial bottle may seem more expensive, it saves on repeat purchases in the long run.

As with wax pens, vapes are also easy to conceal. However, they do have a much subtler aroma.

Tips For Using Both

Whether opting for the wax or vape pen, there are some tips smokers could consider for both. Not only will this help to get the most out of the inhaling experience, but it could also assist you in getting the best quality materials.

Some aspects of choosing the right pen or materials could include:

Stick to one type of product: Using wax in a vape, for example, could cause it to stop working altogether. It may also affect the taste and remove the material’s potency.
Don’t let the devices dry out: It could be more critical for vapes than wax pens. Because atomizers often contain some form of a wick, these could quickly burn and add a burnt taste to the vapor. For wax pens, users may not have a desirable experience with too little concentration of cannabis.
Use high-quality products: Many forget they would most likely get what they pay for – cheap or expensive. Rather spend a little extra to ensure a pleasurable experience than waste money on more affordable alternatives.
Never overfill the chambers: Overfilling leaves little to no room for airflow, which could affect the function of the pen. Manufacturers often add filling instructions to the packaging of the pens that users can follow.

The Concluded Choice

It ultimately depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking to use cannabis concentrates, then a wax pen is the better choice. Alternatively, compared to smoking, vape pens cut out harmful substances and have a more subtle flavor.

If you need help deciding which pen type to use, it’s best to consult with a knowledgeable dispensary. Their expertise can help you determine what type of pen is right for you.