A dab pen, also known as an extract pen or concentrate pen, is a device used to consume cannabis concentrates.
It's a small, portable, and discreet vaporizer that heats up the concentrate to produce vapor that can be inhaled. Most dab pens are made up of three components: a battery, a chamber with heating element, and a mouthpiece.
Components of a Dab Pen
- Battery: Powers the device; has either 510 or 710 threading, can have temperature control options like the Plus pen.
- Chamber: Concentrate is placed in here; contains the heating element used to vaporize the extract.
- Mouthpiece: Where the vapor is inhaled; the Plus mouthpiece contains the Dart, which is used to load concentrate into the chamber.
How Does a Dab Pen Work?
Before using a dab pen, it's important to choose the right concentrate for your device. Some dab pens are designed for use with specific types of concentrates, such as rosin or wax. Using the wrong type of concentrate (like sugar or kief) can damage your device or result in a suboptimal vaping experience.
- Load the concentrate into the chamber.
- If the battery has temperature options, select your preferred setting.
- Press the button to heat the concentrate.
- Inhale and enjoy.
As mentioned above, some dab pens are equipped with temperature control, allowing users to adjust the temperature of the heating element to their liking. This allows for a more tailored experience and can prevent burning the concentrate, which can create a harsh taste and reduced potency otherwise.
Note: Some dab pens also use exposed coils in the chamber, which tend to burn out and need to be replaced. They can also contain glues and fibers which can be hazardous when heated and inhaled. This is important to consider when purchasing a vape pen for dabs. The Plus uses a ceramic chamber with no glues, fibers, or coils.
Advantages of Using a Dab Pen
- Portability: Dab pens are small and easy to transport, making them ideal for on-the-go use.
- Discretion: Their small size also allows for discreet use in public places; most are designed to look like writing pens or other vape pens and blend in easily.
- Ease of use: Dab pens are simple to use and generally require no additional equipment, such as a torch.
- Customization: Some dab pens offer temperature control (like the Plus), allowing users more control over their vaping experience.