Wax Pen Buyers Guide

Traditional methods of consuming waxes usually involve some type of glass rig and a blow torch. This can be quite dangerous, cumbersome and often discourages newcomers from ever wanting to try waxes. Furthermore, rigs are not very portable because of the size and multiple parts.

Wax pens look to provide 2 distinct solutions to the problems of traditional wax consumption:

1. Making concentrates easier to use and more accessible for new comers who want to try them

2. Offering a more portable solution so you can enjoy your concentrates anywhere.

So, What’s in a Wax Pen?

Each wax pen is compromised of 3 main components:

Battery

Each wax pen has a battery that provides the unit power. Some companies only offer a fixed temperature setting while other companies will have variable temperature control. Temperature control will give you more control over the flavor and consistency of your vapor.

Just like dry herb vaporizers, lower temperatures will give you better flavor and thinner clouds, while higher temperatures will produce denser clouds but harsher, more potent vapor.

Atomizer

The atomizer is the part of the pen vape that you load your concentrates into and that causes the vaporization process. Atomizers come in different shapes, sizes, and materials but companies tend to all use similar designs.

Atomizers are meant to be disposable and will break down over time. Generally they should be changed after about 2 months of use or when taste becomes compromised.

Ceramic Rods

The most common type of atomizer uses titanium coils wrapped around a ceramic rod.

1. The most common type of atomizer
2. Ceramic has a very high heat resistance
3. Very durable
4. Difficult to clean after extended use

Units like the Utillian 2 include Ceramic Rod Coils.

Quartz Rods

Another very popular atomizer uses quartz crystal. Very similar to the ceramic rod setup, a quartz rod has been substituted for the ceramic one.

1. Results in better flavor
2. Easier to clean
3. It can be prone to breaking, tends to wear more quickly

Notable units that offer quartz rods are the KandyPens Galaxy and Yocan Evolve Plus.

Ceramic Buckets

Ceramic buckets are relatively new on the scene – instead of using an exposed coil wrapped around a rod, the bottom of the atomizer is entirely ceramic and the heating element lays underneath.

1. Wax is heated more evenly
2. More efficient
3. These atomizers also tend to use less heat than its coiled counterparts which results in a more pure flavor.

The Linx Hypnos Zero incorporates a ceramic bucket for great flavor.

Coil Material

Another important part of your wax pen experience is the material of your coils. The main two types are titanium and kanthal.

Titanium  Coils

Titanium is a pure element that has a high level of corrosion resistance. It has a very high melting point, making it ideal for wax pen coils. It will, however, oxidize over time and it is recommended to change the atomizer out when the coils start to change color.

1. Generally better for larger loads
2. Typically less flavor
3. Massive clouds

Kanthal Coils

Kanthal is a ferritic iron, chromium-alloy (FeCrAl) wire with bright annealed and oxidized surface. It is a very resilient metal, making it great for wax pen coils.

1. Generally better for smaller loads
2. Typically more flavor
3. Less clouds

Some devices offer hybrids, like the Gammatron, which has a Kanthal element wrapped around a Quartz core, providing optimal flavor.

Mouthpieces

Each pen vape also has its own mouthpiece – generally made out of metal, ceramic, glass or heat resistant plastic.  Generally a mouthpiece with a wider opening, like the Utillian 5, is preferred to promote easy air flow and cleaning and to prevent clogging.

 E-Nails

While not a traditional wax pen, E-Nails are very popular with wax users and are essentially a “desktop” wax pen. They look to solve the convenience problem of traditional wax rigs by eliminating the need for a blow torch. Blow torches can be very dangerous and inconvenient to use whenever you want to get in a quick session. Not to mention the money spent on butane.

E-Nails are:

1. Self contained
2. Battery operated
3. Include a water filter
4. Usually include a carrying case

Because they include water filtration you are able to take larger pulls than you would with a normal wax pen. The water will also cool your vapor making hits from an e-nail smoother and less harsh. You can check out all the Best Electric Dab Rigs and E-Nails available in our article here.

These are great for connoisseurs who are looking to get larger draws than a wax pen but want something easier to use than a traditional rig.

Buying Tips

• New users should look for a unit that is well rated at a reasonable price
• We call these value units. These units will be simple, straightforward and a great introductory to the world of wax.
• If you have already had some experience with wax and wax pens you may opt for a larger kit with an assortment of accessories so you can customize your wax session like the Source Orb 4.
• If discretion is your main focus with a wax pen then we would suggest choosing a unit with a ceramic plate atomizer, like the Linx Hypnos Zero as these units heat at a lower temperature, have low odor, and less visible vapor.
• If you are looking for a pen that will give you large vapor clouds consider a unit that has variable temperature control such as the Kandypens Galaxy.

If you are interested in trying concentrates and are looking for something convenient that won’t break the bank be sure to check out all the wax pens offered by Torontovaporizer. Our team has diligently tested and reviewed each unit ensuring we only carry the ones we truly enjoy.

We hope you found this article helpful in making an informed decision on your next wax pen, be sure to check out of other buyers guides for Vaporizers and Vapes as well for more useful info, tips and tricks.

TVAPE