Dab Pen, Erig, or Wax Pen - Which is the best for you?
Cannabis concentrates have seen a surge in popularity in recent years, leading to an influx of innovative devices designed to enhance the vaping experience.
With a wide range of options available, choosing between a dab pen, electric dab rig (erig), or wax pen can be confusing.
Each device offers unique advantages and has its own set of features that cater to different preferences and needs.
In this guide, we’ll break down the differences between dab pens, erig, and wax pens to help you make an informed decision based on your vaping style and requirements.
What is an Erig?
An electric dab rig (Erig) is essentially a water pipe designed for consuming marijuana concentrates, but with a key difference: it uses an electronic heating element instead of a traditional propane torch.
Erigs are equipped with a self-heating chamber or coil that allows you to vaporize concentrates like dabs, shatter, and wax efficiently.
How Does an Erig Work?
Unlike traditional dab rigs, which require a heated banger or nail that you heat with a torch, electric dab rigs use electricity to power a coil.
This coil heats the chamber or dish where your concentrates are placed.
Simply press a button, and the rig will heat up to your desired temperature, allowing you to enjoy the concentrate with minimal effort.
Erigs are also known for being excellent for cold-start dabbing, where you place the concentrate in the chamber first, then activate the device to heat it.
What is a Wax Pen?
A wax pen is a compact, handheld device designed for vaporizing wax concentrates. It is typically smaller than an electric dab rig and more portable.
Wax pens consist of a few basic components: a battery, an atomizer, and a heating coil.
How Does a Wax Pen Work?
The atomizer inside the wax pen heats the wax concentrate, which is placed in a ceramic or quartz chamber.
Wax pens don’t typically feature a water chamber or bubbler to filter the vapor, which means the hits can feel drier and harsher compared to the smoother hits from an erig.
However, some models, such as the Seahorse X, offer bubbler attachments to improve the vapor’s smoothness.
Wax pens are ideal for people who are looking for a discreet and portable way to vape concentrates, and many models are compatible with 510-threaded cartridges for added versatility.
What is a Dab Pen?
The dab pen, sometimes referred to as an electric nectar collector, is another portable device designed for vaping concentrates.
Unlike the wax pen, the dab pen typically features a built-in heating element (like a coil or ceramic atomizer) at the tip.
This device is great for dabbing on the go, allowing users to enjoy concentrates without the need for a separate dab tool or torch.
How Does a Dab Pen Work?
A dab pen works by using electricity to heat the tip, which you then place directly onto your concentrate.
It’s similar to a traditional nectar collector in that you can dab directly onto the concentrate, but the major difference is the electric heating.
Dab pens are incredibly easy to use and require no additional accessories beyond the device itself.
To use a dab pen, simply press the power button to heat the tip, place it on your concentrate, and inhale.
E-Rig Vs. Wax Pen Vs. Dab Pen: Key Comparisons
When deciding between an electric dab rig (Erig), wax pen, and dab pen, several factors come into play.
Here’s a comparison of key elements to help guide your decision:
1. Portability
Dab Pens and Wax Pens: These devices are lightweight, compact, and easily portable.
Most of them fit into your pocket or come with convenient carrying cases. If portability is your top priority, dab pens and wax pens are the best options.
Erigs: While erigs are portable, they tend to be larger and bulkier due to their glass components.
Erigs are typically more suited for home use, as they can be fragile and harder to travel with.
2. Modular Design
Dab Pens and Wax Pens: These devices often feature modular designs with interchangeable components.
For example, wax pens like the Seahorse X can be used in multiple ways (e.g., as a dab pen, wax pen, or with oil cartridges).
Dab pens and wax pens are more versatile in terms of customization.
Erigs: Erigs are generally designed to be used as-is, with fewer opportunities for modification or upgrades.
They may offer some interchangeable parts like glass bubblers or different atomizer types but are not as versatile as wax pens.
3. Battery Life
Dab Pens and Wax Pens: These devices tend to have smaller batteries, which means they may require more frequent recharging.
However, most are equipped with USB-C charging or standard USB options, allowing you to easily recharge them on the go.
Erigs: Electric dab rigs typically have larger batteries, which means they offer longer vaping sessions between charges.
If you plan on using your device for extended sessions at home, an erig might be more suitable.
4. Durability
Dab Pens and Wax Pens: These devices are generally more durable than erigs, as they don’t contain glass parts that can break.
If you're looking for a device that can withstand drops and rough handling, dab pens and wax pens are the more reliable choice.
Erigs: Due to their glass bubblers and fragile parts, erigs are more prone to breakage.
While they offer smooth hits, they may not be the best choice for travel or rugged use.
5. Discreetness
Dab Pens and Wax Pens: Both of these devices are discreet, allowing you to vape concentrates without drawing too much attention.
Dab pens, in particular, resemble regular vape pens and are perfect for on-the-go use.
Erigs: Erigs are more noticeable, especially when filled with water and vaporized.
The sound of the water bubbling through the rig and the process of dabbing might attract attention, so they are less discreet compared to the other options.
Conclusion
Deciding between a dab pen, electric dab rig (erig), or wax pen depends on your unique preferences, lifestyle, and vaping habits.
Understanding the features and benefits of each device can help you make the best choice for your needs.