The Different Types of Dab Pens
Dab pens have become increasingly popular as a convenient, discreet, and portable option for enjoying cannabis concentrates.
There is a wide range of dab pen options on the market, and sometimes choosing the right one can be a sizable task.
Below, I break down the different types of dab pens, compare their similarities and differences, and discuss what to consider when choosing the best dab pen for your needs.
What is a dab pen?
A dab pen (aka wax pen) is a compact, electric, handheld vaporizer designed to vaporize solid cannabis concentrates on the go.
They are a portable alternative to traditional dab rigs and free you from needing a flame.
Three main components make up any dab pen are; the battery, the heating chamber or atomizer, and the mouthpiece.
The cannabis wax is placed on the coil, which heats up when the battery is engaged to activate the heating element.
The rising temperature turns the wax to an inhalable vapor. Simply draw through the mouthpiece to ingest the vapor and enjoy your concentrate of choice.
What are the benefits of using a dab pen?
Many stoners prefer wax pens because of their discretion and portability. These small, handheld devices are easy to use on the go and produce little odor.
dab pens also offer more control over temperature settings, making it easier to find the balance between flavor and vapor production, compared to traditional dab rigs.
What Are the Different Types of Dab Pens?
There are 2 main different dab pens, including standard dab pens with heating chamber, and Exposed nail tip dab pens, also called electric nectar collectors.
Each type offers unique features, so you can choose based on what fits your lifestyle and preferences.
1. Chamber dab pens
Chamber dab pens like the lookah ant, python, and swordfish are the most common type of the Wax/dab pens.
These wax pens have a simple heating chamber that you can easily load up your favorite wax concentrates with a dab tool.
The main difference is in the coil design. Depending on your preferences, You can choose between two different kinds of heating element on these Chamber dab pens: A rod coil atomizer or a bucket atomizer.
Rod Coil Atomizer: These atomizers are made of metal coils (like titanium) that are wrapped around a ceramic or quartz rod.
A rod coil Atomizer will have your concreates sitting directly on metal coils that will heat up very quickly as an electrical current is run through them.
These rod coil atomizers provides a near-instant heating and bigger clouds. This design is preferred by users who seek a more potent and immediate dabbing experience.
Rod coil atomizers are ideal for users who prioritize vapor production over subtle flavor nuances. But they will be ultimately harder to clean and will need more replacements over time.
Bucket Atomizer: Bucket atomizers are smooth, Bucket-like heating chambers, typically made of materials like ceramic or quartz. For example, the well-known Lookah 710 thread quartz bucket wax atomizer.
A bucket Atomizer will have a layer normally made from quartz or ceramic that sits above the heating coils. So they get rid of the exposed coil that is wrapped around a rod.
The Bucket atomizers are intended to heat up the concentrates more evenly and efficiently than their older rod counterparts.
This heating method offers a gentle heating process, which preserves the delicate flavors and aromas of the concentrate.
Bucket atomizers are efficient in low-temperature dabbing, delivering a flavorful, smooth, and less intense vapor.
Additionally, their design makes them relatively easier to clean, as they lack the nooks and crannies found in rod atomizers.
2. Exposed nail tip dab pens
Increasing in popularity are exposed nail tip dab pens. These are also commonly referred to as electric nectar collectors.
These straw-like dab pens like lookah seahorse series, are compact, lightweight and very easy to use. They offer another way to dab the concentrate.
Unlike standard dab pens that require a dabber to place the concentrate into a chamber, They are more user-friendly and offer a direct "dip and sip" approach.
All that you need to do is turn the device on and wait for the tip to preheat. Once the heatling element is hot, you’ll dip it into your material while inhaling through the other end.
They are ideal for users who want quick and efficient sessions without having to engage in the process of loading chambers or handling other tools that can be messy.
If you are interested, I recommend you take a look at the Lookah Seahorse Pro Plus, which is an ergonomically designed portable Exposed nail tip dab pen that offers great value for money.
Dab Pens vs. Oil Vape Pens: what's the difference?
There are lots of weed vape pen types. oil cart vape pens are more available and are often cost-effective.
The biggest similarity between a vape pen vs a dab pen is that both devices make it easy to consume cannabis on the go discreetly. However, dab pens and vape pens are different devices.
Type of Concentrate: Dab pens are designed for solid concentrates (wax, hash, rosin), while oil vape pens are used for liquid cannabis oils, such as distillate or live resin.
Heating Mechanism: Oil vape pens usually use a wick system for heating, where the oil is absorbed and then vaporized.
Dab pens, on the other hand, use direct heating elements like metal coils or ceramic/quartz Bucket to vaporize the concentrate.
Potency and Experience: Dab pens typically offer a more intense experience due to the higher potency of solid concentrates.
Oil pens provide a more controlled and consistent dosage, which can be preferable for medical users or those seeking a milder effect.
Types of devices: In general, you'll come across three types of oil vape pens: 510 thread Vape Carts (THC Cart), Refillable Vapes, and disposable vapes.
Rather than oil vape pens that having disposable carts or disposable vapes, dab pens generally only have replaceable coils or atomizers.
Convenience: oil vape pens are the most popular, primarily because of their convenience. these Vape pens consist of a battery that's normally 510 threaded, that you'll connect a vape cart into for heating, vaporizing, and inhaling.
Most Vape pens use a pre-filled cartridge of oil and can be used out of the box. And the entire vape cart can be disposed of once the oil is used up.
On the other hand, wax pens have a chamber that you’ll need to place a small amount of concentrate into for vaporizing and inhaling. after each use, cleaning is needed.
Ultimately,The choice between dab pens, and oil cart vape pens largely depends on your preference for the type of cannabis product you wish to consume.
Features To Look For When Choosing a Dab Pen?
Since dabbing temperature is crucial, choose a dab pen with features like temperature control.
Other features worth looking out for include atomizer material, types of atomizer, battery life, portability, brand, ease of maintenance, etc.
Explore More: The 10 Best Dab Pens & Wax Pens to Buy in 2025
Conclusion
Dab pens are popular because they can provide a very potent experience while being small and easily transported.
In the current market, there are various dab pen types to suit the user’s preference and needs.
Whether you opt for a chamber dab pen or an exposed nail tip dab pen, both devices offer unique advantages for consuming concentrates.
Selecting the best dab pen for you depends on your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
With the information and insights provided in this guide, you are well-equipped to make an informed decision.
For those who want to get the best dab pen, Lookah is a popular brand which presents a variety of products that can satisfy any consumer’s needs and desires.