What is a Dab Pen? Pros? How to Use and Clean?

Dab pens are the top way to enjoy dabbing cannabis concentrates without a heavy dab rig. 

They are growing in popularity because of their convenience, portability, discreteness, and ease of use.

However,  If you’re new to the world of cannabis consumption, dab pens can seem like a foreign concept. 

You might be wondering What is a dab pen? how does it work? Why so many stoners begin to use it?

In this guide, we'll explore what makes dab pens unique, how they work, how to use and clean them, and the advantages they offer vs dab rigs.

What is a Dab Pen? 

A dab pen (aka wax pen) is a discreet, portable vaporizer that resembles a vape pen but used to convert solid cannabis concentrates into a potent, flavorful vapor that gets you super high.

These devices come in various shapes, sizes, and configurations, but they all have 4 essential components: a battery for power, a chamber for placing concentrates,  an Atomizer with Coil for heating, and a mouthpiece for inhaling.

In addition, They usually feature adjustable voltage, wattage or temperature settings, allowing users to customize their vaping experience based on their preference.

When you turn on the dab pen battery, the heating element warms up and turns the cannabis concentrate into an inhalable vapor.

Instead of releasing smoke, dab pens emit a cool mist. It contains all the precious cannabinoids and terpenes, but none of the combusted plant matter. 

How do Dab Pens Work?

When you press the fire button, dab pen battery powers the heating element - atomizer with coils, heating up the cannabis concentrate you place inside the chamber.

As the concentrates heats up, it converts into the delicious vapor you inhale through the mouthpiece.

What are Cannabis Concentrates or dabs?

Concentrates (or dabs) include live resin, rosin, diamonds, sugar, shatter, crumble, sauce, badder, etc. Each is extracted from cannabis plant but using different techs and provides unique flavors and consistencies. 

What are the Advantages of Using a Dab Pen?

There are plenty of advantages to using dab pens for vaporizing concentrates over other consuming methods.

1. Portable and Discreet

Dab pens are small and can easily fit in your pocket, making them convenient for on-the-go use.

Furthermore, They’re super discreet and emit minimal odor, which makes them perfect for use in different settings.

2. Intense flavor and High Potency

Dab pens deliver a clean, intense flavor compared to other vaping devices like dry herb vaporizers that use cannabis flower.

Given that they use concentrates and wax with up to 90% THC, the effects can be significantly stronger than smoking or vaping cannabis flower with as much as 30% THC.

3. Concentrate Flexibility

Dab Pens can be filled with various concentrates like live resin and live rosin and consistencies like sauce, badder, budder, and jam.

So you can pick your favorite concentrate, and choose a specific type, texture, and quality.

Whether you're consuming solvent-based or solventless concentrates, or something else, a dab pen is an excellent device to have in your stash.

4. Precision and Customization

Dab pens allow users to control the temperature and dosage of their hits. This precision can help users achieve a more consistent and enjoyable experience.

Utilizing lower Voltage or temperature can preserve the flavor of your concentrate, while higher temperature can produce larger clouds and increase potency.

5. Ease of Use

Dab pens are easy to use and require minimal setup, there is no need to heat up a nail or use a torch.

All you do with dab pens is load concentrate into the heating chamber, set the temperature to your preferred heat, and enjoy.

If you're just now getting into concentrates, dab pens are a great and easy option.

6. Health

Unlike traditional smoking methods that involve inhaling combusted smoke from burned flower, dab pens vaporize the concentrate to vapor, creating a smoother and healthier inhalation experience.

Vaporizing eliminates many of the harmful byproducts associated with combustion, such as tar, carbon monoxide and thousands of other toxins.

How to use a Dab Pen? Step by Step Guide

Using a dab pen is pretty simple, although it might take a bit of practice to perfect it.

Step 1: Prepare the Dab Pen

First, ensure that the dab pen is fully charged.

Most dab pens come with a USB charger, which you can plug into any compatible port.

Step 2: Load the concentrates

Next, remove the mouthpiece to expose the heating chamber. Use a dab tool to place a small amount of concentrates onto the heating coil.

Be careful not to overload the coil as this can cause the concentrate to spill over and damage the device.

Last, reattach the cap or mouthpiece.

Step 3: Turn On the Device

Press the fire button 3-5 times in quick succession To turn on your dab pen, depending on the model. 

Once the light on the button blinks or glows, the pen is ready for use.

Step 4: Adjust Temperature (if applicable)

If your dab pen has adjustable temperature (or voltage) settings, choose your preferred temperature.

Lower temperatures can provide a smoother hit with better flavor, allowing you to taste the strain’s unique terpenes. Higher temperatures produce bigger clouds.

Decide on what you prefer and play around until you find a temperature that works for you.

Step 5: Inhale and Enjoy

Bring the mouthpiece of the dab pen to your lips and take a slow, steady inhale. then exhale the vapor slowly and enjoy the effects.

Take small puffs at first to gauge the strength of the vapor. If the vapor is too harsh, reduce the temperature or take smaller puffs.

It is essential to hold the vapor in your lungs for a few seconds before exhaling. This allows the cannabinoids to absorb into your bloodstream, providing a more potent effect.

Step 6: Turn Off the Dab Pen

After your hit, Press the power button several times to turn off the pen. This helps conserve battery life and prevent accidental activation.

How to clean a Dab Pen?

It’s essential to keep your device clean to help ensure its long life!

While you don’t have to clean your wax pen every single time, buildup can occur if too much time passes between cleaning.

It is a good idea to clear your dab pen after each use because the still-warm oven will make it easier to remove the sticky residue.

Using isopropyl alcohol and a cotton swab, clean any residue from the chamber or atomizer.

Before scrubbing, use your metal dabber to remove large bits of leftover wax.

You can even heat up your pen and set it upside down on a paper towel to make the solid residue flow out.

Why is my Dab Pen Not Working? Troubleshooting

Always make sure your dab pen is fully charged. The most common cause of a dab pen that doesn’t work is a dead battery.

If the pen turns on but you can’t draw through it, it could be clogged. You may need to clean out the mouthpiece or the oven to get a clean pull.

It’s normal for vape coils to burn out over time. Before it dies completely, you’ll probably notice a decline in flavor and vapor output. When that happens, it’s time to change the coil.

Also Read: Why is my dab pen not working? Quick Fix

How much is a dab pen?

A quality dab pen can range anywhere from $30 to $200 or more, which vary depending on brand, feature, quality and style.

For instance, The high-end models with advanced features, such as precision temperature and airflow controls, can cost much more that Entry-level dab pens.

While investing in a higher-end dab pens may yield better results, you can still find quality options at a lower price point.

Explore More: How Much Is a Dab Pen? Cost Guide for Beginner Buyers

Dab Pens vs Vape Pens: What's the Difference?

Both Dab pens and Vape pens are a great and popular way to smoke cannabis concentrate. They looks and works similarly, so many people think they are the same.

However, they are different devices, The main difference between a dab pen and a weed vape pen is the type of concentrate consumed, and how it is housed in the device.

Dab Pens are designed specifically to vaporize semi-solid cannabis concentrates like wax or shatter. They also tend to have larger chambers and stronger batteries to accommodate the higher power needs.

Vape pens, on the other hand, are typically smaller and less powerful, as they are designed to vaporize thinner liquids like cannabis oil or dry herbs.

The cannabis oil in a vape cartridge or tank is usually has been diluted with other ingredients, so they are less potent and flavorful.

In addition, most vape carts are pre-loaded with cannabis oil. As for a dab pen, You need to load concentrates manually!

Read More: Dab Pen vs Vape Pen: What's the Difference?

Dab Pens vs Dab Rigs: Which one is Better?

Another option for dabbing is to use a dab rig, which is a more traditional way to consume concentrates. There are two types of dab rigs:

1. Traditional dab rigs: A traditional dab rig is a desktop apparatus that usually has extensive glassware and is intended for use on a tabletop.

This type of dab rig has a nail or a banger – that’s made from glass or quartz. You heat the bowl manually with a butane torch before placing a dab in the bowl and inhaling through the dab rig’s mouthpiece.

2. Electronic dab rigs: Electronic dab rigs tend to be smaller than traditional rigs. They’re usually small and light enough to pass around during a group session, but they’re also too large to carry in your pocket.

An electronic dab rig works on the same principle as a traditional dab rig, but the heating element runs on battery power and doesn’t require a torch.

However, using dab pens is more convenient and discreet than using dab rigs. Instead of relying on your rig and torch, simply set your ideal temperature, load wax into the pen, and get high.

Conclusion

Dab pens represent a simple, portable yet effective method for consuming cannabis concentrates, providing stoners with easy access to THC, CBD and other cannabinoids.

They are well-suited for cannabis users looking for an intense high. Luckily, There are various dab pens to choose from, each with different designs and settings to match your preference.

When looking at dab pens for sale, consider factors such as a dab pen’s battery life, heating time, and overall durability.

However, it’s important to remember that while dab pens offer convenience, they also require responsible usage to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Its high potency of THC and other cannabinoids may be overwhelming for inexperienced users or those with low tolerance levels, leading to adverse effects such as anxiety or paranoia.

Happy dabbing!

Want to get one but don't know which model to buy: 10 Best Dab Pens & Portable Wax Vaporizers to Buy in 2024