There are many vaping devices, but that is nothing compared to the number of substances you can vape. This includes tobacco, cannabis, oils, flowers and juices, and almost endless flavours. While this may seem overwhelming, many people stick to what they like and may only venture into another category here and there, depending on how adventurous they are.
Most of us have heard of a vape pen but what about a wax pen? Is it for making candles? Fortunately, no, but many people use them to enjoy their favourite vapours. In the spirit of enlightenment, let’s go over the differences between a wax pen vs a vape pen.
Vape Pens
A vape pen allows you to vaporize oils, live resins, distillates and juices, and they either come with the ability to attach a vape cartridge, or they have a pod system that takes drop-in pods. Another variety of vape pens is disposable ones. A disposable vape pen tends to be the most affordable, and without any special functions, they are ideal for first-time vaping.
To use a disposable vape, you just buy one, unpackage it and take a draw off the mouthpiece because it automatically turns on and creates the vapour. They are designed for using and discarding, so when the juice runs out or the battery dies, it’s time for a new one.
Regular vape pens are sleek and discreet, so you can enjoy your consumables without drawing much attention. You fill them with your liquid or oils in the morning or pop in a THC cartridge, and then you are ready for the day. They are always ready to use by just taking a puff and then slipping it back in your pocket. Make sure you charge them overnight via USB to your computer or wall adapter.
Wax Pen
Wax pens are vape pens that vaporize the material put in them but are designed for waxy substances. This includes:
- Shatter
Budder
Rosin
Crumble
Honey oil
You may not be familiar with these names, but they are all types of THC concentrates based on consistency.
Wax pens first came out in 2009 and are perfect for discreet usage because of their compact design. Dabbing is the vaping of a concentrated cannabis extract, and in many areas of North America, it is legal to consume but still has a stigma attached to it.
Wax pens are not designed for on-demand vaping but are used as a session device. This is because it can take a bit for the wax to warm up, and you won’t get too many puffs before it runs out. Some wax pens have automatic preheating functions to speed this up. A wax pen will keep you more occupied with dabbing tools and raw materials if you are hands-on. It can be a sticky mess, though, if you are not careful, and sometimes you can get a little messy when consuming.
There is high potency to wax concentrates, so you typically only need a bit unless you have a high tolerance. Wax pens with closed chambers allow for filling in the morning and will last longer, depending on your usage.
Wax Pen vs Vape Pen
When comparing these two devices, you are talking about vaping herbal concentrates, although vape pens are also used for e-liquids. And on the surface, they both look similar. Only when we dive deeper do we see how they operate for their intended use. Let’s quickly look at the different types of concentrates for vaping.
E-liquids
This is not a concentrate but a juice diluted with propylene glycol (PG) or terpenes. They work in vape pens with filing cartridges, but you will need to consume more than the other types for the same effect.
Oils
Oils are a liquid rather than a solid, and they are dispensed with a syringe.
Waxes
Waxes When the concentrate is more solid, it’s considered a wax. Because of its thicker texture, you will need to load it into your chamber with a dab tool and a small metal stick.
Devices
Both pens have options like temperature control to get the best out of your consumable, and the portability and discreetness factor is what makes them so attractive. Double-duty devices also allow pre-filled THC cartridges, a coil, and an atomizer for wax.
Ultimately, it all comes down to preference. What do you like to consume, and what do you like for options in pen? Maybe you want one of each to have the best of both worlds. The important thing is that you have learned about the differences between a vape pen and a wax pen. Now take that knowledge and expand your vaping experience in all its glory.