When it comes to using cannabis on the go, dab pens offer a wonderfully convenient way to get an intense hit wherever you are. Whether you’re new to dabbing or just want to upgrade from your current device, you’ll likely need to know what your options are and how much a modern dab pen will cost.
This comprehensive article will introduce you to dab pens, talk you through the different types and lay out how much you can expect to spend. It will also cover any extras you may need and even share where you can find the best deals and money-saving vouchers.
What are Dab Pens?
A dab pen is a type of portable vaporizer (vape) specifically designed to let you discreetly consume dabs while you’re out and about. Dabs are concentrated forms of cannabis, including shatter, wax and oil, that can be heated quickly to produce lots of potent vapor. Dab pens usually use an element or coil to heat and vaporize the dab so the vapor can be inhaled through a small mouthpiece. The potency of most dabs and the density of the vapor means that dabbing offers an intensely potent, fast-acting high.
Different Types of Dab Pens
Dab pens come in a range of types, featuring various combinations of loading methods, heating mechanisms and compatibility with different concentrates:
Disposable Dab Pens
These are the simplest, most user-friendly varieties of dab pen. They come preloaded with concentrate and are intended to be thrown away after the contents have been used up. This type of pen is an excellent option for beginners or anyone looking for a convenient, low-maintenance dabbing experience.
Cartridge Dab Pens
Cartridge-based dab pens usually work with 510-thread batteries, which is a standard battery format in the vape industry. With a cartridge-based dab pen, you can replace the cartridge once the oil is depleted, making them a cost-effective choice. The cartridges come pre-filled with the cannabis concentrate of your choice, giving you more flexibility in selecting the dab’s cost, flavor and quality.
Load-Your-Own Dab Pens
A load-your-own dab pen gives you complete control over the type of concentrate you want to use. They’re usually more expensive than the previous types but feature a small refillable tank or chamber. They also often have the functionality to adjust the temperature to achieve the desired flavor and potency. This kind of customization often appeals to more experienced cannabis users.
Advanced Dab Pens
An advanced dab pen generally comes with a broader range of features and attachments to enhance the vaping experience. Some include interchangeable coils and chambers or offer multiple attachments for a variety of uses. These pens typically offer a richer, more personalized vaping experience.
Heating Methods in Dab Pens
No matter what type of dab pen you buy, they will all work by heating the cannabis concentrate to produce vapor. However, the method of heating can vary:
Convection – Convection pens use hot air to heat the concentrate. This type of dab pen is usually considered the best as they heat the concentrate evenly, use less product, and preserve the concentrate’s unique aroma and flavor).
Combustion – Combustion pens heat the concentrate via an element or coil that’s in direct contact with it. These pens are generally cheaper but don’t provide the same level of flavor and efficiency as a convection pen.
What Does a Dab Pen Look Like?
Dab pens generally look similar to e-cigarettes. They have a sleek, compact design for portability and discretion. They consist of a battery, a heating chamber (coil, coil-less, or atomizer) and a mouthpiece. Some may have additional features, such as adjustable temperature control or a preheating option.
The Costs of Dab Pens
The cost of dab pens can vary significantly based on their type, quality and the features they offer:
Disposable Dab Pens – As the most basic and convenient option, disposable dab pens are also the most affordable. They typically cost between $10 and $40 but can cost much more depending on the quality of the concentrate. Since they come preloaded and are meant to be discarded after use, you won’t have any additional costs for cartridges or batteries.
Cartridge-Based Dab Pens – The initial cost of a cartridge-based dab pen, excluding the cartridges, can range from $15 to $50. Replacement cartridges can cost between $20 to $60, depending on the type and quality of the cannabis oil.
Load-Your-Own Dab Pens – The cost of load-your-own dab pens can vary widely based on their features and the brand, with prices generally falling in the range of $50 to $100. The cost of the cannabis concentrate that you’ll need to load into the pen can vary based on its type (shatter, wax, rosin, etc.) and quality.
Advanced Dab Pens – These feature-rich models can cost anywhere from $100 to $200 or more, depending on their specific features and brand. The price for replacement parts or additional attachments can also vary widely.
Additional Costs
Batteries for cartridge-based, load-your-own, and advanced dab pens may need to be replaced over time. A replacement battery typically costs between $10 to $50, depending on the brand and model of the dab pen.
The price for additional attachments will vary widely based on their function and the brand, typically ranging from $20 to over $100.
Where to Get Dab Pens
Thanks to online retailers like DankStop, PuffItUp, and Lookah, purchasing a dab pen has never been easier. Each of these stores offers a wide selection of quality pens. For those in Canada, StoneSmiths is an excellent option.
In most US states, you must be at least 21 to buy vapes and related products. In Canada, most provinces will allow you to purchase a vape at 18, although some have set the limit at 19.
To save money on your dab pen, check out our coupon codes for concentrate vapes and vape pen offer categories. Here, you’ll find money-off deals and voucher codes for a variety of pens. Also, don’t forget to explore our other stores like CaliConnected, Boundless Technology, Smoke Cartel, and Nectar Collector for even more great deals. Remember, prices can vary significantly between brands and models, so ensure you compare prices and take advantage of the voucher codes on offer here to get the best value.