Dry Herb vs. Wax Vape Pens: Which is Best for You?
When it comes to consuming dry herb, there are plenty of choices. Vaporization is rapidly gaining popularity as the preferred method of consumption. Compared to other methods, it offers a healthier and more environmentally conscious alternative. Plus, vaping provides a convenient, portable, and discreet way to enjoy your dry herb and concentrates.
There are many different models and varieties of vaporizers and vape pens on the market. For this article, we'll discuss dry herb vape pens and dab pens, and how they differ.
THE MAJOR DIFFERENCES
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Product Consumed: The first difference is pretty obvious but worth noting. The type of substance being consumed is either dry herb or concentrate. While some vaporizers claim to handle both, it doesn't necessarily mean they are the best tools for each. These dual-purpose vaporizers may not optimize vaporization for both materials. It's recommended to choose your preferred substance and buy a vaporizer specifically designed for it. Keep in mind that while dry herb vaporizers can handle concentrates, the reverse is not true; a dab pen is not suitable for effectively vaping dry herb.
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Concentrate Coils vs Herb Chambers: The heating method is entirely different for dab pens and dry herb vaporizers. Dab pens have coils that heat up to vaporize the material. These coils can burn out quickly with improper use or naturally over time and will need to be replaced eventually as they collect residue, which can change the flavor of your concentrate for the worse. Dry herb vaporizers, on the other hand, have a heating chamber where the ground herb rests while being heated. The spent material will dry and brown but won't leave a sticky residue like concentrates. The dry herb heating chamber should last the lifetime of the vaporizer and never needs to be replaced.
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Battery mAh: mAh measures how much energy a battery can store. Vape pens are powered by batteries of varying sizes and power capabilities. The higher the mAh, the more powerful the battery is, which translates to longer time between charges and higher temperatures. A dry herb vape pen requires more power to heat than a concentrate coil, meaning dry herb vape batteries will usually have a higher mAh than dab pens.
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Chamber Loading Process: To load a dry herb vaporizer, you must first grind the herb to a fine consistency. If it's too chunky, it won't vape properly. The ground herb is then placed or funneled into the heating chamber. This process is generally not too messy. For dab pens, concentrates can be very messy, but careful use can prevent this. Use a dab tool to load a reasonable amount into the pen, ensuring not to pack the coils too tightly to avoid damage and spillage.
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Vaping Temperature: Heating your vape to the optimal temperature is key to getting the best experience. The ideal temperature varies between dry herbs and concentrates. The optimal range for vaping dry herbs is 350-400°F, while for concentrates, it's 360-450°F.
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Temperature Control: Being able to control the temperature of your vape is a very popular feature. Almost all dry herb vapes have variable temperature settings, considered necessary for the best experience. Not all dab pens have this feature, but it is gaining popularity among concentrate users.
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Maintenance: Maintaining your vape varies significantly between concentrate and dry herb models. Concentrates can be far stickier and messier, leaving buildup and residue after consumption. Dab pen chambers, coils, and mouthpieces may need to be replaced and should be maintained by scraping away excess wax. Maintaining dry herb vapes is simpler—just fully empty the chamber after each use. Occasionally, you might want to replace the filter screen or mouthpiece for your dry herb vape.
THE MAJOR SIMILARITIES
Below, we’ve outlined the 3 key similarities between wax and dry herb vapes:
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Portability: Most vape pens, whether for herb or concentrate, are extremely portable, making them excellent companions for travel and convenient methods of dry herb consumption.
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Discreetness: Thanks to their small and slender design, vape pens are incredibly discreet. They are often compact enough to be safely stashed in a pocket or purse. Vaping at low temperatures also adds to the discreet nature of the session.
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Ease of Use: The average vape pen is simple to operate, whether for concentrate or dry herb. With just a little practice, you'll become proficient with your vape pen in no time! While there are models with more complex features for advanced users, there are plenty of sources, like us, to provide answers to any questions you may have!
DRY HERB VAPE PEN TIPS
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Grinding: Ensure you use a grinder to achieve a fine, but not too fine, consistency with the dry herb. Whole nuggets won't work inside a vape pen, and overly fine grind can go through the holes.
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High Temperatures: Vapes can reach temperatures well over 400°F, which is quite hot! If you use your dry herb vaporizer for an extended period at high temperatures, the mouthpiece may become too hot to handle. To address this issue, most vape kits include rubber extension mouthpiece sleeves. If your kit didn't include one, they are readily available online.
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Maintenance: If you find it increasingly difficult to draw on your vape pen, it might be time for some maintenance. Clean the mouthpiece, and consider cleaning or replacing the filter screen. This will ensure your device has optimal airflow.
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Temperature Settings: When using a new vape or trying a new variety of herb, it's wise to start at the lowest heat setting and gradually increase the temperature to find the best setting for your herb. Otherwise, you risk scorching the weed, which can result in an unpleasant taste!
Related article: How to Use a Dry Herb Vaporizer - Vaporizer Tips and tricks for Beginners
WAX VAPE PEN TIPS
Avoid Overpacking: Avoid overpacking or applying pressure to the heating coils, as this can cause damage. Overpacking also increases the risk of messy spills.
Maintenance for Wax Vapes: Similar to dry herb vapes, wax vapes require a bit of maintenance to ensure smooth operation. Clean the mouthpiece and screen if you experience difficulty drawing vapor from the device. Regularly scrape the interior to prevent clogging.
Testing New Coils: When you acquire a new coil or are loading fresh wax, always perform a test first. Coils can easily burn out or become damaged if used improperly. A quick test will save you from wasting valuable wax concentrate. Begin with a small amount at a low setting and heat for short intervals. Gradually increase the settings until you find the optimal one.
CONCLUSION
When considering the purchase of vape pens, several factors come into play. If your primary preference is consuming dry herb, then a dry herb vape pen is likely the optimal choice for you.
On the other hand, if your consumption primarily revolves around concentrates, a wax vape pen would be more suitable. While it's worth noting that combination pens exist, capable of vaporizing both concentrates and dry herb, it is often observed that type-specific vape pens tend to outperform them. Ultimately, the decision is in your hands, allowing you to choose the option that best aligns with your preferences.