Lately we've been getting into the weeds (pun intended!) on a few of our posts. We've been digging into the technical aspects of cannabis concentrates and the differences between all the Dip Devices dab straws and dab pens. We've talked about CBD shatter and discussed its possible effects. We've gone over the differences between Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid cannabis. We've even dug into cleaning your Lunar, Little Dipper, EVRI, or Dipper so you can always get the cleanest taste from your cannabis concentrates.
So we're changing up the pace and answering some of the questions we frequently hear when we talk to people across the country about dab pens, wax pens, electric nectar collectors, and dab straws. Whether you're curious about the Lunar wax pen, the Little Dipper electric nectar collector, the EVRI multi-function device, or the Dipper combo dab pen and dab straw—we've got answers.
What Is a Dab Pen?
A dab pen (also called a wax pen or concentrate vaporizer) is an electronic device that uses a chamber—often called a "bucket"—to heat cannabis concentrate into vapor. At Dip Devices, we call ours the Quartz Crystal Atomizer. When you inhale, air passes through the electric dab pen and mixes with the vaporized cannabis concentrate, delivering smooth, flavorful hits.
These devices earned the name "dab pen" simply because they look like pens. Even our dedicated wax pen, the Lunar, packs cutting-edge technology and precise engineering into a pen-sized package that easily fits in your pocket or purse.
Dab pens are a fantastic way to introduce yourself to cannabis concentrates. The Dip Devices Lunar is under $30, making it an affordable entry point for anyone looking to try concentrate vaping. At that price point, it's definitely worth "dipping" your toe in the water (last pun, we promise).
What Is a Dab Straw?
A dab straw (also known as an electric nectar collector or honey straw) works differently than a dab pen. Instead of loading concentrate into a chamber, you heat the tip of the dab straw and dip it directly into your concentrate jar. This gives you on-demand control over your dosage and lets you enjoy concentrate without any prep work.
The beauty of dab straws is their simplicity and efficiency. You're in complete control of how much you consume—just dip the heated tip into your concentrate and inhale slowly. This makes dab straws perfect for both conserving your concentrate and taking massive rips when the mood strikes.
Are Dab Pens Better Than Cartridges?
At Dip Devices, we carry the EVRI—a triple-function device that works with wax, dab straws, and cartridges—so we believe in cartridge technology when quality control is maintained. That said, a lot of our customers prefer getting their cannabis concentrate straight from the jar with a refillable dab pen.
We don't think there's a huge advantage to one over the other—it's really about personal preference. But here's the thing: vaporizing your concentrate straight from the jar with no water filtration gives an amazing taste and potency. You're experiencing the full terpene profile exactly as the extractor intended.
Plus, refillable dab pens are significantly more environmentally friendly than disposable cartridges. You're not constantly throwing away plastic and metal components, which aligns with our commitment to reducing waste in the cannabis industry.
How Strong Are Dab Pens and Dab Straws Compared to Traditional Dabs?
Absolutely just as strong! No matter what you pick—the Dip Devices Lunar, Little Dipper, EVRI, or Dipper—you're getting 100% of the potency of a dab from a traditional rig.
We actually have a theory that you get even more taste and potency with our devices since you're taking a "direct dab" without losing any THC through water filtration. The concentrate vapor travels the shortest possible distance from the heating element to your lungs, preserving every cannabinoid and terpene along the way.
When it comes to dab pens specifically, you can load up the Quartz Crystal Atomizer of the Lunar, EVRI (with the quartz attachment), or Dipper with more than enough concentrate to blow serious clouds. Just try not to put more than 0.3g in there—which should be easy since cannabis concentrate is incredibly potent!
With Dip Devices dab straws like the Little Dipper, EVRI (configured as a honey straw), or Dipper (in nectar collector mode), you get on-demand concentrate vaping. Simply dip the vaporizer tip into your concentrate and inhale slowly to get a nice rip. You control exactly how much you consume, making dab straws perfect for both conservation and celebration.
Do Dab Pens Get You Higher Than Flower?
Cannabis concentrate is concentrated—the name says it all! Concentrates typically contain 70-90% THC compared to flower's 15-25% THC content. This means you need to inhale much, much less to achieve the same effect as smoking or vaporizing cannabis flower.
But here's what's really important: vaporizing cannabis concentrate with a dab pen like the Dip Devices Lunar, Little Dipper, EVRI, or Dipper doesn't involve inhaling any plant matter. When you smoke or even vaporize flower, you're inhaling some plant matter and tar. Quality cannabis concentrate removes all the plant material, leaving only cannabinoids and terpenes.
So yes, concentrates will feel stronger than flower, but you're also getting a cleaner, purer experience. Enjoying cannabis concentrate with a dab pen isn't just different than flower—in our opinion, it's better.
Are Dab Pen Highs Different From Traditional Dabs?
Not at all! The subtle differences in the effects of cannabis products depend on the cultivar (or strain) and extraction method—not the device you use to consume them. This means the terpene and cannabinoid profile of your concentrate determines the experience, whether you're using a traditional rig, a dab pen, or a dab straw.
The cultivar, extraction method, and curing process all affect the terpene and cannabinoid profile of cannabis concentrates. That's what creates different effects. Consuming concentrate from a dab pen versus a traditional rig makes absolutely no difference in the high itself.
Edibles, on the other hand... Whew, those hit differently! We stay away from those unless it's time for a hardcore nap. (Your body metabolizes THC differently when you eat it versus inhale it, which is why edibles feel so much more intense.)
Do Dab Pens Smell?
Yes, but significantly less than smoking flower. Cannabis concentrate vapor dissipates much faster than smoke and doesn't cling to clothing, hair, or furniture the same way combusted plant material does. This makes dab pens like the Lunar or Dipper excellent choices for discreet consumption.
The smell is definitely noticeable while you're vaping, but it fades within minutes rather than lingering for hours. If discretion is important to you, using a dab pen in a well-ventilated area (or even outside) will keep the aroma minimal and temporary.
That said, always be mindful of local laws and private property rules. Even though dab pens are more discreet than traditional smoking methods, you should still consume responsibly and respectfully in appropriate settings.
How Often Should You Clean Your Dab Pen or Dab Straw?
The Dip Devices Lunar, Little Dipper, EVRI, or Dipper should be cleaned whenever residue starts to build up. Don't wait until your device is all sticky and gooey—regular maintenance keeps your hits clean and flavorful.
We have a comprehensive guide to cleaning your Dip Devices products that covers everything you need to know. That post walks you through step-by-step instructions for keeping your dab pen or dab straw in perfect condition.
As a general rule, give your device a quick clean every 5-10 sessions, and do a deep clean with isopropyl alcohol weekly if you're a daily user. This prevents clogs, maintains optimal flavor, and extends the life of your device significantly.
Why Is My Dab Pen Blinking Red?
For all Dip Devices products—the Lunar, Little Dipper, EVRI, or Dipper—a blinking red light means you're running low on battery. It's your device's way of saying "feed me!"
A quick charge will have you back to enjoying your favorite cannabis concentrate in no time. We recommend charging your device before it completely dies to maintain optimal battery health over time.
What Do the Different Dab Pen Colors Mean?
For Dip Devices dab pens like the Lunar, EVRI, or Dipper, the LED colors indicate your temperature setting:
- Green = Lowest heat setting (perfect for preserving terpenes and flavor)
- Yellow = Medium heat setting (balanced flavor and vapor production)
- Red = Highest heat setting (maximum vapor production)
You can cycle through temperature settings by clicking the power button three times quickly. Different concentrates shine at different temperatures, so experiment to find your sweet spot. Live resin and sauce tend to taste best at lower temps, while shatter and crumble can handle higher heat.
And remember: if your device is blinking red instead of staying solid, that means low battery, not high temperature!
How Much Are Dab Pen Chargers?
Here's the thing—Dip Devices is an environmentally-conscious company. We make electronic dab pens and dab straws, so we're committed to reducing e-waste wherever possible. Our devices charge with standard Micro-USB cables.
There's a 99% chance you've already got a Micro-USB cable sitting around your house (maybe in that junk drawer?) from another piece of electronics. We don't want to give you yet another cable to add to the clutter. That's why we don't include a charging cable with our devices.
And in the rare case you don't have a Micro-USB cable, they're widely available and inexpensive—you can probably grab one at a convenience store near you for just a few dollars. This is one of the many little ways Dip Devices shows that we care about the world around us and want to minimize our environmental impact.
What Does a Dab Pen Taste Like?
At Dip Devices, we love to brag about our patented airflow technology that delivers perfectly flavored dabs without any messy water filtration. Our devices use "direct dab" technology, meaning the cannabis concentrate vapor travels straight to you along the shortest route possible.
In our opinion, with the correct temperature setting, the taste of a Dip Devices dab pen or electric nectar collector is the best you can get. There's as little as possible between you and your concentrate—no water, no lengthy vapor path, no unnecessary components.
We truly believe this method is superior to water filtration when it comes to flavor. Water filters out some of those delicate terpenes that give cannabis its complex taste and aroma. With direct dab technology, you get the pure, unadulterated taste of your concentrate exactly as the extractor intended.
It's an amazing experience, finally tasting the entire flavor profile of your cannabis concentrates. You should try the Dip Devices Lunar, Little Dipper, EVRI, or Dipper and taste the difference for yourself.
When Should You Refill Your Dab Pen?
This one's pretty straightforward—after several hits, you'll realize you aren't exhaling much vapor at all. That's your sign that you've vaporized all your concentrate and it's time to reload.
When you refill your Dip Devices Lunar, EVRI, or Dipper, be careful not to overfill the Quartz Crystal Atomizer. They can hold about a quarter of a gram (0.25g) of cannabis concentrate before the patented airflow mechanisms can't function properly.
If your Dip Devices dab pen becomes really hard to pull, that means you've created a clog. Your best bet is to heat it up on the highest setting and inhale—the quartz crystal atomizer should heat the concentrate enough for you to clear any clogs. If that doesn't work, a quick clean with isopropyl alcohol will do the trick.
Can You Use Regular Wax in a Dab Pen?
Absolutely! Dab pens like the Lunar, EVRI, or Dipper work with all types of cannabis concentrates—wax, shatter, crumble, budder, live resin, rosin, sauce, diamonds, and more. If it's a concentrate, you can vape it in a Dip Devices dab pen.
Different textures may require slightly different loading techniques (stickier concentrates like live resin can be messier to work with than stable shatter), but they all vaporize beautifully in our Quartz Crystal Atomizer. Experiment with different consistency concentrates to find what you prefer working with.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Dab Pen or Dab Straw
Whether you're using a dab pen or dab straw, your Dip Devices Lunar, Little Dipper, EVRI, or Dipper requires minimal maintenance to perform at its best. As we mentioned earlier, we have a dedicated post about cleaning your Dip Devices products that covers everything in detail.
To maximize your device's performance and longevity, follow these simple guidelines:
For Dab Straw Users: Before using your dab straw, try wiping down the vapor tip with isopropyl alcohol (make sure the tip is completely cold to the touch first!). This cleans the tip nicely and ensures fresh flavor. Turn on the tip for a few seconds to burn off any residual alcohol before taking a hit. This guarantees you get a clean, tasty rip every time.
For Dab Pen Users: Remove residue whenever you can—buildup happens gradually and can lead to clogs if ignored. Sometimes a little gentle scraping with a dab tool is needed, but don't go overboard. Regular light cleaning is much better than occasional aggressive cleaning.
General Tips: Store your device upright when possible to prevent concentrate from pooling in the wrong places. Keep your concentrate in a cool, dark place to maintain its quality. And always use the appropriate temperature setting for your specific concentrate—lower temps for flavor-forward live resin, higher temps for stable concentrates like shatter.
How Do Dab Pens Compare to E-Rigs?
Dab pens and e-rigs (portable electric dab rigs) serve slightly different purposes. Dab pens like the Lunar are ultra-portable, pocket-friendly devices perfect for on-the-go use. E-rigs are typically larger, offer more precise temperature control, and deliver bigger vapor production for home use.
The beauty of Dip Devices' versatile lineup is that you can choose the right tool for your situation. Need something discreet for a concert? Grab your Lunar. Want a home session with friends? The EVRI or Dipper deliver bigger hits. Some of our customers own multiple devices for different occasions.
Are Dab Pens Legal?
Dab pens themselves are completely legal—they're just electronic vaporizers. What matters is the legality of cannabis concentrates in your location. Cannabis laws vary significantly by state and even by municipality, so you'll need to check your local regulations.
In states where cannabis is legal for recreational or medical use, you're good to go with both the device and the concentrate. Even in states where cannabis isn't legal, the dab pen hardware itself is legal to own since it can technically be used with legal concentrates (though we know what most people are using them for).
Always consume responsibly and respect local laws. Even in legal states, there are restrictions on where you can consume—typically limited to private property with the owner's permission. Public consumption is usually prohibited, even where cannabis is legal.
What's Better: Dab Pen or Dab Straw?
This comes down entirely to personal preference and how you like to consume concentrates. Dab pens require you to load concentrate into the chamber ahead of time, which means you can take multiple hits without reloading. This makes them great for sessions or when you're out and about without your concentrate jar.
Dab straws (electric nectar collectors) require you to have your concentrate jar with you, but they offer incredible dosage control. You decide exactly how much you consume with each dip. They're also slightly easier to clean since you're not loading concentrate into a chamber that can get sticky.
The good news? Several Dip Devices products do both! The EVRI and Dipper function as both dab pens and dab straws, so you get the best of both worlds. Try both modes and see which you prefer for different situations.
Some Final Thoughts on Dab Pens and Dab Straws
We hope you enjoyed our answers to these back-to-basics frequently asked questions about dab pens and dab straws. Cannabis concentrate technology continues to evolve, and we're committed to making the best, most environmentally responsible devices possible.
We might do more FAQ posts like this in the future, so please shoot us a message through our site and let us know if you have questions you'd like the Dip Devices team to answer. We're always happy to help—and if questions start coming up frequently, we'll be sure to post our answers here for everyone to benefit from.
Whether you're brand new to concentrates or a seasoned dabber looking to upgrade your setup, Dip Devices has a solution that fits your lifestyle. Check out our full lineup of dab pens, dab straws, and multi-function devices to find your perfect match. Happy dabbing!