Vapes, dab pens, and carts are some of the most popular products in the cannabis industry. We’re huge fans of cannabis concentrates and torchless delivery methods at Dip Devices, so we’re totally on board — but, unfortunately, many people refer to these things interchangeably when they’re actually very different.
Read on to find out the real differences between dab pens, carts, and vapes, as well as what they have in common.
Vape Pen vs. Dab Pen
Even though they sound similar, vape pens and dab pens are totally different.
When most people refer to vape pens or vapes, they’re talking about all-in-one vaporizers that come with a battery and preloaded tank. Vape pens are often designed for single use.
Dab pens, however, are made to be reused. They are constructed from high-quality, durable hardware and have a tank you can fill with any concentrate or mix of concentrates you like.
Does Dabbing Count as Vaping?
Dabbing, whether with a dab rig, e-nail, or dab pen, involves vaporizing cannabis concentrate. Technically, dabbing is a form of vaping.
What is the Difference Between Dab Pens and Live Resin Vapes?
Whereas vape pens are single-use and come preloaded with cannabis concentrates like live resin, dab pens are refillable with virtually any kind of cannabis concentrate.
Because dab pens are refillable, you can typically use them with live resin to improve the experience of live resin vapes. Dab pens feature higher-quality hardware and more precise temperature controls, so you’ll be able to get even more flavor out of your live resin or other cannabis concentrates than you can with a vape.
Dab Pen vs. Vape Price
In the short term, vapes are cheaper than dab pens — in terms of money. However, they produce excessive dangerous waste and have a massive environmental cost.
A dab pen is the better investment if you're a dedicated dabber. You’ll spend far less money in the long run when you invest in a good dab pen and your favorite concentrates since, with a vape, you’re paying for the concentrates, the battery, and the packaging every single time.
Dab Pen vs. Cart
Cannabis cartridges, or carts, are everywhere in smoke shops and dispensaries, too. Are they the same thing as dab pens or vapes?
Is a Dab Pen Just a Cart?
Nope! Dab pens and carts are very different.
Carts are prefilled cartridges that screw onto separate rechargeable batteries.
Dab pens are dabbing devices that feature a refillable chamber, a heavy-duty rechargeable battery, and high-quality hardware that’s made to last.
Are Dab Pens Stronger Than Carts?
The strength or potency of a dab pen depends almost entirely on what types of concentrates you consume it with. Unlike carts, dab pens are compatible with virtually any kind of cannabis concentrate. You can even change up your chosen concentrate from hit to hit. Particularly if you use a concentrate with a high percentage of THC with your dab pen, it can definitely be more potent than a cart.
Additionally, dab pens are made with much higher-quality hardware than carts. With a dab pen, you can take bigger, richer rips at more precise temperatures, which can make for a more intense experience.
Cart vs. Dab Pen Price
Carts are cheaper than dab pens in the short term. However, dab pens are a much better investment in the long term. You’ll save money over time because all you’ll have to buy is cannabis concentrate, and you’ll be able to use every last drop of that concentrate — we all know how hard it can be to get that last little bit of wax out of a cart.
The Best Dab Pens and Vapes
One of the most significant advantages of dab pens is the many different options for customizing your experience. Here’s a brief guide to our top dab pen picks.
The Best Dab Pen for Concentrates
The Dipper from Dip Devices is one of the best dab pens on the market. The innovative honey dipper design is easy to use and compatible with virtually any type of cannabis concentrate. If you’re looking for something a little smaller and easier on the wallet, the Little Dipper is a great option, too.
The Best Dab Pen for Carts
If you want to invest in a dab pen but aren’t ready to say goodbye to the convenience of carts for good, Dip Devices has you covered. The EVRI is compatible with carts, concentrates, and flower for a piece that will adapt to your lifestyle.
The Best Basic Dab Pen that Looks Like a Vape
Whether you’re a dabbing novice or an experienced vaper who wants something discreet, the newly updated Lunar by Dip Devices is a great choice. The fill-and-go chamber is perfect for on-the-go rips, the controls are easy to use, and it’s one of our smallest options for those who prioritize discretion.
The Best Dab Pen for Big Clouds
On the other end of the spectrum, we have the Rover from Dip Devices. Granted, it’s still small enough to fit in your hand and incredibly user-friendly, but it’s anything but basic. The Rover brings the experience of a high-end e-rig to a dab pen profile, allowing you to take massive, flavorful rips wherever and whenever.
Dip Devices Dab Pens, Vapes, and E-Rigs
Dip Devices has your back when you’re in the market for a dab pen, vape, or e-rig. With a vast selection of top-of-the-line products and unmatched customer service, we’re here to help you ditch the torch and take your dab seshes to the next level.
