If you're tired of losing lighters and want to dip your toe into the potent, flavorful world of cannabis concentrates, the best way to do so is with a dab pen.
At Dip Devices, we're passionate about engineering the best ways to take dabs. Today, we're providing a complete primer on how to get started dabbing the easy way — with a dab pen.
What is a Dab Pen?
A dab pen is a small, portable vaporizer designed specifically for cannabis concentrates. It can refer to either a device you load up with wax or one that uses pre-filled cartridges.
Unlike traditional dab rigs that require a torch and bulky glass, dab pens are battery-powered devices that fit in your pocket. They vaporize concentrates like wax, shatter, live resin, and other extracts by heating them to precise temperatures — giving you flavorful hits without the hassle of flames or complicated setups.
Think of them as the convenient, discreet evolution of dabbing. You get all the potency and flavor of concentrates in a device you can take anywhere.
Are Dab Pens Good for Beginners?
Yes! Dab pens are excellent for beginners, and here's why:
First, dab pens are much easier to use than dab rigs. There's no torch to handle, no complicated glass setup to master, and no learning curve around getting temperatures just right. You simply charge the battery, load your concentrate (or attach a cart), press a button, and inhale.
Second, they're affordable entry points into concentrate consumption. You don't have to make a significant investment just to try out a new form of cannabis — most quality dab pens cost less than $100, with many solid options available for under $50.
The one thing to remember: Cannabis concentrates are typically much more potent than flower. If you're new to dabs, start with small puffs and give yourself time to feel the effects before taking more. The beauty of dab pens is that you have complete control over your dosage.
Which Dab Pens are Best for Newbies?
We recommend these dab pens for people new to dabbing or just looking for easy-to-use devices:
- The EVRI: If you value versatility in your pieces, you can't beat the EVRI. You can use it as a dab pen, cart battery, dab straw, and flower vaporizer. It's perfect for beginners who want to experiment with different consumption methods without buying multiple devices.
- The Lunar: If you want a basic dab pen that delivers incredible results, the Lunar is your answer. It has everything you need in a dab pen — precise temperature control, quality atomizers, and reliable battery life — without unnecessary bells and whistles.
- Dip Devices 510 Battery: If you're starting with pre-filled cartridges rather than loading your own wax, our 510-threaded batteries are powerful and compatible with all standard carts. They're the simplest way to start your concentrate journey.
How to Use a Dab Pen: Step-by-Step Guide
Dabbing with a dab pen is one of the easiest ways to consume cannabis concentrates. Here's exactly how to do it:
Step 1: Charge Your Dab Pen
Before your first session with your new dab pen, you'll want to ensure it's fully charged. Most dab pens charge via micro USB or USB-C cables.
Dip Devices dab pens use micro USB charging, so you don't have to worry about keeping track of yet another specialized cord (we know how frustrating that can be). Simply plug it in and wait for the indicator light to show it's fully charged — usually takes 1-2 hours.
Step 2: Load Your Concentrate or Attach a Cartridge
For refillable dab pens, use your dab tool to place a small amount of concentrate (about the size of a grain of rice) directly onto the coil or heating element. Don't overload it — less is more when you're starting out.
If you're using a cartridge-based system, simply screw your 510-threaded cart onto the battery until it's snug (but not overly tight).
Step 3: Turn On Your Dab Pen and Select Temperature
Most dab pens turn on with five quick clicks of the power button. Some devices have multiple temperature settings (indicated by different colored lights), while others have a single heat setting.
Temperature guide for beginners:
- Low (315-450°F): Best flavor, smoothest hits, less visible vapor
- Medium (450-600°F): Balanced flavor and vapor production
- High (600°F+): Maximum vapor, less flavor, harsher throat hit
We recommend starting at low to medium temperatures to preserve terpenes and get the best flavor from your concentrates.
Step 4: Inhale and Enjoy
With some dab pens, you need to hold down the power button while inhaling. Others feature draw-activated heating that turns on automatically when you inhale.
Take slow, steady draws rather than aggressive pulls. We recommend taking small puffs to prevent clogging and to better control your dosage. Start with just one or two small hits and wait 5-10 minutes to gauge how you're feeling before dabbing more.
Remember: Concentrates are potent. You can always take another hit, but you can't un-take one (we've all been there).
Dab Pen Care and Maintenance
How to Clean a Dab Pen
Though dab pens don't get dirty as fast as bongs or dab rigs, regular cleaning ensures your device stays in peak working order and produces clean, flavorful vapor.
We recommend cleaning your dab pen after every 5-10 sessions, or whenever you notice buildup:
- Turn off your device and let it cool completely
- Remove the mouthpiece and any detachable parts
- Dip a cotton swab in isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher works best)
- Gently clean the chamber, coil, and mouthpiece with the alcohol-soaked swab
- Use a dry swab to remove any remaining residue
- Let everything air dry for 10-15 minutes before reassembling
Pro tip: Don't use sharp objects to scrape out residue — you'll damage the heating element. Stick with cotton swabs and alcohol.
How Long Do Dab Pen Batteries Last?
Battery life depends on capacity (measured in mAh) and how frequently you use your device. Most dab pen batteries last anywhere from a few hours to several days of regular use.
To maximize battery life, avoid letting your dab pen fully discharge regularly. Lithium-ion batteries (used in most vape devices) last longer when kept between 20-80% charge. Also, store your device in moderate temperatures — extreme heat or cold can degrade battery performance over time.
When to Replace Atomizers and Coils
Even with regular cleaning, atomizers and coils wear out eventually. Replace them when you notice:
- Diminished vapor production
- Burnt or metallic taste
- Concentrate not vaporizing properly
- Visible damage to the coil
Most users replace atomizers every 1-3 months depending on usage frequency.
Common Dab Pen Questions Answered
Do Dab Pens Smell?
Yes, dab pens do produce an odor, though it's much less pungent than combusted flower. You're dealing with vapor rather than smoke, and significantly less vapor escapes when you hit a dab pen compared to other consumption methods.
The scent from dab pens is lighter and dissipates faster than smoke — usually within 5-10 minutes in a well-ventilated space. However, it's still a good idea to open a window and light a scented candle if you're consuming indoors and trying to be respectful of neighbors or roommates.
For maximum discretion, consider taking smaller hits (which produce less visible vapor) and exhaling near an open window or ventilation source.
How Fast Do Dab Pens Hit?
When you hit a dab pen, you can expect to feel the effects within 3-10 minutes of your first inhale. Effects typically peak around 10-30 minutes and last 1-3 hours depending on the concentrate type, potency, and your individual tolerance.
This is much faster than edibles (which take 30-90 minutes to kick in) but similar to smoking flower. The advantage of dab pens is precise dosage control — you can take one small hit and reassess before continuing.
Are Dab Pens and Carts the Same Thing?
Many people use "dab pen" and "cartridge" interchangeably, but they're technically different:
- Dab Pens are refillable devices where you manually load concentrate into a chamber. The battery and atomizer are part of the same unit, and you can load any concentrate you want.
- Cartridges (Carts) are pre-filled tanks containing cannabis oil that attach to a separate battery. They're disposable once empty (or meant to be recycled).
At Dip Devices, we're big advocates for refillable devices over disposables. Why? They're better for the environment, more cost-effective over time, and give you complete control over what concentrates you consume.
If you want a device that works as both a refillable dab pen and a cart battery, the EVRI offers that versatility with interchangeable attachments.
What's Better for Beginners: Dab Pens or Carts?
Both are beginner-friendly, but here's how to choose:
Choose pre-filled carts if: You want absolute simplicity with zero prep. Just screw on the cart and inhale. Perfect if you're brand new to cannabis concentrates.
Choose refillable dab pens if: You want more control, better value, and environmental sustainability. Yes, there's a small learning curve around loading concentrate, but it's worth it for the flexibility and cost savings (and reducing disposable waste).
Can You Dab Flower in a Dab Pen?
Most dab pens are designed specifically for concentrates and won't work well with flower. However, some versatile devices like the EVRI include flower vaporizer attachments that let you consume both concentrates and dry herb with the same battery.
If you want to vaporize flower regularly, look for devices specifically designed for dry herb or multi-function vaporizers that accommodate different consumption methods.
Are Dab Pens Legal?
The legality of dab pens depends entirely on your location and what you're consuming in them:
- The device itself is legal hardware in all U.S. states
- Cannabis concentrates are legal only in states with medical or recreational cannabis programs
- CBD and hemp-derived concentrates (with less than 0.3% THC) are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill
Always check your local laws and consume responsibly on private property where it's permitted.
Dab Pen Tips for Better Sessions
Start Low and Go Slow
Concentrates are potent — typically 60-90% THC compared to 15-25% in flower. Take one small hit, wait 5-10 minutes, then decide if you need more. You can always take another puff, but you can't un-dab.
Store Concentrates Properly
Keep your wax, shatter, or other concentrates in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. Heat and light degrade cannabinoids and terpenes, reducing potency and flavor.
Use Quality Concentrates
Your dab pen is only as good as what you put in it. Source concentrates from licensed dispensaries whenever possible, and look for lab-tested products that verify purity and potency.
Prime New Coils
When you install a new atomizer or coil, load a small amount of concentrate and pulse the power button 2-3 times (without inhaling) to let it melt into the coil. This "primes" the heating element and prevents dry hits.
Avoid Overloading
More isn't better when loading your dab pen. Overloading leads to clogging, leaking, and wasted concentrate. Use rice grain-sized dabs — you can always reload after your session.
Why Choose Reusable Dab Pens Over Disposables?
At Dip Devices, we're passionate about sustainability in the cannabis industry. Disposable vape pens might seem convenient, but they come with serious environmental costs:
- Environmental Impact: Disposables contain lithium-ion batteries and electronic components that end up in landfills, where they can leak heavy metals
- Cost Efficiency: A quality refillable dab pen pays for itself after just a few uses compared to constantly buying disposables
- Better Performance: Reusable devices offer superior temperature control, battery life, and vapor quality
- Concentrate Flexibility: Choose any concentrate you want rather than being limited to pre-filled options
We believe the future of cannabis consumption is reusable, refillable, and responsible. Our devices are built to last for years — not sessions.
Troubleshooting Common Dab Pen Issues
My Dab Pen Won't Turn On
- Check if the battery is charged
- Try cleaning the connection points between the battery and atomizer
- Ensure you're clicking the power button correctly (usually 5 quick clicks)
- Check if the device has a safety lock feature that needs to be disengaged
I'm Getting Weak Hits
- Clean your atomizer — buildup reduces vapor production
- Ensure you've loaded enough concentrate
- Try a higher temperature setting
- Your coil may need replacing if it's old or burnt
My Dab Pen Tastes Burnt
- Lower your temperature setting
- Replace your atomizer if it's visibly damaged
- Don't take multiple rapid hits in succession — let the device cool between draws
- Ensure you've loaded concentrate (hitting a dry coil causes burnt taste)
My Device Keeps Clogging
- Take slower, gentler draws instead of aggressive pulls
- Don't overload the chamber
- Use a lower temperature to prevent concentrate from liquifying too much
- Clean the airflow path and mouthpiece regularly
Ready to Start Your Dabbing Journey?
Hopefully, you feel more prepared to jump into the world of concentrates. Dab pens offer an accessible, affordable, and discreet way to experience the potency and flavor of cannabis extracts without the learning curve of traditional dab rigs.
If you're ready to pick up a dab pen, you're in the right place — Dip Devices has a comprehensive selection of the best dab pens and accessories for beginners and experienced dabbers alike. From versatile multi-function devices like the EVRI to straightforward refillable pens like the Lunar, we've designed our products to make dabbing easier, cleaner, and more sustainable.
Browse our collection, and don't hesitate to reach out if you have more questions. We're here to help you find the perfect device for your needs. Congratulations on ditching the torch — welcome to the future of dabbing!