How To Buy A Dab Pen Online​

Welcome to Tools420, your trusted cannabis vaporizer shop. If you’re exploring dab pens (also called wax pens or shatter pens) and want to pick the perfect one, this guide covers everything you need. From understanding what dab pens are, their benefits, to detailed buying advice and comparisons with other concentrate devices, we’ve got you covered.

What Is a Dab Pen?

A dab pen is a wax vaporizer designed specifically for cannabis concentrates like wax, shatter, rosin, or live resin. It’s different from dry herb vaporizers because it heats up to higher temperatures to melt and vaporize thick concentrates, which gives you stronger and more powerful hits per puff.

Dab pens are known for their strength and fast effects, making them a better choice for experienced users, people with high tolerance, or anyone looking for a more intense high. They’re also great for medical users who need quick relief from pain or anxiety, thanks to the rapid onset of effects.

At the same time, dab pens are small and easy to carry, offering a convenient and discreet way to enjoy cannabis concentrates on the go, perfect for both casual and daily users who want strong results without the mess of a full dab rig.

Why Choose a Dab Pen?

• Ultra-portable: Fits easily in your pocket or purse.
• Discreet: Small enough to not grab attention in public, with quiet operation for stealth sessions.
• Quick Relief/Effects: Ready to use within seconds for instant hits.
• High Potency: Concentrates provide stronger effects than flowers.
• Ease of Use: No torch, no complicated setup, just load and vape.
• Affordable Options: Great models available for every budget.
• Versatile: Compatible with many concentrate types like wax, shatter, rosin, and more.

Key Features to Consider When Buying a Dab Pen

1. Coil Type

The coil is the heart of your dab pen, it heats your concentrate to produce vapor. Different coils affect flavor, vapor quality, and durability:

Bucket-Style Chambers

• Hold more wax for longer sessions.
• Easy to clean and clog-resistant since the coils don’t touch the concentrate.
• Delivers the best flavor, especially with ceramic bucket-style chambers.
• Durable and commonly found in newer or high-end models like the Puffco Pivot, Utillian 6 and Focus V Aeris.

Coils-Style Chambers

• Fast heat-up and strong vapor production.
• Produce big clouds, but may sacrifice some flavor.
• Durable but can consume concentrates quickly.
• Different types of coils include: Kanthal, Quartz, Titanium, TGT (Target Tech) etc
• Some chambers use coils wrapped around materials like ceramic or quartz, which impact the flavor and heating performance.
• Coil-type chamber dab pen examples include: Yocan Evolve Plus, Yocan Evolve Plus XL and Utillian 5.

Pro Tip: If you prioritize flavor, go bucket-style ceramic chambers. If you want big clouds and quick heat, quartz coils-style chambers are better.

2. Battery Life

Measured in milliampere-hours (mAh), battery life dictates how long your dab pen lasts between charges.

• Small Pens: 300-600 mAh – good for short sessions or beginners.
• Mid-Range: 600-1000 mAh – balances portability and session length.
• High Capacity: 1000+ mAh – for heavy users who want longer, more intense sessions.

Look for USB-C charging (faster and more reliable) and pass-through charging, so you can vape while charging.

3. Temperature Control

Temperature affects flavor, vapor density, and overall experience.

• Single Temperature: Simple on/off with one fixed heat level. Best for beginners.
• Preset Settings: Usually low, medium, and high. Allows some control without complexity.
• Precision Control: Adjustable in small increments (e.g., 1°C/33.8°F). Ideal for experienced users who want to customize terpene release and vapor intensity.

Lower temps (around 300-350°C) give flavorful, smoother vapor; higher temps (350-420°C) deliver thicker clouds and stronger effects but can taste harsher.

4. Vapor Quality

Vapor quality depends on:

• The type and design of the coil.
• The airflow system lets you adjust how thick the vapor is and how much you inhale each time.
• The temperature settings and how well you can control them.
• Whether the dab pen can connect to a water pipe for cooler, smoother hits.

Good vapor is smooth, flavorful, and satisfying without harsh throat hits.

5. Build Quality & Materials

• Metal Body: Aluminum or stainless steel offers durability and a premium feel.
• Glass Mouthpieces: Provide pure flavor but are fragile.
• Heat Resistance: Quality materials help prevent overheating and extend device life.

6. Ease of Use

• One-Button Operation: Ideal for new users, simple and intuitive.
• Snap-in Atomizers & Magnetic Caps: Easy loading, unloading, and cleaning.
• Haptic Feedback: Vibrations or light signals confirm actions like heating or power on/off.

7. Portability & Discreetness

If you want to use your dab pen discreetly:

• Choose compact, lightweight models that fit in your pocket.
• Matte or dark finishes reduce attention.

8. Included Accessories

A complete kit makes your life easier:

• Extra coils or buckets
• Dab tool for loading wax
• Charging cable (preferably USB-C)
• Carrying or travel case
• Cleaning swabs or brushes

9. Bubbler Compatibility

Some dab pens include optional bubbler attachments or bong adapters that let you filter vapor through water. This helps cool down each hit, making it smoother and gentler on your throat.

• Bubblers: These attach directly to the dab pen and work just like a mini water filter. Example: Utillian 6  & Utillian 5 with its glass bubbler attachment.
• Bong Adapters: Some dab pens  support bong adapters that let you connect the pen to your existing bong or water pipe for bigger, cooler rips. Example: Puffco Pivot with a bong adapter.

Check out our list of the best dab pens to make your decision easier.

Dab Pens vs. Electric Dab Rigs (E-Rigs)

Both dab pens and e-rigs offer torch-free concentrate consumption but suit different users and lifestyles.

Dab Pens

• Best For: Beginners, casual users, or on-the-go vaping.
• Pros:
  • Affordable and simple.
  • Highly portable and discreet.
  • Easy to maintain.
• Cons:
  • Coils wear out faster, requiring replacements.
• Popular Models: Puffco Pivot, Utillian 6, Focus V Aeris.

Electric Dab Rigs (E-Rigs)

• Best For: Daily users, flavor chasers, and those wanting a customized connoisseur-like experience.
• Pros:
  • Superior vapor quality with water filtration.
  • Larger clouds and smoother hits.
  • Precise temperature control.
  • Often include app control or advanced features.
• Cons:
  • Bulkier and less portable.
  • Higher price point.
• Popular Models: Focus V Carta Sport, Puffco Peak Pro, Dr. Dabber Switch 2.

Concentrate Compatibility: What Can You Use?

Wax pens can handle different types of concentrates:

• Wax & Budder: Soft and sticky; most dab pens handle these well.
• Shatter: Hard, glass-like; may require heating to soften before loading.
• Rosin: Solventless and pure; often works great in ceramic coils.
• Live Resin: High terpene content, sticky; best in devices focused on flavor.

To make loading easier and mess-free, you should use a hot knife tool, it helps scoop and drop concentrates cleanly.

How to Use a Dab Pen: Basic Steps

1. Charge the Battery: Fully charge before first use.
2. Load the Coil or Bucket: Use a dab tool to add a small grain-size amount of concentrate.
3. Turn On the Device: Usually by clicking the power button 3-5 times.
4. Set Temperature: If adjustable, choose your preferred temp.
5. Heat and Inhale: Hold the button to heat, then inhale slowly.
6. Clean Regularly: Keep coils and chambers clean for best flavor and performance.

Maintenance Tips for Longevity

• Clean your coil or bucket regularly with isopropyl alcohol swabs.
• Replace coils or atomizers when vapor quality declines.
• Avoid overloading concentrate to prevent clogging.
• Store your dab pen in a cool, dry place.

Additional Resources 

• How to Use a Dab Pen?
• Best Dab Pens for Beginners
• Dab Pens vs. Carts
• How To Clean Wax Pens
• How to Vape Hash
• How to Buy the Right Dry Herb Vaporizer
• How to Buy the Right Electric Dab Rig

Final Thoughts

Ask yourself:

• Do you want a simple, budget-friendly pen or a feature-packed dab pen?
• How important is flavor vs. vapor volume?
• Are you a casual user or daily dabber?
• Do you need maximum portability or don’t mind carrying a larger e-rig?
• What’s your budget?

Answering these helps you narrow down choices and find a dab pen that fits your lifestyle perfectly.

Feel free to reach out anytime, we’re here to help you find the perfect dab pen.

Happy dabbing from the Tools420 Team!