PAX Weed Vaporizer Review: The PAX 3 Vape Vs the PAX Era Vape

If you’ve been a fan of PAX Vapor products for a while or are just now learning about them, you might be wondering which product is best for you and if they are even worth it. Have you been eyeing the upgraded PAX 3 and are wondering if it’s really better than the PAX 2? Curious what all the fuss is over the PAX Era vape pen? Or are you a serious smoker who is debating if you even need a vape?

We have been users of PAX Vapor products for years now. Each PAX product is special in its own right, but there are also some drawbacks that you should be aware of before you make a purchase. You also need to consider which product fits your lifestyle and personal preferences. Keep reading for our honest thoughts on the PAX 3 and PAX Era and why these products have actually made their way into our rotations.

To be transparent with you, PAX did send us free product to review but we have also bought many of their products over the years and you are getting our real take as always.

What’s the difference between the PAX 3 and the PAX Era?

The PAX 3 is a multi-use device you can use with dried herb and waxy or solid concentrates. Its versatility is a huge plus. The PAX Era can only be used with oil extract pods that you have to purchase specifically for the Era. That doesn’t mean you should count out the Era though. Keep reading for why we think the Era is a staple that any cannabis aficionado should add to their arsenal even if you can’t use it with your own flower.

The PAX 3 is larger than the super sleek PAX Era but it’s still easily portable. You could easily toss either of these into your purse or backpack to take with you on the go. Both of them are excellent at keeping their charge too. The PAX 3 lasts 2.5 hours (about 8-10 sessions) and the PAX Era impressively lasts about 150 puffs. That makes both of these products ideal for outdoor events, music festivals, beach days, and sneaking a puff at a family reunion.

How is the PAX 3 better than the PAX 2?

If you are like us, you might have had a PAX since 2017 or so and stopped using it because you prefer bong rips and smoking joints. It might be sitting at the bottom of your weed drawer collecting dust and you’re wondering, why do I need another one of these? While you may still prefer smoking, PAX products offer unparalleled convenience.

The PAX 3 is the upgrade that takes this device to the next level. It features an enhanced oven that heats up in just 22 seconds and works with dried flower and both waxy + solid concentrates. The PAX 2 only allowed you to use loose-leaf and had no option for concentrates.

As opposed to the PAX 2, with the PAX 3 you can get more sessions on a single charge with 25% greater battery capacity than the PAX 2. You can also use the PAX App to enhance your session which wasn’t possible on the PAX 2. There’s a slight drawback with using the app that we’ll explain below, but Pax figured out a work-around.

The PAX 3 has the same advanced lip-sensing technology as the original PAX vaporizer - basically, it drops the temperature to conserve the material inside when it senses you aren’t using it and brings it back to temperature when you put your lips up to it again. Pretty cool, right?

Here’s a breakdown of the PAX 3’s improvements over the PAX 2:

• Ready for use in just 22 seconds vs the PAX 2 which takes 45 seconds to heat.

• Mobile-app compatible for precise control of your device.

• Concentrate insert allows you to vaporize waxes and concentrates in addition to flower.

• PAX 3 Oven is twice as powerful for better heating.

• PAX 3 has additional settings to further improve your vaping experience. These presets can be accessed in the PAX app or by pressing the button. Here are the different modes you can choose from:

  • Standard Mode: Balances vapor production and flavor preservation

  • Boost Mode: Increased vapor production without sacrificing preferred temperature

  • Efficiency Mode: Supports consistent vapor production

  • Flavor Mode: Faster heating and cooling for optimized flavor

  • Stealth Mode: Maintains lower temperature and quick cooldown for discreet use

• PAX 2 has a transverse-brushed look, while PAX 3 has a smooth, matte finish. The vapes are also offered in different colors.

• PAX 3’s “complete kit” comes with even more accessories, including ones for concentrates, including:

  1. Half-pack oven lid to decrease oven size

  2. Concentrates insert

  3. Three oven screens

  4. Multi-tool for packing and emptying the oven

PAX 3 offers a lot more versatility and functionality than its predecessor.

Pax 3: Cons

Though the PAX 3 is a pretty revolutionary product, there are a few cons you should know about that we’ve become aware of since we started using it.

• PAX 3’s App is really cool but it’s kinda annoying to access if you’ve got an iPhone. In 2019, Apple removed all vaporizing apps from its store, including the PAX app.

  • PAX has since created a simple workaround for all Apple/iOS users:

    • Go to the App Store and download the Connect Browser app.

    • Open it up and grant it access to Bluetooth.

    • Click the URL bar up top and go to Pax.com. Choose PAX 3 and then enter the serial number located on the back of your vape.

    • Turn your PAX 3 on and shake it until the petals turn blue. Then, with Bluetooth enabled, press “Connect” on the app, choose your PAX, and you’re good to go.

• We don’t understand why the mouthpiece area is where the button is. Since this is such a great product to take on the go we always feel like we have to worry about hand germs getting on the area where we put our mouths.

• PAX 3 scratches super easily.

• The flat mouthpiece is kinda weird and doesn’t hit very well. The raised one provided in the complete kit is far superior.

• You do have to clean it a lot.

• Even though this product is supposed to be discreet, there is definitely still a smell - even a little in stealth mode. Emptying your bowl quickly after you’re done with your session helps and you can use a Skunk Case, which is an airtight protection device that prevents any smells from escaping.

• You have to use PAX 3's cable and not any other random USB-charging cable to charge and we always seem to loose it.

Pax 3: Pros

Now that we’ve gotten really nit-picky about the disadvantages of the PAX, let’s talk about the good stuff!

• Stealth Mode is a really cool feature and paired with the aforementioned skunk case, can be really handy for consuming discreetly on the go.

• PAX 3 saves so much weed! We have gotten 50-60 hits off on efficiency mode.

• Consistent flavors, aromas, and potency. All without any potentially harmful byproducts of combustion.

• PAX 3 is truly pocket-size. It’s smaller and more light-weight than any other comparable vapes on the market. Perfect for tiny handbags and pockets - also, why do women’s clothing only sometimes have pockets??

• The option to use flower and concentrates in one device makes this a complete game-changer.

• Safety. The air path of the PAX is fully separated from the electronics, including the heating elements so there’s no risk inhaling toxic fumes with the PAX.

• There’s no learning curve. This is such an easy vape to use!

PAX 3 Complete Kit has everything you need to enjoy and take care of this device.

What’s the Difference Between the Pax 3 Basic Kit and the Complete Kit?

The Basic Kit comes with the following:

• Flat Mouthpiece

• Raised Mouthpiece

• USB Charger

• Maintenance Kit

• Standard Oven Lid

The Complete Kit includes all of this:

• Flat Mouthpiece

• Raised Mouthpiece

• USB Charger

• Maintenance Kit

• Standard Oven Lid

• Half-Pack Oven Lid

• Concentrate Insert

• Multi-Tool (Keychain)

• 3 Oven Screens

Personally, we think the complete kit is worth it for the concentrate insert and the multi-tool keychain!

What’s the Difference Between the PAX Era and the PAX 3?

Unlike the PAX 3 which is a portable conduction vaporizer, the PAX Era is a vape pen.

The Era is one of the best vape pens on the market. Yes, that’s a pretty big claim but you heard us right. Between it being nearly odorless, making it the most discreet product in our arsenal, and it’s so safe and easy to use.

Why it’s so easy to use: When you breathe it activates the heating instead of a having to push a button. You just shake the vape and it displays the battery meter. Pre-filled pods are available from dispensaries in states with legal recreational use and medical use so you never have to worry about mess or needing to reload your bowl.

Why it’s so safe: PAX Era pods are made with food grade materials and tested to medical standards, certified free from harmful heavy metals, toxins and contaminants. The pod technology contains patented temp control to make sure the oil is properly heated until the last tiny drop.

What’s the Difference Between the PAX Pro and PAX Era Life?

The shape and size are nearly identical on the PAX Pro and PAX Era. The Pro has a slightly larger light display and comes in different colors. The Era Pro has 65% more battery life and allows you to use the PAX App to have a more customizable session.

Pax Era Pro: Cons

• Accessing the pods can sometimes be challenging if you aren’t close to a dispensary. You can use PAX’s locator tool to find them near you.

• If you’re a light-weight the Era will do the trick in one puff, but sometimes for those with heavy tolerance, it can take a lot to feel the effects of your medicine.

Pax Era Pro: Pros

• Inside each pod includes one of the smallest NFC chips on the globe (!) that is connected to the batch of cannabis it contains. That means you can pair the Era Pro to Bluetooth and it can show you the individual test results for that specific pod. How cool is that?

• The pen also can check the pod you put in for the manufacturer’s recommended temperature setting which have different heat recommendations from strain to strain. We are living in the future, friends.

• You can use any USB charger to power your device back up. Unlike the PAX 3 which you’ll need to keep track of the device’s specific charger.

• This is the most portable device ever and perfect for travel. You can legally travel with the device itself and pick up your pods in the state you are arriving in.

• The Era Pro has an excellent battery life. You can get an impressive 250 puffs per charge.

Is Vaping Really Safe?

You’ve probably heard the news about vape safety and you should definitely stay informed about what you’re putting into your body. That’s why if you’re going to vape, you need to make sure you aren’t just vaping from any company. You should always check to make sure you aren’t vaping any added vitamin E acetate. PAX products contain absolutely no vitamin E acetate.

That’s why PAX is worth the extra cost for their vape products because they spend a lot of time and energy perfecting technology and safety.

The PAX 3 is actually safer than smoking and way less harsh on your lungs. There is no teflon (PTFE) in the air path or that would be exposed to you on the exterior of the PAX 3. There is a tiny amount of PTFE in the PAX 3’s internal heater but it is completely encapsulated inside the device. Also, the temperature control doesn’t allow the heater to reach any dangerous temperatures where PTFE can vaporize and cause issues.

As we stated above, PAX Era pods are made with food-grade materials and tested to medical standards, certified free from harmful heavy metals, toxins and contaminants. The pod technology comes with temp control to make sure the oil is good to the last drop and even meets the manufacturer’s recommended temperature setting which have different heat recommendations from strain to strain.

The PAX 3 and the PAX Era Pro also offer a child safety mode you can turn on in the app!

So, which Pax product is right for you?

Depending on your intended use, there is probably a PAX product that would be perfect to add to your weed arsenal.

If you’re looking for the pinnacle of discretion and want absolutely no odors, for a family gathering let’s say, the PAX Era is probably your best option.

If you’re looking for a device that’s portable but has the functionality to choose between using dried flower or concentrates, you’ll want to go with PAX 3.

Whatever you decide, you’ll be glad to have a device that lets you consume on the go, conserve your weed, smoke less to save your lungs and that represents the best of cannabis technology.

Do you have a question about these devices? Feel free to shoot us an email and we’ll be happy to help you out! Enjoy this review? We are affiliates with PAX so if you use our link you’ll be supporting our content.