With the increasing legalization of recreational cannabis across the United States, more people are smoking weed than ever before. And one category has dominated the market thus far: vaporizers. And of all the options out there, there's one brand that is a constant contender for the top overall; that brand is Pax.
Beautifully balancing minimalist styling with user-friendliness, Pax has carved out its place atop the vape industry and community. And it offers an array of superb vaporizers, the top two of which are the Pax Plus (which replaced the lauded, albeit defunct Pax 3) and the Pax Mini (an entirely new model). While they both have their pros and cons, we've put them through their paces to figure out exactly which is the best for you.
How We Tested
I've had the Pax Plus in hand (and have been using it regularly for months now). Similarly, I've been using the Mini as an alternative for weeks (and often using one after the other for comparison's sake). Along with comparing them through regular usage, I've been paying close attention to their differences, similarities, benefits and shortcomings and have noted anything I've discovered of significance.
To learn more about our testing methodology and how we evaluate products, head here.
Pax Plus vs Pax Mini: What We Think
There's a clear winner between these two cannabis vaporizers, but it really depends on the kind of smoker you are — and each of them fulfills its purpose beautifully in the hands of the right person.
The real question you need to ask yourself before you decide which is right for you is thus: Do you only smoke dry herb or do you dabble in concentrates?
For dry herb-only smokers, the Pax Mini is going to be the real winner. It's $75 cheaper than the Plus (even with its recent MSRP drop from $250 to $200) yet still boasts an extremely similar array of features. That includes a 22-second heat time, 2-plus hour battery, simple push-button operation, haptic feedback, etc. It's even slightly smaller than the Pax Plus. However, if you ever have dreams of even trying concentrate, you're going to want to upgrade to the Plus.
Like the Mini, the Plus boasts the same quick heat time, battery power, push-button operation — you get the idea. However, it is ever-so-slightly larger, has a wider array of heating settings (there are four of these "Experience Modes," to be exact), comes with a few more accessories and can be used both for dry herb and concentrate alike. Even with the additional modes and accessories, the choice really comes down to whether you want to use dry herb only or if you want to change it up with concentrate.
The size difference is negligible
Pax is quick to boast that the Mini is the smallest Pax device yet (although, if you include the Era concentrate weed pens, this is decidedly untrue). However, when you really see them side by side, the difference between them is very slight. Their design and footprint are practically identical, I can't tell if there's really a weight difference at all and the only real identifiable contrast is about a centimeter in height (with the Pax being the taller of the two).
If you were thinking that one being more portable might make the difference to you, think again. In fact, the only reason I can even tell them apart at a glance is because I have my Mini personalized with engravings.
Don't let the accessories sway you
As mentioned earlier, the chief difference between the two is that the Pax Plus can handle concentrate (as in that gooey THC oil you see in disposable vape pens) whereas the Mini cannot. The Plus also comes with a few more accessories — including a multi-tool (primarily, this will help you pack your herb and scrape it out), a "Premium" maintenance kit (which includes more 3D oven screens) and two additional oven lids (one for half-pack bowls and one specifically for concentrate).
While potential Mini buyers might look at this and think they're being hosed out of some good gear, they really won't need it. Concentrate can make a sticky mess, and cleaning it is more of a task than it is with dry herb. So, if you're only smoking dry herb, these accessories are largely extraneous. They're a really great inclusion for those who will make the most of the Plus, but they're truly not necessary for the Mini.
If you have no preference, opt for the Pax Plus
Have you ever heard the expression "better to be safe than sorry"? You can apply that to your choice here. If you're absolutely certain you will never want to smoke concentrate, you're safe picking up the Mini (and I presume that, like me, you'll be very happy with it). However, if there's even a fraction of a chance that you will want to try concentrate, you should spend the extra $50 and get the Plus.
The reason is simple: the Plus will work with dry vape swimmingly, but the Mini can't be used with it at all. If you're uncertain and you buy the Mini, there's a chance for buyer's remorse when you realize you're hindered by its incompatibility with concentrate and you'll potentially have to settle or spend a bunch more money to rectify your error in judgment. Better to be prepared and not need it, as opposed to the opposite.
Pax Plus and Pax Mini Alternatives
As far as user-friendliness, their price-to-value proposition, design and overall quality are concerned, these Pax devices are both at the top of the heap. However, they're not for everyone, and there are quite a few worthy alternative weed vapes worth considering. For instance, the Storz and Bickel Mighty, while a hefty investment at $319 and a good deal larger, is one of the best, most consistent and most pleasing vaporizers I've ever had the pleasure to use. On the other side of the spectrum, the G Pen Dash costs just $70 and, honestly, is perhaps the best bang-for-your-buck vape on the market, even when considering its admittedly wonky control system and mouthpiece cover.
