The Different Types of Dab Pens
Dab pens have become increasingly popular as a convenient, discreet, and portable option for enjoying concentrates.
There is a wide range of dab pen options on the market, and sometimes choosing the right one can be a sizable task.
Below, I break down the different types of dab pens, compare their similarities and differences, and discuss what to consider when choosing the best dab pen for your needs.
What is a dab pen?
A dab pen (aka wax pen) is a compact, electric, handheld vaporizer designed to vaporize solid concentrates on the go.
They are a portable alternative to traditional dab rigs and free you from needing a flame.
Three main components make up any dab pen are; the battery, the heating chamber or atomizer, and the mouthpiece.
The concentrate is placed on the coil, which heats up when the battery is engaged to activate the heating element.
The rising temperature turns the wax to an inhalable vapor. Simply draw through the mouthpiece to ingest the vapor and enjoy your concentrate of choice.
What are the benefits of using a dab pen?
Many stoners prefer wax pens because of their discretion and portability. These small, handheld devices are easy to use on the go and produce little odor.
dab pens also offer more control over temperature settings, making it easier to find the balance between flavor and vapor production, compared to traditional dab rigs.
The Different Types of Dab Pens
There are 5 main different types of dab pens, including standard dab pens with heating chamber, and Exposed nail tip dab pens, also called electric nectar collectors and more.
Each type offers unique features, so you can choose based on what fits your lifestyle and preferences.
1. Chamber dab pens
Chamber dab pens like the lookah ant, python, and swordfish are the most common type of the Wax/dab pens.
These wax pens have a simple heating chamber that you can easily load up your favorite wax concentrates with a dab tool.
The main difference is in the coil design. Depending on your preferences, You can choose between two different kinds of heating element on these Chamber dab pens: A rod coil atomizer or a bucket atomizer.
Rod Coil Atomizer: These atomizers are made of metal coils (like titanium) that are wrapped around a ceramic or quartz rod.
A rod coil Atomizer will have your concreates sitting directly on metal coils that will heat up very quickly as an electrical current is run through them.
These rod coil atomizers provides a near-instant heating and bigger clouds. This design is preferred by users who seek a more potent and immediate dabbing experience.
Rod coil atomizers are ideal for users who prioritize vapor production over subtle flavor nuances. But they will be ultimately harder to clean and will need more replacements over time.
Bucket Atomizer: Bucket atomizers are smooth, Bucket-like heating chambers, typically made of materials like ceramic or quartz. For example, the well-known Lookah 710 thread quartz bucket wax atomizer.
A bucket Atomizer will have a layer normally made from quartz or ceramic that sits above the heating coils. So they get rid of the exposed coil that is wrapped around a rod.
The Bucket atomizers are intended to heat up the concentrates more evenly and efficiently than their older rod counterparts.
This heating method offers a gentle heating process, which preserves the delicate flavors and aromas of the concentrate.
Bucket atomizers are efficient in low-temperature dabbing, delivering a flavorful, smooth, and less intense vapor.
Additionally, their design makes them relatively easier to clean, as they lack the nooks and crannies found in rod atomizers.
2. Exposed nail tip dab pens
Increasing in popularity are exposed nail tip dab pens. These are also commonly referred to as electric nectar collectors.
These straw-like dab pens like lookah seahorse series, are compact, lightweight and very easy to use. They offer another way to dab the concentrate.
Unlike standard dab pens that require a dabber to place the concentrate into a chamber, They are more user-friendly and offer a direct "dip and sip" approach.
All that you need to do is turn the device on and wait for the tip to preheat. Once the heatling element is hot, you’ll dip it into your material while inhaling through the other end.
They are ideal for users who want quick and efficient sessions without having to engage in the process of loading chambers or handling other tools that can be messy.
If you are interested, I recommend you take a look at the Lookah Seahorse Pro Plus, which is an ergonomically designed portable Exposed nail tip dab pen that offers great value for money.
3. 510 Cart Dab Pens
These dab pens work very similarly to oil cartridge vape pens.
You can insert the dab carts or wax atomizers directly into the 510 thread battery, and dab away.
Although not strictly different in threading, Dab Pen batteries often have higher capacity and power output, than other styles.
Because they are designed for vape thicker concentrates and need more power, Plus, they usually supports variable voltage settings.
4. Disposable Dab Pens
For those who want a no-muss, no-fuss way of vaping concentrates, especially for first-time users, disposable dab pens are ideal.
These are pens that are pre-filled with cannabis concentrate and are meant for one-time use only.
It is portable and easy to carry and use, which makes it suitable for users who are in search of a convenient and inconspicuous method of consuming cannabis.
Once the concentrate is used up to the last drop, the dab pen is simply thrown away, which is convenient for many users.
The ceramic heating system offers a quality and rich taste of vapor production from the first puff to the last one.
5. Discreet Dab Pens
Need to keep things undercover? Discreet dab pens like Lookah Python play it cool—super small, super quiet, almost no smell.
Most use low-profile designs and can be mistaken for regular pens or USB sticks, so you can dab in public… or while dodging nosy roommates.
Features To Look For When Choosing a Dab Pen?
Since dabbing temperature is crucial, choose a dab pen with features like temperature control.
Other features worth looking out for include atomizer material, types of atomizer, battery life, portability, brand, ease of maintenance, etc.
Explore More: The 10 Best Dab Pens & Wax Pens to Buy in 2025
Conclusion
Dab pens are popular because they can provide a very potent experience while being small and easily transported.
In the current market, there are various dab pen types to suit the user’s preference and needs.
Whether you opt for a chamber dab pen, an exposed nail tip dab pen or something else, each device offer unique advantages for consuming concentrates.
Selecting the best dab pen for you depends on your specific needs, preferences, and lifestyle.
With the information and insights provided in this guide, you are well-equipped to make an informed decision.
For those who want to get the best dab pen, Lookah is a popular brand which presents a variety of products that can satisfy any consumer’s needs and desires.