Pax Labs is one of the biggest names in the entire portable vape industry. There are few vape fans that haven't used one of their products, and even fewer who haven't heard of them at all. Pax set the bar for portable vaporizers, and in many matchups, they come out on top.
However, what happens when you set a Pax against a Pax?
The Pax 3 is the current must-have portable vaporizer. While it is a few years old, there are few vaporizers out there that can hold a candle to its quality. Its conduction heating system, compact design, and Bluetooth connectivity make it one of the best vaporizers for beginners and vape experts alike.
The Pax 2 vape is what PAX used to truly make its mark on the vape industry. Everything good about the Pax 3 was pioneered in the Pax 2. In many ways, the Pax 2 vaporizer is the first modern portable vape, pioneering many features that users would now consider a must-have.
So, which is better? There's only one way to find out!
Pax 2 vs. Pax 3: A Quick Comparison
Here’s a quick rundown about what’s going on under the hood of both of these vaporizers.
Pax 3 vaporizer | Pax 2 vaporizer | |
Price: | $199.99 | $149.99 |
Compatible With: | Dry Herb and concentrates | Dry Herb |
Dimensions: | 4” x 1” x 1” | 4” x 1” x 1” |
Weight: | 3.3 oz | 3.3 oz |
Chamber Capacity: | 0.3 g | 0.3 g |
Heating System: | Conduction | Conduction |
Battery: | 3500 mAh | 2600 mAh |
Battery Life: | 8-10 sessions | 6-8 sessions |
Charging Time: | 90 Minutes | 120 minutes |
Temperature Range: | 360°F to 420°F | 360°F to 420°F |
Temperature Display: | LED | LED |
Auto Shut Off: | Yes | Yes |
Smartphone Compatibility: | Yes | No |
Notable Functions: | Mobile App | Incredible flavor |
What's in the box
1 x PAX 3 Vaporizer
1 x USB Charger
1 x Flat Mouthpiece
1 x Raised Mouthpiece
Maintenance Kit
Half-Pack Oven Lid
Standard Oven Lid
1 x Concentrate Insert
3 x Screens
Multi-Tool
1x Pax 2 Vaporizer
2x Interchangeable Mouthpieces (1 Flat & 1 Raised)
1x Magnetic Oven Lid
1x Magnetic USB Charger
1x Wire Brush
10x Pipe Cleaners
2-Year Warranty Protection
Warranty: 10 years 2 Year Warranty
Design: Pax 3 vs. Pax 2
Design and functionality are one and the same. The design of a vape can totally change how it handles and even how it operates. It should be no surprise that design is the feature that varies most from vape to vape. This is because every manufacturer has a different set of principles and that they approach a vaporizer with. Some favor power, others’ discretion.
It should be no surprise that the Pax 3 and Pax 2 Vapes are incredibly similar looking. In fact, in many ways, they're totally identical. They both have a minimalist, sleek design that is perfect for portable vaporizers.
Don't let this focus on style fool you into thinking that the Pax 3 is fragile, it is far from it. The matte finish is durable and hardwearing, more than able to stand up to the daily trials and tribulations of the life of a vaporizer.
The Pax 2, unsurprisingly has a nearly identical aesthetic to the Pax 3. This is because it pioneered many of the design features that the 3 has. It is perfectly discreet, incredibly easy to handle, and just as resilient and sturdy as the Pax 3.
It is impossible to choose a winner between these two devices, they're practically identical in terms of looks! So we have no choice but to call it a draw!
Winner: Draw!
Ease of Use: Pax 3 vs. Pax 2
No matter how powerful your heating system is, no matter how well your exterior is built, if your vape is impossible to figure out, then you might as well go home. Ease of use is one of the most important features of a dry herb vaporizer. These are products meant for mass consumption, not niche gadgets for tech-heads.
The Pax 3 features a simple, refined control scheme. This is because its compact size precludes any overly complex control systems or large displays. Instead, it relies on a single-button control scheme. Activating the device and temperature selection is done with this single button. This should be a familiar feature for most portable vape fans.
However, the Pax 3 vaporizer is a more modern device and features bluetooth connectivity. This allows users to hook their vape up to the Pax app, increasing their control and the device's functionality tenfold. The Pax app allows users to set up custom vape experiences and adjust their temperature settings with incredible precision.
Winner: Pax 3
Temperature Options: Pax 3 vs. Pax 2
Having a broad range of temperature options is incredibly important for a portable vaporizer. It allows users to carefully adjust the quality of their vape experiences and the resulting vapor. A lower temperature setting results in a milder, thinner vapor that is great for long, drawn out sessions. A higher temperature setting generates bigger clouds and leads to potent, powerful hits.
When you focus solely on the on-board controls, the Pax 3 features four heat settings: 360°F, 380°F, 400°F, and 420°F. Switching between them is easy, all you have to do is hold down the control button. These presets are fantastic for newcomers and users who want as little fuss as possible, offering a range of great vaping sessions. However, sometimes the situation calls for more control. This is where the smartphone app comes in. The Pax 3 features bluetooth connectivity, this allows it to hook up to the Pax app and opens up a much deeper level of control over your vape experience. It features precision temperature controls and alternate modes such as boost mode.
The Pax 2 came out long before the advancement with vapes and bluetooth, however, it still features the fantastic pre-programmed heat settings that include: 360°F, 380°F, 400°F, and 420°F. This allows users to easily mix up their vape experience without having to worry about individual degrees or any fiddly controls. However, some modern users and vape aficionados may find this a bit restrictive.
When it comes down to it, the superior control offered by the Pax 3's compatible app, the Pax 2 is left in the dust.
Winner: Pax 3
Vapor Quality: Pax 3 vs. Pax 2
Every aspect of a vaporizer matters in one way or another, but in your moment-to-moment enjoyment, there's one thing that sticks out above all else; the vapor quality. Some users focus on this aspect of their vaporizer above all else. Whether you want thick, lung busting hits, or smoother sessions, the vapor quality will define how much you'll enjoy your vaporizer.
The Pax 3 produces some amazing vapor quality. Every hit should be consistent, smooth, flavorful, and potent. Compared to older devices the Pax 3 has a shockingly quick heat up time, hitting vaping temperatures in less than thirty seconds. When it's ready, it'll alert you with a burst of haptic feedback. Don't worry about harsh hits, the Pax 3 is designed to make the most out of its short body, and the herb chamber is located towards the bottom of the devices. This allows each hit to cool as it travels up the air path to the mouthpiece.
The Pax 2 takes nearly twice the amount of time to hit vaping temperatures as the Pax 3. However, when it gets there the vapor is every bit as great, potent, and smooth. If you don't mind waiting that little bit longer, then the Pax is more than capable of standing shoulder to shoulder with any modern vaporizer.
While the Pax 3 does admittedly have a faster heat-up time, when it comes down to the actual importance of the actual vapor quality, both of these vapes are neck and neck. This one is going to have to be a draw.
Winner: Draw!
Cleaning and Maintenance: Pax 3 vs. Pax 2
While it can hardly be said that maintenance is the most exciting part of owning a dry herb vaporizer, it is still very important. Dry herb is constantly exuding a small amount of resin, and this kicks into overdrive when a little heat is applied. Over time this can lead to a build-up of grime. This looks gross and worse, can eventually lead to clogging. This is why cleaning your vape is extremely important.
The Pax 3's discreet and streamlined design makes cleaning simple. It is a far less demanding vaporizer than most when it comes to maintenance, requiring only some rubbing alcohol and cotton swabs. These can be used to clean out the mouthpiece and any build-up found in the heating chamber.
The Pax 2 is identical to the Pax 3 in this respect, requiring very little in the way of disassembly for cleaning beyond simply removing the mouthpiece and chamber cover.
This will have to be another draw thanks to the similarity of the two vapes.
Winner: Draw!
Final Verdict: Which Is Better, Pax 3 or Pax 2?
The Pax 3 is the culmination of all of Pax's hard won vape experiences. It takes everything that made its predecessors stand out and improved that even further. Its discreet design makes it the ideal everyday carry vaporizer, while its robust exterior makes it more than capable of standing up to everyday trials and tribulations. Its rapid heat-up time paired with the in-depth controls offered by its companion app makes it an incredible and easy-to-use vaporizer suitable for any vape fan.
The Pax 2 may be unfairly disadvantaged in this comparison thanks to the fact that the Pax 3 was built with many of the lessons it learned. It is still a fantastic device that is capable of incredible vape sessions and producing some truly amazing hits. However, its lack of modern features and slow heat up time means that it simply cannot compete with the Pax 3. However, it is significantly less expensive, so if your budget is a factor, give it a second look.
Overall, it’s safe to say that the winner of this comparison, is the Pax 3
Winner: Pax 3!
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