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Pax Plus Vs Pax Mini: Who Wins This Dry Herb Vaporizer Showdown?
By
Arannyk Monon Oliver
Pax Plus Vs Pax Mini: Who Wins This Dry Herb Vaporizer Showdown?
December 15, 2023
on
Portable Showdown, Showdowns
Updated: December 15, 2023
Portable Vaporizers come in all shapes and sizes, today, we are going to be pinning two of the more well-known vaporizers, the Pax Plus and Pax Mini. These are two of the latest products from Pax Labs, a well-known company that has been a part of the vaporizing scene for years.
Both of these units are part of the same series. The mini is considered a more simple and compact version of the Plus. Because of this, the Mini is slightly more affordable. It’s kind of like the Arc S is to the GT3, a more budget-friendly alternative. With that said, let’s see if the Pax devices are worth their salt in comparison to each other and some other popular Portable Vaporizers on the market.
Will the Pax Plus win because of its performance, or will the simpler Pax Mini win because of its cost-effectiveness? Let’s dive into this Pax Review and figure it out.
Table of contents
Vapor Quality
Vapor QualityWhile these Portable Vaporizers are very similar in some ways, they offer distinct vaping experiences tailored to different user needs.
The Pax Mini was created with a more prominent focus on simplicity and portability, this is ideal for entry-level users, but how does it affect its vapor quality? Well, the Mini has a slightly smaller heating chamber that holds up to 0.25g of dry herb. The mini does not provide the best quality when it comes to its vapor, but it gets the job done.
When it comes to the Pax Plus, it provides many more options to customize the session itself such as different temperature settings. One thing I noticed with both of these devices is that they don’t fully extract the herb that is right at the center of the lid. The chamber itself is slightly larger on the Plus, which allows it to hold a bit more herb than the Mini.
Honestly, none of these devices are particularly amazing at creating high-quality vapor, especially when considering their price. For similar prices, you can also get units like the Utillian 620 or 722, which offer convection heating for smoother and more flavorful vapor.
Overall, the Pax Plus takes the lead on this one since it’s just better, and the difference in price is not worth the lower quality, in my opinion, especially for experienced vapers seeking enhanced vapor quality.
Temperature Flexibility
Temperature FlexibilityIn evaluating the temperature flexibility of the Pax Plus and Pax Mini, a clear distinction emerges. The Pax Plus, with its four “Experience Modes,” offers a significantly more versatile vaping experience. These modes include:
- Stealth Mode (182°C): Minimizes cloud production.
- Efficiency Mode (193°C): Ideal for relaxed sessions.
- Flavor Mode (204°C): Focuses on taste, especially for concentrates.
- Boost Mode (215°C): Highest cloud production with slightly less taste.
On the other hand, the Pax Mini is limited to a single temperature mode, with less capacity for customization. This simplicity suits those new to vaporizing but lacks the adaptability of the Pax Plus.
Given these factors, the Pax Plus emerges as the superior choice for temperature flexibility. It’s important to note that neither device has smartphone app support.
For those seeking a balance of simplicity and affordability, the Pax Mini remains a viable option. However, for users looking for a more tailored experience, the Pax Plus, despite its higher price, presents a clear advantage.
Manufacturing Quality
Manufacturing QualityWhen we start talking about the manufacturing quality of these devices, the decision becomes a little more complex. Both of these portable vaporizers share a stainless steel exterior, a 3500 mAh battery, and a minimalist design.
The Pax Plus comes with some advanced features like haptic feedback, compatibility with wax and concentrates, and a multi-tool, making Pax Plus a more feature-rich option in general. With that said, it’s important to keep in mind that the Mini was specifically created to be the simple version of the Plus.
Now, let’s talk about the exterior look and feel of these dry herb vaporizers. They both feel pretty solid in your hand. It can be noted that the Plus is a bottom-loaded unit, which means that the chamber is located on the bottom as opposed to the top, like the Mini. Also, using these units for back-to-back sessions may cause the exterior of the device to get hot.
Both of these devices are well-made, but they are not the most premium dry herb vaporizers available. The Zeus Arc S, for instance, is in the same price range but has been specifically designed for ArcPods and incorporates goldsink technology. If the build quality is your main concern, there are superior devices available. However, these two devices are still decent options.
The Pax Plus is the winner in this comparison, offering greater functionality, customization options, and overall performance. In my opinion, the smaller size of the Mini is not enough of an advantage to overcome the lower quality, especially considering the price difference is not that great.
Battery Life
Battery LifeIt’s quite clear at this point that each device has its strengths, but in this category, they maintain very similar numbers. Both Pax Vaporizers use the same 18650 battery that provides around 3000 mAh.
Now, since these units present different sized chambers, I would say that the Pax Mini should technically last for longer than the Plus. Surprisingly, I found that the Plus efficiently manages its power, providing approximately 15 sessions and 80 minutes of productivity. The overall difference in battery life between the two isn’t that significant though.
When evaluating the Pax Plus and Pax Mini, it’s important to note that neither device includes a USB-C charger in the package. Instead, they come with a proprietary charger that requires a connection to a standard Micro USB. This is kind of disappointing since the current standard is at least USB-C, even budget units like the Tronian Milatron come with USB-C at this point.
While both models provide decent battery life, I’m going to give this win to the Plus simply because even with more features, it still provides similar battery life as the Mini.
Portability
PortabilityThe Pax Plus and Pax Mini stand out for their compactness and sleek design. The Pax Plus, slightly larger at 9.8 cm x 3.1 cm x 2.1 cm and weighing 93 grams, includes a removable concentrate insert, adding versatility at the cost of increased size. The Pax Mini, measuring 8.6 cm x 2.5 cm x 1.8 cm and weighing 70 grams, is more pocket-friendly and has a secure chamber lid, enhancing its portability.
In my opinion, the Pax Plus is better suited for those wanting a versatile device that can be portable when you need it to be. But the Pax Mini is a much better option for those who want a simple, more discreet option.
Based on my assessment, even though the Mini is smaller than the Plus, it’s important to consider all the factors. While there is a size difference, it’s not a big enough difference to overlook the fact that the Mini has fewer options. The Plus is still compact and convenient to carry in your pocket. Therefore, in my opinion, I would choose the Pax Plus.
Ease Of Use
Ease Of UseThe Pax Plus and Pax Mini, are meticulously crafted for an effortless vaporizing experience. In a move reminiscent of ArcPods by Zeus, the introduction of Pax Pucks signifies a step into the third generation of vaporizers, promising users a potent and convenient journey. It’s important to mention that not all jurisdictions sell the Pucks, but if you happen to be in one that does, they are definitely worth it.
When comparing the Pax Plus and Pax Mini, the Plus is the clear winner due to its versatility. Despite being more expensive, the Pax Plus offers four different “Experience Modes” that allow users to customize their vaping sessions. In contrast, the Pax Mini only has one temperature setting, making the Pax Plus the better choice for those who want a more comprehensive and personalized vaping experience. Both devices use LED indicators to show the current “Experience Mode” (for Pax Plus) and the session status.
That said, if you are a complete beginner and don’t really care to go into the details, the Pax Mini might be exactly what you’re looking for. It won’t provide the same results as the Plus, but even a complete beginner can get the Mini running.
Final Thoughts
Final ThoughtsThe Pax Plus and the Pax Mini are both portable vaporizers with different strengths and weaknesses. The Pax Plus is more advanced and versatile but also more expensive and complex. The Pax Mini is simpler and more affordable, but it has fewer features.
If you want a vaporizer that can handle both dry herbs and concentrates and offers more temperature options, the Pax Plus is a good choice. It has a sleek design, heats up quickly, and has a long-lasting battery. It’s ideal for those who value convenience, versatility, and aesthetics.
On the other hand, the Pax Mini is perfect for beginners. It has a simple design and operates at a single temperature. While it lacks the advanced features of the Pax Plus, it’s easy to use and budget-friendly.
Both vaporizers have their own strengths. The Pax Plus is versatile and customizable, making it great for experienced users. It supports different substances, has multiple temperature settings, and offers various Experience Modes. However, it comes at a higher price.
Ultimately, your choice depends on your preferences and needs. If you’re unsure, you can also consider other vaporizers like the Utillian 722 or the Zeus Arc GT3, which offer similar or better features for the same price. We have ranked these devices and more on our Portable Vaporizer ranking page, you can check it out if you want a more general overview of how these devices stand in the general market.
We hope this Pax Plus vs Pax Mini Vaporizer Review has been helpful and informative for you. Thank you for reading, and as always, Keep Vapin’!
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