Helping you decide between the PAX 2 & the PAX 3 Vaporizer
The PAX 3 Vaporizer is the latest release by PAX Labs which adds some improvements over the PAX 2. To date PAX Labs, formerly Ploom, has released three PAX models primarily intended for dry herb use – PAX, PAX 2 and PAX 3.
The PAX 2 Vaporizer saw some major improvements over the original PAX. The PAX 2 was made more compact, lighter, given a larger oven and an internal power button under the mouthpiece.
One of the biggest issues with the Original PAX Vaporizer was the PAX mouthpiece getting stuck or flying out and getting lost when powering the device on, making it inoperable. With a handful of other adjustments made on the PAX 2, it was easy to see that it was a much improved device in both form and function.
With the PAX 3 now on the market the original PAX doesn’t get the love it once commanded only a few years prior. The PAX 3 has a 15 second heat up time, bluetooth integration and custom vapor profiles which adjust to fit your vapor session such as a setting to enhance flavor or one to enhance efficiency of vaping your herb.
The PAX 3 also comes with a handful of other accessories not included with the PAX 2 : A concentrate chamber, a half pack oven lid and a PAX multi tool keychain. While these extra accessories are great, most can be purchased separately and work just fine with the PAX 2.
So the big question is , do you really need to get the PAX 3 ? Or will the PAX 2 work just fine ?
The PAX 2, still in the mid to high end price range at $199, will save you $75 out the door compared with the PAX 3 at $274.95. So what are you missing out on ? We are going to address the major differences to help you decide which one will suit you best.
Accessories
Let’s start out with the accessories you don’t get with the PAX 2. The Concentrate canister cannot be purchased as a separate accessory at the moment. I would assume this has to do with a combination of production being devoted to filling them for the PAX 3s and the simple fact PAX Labs may want you to buy the PAX 3 over the PAX 2. So although the PAX 2 works just fine with the PAX 3 concentrate canister, unless you can find a concentrate chamber, you will be without this option on the PAX 2.
The other two accessories – the half pack oven lid and Mutli tool can be picked up for $13.99 each. So if you are fine without being able to use concentrates in your PAX 2 or you don’t need a half pack oven lid or multi tool, you may just be better off going with the PAX 2.
If you would like to see our assessment on the PAX 3 accessories and concentrate capabilities check out our PAX 3 review.
Bluetooth and Smartphone App
Now the coolest thing the PAX 3 offers over the PAX 2 is bluetooth connectivity with a smart phone app, allowing you to control your device from your phone. This has become the standard for most the new higher end vaporizers on the market and has proven great for combatting counterfeits. The few advantages with the PAX 3’s smartphone app are setting your heat to the exact degree and selecting between the custom vapor paths.
So with these dialing in and vapor profile options is the vapor quality that much better ? If you were to blindfold me and ask me to distinguish the vapor quality between the PAX 2 and the PAX 3, I would have not the slightest clue. While the customizable vapor paths are cool to play around with I had a hard time noticing any difference of consequence between them.
Heat up time and battery life
The PAX 3 has an improved battery at 3500 MaH with the PAX 2 at 3000 MaH. How long this will last you depends on what temperature you vape at and how long your sessions are. It may be easier to think of it that your PAX 3 battery is almost 20% better than the PAX 2 battery.
The heat up time is also something greatly improved on the PAX 3. The PAX 3 is ready to go in 15 seconds instead of 30 seconds with the PAX 2.
Both the PAX 2 and PAX 3 are excellent and durable units which produce great vapor for their small stature and offer excellent versatility. They also both come with a 10 year warranty. We think they are the best all around vaporizers currently on the market for a weekend warrior who enjoys their activities but also loves the at home sessions too.
Deciding which one is right for you has become a recurring trend in the vaporizer space with new makes and models being released all the time. Whichever you choose between the PAX 2 and PAX 3 you cannot go wrong. My personal opinion , if you don’t care about the app or concentrate canister go with the PAX 2, if those tickle your fancy, they are well worth the extra $75 on the PAX 3.
If you are looking to try either one of them out make sure you check out To the Cloud Vapor Store. We offer a 60 day trial period and lifetime trade ins for store credit on both the PAX 2 and PAX 3.
Make sure you’re getting the best vaporizer money can buy. Check out our list of the best dry herb vaporizers of the year.
