PAX 3 Starter Kit (PAX)

PAX describes the PAX 3 as a dual-use portable vaporizer for dry herb and concentrates. PAX says it is discontinued and replaced by the PAX PLUS, and its PAX 3 pages describe two kits, a Basic Kit (also called Device Only) and a Complete Kit.

Basic Kit and Complete Kit, as PAX describes them

A PAX support article lists the Basic Kit as:

• the PAX 3 device
• an oven screen (fitted)
• a USB charger
• a cleaning kit
• a raised mouthpiece
• a flat mouthpiece (fitted)
• a standard oven lid

According to PAX, the Complete Kit adds a Concentrate Insert, 3 extra screens, a PAX Multi-Tool and a Half-Pack Oven Lid.

Herb, concentrates and the oven

For concentrates, PAX says to use the Concentrate Insert and the top setting of 420°F. PAX puts the device at about 4 inches tall and 1 inch wide, with an anodized aluminum shell in a matte finish and a stainless steel oven and vapour path. The oven is at the bottom, with a magnetic lid. PAX’s guide gives its capacity as approximately 0.5 g, or about 0.25 g with the Half Pack Oven Lid; a PAX support article says about 0.35 to 0.5 g, and 0.17 to 0.25 g with the half-pack lid.

Heat-up, sensing and the app

PAX gives heat-up as about 22 seconds, with a short vibration to signal when the device is ready; it says the PAX 2 needed about 45. The default is 360°F (180°C) and the top setting is 420°F (215°C), with 380°F (193°C) and 400°F (204°C) between. Lip-sensing technology raises the oven temperature when the device is at your mouth and lowers it when it is moved away, and standby comes after 30 seconds.

PAX’s guide describes Android and web versions of the PAX app, which adds settings such as LED colour themes. The PAX 3 also has haptic feedback.

Eight to ten sessions per charge

PAX’s guide gives 8 to 10 sessions, or about 90 minutes of continuous use, per charge, and a full charge in 90 minutes on the magnetic USB cable. A PAX support article puts the USB charge time at about 2.5 hours and recommends a power source that can supply 1.5A. Shaking the device shows the battery level.

What PAX lists over the PAX 2

PAX lists these gains: concentrate compatibility, a Complete Kit, about 50% faster heat-up, about 25% longer battery life, about 25% faster charging and app connectivity. See also our hash smoking guide, which covers vaporizers alongside other methods, and our accessories.