PAX 3 Review: Better, Stronger, and Smarter

The PAX 3 is still one of the most dependable portable vaporizers today, even though it’s been on the market for a while now. With its updated look and effective concentrate option, it caters to a large consumer base.

The PAX 3 heats up incredibly fast and vibrates when it’s ready for use. If you like to customize your devices, you’ll love the PAX smartphone app and all the different ways you can set up your sessions.

The PAX 3 is not only efficient, but also durable, intuitive, and produces amazing vapor. It’s an all-in-one device that makes it perfect for everyday use, and the large size of the herb chamber as well as the long battery life are crowd pleasers.  

Starting at $159, the PAX 3 Basic Kit provides a top-shelf experience for a price point in the mid-range, although there is an option to upgrade to the PAX 3 Complete Kit. This will depend on your individual vaping style and your preferred accessories.

The PAX 3 is super popular for the following reasons:

• Easy to use and share
• Ultraportable
• High-tech features
• Large oven
• Long battery life

PAX 3 Review: Better, Stronger, and Smarter

The PAX 2 was designed with the user experience in mind, and the PAX 3 does as well. It has the same intuitive user interface with longer battery life and less waste. Plus, it’s an all-in-one device that produces the same pure clouds of dense vapor that PAX vaporizers are known for.

At less than 4 inches tall, the PAX 3 oven can hold about 1/3 of a gram. With a fully packed oven, you should get 15 to 25 draws which makes it perfect for extended smoking sessions on the go.

The device is pocket sized and easy to conceal. It has a satisfying weight and feel to it. There are four colors to choose from, and the aluminum shell has a matte finish.

The Basic Kit versus the Complete Kit

Instead of offering a one-size-fits-all device, there are two PAX 3 bundles available. One is the Basic Kit at $159 and the Complete Kit at $189. The Basic Kit contains the PAX 3 vaporizer, both raised and flat mouthpieces, a charger, and a cleaning kit. The Complete Kit upgrade additionally includes an extra set of screens, a dry concentrate insert, a multi-tool, and the half-pack oven lid (these extra accessories are valued at over $100).

Dry Herb Insert

A new feature in the PAX 3 Complete Kit is a dry herb insert which slots into the oven. Usually “two-in-one" dry herb/concentrate vaporizers aren't fan favorites. If you’re more of the "you need the right tool for the job" person, you’ll be pleasantly surprised when using dry herb with the PAX 3. We think this device works well if you like to switch things up with a little dry herb here and there.

Dense, High-Quality Vapor

The PAX 3 produces dense high-quality vapor that is smooth and flavorful. The device should reach the maximum temperature setting (out of four settings) in about 30 seconds. Using the smartphone app, you can customize the preset heat settings in increments of one degree!

Temperature Settings

360° F/180° C
380° F/193° C
400° F/204° C
420° F/325° C

The first two temperatures deliver flavorful light vapor, and the last two temperatures deliver clouds that are thicker and packs more of a punch.

The flexible shut-off timer is also a popular feature. You can decide how to pace your sessions, rather than a default five minutes, for example. 

One of our favorite settings uses high-temperature vapor, starting a session on setting three or 400° F and finishing the session on setting four or 420° F. 

Simple to Use Controls

Users love the intuitive controls that the PAX 3 offers. Everything is controlled by a single hidden button on the mouthpiece. With the push of this button, the device is on. Push it again and it's off.

If you need to adjust the temp, just hold the button for a few seconds to enter temperature control mode. This differs quite a bit from all the clicks used by other manufacturers. If want to exit temp mode or check the battery life without pushing any buttons, simply shake the device instead.

There are four LED lights on the front of the device with the PAX Labs logo that tells you everything you need to know, from current temperature to battery life, when the device is heating up and when it’s ready. When the PAX 3 is heated to temp, it also vibrates so you’ll know it’s ready even if you aren’t looking!

Smart Technology

The PAX 3 uses a lip-sensing technology and an accelerometer that tell the device whether you’re vaping or not, automatically adjusting the temperature to conserve the battery life and your material.

If you put the PAX 3 down, it will automatically drop the temperature after 30 seconds. Pick it up or put it to your lips and the PAX 3 will raise the heat to your preset temperature on its own.

After three minutes without any movement, the auto shut-off timer will turn the PAX 3 off. There is no default set timer, so the device adjusts to the pace of your chosen session length.

PAX 3 Smartphone App

**Apple pulled all vaporizer apps from the app store on 11/15/2019 including the PAX 3 smartphone app. PAX subsequently created a solution for all Apple/iOS users. You can check it out here.**

PAX built their own well-equipped Bluetooth smartphone app with customized vaporizing options. You can connect your PAX 3 to your iPhone or Android to unlock a wide variety of new features and customizations. Here, the temperature can be changed in increments of one degree, games can be played on command, the device can be locked, and the lights and haptic feedback can be configured.

The app allows you to select one of four heat settings: boost, efficiency, stealth, and flavor. With boost mode, auto cooling is limited for longer and stronger sessions. With efficiency mode, the temp automatically increases over the length of your session. With stealth mode, you’ll experience lower temps and faster cooling (this means your exhales won’t be so obvious). Flavor mode also offers low temps but will only heat up when you inhale, resulting in maximum flavor. All these settings allow you to fine tune your smoking experience based on your preferences. Of note, flavor mode is a fan favorite if you’re into more chill sessions.

Longer Battery Life

On a full charge, you’ll average around 90 minutes of vaping time from the PAX 3 18650, 3500mAh battery. If you like to relax when vaping with some sessions up to ten minutes long, you could get three evenings of use before you need to charge the device. A charge takes about 90 minutes using the included USB dock. The PAX 3 really does have some of the most impressive battery life available today.

Isolated Air Path

The PAX 3 is constructed of medical-grade materials including a stainless-steel oven, vapor tube, and silicone mouthpiece. According to PAX, the heating element is bonded to the oven outside the vapor path, called a “non-ceramic tuned thin film heater.”

The draw resistance depends on how tightly the PAX 3 is packed. A tight pack is recommended; however, the airflow on some vapes comes to a complete stop with a tightly packed oven.

Of note, to keep the air path clean, the PAX Maintenance Kit includes replacement screens and pipe cleaners.

Durability

With no glass to break or moving parts, the PAX 3 is an extremely durable vape. With an outer shell of anodized aluminum, it’s so tough, you won’t have to worry about tossing it in your pocket or bag with your keys or phone. This makes it ideal for outdoor activities.

The finish was briefly polished, but now the finish is a high-quality matte, which works better to hide any scratches or minor dents from heavy use.

PAX 3 Pros & Cons

Pros

• Simple to use controls
• Extremely portable
• Dense, high-quality vapor
• 30-second heat up time
• Large oven
• Impressive battery life

Cons

• App features limited for iPhone
• Must use proprietary charging dock

Conclusion

The PAX 3 combines an impressively long battery life with a large oven in the smallest size available. It’s not only stylish, but also packs a big punch. It’s definitely worth the investment!