Here at Dark Side Vapes, we feel that the devil is really in the details, and so we have compiled an easy guide for you to reference anytime you need a little how-to on one of the most popular vaping modalities out there, the dry herb vape pen. Perfect for beginners & seasoned pros alike that are looking to get the most from their favorite whole dry herbs, a full flavor profile is the hallmark of every dry herb vape.
Making the most of an herbal vaping session without sacrificing on material the way traditional pipes do is how the dry herb vape pen remains one of the best options for those seeking portability. Here we can look at some of the most well-known & popular go-to dry herb vaporizers on the market to see what makes them so coveted by users around the world.
When it comes to how to use your specific dry herb vape pen, the exact usage instructions will depend on the type of model you have, so we recommend referencing the proper user manual for exact instructions. However, it should be noted that most dry herb vape pens on the market operate almost about the same in terms of the process for vaporization. This means that generally, you would first make sure that your unit is fully charged before beginning the session. It would then be advisable to use a high-quality grinder to finely mince & chop up your dry herb material. You would then simply load the chamber of your vape pen lightly enough to prevent overfilling. At this point you would pack it down a bit to create a snug yet open area for hot air to pass through the material. Simply adjusting your temperature to the lowest setting possible and then working your way up to the desired temp would be an ideal way to get the most out of your dry herb vape sessions.
A proper vape session starts with a chamber that has been loaded correctly, so make sure to load with well ground herbs so that they can be baked evenly & efficiently. Never tightly pack your dry herbs into the chamber, as this will prevent the proper airflow to go through your material, serving more as a restrictive barrier. In fact, you could use a dab or a scraping tool to lightly pack in your dry herbs. Another great tip is that you can also use a small silicone container filled with ground up herbs to serve as a funnel to fill up your chamber. As you tip the chamber towards you, simply pinch the container to make a spout and slowly pour in the herbs or shovel them in with the packing tool. This will ensure that not only will you thoroughly pack in your material without wasting or over-packing the chamber, but this will also reduce the risk of mishandling your dry herbs and potentially losing some due to simple mistakes.
The simple fact of the matter is that when it comes to the best temperature, there is no right or wrong answer. Most dry herb vape pens offer a certain range that one can dial into and choose what temperature suits them the best. An ideal temperature range however would be advised starting between 248°F to 428°F. This range encompasses all terpene and flavor profiles, and provides the user with enough room to discover his or her ideal vaping temps. To further pinpoint the ideal vaping temperature, you might want to consider staying somewhere around 385°F range to get the best of both worlds, which is not too low (which will produce less vapor), and not too high (which can actually risk combusting your dry material).
If you know what is happening inside a vape pen, then using one is even easier to understand and get good at over time. There are two main types of dry herb vapes out there. The first is called a convection vape, which is the healthier type that bakes the herb like an oven and produces vapor as heat runs through the material. There is also what is known as a combustion vape, which is just like smoking and not really a true form of vaporization, though still a great option, nonetheless. A coil is used instead of a lighter to slowly burn your dry herb material. A third option that has fallen out of favor was known as the conduction style of vaporizer, which simply heated the outer chamber as an inefficient way to vaporize dry herbs. While some of these are still available today, opting for a convection style vaporizer is the way to go.
Convection vapes like the E-CLIPSE and Titan 2 are the gold standard of modern dry herb vaporization, utilizing heat technology that runs through your dry herbs at temperatures that are below the point of combustion. This thoroughly bakes your material and gets the most out of your dry herbs without burning.
Combustion vapes like the AGO Vaporizer on the other hand utilize a coil that does not use butane or any other type of flame to heat up your material. Instead, the dry herbs are placed directly onto the coil itself and are heated up to a point of combustion without the chemicals associated with standard lighters or torches. These are perfect for those looking to transition into the world of vaporization. If you prefer to have more vapor using the AGO, you can purchase glass screens to place on top of the coil. Both combustion and convection vapes are great options that are going to ultimately be a matter of personal preference.
A well-made portable dry herb vaporizer offered by Dark Side Vapes, capable of reaching the desired heating temperature in just seconds, the E-CLIPSE defines the dry herb vaping experience by utilizing a ceramic heating chamber for a pure flavor. The glass mouthpiece further enhances the flavor profile by being an inert component regardless of how hot the vaporizer gets.
One of the most reliable dry herb vapes on the market, the Titan 2 is another high-quality vape offered by Dark Side Vapes. The Titan 2 has a fully customizable temperature control feature as well as a lightweight size to make for one of the most convenient & functional dry herb vape pens on the market. Measuring just under 6 inches makes this discreet enough to remain inconspicuous, while also being practical enough as a handheld device for maximum comfort & portability. A simple display screen shows heat settings, temperature, plus battery life making this a great dry herb vape.
The main difference between the two is the Titan 2 features full temperature control, while the E-CLIPSE has 3 main heat settings. Both are great options for your dry herbs and choosing one will be a matter of personal preference.
These versatile little units are known as 3 in 1 vapes, or combination vapes. The main difference here is the use of various accessories that can accommodate your preferred vaping modality, such as switchable coils & atomizers. Most of these utilize the standard 510 battery threading that can take a wide variety of atomizers for different types of material. Simply switching out a dry herb chamber for an oil atomizer can be done quickly, effortlessly, and all on the same vape pen. While the specific functions of these vape pens will depend on what type of brand and model you have, these are usually reserved for advanced users that have a wide range of tastes and vaping preferences.
Dry herb vapes will require some sort of maintenance routine with the mouthpiece and filter screen to prevent buildup over time. The vape itself does not require much cleaning as an electronic unit, so long as you keep it away from liquids. Simply scrape and clear out dry herb debris after your sessions. You can also heat up your vape pen for a moment while the chamber is empty to burn away leftover residue. The main components to clean on your vape will be the filter screen & mouthpiece. The screen stops debris from entering your mouth, so over time it builds up and blocks the vapor pathway, while the mouthpiece can also accumulate residues from the material, and your mouth. Maintaining a regular cleaning routine will ensure the integrity of your Dark Side vapes for many years to come.
Always use a high-quality grinder to finely mince & chop your dry herb material prior to loading your dry herb vape’s chamber. Doing this will ensure that your herbs will vape even & thoroughly. Do not load small nugs into your vape as a substitute, as this may not vape efficiently, if at all. Packing the vape with dense material that is broken up by your fingers will technically work, though is much less efficient. The terpene and flavor profile will be significantly disrupted as the exterior of the nug will be vaped while the interior has barely felt the heat. This will create an uneven vape and can be mistakenly attributed to the vaporizer itself, giving a bad impression without understanding the error.
Most dry herb vapes go up to over 400 degrees F, which in turn can get the mouthpiece extremely hot. Therefore, most dry herb vape kits come with a rubber or silicone extension mouthpiece sleeve, though not all do. Always use these to shield & protect yourself from the heat, as your lips are one of the most sensitive areas. The higher the temperatures, the more intense the vapor, which can aggravate your throat if you are not used to it. It is advisable to always start at the lowest heat setting and work your way up to find a temperature that is efficient while suiting your comfort. While some people are not satisfied vaping at lower temperatures due to the light amount of vapor that is usually produced, you should always err on the side of caution to prevent injury over a long period of time.
Vapor is quite different from smoke, so you must understand that the look and feel will not be the same. Those who transition into the vaping realm are good to start off with a combustion vape like the AGO Vaporizer. Convection vapes will not produce smoke, so do not expect that the vapors will be thick like smoke clouds. If the temperature is too low or the vapors are too light for your tastes, simply turn up the heat setting to produce thicker vapors. While this will not compare to smoke, the vapor will become noticeably thicker. If after this you still do not experience the quality that you seek, then it is advisable to stick with a combustion vape. Heavy smokers find this to be a common theme, though eventually come to understand the differences.
While even the largest dry herb vape battery can be drained rather quickly, it is highly advisable that you bring a USB charger if you intend to be on-the-go, as these vape pens are designed to be portable. Depending on your vaping habits, a dry herb vape battery can last you all day long, though out of all the vaping modalities out there (dry herbs, wax, and oil), dry herb vaping through convection draws power from a battery the fastest. It is essentially a convection oven with a mouthpiece in your hand for dry herbs, and so the power needed to generate the heat necessary to maintain a steady temperature for an extended amount of time is usually quite large, hence the shorter battery life.
With current events making brick and mortar stores riskier to approach, the convenience of shopping online is only a small click away! Other than a reputable smoke shop, if you are looking for the best dry herb vape pens on the market, look no further than Dark Side Vapes, where we have some of the most advanced and highly sought after vapes anywhere in the industry!
Written By: Anthony E.
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