Key Difference Between a Dab Pen vs Cart & How to Choose

Dab pens and carts are two popular products that we sell in our Seattle, WA dispensaries, and newcomers often ask what the difference is (if any). The main difference between dab pens and carts is that dab pens are for semi-solid or waxier cannabis concentrates. In contrast, carts are generally pre-filled with refined cannabis oil. Both dab pens and carts are used for vaping concentrated forms of cannabis. 

Carts, or vape pens, earn a good reputation for their ease of use, and dab pens are well-known for their high potency. Both vaping devices are good options for activating the therapeutic compounds in the cannabis plant. Understanding the differences between dab pens and carts can help you decide based on your personal preferences and needs. 

Dab Pen vs Cart

Both carts and dab pens are devices used to consume solvent-based and solventless cannabis concentrates. Dab pens make use of dabs or waxier THC concentrates, whereas most vape pens make use of liquid THC. While it’s easy to get these terms confused, there are some significant differences between these two forms of vaping. 

What Is a Cart? 

Cart is an abbreviation for cartridge. A vape cart is a tiny, pre-filled container that holds cannabis oil and is heated by connecting it to a 510-thread battery. A cart is a small part fastened to the top of a vape pen. When linked to a vape pen battery, the cartridge activates an atomizer that gently heats the cannabis oil in the cartridge with the push of a button. This turns the cannabis oil into vapor, which is subsequently inhaled. 

What Is a Dab Pen?

A dab pen, on the other hand, uses a heating chamber, typically made of ceramic or quartz coil, to produce vapor. Also known as “wax pens” or “wax vaporizers,” dab pens provide a full flavor and potent “high.” A wax pen works similarly to dab rigs (which involve heating a nail or banger with a torch); however, unlike dab rigs, dab pens heat the concentrate using electrical energy. When you turn on the dab pen battery, the heating element warms up and turns the cannabis concentrate into an inhalable vapor.

Dab Pens vs Vape Carts: Which One Is Best? 

Both dab pen vaping devices and carts have advantages and disadvantages. Choosing one device over the other comes down to a user's preference and level of experience. While dab pens may require some practice to use, these devices give you more control over your vaping experience. A cart, on the contrary, might prove a better alternative for you if you like a straightforward approach to vaping.

Here are some of the most noticeable distinctions between a dab pen and a cart:

Aspect	Dab Pens	Carts
Method of Consumption	Vaporization or dabbing	Vaporization
Maintenance and Cleaning	Requires cleaning for optimal functionality	No maintenance needed
Cost	Initial investment only	Price per pre-dosed cart
Portability	Compact and portable	Portable and discreet
Customization and Flavor	Variable concentrate selection and temperature control	Limited flavor options, no customization
Potency	More potent due to higher temperatures and thicker concentrate material	Less potent hit-for-hit than dabs

Choose Vape Carts for Convenience and Simplicity 

Cartridges are among the most discreet options, some resembling e-cigarettes. In addition, since carts are pre-loaded with cannabis oil and battery-operated, they are generally considered to be better for novice cannabis users. They are also a well-liked option because of their discreetness and portability, and they emit virtually no cannabis odor. A few other advantages of vape carts include the following:

• Lasting oil that doesn't need to be replaced often

• Small and lightweight, ideal for traveling

• Long battery life 

• Less cleaning and maintenance compared to dab pens

Choose Dab Pens for Potency and Customization 

Dab pens’ standout features are their high potency and their ability to provide a customizable cannabis experience. For example, depending on the dab pen you purchase, it may be able to heat various concentrates such as wax, shatter, live resin, or terp sauce. This allows the user to customize their cannabis experience more creatively. Like carts, wax pens also have a good battery life and are portable, making them perfect for on-the-go use. Other perks of dab pens include: 

• Compact and portable, offers discreet vaping on the go

• Provides high-potency and customizable hits 

• Allows users to change the temperature based on the concentrate used

• Produces a virtually odorless vapor

What Does Dab Pen vs Cart High Feel Like?

A dab high is similar to the high you experience from smoking dry herb, but it is stronger and more intense. Some say that dab pens offer intoxicating effects akin to what a user may feel when using a traditional dab rig. Research shows that individuals who use a dab tool experience more intense physiological and psychological effects and require fewer "hits" to obtain the same or greater high than people who smoke cannabis flower. 

Unlike carts that use pre-filled oils, dab pens work with pure concentrates. This offers a user the potential to enter a more robust and “lucid” high. It’s important to remember that both dab pens and carts contain cannabis concentrates with high levels of THC. Every individual will experience the psychoactive effects of cannabis differently and may reach “peak” levels at different paces.

Dab Pen vs Cart: Choosing the Right One For You

Flavor, cost, and convenience are a few factors to consider when purchasing either a dab pen or cart. Carts may be more suitable for beginners, while dab pens offer a more customizable experience for cannabis connoisseurs. Dab pens require a higher initial investment, while cartridges will need to be replaced periodically.

Additionally, carts come with limited flavor choices, while dab pens can be used with any semi-solid concentrate and can be adjusted to different temperatures to bring out different flavors with each hit. Ultimately, when it comes to choosing between dab pens and vape cartridges, it’s a personal choice. Cheers to a pleasurable vaping experience!