Crafty+ vs PAX 3: Here’s Our “18 Month Test” Results

Welcome to VapeBeat’s comprehensive comparison of Crafty+ vs PAX 3, where we reveal the results of our rigorous 18-month test…

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Key Takeaways 🗝️

• Design Language 🎨: Crafty+ is utilitarian, Pax 3 is sleek.
• Compatibility & Material 🌿: Both handle dry herb and concentrates.
• Kits and Accessories 🛠️: Pax 3 is budget-friendly, Crafty+ offers an ecosystem.
• Smartphone App Experience 📱: Both have apps, but iPhone users face limitations.
• Performance Metrics 📊: Crafty+ leads in vapor quality.

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In the ever-evolving world of portable vaporizers, two names have consistently risen to the top: Crafty+ and PAX 3.

Each vaporizer offers its own blend of cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and top-tier performance.

But which one truly stands out after an extended period of real-world use?

We’ve put both vaporizers through their paces, testing everything from design and material compatibility to customization options and overall performance.

Our goal? To provide you with the most detailed, fact-based insights that will help you make an informed decision.

Read on to discover which device emerged as the winner in our 18-month showdown…

Design Language 🎨

• Crafty+: The Utilitarian Heavyweight 🛠️ Crafty+ is all about function. It uses a finned design made of PEEK biomaterial. This keeps it cool while in use. The look is rugged and practical.
• Pax 3: The Sleek Minimalist 📱 Pax 3 is the stylish one. It’s made of anodized aluminum and comes in various finishes. Often called the “iPhone of vaporizers,” it’s both compact and high-quality.

When it comes to the design language of these two vaporizers, they couldn’t be more different, and that’s a good thing because it means there’s likely a perfect fit for you.

Let’s start with the Crafty+. This device is the epitome of utilitarian design. It’s not trying to win any beauty contests, but what it lacks in sleekness, it more than makes up for in functionality.

Finned Design

The Crafty+ features a finned design, which isn’t just for show.

These fins are made from a high-performance biomaterial known as PEEK (Polyether Ether Ketone). Why does that matter?

PEEK is known for its heat resistance and mechanical properties. In layman’s terms, it ensures that the device remains cool to the touch, even during extended use.

This is crucial for any portable device, especially one that you’ll be holding in your hand for extended periods. So, while it may not win any awards for aesthetics, its rugged and practical design is engineered for optimal performance.

PAX Goes For Compactness & Sleek Design

Now, let’s shift gears and talk about the Pax 3. If the Crafty+ is the rugged outdoor enthusiast, the Pax 3 is the chic city dweller. It’s often dubbed the “iPhone of vaporizers,” and for a good reason.

The device is crafted from anodized aluminum, a material known for its corrosion resistance and durability. But it’s not just about the material; it’s also about the form factor.

The Pax 3 sports a columnar design that’s as sleek as it is functional. It’s available in a variety of finishes and colors, allowing you to choose a style that fits your personal aesthetic.

Despite its compact size, it doesn’t compromise on quality or durability. It’s a device that looks just as good in a boardroom as it would at a beach party.

In summary, the Crafty+ and Pax 3 serve two different kinds of consumers. If you’re someone who values ruggedness and high performance, the Crafty+ is your go-to. Its design is focused on keeping the device cool and functional, even during heavy use.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for something sleek, compact, and stylish without sacrificing quality, the Pax 3 is your device. It combines high-quality materials with a design that’s as pleasing to the eye as it is to use.

Compatibility & Material 🌿

Whether you’re into sativa, indica, or hybrid strains, these devices are engineered to handle them all efficiently. But it doesn’t stop there.

They’re also compatible with solid concentrates like CBD wax or THC extracts.

This is a big deal because it means you’re not limited to just one type of material. You can easily switch between dry herb and concentrates depending on your mood or needs.

Why is this important? Well, different materials offer different experiences. Dry cannabis herb tends to provide a more traditional experience, often with complex flavors and aromas.

Concentrates, on the other hand, are more potent and can offer a more intense experience. They’re also generally less odorous, which can be a plus for discreet use.

With the PAX 3, you will have to but a separate concentrate insert – it retails for $50 – but if you go with the newer PAX Plus, the Pax 3’s successor, it is included in the kit. My advice? If concentrates is something you are going to want to go, go with the PAX Plus.

Bottom line? If you’re someone who enjoys the full spectrum of cannabis products, from the calming effects of CBD to the more intense experience of THC, both the Crafty+ and Pax 3 are solid choices.

Compatibility with both dry herb and concentrates gives you the flexibility to enjoy your cannabis just the way you like it.

Kits and Accessories 🛠️

• Pax 3: Customization on a Budget 💵 Pax 3 offers two kits. The basic one has just the essentials. An extra $50 gets you the “complete kit” with more accessories.
• Crafty+: The S&B Ecosystem 🌐 Storz & Bickel offer a range of accessories. These work across their portable vaporizers. You get versatile tools for both maintenance and customization.

When it comes to customization and accessories, both the Pax 3 and Crafty+ offer distinct advantages, but they approach it in different ways.

Starting with the Pax 3, this device is all about giving you options without breaking the bank. It comes in two different kits to suit different needs and budgets.

The “device only” kit is the more budget-friendly option, providing you with just the essentials needed for vaping. It’s a great choice if you’re new to vaping or if you’re looking for a no-frills experience.

However, if you’re willing to invest an extra $50, you can upgrade to the “complete kit.” This kit includes additional accessories like concentrate inserts, extra lids, and a multi-tool.

These extras enhance your vaping experience by allowing for greater customization and versatility. It’s a one-time investment that can pay off in the long run, especially if you plan to use concentrates or want more control over your vaping experience.

On the other side, we have the Crafty+ and its parent company, Storz & Bickel, which offers an entire ecosystem of accessories.

Unlike the Pax 3, where accessories are bundled in kits, Storz & Bickel provides a la carte options that work across their range of portable vaporizers.

This means you can pick and choose the accessories that matter most to you. Whether it’s the $20 Side Kit for additional mouthpieces and screens or the $35 Wear and Tear Kit for more advanced maintenance, you have the freedom to customize your device to suit your specific needs.

This approach is excellent for users who already have a clear idea of what they want from their vaping experience and are willing to invest in specialized tools to get it.

Bottom line? Both devices offer avenues for customization, but they cater to different user needs. The Pax 3 provides a more budget-friendly approach with its two kits, making it easier for newcomers or those on a budget to get a well-rounded experience.

The Crafty+, on the other hand, offers a more modular approach, allowing for a tailored experience that can evolve over time.

Both strategies have their merits, so your choice will depend on what you prioritize: budget-friendliness or the ability to customize your device down to the smallest detail.

Feature Spotlight 💡

• LED Screens & Control Interface 🖥️ Crafty+ doesn’t have a screen (that’s only available on the larger, more costly Mighty Vaporizer. You control it with the app and the power button. Personally, I just set it once and forget it – I’m not fussed about messing with the settings.
• Lip-Sensing Technology & Haptic Feedback 👄 Pax 3 uses lip-sensing tech. It adapts to how you vape. Haptic feedback gives you updates through vibrations.
• Cooling Units: A Triumph of Engineering ❄️ Crafty+ has a cooling unit. It makes the vapor cooler and more flavorful. This unit is replaceable, adding to the device’s lifespan.

Smartphone App Experience 📱

Both Crafty+ and Pax 3 have smartphone apps. Crafty+ focuses on temperature control. Pax 3 offers more features like Boost and Efficiency Modes. iPhone users, though, will need to use web apps due to Apple’s restrictions.

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If you’re running an Android phone, you’ll be able to run the apps for both devices seamlessly. Only Apple seems to have a bee in its bonnet about what adults can and cannot do with their phones.

If you’d prefer to use a vaporizer that isn’t so reliant on smartphones, I’d recommend you check out DaVinci’s line-up of weed vapes – they’re more focussed on manual input (and some run on removable 18650s which is great).

The Bottom Line: Performance Metrics 📊

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Heating Systems 🔥

Performance is key. Crafty+ uses a hybrid heating system. It sets the standard for vapor quality. Pax 3 is good but it is no match for the Crafty+ in vapor density and flavor.

Final Verdict 🏆

Crafty+ excels in vapor quality and durability; it runs rings around the PAX 3 where it counts: vapor production, battery life, overall durability, and battery life. It also charges via USB C, whereas the PAX 3 requires an annoying proprietary charger.

And while it does cost more, after 18 months of using both vaporizers I can safely say that the additional cost is well worth it: the Crafty+ is one of the best – and only medical-grade – weed vaporizers you can buy right now at this price point.

The vapor quality is utterly outstanding, its smooth, detailed, and is always nice and cool.

Switching between the two is like night and day. The PAX 3 is good, better than average. But when you switch between the two in the same sitting, the results speak for themselves.

The Crafty+ is leagues ahead where it counts (and that’s the key takeaway here).