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Today we are comparing the vapor quality, portability, discreteness, material quality, ease of use and other aspects of two user favorites. These are, of course, the convection based Crafty (Storz and Bickel) and the newer, conduction-based PAX 3 (Pax Labs).
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Crafty Vaporizer vs Pax 3
| PAX 3 | Features | CRAFTY VAPORIZER |
| Dry Herb and Wax | Compatible With | Dry Herb and Wax (Oil) |
| 15 Seconds | Heat-Up Time | +/- 120 Seconds |
| Manual and Preset (182°C-215°C) | Temperature Setting / Manual Adjustment | Preset and In-App Settings (40°C-210°C) |
| Conduction | Heating Element | Hybrid (Conduction and Convection) |
| No, but available | App Required? | No, but available |
| Stainless Steel | Oven Material | Stainless Steel and Ceramic |
| 0.3g | Oven Capacity | 0.25g |
| Stainless Steel with Silicone Mouthpiece | Vapor Path | Stainless Steel and Plastic Mouthpiece |
| No | Removable Battery | No |
| 7-9 Sessions | Sessions per Charge | 2 Hours |
| 2 to 3 Hours | Charge Time | 2 Hours |
| 7/10 | Draw Resistance | 6/10 |
| 8/10 | Vapor Smoothness | 8/10 |
| 8/10 | Flavor / Taste | 9.5/10 |
| 6/10 | Odor Level | 7/10 |
| USA | Country of Origin | Germany |
Vapor Quality
Let’s get straight to what every user of a portable vaporizer wants to know first – vapor quality. In this corner, the PAX 3. This small vaporizer provides a smooth and flavorful draw. At higher temperatures, you can draw down a really decent vapor.
However, this unit relies on conduction to heat so the flavor fades relatively quickly into a vape session. Also, even though the vapor is decent at the higher temperatures, it is also harsher. The airflow on this unit is a bit restricted so you will need to practice your technique to get that perfect draw.
In the other corner, we have the Volcano’s little cousin, the Crafty. Users will find that the airflow on this unit is almost completely unrestricted so drawing is easy.
With its convection heating, you will enjoy the flavor of your material longer into your session and will achieve more flavor even at the highest temperature.
Heating the material with the hot airflow from the convection heating system prevents scorching that can destroy the flavor.
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Portability
In terms of portability, the PAX 3 is one of the smallest vaporizers on the market. It easily fits into a pocket or purse without being noticeable. The magnetic cap on the unit makes it easy to pack up quickly when you have to get moving.
The PAX 3 does need to be charged on a charging dock though, which makes it just slightly less portable than USB charged units. You will get longer use from the battery though – approximately 1 to 1 ½ hour, depending on how you use it. Bonus.
On the other hand, the Crafty is charged via USB. In that way it’s is easy to take with you and charge on the go. It’s very lightweight and it will fit into a pocket or a purse easily.
However, it is slightly bulkier than the PAX 3 and if you are carrying it in a pocket, it will likely be noticed. The battery life on this unit is shorter than the PAX 3, giving you approximately 45 minutes of use per charge.
Discreetness
The Pax3 is very small. It fits into your hand with no difficulty and is designed to be used discreetly.
The Crafty, on the other hand, is not designed for discretion. Its bulkiness and placement of the mouthpiece make it quite visible while drawing.
Material Quality
The PAX 3 is a sleek, slender little vaporizer with a good hand feel. It has a stainless steel chamber and aluminum body. The aluminum body has a glossy coating which will leave fingerprints which are less noticeable on the lighter colored models.
The Crafty is not an attractive unit and it has a plastic exterior that could be damaged with even a drop from a small height. However, the Crafty does have a cooling system built right into the unit, extending into the mouthpiece. This provides a great smooth draw full of flavor which makes up for its chunky aesthetic.
Ease of Use
Both the PAX 3 and the Crafty are single button operated and both have a Bluetooth app for controlling temperature and showing battery life and. For the Crafty, the app dims the lights on the unit as well. Both are really easy to use for different reasons.
The Pax has four preset temperatures and one additional programmable temperature in the app. That programmable temperature is variable within the range that the unit operates. Set your favorite temperature to reproduce the experience time and time again.
The Crafty only has two preset temperatures. However, you can change those with the app to whatever temperatures within the operating range that you want. Unlike the PAX 3 though, you can leave the app open while using the Crafty to have perfect, precise temperature control. The Crafty is also easy to fill and provides haptic feedback to let you know when it’s ready to go.
The Other Goods
Users are going to love the warranty on the PAX 3. At 10 years, the warranty is one of the longest in the industry. It comes in a range of color choices, all metallic glossy.
The temperature ranges from 182C to 215C with one temperature programmable within the app. Everything you need to start a session (with the exception of the material you plan to use) is included in the box.
The PAX 3 takes only 15 seconds to heat up to temperature so you can start drawing down vapor quickly. The battery is changeable on this unit if it needs replacement.
The Crafty has an internal (not user changeable) battery that lasts 40 to 60 hours before needing replacement. There is a 2-year warranty on the unit itself, which is fairly standard for warranty length. The Crafty does have a lower battery life than the PAX 3 but is easier to charge on the go.
The temperature ranges from 170C to 215C so a slightly wider range than with the PAX 3. You can use this unit with herb, solids or thicker oils (not too thin) and it has an automatic shut off to preserve the batter.
Everything you need to get started with the Crafty is included in the box and the unit has some adaptability with accessories. These include a water tool, adding to its functionality.
Who is the Pax 3 For?
The PAX 3 is a super portable vaporizer, and is significantly smaller than the Crafty. It’s best for people who are looking for a smaller, more discreet vaporizer that they can take anywhere with them.
The PAX 3 is quite interactive, especially thanks to its hidden game feature. People looking for a vape that is way out of the ordinary will enjoy this feature a lot!
Its design is stunning, and thanks to its dainty details, it looks much more like an accessory than a hardcore vaporizer. So if a person is looking for something a bit nicer-looking, the PAX 3 should definitely be their first choice.
Not to mention, the PAX 3 is great for both beginners and experts, because it is so easy to use, but it also produces amazing vapor - two things everyone enjoys!
Who is the Crafty For?
We personally recommend the Crafty who have a bit of experience with vaping, but who haven’t fully experienced their true potential. This can be beginners seeking a better vape, or veterans seeking something new.
The Crafty produces very potent vapor thanks to its Hybrid heating technology. It’s great for vaping veterans seeking super potent vape from a simple vaporizer. But it is also very easy to use, especially when using the Storz and Bickel mobile app, so it can also be the perfect vape for beginners.
However, the Crafty vaporizer is both larger than the PAX 3, and much less discreet due to its unique design (somewhat like a powertool). We might not recommend it to people seeking something discreet and small.
Conclusion, PAX 3 or Crafty?
Both are great small, portable vaporizers. If you want a long battery life with discreet use and simple design, the PAX 3 will make you very happy. On the other hand, the Crafty will give you versatility, precision control over temperature, easy drawing and it is easy to keep charged on the go.
This trusted information is sourced from the manufacturers ( Pax & Stoz and bickel) and our own experience with the products.
