The Pax Era Pro is the update to Pax Lab’s cannabis extract vape the Era. The Era Pro is different from the original in a few crucial ways. The first thing users will notice is the USB-C charging port on the base of the device (the first Era used a Micro USB port). Other changes reveal themselves when the device is in use.
Both versions use proprietary pods that are pre-filled with a liquid cannabis concentrate. The new pods, though, feature an NFC-sensor that shares information about the concentrate with a smartphone app — PodID users can download for their Android phone (Apple removed all vaping apps from the App Store last year).
Table Of Contents
Pax Era Pro Overview
The new Pax Era Pro has the same form factor as the original. It stands at about the same height — 84mm (3.1”) — and has the same aluminum alloy chassis as the first. The Pax four-leaf logo takes up the center of the exterior. Apart from the new USB-C charging port at the base, and the two, thin, laser-cut slits the sides that are supposed to improve airflow, there is not much on the surface of the Pax Era Pro that is different from its progenitor.
Pax Era Pods
The new pods are where users will notice a difference. The pods still click into place. Removing and then inserting the pods quickly allows users to toggle between the preset temperatures, which is different from how users changed the presets on the original Era. The first Era had to be shaken to switch up the preset temperatures.
The mouthpiece on top of the pods is sleeker and thinner to make for easier concealment when out in public. The original Era pods had dual, 2mm silica wicks for increased absorption and held about 0.5g of liquid in each. The new pods have improved coils as well made from a unique alloy that is supposed to enhance flavor and vapor production while maintaining vapor quality.
Pax also claims that the unit has 14% more battery capacity than the 240mAh of the first, although there is no specific rating for this new battery. The new Pax Era also comes in four different color options: black, red, grey, and jade. The most buzz-worthy features of the new device come from using the Pax Mobile app.
Pax Mobile App
Apple removed all vaping apps from the App Store last year, so only Android users can take advantage of the new features available through the Pax Mobile App — and there are a lot of new features. The one addition to the Pax Mobile App getting the most attention is PodID, which sends information about the strain, potency, and provenance of the oil you are vaping.
PodID
All new Era Pro pods have NFC-tags that fillers store with information about the extract. The tags then send that information to any Android smartphone via a Bluetooth connection. The data consists of the following:
- Lab results
- Strain and potency
- Oil ingredients
- Flavor profile
PodID is Pax Labs’ response to the rash of lung injuries related to THC oil vaping from last year. Pax and the Era were not associated in any way to the crisis, but they have taken the initiative to calm public fears when it comes to vaping liquid THC extract.
Dose Control
Dosage control is another new feature for the Pax Mobile App. This add-on is different from the Session Control feature of the original Era. Still, it gives users even more information about the effects of how much they are consuming and notifies users when they have reached their preset limits via haptic feedback.
The Session Control feature of the original let users select their preferred dosage level from four levels:
- Micro
- Small
- Medium
- Large
Users can also measure how much they have ingested to help them better understand their tolerances and preferences.
PaxSmart
The PaxSmart addition to the Mobile App works in tandem with the PodID feature that identifies essential things about the extract you are vaping. PaxSmart can also detect what strain you are vaping and, if enabled, will automatically suggest the ideal temperature for that particular strain or optimal flavor via the Expert Temp feature.
The temperature is suggested by the oil maker and loaded onto that pod’s unique NFC-tag. Users can also set their preferred temperature for a specific strain and then set it via the app, so it remembers whenever that pod is installed.
The feature only works with an individual pod. Users have to re-enter their preferred temperature again when they install a new pod. For iOS users, though, the device still has four preset temperatures that range from:
- Low: 520F
- Med-Low: 610F
- Med-High: 700F
- High: 790F
Pax Era Pro Specifications
Pax Era Pro | |
---|---|
Colors: | Black, Red, Jade, Grey |
Charge Time: | 45 minutes |
AVG Heat Time: | Instant |
Battery Life:: | 12 hours |
Bluetooth Range: | 15 feet |
Dimensions:: | 3.1"h x 0.73"w x 0.40"d |
Temp settings: | 4+ |
Pros & Cons
The Positives
- Added features to the app
- PodID gives greater transparency
- ExpertTemp allows for better user control
- Quicker charging time
- More battery capacity
- Haptic feedback
- Compatible with old Era pods and vice-versa
The Negatives
- Not available everywhere
- Battery life only good for around 200 puffs
Final Thoughts: The Most Transparent Vape Ever
For such a tiny device, the Pax Era Pro can do a tremendous amount. Pax Labs, responding to the legitimate worry many people have about vaping concentrated THC, upped their game by installing NFC-tags on every pod to ensure consumers know everything about what they are vaping.
These tags also allow for easier, more straightforward functioning as they suggest ideal temperatures for that particular strain. Users can then set the temperature and rest easy, knowing the same temperature will be applied every time. The new Pax Era pods are also compatible with the older device, and the old Era pods are compatible with the new device. Performance-wise, the Era Pro continues with the precedent set by the original with stellar, on-demand vaping control that consistently outputs great-tasting vapor.
ck
May 8, 2020 at 8:23 pmthank you for answering the pod compatibility question. time to cop the pro.