Grenco Science, better known as G Pen, has a history of producing various vaporizers, some of which have garnered mixed reviews. However, their dry herb vaporizers, particularly the G Pen Dash, have caught our attention. This ultra-portable and compact device seems tailor-made for those on the go. Will the Dash live up to the hype and outpace its competitors in the dry herb vaporizer market? We’re diving deep into this device to find out.
The G Pen Dash enters a competitive landscape of dry herb vaporizers, where portability and performance are key. Many users seek a discreet and efficient way to enjoy their dry herb, and the Dash’s small size suggests it’s aiming to capture this segment of the market. But a compact form factor isn’t the only factor to consider. Vapor quality, ease of use, and overall build quality are also crucial for a truly successful dry herb vaporizer.
To see how the G Pen Dash stacks up against other top contenders, be sure to check out our Best Dry Herb Vaporizer ranking page. We’ve rigorously tested and compared numerous devices to help you find the perfect dry herb vaporizer for your needs. From budget-friendly options to high-end models, our ranking page provides a comprehensive overview of the best dry herb vaporizers currently available.
Vaporizers have started to become way more Still on the fence with regards to vaporization? Check out our vapor vs smoke demonstration for a cool sneak peek of the potential effects of both when inhaled.
How it Works
As with any device, we highly recommend charging it fully before your first use. This Portable Vaporizer works just about the same as most standard Dry herb Vaporizers, but here is a step-by-step guide to using your G Pen Dash:
- Step 1: Remove the mouthpiece and pack your herbs into the chamber.
- Step 2: Reattach your mouthpiece and press the main button 5 times to turn the unit on.
- Step 3: Cycle through the 3 temperature settings by triple-clicking the main button.
- Step 4: Once selected, the G Pen dash will automatically heat up to temperature.
- Step 5: Wait for the unit to vibrate, then take your hit.
In my observation, I found it even better to let the chamber heat up for an extra few seconds after the haptic feedback indicates readiness. This tends to produce more vapor and also achieves greater extraction.
Temperature Flexibility
As far as the temperatures available to this unit goes, the GPen Dash vaporizer has three different temperature settings indicated by a different color LED:
- 1st Level: Blue at 375°F (190°C)
- 2nd Level: Green at 401°F (205°C)
- 3rd Level: Red at 428°F (220°C)
At first glance, these settings look pretty decent. I usually like units that have 3 to 4 settings, one of which is a high max temperature and the other a decently low minimum temperature. Others prefer to use precise temperature control devices like the Utillian 621, which offers a range and allows users to pick any temperature within that range.
Still, the design of the Dash is decent enough but it is slightly cold tuned. What I mean by this is that the temperature that the device has is usually lower than that which is displayed. That is the reason why I recommended leaving the unit to heat up a few extra seconds after the haptic feedback kicks in.
Vapor Quality
The G Pen Dash’s vapor quality is okay for what it is. Let’s be clear: It is a budget device, so it’s not a Convection Utillian device, but it gets the job done. The vapor path is pretty short, so it does come out hot, especially at higher temperatures, but it’s not altogether unpleasant.
The glass-glazed stainless steel heating temperature is solid, and the vapor is better if it is kept at a lower temperature.
The Vapor quality could definitely be better if the mouthpiece and airpath werent using plastic. And while yes, this is a budget device, so it kind of works, there are other budget units out there that didn’t compromise on vapor quality, which I think is one of the more important priorities. Units like the Utillian 621 and even the U421 use glass as opposed to plastic. So it doesn’t seem like low-priced necessarily needs to mean low-quality vapor.
The Dash heats up in about 20 seconds, which is not bad at all, but as I’ve mentioned already, waiting a few extra seconds could make the unit a little more effective. There are small airports on the side of the device that make the draws decently free-flowing.
Manufacturing Quality
The overall build quality of the G Pen Dash is not bad at all. Considering it is budget but not the most budget, it can still definitely be improved upon. With that said, the look and feel of this portable vaporizer are good.
When I first saw this unit, I didn’t automatically assume it was cheap. Yes, Grenco could have definitely used better materials in the vapor path, but the unit does come with some interesting features that might not have been possible if they had invested that extra money in materials.
Haptic feedback, the glass-glazed stainless steel chamber, and, once again, that 20-second heat-up time—for this price point, those features are pretty solid.
Pass through charging is another feature the Dash boasts, which is something I wish was on every device. You should be able to keep using your device while it is charging, in my humble opinion. That being said, I’m not an engineer, so I’m not sure exactly how easy that is to execute.
Battery Life
The G Pen Dash has a 950 mah lithium internal battery that should last you about 8-10 sessions before needing a recharge. This is pretty decent, in all honesty. As soon as the G Pen Dash turns on, the LED lights on the front indicate the approximate battery level.
- 3 LED’s turned on = 80-100%
- 2 LED lights = 60-66%
- 1 LED Light = 30-33%
Users who prefer a larger battery should check out the Zeus Arc S Hub. It comes at a slightly higher price tag but is still considered a budget device, and with its 3500mAh battery, it won’t die on you any time soon.
The Dash is charged using a Micro USB, which was updated on the Dash+ Version that G Pen crated recently. That small change really does make a difference, even if the battery is the same size.
Portability & Discreetness
The Dash is a perfectly portable partner. Its size alone is enough to take it with you on any adventure. It can easily be concealed in your hand and is great for a quick hit on the go. I would highly recommend investing in a portable charger if you plan to take this guy out on the go.
The G Pen Dash is amongst the best budget units for using on the go. The reason is not necessarily only due to its size. The passthrough charging feature is really a big help. That said, this only really helps if you are going to a friend’s house or somewhere where there is an outlet and you can take a rip.
When it comes to discreetness all of these features also play a big role. The fact that it can fit in your hand or pocket without sticking out is a big plus. Also considering the unit doesnt produce huge amounts of vapor, its a good pick if you want to take quick, small hits on the go.
Ease of Use
The G Pen Dash isn’t special when it comes to ease of use. You control it by tapping it either 5 times or 3 times. The lights on the device are easy to understand, even if you’re new to it.
The mouthpiece on the G Pen Dash is designed to be comfortable and easy to attach. It can be taken off easily with a little bit of pressure, and when you put it back, it should stay in place securely.
Like most G Pen devices, the G Pen Dash comes with a small keychain tool. This tool is useful for packing your bowl and emptying it, too. It’s a good idea to clean the device regularly, just like you would with any other device, to make sure it works as well as possible.
If you need help figuring out how to clean your unit and what parts can be submerged, check out the guide on How to Clean a Portable Vaporizer.
Overall Experience
In summary, the Grenco GPen Dash is an okay device for its price. It gets the job done, but it doesn’t produce high-quality vapor like the Utillian 621 and its battery won’t last for more than 10 sessions like the Milatron. I like the glass glazed stainless steel chamber (but I’m not sure if it’s durable), the magnetic mouthpiece, the ability to charge while using, and the small device size. However, the battery power could be better and the vapor is a bit harsher than I would prefer. These are common issues for a device this size.
You can get a Portable Vaporizer like the LITL1 for a bit less and still get good value for your money. Or if you’re willing to spend a bit more, you can consider the Utillian 421, which offers better vapor quality. If you’re a fan of Grenco Science vaporizers, then a no-compromise device like the G-Pen Elite 2 might be perfect for you.
We have also updated our rankings for the Best Dry Herb Vaporizers this year, so feel free to check it out if you want the latest scoop on what to get!
If you have any questions about our G Pen Dash review or if you want to share your thoughts, please leave a comment below. Thanks for reading, and as always, keep vaping.
