PAX Mini BL5 [A22]

The PAX Mini is the newest and most affordable portable dry herb vaporizer from PAX Labs. It offers a simplified experience compared to the PAX Plus while still delivering great vapor quality and the durability PAX vaporizers are known for, all in an ultra-compact size.

In this PAX Mini review, I’ll cover everything you need to know to decide if it’s the right vape for you.

Read our methodology section to understand how we test vaporizers.

July 2024 Update

2024 Paragraph

Quick Review Summary

[P0 – All the different colored PAX Mini units standing next to each other]

Unboxing and First Impressions

The PAX Mini comes in a compact retail box that’s in line with PAX’s sleek, Apple-esque design aesthetic. Inside the box, you’ll find:

• PAX Mini Vaporizer
• Flat & Raised Mouthpieces
• Oven Lid
• Charging Cable & Dock
• Cleaning Kit
• Quick Start Guide

The first thing that struck me when unboxing the PAX Mini is just how compact it is. At 3.5″ tall and 1.2″ wide (9.3 x 3.1cm), it’s noticeably smaller than the PAX Plus and easily disappears in your palm.

[P1 – Everything included with the PAX Mini laid out next to a standing vaporizer]

The device has a nice heft to it and the brushed aluminum shell feels as durable as ever. PAX stuck with their signature four-petal LED light array and minimalist one-button interface on the Mini.

[P2 – Closeup of PAX Mini’s LED petal lights and button]

The kit includes both a flat and raised mouthpiece, letting you choose your preferred draw style and device height. The new 3D oven screen promises improved airflow compared to previous PAX models.

[P3 – PAX Mini’s oven with new 3D screen visible]

Overall, the PAX Mini makes an excellent first impression with its premium, pocketable design and thoughtful included accessories. Let’s dive into the key features and performance.

Key Features

Ultra-Portable Design – Measuring just 3.5″ tall, 1.2″ wide, and 0.86″ deep (9.3 x 3.1 x 2.2cm), the PAX Mini is the most compact PAX vaporizer yet. It’s about 12% smaller than the PAX Plus while maintaining the same premium look and feel.

Durable Construction – The PAX Mini features a rugged anodized aluminum shell that can stand up to daily use and abuse. The device feels solid in the hand with no rattles or creaks.

[P4 – Closeup showing PAX Mini’s aluminum shell and build quality]

One-Button Control – Using the PAX Mini couldn’t be simpler thanks to the single button interface. Click once to turn the device on and initiate heating. The LED petals will turn green when it’s ready to vape, which takes around 22 seconds.

Improved Oven Screen – PAX redesigned the oven screen for better airflow and easier cleaning. The new 3D screen can be popped out from either side, making it a breeze to remove for soaking compared to older PAX models.

[P5 – Demonstration of removing PAX Mini’s 3D oven screen]

Intelligent Temperature Control – The PAX Mini eliminates the guesswork with a dynamic heating system that automatically adjusts the oven temperature based on your draw style and session length. It aims to deliver optimal vapor without any fiddling.

Dual Mouthpiece Options – Whether you prefer a flush or extended mouthpiece, PAX has you covered. The Mini includes a flat mouthpiece for maximum discretion and pocketability, and a raised mouthpiece for comfortable lip placement and cooler vapor.

Heating System and Vapor Quality

The PAX Mini uses a conduction heating system with a stainless steel oven that can hold about 0.25 grams of dry herb, which is half the capacity of the PAX Plus. The smaller oven is perfect for solo sessions and microdosing.

[P6 – Show a PAX Mini’s oven packed to maximum (0.25g) with another 0.25g in a small pile next to it for illustration how much it can use per time]

One of the standout features of the Mini is its intelligent temperature control. Rather than having preset heat settings, the device dynamically adjusts the oven temp throughout your session. It starts at a lower temperature for flavor and gradually ramps up the heat as you take draws to maintain consistent vapor production.

I found the vapor quality from the PAX Mini to be impressive for such a small vape. The vapor is flavorful and smooth, especially during the first half of a session. Draws are a bit restricted due to the conduction heating and narrow vapor path, but it’s easy to get satisfying hits with slow, gentle inhales.

[P7 – Thick vapor exhaled from PAX Mini]

The raised mouthpiece does a better job of cooling the vapor compared to the flat one. I also noticed slightly improved airflow when using the extended mouthpiece. Still, the vapor gets warm during long sessions, which is expected from such a compact device.

Overall, the PAX Mini delivers enjoyable vapor quality and is more than capable of getting you to your desired destination. While it may not be the most hard-hitting or flavorful vape, it performs well for its size and intended use case.

Battery Life and Charging

The PAX Mini is powered by a non-replaceable 3000mAh battery that provides about 2 hours of continuous use on a full charge. Depending on the length of your sessions, you can expect to get anywhere from 5-10 sessions per charge.

Charging the device takes around 2 hours with the included USB dock. The dock attaches magnetically to the back of the device and features a strong connection. While I would have preferred USB-C charging, the proprietary dock works well and helps maintain the vape’s sleek profile.

[P8 – PAX Mini charging on its magnetic USB dock]

To check the current battery level, simply shake the device while it’s powered on. The LED petals will illuminate to indicate the remaining charge in 25% increments.

The 2-hour battery life is solid for such a small vape and should be plenty for most solo users. Heavier users and those who want to share with friends may need to charge more frequently or consider the higher-capacity PAX Plus.

Final Thoughts

The PAX Mini is an impressive addition to the PAX lineup, offering a simplified and ultra-portable vaping experience without sacrificing too much in terms of vapor quality or battery life. Its small size, durable construction, and intelligent heating system make it an excellent choice for solo users and those who value discretion.

[P9 – PAX Mini in a shirt pocket looking small and discreet]

While the lack of precise temperature control and small oven capacity may not appeal to power users, the PAX Mini excels in its intended use case as a highly portable and easy-to-use dry herb vape. The improved oven screen and vapor path also make cleaning and maintenance a breeze compared to previous PAX models.

At $150, the PAX Mini offers great value for anyone seeking a reliable and pocketable vape from a trusted brand. If you’re looking for a compact dry herb vaporizer that doesn’t compromise on build quality or performance, the PAX Mini is definitely worth considering.