Overview
Budget 510 batteries usually make you choose. You can get decent battery life with basic LEDs and limited voltage control. Or you can get a display and more settings for $30-50. The Cartisan Pro Pen NEO 650 says forget that and gives you both for $13.50.
What We Tested
Our hands-on testing methodology
Unit Tested
Pro Pen NEO 650 (Black)
Testing Period
7 days of use
Voltages Tested
2.1V to 3.7V range
Cartridges Tested
6 different carts
Battery Life
650mAh capacity
Features Tested
LCD, preheat, USB-C
The NEO 650 is the bigger sibling in Cartisan's NEO pen lineup. Same features as the NEO 400, but with a 650mAh battery that actually lasts all day. One extra dollar gets you 62% more capacity.
After a week of testing, I'm convinced this is one of the best budget options out there. An LCD display, 5 voltage settings, and all-day battery life for under $15? That combo doesn't exist anywhere else.
Design & Build Quality
Classic pen shape with modern features. Nothing revolutionary here, but it stands out from generic budget batteries.
Form Factor
Same dimensions as the NEO 400: 0.75" x 2" x 5.12". That's pretty compact for a 650mAh battery. The cylindrical body fits in your pocket without bulging, and it feels balanced in hand. A lot of larger-capacity batteries feel awkward. This one doesn't.
The LCD Display
The full-color LCD on the front is the standout feature. It shows:
- Current voltage as an actual number
- Battery level so you know when to charge
- Charging status when plugged in
No memorizing LED color codes. The screen lights up when you're using the device or adjusting settings, then dims to save power.
Materials and Construction
Plastic construction, which is expected at this price. Cartisan does it well though. Smooth matte finish that doesn't show fingerprints, decent grip, responsive button, solid 510 threading. No rattling or loose parts.
Premium? No. Well-built for $13.50? Yes.
Available Colors
Black, Blue, Green, Purple, and Rainbow. The Rainbow has an iridescent coating that looks nice in the light. The solid colors are clean and low-key.
Features
Five Voltage Settings
Five preset voltage levels, which beats the typical three-setting budget battery:
| Voltage | Best For | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1V | Thin oils, live resin | Maximum flavor preservation |
| 2.5V | Standard cartridges | Balanced performance |
| 2.9V | Most cartridges | Good vapor with flavor |
| 3.3V | Thick oils | Increased vapor production |
| 3.7V | Very thick distillates | Maximum output |
That 2.1V setting matters. Most budget batteries bottom out at 2.8V or higher, which can torch delicate live resin and high-terpene carts. The NEO 650's lower floor preserves flavors that would burn off at higher voltages.
Triple-click to cycle through settings. The LCD shows your new voltage instantly. No guessing.
Preheat Function
Double-click for preheat mode. It gently warms thick oils for a few seconds, improving flow and preventing clogs. Especially handy with distillate carts in cold weather when oil gets stubborn.
USB-C Charging
USB-C charging is still missing from a lot of budget batteries, so this is a nice touch:
- Reversible connector so you're not fumbling with orientation
- Faster charging at around 45-60 minutes for a full charge
- Universal compatibility since it's probably the same cable as your phone
The 650mAh takes a bit longer than smaller batteries, but USB-C keeps it reasonable.
Button Controls
Standard stuff if you've used button-activated batteries:
- 5 clicks to turn it on/off
- 3 clicks to cycle voltage
- 2 clicks for preheat
- Hold button to fire
No learning curve here.
Performance
Vapor Quality
I tested 6 cartridges ranging from thin CBD oils to thick THC distillates. The NEO 650 held up well across the board.
Low voltage (2.1V-2.5V) is all about flavor. Terpene profiles come through clearly, including the subtle notes that disappear at higher settings. Cool, smooth hits for people who care about taste.
Mid-range (2.9V) hits the sweet spot for daily use. Most standard carts work great here with solid vapor and good flavor.
High voltage (3.3V-3.7V) is for thick oils that don't cooperate at lower settings. Flavor takes a backseat, but some distillates need the extra heat to produce decent vapor.
The Battery Advantage
The 650mAh battery is where the NEO 650 pulls ahead of budget competitors:
- Light users (15-20 puffs/day): 2-3 days between charges
- Moderate users (30-50 puffs/day): All-day use, charge overnight
- Heavy users (60+ puffs/day): Might need an evening top-up
If you're a moderate user, you can leave home with a full charge and not think about it until bedtime. That's a real upgrade over smaller batteries that die by dinner.
And 650mAh matches or beats batteries costing $30-50. The value here is hard to argue with.
Button Response
Firing is instant. No lag. Cartridges heat up quickly at every voltage. The downside of button-only is that you have to hold it for every hit. Precise control, but no auto-draw convenience.
Real-World Usage
The NEO 650 works as a daily driver in a way smaller batteries can't. The display tells you exactly what's happening, the 5 voltage levels handle basically any cartridge, and the battery lasts through a normal day without stressing about it.
Works well at home or on the go. The pen shape pockets easily, and the capacity handles long outings without needing a charger.
Who Should Buy This
The Pro Pen NEO 650 makes sense if you:
- Want an LCD display without paying $30+ for it
- Need all-day battery without charging at lunch
- Like having options with 5 voltage settings instead of 3
- Prefer pen-style batteries over box mods
- Want USB-C because it's 2026
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Skip the NEO 650 if you:
- Want the smallest option (the NEO 400 is lighter with the same features)
- Prefer auto-draw for hands-free hits
- Need metal construction for durability and premium feel
- Want 0.1V precision (check out the Yocan Kodo Pro instead)
The Bottom Line
The Cartisan Pro Pen NEO 650 makes it hard to justify paying more for a 510 battery. For $13.50 you get an LCD display, 5 voltage settings, 650mAh battery, USB-C charging, and preheat. That's $40 worth of features at a budget price.
Plastic construction and button-only operation are fair tradeoffs. What counts is that the stuff you actually care about (controlling your vape and having it last all day) works well.
If you want solid features without the price tag, the NEO 650 delivers. Budget doesn't have to mean basic.
Looking for more Cartisan products? Visit our Cartisan brand page for the full lineup.