Overview
Budget 510 batteries have traditionally forced a choice: features or battery life. Basic pen batteries offer decent capacity but only LED indicators and limited voltage control. Feature-rich options with displays cost $30-50 or more. The Cartisan Pro Pen NEO 650 disrupts this equation by delivering both for just $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 larger-capacity option in Cartisan's NEO pen lineup, sharing the same feature set as the NEO 400 but with a 650mAh battery that delivers genuine all-day runtime. For one dollar more than its smaller sibling, you get 62% more battery capacity without any feature sacrifices.
After a week of testing, the Pro Pen NEO 650 established itself as one of the most compelling budget options available. The combination of LCD display, five voltage settings, and all-day battery life simply doesn't exist elsewhere at this price.
Design & Build Quality
The Pro Pen NEO 650 maintains the classic pen battery silhouette while integrating modern features that set it apart from generic alternatives.
Form Factor
The dimensions match the NEO 400 at 0.75" x 2" x 5.12", which is impressive given the larger battery capacity. The cylindrical body is slim enough for comfortable pocket carry, and the overall proportions feel balanced. Some larger-capacity batteries sacrifice ergonomics for runtime. The NEO 650 doesn't.
The LCD Display
The full-color LCD screen dominates the front face and immediately distinguishes this from typical budget batteries. The display provides:
- Current voltage setting with clear numerical readout
- Battery level indicator showing remaining charge
- Charging status when plugged in
Unlike basic LED indicators that require memorizing color codes, the LCD shows exactly what you need to know. The screen activates during use and settings adjustment, then dims automatically to preserve battery.
Materials and Construction
Plastic construction is standard at this price point, and Cartisan executes it competently. The body has a smooth matte finish that resists fingerprints and provides decent grip. The button feels responsive, the 510 threading is solid, and there's no rattling or loose components.
Is it premium? No. Is it well-built for a $13.50 device? Yes.
Available Colors
The NEO 650 comes in Black, Blue, Green, Purple, and Rainbow. The Rainbow finish features an iridescent coating that catches light attractively, while the solid colors offer clean, understated options.
Features
Five Voltage Settings
The NEO 650 provides five preset voltage levels, offering more precision than typical three-setting budget batteries:
| 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 |
The 2.1V setting is particularly valuable. Many budget batteries bottom out at 2.8V or higher, which can overwhelm delicate live resin and high-terpene cartridges. The NEO 650's lower floor lets you preserve flavors that would burn off at higher voltages.
Triple-click to cycle through settings. The LCD immediately displays the new voltage, removing the guesswork that comes with LED color codes.
Preheat Function
Double-click to activate preheat mode. This gently warms thick oils for a few seconds, improving flow and preventing clogs. Particularly useful with distillate cartridges in cooler environments where oil tends to thicken and resist wicking.
USB-C Charging
Modern USB-C charging is a welcome inclusion that many budget batteries still lack. Benefits include:
- Reversible connector - no more fumbling with orientation
- Faster charging - full charge in approximately 45-60 minutes
- Universal compatibility - likely the same cable as your phone
The 650mAh battery takes slightly longer to charge than smaller-capacity options, but the USB-C speed keeps it reasonable.
Button Controls
Standard control scheme that's intuitive for anyone familiar with vape batteries:
- 5 clicks - Power on/off
- 3 clicks - Cycle voltage settings
- 2 clicks - Activate preheat
- Hold button - Fire/draw
No learning curve required if you've used button-activated batteries before.
Performance
Vapor Quality
Testing across six cartridges, from thin CBD oils to thick THC distillates, the NEO 650 performed consistently well at each voltage level.
Low voltage sessions (2.1V-2.5V) emphasized flavor over clouds. Terpene profiles came through clearly, with subtle notes that would disappear at higher settings. Cool, smooth hits suitable for flavor-focused users.
Mid-range (2.9V) delivered the best balance for everyday use. Most standard cartridges hit well here, with satisfying vapor production and retained flavor.
High voltage (3.3V-3.7V) maximized vapor density for thick oils that underperform at lower settings. Flavor takes a backseat, but some distillates need the extra heat to produce adequate vapor.
The Battery Advantage
The 650mAh capacity is where the NEO 650 separates itself from budget competitors. In practical use:
- 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): May need evening top-up
For moderate users, this translates to genuine all-day reliability. Leave home with a full charge and return without worrying about battery management. That's a meaningful quality-of-life improvement over smaller-capacity options.
The 650mAh capacity matches or exceeds many batteries costing $30-50, making the value proposition even more compelling.
Button Response
Firing is immediate with no perceptible lag. Cartridges heat quickly across all voltage settings. The button-only operation means every hit requires holding the button, which provides precise control but lacks the convenience of auto-draw.
Real-World Usage
The NEO 650 works as a primary daily driver in a way that smaller-capacity batteries can't match. The display provides confidence in your settings, the five voltage levels accommodate virtually any cartridge, and the battery lasts through normal daily use without anxiety.
It's equally suitable for home use and portable carry. The pen form factor pockets easily, and the capacity handles extended outings without requiring a charger.
Who Should Buy This
The Pro Pen NEO 650 makes sense if you:
- Want an LCD display without spending $30+ on premium batteries
- Need all-day battery life without midday charging
- Value voltage precision with five settings instead of three
- Prefer pen-style batteries over box mod form factors
- Want USB-C charging for modern convenience
Who Should Look Elsewhere
Skip the NEO 650 if you:
- Want the most compact option possible (the NEO 400 is identical but lighter)
- Prefer auto-draw activation for hands-free convenience
- Need premium metal construction for durability and feel
- Want 0.1V precision control (the Yocan Kodo Pro offers this)
The Bottom Line
The Cartisan Pro Pen NEO 650 makes it difficult to justify spending more on a 510 battery. For $13.50, you get features that genuinely rival devices costing three to four times as much: full-color LCD display, five voltage settings, 650mAh battery, USB-C charging, and preheat function.
The plastic construction and button-only operation are fair compromises at this price. What matters is that the core functionality, controlling your vaping experience with precision and lasting through the day, is executed well.
If you're looking for a feature-rich battery without feature-rich pricing, the Pro Pen NEO 650 is hard to beat. It proves that budget doesn't have to mean basic, and that all-day battery life doesn't require all-month budgeting.
Looking for more Cartisan products? Visit our Cartisan brand page for the full lineup.