Overview
The Pulsar APX Oil 510 represents Pulsar's premium entry into the 510 battery market. Rather than competing on simplicity or price alone, the APX Oil loads features typically found in much more expensive devices: five precision voltage settings, auto-draw activation, a digital display with puff counter, and a substantial 1000mAh battery.
At 88 x 47 x 20mm, the APX Oil is larger than pen-style batteries but remains genuinely pocket-friendly. This extra size accommodates the large battery and digital display that define the user experience. For those willing to sacrifice ultimate portability for superior functionality, the trade-off is worthwhile.
Available in standard colors and special editions including thermochromic color-changing designs, the APX Oil offers both performance and personalization.
Design & Build Quality
The APX Oil 510 features a compact, modern design that prioritizes function without sacrificing aesthetics. The rectangular form factor fits naturally in palm or pocket, with rounded edges preventing uncomfortable pressure points.
Digital Display
The side-mounted digital display is the visual centerpiece, providing real-time information:
- Battery percentage remaining
- Current voltage setting
- Puff counter (tracks total draws)
- Preheat status
- Cartridge connection status
The display remains visible during use without requiring awkward positioning, and brightness levels work well in various lighting conditions.
Magnetic Base Connection
The bottom-mounted magnetic connector provides secure cartridge attachment:
- Strong magnetic hold prevents wobble
- Easy cartridge swapping
- Protects threading from wear
- Clean, flush appearance when attached
Cartridges snap into place with satisfying feedback and remain secure during pocket carry.
Form Factor
At 3.46 x 1.85 x 0.79 inches, the APX Oil is larger than typical pen batteries but smaller than most box mods. This middle-ground sizing accommodates:
- 1000mAh battery capacity
- Digital display integration
- Comfortable grip ergonomics
- Maximum cartridge compatibility (up to 14.5 x 60mm)
Build Quality
Pulsar uses quality materials throughout:
- Durable outer shell withstands daily use
- Solid button mechanisms with satisfying click
- Quality magnetic connector
- Well-finished edges and surfaces
Multiple design options including the Thermochromic Series add visual interest.
Features
Five Voltage Settings
The APX Oil offers five precision voltage levels:
| Voltage | Best For | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| 2.4V | Maximum flavor | Light vapor, terpene preservation |
| 2.6V | Balanced low-temp | Good flavor, moderate vapor |
| 2.8V | Balanced | Standard vaping experience |
| 3.4V | Increased vapor | Dense clouds, good effects |
| 3.8V | Maximum output | Thick vapor, intense hits |
The two low-voltage options (2.4V and 2.6V) are particularly notable, providing genuine low-temp capability that many 510 batteries lack. These settings preserve delicate terpenes in premium cartridges.
Auto-Draw Activation
The APX Oil supports both button-activated and auto-draw operation:
Auto-Draw Benefits:
- Simply inhale to activate heating
- No button pressing required
- More natural vaping experience
- Ideal for on-the-go use
Button Activation:
- Press while drawing for manual control
- Combine with auto-draw for boost
- Required for some thicker oils
The dual activation system provides flexibility for different cartridges and preferences.
15-Second Preheat Function
The preheat function addresses one of the most common cartridge issues: clogged or thickened oil.
How It Works:
- Click the button twice to activate preheat
- Device heats at 1.8V for 15 seconds
- Low heat gently warms oil without burning
- Clogs clear and oil becomes more fluid
- Device signals completion with haptic feedback
This feature is invaluable during cold weather or with thick distillate cartridges.
Digital Puff Counter
The built-in puff counter tracks total draws:
- Displays on the digital screen
- Helps monitor consumption
- Useful for dosing consistency
- Can be reset if desired
For users mindful of their consumption, the puff counter provides valuable data.
Haptic Feedback
The APX Oil communicates through vibration:
- Preheat activation: Confirms function started
- Preheat completion: Signals when ready
- Voltage changes: Confirms adjustment
- Magnetic attachment: Signals cartridge connection
- Low battery warning: Alerts when charge needed
This feedback creates an intuitive, responsive user experience.
Safety Features
Multiple safety protections are built in:
- 10-second auto-shutoff: Prevents overheating
- Short-circuit protection: Automatic safety cutoff
- Auto-standby mode: Preserves battery when idle
- Low battery warning: Prevents unexpected shutoffs
Performance
Voltage Control in Practice
The five voltage settings provide genuinely different experiences:
-
2.4V: Whisper-light vapor with exceptional flavor clarity. We could taste individual terpene notes in quality live resin cartridges. Effects were mild but present.
-
2.6V: Slightly more visible vapor while maintaining excellent flavor. Our preferred setting for premium cartridges.
-
2.8V: The "standard" vaping experience. Balanced vapor production with good flavor. Suitable for most cartridges.
-
3.4V: Noticeable increase in vapor density. Flavor diminishes but effects intensify. Good for distillate cartridges.
-
3.8V: Maximum output. Dense clouds with pronounced effects. Flavor becomes secondary.
Auto-Draw Performance
The auto-draw sensor proved responsive and reliable. Drawing activates heating almost instantly, with no noticeable delay. The sensor worked consistently across various cartridge types without false activations.
Battery Life
The 1000mAh battery provides exceptional longevity:
- Light users (5-10 puffs daily): 5-7 days per charge
- Moderate users (15-30 puffs daily): 3-4 days per charge
- Heavy users (50+ puffs daily): 1-2 days per charge
These numbers far exceed typical pen-style batteries, making the APX Oil ideal for users who dislike frequent charging.
Preheat Effectiveness
The preheat function performed as advertised. Cold cartridges with thickened oil flowed freely after the 15-second cycle. Clogged airpaths cleared without the burnt taste that higher-heat preheat can cause.
Cartridge Compatibility
The magnetic base accommodates cartridges up to 14.5 x 60mm, covering virtually all standard 510 cartridges:
- Standard 0.5ml cartridges
- Full-gram 1.0ml cartridges
- Most aftermarket cartridges
- Various form factors and heights
Who Is This For?
The Pulsar APX Oil 510 is ideal for:
- Daily cartridge users who need reliable, long-lasting battery life
- Flavor enthusiasts who appreciate low-voltage terpene preservation
- Tech-forward users who want display feedback and puff tracking
- Clog-prone cartridge users who need effective preheat
- Quality seekers willing to pay more for premium features
It may not be ideal for:
- Ultra-portability seekers who need the smallest possible device
- Budget buyers seeking the cheapest 510 option
- Simplicity seekers who prefer basic pen-style batteries
- Users who prefer manual-only activation
The Bottom Line
The Pulsar APX Oil 510 demonstrates that 510 batteries can be much more than simple power sources. By combining substantial 1000mAh capacity, five-voltage precision, auto-draw convenience, and intelligent features like the puff counter and preheat function, Pulsar has created a genuinely premium cartridge vaping experience.
The digital display provides at-a-glance information that makes daily use more informed and consistent. Haptic feedback creates an intuitive, responsive interaction. The magnetic base simplifies cartridge swapping while ensuring secure connections.
At under $35, the APX Oil represents excellent value for its feature set. Users investing in quality cartridges deserve a battery that maximizes their experience, and the APX Oil delivers on that promise.
Related: Pulsar APX Oil 510 Manual