Overview
The Pulsar APX Pro is the brand's flagship dry herb vaporizer, and it packs features you'd normally find in more expensive devices. OLED display, 1-degree temperature control, hybrid convection/conduction heating. All in a package that fits in your pocket.
What We Tested
Our hands-on testing methodology
Unit Tested
APX Pro (Matte Black)
Testing Period
13 days of use
Temps Tested
320F to 430F range
Sessions
25+ full sessions
Battery Life
2100mAh capacity
Features Tested
Cash Mode, session timer, haptic
At 4.3 inches tall with a 2100mAh battery, it balances portability and performance well. The battery gets you 18-30+ sessions per charge depending on your temperature and session timer settings.
If you want precision control without paying $150+, the APX Pro delivers. It's earned a spot among the best budget dry herb vaporizers for good reason.
Design & Build Quality
The APX Pro has a clean industrial design that works. At 1.2 x 1 x 4.3 inches, it actually fits in your pocket while still having room for all its features.
OLED Display
The front-facing OLED display sets the APX Pro apart from vapes that use basic LEDs. The high-contrast screen shows:
- Current temperature setting
- Target temperature during heating
- Battery level percentage
- Session timer status
- Temperature unit (F/C)
You can read it in bright sunlight or in the dark. No more guessing what those colored lights mean.
Build Materials
Pulsar uses quality materials throughout:
- Durable outer shell that handles daily use
- Isolated ceramic airpath for pure vapor
- Buttons that feel solid and responsive
- Magnetic components for easy chamber access
Ergonomics
The device feels natural in hand. Button placement works for one-handed use. The mouthpiece sits at a comfortable angle, and the weight balance feels right, not top-heavy like some competitors.
Available Options
The APX Pro comes in multiple colors and limited editions. There's even a Cheech & Chong collaboration if that's your style.
Features
Precision Temperature Control
The APX Pro adjusts temperature in 1-degree increments from 320F to 430F. This lets you:
- Target specific terpenes: Different compounds vaporize at different temperatures
- Find your perfect setting: Dial in exactly what works for you
- Match your material: Adjust for different herb qualities
- Step through a session: Start low and increase as you go
The device remembers your last temperature setting when you power it on. No need to readjust every time.
Hybrid Heating Technology
The APX Pro uses hybrid convection/conduction heating, which gives you the best of both methods:
Convection benefits:
- Even heat distribution
- Reduced combustion risk
- Better terpene preservation
Conduction benefits:
- Faster heat-up times
- Consistent vapor production
- Efficient extraction
This combo satisfies both flavor chasers and cloud chasers.
Isolated Ceramic Airpath
Vapor travels through an isolated ceramic airpath before reaching your lips. This:
- Keeps vapor clean from heating element contamination
- Maintains pure, clean flavor
- Resists heat buildup
- Makes cleaning easy
Cash Mode
Cash Mode gives you an on-demand temperature boost:
- Hold the power button during a session
- Temperature jumps 20 degrees
- Release to return to your normal setting
Great for extracting the last bit from your material or quickly getting denser vapor.
Adjustable Session Timer
The APX Pro has 5 session timer presets from 3 to 5 minutes:
| Timer Setting | Best For |
|---|---|
| 3 minutes | Quick sessions, flavor-focused draws |
| 3.5 minutes | Light users, temperature stepping |
| 4 minutes | Balanced sessions |
| 4.5 minutes | Extended sessions |
| 5 minutes | Full extraction, group sessions |
Auto shut-off kicks in when the timer ends, saving battery and keeping things safe.
Haptic Feedback
The APX Pro vibrates to communicate:
- Single pulse: Hit your target temperature
- Session end pulse: Timer's up
So you don't have to keep checking the display.
Onboard Stir Stick
The included stir stick lets you redistribute your herb mid-session:
- Promotes even vaporization
- Gets more out of each pack
- No need for external tools
- Stores right on the device
Performance
Heat-Up Time
The APX Pro heats up fast for a hybrid vaporizer. From power-on to target temperature takes 20-35 seconds depending on your setting. The vibration tells you when it's ready.
Vapor Quality
This is where the hybrid heating shines. At lower temperatures (320-360F), the convection element pulls out excellent terpenes with smooth, flavorful vapor. The ceramic airpath keeps those flavors clean.
At higher temperatures (380-430F), the conduction heating adds density while convection maintains decent flavor. You get satisfying clouds without the harshness of pure conduction devices.
Herb Efficiency
The APX Pro extracts efficiently. Ground herb goes from green to golden brown evenly, showing thorough extraction without combustion. The stir stick helps you get everything out by exposing fresh surfaces mid-session.
Chamber holds 0.2-0.3g and you can fully extract it within the adjustable session timer.
Battery Life in Practice
The 2100mAh battery delivers:
- Low temperature users: 25-30+ sessions
- Mid temperature users: 20-25 sessions
- High temperature users: 18-22 sessions
These numbers assume average session timer settings. The 300-cycle battery lifespan means years of use if you take care of it.
Draw Resistance
The APX Pro has comfortable draw resistance. Not too tight, not too loose. The airpath design gives enough restriction for proper vapor formation without making you work hard to pull.
Who Is This For?
The Pulsar APX Pro works well for:
- Temperature experimenters who want precise control
- Flavor enthusiasts who appreciate hybrid heating
- All-day vapers who need serious battery life
- Display lovers who want to see real numbers, not LED codes
- Value seekers wanting premium features under $100
It might not be right for:
- Ultra-portability seekers who need the smallest possible device
- Concentrate users who need a dual-purpose device (check out a wax pen instead)
- Budget buyers looking for the cheapest option
- Simple users who don't want temperature options
The Bottom Line
The Pulsar APX Pro delivers a premium dry herb experience at a mid-range price. Precise temperature control, hybrid heating, OLED display, and long battery life. It competes with vaporizers that cost way more.
The 1-degree temperature adjustment lets you find your sweet spot. Cash Mode, adjustable session timer, and haptic feedback show that Pulsar thought about what serious users actually want.
At under $100, the APX Pro is solid value for anyone who wants precision and performance without spending $150+. The hybrid heating means you won't have to choose between flavor and clouds.
Related: Pulsar APX Pro Manual